Tying up loose ends

My departure date of November 4 is quickly approaching. I have spent the last few weeks buying all of the things that I wish I had brought with me the last time. In particular:

• A headlamp. I don't know how many times I found myself walking at night with my flashlight in my mouth, but it was enough to know that flashlights taste bad. Headlamps are also handy when you are trying to read at night or when you are going through your pack when it's dark out.
• A larger towel. The last trip I used a super-absorbent, quick drying towel that worked well. The only problem: it was only about the size of a small hand towel. I upgraded to a larger quick dry towel, roughly the size of a large beach towel.
• A better camera case. I really goofed up the camera case the last trip. I had to carry 2 bags to lug all of my equipment around. Most of the time it wasn't a big issue, but when we went out on hikes it was annoying to have one bag bouncing against me while the other was stowed away in my rucksack. The new bag I got is a backpack designed to carry camera equipment. I bought the larger model with the thought that I can use the pack as not only a camera case but a day pack as well.

One thing that I need to get before I leave is my visa for entry into Mauritania. I will most likely go to the consulate in NYC (if not Washington, DC) prior to leaving. I am not a big fan of sending my passport out for the visas (though I did send away for the visa for Ghana), especially this close to my departure. The trip into NYC is an easy one, and even the trip to DC wouldn't be too difficult.

Other things to do before November 4 include: obtain passport photos for the visas I get en route (although I may end up not needing them, better safe than sorry), make arrangements for when I arrive in Malaga, Spain (I spend 5 days on my own before I meet up with the group) and pick up my malaria medicine (I am sticking with mefloquine since I tolerated it well the last time).

The whole process of getting ready for this trip is easier this time, as you would expect. One thing is for sure: I am going to forget something. I just hope it isn't important.