So here it is; the eve of my departure.  I've been to eat with the family and I'm home doing my final packing and checking.  I'm as nervous as a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs!  The bike is ready.  Oil has been changed.  New tires have been installed and bolts have been checked two or three times.  It is as ready as it gets. 
  I have packed plenty of clothes, meds, vitamins, personal hygiene items, etc.  Got my hair cut short today so that it would be easy to take care of for the duration.  Jo loaned me her 35mm digital SLR Canon camera for the trip and it's batteries are charged and ready to go.  I don't know if I'll be able to sleep much tonight but I guess I'll try........................