One Last Celebration and then... We're Off!

Love, respect, family: The Kirkpatrick Connor McCarthy Dent Silva Clan.

Burning our spreadsheet, where we tracked every piece of equipment we'd need for Peking to Paris 2016!

See you later, Ber Ber and Boo! Enjoy 25 acres in Virginia! 

Jill's most treasured travel accessory: Java's half-marathon medal, which he ran with Jason McCarthy in Chicago in 2010.

How do you pack for 40 days in a Porsche? Here are some of Jill's never-leave-home-withouts: her Ralph Lauren cashmere sweater (that goes everywhere with her, to the bush and back); Belgian loafers, since a girl can't wear "sturdy shoes" for 40 days; a pendant to remind us that "there's more than you know;" and a prayer string blessed by a Buddhist monk in Bhutan.

Empty Nesters' Au Revoir

Celebrating our 10th anniversary, the Empty Nesters book club threw me a surprise send off on a beautiful, rain-free evening. Barbara and Lark hosted us with cocktails on the garden terrace, followed by a sumptuous Italian dinner by Susan Gage.

My wonderful friends presented me with a glamorous Ferragamo silk scarf ("think Grace Kelly!") that actually looks like it was made with our rally car in mind. There will be many pictures of this scarf in the countries along our route!

Celia gave me Tula skincare products to make sure I keep up my beauty regime, Jeanne gave me a diary for all our memories, and Missy, the world's best photographer, will do a special portrait of Java #58, Tony, and me upon our return. 

Cheers to these amazing women whom are the dearest of friends: Celia, Lark, Ginny, Barbara, Jeanne, Missy, Sandy, Blythe, Katherine, Corine and Elizabeth. I promise to represent The Empty Nesters with dignity, grace, and a little speed!

-Jill

A Champagne Send-Off for Peking to Paris 2016

Our neighbors, Gin and Jack Bell, hosted a send-off dinner on for us on Sunday night. Of course, the evening began with a champagne toast by Jack, followed up with lots of hearty good lucks, you're crazy's, "I'm purchasing life insurance on you two," and even, "I wish I were doing it also!"

In addition to our hosts, our wonderful neighbors and friends, the Bentons, Lamberts, Magruders and Nelsons, provided a feast unlike any we will be having along our journey. Not surprisingly, the evening was filled with a lot of car and navigation talk (there are a few car guys and adventure travelers in the bunch).

As the evening was coming to a close, we ended with updates—not about our children, but about all of our dogs, cats and a new DC obsession: bald eagle cam observations.

We can't wait to share stories of the rally and host everyone at our house upon our return!