Day One December 30, 1997

We began the day as we always do running late. This weekend is a combination New Years/Gator
Game/Test around the world weekend. Our goal was to pack our bag and rough it. Karen was very
happy to have her backpack with wheels and found that she can not put that much stuff in it. I have the
job of carrying the tent and my laptop, so I also do not have a lot of room.

We arrived at my parents house to pick up our Christmas presents(More around the world stuff). A great
time to go around the world is after Christmas. You just tell everybody that you need backpacking stuff.
After Karen finished her 3:00 P.M. conference call, my dad arrived to let us in. I did not have a key. We
grab the Christmas presents and made a mad dash to Wekiwa Springs Florida State park, just outside of
North Orlando. We needed to arrive by 5:30 to check in with the park ranger. We got to the park by
5:00pm and had the tent setup by 5:30pm.

Karen with her new bag on wheels The tent I am going to carry for 10 months

We are currently finding warmth in our new fleece sleeping bags. They are small to carry and we will let
you know in the morning if it works at 50 degrees. Thanks mom for the sleeping bags, if not we would be
freezing our butts off.