Many of you know that Nancy and I are planning our "Big Trip" for June of 2006. We want to start at the top of Alaska and ride our bikes clear to the bottom of South America. It's something like 20,000 miles and we figure it will take us about 2 1/2 years.

Probably the biggest obstacle to a big trip like that (other than getting organized for it in the first place) is achieving balance while on the road. It takes care to avoid getting physically depleted, then emotionally exhausted, depressed, and then giving up the idea. So we're paying attention on each of our trips to what it takes to retain our physical, mental, and emotional balance on a trip. Of course we need a rest day from time to time. Probably at least every week.

One thing I've started to believe in, though: I need to get a shower whenever I can. I seem to get to feeling worse when I go a few days without a shower, and perk right up when I get one. So I've started stopping at RV parks and the like to get a shower when I have the chance. An RV park usually charges about $5.00, and a motel may charge up to $10.00.