Strength & Balance by Keep_Going_Lass

I wouldn't normally write a post in anticipation of an event but for this I will make an exception.....

I'd like to say that the decision to indulge in this weekend's planned activity is down to my long held self development mantra that when you have completed one objective, you should set another more stretching one.....

However, it is more likely to be a reaction to having just got back from holiday, which whilst somewhat luxurious, relaxing and convenient, I experienced an element of cabin fever that comes with package deals, so along with the surfacing of a compulsion for adventure and excitement over recent months, I found myself pressing the "confirm booking" button.

So today, with only 3 days to go, I headed for the nearest "outdoor outlet" to indulge my other professional mantra - "Preparation is everything" but with only 20 minutes to go until closing time, I decided I needed to "shop like a man".

Approaching two bored looking male assistants, clearly waiting for the big hand to hit the 6, I smiled sweetly and said "I've got a shopping list".  

"Good", he said, remarkably enthusiastically, "What do you need?".   

"I need something to sleep on, something to sleep in, something warm and something waterproof".  

He could of course be forgiven for thinking I needed a tent, based on what I had said until I confirmed I had no need for a tent, only a outdoor sleeping bag and a "karrimat" to satisfy the "in" and "on" requirement, (pretending I KNEW what a "karrimat" is). He then enquired what I would be sleeping "under". 

"A Canoe, in a field, so I also need to travel light because the canoe is also my wardrobe for the weekend".   The look on his face was priceless.   

 Once he realised that I was perfectly serious and he hadn't got the local nut in his shop, he got well into the spirit, completely forgot about the big hand reaching the six (although his friend did lower the shutters part way to prevent any further nuts entering the establishment) and half an hour later I left with a big bag containing functional kit which will apparently see me through 3 seasons (not sure which 3 but I'll hope for the best) along with a waterproof fleece, trousers, foldaway mac, a pair of dry bags, and most imortantly a travel pillow (well a girl has to have SOME luxury, even if she IS shopping like a man, and I rarely go anywhere without my pillow).

So, what am I doing?  Well - that from which the "more stretching" objective was born ... my post on 29th May will tell you.   And the new objective? 

Here's the itinerary ....

  "A river safari from Hoarwithy to Monmouth - a magical and memorable experience and the very spirit of adventure.    

To start our adventure we will meet up on Friday evening and get to know the rest of the group.  We will then bivi the night on the banks of the River Wye. In the morning, we will travel downstream enjoying the tranquillity of the river and surroundings, stopping en route to eat a well earned packed lunch. 

In the evening, after a day’s paddling we will make camp using canoes and bivi sheets in a remote field truly away from it all!  After an evening meal cooked on an open fire we will reminisce on the day’s journey, under the stars.  On Sunday morning after a cooked breakfast prepared on an open fire, we continue downstream and there is an opportunity to play on Symonds Yat rapids and finish at Monmouth late Sunday afternoon totally de-stressed and relaxed.

Beer/Wine is not, so don't forget to pack some!! 

How exciting!!  But given my last "Bridget Jones" effort, perhaps I am the local nut after all!