Packing Weight Issues

Back in Washington after a week's excursion to see my son Karim in Colombia and do some training for the expedition at a commensurate altitude (some 2200 m). Samer picked me up at Dulles. He had hiking clothes on breaking everything in. We discussed First Aid kits, compass, and other issues. Some of his friends have lent him some gear, which I think is great. One thing we do not have yet is a Map of Lebanon, which we will have to buy in Beirut. Other than that, we are pretty much set. 

I started packing as soon as I had unpacked. Weight may prove to be an issue. It is inevitable that trade-offs be made. Hiking boots on, leaves room in bag for either a pair of sneakers or a Birkenstock. Given that I do not expect to be playing any sports after 25 km hikes :-), I figure birkis could be more functional. Clothing will be relatively light, although I just remembered I need to take a towel, which will take more volume ... My hiking pants are cotton and cool in the summer. Only one issue. If I was them overnight, it will take them longer to dry than some of the more modern nylon mix ones... Too late now. Must live with it. One bothersome thing is all the cables and chargers we need to take for some of our camera/communication gear. USB was supposed to be Universal, but now there are a dozen or so USB standards #$%! Samer mentioned today the need for a better microphone for the camcorder. It makes sense, but given the wind in some of the places, I think sound will have to be edited anyway (perhaps adding music or narrative). In any case we will have to do with the digital camcorder we have.

Mom just walked in advising me the hiking bag I had ordered online just arrived. The marvel of the Internet. Perfect size. Not too big and not too small. Should fit 10 -15 kg easy, although I would prefer the weight be more towards the former for fear that it might aggravate some psoriasis I have on my shoulders.

Found a nice plastic water container, which should fit beautifully in one of the new bag's pockets avoiding the need to carry too many bottles. Although to play it safe in Lebanon's summer heat means taking both just in case. Samer got one as well so we are set on that front.

The compass is presenting an interesting dilemma. My digital watch has one, which reads one thing, and I have two others each of which is giving different reads. Probably some strong magnetic fields around, which in itself is disconcerting. I figure I will take two of them, and if that doesn't help, just get a bearing on the Mediterranean !!!

Now that the packing is almost done, I still need to take care of some financial matters for the expedition, which I hope to do tomorrow so that I am not squeezed the day of our departure.

All in all, the plan is moving along nicely ...

WY