It’s all done but the driving.

My furniture has gone to a good home where I know people who will enjoy it as much as I have. What little remains will be loaded onto my truck after the bike is on board tomorrow morning.

I’ve had a great time here, there’s no doubt about that. I’ve met some fantastic people. I’ve ridden to some great scenery. I’ve experienced love one more time. I’ve had lots of laughs. Now I’m wondering if I can top the experience, although topping it isn’t what I’m looking to do.

The past eight months have been hard on me. Yes, I know I’m more fortunate than most, for I’ve waited out winter up north with a three thousand mile ride down and back up the Baja and across to the Mexican mainland. I’ve taken another three thousand mile ride to Tulsa to see friends and returned, and I’ve been back and forth to Phoenix countless times.

I’m looking forward to the trip, but I’m having a certain amount of trepidation at the event. I’ve been out of the country for almost six years, although with sporadic visits in between. I don’t know where I’m going to be living. I want to find a job to keep me from becoming bored again. I want to be a regular person again, with a regular job with regular hours and regular days off. Is that too regular? I think it’s starting to sound that way to me.

Tomorrow I will say goodbye to someone special who I’ve known for the entire time I’ve been here. I didn’t get to know her well until the last three years or so. She is a wonderful woman — all serious to my silly side — and has been fantastic company for me.

The trek north begins one last time.