Charlie,
Very sorry to hear about your dad's declining health. I cannot really believe that I'm on the "otherside" of my experience with my mom in hospice.
You all were good friends to me during that time and I still appreciate it. I'm sending my best vibes your way. Hope we see you on the 7th.

And here's a diversion I saw over at the touring forum:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...at-these-roads!