5 day trek for tougher trekkers

James appears to have begun to amass a collection of illnesses over the last few days. So far he has alluded to having TB, diarrhea, a stroke, the flu, phenomena. This appears to coincide with the fact that the trek he booked safe from the sofa is nearly upon us. In James own words he booked this trek because it looked like better value than the others. I have interpreted this in line with his Yorkshireness “it looked cheep when you compare the number of days and length” So from the safety of his sofa 6 months ago he booked us on a 5 day trek “for tougher trekkers!” This equates to

Overnight train
Day 1 Trekking: 15 km – Moderate grade
Day 2 Trekking: 20 km – Moderate grade
Day 3 Trekking: 23 km – Moderate grade
Day 4 Trekking: 20 km – Moderate grade
Day 5 Trekking: 12 km - Introductory grade
Overnight train
Die in hostel room

We have decided to pack very lightly and for me to carry one bag as this seems a long way even for me. James face went white when I explained that I was a little apprehensive and that the most I had walked for was 4 days. Over the period of the day James has tried to disappear or fall down a number of holes to prevent his taking part. Fortunately or unfortunately for James he has not been able to conjure up any convincing illness so he is coming along too…

As we have a strenuous few days ahead we had a late lunch and a walk in Hanoi before returning to the hostel for a few hours internet time before setting off on the big adventure. I hope to be bogging in 7 days time but only time will tell.