Off we go...

We are currently sitting in the Heathrow Terminal 5 business lounge, enjoying the last vestiges of Northern Hemisphere hospitality, after a comically, idiotically frantic last few days of preparation.  It was always going to be like this, but neither of us had quite envisaged that we would be facing an overnight flight with Liz having slept the grand total of 10 minutes (on the Metropolitan Line) since Monday night.  Indeed, with the taxi gunning the engine outside, poor Liz came out with the immortal line, 'Ah, shoes - I don't have any shoes to put on'.  At that point we realised: we are weary.

Martin the Bicycle

Several people have asked whether our bikes will have names. The answer is yes. Liz's steed is yet to be christened officially (watch this space), but mine will go by the name of Martin. This is for two reasons: first, rather grandly, after José de San Martín, national hero of Argentina, an 18th-century general and the main leader of the southern part of South America's struggle for independence from Spain. But more importantly - and more relevantly - it is in honour of Martin the Donkey.

'Are you two police officers?'

There have been a number of novel experiences over the last few weeks but being mistaken for a law enforcer by a jaw gaped young man, out in his kayak on the grand union canal, was one of the surrealer. Phil and I braved the wilds of west London on Saturday and tested our 'kit'. It would seem that the overall effect of ten tons of merino wool, high performance 'stealth wicking' stuff and sleek pannier attachments is to make us look as if we're just patrolling the beat...hey ho. The good residents of South America are in for a treat.

Depleting London's expedition stocks

Two weeks into January, and Liz and I are getting a definite sense that we are nearing D-day.  It's now less than 3 weeks till we fly to Argentina.  We have been having to divide and rule with the task list, as Liz is still working (snow permitting...).  I have been spending the days getting really stuck in to buying up most of London's cycling and outdoor kit.  We always knew this would be The Expensive Bit, but wow.  The lesson to learn is that it hurts less to make one big outlay than several really quite big ones!

New Year's Day...

It's New Year's Day, and Phil and Liz have just over a month until they disappear off on a bit of a bike ride.  This is Phil testing whether he has the remotest clue as to how to post a blog.  January's going to be a busy one... here goes!