The Minstrel Boy to the War Is Gone...

So its been a while since I was last here...

...but I return after having set off on the first leg of this journey. For anyone who thought I was leaving on 10 August...SURPRISE! My departure date was expedited due to weather and travel concerns while leather-tramping it up in Alaska.

And what a send off it was...

Saturday was full of revelry, well wishing, family, and friends. Lots of mixed emotions from that night. Being surrounded by all these close relations made me want nothing more than to stay but at the same time I felt an overwhelming sense of accountability to finish the epic journey. TO MORDOR!

Towards the end of the party, my mom and dad passed onto me my grandpa's hat, sweater, and camping blanket. As legendary as the man was, these items couldn't be considered anything less than armor and shield against the harshness experienced in his life's adventures. Thank you mom and dad...and grandpa! And a thanks to all my friends and family who were able to make it out. I was a bit overwhelmed by everyone who showed up (in the best way)...Lopez, I'm pretty sure I did a quadruple-take when I saw you roll up the street!

Instead of an early departure the next day I decided to stick around a while and spend the day with my family. But 4 o'clock rolled around and it was time. So we all gathered around in the garage, said our prayers, doused me and the car in holy water and said my so longs (for now). Before I could get in the car, however, my brother Tim's girlfriend, Kate, ran inside to grab her bagpipes....yes....bagpipes. While walking to the driver's seat, Kate wailed the most inspiring rendition of The Minstrel Boy (a song adopted by my highschool as a their sort of theme song). If my mom wasn't crying yet, that just about did it.

Watch for yourself...

With that I made my way through the family gauntlet of hugs, handshakes, and gladiatorial arm embraces. Told the fam I loved them and set off into the sunset (Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade style).

Currently I'm in Streetsboro, OH...322 miles from home. In a few minutes I'll jump in the KODIAK and set sails to Chicago to meet my cousins Melissa and Ted. I'll only be able to stay a short while before I correct my bearing to head north towards Milwaukee to meet more cousins (I should probably call them to let them know I'm stopping by!)

The minstrel boy to the war is gone,
In the ranks of death you'll find him;
His father's sword he has girded on,
And his wild harp slung behind him;
"Land of Song!" said the warrior bard,
"Though all the world betrays thee,
One sword, at least, thy rights shall guard,
One faithful harp shall praise thee!"

The Minstrel fell! But the foeman's chain
Could not bring his proud soul under;
The harp he loved ne'er spoke again,
For he tore its chords asunder;
And said "No chains shall sully thee,
Thou soul of love and bravery!
Thy songs were made for the pure and free
They shall never sound in slavery!"