The End.

A curious way to commence the latest travel blog, indeed. Yet a very fitting way. For we are to commence our latest journey at the mouth of one of the world’s great waterways - where it washes into the Gulf Of Mexico, where it concludes its almost 4,000 km journey after originating in the far north of Minnesota.

What hasn’t been said to describe the wonders of Old Man River, Ol’ Grande, The Father Of Waters… the mighty Mississippi? You only have to read the likes of Mark Twain, William Faulkner, T S Elliot, F Scott FitzGerald even, to understand the historical and cultural significance of this vast and wondrous work of nature. For it influences everything it touches as it unfurls through America’s Mid-West down to the deep south.

And now I have an opportunity to sample it over the coming weeks as the Bali 6 (we chose the name first) undertake their 4^th overseas adventure together. From the big cities, to the open plains, we’ve got it all packed into our itinerary. Hopefully we get to learn about the people, the interesting history, of life in the delta, the rich and diverse music history that is the blues, and of course it’s mouth-watering cuisine. And not to mention those craft beers the Americans are becoming known for.

While we have over 10 flights to carry us on our way through the many states and islands on our travels, we also have many miles (that’s Yankee for 1.609344 kms) to ride on the ol’ blacktop. Various legs will see us in mini buses and vintage convertibles and maybe a 4WD or a “truck”, which should prove challenging in itself. I can just imagine the boys in front, beers in hand, the girls propped up in the tray out back with their backs against the gun rack…

The apprehension now mounts, as is it’s wont as we conclude our packing and await the journey to Tulla. From there, it’s full steam ahead. Now, it’s the beginning.