It's true we have some comforts with us. Thermarests, headlamps, GPS, sturdy footwear. But I've noticed what really makes the journey all the more pleasant are the little things. Here's just a sampling of my favourites, I'm sure the rest of the crew have their own.

Polarised Lenses - I bought new sunglasses before the trip and I will never go back. I feel like I can finally see the world in all the colour and three dimensions it was meant to be seen in.

Hard Case for Sunglasses - How many times this has saved my new favourite eye enhancers I'll never know.

The Hand Loop on the Top AND Bottom of our AO Packs - Being able to pick up the pack with a reinforced handle at the two ends of distributed weight has saved the pack and my back.

Eureka 70L Dry Sack - The true unsung hero of the trip. Everybody has one and everybody keeps their entire life in there - completely dry everytime. Plus, two fit into one of the previously mentioned packs like lego. Perfect fit everytime.

Small Pouch near the opening of my Sleeping Bag - once in a while we may pass a town, and once in a while I may purchase a bag of sweet treats for myself, and once in a while I may put a couple of those sweet treats in my sleeping bag for a little midnight snack. I may.

Celebrating life's small victories,
Peter