This is the first of what promises to be many posts. Today I bought a new Surly bike from River City Bicycles in Portland. Stefan over there has spent a fair amount of time with me the last couple of weekends and today I took possession of my new Surly Long Haul Trucker. When I got home I hit the road for a little ten mile jaunt. It’s a great bike and I’m looking forward to putting in a few miles before the trip begins. Last week I went over to REI in Clackamas to pick up some camping gear I’d ordered online. New tent, sleeping bag and pad. I have a three page spreadsheet with all the equipment I have to get the next couple of months. The bike is one big ticket item and the other will be the trailer which I’ll order next week.

As I will mention quite frequently these next few months, I am doing this trip to raise money for Share. If you find yourself with a few extra dollars please click on that link to the right and donate.

Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen events and meetings and material assistance, which no one could have dreamt would have come their way.

 I have learned a deep respect for one Goethe’s couplets: “Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.” Begin it now.

 WH Murray – “The Scottish Expedition”