Well, I thought I’d better kick off my contribution to the group blog with this post as a rather good way of avoiding revision for the moment, and of course informing you all on my recent exploits in preparation for the exped.
Recently had a very entertaining trip to Cotswold Camping (my new favourite shop) to try on some new rucksacks as it was decided that my current 55l rucksack simply would not do given all the essential – and not so essential – kit I am bound to be stuffing it with. So I dutifully began trying on all the rucksacks in the store; as Jo said, they are basically going to be our snail shells for the 5 weeks, until the ever efficient Cotswold’s camping lady bounded over to offer her assistance.
Given it was a Saturday afternoon and the shop was packed with teenagers carrying around DoE equipment lists and I also was laiden with Topshop bags from my earlier shopping exploits, she could be forgiven for the look of surprise/shock on her face when I told her I was looking for a rucksack for my summer in the Arctic. I don’t think it’s an average everyday request for Kingston-upon Thames. Especially as it turned out to be her first day. Although I think the staff enjoyed the challenge as I was passed from member to member for consultation on various pieces of equipment.
I think I might start a tally of all the people I can shock/ make look at me like I’m a bit odd when I tell them I’m off the Arctic for the summer. Especially when they remember where they’ve heard of the BSES before…
In the end I didn’t end up buying anything, but I DID some how manage to try on every single item of clothing in the shop.
Megan x
