This is the last missive before the plane at 2:45 p.m. this coming afternoon. Bags have been packed, repacked, resorted, etc. Items thought necessary have been discarded and new items added. No matter how hard I try, it still amounts to 43 pounds of gear! For my own benefit, I checked my weight too. I am now at 193 pounds. How much can I possibly lose on this trip? Should be interesting. Check on return. (Lost 25 pounds on last trip.)

Now the only question: What have we forgotten? Have we taken care of all the things that could possibly come up while gone?

Have had lots of friends and family calling to wish bon voyage, good luck and "ride safe." That does mean we have to get on the plane and actually go now!

Actually, we are all excited and anxious to get started. As of noon Thursday, all but one of the bikes have appeared. Worried about that one. There are no deliveries on the weekend to the bikeshop at Seaside. Possibly a late Monday or Tuesday start. That would be terrible, but hopefully it won't happen. The weather is supposed to be clear on Monday thru Wednesday.

'Til then.