Reflection

We've now been home a little more than one month. Our ride is quickly becoming a very fond memory. We are busy at home with our orchard, general maintenance, and other commitments. However, it is wonderful to be home. But we miss the road, adventure, and exercise with the resulting sense of overal well-being that all those endorphins floating around in our blood stream did for us.

Some observations:

• God has been so good to us and His protecting hand was evident during our ride from weather, traffic, and more.
• We met so many wonderful people along the way that we cannot help but have a renewed love and hope for our human race.
  
• We enjoyed each other so very much and the closeness I felt with Marcia only makes me hungrier for more.
• A cross country ride is a great weight loss program. We lost weight! Now to keep it off!
• I can't eat 7 eggs in one morning without dire consequences. Use your imagination.
• Hot dogs tasted oh so good while on the ride. Piled high with mustard, pickle relish, and maybe sourkraut - even better.
• As time goes by the memory of our ride improves. Is this like childbirth? I remember during the ride thinking that people who do this more than once are nuts. I no longer think that.
• We couldn't get enough milk shakes. Wow! Were they good! And then there were orange slices (the candy) - yum.
• Not much tasted better than a good Root Beer. And we're not talking about the diet stuff.
• North Dakota was the friendliest state we encountered.
• Montana is very big! Northwestern Montana is green and mountainous. North central and northeastern is flat, brown, and a little dusty. We saw towns off in the distance probably 5 to 10 miles before actually getting there. It went on for a very long time.
• The "Bunkhouse" in Minnesota should not be missed. It's hospitality at its best.
• Northern Wisconsin was a delight with abundant lakes, forests, and an unexpected bike path at the end of a long day.
• Michigan is pretty but very touristy.
• Dog fixes were a must with each Golden and Bassett sighting.
• Ellsworth, Michigan was inspiring. Front Porch Cafe is a wonderful cooperative ministry by 5 local churches.
• It felt so good to hit Vermont! The mountains made us feel like we were home. They are so beautiful!
• Familiar faces were an awesome welcome when we were surprised by a couple of good friends in New Hampshire.
• Last but not least - There's no place like home!

 

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