Gem and I first met in Covent Garden in London. She was a beauty in jade and black. The Macpac assistant measured my back and Gem was adjusted so that we fitted together for maximum comfort. Gem, my Gemini Macpac backpack would go on many adventures over the next 20 years. Through Europe, Russia, Africa, the Middle East and the United States she gathered loads of dirt and dust and even a tear from a rough baggage handler on the way back from Egypt. Macpac repairers fixed her right up with a shiny new jade panel. Gem continued to travel around Australia and New Zealand after the little Ingrams arrived. She was great to pack, and could always be depended upon. Her zips and straps never failed.
During our last trip to New Zealand Gem was showing more than a little wear and tear. Her waterproofing was delaminating and the zips were pulling away from the fabric even though the zips themselves were still fine. She had done her job well and carried hundreds of kilos over thousands of miles. So many adventures on planes, trucks, buses, boats and trains.
So, last year Macpac was having a sale – a really good sale! Who doesn’t love Macpac and a sale? One thing lead to another and … well, … Let me introduce you to Geraldine – a brand new Macpac Genesis model. Geraldine has different curves, a few new spaces and some great improvements over Gem but she is also missing some much-loved features from Gem. She packs differently and is a very clean space grey. I look forward to getting to know Geraldine as well as I knew Gem – although I doubt we’ll do 3 months in Africa together.
Gem is now retired, spending her days tucked up in a cupboard in Mornington.
Bon Voyage Geraldine.
I was interested to read about Gem!
I don’t remember if we have met or not.
I’m sure we’d hear some great stories if Gem could talk.
We never did get to meet Paddy either.
Enjoy your travels with Geraldine……. is Gem going on someone else’s back?.
No Gem is retiring.
Your story bought a tear to my eye, I miss Bluey, my macpac. Our time together was cut short some years ago, when a couple of youths decided she looked interesting. We had only travelled together for day walks, but what happy days they were. I too have a new Mac, but the love of your first macpac doesn’t dim. Happy travels
Loved your story too. I can’t get rid of her – she is in the cupboard. Too many memories, too many adventures!
Rest in peace Gem and welcome Geraldine. Great post Megan!
I think you should write a book about the adventures of Gem !