Following up on Quartermaster...
I sent off an email detailing everything we want to rent from Jol Flemming.
I ordered Ling her camping equipment. I ordered that model because it enables the thermarest pad to slip into the bag itself. My bag/pad don't integrate, so I am always rolling off the thing. Furthermore, it's got a pocket to cram clothes for a makeshift pillow. A bunch of sensible features. And now Ling will be compelled to camp out more often with me.
I used the immensely primitive Celestaire web site to order two books on celestial navigation, a cardboard sextant, and a bubble attachment to go along with it. The site could hardly be called an ecommerce site. I think my order form was little more than a form.cgi that sends my details off to a secretary to enter into a visa machine seperately. Very uncomfortable.
I ordered another goody from Celestaire. {This is actually a widely-heiled radio} It probably falls into the No-Good-Reason category, but I peppered myself with a series of limp justifications (mostly things like, "well, you can buy this because you didn't buy xxx" [where xxx = some other unjustifiable, foolish purchase...like three uhf transceivers]) Anyway, who cares. It will be fun to listen to SSB radio in the bush.
Sounds like everyone has their shoes and are busy breaking them in. [Except Ling]
Mom and Dad, just wait till we get to Australia to purchase a hat. Ling will be happy to take you shopping at Alice Springs to get one. Matt will be ordering his headgear online.