carrying things

Yesterday my order from mec arrived, much to my relief. To make a long story short, I wasn't 100% sure about the daypack I was considering and then suddenly they were out of stock so I had to order it online (3-13 business days). To get the free shipping and to save the hassle of lugging it home on my bike, I had added my duffle bag to the order. So I was in a bit of a panic - 13 business days landed right before I leave!

I purchased all three bags needed for the trip from mec:
1 - large (110 litres) MEC duffle bag to carry everything for the whole trip and to leave stuff back at the hotel while on the trek

2 - Women's medium 22 litre Black Diamond Pulse Daypack - smaller than recommended but I could not find anything in the 30 litre size - for carrying during the day. It has space for a hydration system and many adjustable straps. My hesitation was in the complete lack of pockets -- there is only one with a zipper. But I found it very comfortable with lots of weight thrown in and that has to be the most important criteria. The women's model did fit my hips better (most annoying as the men's colours were much nicer!)

3 - MEC Dry bag - 55 litres - for the porter to carry. I read someone else's account and this is what he used. It is waterproof and will hopefully be more comfortable for the porter's head. It will contain my sleeping bag and everything else that I'm not carrying that day. The total weight has to be under 15kg.

I didn't buy a waterporoof knapsack cover as my poncho covers everything and the route I am taking see much less rain than the other side of the mountain.

After the trek, I'll let you know if this combination worked well or what I would do differently.

Altitude sickness - the worst kind

"With severe AMS, on the other hand, there will be no debate about whether or not to continue: if anybody is showing symptoms of severe AMS it is imperative that they descend immediately. These symptoms include a lack of coordination and balance, a symptom known as ataxia. Other symptoms of severe AMS include mental confusion, slurred or incoherent speech, and an inability to stay awake. There may also be a gurgling, liquid sound in the lungs combined with a persistent watery cough which may produce a clear liquid, a pinky phlegm or possibly even blood. There may also be a marked blueness around the face and lips, and a heartbeat that, even at rest, may be over 130 beats per minute."
Henry Stedman

That sounds nasty. I hope it doesn't happen to any of us.

Altitude sickness - the mild kind

"The symptoms of mild AMS are not dissimilar to the symptoms of a particularly vicious hangover, namely a thumping headache, nausea and a general feeling of lousiness. An AMS headache is generally agreed to be one of the most dreadful headaches you can get, a blinding pain that thuds continuously at ever decreasing intervals; only those who have bungee-jumped from a 99ft building with a 100ft elasticated rope will know the intense, repetitive pain AMS can cause. Thankfully, the usual headache remedies should prove effective against a mild AMS headache though do be careful as they can also mask any worsening of symptoms. As with a hangover, mild AMS sufferers often have trouble sleeping and, when they do, that sleep can be light and intermittent. They can also suffer from a lack of appetite. Given the energy you’ve expended getting to altitude in the first place, both of these symptoms can seem surprising if you’re not aware of AMS."
Henry Stedman

Headaches I am used to and I'd like to see anything stop me from sleeping - 2 flips and zzzz.

recharging

I've opted to take only my digital camera and leave the rest of my electronics at home. I bought a second camera battery at a nasty $70 but think I will need a recharge before setting out on safari. They use 220v in Tanzania with the English style plug. We use 110v in Canada. Problem.

This site turned out to be very helpful: Adaptelec.com, International Electrical Specialists (checked a few other sites to confirm the info).
I wasn't sure what I needed - convertor, adapter, transformer: all Greek to me. I checked my camera charger and apparently it will handle the 220v but the plug is wrong shape so just need to get a Type G British 3-pin Electrical Adapter. MEC sells an International Adapter Plug Kit for $10. That ought to cover the next few trips I'm planning as well so good investment. Now if only they would get them in stock! I see a last minute MEC run in my future, lol.

Amsterdam - The Cat Boat

Today someone told me about The Cat Boat. I do hope it's still there.

The Cat Boat is the only animal sanctuary in the Netherlands that literally floats. A refuge for stray and abandoned cats which, thanks to its unique location on a houseboat in Amsterdam's picturesque canal belt, has become a world-famous tourist attraction.

How perfect is that? I just checked the map and it's very close to my B&B. In fact, I think it's just on the street. Cat boat - Singel 38.G and my place - Singel 83. Yes, two matching Singels.

Note: It's only open 2 hours a day (1-3pm).

Added later: Damm I just noticed it's closed on Wednesdays. I keep thinking I'm in Amsterdam Thursday but I moved everything up a day.