1. Thanks everyone for great info. Too much to process. I'll try to find more time to spend in the UK. Will post a tentative route in a couple of days (in from Calais-Dover EV12 northbound, JoGLE southbound, out at Falmouth- Roscoff)

2. WRT phone -- I typically purchase a local SIM. Things have changed in Europe. On the positive side, an EC ruling made it illegal for operators to collect roaming fees. Which means that you can use your (French in my case) card anywhere inside continental Europe. Orange Holiday plan is perhaps the best bargain (like 25 euros for 2 weeks @ 10G). On the unknown side -- while it looks like the UK is covered by Orange Holiday i'll have to check not. But getting a prepaid Vodaphone should be very easy. (AFAIK, In Canada Google voice requires a G suite account)