Getting into Gear

A nice aspect of preparing for a 'little outing' such as this one is the enjoyment of the endless hours spent on the Net, in blogs and forums, websites, and browsing thru printed catalogues- salivating over new toys and more gear while pretending the bank account will remain 'healthy for the duration- HA!)- sometimes the 'research phase can become a journey of it's own- and sometimes even an excuse not to go out and train...(it's dark/ cold/ raining/ too hot/ too humid.. and i just need to email these guys over at... and... ya know)'

But there is an even nicer aspect- one that takes a little while to recognise- and that is the amount of people you ' meet' while searching for gear and information- and realising you just made contact with incredibly helpful and insightful people- some becoming friends quite fast too!

I have been very very lucky to come across a bunch of great people- whom i have never met (yet) in person- who were very generouse with help with the bike, to equipment, to advice and information, and places to stay. Tip of the old Akubra goes to many- but especially to: Bill and Kathy, Bill 'Kootch', Tony Allen, Nancy, Butch, Cassidy, and the sundance Kid, Eric Parsons, John at OMM, and- on home turf- Franco D and Chris Watson at Melba.
Thank you. I will see you soon. :~)

picture: Eric Parsons of Epic Designs Alaska 'delivering'....