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HOME
Join me on an ongoing adventure in both inner journeys and outward experiences. The HOME link above will take you to my main site, where you will find a lot more to explore. If you would like to add your own comments (readable by all visitors), just click on the COMMENTS link below any entry. If you want to send a private message to me, click on the menu item CONTACT LIZ above, or send email to liz@whereisliz.com
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Water Bottle Test, Update
I've been using the Platypus ultralight water bottle for three days now, and I can't wait any longer to report back that it's performing like a champ. It did take a little getting used to: it is not as rigid as most water bottles. I had to learn how to support it with my hands at the base and top as I tipped it over into my mouth. It took a few wet shirtfronts before I perfected my technique, but hey, it's only water.
I'm pleased with how well it stands on its own... I had some doubts when I first saw it, but it uses the weight of the water to stabilize itself quite well, even when nearly empty. It also has a special top with tube and mouthpiece which turns it into a water reservoir (a la CamelBak) which is sold separately. I am thinking about trying this out as well, as it would be very nice to have while hiking or biking, for hands-free hydration.
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Monday, September 17, 2007
More thoughts on preparing...
I was at REI's sale yesterday... I wasn't sure what I would get there, but I had a 20% off coupon so I enjoyed exploring the multitudes of possibilities. I'm very focused on ultralight these days, and it was gratifying to see so many items are being redesigned with an eye toward keeping mass minimal. I picked up a new water bottle (see last week's post) and ordered a new pair of trekking poles which should arrive next week. I didn't have the energy to start trying on packs, but I know that's something I'll have to find time for soon, as my old pack weighs several pounds more than this new generation.
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Friday, September 14, 2007
Tips for restful travels
It's impossible to say how much travel misery is due to sleep deprivation, but I would guess it's a contributing factor in many travel mishaps. Lack of sleep can reduce your awareness drastically, leaving you vulnerable to everything from a picked pocket, to a sprained ankle, to boarding the wrong train. So good sleep is very high on my list of priorities when I'm journeying. On the cnn.com web site today I found an article that has some interesting tips for being well-rested on the road. Among them:"Lavender oil or a spritz of lavender linen spray on your sheets often helps with restful sleep. The Sense of Smell Institute found that lavender increases the amount of time spent in the restful, restorative phase of sleep."Worth a try!
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Thursday, September 13, 2007
GEAR: Water bottles
Why do gear reviews when someone else will do them for you? (Ok, I don't really mean that, but then again, why reinvent the wheel?) Recently Slate.com's Laura Moser did an interesting piece on water bottles, rating eight of them on such factors as user-friendliness, sex appeal, portability, and the "Ah! factor" (how good the water actually tastes after sitting around in them).
The winner?Platypus Platy Bottle, 34 oz., $7.95
"...the collapsible Platypus--which is made out of safe No. 5 polypropylene plastic--scored highest in two big categories. It's by far the most portable. And though originally designed for hikers, it also beautifully realizes my urban eco-chic ideal....When emptied, a Platypus takes up no more room than a single folded-up section of newspaper....for hydration on the go, Platypus has no peer."
UPDATE 9/17/07): I picked up one of these Platypus water bottles for myself yesterday at REI... so far, I'm really liking it. Unbeatably light, tremendously compact when empty, and no plastic taste to the water. I'm looking forward to giving it lots of real-world testing, and I'll report back again.
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Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Meditations on travel
I'm practicing meditation this week, something I tell myself every day I'm going to do, but this week I'm actually doing it. What's changed? I'm starting to understand that it's not just one of those vaguely "good for you" things like eating broccoli, but an essential tool in the traveler's kit.
Delicious Living reports that a UC Irvine study demonstrated that "After undergoing three rounds of topical heat tests, the meditators showed a 40 percent to 50 percent lower brain response to pain than the others. The nonmeditators went on to practice TM [Transcendental Meditation] twice a day for the next five months before repeating the tests. The second round of brain scans for this group also showed a 40 percent to 50 percent decrease in pain response."
Imagine being only half as uncomfortable in tropical heat! I'm sold.
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Monday, September 10, 2007
Going... lighter
For me, part of the fun of planning an expedition is researching gear. Travel gear is constantly being improved and updated, so there's always something new and exciting to find and try.
I recently read a very promising review of the latest version of the SteriPEN water purifier. This futuristic device ensures drinkable water using the sterilizing effects of UV light to kill any living thing that might cause you distress. I've watched the SteriPEN improve over the years, getting smaller and lighter, and I'm very encouraged by this latest revision.
Reviewer David Siegel reports:"I took a SteriPEN to Africa for 3 months this summer and the verdict is in: it's the best water purifier you can carry without a tractor-trailer. It's basically a UV ray flashlight you submerge into your glass. The water stays cool and it doesn't change the water, except to kill all the living things in it, viruses included. It is expensive, but pays for itself quickly, as you don't have to buy bottled water...In the 3 months I used it while abroad, I never got sick and the recommended CR123 batteries lasted all summer."I found this review on David Kelly's Cool Tools blog... which is great for info on all kinds of nifty things.
SteriPEN web site
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Wednesday, September 05, 2007
The Best Travel SkirtAloha Liz!
What is your all-time travel skirt? Is it the macabi or "where is liz" you mentioned? I couldn't find it on TravelSmith.
love,
Hileah
Aloha Hileah,
Thanks for writing, and thanks for checking out my web site!
While I like a lot of TravelSmith clothes, it seems they've discontinued making my "Where Is Liz" skirt. The closest thing they currently sell looks to be their Ultimate Travel Skirt, also available in plus sizes.
The main thing I'd change about this skirt is that it has buttons down the front. I prefer a solid front as I'd rather not have to worry about buttons popping off.
So I guess my current vote for favorite travel skirt would have to go to the Macabi skirt.
Very light, yet very durable, dries fast, cuts wind, sheds wrinkles, and repels stains, generous pockets, including a secret pocket stops pickpockets, and it even converts into semi-pants and shorts for wading across streams or riding a horse. Kinda pricey, but it has proven its worth to me over many months of travel. Nice color choices, and many lengths and sizes to choose from (including 1X to 3X).
Hope this info helps, best wishes on your future journeys,
Liz
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