The journey begins. Left at 11:11am on 11/1 after blood and drama getting the cat in his kennel with a lot of help from Monica, a broom, a Rubbermaid lid and an empty cat littler container. Reflected as I drove how this was a new me in a new year. Not yet feeling like a badass crone ... but I can feel her stirring. Got my inspection done for next year's sticker and began heading south on some roads in very poor condition, but the huge expanses of wilderness made it worth it. Stayed with a wonderful couple who were extremely helpful with everything from solving an electricity problem to leading me to the route I was taking when I left. It was very cold. Used this propane heater to warm up a few times. Condensation froze on the inside of the windshield and door. I slept well. The tarot card I pulled before bed was the Lovers. I knew it was the couple – they met on Match and married a few years ago – giving me hope. I gave them the same card from a broken deck as a parting gift.