With rushing catharsis I’m pleased to declare that this trip is. Actually. Happening. Any of you incredulous heathen dirt beasts who didn’t believe in our abilities to get this thing together, to you I say, “Nyeeeeeh”, with the appropriate scornful flaring of the nostrils and lips. We’re gone. Actually there weren’t really any doubters. I don’t know who I’m writing this to. I’m sorry, I just wish there were skeptics I could sneer at to garnish my excitement and relief with sweet vindication. You all were far too supportive and kind.

Well, it could not have happened later, but our Chinese visas, the last unobtained prerequisites to the initiation of our plans, have arrived. The visas, as a going concern, are no longer as such. Their advent is secured. That is to say, we have them. Praise the sun. Never mind that we’re also leaving for the airport to Houston within the hour to face a possible tropical storm delay. A mere rough patch of weather cannot stop us. On the 18th, we’ll be in Ulaanbataar, sweltering in the sun on the steppe. Helen, you’re the best.

The day before yesterday, we got out bikes boxed and ready to be put on the airplane. The sheer size of them demands they be in 3 over-sized boxes, which will set each of us back $325 in luggage fees. Extra costs aren’t nice, but the bikes are coming with us. Nathan Roberson, our official cycling consultant, was absolutely invaluable in this.

(Edit: the people at check in on Louisville only charged us 100$ total for having 1 extra box.) 

In other news! Last night we camped and used our stove:

And this morning we laid out all of our gear for you guys to see what we’re taking:

I feel like I should have hidden Waldo in there somewhere. Hmm…. 5 points to anyone who spots the knife I’m not going to use for evil. This is it guys. Everything we’ll have for the next 106 days. This is what will keep us alive and happy. Wish us luck.