This weekend I spent time working on my list of needed equipment plus provisions for the trip. Most of this is basic; no one would go birdwatching without field glasses! However there are a few other things I want to have in place that although obvious may be out of line of sight; a first aid kit, sunglasses, broad brimmed hats, comfortable walking shoes with LOTS of socks, sun tan lotion, and the like.
Because the trip will only be 3 days we're going to have to squeeze in as much as we can. July 31st is the drive to Lake Dardanelle. August 1st is the whole day at the Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge, about 20 miles away. August 2nd will be half the day at Lake Dardanelle, then travel to Bull Shoals State park, around 85 miles away. August 3rd will be all day at Bull Shoals. August 4th will be the trip home. August 5th, Ed is back at school, getting books and his room.
REALLY not much time. We're going to have to squeeze in as much watching as possible, plus a little fun and (hopefully) blog updating if I can find Internet access.
Despite my basic sloppiness I'm a neat freak dying to get out. When planning on the trip I didn't want to have a bunch of loose papers and directions spread out everywhere. One of the my all-time best gifts was a Star Trek notebook. It's handsized, ruled horizontally and vertically, and perfect for notes and other things. I pulled the maps off Yahoo for the route and taped them in the book, making it easier to carry and reference.
Yes, I know, it looks anal, but it works for me.
Besides, planning is half the fun!
Thursday we will be on our way to Ar-Kan-Sas. Boids and raptors here we come!
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