Here we go!

I’m on the plane now. Just finished up the last minute packing this morning, and had more than one logistical scare. As I pick up all this gear, and notice the amount of Stuff I have, I remind myself how lucky I am. I’m so glad to have worked at REI for as long as I have, and to have the opportunity to get such incredible discounts on top-of-the-line equipment like what I’ve bought in the last year. But there’s also a little piece of me that feels wrong doing it this way. I feel guilt around my privilege in this. I think to myself I ought to be really roughing it out, working with nothing but some rope and trash bags and duct tape and figuring it out. The first adventure cyclists didn’t have anything, and their route was not established, and they couldn’t possibly have known that what they were doing would lead to a cult alternate lifestyle obsession. But they did it anyway. I don’t have that grit. I am humbled and grateful to be where I am. And I’ll be in Portland in 6 hours. Bring it on.