Down to the Single Digits! - Exploring the Modern Day Pangaea

May 29, 2004

Down to the Single Digits!

My big decision for this week was to choose which pack I'm going to bring. After many iterations of packing, unpacking, packing, rearranging, repacking etc etc both my Arcterryx pack and the one I got in Australia back in 1999, I decided on the Australia one. Even though it's a bit smaller, its easier to use and I'm more used to it than the Arcterryx. It's funny since the Arcterryx is kind of the Jaguar of packs and my no name one from Australia is more of a... bicycle. Here it is in all its glory, all packed and ready for the airport thugs to abuse when they force me to check it in.

I have used this pack as carry on luggage on for many previous trips, but since its got things that the airport would probably consider a weapon - like trekking poles, a mini leatherman, minisilverware on a keyring, etc etc, I'll have to check it and hope it makes it to London with me.

I'm leaving a week from tomorrow. Holy Crap! The Pre Trip Butterflies have emerged from their cocoons. Even though I've spent about 90% of my free time for the last 4-5 months preparing for the trip in one way or another, it didn't hit me that I'd actually be LEAVING until sometime in the last week. Woah.

So check back! I promise to talk about more interesting things than backpacks and immunizations! :)

Posted by msshell on May 29, 2004 10:31 AM
Category: Pre Departure

Comments

Your final judgement day is approching for this big challenge-Mt. kilomanjiro. Have a wonderful time as I had in grand caynon and zion.
Let us know if you ever need anything from NYC. Try to bring some augmentin(10days supply) or cipro tablet for animal bites like dogs or rodents if you happen to be bitten.
Wish you have safty journey.

Posted by: grace on May 30, 2004 04:07 PM

Hi Aunt Grace! I tried calling you to see how your trip was but I kept getting a busy signal... thanks for the drug advice, I've already got some Cipro and a couple of other medications I can't pronounce. Hopefully I won't need them, but they're in my pack taking up space just in case. :)

Posted by: Michelle on May 31, 2004 11:52 AM

good luck

Posted by: lmwt on June 4, 2004 07:52 AM

I still don't know how in the world you fit enough stuff for 6 months in that tiny little pack! You are my idol- I think you should give lessons in packing. Have a great trip. We will miss you!

Posted by: Susan on June 4, 2004 09:22 AM

Michelle, I agree with Susan! That bag wouldn't even be big enough for me to pack all the shoes I'd bring on a weekend trip!!
So excited for you... wishing you safe travels, and many wonderful experiences! I'll be checking your travelblog frequently and thinking of you often!
-Ali

Posted by: Ali on June 4, 2004 10:56 AM

Bon Voyage! Have a wonderful trip. Remember to look inside the glasses before you drink.

Posted by: Mom on June 6, 2004 02:25 PM

Michelle-

It's been years since we've last exchanged any correpondence. I see you still have the traveling bug. Have a wonderful trip.

Dean

Posted by: Dean Brody on June 6, 2004 02:41 PM

Good luck Michelle! Hope to see exciting experiences posted in your website.

Posted by: David Keane on June 7, 2004 07:33 AM

Have fun out there! Let me know when you get to Oz. Maybe I'll meet you there. K

Posted by: Kyle on June 7, 2004 09:00 AM

Michelle, I will be watching your every move via this website. I know you will have an awesome time! BTW, great packing job; you'll have to give me some lessons. Take care of yourself; here's wishing you safe travels, lots of fun, and great experiences!

Posted by: Sue on June 7, 2004 10:38 AM

Hi Michelle,
can't wait to starting hearing about your trip! When you have the time (if you have the time!), will you post all of the countries you will be in. I want to keep an eye on them before and as you are in them. Thanks! I can't wait to see the pictures ... and YOU ... when you get back!
love,
j

Posted by: Jill on June 7, 2004 04:39 PM

Hey Jill! Heres the list of countries: Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, S. Africa, Australia, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina. later!

Posted by: Michelle on June 7, 2004 06:21 PM

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