Statistics do not really describe a trip, but they do help to give it a frame. In the end it is the people that we met that provided our most enjoyable times and memories. But we also appreciated the incredible diversity of creation and its creatures (most of whom Sophie barked at). Everyday brought its share of difficulties and delights. For me, David, the greatest treasure was having my best friend Carolyn to share it with. Days: 51 Nights: 26 camping, 24 Airbnb/Hotel, 2 trains Rain Days: None when we were riding, 2 when we were resting Flat Tires: 7 Bicycle Miles: 970 mi total, 140 mi in Missouri, 265 mi in Colorado, 565 mi in California Times Sophie escaped: 3 (not too often, but very memorable) Stuff we found on the road: a hammer (which we used to pound in tent stakes), leather work gloves (in good condition), a North Face stuff bag, 2 baseball caps (in good condition once they went through the washing machine), an umbrella, two red peppers (from a produce truck that rumbled by us). Times we stopped to buy food from anyone selling almost anything by the side of the road: just about every chance we got, including a jar of honey from a gentleman who did not speak English or Spanish near Sacramento, watermelon chunks from a young woman standing at an intersection at the end of an exhausting climb, a man and his son selling barbeque on the street in Oakland, and a food truck selling Mexican cuisine as we searched for the bike trail in Santa Maria. Mercies from our heavenly Father: Too many to count and new every morning.
After arriving with a deflated tire, we were very very tired and spent a lot of time sleeping. Both David and my brother Paul celebrated their birthdays here. At his 66th birthday, David enjoyed his wine form Napa which we shared with the family at Thanksgiving.
Before chowing on Thanksgiving, we participated in a Turkey Trot celebrating with Delphi who was home from Graduate School in North Carolina to celebrate her dad's 55th birthday on the 24th the day after. Mom remains busy at 90 but definately slowing down .staying home from the community 5K run.
Sophie has found a frenemy. She and Barry the cat are learning to co-exist and play nice. Sophie hates for Barrie to eat in peace, she attacks him eating his kibble high upon a countertop several times a day. It is a good opportunity for correction.
Sophie 's Dog View has always been different from ours. She had to look up at us, look out from the buggy and find spaces to nap when the bikes were not moving. We are amazed she managed to fit into the small space in the tent, on hotel beds, and now musical rooms at my mom's house. She is flexible and funny and ready for a walk any time of these 24 hour days.
When we started this journey with our camp gear, bikes and dog, we were not certain how to get home. In the Rockies, David analyzed the costs of car rental and hotels would be about the same as taking the Soutwest Chief back to Chicago. We had already experienced two nights in an uncomfortable coach car, and were curious about a sleeper. Research showed that the earlier one purchased a ticket the more reasonable the price. So we bought the ticket to check our gear and bikes in Los Angeles and reserved a roomette. Research of youtube videos also shows that this tiny space for two people will be very very tight with our service dog. So our adventure ends with two nights on a train. Loving God is a journey not a plan. Stay Tuned