And now for the serious preparation

Feeling a little daunted by the prospect of this, by my standards gargantuan task, (the serious walkers among you probably see this as residing in the Sunday afternoon stroll category of perambulation), I decided that there was no better thing for me to do than indulge in a small spot of retail therapy. The results of my afternoon of madness are laid before you.

fig. a) - General day attire (note attractive and inconspicuous mobile phone holder for receipt of encouraging phonecalls).

fig. b) Wet weather gear (additionally this outfit is for wearing when having my dinner in the pub due to day attire being hung out to dry over B&B wash basin.)

Seeing as I can barely lift more than a tin of baked beans without being overcome by fatigue I have decided to restrict myself to a 25 litre ruck sack. (Some people's make-up bags are heavier than this, naming no names.) I have subsequently spent the morning funnelling conditioner, shampoo, shower gel and peppermint foot lotion into impossibly small cannisters which are destined to leak all over my one allowed reading material, but at least they won't be heavy, although how fragrant I will be able to stay for the duration of the trip remains to be seen. I did think about packing a reasonably-sized rotisserie and cordless sauce-maker in case I don't like the Thames side menu options (what if my only choice is a Harvester?), but on balance this seems unwise.

My next dilemma is music. What songs should I load onto my MP3 player to help the miles pass more quickly? I can't listen to the Archers all day long so suggestions welcome!