Isn't life funny

I bought a few items today for my ride. A new digital camera, light and compact for easy use....they say that but I don't thinks they realised who was going to use it...me. I've bought a new watch, relatively cheap. I don't want to take the watch Daniel and Thomas bought for me for my fiftieth birthday in case I lose it.I've also bought a head torch, I've never had on before and they are great....boys with camping toys, we never grow up. I was out in the garden with it last night. I bet the neighbours thought I was a sophisticated burglar. I've taken a couple of pictures with my new camera for you to look at. One is of the box that my bike is traveling in and the other is the bike my brother has let me have for a couple of days to get about before I go. Not exciting I know but it could have been worse...when I first got a camera phone my friends saw me in a new light if you know what I mean? It's really weird riding a mountain bike after riding gusher. I rode mountain bikes for years but now I'm a 'racer' fan. I suppose it's what you get used to.
I'm going to try and change my arrival date for finishing the ride. I will have to get in touch with the people at Peninsular Barracks to see if they are OK with the the arrangements. I've decided to do that because if I arrive home on Saturday 29th August, which is Rugby Challenge Cup Day and Warrington get through to the final, which I am confident they will then there will be no one to meet me. They will all be at Wembley watching the lads......so I've moved the date back a week to the 22nd August. It means that I will have to peddle a little faster but it will be worth it.
I will let you know what happens. I know it seems a little late altering the schedule but as I've told you it makes it more exciting. My plans are set in 'jelly' rather than stone and that's the way I like it.
I had so many butterflies in my stomach this morning I flew to work. I know I keep going on about this but I can't believe that I'm going on Friday.....pinch me someone...but leave my bike alone.
Mike Berry, my friend from Preston who runs Viva TV has put my music video on www.blip.tv an American website and it seems to be attracting some interest. It would be nice for the Americans to get interesting in what I'm doing as it would make my journey in the country more interesting.
Thomas, my youngest son has been running about for me over the last few days, he's bee a star. He is going to look after my house for me why I'm away. I've put plenty of beer in the fridge and actually tidied the house so he should be as happy as Larry....not that he drinks much. but I bet his mates do. I don't care what he does in the house on condition that he's safe, the house is livable when I get back and I get to see the photos. Seriously, he's a good lad and I'm confident that he will look after the place.
I've got a few friends coming to my house tonight for a quick drink before I go. I'm nipping down to Uncle ken's and Auntie Hilda's today to see them before I go. I call round pretty often and it will seem strange not to see them for a few months. Uncle Ken is really good on the computer so he will be able to keep an eye on what I'm doing.
In 1970 when my family went to live in New Zealand I remember visiting Uncle Ken and Auntie Hilda before we left....although I was only thirteen at the time I felt a mixture of sadness and excitement, I felt that it was the start of a great adventure. Thirty nine years later it feel exactly the same....isn't life funny. On that occasion I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I had highs and lows, laughter and tears, met great people and had some life changing experiences.... eventually we all came home safe and sound.....a result I'm more than happy to repeat.