We're just days away from departure. So preparation begins in earnest: packing lists, to-do lists, reviewing the itinerary, etc.

Here's JL's packing list:
two dresses
swimsuit
black pants
3 pairs underwear
black sandals
Keen sandals
one (and only one pair) wool socks
emergency disposable poncho
rain pants
pink sweater
gray scarf
pink scarf
biking skort
2 biking shirts
jacket
fleece
shampoo
toothbrush
toothpaste
eye mask
ears plugs
cell phone
cell phone charger and converter
headphones
bike maps
bike helmet
sunglasses
sun screen
guide books
water bottle
French phrase book

The rest of the LKs have similar lists. The picture shows JL's pannier and handle bar bag -- will it all fit? Between all of us, we are taking 4 panniers and two handle bar bags. That's why the kids will be packing their oldest underwear and throwing them it along the way -- lighten the load. Here's a plus: no arguments about people buying a bunch of stuff along the way -- no place to put it!

Meanwhile, JL continues with weak attempts to revive schoolgirl French at the local Alliance Francaise. If only those French didn't talk so fast and stuck to the present tense . . .