Arran is Very Wet and Windy

22nd January 2026. Arran is very wet and windy at the moment,

even the birds are sheltering.  I am cycling or walking every day trying to keep a level of fitness. I have booked my flights with Ethiopian Airlines -  from Glasgow, London, Addis Ababa, Lilongwe. I return same but from Victoria Falls, plus transfers of me from airport, bags and bike.  I will arrive in Malawi a few days before TDA Global Cycling, ( the group that I am joining.)  the group will be camping but I have booked myself into a lodge, alongside the campsite. I will be camping too on this trip but thought I would give myself a couple of days in a comfortable bed. I have also booked a bed at Victoria Falls finish.  Technology has changed so much over the years - in 2012 when I cycled 3500 miles across America I had a  Blueberry phone and a paper map.  Electricity and wifi will be scarce or non existent on this trip so I have packed 3 Power Banks to charge IPhone, Garmin, Gopro, etc plus assorted cables for all gadgets.   I will have to prioritise charging,   phone first as it holds all my route maps and in case of help.  So many things to think about,  logistics,  even my Bum Cream (Happy Bottom) might melt over 25*C. I contacted the manufacturer, they said " put it at the bottom of your bag" and in a fridge overnight.  I'm camping !!!   Cycling is the easy part !