My journal postcards slowly return to me via post from the India trek

A collection of postcards selected to write daily journals.

I think it was a couple of weeks returning from the India charity trek back to the U.K, I started to collect daily from my postbox my day to day postcard journal. Twelve cards in total to read, reflect and prompt me to post that wonderful mini adventure November 2011. I raised a total of just over £1600.00 for Acorns Children's Hospice. Once again I thank all who supported, encouraged and sponsored me on my self funding trek, and what was another amazing journey. 

Thursday 17 November 2011 - Day 1 starting out........

In comparison to day one of my Sahara Desert charity trek last September, I felt considerably calm.  I had not even completely packed and had an early appointment booked in the city centre at 9am.  A ladies wax in time for the trek, for comfort and hygiene, knowing the lack of washing facilities this mini adventure would take away.  My pal Jay sent me a great pre trek text hoping paying and suffering various body part waxing did not create a painful journey.  Us girls and our sense of humour!

I strolled into the city for my appointment and after took time out to sit down and enjoy a quick bite at EAT cafe.   I walk home and my mind starts to wonder when I passed the coach station.  At 1pm I would be sitting in that coach station, tickets in hand ready to board my booked coach to take me to Heathrow T4.

When the time felt right to finally pack the last essential items, zip up my new rucksack and padlock I suddenly had the fast realisation, I'd been too laid back, assuming all would fit in nicely with no problem.  After all, I had been very mindful laying out crucial kit and recommendations from Charity Challenge.  I actually broke out into a sweat, trying to squeeze in tightly trekking gear and make the zips meet.  Panic starts to set in when I check what time it is, and how close I am risking getting behind on my programme. I frantically began to pull items out, thinking what the hell I will just have to get  by! There was no-way I could miss the coach I had booked. To allow for any problems on the motorway and arrive at least 3hours before the flight as instructed by trek organisers, I had set my time plan.

Hot, flustered, no longer feeling calm I arrive at the coach station.  After only a 15 minute wait, I board.  Backpack on board, I settle in and remind myself, I have a good few hours to come back down to earth and calm down.  Although, I continue to check I have my passport and my India Visa information was correct. Calmer, eventually, after the coach journey, I collect my belongings and head to the Charity Challenge meeting point.  There were eight charity trekkers registered, all supporting different charities.  I meet Julia in person for the first time.  We greet each other with a friendly smile and kiss on the cheek.  Julia contacted me by email inviting me to call her on her mobile.  In advance of the trek we had chatted a few times, sharing our nerves and excitement about the experience waiting for us.  Julia not only had a smiley, pleasant voice during our conversations, she had a warm, beautiful welcome smile in person.  She put me at ease and immediately made me feel I had made a good choice selecting this particular charity adventure.   

Julia, Tracey 1 and Clare all check in.  One team member trekker hadn't arrived at this point. Will, Martin, Tracey 2 and I decide to wait behind for them.  We start to get to know each other as we wait.  Sharing names and charities it wasn't long before our wait was over and we were introduced to young Hazel. I had no idea at this time Hazel would be my roomie and mischievous friend and trekking partner in par with Julia. Checking in goes smoothly, boarding passes approved, overhead luggage stashed away and all ready to relax as we fly to Delhi Airport.