International Hotel Telford

... by 9.30 but about 9.50 I realised that I was stalling: the huge reality of the situation was causing me to shy away and dither rather than taking action - it was probably behind my stomach cramps too. :-)

This was not really a surprise - the North Staffs (and South Cheshire) region has been my primary area of residence for 10 of the last 12 years, and is the only place I have lived where ...

Today, for the first time, I saw what it will all look like on the road - and now you can too. The pictures attached show everything that is to be taken (excluding what is kept on my person) in a loaded state.

As you can see I have eventually opted for panniers to drop the weight and it improves handling dramatically ...

... for now ;-)), I'm most excited about the sleeper train, it's so much more interesting then sitting in Manchester Airport for 4 hours! We'll be squeezing into a tiny cabin, with a triple bunk bed on an 11 hour journey...shutting the curtains in Germany and opening them in Denmark.....and it's cheaper (what with a lack of luggage limits saving me from extortionate Easy Jet add-ons!)

I'll keep updating this as I start booking hostels and buying things for Denmark!

So I'm back in Stoke after my brief trip back to Cumbria (where, sadly I did not see everybody that I could have). I would just like to say now that if I didn't get a chance to catch up with anyone during the whirlwind that was the last couple of months then I'm sorry and I'll see you down the road.

With a little over 10 days til departure three goals need to be achieved:

1 ...

So there we have it - the ferry is booked! I will be taking the 'King of Scandanavia' out of the country at 1700 on the 5th December. It's another one of those milestone events that forces one to reflect on the reality of the situation; however fear has given way to anticipation on that score.

For a few hours yesterday I considered "copping out" with the Dover to Calais crossing - being cheaper ...

... Friday, and I am going to be ready for it if it does. I have a huge chunk of admin blocked out so will have time on my side but fingers crossed it all goes well.

The weather has turned pretty horrid today with the first major winds - had to wear a beanie to the bus stop for the first time today as my hair was blowing madly and obstructed my visual field - and even then it was tied ...

... the moment.
Spent the day doing boring things - reading up on some CPD/Professional activities and sorting some files/photos on my computer. Made a cake to take to work - Guinness Chocolate Cake (A Nigella gem (she really is a domestic goddess if this is anything to go by - recipe available online for anyone interested)). Should have got out and about and see Brum for my last weekend here but got sidetracked and figured I ...

An early start from London and back in Crewe by 9.15, shortly thereafter I had the slightly surreal experience of helping someone move into my flat. Many hands made light work and we had all of the stuff moved into the flat within 30 minutes.

After a fantastic lunch I went back and removed the very last of the stuff, including the bike and the backpack; and now I am staying at Steve's ...

... to be seen - there isn't even a McDonalds to be seen anywhere!!! So we had to make do with a cheese/turkey and egg sandwiches and a bottle of orange juice!

Whilst Eileen disappeared in the forlorn hope of finding a decent shop, I was left watching the busy landings and take-offs taking place. It was amazing......as one plane was landing, two more were preparing to take off - using THREE runways! You could see two planes running down the runways at the same time ...

... course, I've met some incredible people ...