Travel

I just finished booking the last of my train travel in the UK.  You can use the National Rail site to book most of your dealings with trains.  http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/  I buy the advance ticket(or an all day ticket if it is cheap enough)then pick up the ticket at the self serve machine.  You need to print out your confirmation so you have your confirmation number, and you need the credit card you booked the trip on.  Easy as can be. 

We also bought an Explorer pass on Scottish Citylink buses. http://www.citylink.co.uk/explorerpass.php

I sent them an email to see if the pass either covers the ferry to Mull or if we get a discount. http://www.calmac.co.uk/

I also downloaded the schedule for the ferry to Iona. http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/iona/ionaferry/index.html

So, I'm packed, but will repack tomorrow just to check off everything.  I have: sleeping bag, two backpacks, walking poles, two pairs of hiking shoes, four pairs of socks, assorted necessities, two pairs of hiking  pants, two pairs of hiking shorts, sandals, hiking tops, regular tops, fleece, rain gear, electronics, snacks, umbrella...all in a very lightweight wheeled duffel.  I will carry my netbook with me in my carry on back pack.

I got a new backpack from Osprey http://www.ospreypacks.com/Packs/ExosSeriesSuperlight/Exos34/   
because it has a way to store my walking pole. 

I will weaar one pair of hiking shoes because I find them to be the most comfortable walking around airports.

I leave on the 2nd.  JetBlue to JFK and Aer Lingus to Dublin, Aer Lingus to Birmingham.  Great deal...kept checking Kayak and Booking Buddy and found RT for $800.00 about a month ago.

The trip is paid for except four nights in Hostels and food/drink.  Oh!  and pressies from St. Andrews!

I am spending these next few days relaxing with Maggie.  More tomorrow!