Richard's jaunt

Saturday, February 05, 2005

Credits, thanks, lists and thoughts

Well its over. One of the most intense, happiest, tiring and eventful periods of my life. No regrets. It cost me approximately £3500 for the trip. Most of the expense was in the US and Canada, but I did everything I wanted to do and a few things I never imagined.

In hindsight I would have made a few changes to my itinerary to ease my passage. There are parts I would skip out and maybe doing the whole of the West coast meant I traveled too quickly at times. In Latin America I would have definitely benefited from going to learn Spanish in a language school.

The highlights for me were San Fran, Guatemala and Panama, mainly due to a mixture of great scenery and good company. I would certainly like to go back to Guatemala and get to know the people more, San Fran I could I live there, as I would Vancouver.

Thanks for reading the blog hope you enjoyed it. I give special thanks to all those at home who mailed me and gave support during my journey. In particular:

Mum and Dad - for sorting out my mail and hassles with credit cards
Jill and Neil - For providing equipment, a home, numerous other stuff
Alan and Judy - For providing equipment, storing my junk
Mark - For setting up the web site


This is the equipment I ended up with, which I would probably take again for a following trip. The only changes would be to use a digital camera and I would possibly consider adding a mosquito net and a sleeping bag.
Generally I tried to travel as light as possible as I often added extra gear (such as a tent) and food and water, which really up the weight.

Luggage
rucksack - Berghaus Voyager 55 litres
Daysack - drawstring gym bag

Bicycle cable lock (to lock rucksack to immovable objects)
Small padlock (for lockers)

Apparel
Merrill sandals, (these slowly fell apart and were difficult to clean)
Montrail Goretex walking shoes, (recommended)

Berghaus Extrem Paclite Goretex waterproof shell (expensive, but effective)
Body belt
Wide brimmed hat (avoids red ears)
Long sleeve shirt
2 Dryflo T shirts (1 got lost)
Swimming shorts
Windstopper fleece
2 trousers (no zipp off legs, its not cool)
2 pr walking socks (designed for Goretex shoes)
3 pr Dryflo underpants (so they dry over night)

Misc
2004 Footprint guide book (okay, bit out of date)
Spanish phrase book and dictionary
Silk sleeping sheet (keeps bed bugs out)
Inflatable neck cushion (great for long bus journeys)
Two Platypus collapsible water bottles (take up less space)
Camera, Olympus mju zoom and 35mm films (broke)
Duck tape
Sun glasses
Pegless washing line (lost, but useful)
Swiss Army knife
Ear plugs (vital)
Compass
whistle (never used)
Petzl head torch (best thing)
Sketch book and pencils (got trashed)
Moleskine journal
Post-it notes, pens
Paperback books (too many at times)
Paperwork: Passport, drivers license (for photo id), 3 credit cards, insurance, cash in $, TC in $, etc

Health
Basic first aid kit
Vitamins (vit B1 to annoy mosi's), 100% DEET, F35 sunscreen,
Toiletries: solid anti-p, lip balm, tooth brush & paste, razors & shaving oil, shower gel
Travel towel
Toilet roll

Oh and a half a hollowed out gourd like thing, used as a drinking/eating vessel, which I am very proud of.

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