9 July
"I did what I think should be the last shopping to get the bits and pieces I need for the trip.
By (slight) coincidence, having seen a TV programme about the route, I'd decided to do a trek over the Pyrenees in the last week of July, following one of the old escape routes used by refugees, escaping prisoners of war, spies, resistance fighters, etc, during World War II.
This will be the first 'proper' trek I will have done. It's significantly shorter, but the big difference will be that I have to carry all my gear. (Wish me luck!)
And as it is less than two weeks ago, the focus is on that right now, but it’s basically the same gear required – just that the Pyrenees trip will be slightly less luxurious, I think!"