I thought I would spend a moment publishing my equipment list. I got many recommendations from people, websites, and fellow hardcore bike travellers. Corax

Terra Nova Solar 1 tent -
I bought this on ebay for £40. Ebay Terra Nova Tents Here Damn Bargain of the century if you ask me! £280 new! Although now discontinued i believe. Its a red outer fly, with yellow inner. Single easton aluminium pole, weighs less than 2kg (dry!), And is absolutely watertight. As with all tents however, internal condensation can develop if not vented/ wet clothing is left inside the tent. Although......

UCO candle Lantern -
Bought on eBay for £10, with three extra candles. Lasts longer than batteries do, gentle light, heat dries up condensation. Have small paranoia about burning to death in the night, and/or waking up with soot around nostrils. But not been a problem yet.

Alpkit Wee Airic 'thermarest' camping mat -
Costs just £15 including delivery, and includes a puncture repair kit & bag. Was going to buy a genuine Thermarest Prolite 3 (£60+!!) until i did some research on cheaper alternatives.

MSR XGK II stove -
The best stove available? New, it costs over a hundered smackeroonies. Burns any liquid fuel. However, I am still confused as to how I fill up the bottle at the petrol station? The pump hose wont fit inside the bottle neck. Perhaps a funnel? Spillage! I was going to buy a Primus Omnifuel stove because it burns LP gas cans too, but weighs twice as much as MSR. I bought the XGK again on eBay for £30. Ebay Msr Stoves Here. It included a foldable heat shield, spare bottle & xtra service kit! eBay is your friend! Roars like a space shuttle.

Ortlieb Classic Panniers & xs drybag -
I read all about these on various cycle touring sites. I initially had no idea, and was going to buy some nylon shite. Bought new, as eBay auctions weren't much cheaper. Ebay Ortlieb Panniers Here I guess they are desirable.

Altura Nevis Waterproof Jacket -
Bargain, in my book. I can't afford Gore tex. Except for...

Freestyle Gore Tex Hood - When I realised that the jacket didn't have a hood, I bought this on eBay for £7. Only downside, is that the jacket is Yellow, and the hood is red. But who cares anyhow?

Outwell teflon camping stove set & kettle -
Ebay for £5. Brand new kit. Couldn't refuse the offer. I figure the MSR stove will destroy the teflon coating in a couple of sessions.

Victorinox Swiss army knife -
ebay for £3. Has knife for eating, scissors, can opener, bottle opener, corkscrew etc etc..

Petzl Tikka head torch -
Had it for many years now. Takes Nimh AAA batteries which my camera takes also.

Alpkit Alpine Dream 700 Sleeping bag -
£100 for a high quality down sleeping bag. I was going to get a Nanok bag. However, it weighs over 2.5kg I tried it out the other day in the house. Woke up covered in sweat. Note to self - Dont use sleeping bag indoors.

*Just at this moment I heard a thump against my window. Went outside and found 2 swallows sitting dazed & confused on the floor. I poked them a bit, which was fun. Took a couple of snaps (See pictures). I once heard a tale that if a swallow lands on the ground it cannot take off again - Its a lie. Well, you know what they say; 'Two swallows don't make a summer!" lol.