Thanks are in order

Before I go on, I must say thanks to a few people, who have encouraged, cajoled, and supported me into this CB

To M and JBB - what would I do without you both. Without assigning particular roles to either, you have supported me through the past 7-8 years in all my trials with the TCS, supported with your words, actions and knowledge with troubles at work, always there when I need you, and in various ways are helping me with this CB. What can I say - you are totally amazing, both of you.

We must all 3 of us remember absent friends, of course.

To Geraldine Taylor - you are a friend indeed. This time last year we had only just met, but I feel I have known you for the whole of my life. Your support and knowledgeable advice on all sorts of subjects over the past year has got me through some bad times, and yes, you are partly responsible for me going on this "big adventure"!!

To Jason Davies: I know you say that my part in keeping well is the most important, but you and I know I would not have been able to get through the past 3 winters without your help and skills. Through your work, you have enabled me to become stronger physically, to the point that I can actually consider this trip in the first place and the EM is not such an issue. I can almost see a time when it won't be so dominant and dreadful. Anyhow, this coming "winter" I will be in the sun :) so the EM will lie dormant for a while. I will see you lots when I get back - I must show you all my photos! I must also say thanks for your advice earlier in March - you know that helped me finally decide to do this CB

To Ian Pople: your inestimable skills got me back on my feet (literally) and I cannot thank you enough for that. I hope you enjoy reading this blog about my adventures.

Next post: accommodation, flights, useful links (perhaps .... when I have time to write)

A bientot