You see, I thought a four day trek before hitting civilisation would be a great way to get into the walk - a wilderness experience and all that. Trouble is, I have to eat, and the food bag has come in at a staggering 51/2lbs! That and the fact that I ve added a few luxuries (proper shaving soap instead of that ghastly oil stuff, a little shower gel, some deodorant, full sized toothbrush etc.).
Why all the grooming products? Well, a gentleman should always loook his best for the ladies. I well remember Miss W meeting me at the staion after one trip. As I approached the car, she promptly drove off and parked around the corner a few hundred yards away. As I puffed up to the car I asked,
"What did you do that for?"
"Because you look like a vagrant, and someone I know might have seen you getting into my car".
So, you see, no matter how handsome, urbane, charming or witty you may be, a few days stubble, dirty hair and an indefinable pong undoubtedly present a considerable drawback in social situations. For the same reason a change of clothes is included.
So, my target weight of 261/2lbs has ballooned to 33lbs. Oh well, determined eating will put that right. What possessed me to buy a huge bag of peanuts and raisins I don't know - I hate the bloody things!
But at least I am ready now to trundle down to Londinium this evening to catch the sleeper to Inverness. I will be accompanied by Andrew Walker and Alan Sloman who will be taking a coffin with him, ostensibly for his Wake for the Wild.
That's all from Doodlecat for now - I'll tell you how it all went on my return. To any Challenger reading this, have a great trip and I'll see you in the bar at the Park. I'll be the well fed, well groomed fragrant chap in clean trews ;-)
