It starts here

I have been spending the morning going through all the things we have set aside for the trip. We have a cache of travel and hiking related gear assembled mostly in one place. It makes getting ready for either a day hike, or an overseas adventure easier. Still, it is a rather daunting task. There are so many possibilities, and so many decisions to be made. It is easy to decide to take something - first aid kit, pepto bismol, extra underwear. It is not so easy to decide what to not take. India is a 3rd world country, but we have been reading that we can find almost anything we need there and don't need to bring too much or the maybe needed items.

Here are the piles of things I have been sorting through, less clothing:

These piles include binoculars, clothing washing things, personal cleansing (WAY too much in this pile), sunscreens & insect repellents, various medicines, and a basket full of mesh bags into which these items will be put to keep them sorted in our luggage. (The toy trucks won't be packed.)

On the sofa, not shown, are piles of clothing. My pile is larger than Susan's. She has removed many items that she can buy in India. For example, she is going to buy several items of Indian women's clothing. It is suitable for the climate, easy to care for, and helps foster good will with the people we meet. I will likely take what I need and buy little more. I have a good assortment of easy to wash and dry clothing of every sort, most of which is made of microfiber fabric.

Amazingly, most of the stuff shown, and all of our clothing would fit into just one of the two hybrid duffels we are taking along. We are packing light. Most of India is very warm, or hot. It is expected that there will only be occasional need for a sweater or jacket.