The Little Suitcase that Could

Do you remember the story about the little engine that could? My suitcase for Alaska is being asked to do similar super-duty. This makes me wonder how in the world the mushers get all that stuff in their tiny little sleds. Ah-haaaaa, one more thing to check out when I get there. I would love to watch one of them packing their sleds. I do digress. Taking the advice of my Alaskan friends, I am planning to wear multiple layers, with emphasis on wicking and insulation, and avoiding a lot of cotton. The nice part is that silk, wool, and down compress nicely, and that there are "no fashion police in Alaska" according to Sunhusky! Polypropolene, parka's, and pac-boots offer a challenge, though. I have packed two times now, trying to get all in one suitcase, one carryon, and my take-everywhere backpack. That poor little suitcase keeps gasping and begging, "can't I have a helper?" I am determined to just check ONE! Wait a minute; then where am I going to put the stuff I buy in Alaska? Hmmm. Pack an empty duffel; check it on the way home. Or, ship some stuff home before I leave.

OK, Lois, get creative here. Walmart (yuck) here I come........to find compression bags that you vacumm the air out of. OMG, it sucked my outerwear down by 1/2 at least! Pack the underwear in one boot, socks in another, hand and toe heaters in another, rolled up extra garments and gifts for Iditarod friends around the edge, and, by golly, I think I've got it.

"Groannnnn, Streeeeeetch" goes the little suitcase............"I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.............ooooooooo...............I'm closed." Wshhoooo. That's done............Uh, wait a minute.......weight limit is 50 pounds. Off to the bathroom scales (thank God for rolling cases!).
Fifty-two pounds.............."Grooaaannn, don't you dare open me again." What can go? -----

And I haven't even gotten to my carry-on, the cameras, laptop, minimal changes of clothing since I will have three flights to get there, three opportunities to lose the luggage. But, I still have 13 days to figure it all out. I'll let you know on flight day how good I am at keeping it to ONE little suitcase that could.