Lets get out of here...

It started out with a status message on Facebook...
‘I’m taking four weeks off to go traveling, don’t know where... anyone want to come?’

It was Amo, the benefits of being your own boss, aah I remember that when I was freelancing. So, as I have been itching to go for a wander round this big old planet, I answered the call with the reply, ‘Lets get out of here’... and so it began.

We met up later on that week in Borders where Amo ransacked the travel section for books on travel to New York. That’s the place that I’ve wanted to see for some time, my kid bro goes there all the time & loves it. After perusing the books we decided on a loose plan to hit NYC, hire a car & take a drive to see the national parks & commune with nature.

Oh, yeah... & I’d just turned 40. Mid life crisis? Maybe, but deciding to travel sure beats buying some sports car in an attempt to recapture lost youth. Besides, I never lost mine.

This weekend... coming?
Again, a text from Amo on Monday asking if I could fly that weekend. As it turns out, its too short notice, still need to make sure I’m covered at work. I’ve already bought much of the stuff I needed for the trip (see the tech page) I’m getting to grips with the new camera & my boss Martin has lent me a small GPS for exploring the parks without the need for a search party to find us.

So hopefully will nail some flights & get going soon, the Macbook’s here & working fine so I’ll be able to keep the blogs up to date & check in with Facebook friends too.

Tech of choice - New York June 2008

Swissgear 20L Backpack
A pretty standard laptop carrying backpack from Swissgear (the makers of the Swiss Army knife). This will be my cabin luggage as it will hold the laptop & essentials that I don’t want to risk to loss or damage.

The only really unique features are the rubber waterproof panels & the solid metal Swissgear zipper grips that make it easier to padlock. I’ll be relying on the Steel Rucksack Security Mesh to secure this backpack.




Carlton Flight Case with TSA Lock
This 50L flight case with wheels has a built in lock that secures the main zip that can be opened using the same TSA tools as the Samsonite locks below. Non essential ‘lose-able’ items like clothes go in here.

Pacsafe Stashsafe 100 Exomesh Bag


A hip bag for belongings that require quick access (passports, wallet, documents, cash etc).


Features a woven in, under the outer fabric, steel mesh to prevent access from knife cuts & a steel cable running through the attaching belt, that can be used to secure it with other things to a fixed object.



Samsonite TSA approved locks
These locks have a special identification mark alerting the TSA (Transport Security Administration) that they can open this lock without destroying it. Each lock has a special TSA code. Each TSA screening location is able to use these codes & secured tools to open the lock & then relock it after inspection.

The combination locks on the rucksack also have a ‘search indicator’ that appears when the lock has been opened, notifying me that my bag has been searched.

Steel Rucksack Security Mesh
A steel wire mesh to secure the backpack & hipbag from slash & grab theft. Not infalible, more of a deterrent from the opportunist thief.





Adaptour 2000
A bit bulky, but the price was right at six quid... I am still on a budget.

Apple Macbook 13"

Bought from Apple’s online refurbished store a bargain at one third off listed price. A PC version would probably be cheaper, but I have only ever used Macs due to my field of work. We’ll see how useable the wifi is, but will be indispensable for managing my music, photos, video & blogging.

iPod


Music will be provided courtesy of the iPod 60Gb Video that I’ve had for quite a while. In black, protected by a clear case.


Panasonic SDR-S7 - SD Card Video Camera


This is a tiny little digital video camera that I intend to use on my travels. 10x optical zoom & a plethora of features too long to list here... we’ll see how it handles in-field.

Tresspass Jacket
Waterproof & windproof, pretty much like a lightweight snowboarding jacket.