Getting ready to go. . .

Somehow, getting ready to go on my travel adventures seems a bit more complex than it used to. Maybe I just forgot?

I am going for a couple of months. First to Kauai for the Pacific Seabird Group meeting (presently Canadian rep) and travelling with Ian and Liz. Then Ian and Liz are coming home but I go on to Sydney, Australia, fly another couple of hours to Norfolk Island in the South Pacific, then by boat to Phillip Island where I am volunteering helping Luke Halpin conduct his field research on White-necked and Kermadec Petrels for his PhD. Phillip Island is remote old volcanic formation eroded away to be an island. It is located in the Pacific between Australia and New Zealand. Phillip Island is pretty rugged and remote so I must have the correct gear.

There seems to be a lot to figure out before I leave tomorrow. Primarily, there is the care of beloved old T-dog to consider. There is the house and cabin bookings to figure out, issues brewing over my late sister’s estate, travel insurance, packing and getting material ready for the conference, not to even mention trip logistics!

However, bit by bit I’m trying to sort everything out by February 20th departure. Daniel is looking after the Airbnb, house-sitting and all with the help of Emily and Alexandra. He will also care for T-dog until Liz and Ian return. Jesse returned and Ernie has stepped to help with estate matters. The family will just be.

The snow just last week was fun at times but added a few complications when it started to melt and leak into cabin and pile up on the kayak so I couldn’t commute as normal!

It’s coming up to February 20th, the date of departure. Although more snow was predicted, the day dawned with touches of sun between clouds. I took T-dog for her last walk to Pirates Park and agonized slightly over bringing my light jacket, repacked my carry on again, cleared the fridge, made journey snacks and tried to get organized for the 11:00 Protection Island ferry (the first leg). Even though Liz and I were the first passengers about to board, I quickly realized I had left my cell phone at home! A mad dash home, retrieval, a ride from Cathy back and there was 2 minutes to spare! Once on board Barry gave us quick ride to Nanaimo airport. Ian, Liz and are safely waiting at Gate 3 to go to Vancouver, then Lihue.

We’re off to Kaua’i!

l