May 5, 2000 (3 days to departure)

The lead up for the big day continues. Obviously, there’s going to be some reflecting going on beforehand. Today and tomorrow’s entries convey the warring sides of how I felt. Determination… and fear.

As for today’s picture… those were taken at a mall’s photo booth in Victoria on the day I left. I figured I’d get a corresponding one in St. John’s when the trip was over.

I look like a Kurgan if you got him on Temu.

May 5

It’s Friday. Just about everyone has called or been called to give their two cents’ worth about the trip.

I think now is the time to make a mission statement. This will be sent as my first email to everyone on the day I leave:

If this sounds overly formal and rehearsed, it’s because I’ve been writing bits and pieces of it for the past couple of days.

By the time you read this letter, I will probably be en route for Nanaimo. While most of you know all about the reasons for me leaving, I figure a formal declaration is in order.

What is this trip about? It started as an idea to travel somewhere I’ve never been before without having grandma or dad or some adult to drive me there and spoil all the fun of discovery and adventure. When I was in grade 9, I first had the idea to bike up to James Bay and back (or bus there and bike back). By the time I was in university it had grown to crossing the country.

Today, it’s more than that. It’s not enough just to cross the country. There had to be a purpose. Something to give the trip meaning and legitimacy. So I feel like I’m actually doing something.

I am a writer, and it stands to reason that if I had an interesting trip, it would be worth writing about. But if my past experiences have taught me anything, it’s that very little happens to those just passing by. If I spend the trip only biking, all I’m going to get is muscular legs and a bunch of photos. I need to interact with people, and to do things I’ve never done before.

So, I’ve written a survey to ask people where we think we are going in the future, and have resolved to do things and go places I never ordinarily would. I’ve shaved my head, and may not shave for the duration (though that part might change… I really don’t like beards). I hope that by journey’s end I’ll have more than enough experiences for a book. I only hope I have the talent to see it through.

That is what my trip is about.

Expect me when you see me.