Nifty tricks learned!

Preparing for this trip led to a lot of 'googling' to find tips. Here's some I thought were cool.

Duct tape: instead of bringing an ungainly roll, rip off lengths to use and wrap them around the handles of tools in your kit- like an adjustable wrench or ratchet.

If packing water for emergencies, pack it deep. It'll be there when you need it, but will be difficult to prematurely waste.

Hefty bag Mumu. Cut 3 holes in top of bag for head & arms. (Actually, Cut holes in the bottom; the top is open). Bigger the better, on bag selection.  Now you have a fast makeshift poncho if suddenly caught in a downpour.  Once you have that on quickly, you can put on your 'real' raingear underneath, taking your time. When your done, rip it off like a superhero. (Or an infuriated Pharisee) Your choice, but have fun with it.. You stayed dry!

Other stay-dry tips: save bread bags. Put these on over socks if your waterproof boots aren't waterproof.  Latex gloves for similar solution to non-waterproof gloves.

Ok, I got this from Randy's tips for hard-core bikers.. Just kidding! ... Love ya, Randy!

10 days of underwear=1 three-pack. You really need only 2 1/2 pairs, but they don't make a1/2 pair so round up to three.

Day one: wear one pair backwards, inside-out. You're anxious to get on the road and it won't bother you.  At day's end, pack and save for day 10. You probably see where I'm going with this..

You can get 4 days out of a clean pair by going thru all the permutations:

1. Normal wear

2. Inside-out

3. Backwards & inside-out

4. Backwards & rightside-out

Day 6 is a reward of wearing the last clean pair. By then, you are truly appreciating the small victories! Repeat the wear variations thru day 9.

Day 10. Unpack 'slightly-used day-one-derwear' and wear normal style.

Ok...moving along...