PORTLAND, 4:45 EST - We've got two guys who've been to Iraq and back twice, a veteran of countless political campaigns and election cycles...and the guy who makes videos and cracks jokes about bacon. And we're heading to DC, at least according to the departures board at our gate here at the Portland International Jetport. (Note: Technically don't we have to wait to call it an "International" jetport until the flights to Nova Scotia begin?)

Weather withstanding, the plan is to fly into Baltimore, head into the District and establish our base of operations. Sadly it appears we'll miss out on the "We Are One" mega-bash at the Lincoln Memorial with Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Beyonce and more. But you can follow along on the MTV News blog, which is live-blogging the festivities, and catch a replay on HBO, or check these Time Warner Cable listings for the free replay in your area.

Over the next few days we'll be making our way around D.C., following protesters, high school students and the a "who's who" of Maine politicians.

As for the big day on Tuesday, we'll be spread out across the Capitol grounds and the National Mall, live-blogging, sending in news updates, as well as photos and raw video from the scene. Since the oddsmakers and the weathermen say it'll be frosty Tuesday, following along on your TV and computer sounds like a good bet.

In the meantime, we've got a plan to catch - in theory. They say the inbound plane should be here shortly, and from there it's a simple turn around, right?

Here's a few headlines for today:

- Sanford High's marching band successfully departed yesterday.
- In his weekly radio address Gov. Baldacci said the inauguration of Barack Obama will be a historic moment for the country.
- The Dallas Morning News looks at how people with disabilities will be accommodated during the inauguration and talks to Mike Reynolds of Lewiston who is attending the Disability Power and Pride Ball.

NOTE: We've got a bit of luck, our photographer Greg has bought along a lucky charm - a tiny purple hippo from his daughter. No ordinary hippo, this pocket-sized 'potamus has also been to Iraq and back, and has rode shotgun on Humvee's through Mosul. I'll take all the luck I can get the next few days.

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