This trip has been in its embryonic stage for approximately 6 months or so. A rough idea of the month was discussed and that was it. However in the last few weeks, we have had three skype calls and developed a plan for the trip. A route has been organised and for those of you planning this trip, leave me a note and I will give you a copy of the route. Some of the days will be spent in hotels which are unbooked and some of the days will be spent camping in the wilderness.
I am no youngster going on this trip, I have two grown up kids and have never done anything like this before. I am a strong believer in taking every opportunity and trying most things. I have never owned a sleeping bag and started looking at sleeping bags at your usual shops and was horrified at the range I had to choose from and the costs they went upto. I gather they go down to –3 degrees. I have been told not to bother and get one which is +8.
I then need to get a cup, plate, fork and spoon. I have a good old family cup which has been with the family for well over 60 years. I shall take it along and it will go along the world with me. I hope it will come back and Idon’t leave it anywhere. For those of you who know me from childhood, it has come from Machlands.
I need to get a ruck sack and vow they costs a fortune too and are measured in litres. I looked at them and they are huge. Now my question is if we have three of those in a car, we may not have place for much more. A quick email to the team tells me I can do with a 44 litre ruck sack.
With a bit of research, I have found a web site that does this sort of stuff at pretty good prices. So I plan to order everything from there in one go and get all I need.
Clothing
I am planning to take 2 pairs of shoes. I have to get some warm cotton socks, some underwear and 2 trousers and some cotton shirts. One warm jumper and a windproof jacket. A cap and some warm vests
Medication
Ha, the high blood pressure tablets need to be in the bag with a months supply. I am also advised to take two rounds of antibiotics. Some tummy trouble tablets, a couple of puffers just in case I start to have Hay fever issues. Some antihistamine tablets and the usual first aid stuff of platers etc. etc.
Photos: I am planning on taking a camera and a video. Ideally I will also try and take a small laptop so as to download photo and video to the disk. Also it will help me write my blog on the road. I will try and upload a lot of the photos onto sites while travelling so I wont loose any of it.
Other items:
I plan to take some sort of swiss army knife, a small head torch, so if needed I will have the use of both my hands. I would like to take my ipod with some music for me to listen to and to keep me in touch with home. I love music and think it is the food for my soul!! I will have to get some headphones, nothing expensive but some thing I can buy and use along the way.
I have been told to bring along some Tea and some Whisky for the lads.
I am not planning to travel heavy as the weight of a heavy ruck sack will be a nuisance. So the plan is to take as little as possible and buy stuff along the way.
Emergency Numbers:
We have swapped home numbers with the others and will keep a set of numbers with Andrei’s home in Moscow
Insurance: Motor Insurance will be got from Chartis in Russia
I have been walking quite a bit in the last few months, however I plan to step up the exercise regime now for the next 20 days and get as much fitness in as I can. This will entail walking and running and a few hours in the gym. Several hours a day in a car will be cramped and at time there will be no time for exercise. However, when we are in the cities or have stopped I plan to go walking about to see the place and get some exercise too.
My thoughts: I am pleasantly surprised at myself doing this trip. I am both excited and apprehensive of what lies in front of me. I am reasonable well travelled and love cultures. So I see this as a wonderful adventure.
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