6th June: For the first time I was prepared. Race gear and Rec were all packed before the taxi arrived. The taxi driver was a man in his 70s, and tried to load my bag into his car himself. Concerned he would give himself a hernia I load the bag with him.

Toronto collecting baggage: Got talking to a couple of passengers. One guy tells me he's bringing back his mother's "things" so has to collect baggage. The other guy tells me he's smuggling cheese in from Cambridge. I tell them I'm smuggling in a car tyre.

Met friend in the aiport's arrivals. He comments about the big bag. I smile and tell him we've got Rec into the country!

7th June: I've got mail! My planets are shifting to align themselves, and a friendly name sparks another to span the web ethos to find me a friendly face to meet out in West Virginia (thanks Andy and James).

8th June: I've got mail! Jenn is the friendly face who will meet me at Charleston and help me get to Williamson. One less stress to think about road rules and directions. Yes the US drive on the "right" side of the road ;-) 

9th June: Met up with friends and had a "heart attack" meal with them consisting of sweet potato fries, burgers, more fries, milkshakes and a thick chocolate brownie to finish it all off..........no I bailed out - swapping milkshake for hot water and "more fries" for a salad!

After allowed Rec out of his corn bag for some air and to socialise.  Went to bed after midnight as my alter ego had to prepare for work the next day.

10th June: Work was a "testing day" and stress levels were very high. Could not eat anything for breakfast or lunch. Dashed to airport head burning with fury and disappointment of the day.

Despite not feeling hungry, forced something down at the airport - dinner was a sushi pack and a small burger washed down with a litre of water.

US customs were unusually friendly and did not check my baggage. My past history flying into the US would suggest that the probability of me being checked is high. Can only think it is due to me being in work clothes or Rec had done some magic and made my gi-normous bag appear normal!

Despite a very rocky start, the planets had aligned (see earlier post) and my stress levels melted away as we touched down in Charleston at 23:45. The baggage collection point was in the same area of the airport as the rental car hire desk. So in time to pick up my rental car and meet Jenn. We drop by her house to have a quick shut eye for a couple of hours before attempting the drive to Williamson.

The next part of the journey would be a fight against mental and physical fatigue, and I would need to play plenty of mind games to stay awake on a drive to Williamson. Part II will be written up by Thursday, 23rd June