It is strange, now, only a few hours before I embark on my next low carbon travel journey, that I feel quite calm. Considering the enormity of what is to come, I think I should be panicking a bit more. Fear was all I felt three years ago, as I was sitting in Victoria Coach Station in London, waiting to begin my overland trip to Australia, and mulling over all the possible things that could go wrong. Then my mission was to travel, without using an aeroplane, to be the bridesmaid at one of my best friend’s wedding in Brisbane. In those final moments before departure, it dawned on me that this was the biggest challenge I had ever faced. But this was one I had set myself. My passion for conserving the environment was strong. I just hoped it was enough to pull me through the unknown road ahead.

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As the rain clouds cleared and the sun broke through, I stepped out to begin my day at Hay.  The event was ‘How green is my money?’ a talk and discussion between myself, Alistair Sawday and Elaine Brook.  In connection with the Gaia Partnership, this is a regular session at the Hay Festival and so attracts a good audience.  As we sat in the Green Room waiting to go along, I thought I would be a bit disappointed if there were not at least 20 people.  Andy Friars joined us and told us that 371 were booked in at the last tally, so we had moved to a bigger stage!

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Today I have been packing and re-packing my panniers and trying to work out how on earth to attach these new mud-guards to my bike!  In the shop they said it was easy, but there are just so many different screws….  The weather is looking interesting too.  Yesterday’s offering gave me hope that I would be lucky again and would only have to worry about getting a sun tan, as I cycle about on my book tour.  But the overnight frost on Saturday was a concern as well as today’s slow drizzle.  I am sure Devon is having finer weather and will be generous to me as I start my book tour there this weekend.

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