Full report forthcoming but suffice to say I’m in Croatia!

Gear check – So far everything seems to be working out just fine. Still trying to get the backpack adjusted properly, but I rarely have it on for any length of time, so that’s okay. The Petzl light is fantastic and I wish I’d brought more shirts and one less pair of pants.

I did buy a small shoulder bag for carrying a book, my journal and maps and such. When I have a locker at the hostel, I can lock up my computer and just take the little bag, but I don’t leave the little backpack if it’s not secure.

I like my packing cubes for keeping everything organized and I wish my large backpack had two compartments instead of just one. But I do have a mesh bag for dirty clothes.

And no, I didn’t get any pictures of the surfers. I wish I did, it was cool.

So last week, somehow, I lost my pajamas.

Yesterday, I went to Tesco’s and replaced them.

Yay!

Well… Sprint sucks. In order to forward my phone it would cost me .20¢ a minute and I just ain’t gonna pay. Therefore, if you want to get hold of me for the next three months, please call 702 HALF ASS (702-425-3277).

If I don’t respond, I promise I’ll call you back as soon as I can (but remember, there is a time difference.

By the way, I leave for the airport in 6 hours.

So here I am, with my backpack on and my two traveling companions, Strike and Katrina. Strike is an armadillo from Texas and Katrina is a crocheted squid.

These are my Flat Stanleys, the critters I’m taking with me to photograph in various places around the continent.

The backpack, on the other hand, is heavy but not too heavy. I think this is gonna work out just fine.

Last night I took everything I’ve purchased, assembled and gathered into the backpack and wore the blasted thing around for an hour or so. Not too bad! I think I’ve got everything I need and the moment of truth is fast approaching

Hopefully the next post will have a picture test.