Last night I packed my tent, sleeping bag and mattress into my rucksack and left it by the back door. This morning I dragged myself out of bed and slunk off through the farm and down the track to a grassy strip of land on the bank of the River Avon. Conditions were perfect and I diligently erected the tent, paying careful attention to all details. I inflated the mattress, got into my bag and closed the tent. It was very hot in the bag and the mattress was very comfy. I discovered that I am 2 pegs short and the 4 anchor cords become easily tangled when stored together. I must remember to put the outer tent on the right way up or the whole thing goes pear-shaped instead of tent shaped. Must remember not to trip over the pegs. It took 40 minutes to get it up - paying attention to every little bit of velcro, every loop, pocket and whole. Just 12 minutes to pack it all away, including deflating the mattress.
I aim to get my tent erection time down to 7 minutes, before I begin the walk.
Recent equipment purchased on Ebay has been arriving steadily all week. Storm proof matches, SOS whistle, flashing reflective armband, water purifying tablets, survival bag and emergency tent, first aid kit, lightweight fork and spoon, boot wax, can and bottle opener....and lots more.
I am doing my best to prepare well - because I really want to give this my best shot. I am doing this for 3 reasons - one because I am craving a bit of adventure and need to get away from computers, technology (and Ewan and Dave) for a while. Two because I believe I can and I have the knowledge and experience to pull it off. Three - because it raises money for Tsunami victims in Sri Lanka. There is something else too - hard to define - a call of the wild maybe?
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