Eight Days and Counting

We are eight days away from what we have always referred to as "The Big Trip".  Three years ago we decided to go on this trip and it had always seemed so far away, but here we are closing in on our departure.

It is not easy packing for nearly a month and trying to make it fit in the car!  We realize now that we may have to leave some gear behind, but imagine this...we have a tent, two sleep mats, two huge sleeping bags, two pillows, two bag chairs, a small grill, cooking supplies, food, three gallons of water and two coolers.  Now imagine two clothes bags and winter coats, extra shoes, two sets of camera gear and all of the other odds and ends that we will need.  It is comical and concerning as it piles up on the kitchen floor.  Somehow we will make it work.  It would have been fun to purchase a new, larger vehicle or perhaps one of those cool camping vans, but that just wasn't possible.

I have blogged before, but not by using my iPhone.  Hopefully it will go well.  I will only be able to use photos from my iPhone, so they will not be quality images.  I can replace those photos with better photos when we return home however.  I love the idea of using the dictation feature on my phone to insert the text.  Brad has us quite busy, so we will see how well I can keep up with it.  Also keep in mind that in some remote areas, we may not have good cell service, so then those posts may have to wait a few days.

This blog will help let our family and friends know what we are up to, if they are interested.  It will be an avenue for me to journal our trip rather than writing it all down each day.

I am also excited to see some different birds and add to my life list. Our nation is basically split between western and eastern birds.  Our state is considered eastern, but we do get some western birds, especially in the Black Hills.  Many of the birds on this trip out west will be ones that I've only seen in field guides, so I will really enjoy the birding, as well as the scenery and everything else that we have planned.  I'm keeping fingers crossed and my binoculars handy!