pmuzzy17

Jayneann:
My bags are all packed and I am ready to go! Got everything in the High Sierra Passport backpack! Am still bringing a 25 inch to check but it is mostly empty - bubble wrap, misc. toiletries, a hat, a duffle bag...

Yes, Happy 50th birthday. Enjoy and then lets compare notes.

Thanks to all! [Time to jump in the shower!)

pmuzzy17

So - we are back home and the trip was wonderful!! Will write a trip report soon. Highlights included being in St. Peter's Basilica and "accidentally" being able to see/hear the Pope conduct mass for a Cardinal's funeral. Lowlight - misplaced luggage for 3 days. BUT - I had assumed this would happen even as I checked luggage in Boston at Logan airport. I used my new High Sierra Passport backpack and my packing cubes and folders:

I packed in this carryon bag:
11 tops (used the rolling method and placed them in a packing cube)
bras and panties (in packing cube)
3 pairs of flip-flops and one pair dressy sandals
3 dresses, 1 skirt and top, 2 capris, two cotton tops and one linen shorts (all into an 18 packing folder in tissue paper)
My prescription medicine.
My one quart baggy with toiletries.

The Air France guy at JFK yelled at me that the one quart baggie is only for what I need on the flight. I just smiled and he smiled and off I went.

Can you imagine no luggage for three days if I had not been so anal?

I also used my Eagle Creek packable tote for my book and contact lense stuff, camera stuff and binoculars.

Luggage arrived damaged so I need to get that fixed but all clothes packed were worn but one pair of capris and a couple of tops. I did pack a few more capris in my checked bag along with bubble wrap an my "medicine cabinet of non-prescription drugs/bandaids etc.) Also packed jeans and a long sleeve top in my boyfriends bag. Woo hoo!!

Oh, and the backpack only weighed 13.5 lbs. Pretty good, uh?