Test Camp last night

After spending many hours yesterday testing kit, unpacking, rearranging, repacking, sorting out the online passwords and procedures with Steve, doing some photos and a video interview - I finally set off at dusk.  I walked along the canal path from Trowbridge towards Devizes for 3 or 4 miles in the dark carrying my full kit and using my 2 new walking poles for the first time.  A halogen headlamp, a Camel pack, digital camera and MP3 player - some of my favourite music blasting away.  I decided against camping 8 miles away and walked back to camp on the bank of the River Avon - less than a mile from my nice warm bed!

It was a very dark moonless sky when I began to build my tent at about 11pm.  I cooked a meal of vegetable risotto using my meths stove and a dehydrated ration packs.  This was an essential day of preparation and I now have a long list of tasks to complete before I leave on Thursday evening after work.

I'm too tired now to write any more except to say a BIG THANKS to Steve Maidment from
Retro DJ who is providing sponsorship and support, to my Father for his expert invaluable advice on equipment, and to all those friends and colleagues who have wished me well or donated money to the Sri Lankan Tsunami charity - HELP.

I am feeling a mix of excitement and some small doubt creeping in too - which has spurred me on to try to lighten my pack.  Last night was a bit of a shock to mind and body - even though conditions were perfect.  There is little doubt in my mind that I am about to take on a big challenge.  My biggest obstacles will be the weather, aches, pains and blisters, maybe some loneliness and mild exhaustion.  My music will help me to keep going through the rough bits, along with my good memories of the strong and spirited people of Sri Lanka.

Here is the video I put together following my visit to Sri Lanka (all stills and videos are my own work).  Some viewers may find some parts of the videos disturbing, especially near the end where I photographed the private photo album of a professional photographer who who was on top of a roof in Galle when the Tsunami struck.  The worst bits are quite blurred so it should be OK.  I try to show both the best and the worst of what I saw and heard.  And to capture the true spirit and resilience of this fascinating country and its people.

Love you All - Nutty Nigel.