Austin update

Just a quick update! Our drive out to Austin is a bit clearer, though we spent a LOT of time with maps, etc. and are still not completely settled on our route (huge thanks to Dmitria, Ramona, Cathy, Dean and Jane for all the help and good ideas!). Currently the plan is to leave early Monday, March 31, and drive to the bay area (in late, out early--sorry friends/fambly in the bay area!), then down through Bakersfield (ahem) and maybe out to the Mojave Preserve to camp. Then to Sedona (camping), Truth or Consequences (at the Fire Water Lodge--thanks Erika!), then to a no doubt luxurious Motel 6 in Carlsbad, NM (the room, as Scott White pointed out, comes with "a table"!). We'll spend the weekend with the Whites (Skye, Scott, Kaki and Egan), perusing the caverns. Scott is a very serious caver of long standing and made all the arrangements. I will not be scooching my way through mud on my belly, but Dave will ;). I am a leetle too claustrophic, I think. Then we'll drive to Austin. I will fly back to Portland immediately to pick up the Bad cat (shiver--flying with a cat!), and Dave will get settled in our new home--a sublease in a great neighborhood (5th and Annie). A little more 'spensive than we'd hoped but man--location, location, location! And then we're there :). Phew!