Well Ben I've almost got my kit put together the way I want. Hoping this will be the best trip ever. I want to turn my attention to the GPS and the maps soon and practice manually plotting waypoints with the map tools I have acquired. I think I will manually plot the campsite #'s and mark them on my maps. I like the idea of little red dots showing campsites especially if I'm running late. I will have to add Martin and DD on my Christmas list for next year in way of thanks ;).

I thought DD had an excellent suggestion in doing some geo caching. It would be a good way for some one like me with very little GPS experience to practice. I guess it is more popular than I knew. Just go on-line and there is all kinds of stuff a man can go find.

After Christmas Railriders has a sale. I know their stuff is pricey but I don't think it can be beat for durability, comfort, and plain good practicality. I have several pairs of their pants but I suggest the weatherpants for 3 season canoeing. Tough as nails, they dry fast and they will probably outlast me.
I also like the eco mesh shirt. It has a mesh lining running the length of the arms and armpits which is great for managing heat. Again light and tough as nails. Drys super quick and doesn't seem to hold odors. I think they are 7 or 8oz. Skeets can get through but it takes them a while of poking and prodding with the shirts. They don't get through the pants very often.

But to finally answer your question, I'm probably dropping my trailer in Chicago on Aug 2 and hopefully entering the park at Lund Aug 4. Exiting at Leano probably on the 23. If I don't get into the Chicago show and I'm having a good time I might stay an extra week.  

Hoping to get this worked out the way I want so I can stop thinking about it and put it to bed and forget about it for a while. :P  

Keep in touch
Al