S123456789extreme,
Welcome to the board. In your case, you've got plenty of time before your trip. Everything you need to know is right here, under your fingertips. Just read as much as possible throughout the different categories of this site. You're gonna be amazed at how much info is here. Also, you can use the "search" feature at the top of the screen. If there's something "specific" you need to know, it's your best friend. Once you've spent 2 or 3 hundred hours reading, you'll know much more, and you'll be prepared for your trip. Then, at that point, READ SOME MORE!
If you can't find exactly what you're looking for, post your question on the forum, and you'll probably get plenty of responses. I'd advise you to start out in the "Newbie" section, and go from there. CRT brother Orange posted an outstanding thread some time ago, directed at newbies. I'm just too lazy to go back and look for it, but it's there!
Again, welcome to the board.
MG
