Busy times this last week trying to get in a couple more hikes, dinners and good-byes, not to mention Thanksgiving and Christmas cooking and gifting. We often brag about “just having to turn the key in the condo lock” and we’re gone, but since we haven’t really thought about what we plan to do in Thailand, this last week has been a little more than just packing. Our time at home is always packed with things to do, repair, build, consult, and most importantly recreation and exercise, so we’ve not allowed much time to think about the winter plan.  Therefore we’re heading out for the winter with only Trang as a base location in mind.  Not to worry, we’ve got bikes and friends there already.

The 39th Thanksgiving at the St Paul Ski Lodge (unfortunately we’ve been absent more than a few these occasions during our cruising years) was just as wonderful as always.  The family has done some serious aging and expanding over those years and the younger majority is almost the same vintage as when Chris first started the tradition, however a few of us are still standing (albeit not necessarily skiing the “backyard” any longer).  Great to catch up with the ol’ guard and see the next generation taking over all the Turkey Ski traditions and adding a few of their own.

I always start early on packing because once friends realize we’re out-a-here sooner than later, there are a couple last-minute requests for tech support or project completions, which I can never turn down and am eager to resolve.  All summer Mike Taylor has been building a Man Cave, inspired in part by our sewing/equipment room. Thanks to IKEA and an online source for a Murphy Bed he was able to furnish it for half the price we did. I wasn’t sure we’d ever get around to adding the springs to the Murphy Bed, but he’s now finally finished, save a few picture hangings.  He and Ryler are now comfortably situated.

Mesa Verde Luminaria night is another early winter tradition we’ve come to enjoy.  No visit there has ever been the same.  The weather, atmosphere, temperatures or crowds always seem different and this was no exception.  Four couples ventured out in two vehicles and we supped from our tailgate, listened to music, and walked the luminaria pathways to once again see Spruce Tree House lit as it might have been in the 1100’s.

Not sure if we were the only people, standing around a tailgate dressed in layers upon layers of down, eating hors d’oeuvres, but we most definitely were the fullest and needed that hike down into the canyon to walk-off the feast of meats, cheeses, salads and deviled eggs.

We’ve heard many say “how can packing take so much time, you take very little”.  It’s just that we need to take the right “very little”, it’s a long way to get something you forgot. 

Last year’s Excel worksheet makes the job much easier selecting clothing and gear.  Taking a photo each time is another technique I fall back on when the notes are unclear.  In addition to the cycling gear – saddle, pedals, pump, tools, gloves and helmet- I’m taking two new Gatorskin 700xc25 tires as they aren’t available in Trang.  Electronics are the biggest concern and at 6 1/2 pounds, weigh almost as much as my base weight of 8 3/4 pounds.  4 B+ shirts, 3 shorts and cycling lycra don’t weigh much, so it all fits into my Revelate seat bag and the tires, saddle and pump will go in the day pack with the electronics.