So today I accomplished a few things:
I purchased a pair of prescription eyeglasses. They are sturdy and sexy, and thats not something you can combine too often. I went to framesdirect.com and dealt with Dianna. She was so helpful. These new glasses are now my backup pair to the 2nd oldest piece of gear going on my trip... My original prescription sunglasses that I can remember getting in 1999. They are well built and the example I use when I try to explain to people that I take care of my stuff. The metal frames on my old glasses have started to rust when they sit on my ears, from years of sweat. I put shrink wrap tubing (from radio shack) on the last half of the arms of the glasses and it worked just great. So now I have a sexy pair for Miami :)

I also inflated the tires on the bike and took it for a spin in the park. 'It works' is about all I can say. My seat is like new (gel with springs in the back), the rack in the back is rusted on (I guess that is good), and after I adjust the brakes and get the derailer accessing all the gears again, I will take it out.

I added Google Latitude to the blog. It's a test for now (I don't need anyone stalking me across NYC), but once I get on the road, It will be a cool Dick Tracy like tool to play with.

I told a bunch of people about the blog and watched zero TV (for a change).

Did I mention I'm open to camping/car food suggestions?  There are a lot of lunches and dinners on the road ahead of me...

I also should mention a cool traveling related documentary that I got via Netflix and watched last night. Its not my mode of travel, nor my intensity level, but the movie Catching Out was enlightening. I agree with other reviewers that I'd really be more interested in the train riders techniques, like how they cook outdoors while traveling 60 mph.

Here is today's random link: I'd be so proud if Max scored one of these in the woods (on a 6ft leash of course, LOL).

Christmas List

I've been thinking of the things I really need for the trip that don't happen to already be in my collection of toys.

I think I'm going to need to add a roof box and bike rack. I'm going to probably try to find the right one using genvibe and then craigslist it to get a used one. 

I need a really small bike pump and a 12v car pump, both should be used. I plan on using the 12v one for car emergencies and to inflate my bike tires. I plan on deflating the tires when I leave the bike on the roof unattended... Wanna steal my bike with two flats??? LOL

I want an inflatable camping mattress. The one I have decided on is a Neo Air from ThermaRest. With the "medium" it will be long enough that just my feet are off the mat.  For and extra 1 oz my feet could have a piece of the pad (large), but I'm not sure that worth it.  Medium or large, whichever is cheapest.  I will also need the stuff sack and the patch kit which are accessories you only need to buy when purchasing a ThermaRest.  Everyone else includes them for free, but they make a great product.  Here is more discussion on the Neo Air.

I also want a pair of crocks. Everyone tells me they make a great sandal, are feather weight and are way tougher than you'd think. I plan on using them as a camp slipper so I can get out of my boots at camp. Having looked at the sizing chart, I'd be an XL in the AT model. Moon, Obsidian, or Earth look nice. BTW, WTF is the diff between Obsidian and Earth and why are these weirdo names necessary at this point. You have a great product, stop trying to snazz it up with clever marketing gimcrackery. They make one for hikers.

I also know I'm probably going to break down and get a smaller and lighter tent for backpacking.  At 9 pounds, my current tent is heavy and large enough to slow me down.  I got it as an open returned item (gently used) from REI.com, so I don't feel like buying it was a waste and I will certainly bring it along for the trip as the car camping tent.  I'm just not hauling it 8 miles away form the car unless I absolutely need to.  I'm thinking of a single walled tent... Here is an impressive double walled one at sub 4 pounds. Any one have a comment on which type I should get? I will post my current equipment in a separate post soon.

To end, here is a shout out to my sister...

If we we somehow merged into one being midlife, we'd be spending the next month doing tent, tarp, and stuff bag projects from http://thru-hiker.com/

On a separate note, I need to do a Traveling Resume post and and show some photos of my gear in action. Patience my son!