365 Inspirations—243: Packing

On my first trek to Machu Picchu nearly 20 years ago!

"Life is either a great adventure or nothing."—Helen Keller 

 Tomorrow we leave for Peru! Yikes!  Lots still to do, but I'm going to try and find inspiration in packing today. The weather is gorgeous today and we headed out to REI to pick up last minute hiking goods for our Salkantay Glacier Trek to Machu Picchu.

I took my husband to lunch at a fusion Chinese restaurant and then he had an ice cream outside in the sun while I was doing a few other last minute things.

My goal today is to try to pack so incredibly lightly that people look at my back pack and say, "That's all you have?!"

Things I'm bringing on my trip to Peru:

• Therma Rest Air Mattress (I heard the trekking companies in Peru have uncomfortable mats)
• Small/Packable Sleeping Bag
• LL Bean Down Jacket that stuffs in pocket (got in 1996 when I did hiking in Himalayas!)
• Helly Hansen Rain Pants/Jacket/stuffs in pockets (also got in 1996)
• Convertible short/pants (Got on Amazon for $30)
• Hiking Boots (Gore-tex Sportivas—Got on Amazon)
• Water Sandals (Just picked up a pair of Keen Sandals on Super Sale at REI)
• 2 tank tops/2 short sleeve shirts/2 long sleeve shirts
• yoga pants
• yoga mat
• skirt
• gloves/hat/sunhat
• 4 pairs hiking socks
• sunglasses
• Fleece jacket
• long underwear
• Personals—insect repellant/sunblock/etc.
• iPhone/ iPad mini for blogging ^_^!

I got a data plan on AT&T so that I can blog without roaming charges!

Looking forward to blogging and keeping you informed on the road of our expedition!

More soon from Peru—Machu Picchu, Cusco, Sacred Vally, Puno, Lake Titicaca and beyond!

Do you enjoy packing for trips?

365 Inspirations—77: Packing my BRIGHT PINK suitcase

"If I'd known how much packing I'd have to do, I'd have run again."—Harry S. Truman

Not ALL bags look alike.

I shouldn't have any trouble spotting my mine, it's BRIGHT PINK! Don't ask what inspired me to buy this glowing thing. The handle fell off my last one, so I got this one recently. It's a hard-case Samsonite carry-on. It should do the trick!

Just finished entering grades and doing lots of last minute running around before our trip.  I went to the bank, drugstore and post office. Now I have to get ready to go to school to proctor a test from 7:30-9:40pm! It's going to be a VERY LATE night AND we have to get up at the crack of dawn tomorrow to get on a bus, the link rail and then our flight to Hawaii.

I still haven't really packed!

Well, I've sort of packed, but it's not in any organized fashion. I'm sure I'll forget something, but there are always stores, right?

Anyway, got to go get organized now.

P.S.—Tomorrow I have a very special author who will be appearing here to talk about her new book and tips related to it. I think you'll all like it. It goes well with the season. I'll give you a hint: THINK spring cleaning! Don't miss out. Stop by here tomorrow to learn more!

AND THERE WILL BE MORE BLOGGING COMING SOON FROM THE LAND OF ALOHA........STAY TUNED....

Do you often feel rushed before you go on a trip? Do you pack several days before or the last minute?