The anticipation of getting back on the road........

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By Shane hutton

It's really hard to put into words the mixed emotions that go through you in the lead up to getting back on the road. Especially after 8 weeks of living the high life. Operation gain weight went exceptionally well hahaha. It didn't help that I was confined to bed and a chair for a few weeks.

I'm sad to leave but happy as well. I could easily change my flight and stay for another month but that's just delaying the inevitable. I look forward to the open road and long for the silent star filled nights but will miss the family here, the comfort of a proper bed, a hot shower whenever I want & the ease of curing my hunger of sugar cravings.

I know it's going to be hard for the first few days but I also know it will be amazing. This trip after 10months has changed me as a person I think. It's concreted the fact that I like the simple life, the wilderness,the quiet places. The joys of being outdoors everyday exploring is a great feeling most of the time.

I have spent some great time with my nephews, going to their sports making cookies reading books learning about plants vs zombies haha We have been out to dinners out to major league games and of course riding bikes around the driveway with them.

It's funny that 8 weeks can be completely different, if you are waiting to go somewhere it seems to take forever but If you are on a holiday or somewhere u enjoy it flies by.
8 weeks is the longest time I have spent with my sister in about 14years.

It has really been great to get to know my brother in law a little better and especially my 2 nephews, I'm going to miss those little guys.

Some statistics : weight gained 10kg
: m&m's eaten, a few kg
: countless coffee's
: cinema 4 times
: 1 Herniated disc
: too many beers.
: 40km run
: 30km on the bike
: best steak of my life

I could go on but it think you get the picture. I'm sitting in Dallas airport with my fingers crossed for my bike to arrive safely in Quito tonight.

This break has also taught me I'm not in a hurry to get to Patagonia. I have time. Time to explore a little more. There is no rush. So the next leg I plan to stop to smell the flowers a little more & get my running legs back :)

Living the ULTRA LIFE :)