Date: 2007-03-13
To: Plans for this Week
Miles today: 0.0

Right now I really should be doing the last remaining school work that is due Thursday... but I am so excited about hiking that I can't possibly focus! I am trying to get my trail journals all set up for everyone at home in Maine, and my family in Canada, to access and thus follow me, Kevin and Bailey as we change directions for a few months. I know many of you would like to be coming along with us, while some of you might be thinking we're insane... but either way, it looks like you can vicariously come along by reading my journals. The idea of waking up in the woods everyday is one of the most refreshing, soul cleansing thoughts I have had in a long time. I am so eager to begin that I can't sleep at night, I just lay there like a little kid on Christmas Eve and the dark circles under my eyes bear witness to that fact.Today I got to visit Nick Parsons, Reba, and Jakey in Old Town and it was such a nice treat. I think I laughed harder than I have in a while when we played hide-and-seek! Sarah and Kris, it was also lovely to spend time with you this afternoon, despite the soda spill and the tears. You are both special ladies and I will keep you in my heart, so smile big and I will see you in the fall. Nick Kingsbury, thank you for showing me your Tae-Kwon-Do skills tonight and for being a good friend to me over the years. I hope you keep up the good work at Harrington House and at Brewer High School. Remember, I am looking forward to hearing good news of all your success when I return in the fall. :0) When you go fishing this summer, just remember that I alwayss caught the biggest ones!      Tomorrow, I am visiting the classroom where I completed my student teaching internship this past fall in Nancy Minott's 4/5 grade classroom. I can't wait to show you guys my gear and talk with you about the big adventure. I am excited that you can use the map in the classroom to follow me along the 2,176 mile trek. Just think, Danaus and the other monarchs followed the same path, only in reverse, on their journey south. I think they packed a bit lighter than I me! If only I could spend some time floating along on the thermals! I am also looking forward to dinner at your house after school Nancy! Fun times! Plus, I'll get to see "Baby" and that's always good to bring a lot of smiles. :0)On Thursday, I will be finished school (fingers crossed) and will drop off the work I've done for my independent study classes. Then I can visit with mom, my stepdad Alan, and Kristi. It's hard to have so little time to visit before my trip, but I know you all understand how much I'll miss you. Friday means Kevin finally flies home from working in Florida. He's been gone for two months and I have missed him more than even I thought possible. Once he gets here, we can go through our packs and take care of all the lingering preparation details. We'll celebrate St. Patrick's Day together and then it's off to Windham to pack up the car and head south with Ben and Kate. The first day we'll drive as far as Statten Island where Kate's family lives, then it's a crazy day of driving all the way to Georgia. Bailey's vet gave us medicine to help her sleep on the way... it would be a long drive with a 100 lb. car-sick St. Labrador. Once we get to Georgia, the true journey begins. I will do my best to keep you all posted and when we come to towns with internet access, I'll send you my thoughts and experiences. Thanks for reading my journal and keeping Kevin, Bailey, and I in your thoughts. If this is a dream, don't pinch me... I don't want to wake up!