I agree - I take either one of these (Sony RX10iv or Sony RX100vii) depending on the length and difficulty of the hike. I don't have to worry about lenses or other gear. These two are wonderful bridge cameras.

I simplified my life a while ago with a Sony RX10 IV and have never looked back. One camera with 24-600mm lens and maybe a few filters. It’s great when traveling.

Conversely, if you delete photos from an album, they remain in the main photo area. It is also hard to move photos from one album to another in Google Photos. It's a two step process that is somewhat annoying.

NYC is as safe as any other city around the world. I am a New Yorker for life (I'm 69). Remember - don't go into dark alleys, do not carry expensive equipment around and unprotected (hanging off your back). So, I would recommend one camera and a single lens. If it "feels" wrong...then it probably is. Maybe don't take a subway late at night - use a yellow taxi. Even when I walk around some areas with my camera, people think I'm a tourist. I have been warned about pickpockets, thefts in many other cities. Streets in London can be dangerous to Americans (traffic comes from the "wrong" direction - haha). Using common sense anywhere and everywhere is always your best defense.

I have used PITS Global Data Recovery Services Web: www.pitsdatarecovery.com. They are pricey but very professional. They were able to restore 100% of my files from a non-functioning USB thumb drive. They use a network of people around the country to do the work. I am in CT and the person was in Brooklyn, NYC. Everything was done via mail and email, not in person. It's worth a conversation with them.

I don't mean to be nasty or unfriendly but why would one ask a photography group about computers? There are many online sites that review, compare and recommend computers. Would you ask them which camera to buy? Yes, be wary of the website, the real knowledge vs opinion, etc. But there is a lot of good information out there and even an online chat with someone may help.

Enjoy the space and scenery. I hope it is never spoiled or developed (I've been watching too much Yellowstone on TV).

I had a problem with a USB drive at one time and none of the downloaded recovery software worked. The USB company said they don't do file recovery from a USB. I found a company that specializes in recovering data/files from any type of drive. PITS Global Data Recovery Services, Web: www.pitsdatarecovery.com Phone: (888) 611-0737. I do not represent them in any way. I just used them once. They were expensive but recovered all my files. So it is up to you how vital the files are and is it worth the money.

There has been and will be a lot to learn. I use bridge cameras (the latest versions of the Sony RX10 and 100). Given that I am not a professional and I take pictures for myself and my family, I don't really need the fanciest and latest camera and lenses. The Sony's work fine for me and, according to many UHH posts, that is okay. I like following the links to see the equipment others are considering, the reference books people read and the techniques available. I get lost in some of the technical posts (but then again, I can explain the tax code to you until your eyes glaze over). I have experimented with various modes of shooting based on the posts. I purchased some filters and played with them. I also learned that I don't like to do a lot of post processing. I like to frame my shot, take it and enjoy it. Do I "enhance" it a little? Do I crop them? Yes. But I don't do a lot. UHH has given me insight into photography as a hobby. It has allowed me to enjoy my pictures for what they are...my memories.

Here is one that works for me. https://www.gardeners.com/buy/rolling-garden-seat-with-turnbar/8600328.html
It has a 400 lb capacity and I like the fact that it has wheels and can move easily.

I hope you haven't left yet (Antarctica is on my bucket list). I have a HP Elite Dragonfly laptop. Very light, small footprint yet has great memory and connectivity. The screen is also touch screen if desired.

Processor Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-8665U CPU @ 1.90GHz 2.11 GHz
Installed RAM 16.0 GB (15.8 GB usable)
Hard Drive - 1 TB SSD
System type 64-bit operating system, x64-based processor
Pen and touch Pen and touch support with 10 touch points

When I was trying to schedule a FedEx delivery with a vendor, I went to the FedEx website, entered my zip code and then a list of authorized FedEx locations appeared. One of the locations was a Walgreens. Two other locations were FedEx stores but they are not as convenient. When I placed the order, I added a ship to address with my name and the Walgreens name and address. FedEx sends me an email that the package was delivered to the Walgreens. Then I have a few days to pick it up. When I pick it up, I have to show ID and sign for it. All this at no extra charge. It is easy and secure.

I live in CT and have had issues with both UPS and FedEx. Most of the time they are good and, like everything in life, sometimes there are bumps in the road. I bought the same camera from B&H and it was shipped UPS, signature required. I wasn't home on the 2 UPS attempts so I was instructed to go to the UPS site (not a UPS Store) to pick it up within 5 days. That was an experience for another day. Now I ship FedEx to a convenient Walgreens and UPS to a convenient UPS Store. They "sign" for it and I get an email to pick it up. Whether its electronics, wine, clothing or some other toy, it is a lot easier and I am not married to my house waiting for a delivery. It is also more secure than leaving a $1600 camera on my doorstep.

I have used both Mac and PC over the years. For cost and physical characteristics I recently purchased a HP Elite Dragonfly laptop with 1 Tb SSD drive. It also has a touch screen (which I rarely use). Really lightweight and it's a smaller size than my iPad Pro. I really like the HP.

Go to Cornell University's Lab of Ornithology https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/. They have an app called Merlin https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/ which is supposed to be the worlds best for bird identification and collection.