Journey

[zyzyly]

I'm starting to fret a little about my upcoming journey. Here is what's bothering me:

1. I'm going to be gone a long time--longer than I've ever been away from home before. I think I've covered all the "take care of the house" stuff, but I'm starting to get a bit of anticipatory homesickness. It scares me a little to think that I will be so far from home, all alone.

2. Backing up my pictures and associated concerns. I'm taking an external hard drive with me so I can back up to that. Ok. But now I'm wondering about whether I should buy some sort of power inverter so I can do stuff like charge my camera batteries and computer, and plug in the external drive and stuff for the days I am camping out.

And I'm thinking of a larger drive, because the one I've got only has 20g of free space--that's only about 5000 shots. Yes, I could delete as I go along and only keep the ones that are any good, which would require way less than 20 gigs. But what do I do if my computer breaks down? What if someone steals the external drive? What if I drop the computer on my foot, breaking both computer and foot, and losing not only my pictures, but my ability to drive? What if a flock of strange canadian birds swoop down on me?

3. Overcoming my natural inclination towards introversion so I can meet new people. There are a lot of new people out there, and I want to meet them, but it's hard.

Interestingly enough, I'm not worried at all about the mechanics of the trip. I'm going to take the van--it's a lot better for camping. The mechanic looked it over the other day and said "bon voyage". I have all the stuff I need to be relatively self-sufficient for extended periods of time. I have a pretty comfortable sleeping mat that fits nicely in the back while still allowing enough room for all the stuff I am taking with me. I have maps and guidebooks, and know how to use them.

I have a rough idea of the first part of my trip, at least to Toronto, where I will be attending an eight-day retreat, but the way back is a blank page. I have some ideas, but nothing definite.

I've never done anything like this before.

Comments

[ilea.livejournal.com]

Come visit new orleans! I'll buy you a cup o' coffee!

[myasma.livejournal.com]

New Orleans deserves a trip all it's own!

[seraphimsigrist.livejournal.com]

coming anywhere near new york on the
way back?

[myasma.livejournal.com]

one of my ideas is to come down into New York state from Toronto, and make my way to NYC. Aren't you in New York? I would love to meet you if the oppportunity presented itself.

[myasma.livejournal.com]

I can't believe all the stuff that needs to be charged--it's like all these cords and cables need their own suitcase!

[http://users.livejournal.com/_riomaggiore/]

i have an idea, from my own experience, that you will be just fine. you have a destination in mind, a way to get there and the 'rest' will come to you as you explore...as for disc space, remember, you are not going to a third world country and can alway buy what you find you might need as you let yourself explore and experience the journey.
sometimes we 'project' too far into the future, rather than just starting up the van and following the road, any road, we choose to follow... ciao!

[myasma.livejournal.com]

thank you, my friend--that is sound advice.

[oheunoia.livejournal.com]

it will be wonderful. even the uncomfortable moments will be wonderful. i bet you know that already. =)

[myasma.livejournal.com]

I do, and once I am on the road i'm sure i will be open to the experience. thank you!

[weaktwos.livejournal.com]

Do you have a cd burner on your laptop? you could stash a spindle of disks in your car and backup some of the pictures if you're concerned about a data catastrophe. At least, some of your favorite pictures if you don't want to back up the whole thing. Of course, did you say you had an ipod? you can use that as a hard drive storage unit, too.

[myasma.livejournal.com]

I was thinking about the ipod--I think all I need is the card reader thing, and I have about 20 gigs of free space on that too. And I suppose I could burn the essential pics to cd and mail them to myself. that way if there was a catastrophic failure of everything I had with me, there would at least be something waiting at home.

Unless there is a massive postal failure as well. ;)

[gracegiver]

regarding # 3 .. it's a well known scientific fact that once we hit our late 40's we have a natural inclination to switch personality traits regarding introvert/extrovert. Those of us who WERE introverts will find enticement as they explore their extroverted side. It's true Mike!

You're such a blessing to me. I'm soooooo excited for you.

[myasma.livejournal.com]

Well, I'm fast running out of my late 40s. Actually, I think it is true--as much as I think I have trouble meeting new people, I seem to meet a lot of them, and enjoy it!

[zhenzhi.livejournal.com]

last minute nerves.
you will never never know if you never never go! *this was a ctachphrase for a tourism commercial here* :-D

[myasma.livejournal.com]

and a very effective one catchphrase at that!

[cobaltika.livejournal.com]

even i, the road warrior, before Every Single Trip, come down with the greatest anxieties about leaving home and being out alone (or with the girls), almost to the point of panic attacks. but once i get out on the road...peace and excitement come! it will happen to you, too, i'm sure. i think you will have a wonderful time. there may be some periods of intense loneliness, though. i have found i am much more gregarious when i am out in the world alone and have come to enjoy interacting with the people i run into in my travels...it is a good time to come out of a shell.

as far as the technical issues, do what is required to be comfortable with making as many images as you wish.

travel safely and have a wonderful time!

[myasma.livejournal.com]

I think you captured it exactly. thank you!

[ruralrob.livejournal.com]

Feel free to come visit - we'd love to see you!

[myasma.livejournal.com]

I will, I will! I'm gonna be in your area sometime after the 10th of august. Will you be around?

[mylastsigh.livejournal.com]

may peace and love be with you.

[myasma.livejournal.com]

thank you, my friend.

[poetbear.livejournal.com]

i'm sure all your issues will resolves
themselves, Mike. being 'on the road'
is probably best when not too over-
planned. Bon Voyage!~paul

[mizdandylynn.livejournal.com]

you have always been someone who made your own interests whereever you go... the biggest what if is what if you get bored...

what if...

two words that will stop you from doing something...

what if...

go.. have fun.. so what if something happens... you deal with it....you have friends to help...

what if you talk yourself out of this trip..... you will regret it the rest of your life....

[myasma.livejournal.com]

what if I have a good time? heehee!

The Odyssey

[(Anonymous)]

I've always found the old saw to be true: take half the clothes and twice the money.

And you'll want music...rural country 'n' gospel stations are an amusing diversion..for the first few thousand miles...

And upload a Yahoo map or two into your picture cache...I expect 'you are here' graphics every now and again...

Man, I love just driving around with only a bad map and a good sense of direction...

Enjoy!

[brendamom.livejournal.com]

I have taken a lot of solo journeys. Usually I take the dog, who is handy at introductions.
The attitude I pack is that I don't know what I am looking for, but I'll know it when I see it.
Wishing you pleasant surprises at every turn.

[errantpenny.livejournal.com]

It scares me a little to think that I will be so far from home, all alone.

I'm a shy person, too, but I've traveled a lot, always alone, and I've found that I meet people much more easily on the road than I do in my stationary life. You will probably be open, curious, and excited about the newness of everything you're seeing. You'll then meet other travelers who are the same, and you'll have some great conversations. I've been amazed at the connection I've felt with other travelers after only a brief acquaintance. If you haven't already, see Lost in Translation!

Also, take something with you that instantly means home to you. Perhaps a small pig? When I lived out of a backpack for a year, I had it divided into rooms (i.e., smaller bags that fit into the big pack). I had an office, a bedroom, a kitchen, etc. Every night, when I unpacked in a hotel or hostel, I felt that my house sprang out of the backpack and took shape around me! And, as my home-y reminder, I brought my usual, aromatic soap. So, my shower anywhere smelled like my usual shower.

I don't have much advice on the technical front. On the year-trip, I took a digital camera, a battery charger, and 3 128 MB cards. I copied the cards on disks when they were full. Oh, a good place to get answers to technical travel questions is on the Tech thread of Lonely Planet's forum, the Thorn Tree. A link is:
here.

I'm so excited about your trip and can't wait to see and read your impressions. Sorry for the long response!

[myasma.livejournal.com]

that tech thread was great--lots of back and forth discussion about just the things I was considering. It gave me a preyyt good idea of what to do, which is bring the external hard drive, and back up onto cd.

I know just the pig to take with me!

[peregrinus236.livejournal.com]

What if you go on an extended camping trip and don't take time to experience it?

Going into the unknown is always scary, and the inclination is to take all the familiar stuff with us - God forbid we might be changed by confronting the unknown just as we are. I've struggled with those same fears, and discovered that we really are being taken care of - and provided with what we really need (as opposed to what we want or think we need). All will be well, and all manner of thing will be well. If we just have faith.

Hope you have a revelation or four along the way.

[myasma.livejournal.com]

thanks Ed!

All will be well, and all manner of thing will be well.

My spiritual director always sends me back out into the world with these very same words.

[filmsacramento.livejournal.com]

What if a flock of strange canadian birds swoop down on me?

Or a flock of BABIES!

In all seriousness, have fun. I know it's scary, but I have no doubt that it's also going to be an amazing experience you won't soon forget. Sounds like just the sort of thing to fill up one's soul.

Can't wait to see your pictures!

[myasma.livejournal.com]

I got a good laugh out of imagining a flock of babies swooping down on me!

Once I'm over the pre-trip jitters I'll be fine.

guess where my first stop is? Portland!

[geekchick]

I second the suggestion of periodically backing up stuff onto CDs if you have a CD burner. Enjoy your trip!

[myasma.livejournal.com]

I do have one on my laptop!

[jackiejj.livejournal.com]

Once you begin your trip, all your good planning will surely help you feel focused, and it's good that you have goals--the retreat sounds wonderful.

I am looking forward to hearing about your adventures.

[myasma.livejournal.com]

I'm looking forward to having them!

[ms-priestypants.livejournal.com]

well let me know the time frame that you think you might be in New York, if you're still planning on that, so I can be here if possible. Looks like I'll be gone from Aug. 13-30, but I would really like to meet you!

[myasma.livejournal.com]

No! You can't be gone then!

[lavidamd.livejournal.com]

I know you said you are pretty well set for camping, but I would like to suggest the book _Hostels U.S.A. : The Only Comprehensive, Unofficial, Opinionated Guide_, by Paul Karr. I have stayed in hostels in the U.S. twice while traveling alone. The first time was in San Diego, CA and the second time was in St. Augustine, FL. I thoroughly enjoyed both trips.

A couple of Amazon.com reviews claim the author is party-oriented, but I disagree. There were just as many hostels that received a good review because of being quiet and calm.

Enjoy your trip! I'm looking forward to the photographs.

[myasma.livejournal.com]

Hostels are a great idea that I hadn't even thought about. I'm gonna make a note of that book and look for it.

thanks!

[busychild424.livejournal.com]

I'm envious; it's a great opportunity. Enjoy it.

[myasma.livejournal.com]

I will--thanks!

[maggi-may.livejournal.com]

I'm excited, for you and perhaps a little for me, in hopes that I can meet you and sic some of my crazy, strange, unbelievably psychotic Canadian birds on you... hmmn, yes indeed, birds... and you... will be a tasty treat me thinks...

I think you are going to LOVE Canada... I actually am afraid the US has lost another citizen already... heh heh heh... even happier to see you will end your journey in the west. It is by far the most beautiful part of Canada and the people are friendly and fun (who says we drink too much???) beyond any other area... right now Calgary is wound up in Party mode! For the Stampede...