Preparation

I had a minor heart attack this morning when I couldn’t find my passport. Fortunately, I’d had a bout of intelligence and had already packed it. Whew.

Our flight leaves out next Tuesday at 6am… I don’t know how awake I’ll be… I’m taking my little PDA, so hopefully I’ll be able to blog some. I don’t know how internet connections work over there with these things.

I need to go by a store and grab some last minute things like camping toilet paper. How exciting! I also need to get my camera back from my neighbor, who borrowed it.

I’ve had a bout of lethargy lately which has been bothering me. I don’t do well in midsummer because of the heat (I’m a human furnace), so I admit to being a bit worried about hiking around in a hot area. I’ve also been diagnosed as hypothyroid about a month ago, so I’m still adjusting to my T4 levels on this new medication. I’m hoping it kicks in sooner rather than later so my energy level goes up.

I bought a lot of protein bars to eat if needed. We’re supposed to be very careful about what we eat over there. Dr. Henson says that as long as it’s cooked, it’s fine. We’re bringing Cipro however in case someone’s guts throw a wobbly. Due to water cleanliness (rather, lack thereof) drinking water will also have to be carried with us. It’ll be a culinary experience.

I got a new backpack to go on this trip. None of mine were well-suited to going on a three week hike. I went to River Sports in Knoxville and found a great backpack. It’s a Mountain Hardwear Iguana, and I like it because it has a pocket in front for my other shoes. It’s large enough so that I’ll be able to fit everything in there, but small enough so that I can actually carry it!

My new backpack, photo courtesy River Sports