The trip will be shorter for sure, but at least there IS a trip.
The likely alternative would mean always planning and never doing.
A shame you can't do quite what you hoped for, but as you say, at some point you just have to make the most of what you've got... and from the route you've shared in other posts, you're still gonna have one hell of an adventure!
I look forward to following along and admiring the views as you go :-)
RE: There and Back Again - Under Way