Off to Scotland – goodbye until Monday

One advantage of not having all of your gear with you (particularly large backpacks) is that it forces a certain parsimony in packing. Given that we are only going for four days and that we will be spending a lot time crushed in a minibus, that is probably for the better. As such, I am reduced to standard hiking gear, wet weather gear, cold weather gear, and basic camping equipment. One important thing coming along with my is my Dublin book, so that I can plan where I want to go for my excursion beyond the city and generally plot out what I want to see. Suggestions are still very welcome.

My brothers are parents are making their annual trek to Oregon this coming week. It is something my family has been doing for more than a decade now: always going to the Lagoon Campground near Florence, Oregon by driving down the gorgeous Oregon coastline. I’ve gone at least six times: twice with my friend Jonathan, twice with Kate, and several times with just my family. Once, we went as far south as the Redwood Forest in California, but Florence is generally our terminus. Several times, the drive back has included Mount Saint Helens, and it always manages to encompass the Tillamook Cheese Factory. I hope they have a safe drive and enjoy themselves.

A full account of the hiking trip in Scotland, along with photos, will appear here upon my return.

Author: Milan

In the spring of 2005, I graduated from the University of British Columbia with a degree in International Relations and a general focus in the area of environmental politics. In the fall of 2005, I began reading for an M.Phil in IR at Wadham College, Oxford. Outside school, I am very interested in photography, writing, and the outdoors. I am writing this blog to keep in touch with friends and family around the world, provide a more personal view of graduate student life in Oxford, and pass on some lessons I've learned here. View all posts by Milan