Latest Updates - Istanbul coming up!

 

Getting very excited...and nervous again haha Istanbul time getting closer!

Istanbul Dates

Accommodation is booked for 1-4 March 2024 in Istanbul and last week I got my Turkish eVisa which took me all of 10minutes to get. Sadly only for 30 days in a 180 day cycle but hey, it's better than nothing!

Transport also just booked now this morning (8 Feb) from Tbilisi on the 29th of February. This is a Long bus ride that arrives the following day late afternoon. Taking the bus though means I don't have to clear out fuel from the MSR stove and bottle and of course, a backpack is easier for bus transport than a flight.

New Backpack

Speaking of which, a couple of months of a lot of hours (my online work) and a bit of saving has made it possible for me to buy an excellent and high quality backpack built for the long road and the potential weight of around 30kg. I purchased the Osprey Aether Plus 85 - an absolute beast when it comes to features and quality and, as a bonus, it comes with a lifetime guarantee.

Expensive at around US$480 but looking at it as a long term investment that will last and I believe is up to the challenges I'll be throwing at it. While I was at it, decided it was time to venture into the realm of "camelbak" hydration systems - where the water is in the pack with the tube coming through to the shoulder strap (I'm sure you all know that already haha). Anyway, I got the Osprey Hydraulic 3.0 liter which is obviously made for the Osprey packs. I've never used these before but it does negate an extra water bottle that may/may not fall out from side pockets. Of course I will still carry the tin cup on the outside so I can just stop and drink at streams or water points...a convenient excuse to take a break.

Dilijan, Armenia

I want to test the pack a wee bit too, so next week I'm heading off to Dilijan National park in Armenia for a week where I'll try out some day trails in the snow with the pack - this will also help me get accustomed to all the adjustment straps/toggles which Osprey has brilliantly placed in such a way that one can do these adjustments all while the pack is on your back.