Packing

This is a daunting prospect because I’m not exactly going straight to one location; I’m zigzagging a bit (an understatement) and I will be crossing time zones, seasons and holidays. I need to pack for summer/fall, because I still consider it warm weather and will be traveling during this time. I need to pack for fall/winter because it will be colder in Jackson Hole (one of my destinations) in October/November, and I will be in SoCal all of the winter/Christmas season. Plus, along with all of my other travel accessories to fill up my car, I must include Christmas presents I’m taking to SoCal. I could send some of the presents by mail and not have to worry about the space those items will use in my poor car.



To add to the confusion, I’ll need to pack a completely different suitcase for my trip to Africa in January – August! I think the best bet for that is to pre-pack that bag and leave it here on the east side (of the country) and just pick it up on my way to Atlanta for my flight to Africa. For those who are not already aware, I’m going to be living and working on the Africa Mercy ship for just short of 9 months, some time after Christmas. If you’d like you read more about it, go to http://www.mercyships.org/pages/about-us. I’ll definitely writing about that while I am there and telling you all about the mission and the experience there.


Other destinations in the USA include Dallas, the Grand Canyon, Utah, Las Vegas, SoCal & Catalina Island, before heading off to Africa. Post-Africa (back on the US roads) is a whole new ball game and a lot less structured!

Followers

When I started planning my trip (if you can call it planning), it never really ocurred to me that other people would be interested in my travels. I have been pleasantly surprised! Multiple people that are not my closest friends have shown an interest in the experiences I may have on my journeys. That is the main reason I have created this blog. I hope I don't disappoint them. I must admit, I’m getting more excited about creating it as time goes on. Of course, I’m also getting excited about the trip itself!

Preparation

I'm getting ready to hit the road. One month & 16 days. WooHoo. For those of you who don't already know, I'm retiring and I'm planning to be a traveler, a wayfarer, a rambler for awhile. Most of my traveling will be in these amazing United States; some of it will be overseas. I will travel until I either 1) get tired of traveling, or 2) realize one day that wherever I am is where I want to stay. I truthfully don't know where that will be.

You are welcome to join me, virtually, as I roam and see things I haven't seen before, meet people I have never met, and experience things...well, you get it. I will also be seeing some people I haven't seen in a while and enjoy their company also. I will get a digital camera and learn how to upload photos onto this thing you're reading. If you know me, you know I'm electronically challanged. But I will learn what I must to make this a pleasurable experience for both you and for myself.

I may wax nostalgic, be awed or amazed by some things, or be completely confused by these places, people and/or experiences, but I promise what I tell you and show you will be sincere and I will share it with you.

Welcome to my Road Trip!