5. If you are going to take pictures, you better keep your camera handy. The next test was to figure out a way to keep the camera nearby so that I could take pictures whenever I wanted. I figure if there is a moose in the road or some herd of buffalo giving me a standoff on some remote highway I may want to take one hand off the bike, grab the camera, and snap a picture while still moving, performing a getaway, or in a highspeed chase . I know, I know, don't even think it.
so check it out, here is my on motorcycle camera holder!

I've been throwing stuff in a pile in my room for 2 weeks now. In my mind i keep saying "at some point you should really organize this stuff". Everytime I run into some piece of camping gear or soemthing i think I might need I throw it in the pile. Today I finally realized that If I was going to fit it all in onthe motorcycle I would have to lay it all out, and put in in the pannier one piece at a time in order to see if it will all fit. Here is a picture of all of it laying on the floor. Believe it or not I actually packed all this stuff into two panniers on the bike. this was nothing compared to trying to get it all in my backpack like i have for other trips. I may really like this motorcycle thing


I have also decided to take a long another camera. Its a plastic camera that holds medium format 2 1/4 film. They are very elementary, but take cool pictures. They are a little fragile so I make a little case out of bubble wrap. Not quite a s cool as the other case but I think it will keep it relatively safe. I must say thanks to Tim for loaning me the Holga. it will be a cool treat to use and get pictures back from. thanks tim!

I still have to pack all my tools. Actually there are a lot of tools: screwdriver, open ended wrenches, crescent wrenches, spark plug gapper, valve gapper, oil, torque wrench, pliers, tubes, tire levers, spare spark plug, spare fuses, tweezers, rubber gloves, sockets, rachet for sockets, extenders for sockets, etc...etc.

I made a tool box that would keep the center of gravity a bit lower on the bike. Not that it really matters but if I am going to throw 10 pounds or more of tools on the bike I wanted to keep the weight as low and forward as possible. chekkit! Don't laugh...yes it's made out of ABS plastic, its light, presumably water proof, and it was cheap. You love it!