Hello folks,

This will be my last letter (for a while) to all of you, friends, climbing partners and Marine buddies.

In two days I set off for the Yukon and my 60 day cruise of the Alaskan outback. I am totally looking forward to this paddle and all the adventure that it will throw in my direction. Along with the tranquility and beauty there is also substantial risk. This I have planned for and trained dilligently for. My plan is sound and my execution will be fairly flawless but there is always that issue so I want to thank all of you for your friendship and all the hikes and climbs enjoyed with you all. Of course I will be back to thrash more of you in the backcountry but as I say plan for the worst and hope you never see it.

I will be out of AZ about 3 am, total yuck 3 am is, on wednesday heading to Vegas to hang with Crystal and Rob. Thursday morning my little Mazda will head north for the next 5 or 6 days to Eagle. From there I get to live with the bears for the next 60 days or so.

Libby will be updating my website, mingomorvin.com.,daily as to my progress and what I am doing. She will also be putting up lots of images of the trip as I progress. The first will be of my travels north to Eagle and of the mighty Yukon at Eagle. In Galena I will send her about 2500 more images and my journal so she will update with some really cool pictures plus passages from my journal. Those will be interesting for sure. Again in Unalakleet, about 1500 miles into the trip, she will receive more images this time of the Bering Sea coast and the rigors that this hostile but beautiful area will allow me to experience. After that Nome is a short 200 miles or so of paddling and safety. I have envisioned this landing more than a few times.

Through maps I have kayaked the river and the sea more than a few times. War gaming this problem is a constant thought pattern running through my mind. This is a dream that I am looking forward to and will enjoy even during the darkest hours. That is what makes it so cool.

Take care and have a wonderful relaxing summer. And of course be safe out there. See you all at the end of summer.

Mingo