The Start of the Big Adventure

I depart on 12th April 2009 (Easter Sunday) and return on 21st July 2009.

My full itinerary can be seen if you click on:

http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=pcxigNN7dUR-ItB6FHBkZNg&hl=en_GB

I have now just about completed all bookings and reservations for my forthcoming trip to New Zealand, Alaska, Canadian Rockies, California then Amtrak train across the USA to Boston. All airline tickets are booked and paid for and Amtrak seats (and bed on the journey from Chicago to Williamsburg) are also booked and paid for. I have also booked a Rockies Tour from Vancouver and an overnight trip to Vancouver Island. The internet makes these things so easy.

Hotel accommodation is reserved for the whole trip, and the great thing about that is that I have not had to pay any deposits whatever. Just reserved the room giving my credit card details - and that's that. Rooms can be changed (or cancelled) up to 24hours before arrival with no charge, and payment is on check-out.

For the 3 weeks or so in New Zealand I am staying with my friend Terry and we will be travelling around a little bit during that time. Then she and I depart from Auckland for Vancouver on 6th May for our 'adventure'.

Although it is still over 2 months before I depart there is a lot to think about. I have to pack for 3 months covering all weathers from bloody cold in Alaska in May to bloody hot in Arizona and New York in June. And I am intending to "Travel Light" (hence the blog title) with just a large(ish) holdall type bag on wheels and a small backpack for personal belongings and documents. I definitely do not want to be lugging a heavy suitcase on and off trains. I guess will have to develop a 'throw away' culture - ie take cheap warm clothes for the Alaskan cruise and just give them to a charity shop (assuming they have them in the US!) when I no longer need them. That will really go against my nature!

Also, closing up the house for 3 months takes a lot of thought, making sure all bills are covered by direct debit etc and also ensuring it is left clean, tidy and, above all, safe. I am very lucky in that I have super neighbours next door who will keep an eye on things for me and look in daily.