8. Summons

 I lead into this a little in the last post, but I tend to be an over-packer, like 20% more underwear than days in a trip - something I learned from my dad.  I started a Google sheet early in the process to plan out my stops & daily mileage, keep track of important links and the bike trails to look for along the way.  The trailer I'm taking is quite small, so most of my gear will have to go in the truck, but I want to save enough space to squeeze my bike under the tonneau cover if I end up staying anywhere that might feel questionable.

Anyway, so I made a list of what to bring from home, did I mention the trailer has nothing? - so I have to bring everything.  I remember renting a motorhome some years ago and it took several hours to move in and back out, never again!  Also made a grocery list so I can avoid stops (remember that covid thing that made me decide to drive in the first place) and also eat somewhat healthy.  The last thing I want to do is succumb to fast food.

Feeling pretty good about the week, I'm pushing to wrap up as much hands-on work as possible so that next week I can just take calls from the road and do more coordination work.  Sitting here tonight and my wife comes in with the mail and a big grin - a jury summons for me....I've been a registered voter for 25 years and this is the first time I've received a notice, damn.  Thankfully it's not until after I return, but now they've finally found me.