I am hardly a fashionista under the most ordinary of circumstances and on safari my focus is on practical safari clothes that will protect me from the sun and bugs; is fast and easy to launder; and comfortable.
Because most of this trip is in higher terrain, it should be a bit drier and cooler than the coastal areas like Zanzibar. And early morning game drives will most likely mean a jacket and/or sweater.
Here’s the safari clothes and personal items packing list I came up with. I’ll add some editorial notes after I return:
Documents
Passport
Vaccination Card
(I usually keep a digital copy of both on my phone and in my email)
First Aid and Medications for Safari
Hydrocortisone Gel for Bug Bites
Pepto-Bismal Pills
Gaviscon (Antacids)
Ciprofoxacin (Diarrhea))
Atovaquone-Proguanil (Malaria)
Bug Spray with DEET
Natural bug spray without DEET (I’m hoping this will work rather than the product with DEET)
Sunscreen/Moisturizer
Neosporin
Tea Tree Oil
Band Aids
Aspirin
Claritin D
The CDC (CDC.gov) also provides a medical packing list that is more extensive and covers just about anything you might need.
Safari Clothes
Safari clothes for me means protecting my skin from sun and bites. I had contemplated just wearing my hiking shoes, but instead I opted for a pair of North Face boots. Between the higher boots and full length slacks, I leave less skin exposed. Given that I react very poorly to bug bites, this was a serious consideration for me.
The boots have been broken in, tested with different sock thicknesses and they are incredibly comfortable. This winter, they’ll be a great around and about casual boot in New Mexico.
I live in black, white and gray, so I did need to pick up some safari clothes. Dark colors, bright colors, metallic fabric and the color blue are said to attract Tsetse flies. Their bites are notorious for spreading disease and causing a host of ailments. I think I’ll leave my black shirts behind!
For safari clothes, I bought a sun shirt by Coolibar; and added 2 more safari shirts from REI. I also picked up a pair of kaki pants by Kuhl. I love their outdoor clothes and the pants have a drawstring at the ankle for a snug, no-bug fit. Along with my beloved pants from Athleta (in green and gray), I should be set.
For toppers, I am bringing my Orvis travel jacket in bone; an olive green travel vest (also from Orvis); and 2 layers for warmth, one a lightweight zip jacket, the other a heavier fleece pullover.
Plus of course my hiking hat.
I am planning on simply rinsing some of my safari clothes and letting them drip dry overnight so I don’t have to pack too much. Same for underwear.
And this is a trip with just four people (all of whom are professional photographers, except of course, yours truly). No need to dress for the evening! (Hopefully we’ll be shooting photos or immersed in post production!)
All this translates into the following packing list for safari:
Safari Clothes and Personal Items
Shoes:
Boots (Wear on plane)
1 Pair sandals
Underwear, Night Wear and Toiletries
3 Pair Smartwool Hiking Socks plus one heavier pair of REI hiking socks
Underwear
Bathing Suit
Sleeping shirt
Toiletries
Pants and Tops
4 Pair Lightweight Long Pants (one of which I’ll wear on the plane)
4 Lightweight sleeveless tops to be worn alone or under a long sleeve safari or sun shirt
4 Long Sleeve Shirts: 3 Safari Shirts and 1 Sun Shirt
Jackets/Sweaters
Travel Jacket (wear on plane)
Travel Vest (wear on plane)
2 Fleece Jackets (a lightweight zip up jacket and warmer weight pullover)
Miscellaneous
Scarves: I have these circular neck scarves that are perfect for protecting your face and neck from dust or debris. They take up no room and are handy for a number of things. I’ll bring along a few, just to be safe, and I’ll wear a regular scarf on the plane. It might come in handy. And it’s not a favorite. If it gets hopelessly dirty or lost, it’s ok.
Duct Tape: Never leave home without it!
Hat: an easy way to keep the sun off one’s face.
The Final Packing Ensemble
The final packing ensemble consists of one carry on; one backpack with photo equipment on a “wheely” for easy transport throughout the airport; and one duffle bag (to be checked).
Carryon
Malarone and any other important medications
Computer charging cord and other tech hookups; mouse
Phone and ear buds
Fully charged chargers for phone (With an eight hour trip from Amsterdam to Kilimanjaro, I want to be sure to have access to my phone for entertainment/reading)
Foldable toothbrush and toothpaste (nothing makes me feel better than freshly brushed teeth!)
Change of clothes – clean shirt and underwear in case of delays
Backpack
My MindShift Backpack carries all my critical photo equipment plus my 15 inch MacBook Pro. The entire backpack goes on a wheeled cart for easy transport through airports. For a detailed look at my photo equipment, click here.
Duffle Bag
All my clothes, miscellaneous camera items, empty bean bag, rain jackets (for the cameras), Wimberly Gimbal, a tripod, monopod and a video head are in this bag. It’s pretty full, but that’s fine. I do have an extra bag that will allow me to rearrange things once I’m in Tanzania, to separate the photographic must haves from my personal items. This will allow me to easily transport any additional photo equipment to and from our daily transport into the bush.
Packing Hints
Use Packing Cubes. They keep everything organized and make moving things around as simple as grabbing a cube.
Keep everything else organized in some sort of bag or container.
Together this makes packing and unpacking so simple. And you’ll never have trouble locating anything.
Final Safari To Do List
Check with Bank (for ATM access)
Check International Phone Access (I found out that AT&T has zero coverage in Tanzania. Oh well!) and Credit Card Companies. Be sure to use cards with no international transaction fees.
Get Cash (for tips and whatnot)
Download Books/Films for Reading En Route
Start Malarone Tablets (for malaria prevention)
Pretty simple! And I think I have everything covered. As long as I have my cameras (which I’m carrying with me), I’m a happy camper.
And besides, I have zero room left in my duffle. I cannot add a single thing.
I don’t know how much internet access I’ll have en route, but I’ll try to post some things to Instagram and maybe Twitter. Stay tuned for full photo galleries when I get back.
And some good tales to tell! Because isn’t that what travel is all about?
If you’re interested in learning more about photography (or cooking or film or any number of topics) check out MasterClass All-Access Pass for on-line excellence:
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What is #CancerRoadTrip and how did it come to be? Read this post to get the backstory!
Packing for a photo safari in Africa requires a balance of comprehensiveness and minimalism. On the one hand, you don’t want to bring more than you need. On the other hand, you most likely can’t pick up anything you forget. Particularly when it comes to camera electronics.
But long before the actual packing commences, there is a bit of planning. Airfares, visas, inoculations, over the counter and prescription medications need to be arranged. Can you carry all your photo gear? Do you dare pack it? What about weight limits and carry on requirements?
This is the second of a series of posts on packing for a photo safari, looking at the photographic equipment decisions I’ve made as I get ready for this trip. There is a check list at the bottom of the post that you’re welcome to download.
The Photo Safari: Camera Decisions
What photo gear to bring on safari?
There are many types of African safaris, in numerous locations, ranging from simple camping to ultra-luxury. This particular safari is in Tanzania, focused (no pun intended) on photography. It’s definitely on the luxury end of the spectrum.
An intense 9 day trip, with daily photo excursions and daily mentoring classes will, I hope, extend my photo knowledge considerably. Nikon Ambassador and photographer Kristi Odem will be leading the expedition. I fell involve with Kristi’s work and having met her, I think I may have found a photo mentor that will help me to evolve my skills and stretch my range.
In preparing for an African photo safari, I decided to bring a second camera body. Trying to change lenses on the go in a bumpy ride across the dusty African plain just didn’t seem like a very good idea. Too many risks: Dust in the sensor, the possibility of dropping a lens or camera body, not to mention missing a shot!
I started out with a Nikon and I’ve been pleased with their products, so a Nikon body seemed the way to go. And the new mirrorless Z series appealed to me for it’s lighter weight, compatibility with my existing lenses and the movie making capabilities.
I love my D500 (which is coming along as well), but the prospect of a lighter weight camera is immensely appealing. I may also throw my old Nikon 5500 in as an added bit of insurance. But it requires a different battery system, which means packing another set of chargers and batteries, The lithium batteries have to be carried in the backpack, not packed in the luggage.
The Two Camera Decision
When I bought my D500 last year I thought that this would be my camera for the rest of my life.
Hah!
This new Z6 is simply amazing.
There are pros and cons to using two different camera bodies. While both are Nikon, they are different. The Z6 is relatively easy to learn (at least the basics) and maneuver. It’s excellent in low light situations and I have to say, I love its light weight!
After using the Z6 for the last week, I’ve had to reacquaint myself with my D500. This has made me think hard about which body to use with which lenses. I had originally thought I’d mount the long lens on the D500 which is a more robust frame. But now I’m rethinking that.
I’ve also had to update the software in my Tamron lens to be compatible with the Nikon Z6. This took several attempts before it worked. Thanks to Tamron support, it all came together, but this is a lesson in getting things done well ahead of departure. Test everything and be sure it works.
Photo Processing and Storage on Safari
While there are cell towers in the Serengeti, coverage is said to be spotty. I usually automatically back up my files to the cloud overnight (every night), but this may not be an option on safari. So a triplicate backup system (every night) will hopefully insure my photos make it back.
I have three 2T Seagate external hard drives that come with me. Overkill perhaps, but I want to be sure that I have secure options for image storage, including movie footage. I am formatting and testing each drive before I leave.
The Nikon D500 has an internal backup system in the form of a Sandisk memory card. The Z6 does not. That makes me somewhat nervous, but the truth is I’ve haven’t had a problem to date, so I have to hope that that track record continues. I’ll format and test all the cards before I leave to be sure they record without incident.
In addition, I have 2 XQD cards per camera plus the Sandisks for the Nikon D500. I can always use the latter for overflow rather than backup storage should I need to. I have to think this will be sufficient. The 64 MB XQD cards run about $130 each. A 120 GB card runs about $200 each. The cost of an African photo safari starts to add up!
Tripod, Monopod or Bean Bag?
How to stabilize a camera on safari?
I have a perfect tripod/gimbal set up for my large lens. I bought a heavier tripod with a Wimberly Sidekick for The Festival of the Cranes at Bosque del Apache last year. It was exactly what I needed. Both sturdy and mobile, it allowed me to capture some great photos.
But on safari, will I be able to set up a tripod? Do I want to be able to do some filming with the Z6? Do I want to lug a heavy tripod (my lighter travel tripod cannot support the heavy, large lens and camera) around Africa?
I’ve decide to add a Manfrotto monopod, weight 4 lbs, to the packing list. This is an aluminum frame. I’d love a carbon fiber, but the cost tradeoff just isn’t worth it for this trip. I have to hope this doesn’t turn into a decision that needs upgrading later (welcome to the world of photography).
The head offers flexibility for filming; the specs say it should support my heavier equipment. It arrived this past week and it’s terrific. But I think I still want my heavier tripod for longer exposure shots, particularly with the 150-600mm Tamron lens.
I’ve also purchased a large bean bag from The Vest Guy for stability in the vehicle. These bags rest on the side of a vehicle to provide support, particularly for large lenses. These can be purchased from The Vest Guy directly or via Amazon. Amazon Prime members benefit from free shipping. There is an additional charge for shipping if you buy it directly from The Vest Guy.
The biggest challenge will be getting the bag filled when I arrive! People use beans, rice and all sorts of fillers. I have no idea what will be available locally. But there is a local market and that may be a quest that turns up some interesting adventure!
African traditional fabrics in a shop in Africa
The Photo Safari: How To Carry It All?
Transporting all this equipment also requires some thought. I have numerous camera bags at this point, but none of them accommodate the Tamron 150-600mm lens. It’s just too large.
Just love this Mindshift backpack!
So a quest for a camera bag commenced. I’ve been looking for some time for a combination camera bag and backpack that can accommodate the Tamron lens and my computer, as well as an extra piece or two of clothing.
I opted for the MindShift* 26L backpack in forest green (the color is just gorgeous).
The 26L fits under an airline seat. It holds all my critical camera equipment as well as a 15 inch MacBook Pro. And it’s comfortable. I can easily shoulder a fair amount of weight.
But just to make life easy, I also bought a small cart for transit through a variety of airports over the 30 hours of flight it takes to get to Kilimanjaro.
Delta allows me one personal item and a carryon. My personal item is a Kayla Town Square black bag that I take along for its versatility. I bought it at the very beginning of my travels and it’s one of the best purchases ever. It allows me to take a change of clothes and catch the overflow from my photo bag.
The carry-on is obviously my backpack.
The monopod, tripod and gimbal will go into a duffle bag, as will the bean bag and rain jackets. I have to pray that they will arrive safely. Amsterdam (the European stop en route to Africa) and I have a very mixed history when it comes to luggage.
For luggage, I ordered two inexpensive bags from Amazon. One will handle the photo spillover and all my travel needs. The other is intended for a daily bag to haul extra items (a filled bean bag, tripod, gimbal) to the vehicles. The bags fold flat to consolidate things for transport home.
Two of these bags in Forest Green will be perfect. One will be packed and checked, with the other one folded up inside. In Africa, I’ll be able to use the second bag for tripods, monopods and anything else that needs to be hauled.
The Photo Safari: Packing List
More experienced photographers will undoubtedly have a more sophisticated equipment list. I’ve been taking photos for almost two years now, so I’m still a newbie. Here is my photography packing list (which I’ll review after the trip). You can just capture this via screen shot if you’d like to use it as a guide for your own photo needs.
UV Filters- I keep a UV filter on my lens to protect against scratches and dirt. Along with a hood, this has saved me numerous times.
Neutral Density Filter
Cleaning Gear (Wipes, Blower, Brush, Spray)
Reverse Graduated Filter
Polarizer for 77mm lens (I’ve had so-so experience with polarizers. With the ability to do so much in post, I’ve decided to pass on a polarizer for the large lens (another $150-200 or so!)
Rain Jacket (for the cameras-2)
Memory, Electronics and Backup
3 Seagate Backup Drives, Formatted and Tested
3 EN-EL Batteries for Each Camera (6 Total); Battery Chargers (sufficient to charge 4 Batteries at a time). Along with Nikon batteries, I also purchased 2 Green Extreme Batteries with a charger. They’re also an EN-EL15 battery that got excellent reviews and are a bit more reasonable than the Nikon batteries.
Computer Charger, Portable Keyboard and Mouse
Extra AA Batteries
Lightening Plug In Adapters for USB ports and QXD Card Reader
USB Power Strips (2) for 120-240 volts
Adapters-British/African Style (2)
Map of Tanzania
“A map says to you.
Read me carefully, follow me closely, doubt me not…
I am the earth in the palm of your hand.”
― Beryl Markham
No cell, no problem. A good old fashioned map comes to the rescue
What did I forget?
I’m sure I’ll find out! See you in Africa! But first, next week to #TBEX in Montana (with, hopefully some great photos of that beautiful state) and then to San Diego for a TV interview with KUSI on CancerRoadTrip. For all of you who have lent your good thoughts and encouragement, thank you so much. I hope this is starting to all pay off.
If you’re interested in learning more about photography (or cooking or film or any number of topics) check out MasterClass All-Access Pass for on-line excellence:
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What is #CancerRoadTrip and how did it come to be? Read this post to get the backstory!
While a trip to Tanzania conjures up images of the Serengeti, some practical tasks like visas and vaccinations are needed to take on the adventure. This is an overview of my experience in getting ready for an upcoming photo safari trip.
The trip is with Nikon Ambassador Kristi Odom. Her photographs have a depth of emotion and character seldom found. I am incredibly lucky to be spending 9 days traveling and studying with her. In addition, my learning will continue throughout the year via Skype sessions. The opportunity to learn to see and to photograph with someone of this calibre is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Count me in!
***
Beryl Markham’s stories of Africa have captivated me for years. And with a photo safari planned for the end of September into October, the Dark Continent beckons.
This is a quote from West WithThe Night that has stuck with me for several decades now:
“Africa is mystic; it is wild; it is a sweltering inferno; it is a photographer’s paradise, a hunter’s Valhalla, an escapist’s Utopia. It is what you will, and it withstands all interpretations. It is the last vestige of a dead world or the cradle of a shiny new one. To a lot of people, as to myself, it is just ‘home’.”
– Beryl Markham
Africa is mystic. Those words still hold true.
But before I can set foot in this mystic land, certain modern day tasks need attention first.
Herding goats is akin to running down all the tasks needed for a visit to Tanzania, Africa
Visas and Vaccinations for Tanzania
Visas and vaccinations are a fairly common part of travel. For Tanzania, a host of inoculations are suggested. My forays into figuring out the requirements are chronicled in this post. While my trip is to Tanzania, the methodology I will be giving you can be used for any country.
Visas for Tanzania
If you google Tanzania visa you’ll get a host of official looking websites. They all want to sell you their services to get you a visa. A visa for a US citizen costs $100. Most services charge $179 to submit the application.
Instead, go directly to the country’s embassy site and order your own e-visa. You’ll need an image of your current passport, a passport quality head shot, copies of your travel arrangements, and the ability to reduce the size of some of the documents they request in order to meet their limitations on file sizes for uploading. (For Mac, simply open your file in preview; go to Tools>Adjust Size and resize the file.) One item of note: if it says to upload a jpeg file, be sure it actually is a jpeg (not a jpg file).
The Tanzania embassy site provides step by step instructions and is actually simpler to use than the numerous visa-for-hire sites that charge an additional fee. My visa was approved within a week and emailed to me.
The official Tanzania site is comprehensive. They cover everything from travel insurance for extreme sports to plastics restrictions and required vaccinations. Go directly to https://tanzaniaembassy-us.org for current information on your travel questions.
Tanzania travel questions? Contact the embassy directly.
Vaccinations for Tanzania
The other site to check out is the CDC.gov. Between this and the Tanzania site, you’ll have the information you need.
For my vaccinations, I used Passport Health, a concierge service that caters to medical travel needs anywhere in the world. I honestly did not check their prices versus visiting my own doctor. He is usually backlogged, and I was concerned that he probably didn’t keep things like typhoid vaccines on hand.
Instead, using Passport Health, I was able to get an appointment quickly. This matters. Depending on the vaccinations you require, you may need to have 2 or even three inoculations. Plan ahead more than a month before your departure to be sure you can get everything done.
I also appreciated the fact that the nurse was knowledgeable about the various vaccines needed for my trip. Traveling solo, I appreciate an extra set of eyes to be sure I’m not missing anything.
Finding the path, via numerous forms of transport.
Additional Medications for a Tanzania Safari
Malaria pills are essential (and they are not cheap!). Passport Health was able to phone a prescription directly to a local pharmacy for me. I also got a prescription for Ciprofloxacin (diarrhea).
My medical packing list includes:
Bug repellent with DEET (30% concentration). While I dread the idea of these chemicals on my skin, the risk of an infectious bite of some sort is far worse. DEET it is. I’m also going to be experimenting with some natural oils such as lavender, tea tree oil and spearmint to ward off mosquitoes.
Sunblock/Moisturizer + Sunblock: Check the ewg.org website for the healthiest recommendations for sun related products.
Benadryl /Tea Tree Oil for bug bites: I do not react well to bites and the Benadryl Gel is a must have. Tea tree oil is also going with me. It is a combination insect repellent; it has antiseptic qualities; and wound healing attributes.
You may also want to pack a general first aid kit, or at least the key elements of one.
Be prepared for whatever adventure awaits. Be sure to bring some first aid and get travel insurance.
Travel Insurance
Don’t leave home without it for a major trip.
But do read the fine print.
The basic Delta travel insurance provides protection against the cost of your trip and gives you the ability to make changes in your travel plans. It also offers fairly basic compensation for late flights and lost luggage. It’s not comprehensive, but it is adequate. Allianz, a well regarded travel insurance company, provides the Delta service.
In addition to the basic insurance offered by the airline, any number of companies offer varying levels of comprehensive travel insurance for about 10% of the cost of the trip. For a trip to Africa, you’re looking at some pretty hefty premiums. Think hard about what you really need in an emergency. I’m personally usually willing to self insure against little things. In my mind, insurance sales (somewhat like vaccination sales) are partially based on fear. Just be aware of that as you make the decisions that are right for you and your trip.
The Tanzania Embassy offers a summary of recommended travel insurance policies via Reviews.com. You can also do your own homework. I for one simply want to cover this base in the unlikely event of something catastrophic happening. Since I’m not doing any extreme sports these days, my needs are simple. And I am an optimist. I generally regard any bumps in the road as a new adventure.
And I’m ready for Africa!
General Reading on Africa
The romance of the African continent has found its way into literature for decades. Africa spells adventure and adventure (whenever possible) should include some aviation. Some of my African favorites:
Out of Africa by Isak Dinesen
“I once had a farm in Africa.” With that simple statement an adventure unfolds. Either in book or movie form, this is a breathtaking story of the continent.
While the movie scene below is in Kenya, it’s one of my favorite scenes from the entire movie:
West With The Night by Beryl Markham
One of my favorite books of all time. Buy it; read it; you’ll understand why!
Straight On Til Morning
This biography of Beryl Markham is just as good as her own book. If a bit of African adventure Bristish colonial style spins your wheels, this is a great read.
If you’re interested in learning more about photography (or cooking or film or any number of topics) check out MasterClass All-Access Pass for on-line excellence:
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What is #CancerRoadTrip and how did it come to be? Read this post to get the backstory!
I wrote this about my Apple Watch before I took off on #CancerRoadTrip. And having used my watch for some time now, I continue to be pleased with it. I think the absolute best feature has been being able to answer my phone from my watch while driving. I have an older car without wifi, so my phone doesn’t connect to the audio system. This watch makes that connection for me and that has been invaluable.
Preparing for an indefinite time on the road has meant reassessing much of daily life. What has worked for ages, may not work for today.
My day to day watch, a Bedat isn’t exactly suitable for a road trip. It’s not water proof; it’s too expensive; it’s something I would hate to lose. I decided to integrate my other communications via an Apple Watch, and it’s been a very good experience. I continue to be amazed at the things it does for me.
I do see the irony of having to buy things for a minimalist trip! But how do I manage to write, film, communicate, produce and travel without some serious organization? Not to mention setting up #CancerRoadTrips for others! My Apple Watch is part of the organization.
I’ll put all this together in a download on #CancerRoadTrip packing and planning. But in the meantime, here’s a look at the experience (and Apple has not paid or supported me in any way as of this writing!):
#1 Personal Service
When Apple first opened their retail stores, I wasn’t sure it was a good business move. I mean really, who wants brick and mortar anymore?
I couldn’t have been more wrong. When it comes to technology, the ability to interface with both the salespeople and people via classroom experience is invaluable. The stores create both a cult and a community where help is available, along with every gadget under the sun.
#2 Knowledgeable and Comprehensive Help
I have found the staff to be incredibly helpful. They generally know their product or can find someone who does. With Apple Watch, the sales help made a significant difference in my final product decision. While at the store, I also was able to get an enormous amount of information on my other Apple products, such as using my iPhone7 as a primary point and shoot camera/video option; video stabilization and video drones.
#3 One on One
I had to wait a while, but when a salesperson became available I had their total attention. I learned about the product, got everything set up and was ready to start learning about my new watch purchase when I left the store.
#4 Touch and Feel Matters
Had I ordered my Apple watch from the website I would have made a different purchase decision. The ability to touch and try the actual product is very meaningful. I was able to see the exact color tone of the different finishes, and the look, feel and usability of the different sizes.
#5 Customization Options
Being able to touch and feel the product also meant I could look at the various bands and see how they coordinated with the watch casing. The easy exchangeability of watch bands was an unexpected bonus. This allows me to have some different looks, without adding any bulk or weight to my luggage.
The ability to customize the technology to your personal needs is well thought out, fairly intuitive and easy to use.
#6 Cost Less Than I Expected
Because I was able to try on the various watches and see both sizes, I ended up opting for a less expensive, lighter weight Apple Watch Nike rather than the Space Grey aluminum case that I would have chosen without handling the product. The weight difference was, for me, the deciding factor.
#7 Keeps My Phone More Secure
Being able to make phone calls, reply to messages (and more!) from my watch means that my iPhone stays securely in my purse. With travel theft always a concern, having a low profile way to pick up this information is an unexpected bonus.
#8 Community
Apple fosters a sense of community. The salespeople I dealt with were eager to share their knowledge and never arrogant. Sitting at the table getting my watch set up, I interface with other customers and tech reps who, once again, are truly helpful. And the classes are perfect for moving along the learning curve at an excelerated rate and getting the most out of your purchase.
#9 Entertainment + Convenience
My original reason for getting an Apple watch was simply that I wanted a useable, water proof, not-too- expensive watch for travel. But I found an added bonus: It’s just plain dumb fun. Playing with the various watch faces, I can watch flowers bloom and change Mini Mouse’s coloring. I can go with a minimal face or one with loads of information. And I’ve even re-introduced Siri into my life. She’s gotten much better over time. The sales rep made an interesting note: Siri is cloud based and thus constantly learning. It’s time to give her another try.
#10 Beautiful packaging that was easy to open and understand
The packaging (as always) is simple, elegant and understandable. The set up help is invaluable and a smart customer retention move on Apple’s part. Techie stuff just isn’t an issue. They’ve made the purchase and use of their products both easy and fun. Not necessarily an easy thing to do with consumer technology.
#11 The Antithesis of the GoPro Experience
I might have taken much of this experience for granted had I not had a very different technology experience with GoPro. Two companies offering technology based consumer products with two vastly different approaches. You can read about my GoPro experience here.
Follow up: After returning the GoPro, and experiencing the Apple watch, I decided to focus on really learning the capabilities of my existing Apple iPhone 7 camera before making any more film oriented decisions. Even though the phone has built in video stabilization, I added an DJI OSMO MOBILE after watching a lot of YouTube videos of very compelling film footage made with this combination.
Here’s some quick video that I put together from one of my favorite hikes. This is my absolute favorite Tahoe beach, accessible only by boat or foot. I used my iPhone and the Osmo to film this.
What is #CancerRoadTrip and how did it come to be? Read this post to get the backstory!
Electronic retail therapy! In theory, all I need is an internet connection. But in reality, being able to write, film, record, edit and share various social media venues and the website is a bit more complicated. And if it has much of a digital learning curve, I am a bit cautious because time is tight right now. Escrow closes in one week; the house is in the process of going into a series of storage PODS; and I’ve thrown out my back making packing very difficult.
So I’ve reached a compromise where my electronic travel entourage is made of somethings old and somethings new. Things can evolve on the road.
Somethings Old
My MacBook Air is perfect as it is. I added an automatic cloud based back up system, and freed up a ton of space on the hard drive. So no new computer purchase required. I moved from Windows to Mac some years ago and I’m glad I did. I still use Excel and Powerpoint (a cloud based version for Mac), but I love my Mac! This current computer is several years old and going strong. I expect to get several more years out of it.
A few years ago, I left my mouse in a hotel in Palo Alto and they refused to ship it back to me. So I went to the Apple store and reluctantly bought this “upscale” mouse. I grumbled. Over priced, I thought. Now I couldn’t function without it. It allows me to perform multiple functions quickly and easily. If you’re still using a low tech mouse, you may want to check this out.
This may be my single best “electronic” purchase EVER. If your back or neck get tired from computer work, GET THIS. It has revolutionized my computer life! It weights almost nothing and collapses into a tiny sack that’s easy to take along. Having my computer screen ergonomically adjusted is something I should have done long ago. Don’t wait; don’t be in pain. This item is a bit pricey, but worth every penny.
I have an old 12 GB iPhone6 Plus that would be perfectly fine, except that I’m out of space on it. Video, pictures and apps require storage! It’s time to upgrade. The camera in the new iPhone is also very promising.
I’m one of those people that is happy keeping a phone forever. One cell carrier once threatened me with a surcharge for obsolete technology! But those days have changed. I need to stay up to date on technology. So a new phone is a must do, with an automatic upgrade to the newest and latest every two years.
These clip on lenses give your iPhone a zoom and a wide angle lens.
The camera in the iPhone 7 Plus is excellent. This is going to be my point and click camera. The lenses simply slip over the camera eye on the phone and voila! A new lens for your iPhone camera. Set up/installation is simple. It can be used for video, time-lapse, panoramas and 360° VR photos.
However, if you have a case for your iPhone, this can be a bit of a hassle in that you need to remove the phone from the case to mount the lens. Olloclip makes a iPhone 7 Plus Case that gets around this inconvenience and still protects your phone. If you’re thinking about getting this to expand your photographic options, buy the Olloclip case, rather than the Apple case.
Cinematic video at your fingertips! The Osmo mobile holds the iPhone and allows you to make smooth video. I am happy with this purchase,and I’m still learning to use it, but it’s not perfect. The built in video stabilization in the iPhone 7 and in the Osmo sometimes collide, causing a very slight jerking motion as the two battle for stability control. It’s subtle. It could also also be attributed to my newbie status or the slow motion filming. It is a common issue based on Google search results. I’ll provide an update on my experiences in the video stabilization battles as I figure it out.
Another option would be to buy Digital Zoom Handheld 4K Camera Osmo with a built in camera, but this seemed to redundant to me when I already have an iPhone . And expensive. One could also use a tripod with the iPhone for better stability, but this takes away the spontaneity associated with point and click.
DJI Mavic Pro Yes, a drone. For fantastic video footage. (Remember, I am a pilot!)
I’ll do a separate post on my drone research, but I’m considering a DJI Mavic Pro. The reviews are excellent; it’s lightweight and collapsable; and has excellent features for videography.
My “serious” camera is a Nikon 5500. Combined with some good photo editing software, I can take both high quality film and video with this. Photography is an ongoing learning curve for me. Nikon even offers an online school.
The 5600 is the newer version, but the differences between the cameras are miniscule. For the added cost, I just didn’t see a reason to upgrade to the newest, latest, hottest model.
The 5500 comes with wifi which means I can download pictures directly to my phone. Given that I still do most of my editing on my computer, I tend to just use the port on the side of the camera to connect directly to my Mac. But for social media sharing, this is a great feature.
The only downside to this is that the camera does need some protection which translates into a somewhat bulky case for travel. This is where every ounce and every inch starts to count. I have a standard Nikon carrying case, but I’m on the lookout for sleeker, less bulky options.
Finally to keep everything organized, I store the various power cords on individual cord clips (left) in a plastic bag, in their own packing cube. This way, at the end of the day, everything is in one place. I also carry an adapter for different power sources.
What else goes into a decision to hit the road?
Aside from tuning up my old all wheel drive BMW 325xi wagon (a 2002 with only 114,000 miles on it–my last BMW went over 300,000 miles) and putting a Yakima Cargo Box on the car, I’m almost ready to roll. Escrow closes in one week.
Leather luggage looks sexy, but it’s highly impractical when it comes to the hazards of modern travel. #CancerRoadTrip needs travel practicality, both from a usability and a financial perspective. I have an old roller bag that can be checked for airline travel. It’s a bit beat up, but it will work just fine. But I want a second light weight carry-on that can carry must-not-lose items like medicine and fragile electronics, that can double as a carry-on for shorter excursions. I chose this Patagonia bag (in black) for the following reasons:
Excellent Organization via various compartments
Padded computer compartment
Can be carried over your shoulder, as a valise and as a backpack (!).
Has a sleeve that slides over my roller bag handle for easy movement through airports and what not.
This set of packing cubes keeps everything super organized and findable. It comes in a wide array of colors; and in different size configurations. If you haven’t tried packing cubes, they will revolutionize your packing! They are essential travel gear! I don’t know how I coped without these.
I am incredibly pleased with this travel purse. It comes in several colors. I opted for the pewter. This handbag is for day to day use. It has RFID protection, and steel mesh reinforced construction to guard against slash and dash thieves. It would appear to be semi-indestructible. Plenty of room for my cell and daily basics. And it’s right sized, lightweight, and collapsable for packing and travel. It also can carry a water bottle in the side compartment.
I’m within two weeks of taking off, and I’m tuning my packing lists, even as I pack up the house. I’ll put together a final downloadable packing list of what has made the cut, for road travel here in the States and for international travel as well. May my efforts spare you some time and effort packing for your #CancerRoadTrip!
Inspiration, joy & discovery through travel. Oh, did I mention with supposedly incurable cancer?
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CancerRoadTrip is about making lemonade out of lemons.
As you read my story, you may want to start at the beginning to "grok" how CancerRoadTrip came to be. You can click here to start at the end (which is actually the beginning) and read forward! The posts are chronological, with the most recent posts appearing on the front page.
I’ve also purchased a large bean bag from The Vest Guy for stability in the vehicle. These bags rest on the side of a vehicle to provide support, particularly for large lenses. These can be purchased from The Vest Guy directly or via Amazon. Amazon Prime members benefit from free shipping. There is an additional charge for shipping if you buy it directly from The Vest Guy.
So a quest for a camera bag commenced. I’ve been looking for some time for a combination camera bag and backpack that can accommodate the Tamron lens and my computer, as well as an extra piece or two of clothing.
Delta allows me one personal item and a carryon. My personal item is a 
Out of Africa by Isak Dinesen
Because I was able to try on the various watches and see both sizes, I ended up opting for a less expensive, lighter weight 
is perfect as it is. I added an automatic cloud based back up system, and freed up a ton of space on the hard drive. So no new computer purchase required. I moved from Windows to Mac some years ago and I’m glad I did. I still use Excel and Powerpoint (a cloud based version for Mac), but I love my Mac! This current computer is several years old and going strong. I expect to get several more years out of it.
A few years ago, I left my mouse in a hotel in Palo Alto and they refused to ship it back to me. So I went to the Apple store and reluctantly bought this “upscale” mouse. I grumbled. Over priced, I thought. Now I couldn’t function without it. It allows me to perform multiple functions quickly and easily. If you’re still using a low tech mouse, you may want to 
This may be my single best “electronic” purchase EVER. If your back or neck get tired from computer work, GET THIS. It has revolutionized my computer life! It weights almost nothing and collapses into a tiny sack that’s easy to take along. Having my computer screen ergonomically adjusted is something I should have done long ago. Don’t wait; don’t be in pain. This item is a bit pricey, but worth every penny.
I have an old 12 GB iPhone6 Plus that would be perfectly fine, except that I’m out of space on it. Video, pictures and apps require storage! It’s time to upgrade. The camera in the new iPhone is also very promising.
Olloclip Active Lens Set 
Cinematic video at your fingertips! The Osmo mobile holds the iPhone and allows you to make smooth video. I am happy with this purchase,and I’m still learning to use it, but it’s not perfect. The built in video stabilization in the iPhone 7 and in the Osmo sometimes collide, causing a very slight jerking motion as the two battle for stability control. It’s subtle. It could also also be attributed to my newbie status or the slow motion filming. It is a common issue based on Google search results. I’ll provide an update on my experiences in the video stabilization battles as I figure it out.
with a built in camera, but this seemed to redundant to me when I already have an iPhone . And expensive. One could also use a tripod with the iPhone for better stability, but this takes away the spontaneity associated with point and click.
in a plastic bag, in their own packing cube. This way, at the end of the day, everything is in one place. I also carry an adapter for different power sources.
Aside from tuning up my old all wheel drive BMW 325xi wagon (a 2002 with only 114,000 miles on it–my last BMW went over 300,000 miles) and putting a 
on the car, I’m almost ready to roll. Escrow closes in one week.
I have an old roller bag that can be checked for airline travel. It’s a bit beat up, but it will work just fine. But I want a second light weight carry-on that can carry must-not-lose items like medicine and fragile electronics, that can double as a carry-on for shorter excursions. I chose this Patagonia bag (in black) for the following reasons:
colors; and in different size configurations. If you haven’t tried packing cubes, they will revolutionize your packing! They are essential travel gear! I don’t know how I coped without these.
