Don’t know when I’ll be back again, but hopefully sometime around the end of August. It’s been a long day of getting everything together, but I’m just about there. We went to play to our friend Andrew Knowlman at his care home in Kings Langley, Herts last night with his lovely daughter Valentina, who is Susie’s violin pupil. Susie, Jacob, Valentina & I played duets, trios and quartets. Do click on the link above to Andrew’s blog which will give you a better idea of his situation. You can also check out his new children’s book in German, Die Kleine Backstube. Anyway, the sun shone outside and all the residents gathered and listened appreciatively in the lovely large sitting room. The fact that I am able to make my journey early tomorrow morning, and for the next several months, is something that I’ve vowed not to ever take for granted.
It’s been an amazing day for donations to SOS Children’s Villages on my JustGiving site, and I’d like to send out a heartfelt thanks before I go to everyone who has donated, including one hugely generous anonymous giver. The total is now over £3,500 and I’m leaving with a spring in my pedals.
One last concern – will my 22 kilo bag, containing 4 panniers and a tent, survive the trip?! It’s as reinforced as I can manage, so let’s hope it’s enough. Once it’s all on the bike it’s so much simpler!
Bye for now!
INCIDENTSᐧOFᐧTRAVEL 
Very best of luck!!! Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do. Don’t go racing a Moose or anything daft. Have an amazing time!
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Will do John. Thanks so much and have a great summer! Love to all your family xx
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Lightweight panniers and 20kg chamois creme?
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Ha! I knew I’d forgotten something! Thanks.
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All the best pal! Safe flight, safe trip and keep up the blog – the first I’ve ever followed. Really enjoying reading it. Take care, Amyn
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Thanks Amyn! Have a great summer and see you for a downbeat somewhere in the autumn. Love to Alba.
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Have a great trip to Canada Ben! Best wishes for the start of your adventure and hope to hear from you soon. Love, Ol xx
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Thanks ol – guess I’d better actually do it now. Send my love to Laurice and I’ll be in touch asap. Getting a canadian cell phone for the trip! xx
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Fair winds ahead, and remember everything you learned from your Puffin survival book
Looking forward to following the blog
Thinking too of your extraordinary friend Andrew
Much love Mum
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Thanks mum. Use birch bark to start a fire. That’s all I can remember. In departures right now! Bx
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