Took a careful look at my walking boots, which had dried out after Tuesday’s soaking. Realised that there is a bit of wear on the soles, where I have pronated and also cracking on the uppers. I suppose they could be 10 years old. I went to local outdoors shop to get another pair. Young lad in shop – big chain – really helpful. He showed no surprise at all that a white haired old woman should be buying boots to walk up Kili. He said he had done it 3 years ago as part of a charity fund raiser. He said the most important things to get right were the boots, the day pack and the mid-layer. When I asked what a mid-layer is, he walked me over to the other side of the shop to show me and explain. He said I would need a day pack that carried water and allowed me to drink as I walked. I bought a nice pair of leather boots, which seem to be quite soft inside. The lad told me they would give me the support I needed for Kili. He said he had climbed Snaefell recently and had thought that was an harder climb than Kili. Really??? I won’t be trying that then.