Packing for any break is a major exercise in the Spicer household (we have previously explored my inability to grasp the “packing light” concept), let alone packing for a 5-week trip. This is not helped by my need to return to a tidy(ish) house and clean beds. To make matters slightly more complicated I also decided I fancied a birthday celebration at the boathouse, the weekend before we were due to travel.

Too many pairs for 5 weeks away?

While Catering agrees it is a lovely venue for a drinks do, he has a valid point, that it might have been simpler to have had it at home. Instead we transferred everything to the boathouse, prayed almost hourly for good (dry will do) weather and then transported everything home again, post do. It was a great party (well I enjoyed myself enormously) but by the time we left Hambleden at 2.45pm on Tuesday 5th September, we were both a little worn out and very much in need of the break. SO it is with much excitement I say Rugby World Cup 2023 in France here we come.