You will have such a great time, Rusty! I am happy for you. This website really helps, doesn't it? It helped me.
One thing I wish I had done two days before I left was PACK. I played around with my back pack a lot, and definitely was busy sifting through gear, getting it in its storage bags, etc., but the night before I flew out of Oregon, my dear friend accidentally sewed my pack "closed" on the top. Sigh.....she was attaching the forum badge for me, and another patch, and just didn't see that I had two zipper compartments on the top of my pack. This was a major setback to my plans, ha ha!
So.....get ready before, and also, I suggest that you get ready for a lot of shoes on shoes off at the airport, by perhaps wearing your crocs and packing your boots. Just an idea! Boots do take up some room.
Enjoy!