Back Again!

Another post so soon?!! Well yeah I felt bad only writing a smidge last time.

Yesterday I bought more stuff for my Camino and realised how I can't actually AFFORD to go but I NEED to go, so... I'm just going to keep at it. I drove to Edgware yesterday to a Go Outdoors store and what should have been a 20 minute drive - what would have been a 20 minute drive in Melbourne anywhere but Punt Rd - took 45 minutes. Oh London Traffic - I hate you with a passion. I bought a sleeping bag. It was the smallest there, it was the lightest they had, I got it home and tried stuffing it in my backpack and unless it's just me, someone who doesn't hike overnight and has never tried this before but, it takes up so much room! It barely fits in there. It's a 30L pack. BUT! It's perfect for my Camino. The temperature range is good, weight, size of actual bag and it means that as it takes up more room, I'm less tempted to shove more stuff in there which will make my pack heavier. I spent half an hour in the store messaging my friend back home who walked it last year, MANDA PANDA, THAT'S YOU! Asking 'what do you think of this jacket' 'do I need this' 'what kind of hat...' bloody hell, I don't shop. I can't stand shopping. I wish someone would just buy me clothes (BERNI) and send them to me (NUDGE NUDGE, WINK WINK). I'll pay you back, cheers.
I got so excited last night that I did I trial pack. I do need toiletries in there and a water bottle, a torch, oh and my scallop shell on the front, but other than that I think I've got it all. I also bought a jacket yesterday. It's a fleecey jacket, warm, breathes, dries quickly but it's purple. They didn't have any other colour and I really can't afford to keep putting off buying this stuff. As I need more overtime shifts to book off the later days, I needed to just buy what I needed and not waste anymore time, utilise my days to the fullest. I bought a cap, because I don't own a hat here other than a massive wide brim sunhat, and lately a waterproof jacket the rolls into a little pouch that I've strapped to the outside. I look like I know what I'm doing. I'm going for a walk today wearing the pack with an Aussie mate from work. We're heading to Richmond Park. It's an hours' walk from my place, then it can take you over an hour to walk straight through the middle to the other end, let alone around the whole thing. Oh! I'm excited.

I caught up with a friend from home last night. THAT'S YOU LAUREN G!!! She lives over Clapham-way so I made the train trip over and I'm so glad I did. Made my day. There's so much happening over there that I almost feel jealous. I live in Isleworth, but on the outside of it. There's nothing actually near me in terms of restaurants and bars and clubs. I have a pub. It's nice. I don't think they have live music so it's not the best but! I have a pub. Lauren is surrounded by culture and busy-bees and cafes with really good coffee. I guess it means I save money just because I'm not tempted to spend it?

Ok, off for my walk. I'll let you know how it goes!

And I'm back, over 6hrs later. I had to shower because oh, pissed down with rain for most of the day but so worth it. It was probably better in the rain. It was muddy and cool then hot and dry; I had a lot of fun using and getting familiar with the jackets and pack. It's made me realise just how poor my posture really is :/ Not good.
We walked 23km today, which isn't too bad! And there was a lunch break in there.
Ok starving, need to refuel.
TTFN!