30 Days in and here are some tips or thoughts I want to share in case you decide to jump the pond or any other travel for that matter.
A good, light packable rain jacket is a must. I have a Trespass. It’s OK but I think that I should have sprung for the more expensive, more breathable one.
I got a Gonex backpack from Amazon. It is definitely better than dragging a wheeled suitcase as they are fine on airport linoleum but rubbish on cobblestones etc. I chose this one firstly for it’s ease of access. Being duffle style I don’t have to remove everything to get to bottom. Not only water resistant but it comes with built in raincover and lots and lots of pockets and straps for adding stuff to the outside. I have a shoulder bag for carry-on housing toiletries, electronics and meds. My kit is heavier than I’d like but I can’t find much to toss to lighten load other than a jumper I donated to a charity shop which is where I got it last time in London as it took too much room and I hadn’t used it. I’ve picked Deer Stalker for boots. Waterproof light and very comfortable. Gaiters and rain pants for the heavy stuff. A pair of cargo pants with 10 pockets, some zippered are used on travel days to secure phone, camera, iPad for reading books and a zippered purse for coins since exact is often needed for buses and loos (20p).
I packed a hard plastic plate that my Dad had used with edges and a foldable knife, fork & spoon kit and a hard plastic glass as the ones in hotels are often lame. All electronic are kept in zip-lock plastic bags for extra insurance. A small, insulated bag for food and flask and metal bottle for whisky. As I said bare necessities.
When in the UK a senior rail pass for us old gezzers is £30 and has already paid for itself on one trip and is good for a year. And the bus pass. When I was in Edinburgh the woman at the CityLine spent a good amount of time finding me the best travel deal. My 5 Day pass allows unlimited travel 5 out of 10 days for £62. I was able to cover 432 miles in the Highlands for that. It would not surprise me if petrol would have me cost more than that.
Two cameras as last time mine got damaged and I had to get a new one. iPhones are good but not as good and without one my posts are reduced to only words and we all know it’s the photos one wants to see not my babbling.
The sweater is the donated one, glasses are broken and the hat is in the River Wick.
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