Hi everyone!

My family and I are back from our vacation visiting family. It was a long, long, long ride home from the hotel. Before the longest stretch of road we visited my grandpa in Simpson, Illinois. We had a good time seeing everyone. Hopefully when we’re coming back home from our journey we’ll be able to go through southern Illinois and visit my family.

The finally preparations for the big day are under way. Caitlin and I are both getting our things together so we can start packing tomorrow. We have to go shopping, too. We’ll be looking mostly at food, but there are a few other items that will come in handy. I’ll also be canceling my phone plan. No, we’re not going to carry a phone. There are several reasons I don’t want one. First, it’ll have to be charged. Second, it’s two more things to carry (charger included). Third, I don’t want me or anyone else to have to pay for it. And, finally, I just don’t want one. I’ve carried a phone in my pocket for nearly the last five years. I’m tired of it. Anyone can reach me anywhere I am. If I forget it at home I’m stressed because I feel like something’s missing. It’ll make my life just that much simpler by not having it. And while we will definitely have some things that would be considered luxury items, a phone isn’t one of them.

But what about safety, you ask? We’re carrying the Spot, which is a GPS unit that has a 911 button on it in case of emergencies. The plan we have is so good that we can have a helicopter flown in to save us if necessary. Sweet, huh? I think it’s creepy as all get out, but it makes everyone feel better knowing we’re safe.

I’m at a loss for things to say now. I’m actually a bit overwhelmed by the fact that we have less than a day and a half to prepare. I know everything will get done in time, but the anticipation is difficult. Today it hit me (yes, just today) that soon I’ll be leaving a place I truly love. I’ll be leaving the people I love. I’ll be waking up every day, crawling out of a tent, and climbing back up on the saddle. And I’ll be doing it for a year. I’m not nervous or scared. I’m just thinking about this adventure that we’re about to go on and I’m realizing that it’s so much bigger than I first thought. I haven’t bit off more than I can chew, but I certainly have a mouthful. At 8 AM on Tuesday morning we’ll start chewing!

I appreciate everyone coming and reading this blog. I’d love to hear from you. I can’t promise I’ll get back to you quickly, but I’ll try to answer any email you send as soon as I can. Contact info is on the left side of this page in the about me section Thanks again for reading!

May your chain be well-oiled and the wind at your back! ¡Adios!