home sweet home

i'm finally back in north carolina! if only for a short while--we drove back yesterday from tuscaloosa, and i plan to leave on TUESDAY! the days in between are being filled with the few friends still in town, laundry, haircuts, and car check-ups. i think i have managed to lighten my bag to all of 40 lbs., which means that i can at least lift it myself. it's awfully hard to pack for a cross-country trip! clothes for all weather, the variety of shoes (half of them of the tennis variety), and the odds and ends i will need.

this website has been interesting and helpful: http://www.planning-fun-road-trips.com/

i am so excited! it's going to be one big adventure. emphasis on big. it's amazing how quickly the time fills up when everything is 12 hours away from anything else. i have a feelings that i will quickly find a new appreciation for lewis and clark, who's path i will follow for a little bit. this country is huge, and i can't wait to experience it for myself--especially the parts i haven't already seen!

but first, i have to stock up on batteries, flashlights, water, and everything else i can remember to get before i go.

this is a church in marfa, tx, out near big bend national park.