OK, so this is today... in a traditional British way the weather forecast is for light rain all day with a high temperature of 6 degrees... ah well we're all way too stubborn / british to take any notice of that, so there's about 40 of us going I think... first real drive in my car since its been on the road so I'm packing lots of tools!!

My kids are obviously concerned I'd oversleep so being kind and considerate they woke me up at 3.25am and refused to go back to sleep! So its now 8am and I've already changed the wheels over (6ULs look nice but the 225 profile Toyo R888s might not be the best for twisty mountain roads in the wet!), checked oil / water levels, fitted an undertray, packed the tools and some food, packed all my waterproofs, warm jumpers, hats, gloves, scarves etc... I'm wondering given the severe weather warning for later on if I shouldn't just go in the canoe...

Russell.