Daren took the first steps of his estimated seven-year-long Earth Expedition just this Saturday! The launch site was a local college in Dahlonega, GA. At this time Daren is being accompanied for a few days by two good friends. Late Friday night he posted this journal entry regarding his final few days of normal living before hitting the trail. Check it out!

Thanks, Amie

Overview of this past week:

March 5th 2008

Right now it is Wednesday the 5th. I am writing you from The Akron/Canton Airport... I am pretty excited because I just scored a free round trip ticket to anywhere in the US for taking a flight that was 25 minutes later. Before he even finished the announcement I was in line. That is the second time this year! Ok.. I was excited... my next flight was supposed to leave in 25 minutes... I thought I had stuck it to the man....but right as the plane is leaving those scurvy dogs just made an announcement that the flight that was supposed to leave in 25 minutes won't be leaving for 3 more hours. It looks like the man stuck it to me again.

I am writing now because I am sure that the night before the Expedition I will not want to be crafting a newsletter so I figured I would let you in on all of the details now.

I only got 3 ½ hours of sleep last night... But I am all packed up... Everything that I own is on the bottom of a plane as we speak. It is freeing knowing that everything that you own can be carried on your back. It is also little disturbing because if someone wants to take it....well..... it is everything you own. I am not worried too much...I have a present for anyone who tries to take it.

Here is a picture of all of the Expedition gear:

Total dry weight: 38 lbs.

Sky Shield: New to the Website http://www.theearthexpedition.com/ is a feature that allows you to view where I am via Satellite. Using Google Earth you will be able to zoom in and see where I am. I am not going to lie... it is kind of freaky and extremely awesome at the same time. I am pretty sure that this will be the future of expeditions to come. What can be cooler than actually zooming in and seeing the restaurant, mountain, or camping spot I will be in. Check it out by following this link SKY SHIELD The Username: earthexpedition Password: earthexpedition

T-shirts: I am also excited to announce that we are almost sold out when it comes to the men's shirts. I think we only have 5 left. If you would like to support the expedition and purchase an Expedition t-shirt then you can order through The Earth Expedition's Store

March 7th 2008

I am sitting here in Dallas, Ga right now as my friends and I are packing up the food that we will need over the next 4 days. Sue (The Earth Expedition's Sponsorship Director) is driving the 8 hours from Indianapolis to see me me off tomorrow so she should be her in about 2 hours. Then we are off to an Italian restaurant tonight. There are so many things that are going through my head right now. Everything that I do: eat, shower, beds, and car rides are all taking on a new meaning to me. It is a little surreal to be honest with you. The first step is hours away.Tomorrow morning I will wake up and travel to Dahlonega, GA. Where I will take my first step from the local college. It is soo wild... I have been waiting for this moment for over 1 ½ years...now it is here.... Let the adventure begin!"

Special thanks to all of my Sponsors who are supporting The Earth Expedition. You all have been too kind.

Contact The Earth Expedition team at Sue@theearthexpedition.com

"Life to the Fullest" Daren