Teal.

Eight days. That's all that's left.

I acquired a couple of last minute things yesterday and finally started packing everything I think I will need for the next three and a half months and that's when I realized - packing is hard. Especially for someone like me who compulsively plans and wakes up in the middle of the night making lists of things that I might need in any given situation. I just... like to be prepared.

Some things are really easy: Sleeping bag? Shoved in the bottom of my Osprey. Leather bound copy of Lord of the Rings? Not remotely coming with me (sadly). Nikolai? Tucked under the seat on the plane. But other things are more complicated: Raincoat. In my carry-on? Will I need it as soon as I arrive? Right now the forecast just says cloudy, but can I really trust it that far in advance? Would it make more sense to keep it in my checked bag until I get there? Should I actually be checking Christchurch's weather, instead of Kaikoura's to make this decision?

I realize that none of this is a life or death decision, and I'm doing pretty well if these are the kinds of agonizing choices I have, but it's what's keeping me restless right now.