Well, here we are - April 21, 2018. As I look out the window, I see nothing but white. Snow piled right up to the top step of our deck. And I'm sick as a dog. But the show must go on! I am still determined to depart from Bar Harbor, Maine on May 5th. I may battle snowstorms, distracted drivers, bears, mosquitoes, hurricanes, and saddle sores, but I will prevail! I'm looking forward to a wonderful adventure. Amazing sights, smells, food, new friends, etc. I'll admit I'm frustrated. I had wanted to begin this trip in February. I truly did not want to be riding south in the hottest part of the year, but I think I'll be OK. I'm planning on averaging 50 miles a day. That means if I can do 10 miles an hour, and I start riding at 7:00, I can be done by noon, set up camp and chill.
I have most of my supplies, but I still need a rain fly for my hammock tent, I need to pack two boxes of supplies for Chuck to send me while I'm on the road, and there's lots of little things I need like bear spray, a whistle, a mini hair dryer (I'm so vain), and more. The donations I still need so badly are for the price of supplies, food and lots and lots of bottled water.
Honestly, I came very close to cancelling this trip yesterday. Things have been very strained at home, the weather has been completely against me, sickness has prevented me from doing any exercise for the past week, and donations have been scarce. I have to do this. I need to change my life. Even if I have to sit by the road with a cardboard sign that says "BIKING TO KEY WEST - PLEASE HELP" I will do it. I've been caught up in jobs that I didn't really want, working for people who didn't like me, plodding along, forgetting about the things that I truly enjoy, forgetting about the things that matter. I have to find myself. I have to find the thing that makes me happy and makes me feel like me. I know this bike ride will do that. My bike ride to Seattle was incredible, and I know this one will be even better. I want to thank everyone that has supported me so far: all the kind people who have donated money to help me do this, my husband Chuck, and my dear friend Jason. I couldn't do this without knowing that I have people wishing me well and caring about me. I promise to keep you updated on my progress throughout this ride. My smartphone will help with that (I only had a flip phone on my last ride).
Here's a link to my gofundme page: https://www.gofundme.com/katyblue
Thank you again. I wish you peace, serenity and happiness. I'm going to go find mine.
Honestly, I came very close to cancelling this trip yesterday. Things have been very strained at home, the weather has been completely against me, sickness has prevented me from doing any exercise for the past week, and donations have been scarce. I have to do this. I need to change my life. Even if I have to sit by the road with a cardboard sign that says "BIKING TO KEY WEST - PLEASE HELP" I will do it. I've been caught up in jobs that I didn't really want, working for people who didn't like me, plodding along, forgetting about the things that I truly enjoy, forgetting about the things that matter. I have to find myself. I have to find the thing that makes me happy and makes me feel like me. I know this bike ride will do that. My bike ride to Seattle was incredible, and I know this one will be even better. I want to thank everyone that has supported me so far: all the kind people who have donated money to help me do this, my husband Chuck, and my dear friend Jason. I couldn't do this without knowing that I have people wishing me well and caring about me. I promise to keep you updated on my progress throughout this ride. My smartphone will help with that (I only had a flip phone on my last ride).
Here's a link to my gofundme page: https://www.gofundme.com/katyblue
Thank you again. I wish you peace, serenity and happiness. I'm going to go find mine.
Hi, Katy! I landed on your Blog by way of the Starksboro Front Porch Forum. :) I am excited to follow your blog--thank you for doing it. I wonder how hot it will get as you go south!? A wet t-shirt over your head will come in handy I bet!
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