T missus 32 days

During the past 3-4 weeks I have tried to write this second entry time and time again, but with so many ups and downs, it has seemed near impossible at times. So much has happened, so many things have confusedit (me), that it has changed direction, route, length and even duration. But as all things must there came an impass when Rob (for no fault of his own) threw his bike down he road and ended up in hospital. It was a devistating time and one which left me feeling a little jaded and alot more edgy about the whole thing. The important thing was that Rob survived (and after a fashion so did the bike), but that and a change in work circumstances has returned the journey to its original plan... A solo ride through some of the most wonderfully scenic routes in Western Europe.
I am, as I sit here at home with maps and luggage all around, feeling somewhat pleased with myself. I'm looking forward to the journey once again, even if the plans are changing as I write and the language differences are beyond daunting. I have my trusty (Ha!) iPhone and I have a number of apps which, if all goes according to plan (with an iPhone???), should go some way to helping me make sense of the world around me. I have my netbook, with which to update the world and hopefully record some fantastic days on the road. What does seem strange is that where - on every other occasion - I have been a holiday maker, a visitor, to each of these wonderful lands, in just a few short weeks, I will be more; a traveller, an explorer, an adventurer...
I have packed, unpacked, made lists and new lists, I have bags and bundles, a tent and a tool kit (not that I know what to do with it), and still I'm adding things every day. I thought after last year things would be so much simpler this year. Wrong. If you've ever thought of doing anything like this, don't! It has a tendancy to take over your life... What am I saying, go for it. I love it. I have been told I'm mad, and maybe I am - just a little, but then if this is me mad I'd hate to see sane. I am a firm believer that you are only here once and if that is the case then you have to experience it. I am lucky, I have a propencity to do stupid things and end up enjoying every minute of it (even if it does make me nervous as hell!).
I have dived 56mts (that's approximately 184ft in old money, or the size of Nelson's Column in Leicester Square) and come face-to-face with a Great Moray Eel (it's head was bigger than mine!), dived with sharks (now that was cool!). I have walked Hadrians Wall. Seen the great Pyrimids of Giza; ridden solo for 3,111mls around this great nation of ours. And, I have been there for the birth of my children... Not bad, so far.
But, as the day draws nearer I am minded of the friends and family that I will be leaving behind. When I set off I will leave three children at home with their mum, when I return there will be just two. It seems that one of the joys of growing up has finally reached Mikey and with an offer of accomodation through his employment he will be gone before I return. Aly will have graduated her degree, Corrie will be entering her last year at school and Ryan will be the only one left to remind me of youth. I love them all.
So here we are, there are now 31 days to go (yes it has just past the stroke of midnight and I am still at it). I hope that as you read these updates (he says, not having any idea if anybody will actually be reading any of it...) you have a laugh and enjoy the story as it unfolds. I set off on Saturday 10th July at (around) midday. I'd like to be a bit more precise, but inevitably if something can... it will. The plan is to ride from Portsdown Hill as part of the Cedar School Charity Ride, into Southampton and then once there, I will say my good-byes to all and set off. Everyone is welcome, so if you find yourself at a lose end and you feel the need to make sure I depart, come along...