You certainly are a minimalist. Most of us probably would not include dumpster diving as part of our travel planning. however, I do understand it. While others might critisize, I salute you. The heartiest and most flexible individuals go farther and last longer than the average men.

Openmindedgent, it appears from your posts that you are a person of eccentricity. Of course, that is meant in a positive way. You may notice that you have ideas and plans that seem outlandish to the average person, but which seem quite normal and do-able to you. You might take action, travel, explore and do things in way that others advise against and perhaps call weird. Upon your successful return, people are fascinated and intrigued by the stories of your grand adventures and some even doubt the truthfulness because to them, it all sounds just too incredulous, but YOU were there seeing the world with real dust under your feet while others watch the world from their couch.

Anyway, our eccentric friend, sometimes you find that your great ideas could use some tempering from like-minded adventurers with, perhaps a different perspective or additional experience.

I would say that your pet ferret is far too important of a companion for you to risk losing it on a bicycle tour. Another forum member mentioned that ferrets might not be legal in some states or municipalities. It would be a terrible loss if some power-drunk policeman or sherrif or deputy or animal control person confiscated your pet during your tour. The ill things that could happen to your ferret friend are numerous and realistic. Probably, the risk is not worth the award. You will have to weigh that yourself, of course but from the outside looking in, it seems like a risk too great for a pet of which you are so attached.