Hey Sherrill, check out the Petrol CA002 Cambio Camera Carrier/Support system on the BH link below. The review for this "combo" rolling camera bag w/tripod said that it was not that sturdy. I believe it was made for video but hey, may or may not meet your needs.
Good luck
Doug B
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/684975-REG/Petrol_CA002_Cambio_Carry_N_Shoot.html
Be prepared, the resturants have "pony" and "pufin" on the menue.... We found going to the Italian places was safe and free from pony on a plate.
There is so much info on the internet. Decide what you want to study, say exposure, and you will get thousands of hits. Ebooks are now becoming popular and at Craft and Vision you are looking at $5.00 per book. GREAT information. http://craftandvision.com/
I have taken my tripod on a number of trips and packed it both in my carry on or checked bagage w/o a problem. I do recall several years ago TSA kinda freaked over my Manfroto tripod and pistol grip ball head in my carry on. They expained they had never seen one before so they showed it to other TSA'ers so theywould know what they were looking at was not a weapon. As a side note I've been pleased over TSA not freaking out over some of the items in my camera kit that I ALWAYS carry on..(matches, lighters, liquid etc)....
Dr. Larry S. Anderson, Apple Distinguished Educator, has put together an E-book just for you: Leading Your Own
Photo Safari.
Let me know how it turns out, Better yet invite me along... :)
http://www.nctp.com/photosafari/index.html
We have been enjoying a dry spell.. Hope it says for your visit.
Here is a link to get you started on your research.
http://www.skagiteagle.org/viewsites.php
Good luck and stay dry
Start watching Craigs list http://seattle.craigslist.org/pho/
but for your neck of the woods. Just be careful and do all transactions in a public place.
Nat here is a link for the 7D manual. I know I can't read that tiny print in the one that came with the camera...
http://www.bfm.ee/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Canon-EOS-7D-Owners-Manual.pdf
Enjoy your reading.
David check out Scott Kelby's seminar "lightit, shoot it, retouoch it live!" I just attended this seminar in Seattle and I'll tell ya, the man is good. If there is not a seminar close by look at his books, The Digital Photography Book #2&3.
Doug
Very Nice DB.... Your wisdom and insite are a pleasure to read.