Heading out for an adventure of three weeks with only a carry-on suitcase and a back pack is forcing me to pretend I am an efficient traveler. The fact is, I am not, and it is very challenging to rethink what I want to have around me when traveling. For me, having enough clean underwear is important – but perhaps more so is not getting bored. I need stuff – to read, to paint, to draw, to listen, to make, to take photos. And this means making everything small and efficiently useful.
First on the agenda is my watercolor and drawing set up. In this 7×10 (or so) zip-up case by Art-Tool, I have their included Moleskine watercolor book, 12 half pan set of Schmincke watercolor paints still wrapped up, travel brushes, ink pens, mechanical pencil and lead, kneaded eraser, collapsible water cup, and a few other things. Many of them are original to the kit, but I have modified it a bit to meet my needs. It’s pretty nifty.
Next, books – audio and written. I like to hear things when I am sewing or knitting by hand. This means lightweight, small head phones and something to provide me with books. My phone can supply both! Another need / want conquered.
Camera . . . as someone used to the capabilities of a DSLR and such, a small automatic point and shoot without the option for controlling everything (should I desire such) was not something I wanted to spend money on. I spent weeks on research – I needed to be able to use manual controls all the way as well as my preferred aperture priority – and finally settled on the Canon G7X Mark II. As the Mark III had just come out, I got a good price on it, and have been using it for months. The battery life is good; I can put it a purse or pocket, and the pictures are good but flatter in appearance than either the X100V or the Nikons I like to use. Post production always remedies that.
We will be doing stops in various ports en route to our friends in the south of Spain. Looking ahead to Iceland, Ireland, and England, it appears to be cool but not cold, and with rain. Layers and a lightweight rain jacket that folds into a pouch are to be packed, but also more summery wear for the weather in the warmer areas. Luckily, we will have access to washing machines so a ton of clothing is not necessary.
I am going a bit nuts, but such is life. I have 3 days to finalize what I want to schlep, and then I drop into the abyss of international travel.
Ink, Yarn & Beer 