Leather Tramp Odyssey

Any reason to wait is merely fear talking. I have a block of time up until May 1st with nothing planned in between except the wine and cheese tasting at my apartment complex on Friday and maybe fitting in some more karaoke with strangers. I am now a verified CouchSurfer with, on the site, no friends or references. And thus, now is the time to take advantage of the mild weather and waterproof backpack: I'm going to walk to Centralia.

My first couch request has been sent off to a nice lady in Renton and if that doesn't work out I'll fire off a couple more before falling back on a motel (or passing out in the bushes -- not preferable). Packing light will merely include food in bar form (not bar food), video camera for documenting the experience, netbook, and a couple changes of clothes. Washing clothes at a laundromat may be difficult to do, depending on how far out of my way they are, and I could just end up very stinky.



This is a test trip for future foot trekking. Thus far I have only walked between nearby towns from Redmond: Woodinville and Bellevue. Nearly two years ago I started a jog which ended as a lap around Lake Sammammish, netting me 25 miles total. I'm in better general condition now but that distance is time consuming, not to mention exhausting, and I'll try to keep distances in the twenty mile range.

The goal is practice, but I am intrigued by the idea of hitch hiking to Colville to visit my mom. Besides pushing myself physically, the couch surfing aspect will force me to expand social skills which I hope to use later in a larger trip, such as Ireland. Internally excitement battles anxiety, but I'd rather regret being stranded somewhere than not starting at all!

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