Prepping

I'm getting more upbeat about my trip to Oz to see the wife. I'm already picking out the clothes I'll take with me, collecting email addresses/contact info, and talking to Jonnene about what I'll be bringing back of hers in a separate duffle bag on my return. I'll be taking less than I ever have before...part of that is having a better idea of what I need plus since it'll be about summertime in Oz, I won't need the warmer clothes I've normally packed when I've been there during the months of April, May, or June. My short stay in Melbourne is getting its fair share of research, too...I've already located an ice cream place called "Trampoline" on Brunswick Street in downtown that got great reviews over on the Lonely Planet travel forum. I know downtown Melbourne well enough now that I can get to where I want pretty quickly, so I should be able to do everything I'm planning on. I'll have up to 5 hours to spend there and that should do the job. I'm going to use a bicycle messenger bag (with backpack straps) for my carry-on...it's half the size of my regular daypack and should be able to handle whatever I'm allowed to carry on the plane.

And that's also part of the research, keeping up to date on what passengers can carry on aircraft now. Currently it's under 3 oz. for any liquids or gels. You can carry aboard liquids like water or drinks if you purchase them from any airport shops past security. Qantas provides a toothbrush and paste on its overseas flights, so I'll just carry the usual washcloth and spare underwear in my bag along with a book and other entertainment. The cell phone goes but it'll be useless after we leave Los Angeles...it's mostly for checking in when I'm in Dallas and L.A, and the return.

Jonnene turned in her notice at work and should be gainfully unemployed by November 10th. She'll have time to prepare for coming to the States and she'll have time for ME when I get there! Sorry to go like this but this journey is really taking up a lot of my thoughts and I still have 33 days to go!