My trip is coming up some time soon I hope.I also have the Surly LHT 52cm.I have it all pack up it's just waiting for me to hit the road with it.Wife is not all that happy with me but then again she never is happy anyway.This could be the best thing for the both of us I will be out of her way and she will be out of my way too.It will give me time to think what I want to do next with my life.Not sure how long I will be gone and don't care either.I know it sounds bad but it's the way I feel at this time.Your trip sounds like you are having a ball.Good luck to you.