It seems that I have been talking about my "big coast-to-coast bike trip next year" for so long, that in conversation this week, I used the words "my bike trip next year......",   Had to stop and correct that to "my epic bike trip THIS year"!!   Wow - it has arrived - the few remaining months leading up to the big adventure.   As the saying goes - Shit's about to get real!  This concrete reminder of how close it really is, has kick-strated me into practical action.  Began to pull together my various bits of research on different things I feel I would need and have made some decisions.  This month's decisions have included:  camping mat for sleeping, fuel packs, and hand protectors.  Shopped for waterproof boots but have not yet made a decision.  Trip map planning continues and it's time to get back to research on the areas I'm travelling through and learn something about them.  Bring on the adventure - while it seems as though 4.5 months is a long time away,, the time will fly and departure will be imminent. 

It's a new year and the big adventure draws ever nearer!   With the turn to 2018, it is starting to feel more like a reality. The route is planned, though I'm sure there will be changes along the way!