Good to Go

Well nearly...a few minor niggles to sort (before they come back to haunt me). Finally the load is balanced and packed to my satisfaction, tack adjusted, and ponies fit and ready. A couple of photos for the album - probably the last you'll see of us looking reasonably clean for a while, but hopefully not the last where we look enthusiastic and smiley!

Getting the load right for Ladybird has been a bit of a challenge...to keep the weight down but still keep the panniers in shape I have had to include some padding (bodged up from old Tesco coolbags packed with plastic bags). They have the added benefit of providing some protection between her and the heavier parts of the load also.

Have we got everything? Well, perhaps not - but let's face it, it's not Outer Mongolia, I expect we'll manage.

Many thanks to Karen, who in her calmly efficient way helped us get it all together over the last day or two (well, she is used to looking after a five year old, so dealing with tantrums and hunting for lost items are second nature). Thanks also for all the 'good luck' messages and cards.

At least the weather has improved - no longer blisteringly hot, nor any sign of a repeat of the horrendous thunderstorms of yesterday. I do at least like to start dry. See you on the road!