Defeating the Urge to Overpack

If you are like me, the timetable to pack depends upon the length of the trip. If it's a weekend away, I'll pack roughly an hour before I leave. If the trip is for a week, then I'll pack the day before. When I went to Egypt for month, I began my packing a week in advance.

However, this trip is different from all others I've taken. Reasons being:

1. It's Alaska. This is explanation enough for those who have been there but I'll divulge for those who haven't had the opportunity. Alaska is unpredictable. Yes it's the middle of the summer. And yes it is light out for most of the day. However, the temperatures can fluctuate rapidly. It might be 75 and sunny one day and the next day it's 60 and rainy. We cannot rule out the possibility of snow either. Often it is warmer in Fairbanks than it is in Anchorage . So you see the dilemma. We have to pack for all seasons.

2. It's Alaska. Yea I know, same as the first one but for another reason. No one goes to Alaska to tan on the beach, drink your face off, and flirt with the bartenders. Well, I might end up doing two of those things *see future blogs ;)* Anyways, we will be hiking, fishing, whitewater rafting, etc. These activities demand a certain dress code. Hiking boots, hiking pants, wool socks, foul-weather gear, etc. Things like this take up a lot of space in suitcases so it's been a bit of a challenge.

3. The Cruise. This trip encompasses a lot. We fly to Alaska, spend a week doing crazy things with Tim and Jackie, and THEN get on a cruise ship. So we also have to pack for the cruise. Bring nicer items for dinner. Bathing suits. Maybe some clothes for warmer weather.

For these reasons, packing has become an art form. We cannot overpack. There is no leeway. You must only pack what you need and what you will wear. Very militaristic in a certain way. (Side note: I must add that we do have the luxury of washing facilities at Tim and Jackie's place as well as on the cruise ship. So maybe this isn't that bad).


Mid Pack


All done!

Well I'm all packed. My parents aren't. They have some lame excuse about work but I'm not buying it. Just pure laziness.

Less than 48 hours til we leave. Stay tuned for more posts.