So I’ve learned a lot the last few weeks. Since applying for, being accepted, starting fundraising, and beginning packing (yes, I’m one of THOSE people… the kind who probably start packing way too early,) I’ve had some interesting things happen.
I’ve had a former world racer tell me NOT to bring an Internal-Frame Backpack. Which was a little interesting, seeing as how the World Race Packing list tell me I need one.
I’ve had people ask me why I need a two person tent.
I’ve had family freak out, asking, “How do you expect to raise all that money???”
Some very important friends, have basically made me question myself, my motives, and the purpose of doing the world race.
It has been a very interesting month. I suppose I shouldn’t get too worked up about it, but I just wish that there was some way I could get a better grasp on what is going on. Or is it too early to start thinking about those things?
Like, should I really turn down my roommate’s free internal frame bacpack to spend money on a “regular” pack, (whatever that means.) How important is it that I purchase “Chacos,” when I found a reasonably priced pair of North Face Sandals? And SERIOUSLY.. how THICK SHOULD my sleeping pad be? Are those thermarest with the self inflatable valves really worth it, or Should I get an aero bed??? (kidding… partially.)
Anyway.. I suppose all of these random Questions really won’t matter 6 months into the field, because i’ll probably be having the, “I wish I had, I wish I hadn’t” battle.
So with that in mind, I will leave you with yet another question. . . What will YOU (as a June 2010 team member) be bringing with you?? I’m talking brand names, etc, so I can look stuff up online and shop around. Unfortunately, in Florida, though we are “blessed” with warm temperatures and sunshine (except today, ironically,) we are NOT indeed blessed with REI stores. I did a search in their store locater and found out they don’t have ONE REI store in all of Florida.
Bummer. Because I would have planned a road trip.
Blessings!!! ~ Kige 🙂
