Only 13 hours separate me from the start of my trip. Am I nervous? I’d be lying if I said that there wasn’t a little bit of self-doubt. Questions like, “Will this be a good use of time?” and “How will I make the most of the trip?” dance in my head. Fortunately, I’ve been able to spend the day distracting myself with packing.

The equipment I'm bringing on my trip, minus my hockey gear and a cooler

Starting Monday morning, it will be too late for second thoughts, for I will be on the road.  The first stop: International Falls, Minnesota, just across the Rainy River from Ontario.