Well...it's been about 2 hours......

since we created this blog and we're still messing around with it.  We just want this to be a perfect place for all our Friends and Family to come and read and experience what we are going through on a daily basis.

Just so everyone knows and is clear on what is going on....our "Mission Statement" is as follows:

Laura and I have decided to give up all the luxuries we have here in Myrtle Beach and go on an adventure that knows no end.  We are not crazy, we just realize that this is something we are in a very fortunate position to be able to do.  We have no children, nor a career that ties us down anywhere.  What we do have is the ambition and the hunger for "seeing what else is out there!"  So we are selling all our material things we have no need for, packing our bags with all the essentials and hugging everyone goodbye.  We have bought a nice camera, laptop, and a broadband card so we can stay connected to you guys and we are going to see the world.  I wish I could say we were moving to Denver and I was transferring jobs and Laura has a nice set-up waiting for her, but truth is...we don't know what the future holds.  We may get to Phoenix, AZ and realize we absolutely love it there or we could go up to see Nick in Portland and say, "Hey, let's go see Alaska."  I know it sounds crazy, but isn't that what an adventure is?  I've always believed life is like a poker game and you play the hand your dealt.  Well, in this instance we're the dealers and we've been working on our chops!!!! (Rounders, 1998)  So hang tight, this may be a bumpy ride, but we are gonna be ready!!!!

-Smokin' Joe & The Missus'

My Hitch Cargo Carrier Is here!!!!

This thing looks great!  It sure will be nice having all the extra room in the car with the addition of this carrier.  My goal is to make the car look like something out of Jurassic Park before we leave. Im gonna add a roofrack and bug deflector to the front as well!!!!

-- Smokin' Joe & The Missus'

Welcome, Preparation for The Odyssey has begun!!!!

Well, we have less than 2 months till blast off and we have begun preparations!!!  We've made purchases, we've sold tons of great stuff, and we've even packed quite a few bags already.  I know, i know...it's a little early, but to say we can't wait is a huge understatement!  The thought of going on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure has completely consumed Laura and my brains' for damn near 3 weeks. (and it's getting worse day by day)  We are mentally not here in Myrtle Beach anymore.  Laura is on top of a mountain taking pictures of mountain ranges and wildlife with her new SLR and I'm driving thru Kansas listening to her snore wondering where the next great place to eat is at!!!!  Sounds exciting, I know!!!!

Well, this is just an intro to to the bloggersphere, so please come back often, because we plan to document this Odyssey from start to finish, with pictures and thoughts.  I'll even explain in more detail in my next blog, what it is exactly what we're doing and why!!!!

Thanks for being interested and we'll blog ya later!!!

- Smokin' Joe & The Missus'