SE Asia (Possible) Itinerary

     So far, just working with guide books for the most part, we have mapped a possible meandering route during the Southeast Asia leg: 

- Arrive in Hanoi, spend a few days there, and then do a short loop through the northwest highlands & Sapa. 
- Go to Halong Bay, then south by train to Hue and Hoi An. 
- Visit Dalat and the Central Highlands, then south to the Mekong Delta (possibly by-passing or minimizing time in Ho Chi Minh city). 
- Cross into Cambodia at Prek Chak, and then look for quiet beaches around Sihanoukville and the nearby islands. 
- Go on to Phnom Penh. 
- Go to Battambang and Siem Reap. 
- Go to Kratie, and then the Northeast -- Mondulkiri and Ban Lung? 
- Cross into Laos at Trapeang Kriel. 
- Visit the "Four Thousand Islands" area, then north to Vientiane and Luang Prabang. 
- Cross into Northern Thailand, and from there we still have to research our options before our departure from Bangkok.

     We have been busy clearing out drawers cupboards, and compiling all the gear we'll need to take.  We've been trying to eat everything in the fridge and pantry, which has resulted in some unique ingredients in meals and lots and lots of pickles.  All the baking utensils are getting a thorough cleaning, and we are actually throwing away some of the jars that have been piling up!  
     Meanwhile, we did a test pack on one of the backpacks.  It turned out a little bulky, but everything fit with room to spare.  We will probably pack the other two tomorrow, to make  sure that everything fits.  
     Lillie went for a couple of sleepovers last week with the family that's going to look after her while she's gone.  The verdict (we hope) is that she's going to be happy staying with Olivia's family, but she on both occasions was excited to get home.