And awaaay we go!

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”― Mark Twain

Well folks it’s here I’m waiting for the limo to pick me up (just for the record, it’s cheaper to use the limo than it is to leave my car in the parking lot. Didn’t want anyone to thinking I was putting my high hat on lol). So, here’s what I am taking:

 

I have found that I have developed somewhat of an emotional attachment to three items, I have no idea as to whether this is common among hikers but it is for me. Those are my boots, my trekking poles and my large pack. The boots I get. Without boots that are comfortable no one is going anywhere. My trekking poles I get to a lesser degree in that they are in my hands every step of the way. The piece that surprises me a bit is my large pack. The thing damn near killed me in Spain and I will not hike with it on this trek, opting to use a service between towns to haul it and use my 20L day pack instead, but, it just didn’t feel right to take a piece of luggage on a walking holiday so, the pack is coming with. So, equipment wise as related to Spain, I have dropped towels, bedding and such as I will not be staying in hostels (nor did I in Spain it was superfluous gear). I have added one more set of clothing. So, wearing one with three packed and I have added rain gear. It is England and the forecast does look like rain. One neat item I picked up is a travel duffel to hold my pack in as I will have to check it due to the fact that the trekking poles and the leatherman I carry are not allowed in carry on luggage. The last duffel I had was too big but this one is Goldilocks, just right 🙂

 

And, since there has yet to be a photo of myself on this trip here is the “before” picture…just for the record, I think I suck at taking selfies

Well I’m now 40 mins from the limo getting here so time for those last minute items before one leaves for an extended period of time. Now that I am heading out there will be more pictures than words I promise.