just about to hang my GONE FISHIN' sign....

Tomorrow's my retirement day! I've had my good bye party. Work colleagues, Thank you, James, gave me a gold pan for my Alaska trip--signed by many. While Judd fishes (expensive fishing licenses) I can pan for gold. Work had a fish taco bar for me, today a cake reception. I gave away "Camp Thompson" brochures for anyone who wants to look me up in Maine. 

Judd picked up the U-haul pod today.  We load it tomorrow. They ship it and store it until we're ready to empty it in Maine. We clean house Saturday. Pack the Northstar Sunday am. Depart for Alaska Sunday pm. We're using the interweb [sic] while we have it to plan a few vineyards and campgrounds between here and there, but after that, with sketchy cell service, we're using a thing called the Alaskan Milepost. It's a book about the size of a San Diego phone book  (2 inches thick--remember them?) with a mile by mile description of gas stations, camp grounds, food, sights to see.  Several experienced travelers say it's a must. Also musts: mosquito protection, eye blinders or black out curtains and flat tire back up.   We're ready.

Thank you, Donna!

his and hers black out eye masks