Here We Go Again...

As some know, I'm off on a trip in a few days. I fly to my parents' house (yes, right to the door), and chill with friends and family for 4 days, re-pack and head out over the Atlantic Ocean to my pub-base in England. From there I will explore many places: Scotland, Spain, France, Italy, The Netherlands, Belgium and Denmark (this is the plan so far - things will probably change).

I get excited way too easily and way too early. It means that weeks before I leave, I've already checked-out...mentally. I'm mostly packed, I start donating things I don't need or use anymore, and throw out total trash I can't remember why I kept in the first place. It's amazing how much we accumulate over such short periods of time. Pretty gross really, but that's another topic entirely.

I get frustrated during these weeks because everything's ready to go...even me...but it's not time yet. So I re-pack, re-plan, make a million lists, organize, sit and wait, and hope the time hurries the hell up so I can go! But then closer to the date...usually in the last week....I start feeling like I will totally miss wherever it is that I am that moment. I'll miss the people, some of the daily things, etc. I always miss the Coast Mountains. Yes, I am a Gemini. :)

So...I'm pretty much ready. It's all the little things that need doing now...all the last minute, final preparations...like a kick-ass BBQ with me and all my friends. Ya, I'm excited for that.

I'm excited to start my journey - for reasons beyond my A.D.O.S.S. (Attention Deficit, Oh! Something Shiny!) - but also because I love testing gear! I've got some new stuff, and some stuff I've used pretty well, and I'm ready to see how it all holds up this time round. Lots of Icebreaker, Innate Air Travel Envelopes (I'm interested to see how durable these are), Sea to Summit silk sleeping bag liner, Osprey Ariel 65, Osprey Talon 22 (used, from my buddy for a killer price) - it'll be great to have a day-pack/carry-on that doesn't scream "PHOTO GEAR! LAPTOP! RICH TOURIST!" I haven't decided whether to take my little Pelican Case with me for my camera (Nikon D300S) between destinations - bomb proof! :) Choice of book for the first leg of the journey: The Kon-Tiki Expedition - given to me by my dad many eons ago.

Last day of work was today...Can't say I'll miss the actual work, just the people. Great crew - they really make it a great place to go every day. 

Also, the clouds around here have been super gnarley lately....awesome rainbow the other day!!!

Got a bit rained-on shooting this one...but fun anyway! :)

Right outside my back-door. Vancouver, BC. April 2011.