Tomorrow is departure day. It's finally here.

Part of me feels prepared and ready to go, and part of me feels completely unprepared for the journey I am about to take - just not sure which part is winning at any given time.  

I spent today getting an adjustment (at the chiro), a pedicure (take care of those feet!), taking one more practice walk at the park, and finalizing all packing. At this point, my belongings are secured in my backpack and ready to go...

A calm has come over me tonight - I don't think I realized how much the prep work for this trip was consuming my time, thoughts, and energy.  The planning, anticipation, curiosity, decision making, discussions with friends and family (you're doing WHAT???), etc. - it has been an incredibly exciting time.

But this chapter is coming to a close.  There is nothing left to prepare for.... it's just time to do it.     

I want to thank everyone who is making this adventure possible for me. From work life to personal life, so many people have stepped up to make sure life keeps rolling on here when I'm away. Your support and enthusiasm for my trip has been touching. It is an immense gift you have given me, and I am so very grateful for it.

And to my amazing husband, who has been completely supportive of this plan from the very beginning, and more importantly ever since (even after the 20th trip to REI... even after the 50th time I changed my mind about what to bring... even after the 100th time of being asked, "aren't you worried about Kristi doing this!?" ha).  Although it may look to the outside world that I'm doing this alone, I couldn't possibly do this without you.

I will do my best to keep in touch - but even when you don't hear from me, know that I carry you all with me along the way.

Here we go.....