Staging info on the way

I found out this morning that we’re staging in Philadelphia on August 17. One of the other people in the group got her staging packet and left a post on our group message board to let everyone know. My packet should be here soon. I feel like I’ve really made some headway this weekend in packing and preparing for the trip. I sold my kayak and all associated gear yesterday to a guy from Memphis. He’s the photo editor for Ducks Unlimited’s magazine, so I might try to send him some photos of any waterfowl I see at Saryarka. It just got added to the World Heritage List:

Saryarka is a largely undisturbed area of Central Asian steppe and lakes in the Korgalzhyn and Naurzum State Nature Reserves. These are key stopover points for globally threatened species and provide feeding grounds for up to 15-16 million birds. They are also home to the critically endangered saiga antelope (Saiga tatarica). (From press release on IUCN site)

How cool is that? I’m definitely going to find the time to check that place out. To be that close to a site like that and not visit would be tragic.

I think I’ve checked off almost everything on my packing list. Picked up a few more things last night and it feels like I almost have it all. One of the things not on the list was Apples Are From Kazakhstan. Neat book. Started reading it last night. Probably will be the bedtime reader since my time should be spent packing and studying Russian. As soon as July 22 rolls around I should have much more time. Trying to work a 40+ hour a week job while preparing to leave the country for a few years can be a bit tricky.