Sunday 27 November 2011

Resurrection of an old friend

There is nothing like an old friend to give you a kick or a hug when you need one (Nx/Ex)

Old friends are always there but sometimes the friendship needs dusting off ...and that was exactly what I just did when I scrubbed up my old Tatonka travel pack.  This pack is the best and not buying another one has facilitated lots of other lovely pre-trip spending!

This old friend's finer points include:
  • several pieces of red security tape from Indonesia 1999 which desipte "the scrubbing" is still secure
  • a tiny Union Jack cloth badge that Mum sewed on in 1998 - unfortunately though its lost its dirty old charm as part of "the scrubbing"
  • An adjustable harness which given my new straighter back I might finally be able to utilise!
  • Bomber Zips - To my exdpedition leading little brother - I took your advice and chose the pack with the best zips!!
  • Its a rectangle not an oval - an storage essential for the female backpacker expecting to tackle numerous markets
  • A we have pretty extensive backpacking history in SE Asia, China and Africa ...we even went to Timbuktou together!
...so am I really going alone?

Friday 25 November 2011

Ink on paper

Unfolding view
a horizon appears
Dorothian expectation prickles deadened veins
limited oxygen yet heightened heart
finds welcome space to pound

almost there....

Thursday 24 November 2011

A Break in the Cloud

Hail the delivery of pre-travel shopping!
...love the subtle shades
long to pack

almost there...

Insufficient Oxygen

...and finally I am into the last week of work, every day now feels like a summit ascent with insufficient oxygen but I have some clear and challenging objectives which keep the next foot placing itself in front of the last.

I fear that nobody has been informed of my imminent departure and I am yet to see next Wednesday as ink on paper.  The sooner I do, the sooner the precipice I am tiptoeing will open to reveal wide open meadows where my mind and I can run without danger.

The emotional abyss still circles, beckoning in the mists beneath me, so come right foot, your partner has hit the ground ...almost there

Footsteps on a Ridge

Gravel slipping
tumbling showers of grit fall
who knows where.
End in sight.

End in sight,
falling showers of grit tumble
who knows where
gravel slipping

almost there...