To preserve my sanity, I decided not to go for one final bike ride today. My plan had been to ride for an hour after work, wash a load of laundry (including the cycling clothes I'd been wearing), and pack for my trip. I started getting a bit too stressed about getting packed in time, however, and decided that I didn't really want to spend my last night home in a tizzy. I forewent the ride in order to get an earlier start on packing.
I'd had most of my stuff laid out last weekend, so all I needed to do was add my cycling clothes and helmet to the pile, and figure out if it would all fit in my suitcase. Here's the pile before my laundry was done.
It's really not all that much given I'll be gone two weeks to two very different climates. (Forecasts have been for 90+ and thunderstorms in Bangkok and 45-65 and rain in Bhutan.) I have two sets of cycling clothes and two sets of off-bike clothes. I foresee lots of hand washing in my future. I swear it was toiletries that took up the most room! Between the standard stuff I need to stay clean, pain meds for my shoulder, and a toilet kit, it fills a lot of space. Yes, a toilet kit. It was on the packing list from WomanTours to bring toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and zip loc bags. I'm hoping it's just for use while we're riding, because there's no way I can stuff enough toilet paper in my bag to meet my needs for two weeks!
When all was said and done, I did it: I got everything I needed in a carry-on sized suitcase and a day pack. I'll check the suitcase and carry the pack with me on the plane. I chose this suitcase because it'll expand to accommodate any souvenirs I pick up along the way. I also put in another backpack (one that squishes down to the size of a golf ball) in case I need to stuff my clothes in that when I come home. Who knows what I might buy while I'm there!
Thane looked at me with a raised eyebrow-of-disbelief when he saw how little I was bringing. He said, "I know women who need more than that to go to Anchorage for a weekend." I'll take that as a compliment.
So, I'm as ready as I'll ever be. I fly to Anchorage tomorrow morning. Mom will pick me up at the airport, and I'll get the last few things I need at REI (luckily, they won't take up much room). The first of three flights that will get me to Bangkok leaves Anchorage at 6:30 Saturday morning. I'll be in Thailand about midnight Sunday night (it's 15 hours later there than in Alaska). Next Thursday morning, I'll meet the WomanTours group at 3:00 at the Bangkok airport for the flight to Bhutan. Lots of early mornings to look forward to!
If I get a chance, I'll try to post some pictures while I'm gone, but I'm not anticipating the opportunity. I promise, however, to give a full report right here when I get back.
Wish me luck!
