Getting close!

Well, it's less then two weeks to go.  Four years of planning, of exhilarating highs and cleansing lows have focused on this time, this place.  My cough has healed, my shoulder has regained it's function, and (hopefully) my new tank bag will be delivered next Saturday.  Everything is coming together!  My dear friends have been the beautiful selves I always envisioned them to be.  Amongst other things, I have been given a poem from the heart and have had my bike (and myself) blessed.  So many gifts.  I am ready.  Really, how can I not be?
     I have no idea how the monitoring stuff will work.  I am having my SPOT radio data sent to my Facebook page (Hugh LaPenotiere) and have enrolled in a service that will plot my position every ten minutes.  I guess anyone can look on Facebook and see all the "stuff".  I will accept all friend requests to make this more accessible.  It is my intent to express my experiences in this blog and download them whenever I have access to WiFi.  I have also set up an account with something called "Photobucket" where I can download pictures for anyone to see.  I really do not know how well any of this will work.  I plan on doing another test ride earlier in the week of when I will be leaving to try this stuff out.  I'll post something on my blog when I'm ready to do this and give instructions on how to access it.  I have also taken the "leap of faith" into the 21st century.  I bought a "smartphone"!  It seems Samsung is coming out with their Galaxy S III this week, so their S II version was on sale.  Good deal!  Don't have a clue how to use it yet, but my son has the same one, so I will be relying on him to provide valuable instruction.
     All this has been so good for me.  It has helped me realize with great clarity the wondrous people I have in my life.  So much support.  So much love!  I am immensely grateful for the love and friendship expressed by these friends and relatives.  They are so special!  I know when I go on this pilgrimage that I carry the thoughts and prayers of so many with me.  It will be good.