Adventure travel..................

................is definitely an adventure from start to finish! Adventuring to Antarctica comes with rules, regulations, and a long list of must-haves for protection and comfort in the cold. A balmy, sunny 40 degrees Fahrenheit may be reached when I'm there as it's actually high Summer now, but it may be much colder.

Even packing for the adventure becomes exciting exasperating when the clothing checklist includes layers and more layers. Base layers, mid-layers, outer layers, dry layers, wicking layers, warm layers, fleece layers, silk layers, down layers, definitely NOT cotton layers. Then there's the feet which are very important - tall, totally waterproof Wellington boots with good traction soles, at least a size larger than normal to accommodate the socks - liner socks, thick outer socks, fleece boot liners, and if you really hate cold feet, the foot warmer thingies you can tuck in the toes, just like those for your gloves. Oh yes, the gloves, also very important - who wants frostbite from snapping all those amazing (hopefully) photos to share with you later. So, fingerless gloves, thin glove liners, huge bulky padded outer gloves, and yes, those warmer thingies to slip inside the gloves are stashed in my duffel bag too.......somewhere in the mess!

Please keep my tootsies warm!

Readying my carry on bag.........cameras, laptop, a change of clothing for the day and overnight in Buenos Aires where it will be hot, and yes, that's a jewelry pouch because even on the seventh continent I'm going to enjoy having a little 'bling' to liven up all those utilitarian layers at dinner time! Scarves will be going too........and several hats.......and you know I'm not turning up in the dining room wearing wellies!

As you can see from these pics taken today, my house has become a weigh station for large duffels. I tried, I really did, to get all the stuff in one, absolutely impossible. Perhaps one should adventure/expedition while still young..........they seem to manage with a backpack and not much else. They can move their lithe bodies through airports and into narrow plane seats with their extra layers already on their bodies. They don't require ten pounds of lotions and potions to look clean, rested and vibrant.......hair styling is unknown, they wash everything with a bar of soap, they don't even own a cuddly robe and slippers let alone pack them for a trip.........and I just bet they sleep in their t-shirts and undies, or nothing at all!

I know, I know, this trip is "an expedition" not a fancy smancy cruise like the recent Crystal sail from beautiful Venice to awesome Istanbul.............but I must have some creature comforts so far away from home and hearth. I hope you're in agreement..........and please wish me luck that all my luggage arrives safely otherwise I've not a clue what I'll do!