Well, it looks as if I’m going to be here for a very long time, so I’m starting to try to improve my conditions. The lean-to shelter I’ve built is OK, but I really want something more substantial, particularly before the winter arrives (at the moment it feels like late spring/early summer here – I know the internet is telling me it’s March [on one version of Earth, where it's 05] while my calendar says it’s July [on my Earth, in 08] – but from the height of the sun, and the warmth, I’d guess it's somewhere between the two - maybe May). I’ve been racking my brain to remember all the bits and pieces I learned on the archaeology course, because I’m pretty well back to stone age conditions here.

I’ve decided to try to build a roundhouse. There’s plenty of timber, but without an axe I’m pretty well limited to dead branches, or saplings I can break down. Still, I’ve built up quite a collection of timber now. There’s enough open grass for me to cut turfs for walls, and I’ve even found plenty of stone (mostly flint). Actually the flint may be a godsend – I’ve been trying to get a spark using a steel edge on my penknife, and a bit of flint. I think when my matches run out, I’ll be able to get a fire going. Of course, if I can build a decent weatherproof hut, then I’ll try to keep the fire burning all the time. And with flint I can make arrowheads and maybe even an axe.

I’ve only got two complaints really. The first is lack of company. I really, really want someone to talk to. At least the internet does convince me that there are people around. I’ve started reading blogs, just so that I get a feel for human life and reality - even if that is on an Earth that's subtly different to mine.

My other main problem is food – there’s enough of it, particularly if you like meat – but there’s just no variety. I keep hoping I’ll find some vegetables growing as the summer comes along – but did vegetables grow wild in prehistoric times? Otherwise, there must be some berries, nuts and even edible roots somewhere. I think after the roundhouse is finished, I’m going to have to go off on an expedition, to look for some other source of food. If I find some seeds, the area I’ve stripped of turfs might make a garden.