the problem isnt the trip; it's much of everything other than the trip. The trip is get away from that.

May i add: i have the most incredible bunch of friends, you are so good to me. I'll miss you.

u.s. digital chart downloads are free, but canada charges, AND REQUIRES you have the most recent paper charts aboard. It'll cost me ~$1000 for canadian charts.

much online research, i finally determine i need an FCC (radio) license, but only because i intend to contact foreign (canada) "ports" (i.e. marinas, gas docks...). Then i struggle to find the online FCC forms. FCC is surely 1 of the crudest and most painful online experiences of my all time. It's actually fascinating that they seem oriented to their own goals, rather than me the 'customer'. What does that mean? Their orientation is all about fee-paying, rather than permit-buying. Imagine you go to a grocery store and they meet you at the door and ask "how much will you be buying today, and what are the 2-letter codes of the items?" OK i struggled thru the ridiculous forms (including they wanted to know how many people would be aboard and how many life boats i have), only to finally discover it'd cost me $220 for the license. This for permission which would be FREE if i wasnt contacting foreign ports. So i wont contact foreign ports.

i wake at nite in fear of various things. Daytimes i'm ok.