The End of the Road

Ivy and Rich at our last grocery run. How convenient that liquor can also be purchased at the grocery store.

One of my last looks at the Pacific Coast before heading into San Francisco.

I loved the rocky coast and the sound of crashing water.

The End. I had just crossed the Golden Gate Bridge. A very bitter sweet trip. I felt proud and sad at the same time. I've had so much fun on this adventure; the people I met, and the stories they have shared will stay with me forever. I feel very fortunate for the opportunities I have been given and the love that people have so generously bestowed to me. I know that this journey will be the first of many more to come. It is only a matter of time before I will begin planning my next adventure. Destination still unknown, date to be determined, likelihood 100%.

Ray and Rich, the two co-leaders from the last two weeks of my adventure.

Ray (Mountain Man) is the most patient person I have ever met. He was encouraging and hands-off at the same time. He shared his wisdom of the road and of life freely and without judgment. I will always remember him for his kindness and his quick smile.

Rich (R) brought so much fun and laughter to the ride, that I felt like I was on a traveling comedy show. Rich is quick witted, with an incredible memory for TV and movie one liners. I laughed more in the past two weeks, than I have in the past few years. Rich was just what the doctor ordered! Rich helped me see the lighter side of the world, and to enjoy each day without worrying too much about tomorrow.


Things I'm looking forward to doing or things I won't miss from the road:

1. I'm looking forward to taking a shower with a towel that wasn't purchased at REI. The micro fiber towels are both absorbent, light weight, and easily packed. However, they are not warm and fuzzy like the plush cotton towels I have at home.
   
2. I won't miss having to use a flash light to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night.
   
3. I won't miss having to restrict my fluids in the evening hours in an attempt at having to avoid using a flash light to go the bathroom in the middle of the night.
4. I won't miss having to wear several layers of clothing to bed at night: hat, mittens, socks, thermal underwear and a fleece jacket.
   
5. I'm looking forward to seeing my children, hugging them and telling them how much I love them.
   

As a last parting word, I would again like to thank everyone who encouraged me throughout this adventure. To my children, Shannon, Robbie and Tommy. I missed you all so much! Thank you to my parents and my siblings for their concern and for their unwavering belief that I could successfully complete this adventure. My heart goes out to all of my friends who thought I was crazy to attempt this adventure, but kept their apprehension to themselves. To all of my friends that knew I wasn't crazy when I began planning this bike ride, I appreciate your loyalty and devotion. To all of my coworkers, thank you for taking on my share of the work over the past 4 weeks. I owe you one!

We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned
so as to have the life that is waiting for us.