21 Sep.
We are now at the hotel at Sea-Tac airport. There are numerous bags around the room, and once again we have removed what was in them and are re-packing ( for the umpteenth time). We have been packing for a week now. There are some technical limitations to packing. Only two checked bags are allowed (for free). Weight must be less than 50 pounds each or pay a penalty. The overall l-w-h of the bag must be less than 62 in., or it is considered oversize luggage. There is the subjective limit of how-much-is-too-much weight and trouble to lug around an airport. And don’t forget the ever decreasing weight limit that is set by how much weight and gear can one retired person “hump”.
Think about how many times you must move the bags from the room to the bus or car, then back to the room or tent, then back to the car., etc., etc...
One major issue is that there will be three weeks of sleeping in tents, so camping gear is required. Another issue is that Cape Town weather is similar to Seattle spring weather. Think wet, cool, and windy. The desert will be hot in the day, but 40’s and 50’s in the night. And the swamps will be..., well, swampy - hot and humid. Camping clothes will be replaced by resort clothes after the tour. Then there’s Johannesburg, and the East coast, and the Garden Route to tour. So, we first put out everything on the floor and bed in the spare bedroom. We did not pack the kitchen sink. I have it on good authority that there are sinks available in South Africa.
Then I got out the two North Face Base Camp duffels. We had a great roller duffle that usually goes with those two, but it did not survive the Ecuadorean airline baggage dude that threw it against the airplane cargo compartment wall. I foolishly think that I can get everything into these two duffels. We buy organizers so that we can find our stuff in the bags. We pack, then put them into the duffel. I think we can get all of our clothes into one, and then the gear plus maybe shoes into the other. Not a chance!!
Off to the internet. Research BIG bags. Find one that is 5900 ci, and a roller bag. It’s called the “Expedition”. Look at another North Face, but get the standard roller bag. It looks huge. There are bigger bags, but they are over the 62 in oversize limits. And this one is Ginormous. I have images of all our clothes in there with empty space to spare. Maybe even the shoes and a few other items.
Back home. Start to pack. You guessed it. Not even close. Can maybe get most stuff into both bags, but most is not good enough. A suggestion that we take less stuff gets the expected incredulous stare. Everything is necessary, and each for its own good reason. I can actually sympathize. Although I yearn for the simple days of going around the world with a roll-on suitcase and a pilot’s flight bag.
Back to the web. There is a large version of the Base Camp bag. There is even an extra large version, but (you guessed it), it’s over the limit on l-w-h. Barb says that the Navy Exchange has one at a very good price. Off to the NEX and yes, it’s a bargain. (on clearance sale). Now, I am certain I have it licked. I can have two checked bags. The large Base Camp bag will ride on the other large Expedition wheeled bag. One carry-on each, and we will be set. We are actually carrying one of the Medium Base Camp bags for the overland trip, so that we can have a gear bag, a clothing bag, and a stuff-that-won’t-be-used-on-the-bus-tour bag.
Pack the bags. Yep. It all fits. Sigh of relief from Leon. Barb of course does not understand this issue. I am sure it’s a guy thing. Life should be simple and we should only carry two bags on trips. I mean I conceded and bought the REALLY big bags. But there are times when you know that the feminine term “Foolish Man” directly and specifically applies to you. You guessed it. This isn’t really all of the stuff that needs to be taken. So, I valiantly try to fit the rest. Not a chance!
Take the two large packed bags downstairs. One weighs 49.6 pounds. The other is a blessed 46 lbs.
Back upstairs, shower, travel clothes. Off to Seattle to spend the night. Did I say we are running late? Back downstairs. Pick up one bag. It feels heavier. It has been “re-arranged” by the feminine member of the household. And yes, it is now 56 pounds. Throw stuff into paper bags. Run to catch the ferry.
You see, I have a backup plan. We will re-pack at the hotel, leave the extra items at the desk to be picked up another day, and then go our merry way to Africa with only two checked bags. But then we have dinner at the hotel. And we need to get up tomorrow morning at 0400 to catch the shuttle. So “re-arranging” becomes pulling out one extra smallish bag, filling it with shoes, and other sundry extras that are light weight. Now we have three bags, but at least one of them is small and light. Can I declare that to be a partial victory? Is it really a compromise when the other party is choking as she tries not to mouth the words “I told you so”. No, but there are rewards for giving her what she wants.
VERY early the next morning, we are at the terminal. The EXPEDITION sized bag weighs 50.5 pounds. The ticket agent pretends not to notice, although the baggage guy groans as he lifts it. The LARGE Base Camp bag weighs 49.3 lbs. And the little bag weighs 8 lbs.!! SO, under the wire on weight, but are also carrying three carry-ons between us. Mine is not light since it contains some of my clothes that there was no longer room for.
But we are still smiling and laughing and now on our way.
Written by Leon, with a guy's view on things.
No comments:
Post a Comment