Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Counting down

It's nearly the end of January, and I can feel the days counting down - only 72 days to go!
I have started my longer walks, and am now wearing my boots that I will start the walk in - they are not new, and probably won't last the distance, so I will have to get new boots on the way - not looking forward to that. I have bought my new pack - originally chose a 50 litre pack, but when I got it home and started loading, it soon became apparent that I would need something bigger. So back to Bogongs, and I walked out with a Deuter 75 litre pack - almost an extra 1/2 kilo in pack weight, but I will have plenty of room now. I didn't want to have to spend 3 months squeezing my gear in everyday! Next step is to start wearing it on my walks, gradually building up the weight.
I am also rethinking whether to take a tent and sleeping mat. If I don't it will save me pack weight and also the outlay, but I will lose the flexibility to stop where I like. However, I have now worked out my daily stages in detail, and I am happy I can find accommodation each night and stii retain some flexibility.
Tomorrow I go hunting for new communications gear - can't decide whether to get a smartphone or a mini netbook - the new Sony P looks good, but very expensive.
Ciao for now