WHAT'S IN THE PACK?

Normally I love packing because it means I'm going on another vacation. This particular trip presents a few challenges because I will be gone for four months, and it's a backpacking trip. So a lot of people have been asking me what's in the pack? Here's a short rundown:

• Trail Running Shoes
• Hiking Sandals
• Convertible Trousers
• Shorts
• Cotton Shirts
• Medium Fleece
• Raincoat
• Socks
• Thermals
• Sarong
• Sleeping Sheet
• Sleeping Pad
• Sunglasses
• Sunhat
• Pocket Knife
• Headlamp
• Cameras
• Eye Shade
• Clothesline
• Books
• MP3 Player
• Journal
• Toiletries 
• First Aid Kit

There's a very rough picture of the clothes I will be traveling with for four months. My collection mostly includes cheap, plain, cotton t-shirts! I have all of this in my backpack and daypack. Of course there are small things that will be packed in as well. I treated all of my clothes with a permethrin spray to help repel mosquitoes, flies, ticks and other insects. I'm looking forward to enjoying some simplicity these next four months. I usually have a separate luggage for my shoes when I travel. It's almost impossible for me to pack light even though I can pack efficiently. Therefore, this trip will not include any high heels, purses (I purchased a chic money pack which of course chic money packs are non existent), makeup, hair products, etc. I'm loving Dr. Bronners18-1 soaps which can be used for laundry, bathing, brushing your teeth, etc. This makes packing a bit easier. I also got new contacts that can be worn for 30 days. I love being able to sleep with my contacts in because I can fall asleep while reading, and when I wake up I can read my alarm clock! These Air Optix Night and Day contacts are the next best thing to Lasik eye surgery! Now it's time to finish packing :) My year of planning is about to unravel itself :)