Wednesday 6th April:

In the end I succumb and pack in the large hard case, but the spreadsheet did the job and everything was on the bed yesterday morning ready for early packing today. This leaves Lorna to pack this morning and not be too stressed by leaving it until late afternoon.

I have packed the fifth camera, my trusty Canon 50D, not for the camera but for the 400mm stabilised zoom lens that fits it. How can you go to the Galapagos once in your lifetime and not have a lens to capture the amazing what wildlife especially the birds, not least the blue footed Booby. So my cabin back weighs nearly as much as my big case, and is solid with camera gear.

We have our last visit to our beloved Costa, Tesco and also to Betty; Lorna leaves her instructions to contact the doctor in sufficient time if anything untoward occurs, don't wait until the cavalry is needed. Hanna will call each morning, and Betty is pleased that she will hear a welcoming voice, which goes down well with Lorna, who calls her every morning.

We say au revoir to the family after they all come round and then we strip off, can't leave any dirty washing to return to; standard procedure the night before leaving for far off lands.