Every journey begins with the first step

Step 1- complete.

How lucky was I to leave for this incredible odyssey on the day that we all get an extra hour of sleep?!  Was that serendipity?  Or is Kathy, my amazing travel agent, THAT talented?  Whatever the case, it was a rare blessing to wake up on this beautiful, sun-filled and brisk autumn morning, well-rested for my 20+ hour triple-plane, HOP/SKIP/&JUMP (truly an understatement) from Seattle to Tierra del Fuego and not have to worry about time. One last long soak in the deep, antique clawfoot tub savoring every minute of sudsy paradise and the classical music, a tasty breakfast of my standard oatmeal, almonds, sunflower seeds and a banana accompanied by a rich cup of French Roast/espresso coffee that I sipped leisurely scanning my infamous lists for the last time. I was reminded of all the comforts of home that will be sorely missed over the next two weeks, closing my eyes from time to time remembering it all and storing it away.

My good fortune continued - light traffic to SEA-TAC with the express lanes open and plenty of spectacular fall colors on the slowly-balding Northwest trees.  Lake Union was smooth as glass and full of sailboats, brightly-painted kayaks and an armada of small pleasure craft. I soaked in all the familiar sights and held them close to my heart knowing that soon I would head into uncharted territories, thousands of unknown faces, and a landscape of nothing but ice and snow that few have ever witnessed.  Home will be so far away but patiently waiting for me when I return.

Arrival at the airport was smooth and simple.  (Thanks for the ride, Wil!)  My check-in through security was brisk, and I was (seriously) thrilled to be given my first full-body scan. I thrive on new experiences and find fun in the things that many people fear or dread.  Call me strange like that.

The ONLY kinks in my day appear to be that I've been assigned "middle seats" - pure HELL ON WINGS, in my opinion - for both my first flights (first to Houston, 4.5 hours, and then the longest flight of all (to Buenos Aires, 10.5 hours..ugh).  My other problem at the moment is there is a woman who is apparently bringing TWO small, obnoxious  Dachshunds on this first flight, and the two of them are extreme and hyperactive yappers.  The are barking hysterically at everything that moves, and she is frantically trying to calm them down.  They are driving me wonky!  My biggest fear: she'll be in the seat next to me when I board the plane. Or even worse, one pooch on each side of me barking non-stop all the way to Houston!

 But my luck so far today has been excellent, so I'm hoping for another break, or better yet- a whole series of them.

Step 2 is upon me.  My plane is boarding. The journey begins today, now.  Argentina, here I come!!