Freak Out Time

With today being my last day of work, things are starting to get very real. I'm suddenly hyperaware of all the loose ends that are yet to be tied up, and am having a good old fashioned freak out. I am 100% serious when I say that I woke up in a cold sweat last night after nightmares of being stranded on the side of the road and being chased by a grizzly bear. The one thing that has helped to put my mind at ease is all the positive responses that I have received from friends and family the last couple days. Thank you so much to everyone for the well wishes. I admit it makes me sad to know what I am leaving behind, but it also makes me feel lucky to know that I have so many wonderful friends waiting for me when I get back. I'm sure that these butterflies I am feeling are just a phase, and I'll be fine once I put a few states in the rearview.

I'm working on putting together a gear list with pictures before I leave, so stay tuned.