Well here we are, departure day. Eighteen months after this adventure was conceived we finally arrive at the day to set off. These last few days I have experienced several mixed feelings and emotions. We have had loads of our friends wishing us well, which is very nice. It is also a little unsettling in the nicest possible way. You see friends don't usually go out of their way to wish you a safe trip etc. when you are off on a two week holiday to the med. So you see it just makes you reflect on what you are undertaking. Now clearly we are not following Livingstone into the unknown but it's a big enough deviation from our 'norm' to be extra special. The other thing that has surprised me is leaving our children for 10 weeks. Asked as little as two weeks ago i would have not have even glanced over my shoulder on my way to the plane. Now, however, I feel sad we are going without them. In an ideal world we could take them with us but they have grown up now and are seeking their own adventures. Tell you what; I'd swap my holiday to be their age. Enough of me prattling on, and back to matters in hand. Its only 9:30AM and I've already done all I have to. It's going to be a long day.

To all of you wishing us both well many thanks for the messages. I will hope to pay you back with tall stories upon our return. Until then you will have to put up with these ramblings and thoughts and a few photos to keep you informed.