July 19

- overnight in Barstow, on the way to SF

Countdown to departure

We're nearly ready to go. We're renting a car this afternoon, and driving half way to San Francisco tonight. Mike has the day off, so he's doing some last minute packing and errands.

I had to say good-bye to Cinder - our labrador-able - this morning. I cried. It's not really practical to pull an 85 lb. lab behind your bike, but I really wish she was coming with us. The one consolation is that she will be with Scott and Sugar. Scott, we don't know how to thank you. We wouldn't be able to do this trip without you - your kindness and generosity is humbling - THANK YOU!

Last night, we had dinner with Chris, Margaret, Scott and Liz - a last supper of sorts. The Groves fueled us up with some awesome spinach lasagna - thanks guys! Again, we feel so fortunate to have such terrific friends.

Today I'm feeling a bit out of sorts - a little lost. Our neighbor Rita told Mike last week that he didn't need to walk Annie because, in preparation for our departure, she had found someone else to walk her. Completely reasonable, and yet I was surprised that we were so easily replaced! Life goes on without us.

And so I feel like I've been cut loose - as though I'm in a dingy that's been pulled behind a big ship and suddenly I'm adrift in this huge ocean without oars. I think I'll feel better once we start pedaling, but for now it's a strange sensation not to be tied down to anything. "Freedom lies in being bold" (Robert Frost) - an inspiring sentiment and yet I didn't anticipate the fear that buzzes around this idea.