Yay! Finally the time has come! The incredible amount of preparation that Bill has done to make us safe and 100% self-sufficient and the big house spring clean, done in this horrible summer heat, to make sure the house is perfect for our two lots of house-sitters, is complete.The van is already hooked up, the kayaks are on the roof-racks with a couple of the longer fishing rods, the surf board yet to be strapped on the van in the morning and we are ready to jus...

The time has come, the walrus said, to talk of many things! Waiting in the lounge for a 3am departure, how uncivilised! Graham knows all about early morning departures from Changi. At least I am on my way. Bags, yes plural, checked through to Kilimanjaro. Ah we'll, nothing for it but to savour a red wine at the insistence of Emirates, whilst I wait. ......

I know I am an experienced packer, but this is a challenge! How do I get all this in that small backpack.   Which really isn't all that small when slung over your shoulders!   Am I getting too old for all this?? Yep!   Nah!   It's all in the mind so they say. So onward and upward and start getting the really important stuff packed!   Wine, chocolates, bikkies ......Gotta get with the program and forget about all those things that are apparent...