"I have been absolutely terrified every moment of my life-and I've never let it keep me from doing a single thing I wanted to do."

- Georgia O'Keeffe

Out There

I'm always open to advice, just don't ever utter the words "you can't do that!" I spent half my life listening to my own voice tell me I couldn't. I've been terrified to start this trip. I'd be out there alone. I've done many things on my own, but I've never been Out There. Out There, where the darkness swallows you whole.  Out There, where animals could tear my tired smelly flesh as I slept. Out There, where my only connection to the world is unreliable. Where the hell would I sleep? With my slim budget I wouldn't have the option of sleeping in a comfy motel. I replayed all that would go wrong over and over. Will my clothing keep me dry and warm enough? Will I have enough water in between stops? What if I fall and break a leg?Carrying my own body for miles through busy city streets, over mountains, sometimes through dirt roads was easy. But could I do this with an extra 50 pounds every day for the next two months?

I've read all the literature, pored over maps for the safest routes, watched  countless how-to videos. I can assure you, reading and doing are two completely different things.