Almost ready to depart for South Africa

We had a wedding last week - it ended with funny glasses! - now I can go. My youngest daughter - not really so young anymore - finally got married. I got both a new son and a new 12 year old grandson out of it! Both great guys. A fine time was had by all.

Yesterday, I took my newly made up patches in to the local shoe repair guy yesterday (his very long reach sewing machine is the thing for sewing them onto the back of my riding jacket) to be put on. There are three of them. One is Asalem Alekum written in Arabic script, one is “an African Traveler” (I'm told its a sort of African joke saying for people like me) written in Swahili, and the third is a logo of the Lummi Nation (where I live). It will be a different look as I'm walking about!

I’m starting to finally pack up my gear. I’ve married my two pannier boxes – picture - so I can ship them as one piece of luggage on my flight and I bought an old very big suitcase from the thrift store to put lots more stuff into for a second checked bag. I’ll carry on a third bag and my helmet – hope everything fits. The bike awaits me in Johannesburg where Patrick (the guy I bought it from has kept it for me). I sent Patrice, the other bike, three dry bags to put with his crated motorcycle - with the tent, sleeping pad and bag – picture.

I hope I really take the time and energy to put videos and words on it from time to time.I am about to click on buying a helmet camera http://pointofviewcameras.com/contour-gps-hd-camera-megapack.html – hope that works. With lions and snakes and God knows what, it will be an adventure for sure; best if not my last!

I’m still looking for a little tool set for the bike – most likely, still lost in my shop.

In any event, I've got my plane ticket and I'm nearly packed up. I’m about ready to depart. Anxious to get started.