It’s been awhile since we’ve posted in part because I’m always trying to draft the perfect post. I think I’m giving it too much thought. In the past I’ve been thinking, I want to have a theme or a purpose to the post. Why? The intent is to share the journey with those that would like to join us. And so I’ll just randomly capture where my head is at. No rules.

Since our last post almost two months ago we’ve really started to prepare things. As I type this we leave in 254 days or about 8 months. That’s not that long from now. Before we know it we’ll be loading up our panniers and cycling away. Getting ready for the departure involves a lot of planning and I really don’t want to save everything for the last minute. Over the last month we’ve started selling some things that we don’t use too often or don’t really need. I think we make a great team as I will work at taking photos and posting them and then Andrew is the contact person for the items and handles the sale. We’ve sold things like our old tent, ski roof racks, ski bindings, snowboard roof racks, extra bicycles and some cycling accessories. We’ve still got lots to go but it’s a good start.

We’ve also spent a large amount of money purchasing some key items for our trip. We’ve purchased our new touring bicycles. Two Surly Long Haul Truckers with disc brakes, Tubus front and rear racks, Ortlieb panniers and sacks, our satellite GPS tracker, a new Garmin Touring Edge plus computer, large bottle holders, and I’m sure I’m forgetting a few things. I’ve never been a big spender so watching a large sum of money leave our bank account that we’re so careful to build up is a bit nerve wracking but I know it’s key essential pieces to our trip.  Here’s a few of the things we’ve added to our equipment.

We’ve also started to think about the steps involved with getting our affairs in order before we leave. Clearing up our first time home buyers grant with Revenue Canada now so we don’t have to think about it while travelling. Working closely with our financial advisor to set up things to allow us some flexibility for the first year of travel. Visiting medical professionals and getting ourselves all tuned up before we don’t have any healthcare. I’ve been to the dentist, will get my eyes checked once more and just last week went to the Doctor to figure out women hormone stuff (hard to get a 10 year supply from the pharmacy) and immunizations required. After seeing my Doctor I am glad I went now and sort of wish I went earlier.

I tore my MCL back in 2009. It was a full rupture and I’ve experienced pain every day since. Some days are worse than others and I don’t often talk about it. Those who knew me pre injury tell me my gait has changed and I’ve removed a lot of activities from my life since the injury. I’ve never run a marathon since and can only run short distances with a lot of pain. Cycling seems to be okay but sometimes after big elevation days it hurts. So I asked my Doctor if we could see another orthopedic surgeon to get it fixed before I leave. She’s going to process things as fast as possible but in the end, the only way I may be able to get it fixed is to pay for it. That could be up to $15,000! That’s a lot of money, more than I want to spend. I’ll go through the steps she’s recommending but in the end I may have to make a decision that will limit my ability to enjoy some parts of the world. It’s frustrating but whatever happens, will happen. I’m not prepared to postpone our departure while waiting for our healthcare waiting lists.

Preparations aside, I’m glad that Andrew and I are both busy with work. I’m fortunate to have a fulfilling job that I’m completely immersed in during the day where I plan to leave a positive legacy. Otherwise day dreaming about the trip would be painful and I would just leave.  Evenings and weekends are filled with following others currently traveling.  My most recent favorite video is a summary by Nicolas Marino.  Check it out.

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