Nervous, apprehensive, anxious, excited, and ready to go. Leaving for long trips has taken on a different character as I've gotten older. For one, you start trips by having in-laws take care of you instead of public transportation (there are notable differences in customer service by the way). Number two, I have a wife who now who seems to think I should avoid crazy people out there and not chase bears (I thought this was the point of going on this trip). And number three, I am no longer living off of $6000 a year and am able to buy things requisite for the trip (like food). I also have a feeling that this journey will take on the need for a more prudent diet. Chocolate milk and a loaf of bread (bike trip) and Busch beer and chicken on a stick (river trip) might not cut it. We'll see what comes of it.
For now though I am heading off to the great unknown and starting the trail today. A hearty hello and welcome to all who read this and I look forward to sharing this journey with you.
-El Doug
