Counting Down...

So there it is... 2 months after ordering it, I have finally received my trail guide. This is the only one I could find in all my searching and I had to special order it from Mighty Ape in New Zealand and wait 2 months for the order to go through. Maybe I'll write the next guide book, publish it in the U.S. I've always wanted to write a book. Perhaps this will be the inspiration.

I've just about gotten all my equipment. Just down to a few clothing items left to buy. 15 working days left until I'm done with the military, a trip home for 3 weeks, and then on to what could be the biggest adventure of my life! Today, when I started to look through the guidebook that I had finally gotten in the post, it really began to hit me. I could show people what it was I wanted to do and it became even more tangible to me. In less than 2 months I will be in a foreign country walking all day every day, camping out, weathering the elements, seeing the wild outdoors... I won't have to put my hair in a bun, or wear a uniform. I won't have to answer my phone or report anywhere by a certain time. I will be about as free as a person can be!

I will likely lose touch with many of you while I'm gone and my phone will be disconnected. I will do everything I can to keep up with this blog whenever I can get Wi-Fi, and post pictures of my journey along the way. As I post, feel free to check out the Te Araroa website or Google photos to see where I am in my trek... I'd love to know that my friends and family are following my journey from a distance!

Keep calm and happy trails!