When travelling via car I recommend getting your car checked out at least 1 month prior to your departure. I had mine checked out and it required a bit of work to get back and safe. I also recommend changing the oil 1 week before leaving. This ensures a smooth ride. I am also a believer in engine treatments, so I'd recommend using a few of those too. They are cheap and won't cause any harm, so why not?

Other things to pack when you are headin' on the road:

• Tire pressure gauge (and actually use it!)
  
• Cooler with water and re-freezable ice packs
  
• Pad and pen (handy for writing down directions and badge numbers)
  
• Pillow
  
• Sack of loose change (Candadian too, if you are travelling across the border)
  
• Calling card (BJ's has one that's 3 cents a minute and can be recharged using a credit card, at any time)
  

I was asked how it feels to not be working. I did not expect the question and my first response was one of despair, but I keep remembering how fortunate I am to have the time and means to take this trip. I think I am glad I am taking a vacation. I haven't had one in a while and the ones I have taken haven't been all that substantial. Being on the road gives you some perspective on life and how everyone lives their version of it. People, despite how much fuss we make about our differences, are relatively similar. We all want to be happy, feel safe and be surrounded by good people. Community, this is the important piece of human existence. (i realize this is vauge, i'm working on fleshing this idea out more)

Finally research topics for when we land:

• Why are Canadians enfatuated with horror?
  
• What is the geology behind the Niagara Falls?
  
• Is there anything to do in Michigan?
  

Click here for the photo journal for the Toronto leg of the trip.