Oh good grief... it's less than 3 weeks to go and I'll be on my way up Mt Kilimanjaro !!!

Bought my sleeping bag and thermarest mat today - can't believe how much money I spent - but I'll need both for the Arctic Challenge and Base Camp Everest too, so money well spent...

Of course I went to Cotswold Outdoors based at South Cerney, I just love the staff in there, they've all done stuff and are a fountain of knowledge and really know the stock too.  So I'm very grateful for the advice !

Training is going well and I'm feeling reasonably confident... we'll see !

I've been reading a really fun book called 'High Heels and a Head Torch' by Chelsea Duke - She's back-packed all over the world and has some really useful advice and hints & tips for a successful trip - it's funny too ! So I'm off to buy some squeezy ketchup and a jar of Marmite !

My friend Beth has been an absolute saviour and has lent me her sking stuff - nice warm/waterproof trousers and two really good coats - and they're pretty colours too !

Luckily, having done the Great Wall of China last year, I've got most of the stuff I need, like boots and walking poles, back-packs etc - in fact I think I almost ready !!!

Becky and Bridget are coming over later - I'm making pizza, first time for everything - so watch the press for reports of the 'Southrop Poisoner' !!! - just leaves me time to go for a run....

Till soon... Abs X