Better Today Than Next Sunday

I had a hard time deciding how to title this blog post ... my second choice was, "You've got to be 'effing' kidding me!" But in the end, it really is better that it happened today and not next Sunday. This morning I decided was the day ... the day to be keen about the 2012 adventure. I downloaded new maps to Garmin Dan, updated the tunes in his memory and thought I'd take it all for a test spin...that was when I found the rear, (Bridgestone) tire flat. You're kidding, right? Didn't take much to figure out why. Smack dab in the middle - a shiney silver nail. This tire is so new the factory stripe is still on it. The good news is I think I can get the tire plugged and replace the tube for a reasonable cost (when things open back up after the holiday (maybe Tuesday) - Happy Canada Day!) Sure am glad I have that new good luck charm (thank you Noah) hanging in my dining room though. So far, the front tire has a slow leak, the back tire has a nail, Garmin Dan did a total eat the tunes and melt down routine on his test run in the SUV and I can't find half the maps I need to complete the trip route. I'd hate to think about where things would stand if I didn't have a good luck charm. Then again, I did find out I'm a VIP at the KOA and my camping membership has been automatically renewed, no cost, and Ken thinks the front tire's slow leak is probably someting as simple as dirt in a seal.
I really don't have too much planning to do since the trip is basically the same as last year, except this time I need to turn right just before Salt Lake City instead of heading straight across the flats.
Hell's Canyon (the name still scares the heck out of me) and the IMBC - Here I come. 6 more sleeps and I'll be on the road again.

Who Has More Fun ...

Who has more fun than a teacher trying to close up shoppe for the season? An incredibly busy time, but Sunday was the day to lay down the proverbial chalk, haul out the VStar, check her tire pressure (still an issue) and head for the open road. It was a beautiful day and I landed  in Historic Perth, Ontario to meet up with a friend for lunch and some wandering through town.
I appreciated the mesh layer of the new Rocket Alter Ego jacket in the near 30 Celsius temps. It has passed the first test of - too hot and not too heavy. (Haven't tested it in the - too cold or too wet yet.)