Aug 25, 2011

We have been progressively ticking off our lists in preparation for departure while trying not to go over the edge as each task completed seemed to lead to even more. BUT..we are finally getting ahead of all that and can see an end to it and a beginning to our break. Bring it on is all I can say.

The fact that we will be traveling on motorbikes and have limited luggage space means I've made my lists for what I will pack then culled them, and culled them and culled them again and will hopefully end up with enough clothes to give me enough choices / changes / combinations when I am off the bike to feel somewhat feminine as well as toiletries, traveling documents, notebook, camera, mobile phones, electrical leads and plugs (requiring a larger container than my toiletry bag would you believe) not to mention the replacements we need for our bike riding.

For me that is a helmet, waterproofs and gloves to replace what was damaged in my accident last year, and some more gloves and boots for Norm as the old ones he took barely lasted for the ride. Our UK contact (Gareth) has sorted some pannier bags for Norm's bike so we have some more options for what we can carry and access which will make for more comfortable travel when we are on the bikes and we will leave the bike gear in the UK for another year so will give us some more space when we move on.

Thankfully Norm is a much more succinct packer than me, you would almost think his life's work has been about maximizing what fits where and minimizing the space needed so there are some advantages in a background in logistics. An example of that was his comment when I suggested we should pack a change of clothes in our carry on bags in case our luggage disappears. His response? I'll pack a pair of jocks. A universal male response I suspect.

The cases have been on our billiard table for around a week now and been progressively packed, unpacked, reorganized and repacked. We will eventually say enough is enough and say we are done.


Nearly packed and ready to go!

We plan to leave here the night before we fly out so we can relax for a few hours and spend some time with Sharen and Ken who we will meet up with in Paris September 12th. We will compare notes and toast the start of the adventure before heading for the airport September 1st.