Will we make it?

I've never planned a trip quite so haphazardly. For someone as anal as me, it is hair raising.

The hotel rates have not really gone down as reported. I have made reservations for the first two nights, and I haven't noticed a great difference. The clerk at the first place, however, saw that we were returning for the 3rd time and knocked off $5. Woo and hoo! No such luck with booking a second night in Texas. Bah and humbug.

It has been promised that we will sit down tomorrow with a map and a notepad and plot out what to do after that.

Generally, I make lists weeks in advance. This time? No time for lists. Yikes! My pseudo Virgo self trembles in fear.

Mid-planning: Are we standing still?

There are times at this point in planning a trip when we feel as if we are just not making any progress. It is an illusion.

We have been gazing all starry-eyed at the Silver City area. There is so much there that appeals to our senses, both individually and as a couple. We will no doubt be spending some time here before moving north. The problem is we need to more or less settle on a plan before we move anywhere beyond.

What seems clear is that this is a part of New Mexico that appears to be very promising. The Gila National Forest is gorgeous if one believes the photos. The possibilities are endless. Can we say "Paradise?" Possibly.

I feel that we will move forward with lightning speed at some point.

We are also considering the purchase of a GPS unit for the car. In the midst of all that my husband also wants to consider the "topo" (topographical) version for other uses. We seem to have found what we like. What remains is the final decision: Do we or do we not invest in this technology?

In the little pockets between all these other things, I've been considering what to pack, what to bring, how to streamline from last year's trip (each year offers up some areas where things could have been done more efficiently), and when exactly to start the Almighty Lists.