The car is packed and the siren song of the tooth is getting louder!

Departure is here, well, almost! While my official start is this coming Thursday, I need to check in on Wednesday. This means the excitement is building as I prepare to hit the road for a few days journey to Philmont!

Driving has its perks, like freedom and flexibility, but it has also led me to pack a bit too much and maybe a bit to carelessly. Honestly, when I look at my car, stuffed to the brim with bins and gear, I remind myself of the Scouting motto: “Be Prepared", and that's my excuse! If I were flying, as most do, I would have to be a bit more diligent, but with the room in the car, why not double down on stuff and not have to worry about it. Sure, I've gone a bit overboard, but as the saying goes, it's better to have and not need than need and not have.

One major advantage has been having Sean acting as my informal Ranger mentor. Having gone through this experience in 2023, he has generously shared tips and tricks to make the process smoother. Well, even if he hasn't actually volunteered info, he has been very willing to answer my never-ending stream of questions. While his advice helped ease my nerves, I can’t shake off the feeling of what I might have forgotten. It's like packing for summer camp, but this time, times ten! But isn't that what this adventure is all about?

You'd think that after four years of college for Ryan and three for Sean, we would have a spare set of sheets for a typical dorm bed. Surprisingly, that is not the case! So, I’m planning to visit some local Walmarts along the way, let's see if they are any different between here and NM—let’s call it an unexpected shopping adventure! And in the end, if that's all I need to get (though I know I should have gotten it already), I'm going to call this planning session a win.

My car is gassed up and everything is packed except for my travel stuff for the drive. The plan is straightforward: hit the road by 9 a.m. tomorrow. Before I embark, however, I want to indulge in one last lobster coffee with my best friend (who made this trip possible!) on the porch. Maybe, if they are in the right mood, our cats will join me for one last goodbye, but I'm guessing they won't know the significance. They are cute, but not the smartest felines.

Cheers to New Adventures!

As I gear up for this trip, I embrace both the uncertainty and excitement that new adventures bring. Departure is just the beginning. Philmont awaits, and I can’t wait to see the memories I’ll create there. Whether navigating basecamp for 10 weeks or conquering uncharted trails, this journey is sure to be unforgettable.

So here’s to long drives, beautiful scenery, and one last cuddle from my beloved (she knows what she is, but I'll keep our secret!) before I head out. The next chapter is beginning, and I’m ready for whatever lies ahead!

A packed car with essentials for the journey ahead