This is it.... leaving Castlemoreton 19 August 2010

Tomorrow couldn't come soon enough!

Although the past 2 weeks have been invaluable in time to prepare and ready ourselves for our upcoming Africa overland adventure, we are literally chomping at the bit now.

It's time to head out .....

Castlemoreton (Worcestershire) has been fabulous. Christine and Martin have been wonderfully warm and generous hosts. Thanx Chris for all your input, help with planning, organising and generally being there in soooo many little ways. Not to mention all the laughs :)

10h00 Friday 20th August will see our expedition of 2 Landies heading south towards Kent where we'll spend the night with Richard, Leelee and family (yes, unfortunately we have had a drop off from Ros and John - John, we wish you the most speedy recovery post surgery - we'll definitely miss you guys, and would happily meet you mid Africa if things work out for you?)

Pic taken atop the Malvern Hills at a place called 'British Camp' which dates back to the Iron Age. Something different before Africa.....

Fri 13 August 2010 Castlemorton 1

We should have been somewhere in France now, had the Algerian embassy not "lost" Martin et al's passports. Mais c'est la vie.... the extra 2 weeks has, and will give us time to consolidate the myriad gear we have, and still need to get and pack into a very small space on the Lightweight. Positively, at least the UK team have their Algerian visas in hand, awaiting visas from Cameroon, and hopefully Nigeria.

Initial team was to be 6 people, 4 vehicles - as of today we are down to 2 vehicles, 3 people as John and Ros had to pull out today due to John needing to have his gall bladder removed... better now than in the Congo John - but really sorry you are not going to be on the adventure with us.

On arriving in Castlemoreton last Sunday (8th), our farewell was planned and happening - lots of well wishers in the garden, yummy food - Christine is a wizz - and a clear summer day - not to mention the 3 Landies lined up to be admired. Chandra arrived with a miniature "hot air balloon" inscribed with our website www.boudiccatravels.co.uk, which he set sail on the Castlemorton common (the largest common in the UK), with "bon voyage" celebrations - it was a fabulous surprise and inspiring to see it take to the skies - a good sign.

COUNTDOWN.... 8 more sleeps

The long process of applying for visas, getting official docs in place, vaccinations and medical and dental checks are done! All I have now is lists, lists and more lists to fulfill. For those of you who know me, this obviously comes as no surprise. For all of us who have never undertaken a 3 month overland trip, you have no idea how much planning and detail is involved. My adventure partner, Martin Smithson will be laughing at this comment... For approximately 18 months now Martin and the rest of the team have been discussing, planning, strategising and implementing the logistics involved in putting such an expedition together! I got off lightly! Thanks Mart and team. Obviously you'll get your own back on the trip - I'll do my best to rise to the challenge!

Today, Mike and I returned from PE where we visited my parents and supported my dad who is currently not well. On route back from PE we stopped in Plett for the night - Thanks Mike for a wonderful dinner at Emily Moon avec ..... champers (Oh my hat! How am I gonna survive without my .......?)