Thanks for all the votes on my poll yesterday. I'm happy to report I pack lighter than you think, as the majority of voters overestimated my pack's weight.
I think Stu was the one person to vote 15 lbs (and he reminded me I should be trying to leave room for additional items like food/water/occasional souvenir).
Backpack weight = 20 lbs (9.1 kg)
As I write this on my last night at home (in Virginia), I wish I could say my head is swirling with fanciful daydreams of the adventures that await, however reality dictates, and I'm still caught up trying to do "one more thing."
Trust me, I'm *trying* to relax and recognize I've prepared to the utmost, and that's the best I can do.
I'm exhausted and don't think I'll be able to chill out (mentally and physically) until I land in Papeete, Tahiti at 6:45 am December 1.
By the way, a resident named Sam is going to meet me at the airport thanks to Couchsurfing!
Whether I'll have a free place to stay is still in the air. And that's just fine with me.
