Hiking Boots and Chocolate Cupcakes

The age old backpacking conundrum has been in play this morning: trying to balance the amount of clothing and necessities and the optimal weight of a pack that has to be carried around for several weeks (now I know why sensible people take along Sherpas). The hiking boots, long maligned, have been dusted off; waterproof wind sheeter has made an appearance. For once, my trusty MacBook Pro is staying at home for a well deserved rest which has helped the weight considerably. The final tally of the main backpack (a Christmas gift from my darling siblings in 1996) is a respectable 9 kg's. A quick check of North Thailand's weather confirms that September is the rainiest month with a 250mm average.  Oh good, I will be there in August, erh, except August comes in a close second at 220mm. Packing has just been interrupted with the most fabulous diversion. Annette, who happens to be one of the best bakers we know, has just arrived with a surprise goodie box brimming with the most delicious chocolate cupcakes (pictured above).  It is worth letting Oxford have a nibble on my arm once a week if that is going to continue!