With less than 2 months until I leave, I'm busy with trip planning: length of each day's ride, where to stay overnight, locations of mail drops. Luckily my route is planned, and I have details regarding possible services located along the route. But because my distance can vary based on weather, terrain, and how I'm feeling, so do my options for accommodations and post offices, along with when I'll be where and for how long.

One thing that I'm hoping is to remain in contact with family and friends via mail. Sure, I'll be able to email, but that will be limited to internet access. I'll always have the ability to write a letter! I'm hoping my friends and family not only send me loving thoughts from afar but letters and/or care packages, as well! There will be nothing better than sitting in my tent or fireside, reading encouraging words and hearing what's happening with my loved ones back home. 

From what I've read, there are some tips regarding mail drops. 1) Keep it light; whatever you send I'll be carrying with me. Food and other consumables are probably the exception, but even then, keep the Costco-sized Gatorade at home. 2) Send me some self-addressed envelopes for me to write you back! 3) Mail your letter/package early enough to arrive by the time I roll through town, but be aware of my estimated time of arrival; I'm not sure how long they'll keep something before sending it back. 

Ideas for mail drops:

• Slim Jims type of snack (no jerky, please)
  
• squeeze packets of nut butters (almond, peanut, etc)
  
• trail mix
  
• dried fruit (no banana chips, please)
  
• nuts & seeds
  
• individual flavored oatmeal packs
  
• foil pouches with dinner foods (curry, soups, prepared rice, quinoa, etc)
  
• energy bars (Luna, Lara, Kind, etc.)
  
• Individual pouches of instant coffee (iced or hot), energy drinks, etc.
  
• honey sticks
  
• fruit leather
  
• hard candy
  
• tuna pouches
  
• rice noodle dinners (Thai Kitchen has a variety of choices)
  
• instant soup (I’ll have limited fuel to boil meals)
  
• hot chocolate
  
• tea
  
• other yummy goodies, homemade or not
  

Other things I may like:

• small tube of sunscreen
  
• a few dollars for ice cream or coffee breaks
  
• magazines or easy reading
  
• stamped, addressed envelopes or postcards for me to write you some love
  
• small pack of wet wipes or baby wipes
  
• pages from word search, crossword or easy Sudoku puzzles (so I’m not necessarily carrying too much weight)
  

If you're interested in mailing me something, email me at amydeebeck at gmail.com and I'll be sure to email out a list of post office locations and estimated dates of arrival. 

With a bit more than 8 weeks until I'm standing on the east coast, I have countless tasks on my to-do list. 

I've recently looked at my estimated itinerary, particularly because I need to have some idea of daily mileage and options for camping. I have one version that keeps me riding with fairly low mileage and finishing the first week of August, and the other version has higher mileage days and would bring me home a week sooner. I don't need to know any of this right now, and I'm certain I will find my plans will shift with weather, circumstances and how I'm feeling. 

Much of what I have on my list is home/garden related; it feels similar to when I was nesting before each of my children was born. I want to leave feeling like I've done as much as I could to support my family's needs while I'm away. 

I also have bike repair and maintenance and training on my list, too. I'm so intimidated by my bicycle, and I need to get my hands dirty and just go for it. 

As the weather warms up, I'm feeling such anticipation over riding daily, making my way west.