Countdown #2. Ready, set ........

After weeks of obsessing about what to bring, here is the result - the bare essentials:  rain jacket and pants, down vest, one change of hiking clothes, one outfit (skirt, top and scarf) to wear in cities, 2 extra underwear, 1 extra sports bra, 2 extra socks, sleeping bag, towel, shorts and shirt for sleeping, toiletries, first aid kit, head lamp, plug converter.  All that weighs 16.4 pounds.  The other little pack carries my iPad, Olympus camera, chargers, SD cards and pilgrim passport. That one weighs 5 pounds.   This is all about 6 pounds more than I wanted to be carrying, but, hey, if it doesn't kill me, it'll make me stronger -- right?

The back pack and walking sticks go into a light weight duffel to check.  The small pack I carry on the plane--which will also have inside my M&Ms to guarantee safe travel. (This is a family tradition)