Here we go

I woke early this morning with the same excitement that I felt as a small child, about to set off on the train to our Devon seaside holidays. Putting together the last few bits and pieces before I set off, I downloaded the maps to my phone again to make sure, packed some of the encouraging cards which people have given me, and sketched down in the back of my notebook the cryptic colour-coded flashes painted on trees along the footpaths of the Grand Randonees, Grand Randonees de Pays and Petite Randonees.


I scanned the bookshelves again for some reason and fingered a dozen volumes which could easily justify their place in my pack. Reluctantly, I set each down again, realising that this urge to further equip myself has more to do with my insecurities than any genuine need. There'll be time for reading after I return and I remembered how I want the next seven weeks to be more essential than that, that I want to be content with observing, gathering and speculating. I can refine or jettison my thoughts in the light of what others have written when I get back. John Davies told me that when he walked the M62 he had a collection of books which he didn't open.

I did, however, suddenly decide to change my alternative shoes from the recently-bought (and expensive) Merrells to the old ASDA trainers. The idea of buying the Merrells was that I'd have a smarter pair of shoes to wear in restaurants if my boots get filthy and that they could also serve as a back-up pair for walking. This perfect solution turned out to be unattainable. The fancy Merrells don't 'breathe' and make my feet very hot. The trainers are far from ideal for fancy restaurants but they can be washed and are so comfortable. Realising this kind of last minute decision can have a huge impact on the weeks ahead, I just hope I've done the right thing. I wonder if Scott could have woken up early on the first day of his polar expedition and thought, "Dogs? Not so sure. Let's take the ponies instead."