And so the journey begins...

“Life is uncharted territory. It reveals its story one moment at a time.” (Leo F. Buscaglia 1924-1998). Needless to say my own uncharted territory will certainly be developing further over the coming weeks and months... It's a strange feeling being so conscious of that. I have just two short hours until my taxi comes and takes me to Heathrow. My two bags (guess-timate weight is 35kg, 8 over the maximum) are both parked at the front door waiting to be whisked away on this great adventure - although, given the weight, the more appropriate term would, in fact, be 'lugged'..! I managed to get everything organised in time and even had a delicious 'last supper' at the fantastic pizza-place just down the road with my flatmate... complete with a complimentary glass of champagne! I have a number of different emotions and thoughts going around in my head - nerves, excitement, standing on the cusp of the unknown... Soon this journey will 'formally' begin... and I can't wait..!

Before leaving to say a few "Thank You's" that are long overdue..

Thank you to Pricewaterhouse Coopers - particularly PwC Consulting, for letting me take the 2.5 months off and to my colleagues for putting up with my stories and worries and random outbursts on a regular basis. There are a few individuals within the firm who stand out - you know who you are. Thank you so much for your support, encouragement and for putting up with me - especially in the last month when my 'hypoxic' state was affecting my short-term memory...!

Thank you to my friends - for your many emails, calls and for the 'bon voyage' party. Thanks for your kindness and for making me laugh during those moments when I needed to most and for listening and for picking up so many thing for me while I am away. You guys are the best and I really really can't wait to have a drink with you all in the pub in June or catch up with you on a trip back home to Canada this summer. Get the Moosehead ready and fire up that bbq... If that doesn't get me up and down from that mountain nothing will..!

Thank you to my family - for your patience and for the spirit of adventure that I am certain that I inherited from you.... although there is some argument which side of the family it actually came from..! My 92-year old grandmother said the other day that had she been 60 years younger she would have joined me. I can't believe how understanding you are every time I get one of these crazy ideas into my head. I know how much you worry about me but, in the same breath, how much you totally stand behind and support everything that I do. I promise, promise, promise to do my very best to come back in one piece and that my next adventure will involve butterfly collecting or basket weaving.

A final humungous thank you to all of you who have kindly contributed to my chosen charity, the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association  (UK) and the ALS Socity of Canada. I very much appreciate all of the support that you have shown to these tremendously worthwhile causes.

On that note, I'd best log off here... My next entry will be from the city of organised chaos, Kathmandu!