Phew. That title says it all. When I go off on the journey I will be leaving a lot behind, physically. Mentally … we’ll have to see how present I can be. Its easier to be present in the desert, by myself. It is hard to be present surrounded by objects of memory and live people.

I need a few weeks of silence.

That is a flimsy excuse. I have the tv on. Shouting out questions to Jeopardy answers. Clemson in the Orange Bowl. Not too silent or present.

I go to sleep imagining I am on the 25″ plank, all bundled up in sleeping bags, in the bed of the truck. A sweet sigh of relief and I fall asleep. I dream of being on the journey.