T minus 135. Leave approved.

30 minutes ago, leave has been approved. Now the real planning can begin.

Step One - Get fit.

Not that this was anything new, but the real, tangible, fixed goal is there. A date by when:

• I need to be able to walk 5 hours on an incline carrying 10 kg without gasping, and
• The coffin nails get kicked.

Step Two - Stock Up

Draw up the wishlist, wantlist, shopping list. All that you will need for those 15 days. Where and when to buy.

Step Three - Register.

Book your place before it gets sold out. This will disappear likie hot cakes the closer it gets to the date and other leaves get approved.

Step Four - Invite.

Once you're in, get your friends in as well. As many confirmations as you can, to cut down the time you'll be spending with strangers.