Today is the day before we leave for a month in Iceland. That means we have to get all our packing done. Ginny manages to make packing a week long struggle. For me it takes about half an hour. Each time I go I find myself taking less stuff. After our last trip to Alaska, I unpacked my suitcase and put all the stuff I never used away. It makes no sense to haul unused stuff around, especially when you have to keep the suitcase under 50 pounds. That is a challenge for Ginny because from the moment we arrive at our destination she goes into acquisition mode. All the stuff acquired has to be packed back home, so weight is an issue.

Last week in Fairbanks we were packing for the trip home and asked the hotel desk if they had a scale. They sure did. It is called a Balanzza. It is hand held. It seems to weigh accurately. It is a very handy gadget. Getting packed for the trip home has always been an anxious time for me because in the past we had to figure out how to scare up a weighing device. Well, when we got home, I checked out Amazon.com and there it was. Only 20 bucks. I had to have it.

So I finished my packing and ended up about 30 pounds. I thought that was good. By the time I add in some trip food (see June 21) it will end up about 38 pounds. That is plenty of lagniappe for the return trip. I can see right away that the Balanzza is going to be a welcome addition to our travel gadgets. Right up there with the cork screw!