Preperations.

Argh! So its apparently been over two weeks since my last post, which leaves me with the nightmare task of having to write up all of our preparation in this single entry, without it degenerating into an incredibly dry and dull list.

It truly has been a manic few weeks, for both Al and I. Alex only finished his end of year university exams last week, and has since then been roped straight into fundraising. For my part, on top of organising everything to do with "Instow to Istanbul" I've also been in the middle of moving house! (further nightmare...)

Despite all of this, it's actually been really good fun getting everything together.

--Life in a Rucksack--

Before anything else began, even before the website was setup we had to look long and hard at the practicalities of what we are trying to do. Invaluable to our research has been Digihitch . Not only has it provided us with some excellent tips on how to maximise our chances of getting a lift, how to get across the Channel, and how to ask for a lift in 10 different languages, but it has really enforced upon us the need to pack light.

If we are not careful we might end up pushing the boundaries of socially acceptable smells and obviously that is exceedingly un-cool when asking to sit in close proximity to complete strangers for long distances! Therefore packing has been a quest to strike the fine balance between being able to lift our rucksacks, and not wearing clothes that can stand up for themselves whist emitting a menagerie of flavour-filled-smells that invoke gag reflexes.

In line with this minimalist philosophy we have shirked as many "nice but non-essential items" as possible; Our luxury items include a Frisbee (which doubles as a dinner plate.) and an England flag (the sort sometimes seen flying from cars... but normally found in gutters after having blown from cars) which we hope will improve our chances of getting picked up.

We have spent the last few days force feeding ourselves in a bid to fatten up in preparation for the lean times ahead, the backpacks are also full of food. Our essentials include; a kilo of rice, brown sauce, squeezy marmite, skimmed milk powder and of course lots of tea bags; because we know that even if we find ourselves in the dreaded nightmare situation of being stuck on the side of the road for hours on end in a torrential downpour, lost to the point that we're no longer even sure what country we're in, only knowing that the surrounding countryside is full of unexploded ordinance (no joke in some parts of the Balkans).... a cuppa tea can make everything considerably better.

The final item that bears mentioning comes donated from one of our sponsors and is a bag full of condoms.... thanks for that,.... but erm.... what kind of trip do you think this is?!

--Getting In the Papers and going on the Radio!--

Whilst trying to organise everything, we have also been courting that feral beast the media, getting our 15minutes of fame in the North Devon spotlight The most entertaining part of this was venturing out into the abysmal weather to have our picture taken in front of the Instow village sign, the weather and not to mention the extremely bemused expression of the various drivers seems like an ominous sign of things to come.

Check us out (on page 9 no less!) of this weeks North Devon Journal.

We're due to be on the radio on Friday morning, so listen out for us on Lantern FM. Al (probably rather sensibly with the amount that’s been going on) exercised his veto over getting in contact with the television, but if things get dull on the first leg of our journey we might try our luck with Radio1!

-- SAVING THE WORLD.--

Obviously the most important part of our preparations has been our fundraising this week, and if your reading this chances are Alex or myself have hassled you into donating to the cause... if you haven't been hassled, or you've managed to avoid donating and your still reading this, then DONATE NOW!!!

We've been trawling every shop and business in the Instow, Barnstaple and Braunton area, as well as shaking friends and family for anything they can afford, we really appreciate everyone's support. Its going to make all the difference, (more so even than a cup of tea) when we find ourselves stuck in difficult situations, wondering just what the **** are we doing? We will be able to completely answer that question with the knowledge that whatever we are going through is all for a good cause. Your donations not only really help Save the Children, but will also go along way in making our darker moments that much less rubbish. THANK YOU!!!

There has been a real range of reactions from people we've told our story too, ranging from those who get the twinkle in their eye and wish they were coming with us, to the "what does your mother think?!" and rather sadly some who didn't even give us time to say our names, not that we're bitter but the worst of these was a certain receptionist at a business that shall remain nameless who refused point blank to shake our hands. but then again, said company makes military clothing... what do they care about a good cause. :-/

We obviously owe a massive thank you, which we just can't repeat enough to those that have donated, but a special mention has to go to the proprietors of not only the greatest restaurants in Instow, nor merely the greatest restaurants in North Devon, but actually the greatest restaurants IN THE WORLD, Bob and Lee at The Boathouse and The Decks who really got the ball rolling by sending me running backwards and forwards in a banter-filled-bidding-war, in an attempt to out do each other.

As of now, we have raised close to £1000 pounds (with the gift aid bonuses), which puts us nearly halfway to our target. In a strange twist of fate (which has caused no end of stress) I won tickets to Hyde Park Calling this weekend, however because of our hitching plans, we are unable to go and have thus donated them to be auctioned off on Lantern FM. If you're listening this afternoon you could set yourself up to have an awesome weekend at a bargain price (they are expected to sell for less than half their £200 value), and feel good about yourself; because all the money is going to Save the Children!

This is it for now! We're heading off in the next few days, if you see us about and can't pick us up, please do honk your horn! (and then donate some more money to ease your conscience!)
Hopefully the next update will come from the other side of the English Channel!