Almost to Pagan Spirit Gathering

I am writing to you from a Super 8 in Tuscola, IL that is like a Valhalla of hospitality after a full day on the road, and then being pushed ever further north in search of a room thanks to a softball competition. Who knew Mattoon, IL was such a big deal?

I have literally been a ball of nerves for days, trying to plan, pack, take care of work stuff, put things in place before I leave, play Tetris with my equipment first in my car and then in the van. Truthfully I haven’t been looking forward to PSG because I was too busy panicking over logistics and supplies. Yesterday, watching the landscape change as we crossed the country I felt a bit like a zombie. It was surreal. Arthur beginning the trip with epic music from Star Trek only added to the surreal, quest-like feeling of the trip. The search for a room under these huge midwest skies reinforced it.

This morning, waking with no packing to do, after a full nights sleep, I finally feel truly excited. As I lay in bed slowly waking up I began to think about all the people I’m going to see soon. The friends I made at PSG and have only kept in touch with over Facebook the past year, and the feeling of being in a town made of, by and for Pagans. At this point it’s useless to worry about stories I haven’t written, things I didn’t pack, and my entire body has started to relax. My heart is relaxed and open and ready for the PSG experience.

So I’m feeling human this morning for the first time in days, and very much looking forward to grabbing breakfast and hitting the road. I can’t wait to see Stonehouse Park and get a feel for the land. So close! Almost home!

Oh, and once again would like to thank Arthur and Kathryn Hinds for being so kind as to let me ride with them again this year! They are fantastic folks to travel with and have excellent travel music!