Telford Whitehouse

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Existential crisis averted; I then had to get a shuffle on to reach my final vaccination appointment at 10.50 in Crewe. I made it (just) and then had to do a few things in Crewe, including see some friends at my old work.

... And so it came to pass that it was 2.30 when Adam set off up the motorway, heading for the penultimate UK destination in this: the prologue of his great adventure

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 ...

Well, my little adventure begins here, in Stoke-on-Trent!

I found out about going to Denmark in September, and since then I've been planning how to get there. At first I look at getting the plane straight to Copenhagen, but that's a far too mediocre start. Instead, I'm travelling (with my Mum and Brother) via train on the following route -

1st Class train from Stoke-on-Trent to London
1 Night in a London Hostel
Eurostar to Cologne via Brussels
1 Night ...

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 ...

Ten more sleeps - yippee.
Woke this am not to the sound of rain as in the previous how ever many mornings but to the sound of the shop across the road opening up - ok it was 9.30am, and I had a lovely little lie in.
Weather actually ok - didn't rain for the first time in over a week, and the sun actually shone today. I'm getting sick of getting soaked wherever I go and hanging for some warmth from sunshine - an alien concept ...

... for a few days; thanks Steve. :-)

This week will consist mainly of waiting for my next vaccination and another set of goodbye drinks but the process of refining the contents of the pack is practically neverending. Tonight i started filling plastic baggies with spices and wondering idly whether or not they will get me arrested at customs... might have to reconsider the larder options.

... getting into our castle just before 6:pm..........WE'VE MADE IT!!!

So was it all worth it????

You bet it was!!

It was a fantastic holiday and one we will never forget.

So what were the highlights?

We found the American people very friendly and courteous (even the drivers who waited for you to cross the road - whilst we waited for them to drive by!).

New York - A very busy city with hordes of people everywhere. Main highlights ...

... regular schools, kids with special-needs, Monks ...