May 3, 2000 (5 days till departure)

I had planned on leaving May 1st, but various things got in the way, so it wouldn’t be until May 8th that I left. However, I wrote a bit about how I was preparing in the meantime.

Some clarifications: The “Psion” referred to was my Psion 5MX handheld computer. Oh, sure, we all got smartphones and tablets and stuff now, but 25 years ago? This was the ultimate for a guy like me:

It might not look like much, but it’s got it where it counts, kid. That keyboard was just big enough for me to type on. Heck, I wrote a 50K fanfic novel on it in Japan while riding the subway to work a year later. It ran on 2AA batteries, if you can believe it, which made it ideal for a cross Canada trip. I even had a modem so I could keep in touch every so often, sending emails and updating people.

Honestly, I still miss that thing. Fit in my pocket and could type on it? What’s not to love?

May 3 T-Plus 3 Days (new T-Minus 4 days) ah screw it, I go when I go.

A lot has happened. My Psion broke down and I had to send it in for repairs. I only got it back today! The entire screen had to be replaced and cost me almost as much to replace as the computer itself (second hand). Still, it’s great to have it back. Once again, I feel like a writer. Of course, if I need a “thing” to make me feel like a writer, maybe I’m in the wrong line of work. But that’s another issue…

I’ve been sick. As a result, I’ve delayed departure until the end of this week. I’ve slacked off on my biking a bit, but today made up for it with a run all over town. I’ve got almost everything worked out on the bike by now. The luggage problem has been solved, along with weight distribution. I’ve applied sealant to the tires so that they won’t get a flat under most circumstances. Nevertheless, I’m taking extra inner tubes. Better safe than sorry.

The bike I have carries the following: Speedometer, electric horn, water bottle, sleeping bag, tent, inflatable mattress, two knapsacks and a handlebar bag (the combined content of which is over fifty granola and fruit bars, a dozen cans of pasta, several cans of fruit and vegetables, extra inner tubes, repair kit, bike pump, extra pants, shirts, shorts, ect… not to mention the usual survival stuff one of my knapsack carries (first aid, sewing kit, swiss army knife, mini Maglight, butane lighter, SAS Survival guide (mini version), and condensed role playing rules for Star Wars (how did that get in there???). All in all, a decent package)

I’m not feeling out of shape, and have renewed hope that the trip will take less than three months. This is good because then I can take my time and enjoy the trip more. This will be good for the book.

One of the things I plan to do on this trip is, well, everything I’ve never done before. I want to go on the bridge of the ferry I cross to Vancouver, I want to ride with James in the ambulance in Windsor, I want to go to a rodeo, a strip club, talk to a politician (the last three just might get rolled into one, who knows?). Point is, if I haven’t done it, I should do it now.

The survey is coming along nicely. I have too many questions, in fact. I might have to trip some and round it out in other places.

Well, that’s it for today. You’re pretty much caught up. Gillian is in Mexico for two weeks, I miss her already, but it won’t belong before I’m back.

Now to go back to the apartment and relax. I’ve done enough for one day.

Okay, Grandma called and gave me Elaine’s address: XXX Wild Rose Avenue, Brooks, Alberta, T1R XXX (403) XXX XXXX Work number: (403) XXX XXXX

Dang! It turns out I lost all my addresses! Got to redo it and make a backup.