Friday June 30th - Day 0 Total Distance Traveled: 0km It’s now about 11:30pm at night, and I’m nearly finished packing for the trip. I was away this afternoon with a friend of mine, and just now putting the finishing touches into my suitcase. I’ve also gone and double checked to make sure I’ve got everything I need and want to bring with me, and nothing more. Earlier tonight I also received two parting gifts before leaving: the first was from my brother Nick, who joked, “I was thinking about things you might need on the train. I know you’ll get bored and need things to do, but you also won’t have a shower and need a way to smell fresh. So here’s something that will help you do both.” He then proceeded to throw six different packs of gum at me, each a 12-pack of Excel brand. And while each is a variation of a mint flavour, no two are exactly the same. I’ll report at the end of the month which one is the best. The second present was directly from Via Rail - a small envelope with a note welcoming me aboard. It also contained a special wristband and luggage tag which is only being given out to the Canada150 Passholders. I got an email saying this package was on the way and I’d have it before July 1st….but I also think the night of June 30th was cutting it a bit close. (Especially when I have to leave for my first train in less than eight hours.) I’ve decided to tie the wristband on my laptop bag to identify it, but also so I won’t stick out like a sore thumb everywhere I go this summer. If I get tempted, I’m still open to wearing it instead. Though that’s going to be an on-the-fly decision. You would be astonished and amazed to see how much is actually crammed into that suitcase. It has 10 days of clothes, a suit, bedding and workout gear, beyond the usual necessities. Yet it's finally packed, and my tickets are all printed too. (It was an entertaining escapade at the train station on Tuesday this week as I spent two hours waiting for all my tickets to be printed for the entire summer!) My only remaining task now is to enjoy one last night in my own bed until I leave it for the next five weeks. I’m thinking I’ll miss it more than I do now, especially after a few nights in the chair of a train. But for now I’ll snuggle in my comforters guilt-free.
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