Here we go

I bought these Ak tickets more than 6 months ago. That is a long time to think and plan and dream and scheme about a trip. As with all things time, games are played with your mind. First things are so slow you could die, then, as if in an instant you begin to sense that the clock is speeding up. Still not fast, but now a sense of forward movement. Then, one day, you wake up and it is here.

I did my final grocery shopping yesterday with a goal of eating more healthy on this trip. Last year I consumed so much peanut butter and cookie dough on my winter trip that I think I actually gained weight. Not to mention the fact that I was constantly hungry though I was consuming thousands upon thousands of calories. I am optimistic that my switch in diet will allow me to eat more natural energy producing foods instead of the easily purchased and consumed high carb items of the past.

My UL mentality has taken a back seat to the practicality of winter travel in a sparsely populated region. Opting for a rack and rear panniers, I am carrying a full load of clothing and gear capable of taking me into extreme temperatures. With the above mentioned diet, and its dense foods, i.e., heavy, the bike is extremely weighted Dow. Add to all of that electronics and batteries, a DSLR with 3 primes, a small tripod, .... well, it is going to be heavy.

The trip begins in earnest today as I work my way out of Anchorage towards Denali. I am ever so excited to see what the path holds for me, who will I meet, what will I see, how will the force of connectedness show its beautiful face. I hope you enjoy the journey, thru my words and my pictures.

P&L,

G-