We left Bellingham in the early afternoon headed first for Oahu’s North Shore.  Months of gear planning was whittled down to what, in theory, are just the essentials that fit into a carry-on size pack.  Kim is betting there will still be several items that will be deemed non-essential and cast off at some point – like settlers along the Oregon Trail. Regardless, we each managed to fit six months of personal effects and gear (including two snorkels and masks!) into our 35 to 44 liter packs –…