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Day two and the three of us had already carved out some semblance of a personal and collective routine. A combination of vanity and the fact we spend most of our time sat in a car, snacking on cheap lemon-cream biscuits and crisps, has inspired a half-hearted morning exercise regime of press-ups (I do the most). This is followed by breakfast, which, at time of writing, has always been prepared by Giles. Davy and I, meanwhile, busy ourselves with infinitely more manly duties, such as packing up the roof tent and the ground tent. Our route and the evening’s resting place are discussed and decided upon, dishes are washed, showers taken if possible, tables and chairs packed away, and the bonnet is popped to check water, air filter, and oil. The first driver of the day volunteers himself and the remaining two are left to decide argue who takes the front passenger seat or the leg-numbing back seat.

In days gone by, we’ve managed to hone and refine each task through practice and experience. Tents are going up and coming down much faster and dinner is served sooner, which means beers are cracked open earlier. Certain items are proving their worth. For example, Giles is particularly proud of his dry bags, which he uses to separate components of his luggage (clean clothes, dirty clothes, electrical equipment, and hisextensive collection of vanity items). Quick-dry towels have proven essential for obvious reasons, as have dry-fit T-shirts and head torches.

Organised, experienced, and practical people, with a modicum of common sense, will doubtless think that the necessity of a good routine is a given. But since Common Sense wasn’t invited on the trip, I think our achievements thus far warrant mentioning. After all, efficiency = ease. More ease = less difficulty. And less difficulty = less stress and happier campers. Vital for three people travelling for three months together.