Expensive afternoon buying kit

I've just spent my afternoon at Cotswold Outdoor in Durham, looking at sleeping bags and walking poles and eventually buying some!

It involved a lot of rolling around on the floor zipped up in a sleeping bag feeling overly warm, and walking up and down the shop floor trying out the poles.

The sleeping bag has a comfort rating of -18°C so hopefully I should stay toasty no matter how high we go.

I'm very happy with my purchases and can't wait to use them in the mountains of India!

Post travelling India excitement

I've just got back from three weeks of travelling in Europe, though the Baltic States - Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania - and Poland. I went with a friend from university, and we explored the capital cities, peaceful towns, beautiful national parks and cool sights. It was pretty in cool. Actually it was awesome, and I'm in a major low of post-holiday blues right now. Here are some photos of our adventure!

It's made me even more excited to go to India. I love the feeling of carrying my belongings in my rucksack and being able to fend for myself. I also love meeting new people, seeing new sights and experiencing unexpected things.

I'm now working harder than ever to raise funds for the expedition. I finished my ten week internship in London and have put all of that money aside. I'm going to be even more frugal back at university in Durham (more carbs, less meat - great!) so I can save more. We even couchsurfed in Gdansk, Poland, so we didn't have to pay for a hostel! (If you don't know what Coushsurfing is, take a look at the website).

These are the mountains I'm used to

I'm lucky enough to be able to spend a lot of time in the Lake District. I love spending days out on the fells and camping in the wild, as well as doing a bit of planking (more info here).

I'm sure the Himalayas will prove to be very different to the Lakes - I can't wait!

Planking near the summit of Scafell Pike at sunrise, Summer 2013

View over Wastwater whilst walking Wainwright's Coast to Coast route, Easter 2014