Wellies, galoshes, rain boots...........whatever

That lovely old song "Singing in the rain" always comes to mind when I see this colorful fountain at one of my favorite shopping malls.  On Friday I was there with my dear friend Vanessa, window shopping. Well we even did a little trying on of cute clothes in Anthropologie and checked out Urban Outfitters - fortunately the real rain held off.

Then yesterday, waking to heavy rain which lasted most of the day, and needed for our still dried up gardens so no complaining, I decided to be diligent about getting organized for the big adventure ahead.......where, although Summer, it will be wet and possibly quite cold as we near Antarctica. Here's a sampling of the clothing list received from the ship.....

Suggested Clothing & Equipment To Pack For Your Expedition

Parka - a warm, weatherproof expedition hooded parka will be awaiting you onboard - and you can take it home - (hopefully it will fit in the already stuffed duffel!).

Waterproof Rain Pants - wear these over your thermal underwear AND middle layer pants to stay warm and dry.

Footwear - you will need waterproof, knee-high rubber boots, about 2 sizes too big to accommodate 2 pairs of thick socks/boot liners (you step from the Zodiac boat into very cold water to access the islands).

Waterproof Gloves - worn over thin polypropylene gloves to facilitate operating a camera without exposing your hands.

Thermal Underwear - enough said!

Middle Layer Clothing - including pants, polar fleece etc.

Warm hat, neck tube and balaclava - to protect neck, face and chin.

....and the list goes on!

Are you laughing?  Yes this is me trying on some of my layers yesterday and choosing one of the most important items required.

Me in my perfect rain boots - glossy black, comfy and warm, and don't cost an arm and a leg!

Note the large boxes strewn about - lots of boots have been arriving via UPS.  My delivery guy must think I'm nuts ordering so much footwear, however it's the only way to make sure I get the right fit with all those cushiony socks, tucked in wool leggings, mid-layer pants, and then rain pants over the top!

I must tell you that the somewhat trendy British Hunter wellies are lovely and of course have the double Royal Warrant. Both the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh wear them around Balmoral and Windsor Castles........as they trudge through British mud to the stables etc., however they are not perfect, especially in 2 sizes bigger than what one would normally wear about town.  I already have big feet in my normal size!  After mighty and marvelous Zappos (don't you love 'em!) sent me several pairs, I have to 'fess up and tell you I'm sticking with these, good old American  Land's End (all rubber boots are now made in China anyway, yes even pricey Hunters).  Not just because they're half the price, but because they are a wee bit lighter and more comfy in the heel area, and don't have those flimsy non-functioning, decorative buckles on the side like the Hunters - and I was concerned my much too expensive rain pants might get caught up on them and rip!


After deciding on the Land's End boots - somehow that name seems perfect for where I'm heading - I spent time outside in the rain toddling around the garden just to be certain I'd made the right choice. After all, when your feet hurt it's always so miserable and can ruin hiking and sightseeing. 

Fortunately, this first cooler day, with a much awaited touch of Autumn in the air, was perfect for trying on all this crazy expedition clothing........... 

..........and the next step, trying to figure out sensible but stylish outfits to take for 14 days of casual daily shipboard life and evening dinners!  Also, with several days in Australia, where it will be hot, at the end of the trip, we'll be needing Summer weight clothes.............so I'm not putting my shorts away yet.........and will be hauling not one but two duffels to accommodate so much stuff!

What's the craziest trip you've ever packed for - would love to hear your travel stories, and any tips you can share to make the going easier.........little black dress, lots of scarves, and chunky costume jewelry come to mind.