10 weeks to go!

So….I went to the briefing day for the trip on Saturday. It was so weird going into London at a weekend. Everyone was chatting and talking on the train – normally there is complete silence on the 7.10am during the week. And then there was the engineering works on the underground –so it was impossible to get anywhere directly or quickly – so I walked to the venue! I just couldn’t get over the number of tourists and tour parties – the week day commute was a piece of cake in comparison!

However, the aim of the day was to find out more about the trip and meet some of the others going on the project. There was lots of other briefings going on that afternoon, but the fact that ours was the best attended (14 out of 18 of us turned up) bodes well for a good trip. There was a really nice vibe about the group and our exped leader was there to give us the briefing personally. We were told more about the project, although as a group we will need to assess exactly the scope and what we want to achieve when we get to the project site. This will be very much dependant upon the skills of the group. It also sounds like it’s going to be a challenge to get anything done due to the attention the kids will pay us! Apparently they come from miles around and just want to talk and play. We were also warned that we would get very hot, sweaty, dirty and probably covered in lots of paint! Furthermore – there is no water in camp – so no showers for a week. Back to the old military wet wipe wash!

We are also briefed on the local wildlife. On the last trip, the camp was visited one evening by over 20 Namib elephants! It sounded like the game drive wouldn’t be the only opportunity to see lots of animals. I’m so excited!

However, the most scary element was hearing just how much some of the others had raised. One had raised £25k in one event; the group of 4 ladies from Cambridge have collectively raised £20k – all makes my £500 look a little weak – so more focus needed here in the next few weeks!!

But in summary – it was a lovely day and I can’t wait for 2nd October to come!

I've been so bad!

Just a very quick "post" as I've been so bad over the last two weeks. Work has been incredibly busy (no excuse) but I've done no exercise, no fundraising and no blogging! However, I'm off to London on Saturday (without my laptop - yipee - and in jeans and trainers rather than a suit & shoes - double yipee!) for my trip briefing. Only 10 weeks until I go now, so watch this space for a flurry of activity!!!

New clothes and a puncture!

My parents were down for the weekend, helping to look after my niece whilst my sister was busy doing her bit for St John's Ambulance. We went off to the Swindon outlet village in the morning - which I was particularly keen to do as they have several discount outdoor shops and I wanted to get some light weight, long sleeved tops ahead of my trip. Well - I was in luck as Mountain Warehouse had loads, in lots of different colours reduced from £29.99 to £10! I'm afraid I'm a mad one for a bargain so I bought 3 - saves me smelling when I'm away! And just for the record - I had a few anyway, so I've now got enough for a clean one every day! On previous trips I've taken really old, tatty t-shirts etc (it's not a fashion parade!) and thrown them away before I've left, which means there is more room in my bag for souvenirs! Also - this now means that with the exception of Iodine tables (and neutralising tabs) - I've got all my kit!!

I also bumped into an old colleague from a previous company and it was so great to see her. Reminded me of what a fantastic team I had and how much I miss them (not that there's anything wrong with my current team that is!)

On Sunday, we were up really early to do the Anthony Nolan "Oxford Big Bike Ride" which John's company were organising. We did the 10 mile route and unfortunately I got a puncture halfway round. But John was super organised and had tire levers, puncture repair kit and a spare tube in his rucksack, so we were all sorted and off again within 5 minutes. Most annoying - and very sorry to John for nicking his brand new tube. Replacement is on it's way!

I also watched the Ben Fogle series last night about their trip to the South Pole and was busy watching the open try out weekend for their third team member, when I saw an old colleague from the Army - and she made it to the final 4 candidates. I rated her really highly and it was great to see that she didn't let the side down. Pity she wasn't selected, but it did remind me just how much I've let my fitness go. She's got two kids now too - so no excuse on my part. John is also planning on cycling back from work tonight - over 15 miles - so I really need to start pulling my finger out, but I just struggle so much with motivation and am so tired after a day at work, that I just can't face it. I am doing a lot more at weekends now though - just need to start doing more in the week.

Anyway- it's 6pm, been in since 8am - so time to make a move. London tomorrow...can't wait!!