REI rules

Only a few items left on the to do list before we shove off for down under. Just opened my xmas present early from myself and REI with the all important rain gear - pants, jacket and pack cover. Hopefully we won't need it but with 350 inches of rain per year on the Milford trek, it sounds like getting wet will be a given. Waiting to buy a good sleeping bag, because I think I'm getting a gift cert to rei, and because I can't make up my mind yet. There must be over 1,000 places to order a bag online with millions of combinations of characteristics. If only I could find a Sleeping bag Match .com site! "Large, weary traveler seeks soft fluffy and lightweight companion, long enough to cover me from the elements, yet not tapered at the foot end as I can't stand having my feet confined in closed spaces. oh, yes, and since it'll be summer, you can't be too hot or cost too much because I'm on a tight budget too". I know you're out there dream bag! issues.....

one down, many more....

Glad to finally and officially become a blogger! Guess I needed the impetus of a trip "down under" to finally get my butt in gear. Speaking of gear, the next few weeks before our 1/14 departure date, will be spent vigorously perusing the shelves of REI for last minute additions to the backpack. Got any ideas or bits of advice on this?

The culmination of a year and a half of planning and waiting is sneaking up on us. The travel party was set from day one: Shinn, Granning and Country. Shinn, our master planner and previous kiwi traveler had experience to draw on for setting the itinerary for the big trip.