now that we're in the full swing of this trip planning process, it seems things keep getting more and more complicated! questions lead to more questions, which lead to more questions; and every question yields countless answers depending on which book you read or which blog you follow, or what google search you do. yikes!
this week's question of the week has been what to pack and what kind of backpack to buy? based on all the knowledge we've gleaned from dozens of world travellers who've gone before us (and some of our own general common sense), the basic answer is ONE bag apiece, as close to airline carry-on size as is humanly possible. (that's taking the term "travelling light" to a whole new level!) so the next questions is whether to get a technical pack or some type of "travel pack." technical packs tend to be geared toward specific sports, i.e. mountaineering, skiing, camping, trekking, etc., and they come in all sizes from "small & manageable", to "huge & unwieldy." for world travellers who fancy themselves "adventurous to a point," but who don't anticipate needing pick axes and ice climbing gear on a regular basis - that's us - all the straps and buckles and pockets aren't always terribly practical. which brings us to the travel pack...an internal frame backpack, often with a detachable day-pack. some of the smaller versions comply with most airline carry-on size with the day-pack removed. (that's 22"x14"x9" - not much space at'all!) any idea how small that actually is??? take a look...
so far we've been to rei and hudson trail outfitters trying on various packs full of newspaper, posing in front of full-length mirrors and trying to picture how on earth we'll fit the 
things on our packing list into them. ha...jokes! seems to me that if we commit to carry-on size, the packing list must adjust itself to the bag! (...the packing list is a whole other story...)
for now, after much internet browsing, we remain undecided as to brand and style....guess we'll have to keep trying them on for comfort and fit. we'll let you know what we decide on!
It is Father's Day, June 18, 2006. And I am an anxious but excited father anticipating his daughter's trek around the world.
I am anxious because the world is a potentially dangerous place, thanks to our president and his cronies. Yet I am excited because the world is, after all, God's good creation and filled with more of God's good creatures than some would have us believe. Most of all, I am excited, and assured, because my daughter's traveling companion is at the top of the list of God's good creatures!
So, Daryll and Dawne, on this day, this Father's Day, I begin my prayers for your traveling mercies. Take in the world, for all of its awesome wonder. Be ambassadors of faith, hope, and love . . . antidotes to fear, greed, and selfishness in a world one mad.
Whatever else you may choose to put in your backpack, make sure you have a toothbrush and clean pair of underwear each)--at least that is the advice I am certain my father would have given me.
God's Peace and Love, Dad
Posted by: Ronald David aka Dad | 18 June 2006 at 03:19 PM
I just finished reading Dawn's father beautiful comments to his daughter, and as a father to four beautiful girls myself, I understand exactly how he feels. Though I never had the pleasure of meeting Dawn, I did have the honor and the privilege of working with her companion, and I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that Dawn will be seeing this magnificent world besides one of God's good creatures. So be well, Daryll and Dawn... may Heavenly Father's blessings be with you wherever you may go.
Posted by: Oscar Moreno | 15 August 2006 at 12:14 PM