(I wrote this last night, but couldn't post it until now.)
Dearest friends and family,
I am happy to report that my Dad and I are alive and doing very well. When we biked into Tallahassee yesterday, it was a balmy 77 degrees. Tonight, however, the overnight low is 24 degrees. Yikes. Fortunately, we are staying with the Sossong/Blessing family. Kevin is an architect and his attention to detail is apparent throughout their beautiful modern home. In addition to the shower and shelter this family has provided, my belly is filled with Susan's ginger pancakes and mango sorbet. As I type this, I am listening to opera music while I sip the ginger tea their nine-year-old son prepared for me. He even served it on a tray. Despite the fact my cell phone endured the wrath of a washing machine yesterday, I am very happy right now.
Recent happenings:
The other day we left the Panella family and headed from Poplarville to Vancleave, Miss-ippi. After arriving at the ridiculously over-priced campsite ($30/tent site!) my Dad and I had two options:
1. Eat ramen, just the two of us
2. Call the Holy Spirit Catholic Church we passed on our way into town to see if anyone could provide us with transportation to their Friday night fish fry.
We chose the latter. We were just a couple miles away from the church, but it was too far to walk in the dark. Bonnie, the lovely and kind secretary at the church, agreed to take us to the fish fry. When she pulled up in her minivan she inquired, "Did someone call a taxi?" We thoroughly enjoyed the company of those we met. Great conversations.
Took a ferry in Alabama.
Celebrated my parents' 28th wedding anniversary. Impressive, isn't it? At exactly one o'clock, my Dad called my Mom to repeat, "I do." Isn't that sweet? Meanwhile, I was chatting with an old man who asked, "Are y'all on your honeymoon?" No, that's my Dad.
Biked past many new homes and hotels along the Gulf of Mexico. In my head I recalled the song we would sing in Sunday School, "The wise man built his house upon the rock." While the intended interpretation might be metaphorical, I believe that God was giving some literal advice about where one should built his/her home.
Spent a night in Milton, FL. On this evening, we camped outside the trailer of one of our warmshowers.org contacts. Fun facts about our host Julianne:
1. We talked about egg sales. She suggested I move to New York so I can sell my eggs. At first, I thought, hmmm... I don't have any chickens and I don't know anything about egg laying. Then, I realized the conversation wasn't about poultry.
2. Her dream job is a job where she can wear a tiara. She wants to either own a thrift shop or a no-kill shelter for rottweilers
3. She says that drug dealers are the major employers in town.
4. In exchange for letting us camp in her yard, we told her we would take her out to dinner. She chose Milton's "China Buffet" and she explained that if she won the lottery, she would eat at the China Buffet everyday. No, she said, she would have China Buffet delivered to her trailer everyday.
Due to the flat ground and decent riding conditions, we did a couple more centuries! Whahoo! Meanwhile, we were chased by a billion dogs in Louisiana and Mississippi. When we encounter these dogs we bike faster, I often grab my water bottle and squirt it at the dog or we yell, "Go home!" One one morning, we were chased by a pack of puppy-size dogs. There were at least 10 teeny-tiny dogs who chased us for at least a quarter of a mile. We laughed out loud.
Last night we stayed with the Floyd family on the west side of Tallahassee. In addition to the parents, Gene and Bonnie, they have five boys, approximately eight cats, one dog, one fish and one ferret. Their house is full of energy and motion. One son is anxious to join the Air Force so we heard about his preparations over a delicious spaghetti dinner.
We are about 300 miles from our final destination (although we might bike down to Orlando). Thank you for your continual prayers and encouragement. I miss you!
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Florida
Yes, my Dad and I are in Flori-duh! (That's for you Brian Morris.) Hopefully, I can write more later...
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Nola
New Orleans, Louisiana
According to me, we saw two levels of tragedy:
1. Hurricane devastation. The lingering damage ...
2. Bourbon Street. This street was very interesting to see, but it reminded me of Madison's horrible Halloween extravaganza. I don't care for drunken debauchery, because it always makes me sad. Allow me to explain...
Yesterday, my Dad and I rented a car, drove to New Orleans and spent the day galavanting around the French Quarter. We drank coffee, ate the famous and sugary beignets, ate muffaleta sandwiches, ate bread pudding, ate pecan pie, etc. For our New Orleans accommodations, we found Bill Laine through the warmshowers website. He lives in a huge home in beautiful uptown New Orleans. Upon our arrival, he said, "I'm afraid I'm like the airlines; I've double booked my home." To our surprise (and delight), two German cyclists also spent the night at his house. In addition to exhausting my full German vocabulary (which includes a song about ducks swimming in the water), we compared stories and enjoyed the company of other crazies.
That evening, Mattias and Neele joined us when we headed back into town to see the Preservation Hall jazz performance. It was authentic, acoustic and wonderful. Anyone who knows my Dad even a little bit knows that there are musical notes swimming in his blood. He is a music person and he loved the scene.
We hadn't eaten dinner (gasp!) so we walked down Bourbon street, past some of the plentiful bars and clubs, and found a little pizza place. We ordered our slices and sat in the shop's two chairs while the pizza finished cooking. While waiting, a girl slathered in make-up walked in wearing thong-revealing tight jeans and a bra. The pizza guy knew her and they started talking about her evening's work at Rick's Cabaret. She lamented that she still had to tell her boss that she was five weeks pregnant. Sad. I highly doubt Rick's Cabaret is sympathetic to a dancer who requests a maternity leave. I can't help but think, what kind of life will her baby have?
New Orleans was bustling, colorful, entertainng, humid and has a culture all to itself. Sorry, no one will get Mardi Gras beads as souvenirs. The Germans agreed, beads are way too heavy for our journey.
Tonight, we took our rental car back, and returned to the Panella's home in Mississippi. For dinner they prepared fried catfish, collared greens, corn, cornbread and lemon cake with ice cream. Delicious. I am so thankful for their hospitality.
Bill Laine also deserves some props because he shared his home-roasted coffee with us this morning. Our coffee drinking experience seemed oddly appropriate because Bill lived in Seattle for over 20 years and the rain was pouring, pouring, pouring down.
I have one apology. A few hours ago when I was packing up our belongings, I noticed that one of their dogs "marked" Dale's tent. Don't worry Dale, we cleaned it up. Eek.
Weather permitting (thunderstorms are predicted), we will be back on the bike tomorrow.
Even though it's the least populated state in the nation, I miss everyone in Wyoming.
According to me, we saw two levels of tragedy:
1. Hurricane devastation. The lingering damage ...
2. Bourbon Street. This street was very interesting to see, but it reminded me of Madison's horrible Halloween extravaganza. I don't care for drunken debauchery, because it always makes me sad. Allow me to explain...
Yesterday, my Dad and I rented a car, drove to New Orleans and spent the day galavanting around the French Quarter. We drank coffee, ate the famous and sugary beignets, ate muffaleta sandwiches, ate bread pudding, ate pecan pie, etc. For our New Orleans accommodations, we found Bill Laine through the warmshowers website. He lives in a huge home in beautiful uptown New Orleans. Upon our arrival, he said, "I'm afraid I'm like the airlines; I've double booked my home." To our surprise (and delight), two German cyclists also spent the night at his house. In addition to exhausting my full German vocabulary (which includes a song about ducks swimming in the water), we compared stories and enjoyed the company of other crazies.
That evening, Mattias and Neele joined us when we headed back into town to see the Preservation Hall jazz performance. It was authentic, acoustic and wonderful. Anyone who knows my Dad even a little bit knows that there are musical notes swimming in his blood. He is a music person and he loved the scene.
We hadn't eaten dinner (gasp!) so we walked down Bourbon street, past some of the plentiful bars and clubs, and found a little pizza place. We ordered our slices and sat in the shop's two chairs while the pizza finished cooking. While waiting, a girl slathered in make-up walked in wearing thong-revealing tight jeans and a bra. The pizza guy knew her and they started talking about her evening's work at Rick's Cabaret. She lamented that she still had to tell her boss that she was five weeks pregnant. Sad. I highly doubt Rick's Cabaret is sympathetic to a dancer who requests a maternity leave. I can't help but think, what kind of life will her baby have?
New Orleans was bustling, colorful, entertainng, humid and has a culture all to itself. Sorry, no one will get Mardi Gras beads as souvenirs. The Germans agreed, beads are way too heavy for our journey.
Tonight, we took our rental car back, and returned to the Panella's home in Mississippi. For dinner they prepared fried catfish, collared greens, corn, cornbread and lemon cake with ice cream. Delicious. I am so thankful for their hospitality.
Bill Laine also deserves some props because he shared his home-roasted coffee with us this morning. Our coffee drinking experience seemed oddly appropriate because Bill lived in Seattle for over 20 years and the rain was pouring, pouring, pouring down.
I have one apology. A few hours ago when I was packing up our belongings, I noticed that one of their dogs "marked" Dale's tent. Don't worry Dale, we cleaned it up. Eek.
Weather permitting (thunderstorms are predicted), we will be back on the bike tomorrow.
Even though it's the least populated state in the nation, I miss everyone in Wyoming.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
A night at the police station
After leaving the Moreau family in Simmesport, my Dad and I ventured across the muddy Mississippi. We traversed the river by ferry which was really quite exciting for me. Once we reached the other side, we toured the historic areas of St. Francisville, including the plantation where Audubon painted many of his famous bird portraits.
That evening we camped at the Green Acres RV Park. While dining on gruel inside the pavilion, my Dad and I met the manager of the RV park who offered to take us to the restaurant at the convenience store he owned. He ordered fried chicken and six fried boudin balls for us. Boudin = rice, pork and spices mixed together and stuffed in sausage casing = delicious.
The next morning we awoke, traveled along many of Louisiana's country roads, enjoyed reading the church signs, saw more inmates at work and triumphantly entered Franklinton.
We knew there weren't any campgrounds in Franklinton so once we got to Tangipahoa (try saying that aloud), I called the non-emergency police number and asked if they could recommend a safe camping spot. Long story short, Lieutenant Frankie Jones said we could camp in the "AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY" area behind the police station. It was great. She even let us come in and use their showers and bathroom.
Tonight we are staying with the Panella family in Poplarville, MS. They have been wonderful to us. They fed us a delicious dinner and introduced us to their mule, horses, goats, dogs, hens, cats and other animals.
As for tomorrow...we are renting a car so we can see New Orleans!
That evening we camped at the Green Acres RV Park. While dining on gruel inside the pavilion, my Dad and I met the manager of the RV park who offered to take us to the restaurant at the convenience store he owned. He ordered fried chicken and six fried boudin balls for us. Boudin = rice, pork and spices mixed together and stuffed in sausage casing = delicious.
The next morning we awoke, traveled along many of Louisiana's country roads, enjoyed reading the church signs, saw more inmates at work and triumphantly entered Franklinton.
We knew there weren't any campgrounds in Franklinton so once we got to Tangipahoa (try saying that aloud), I called the non-emergency police number and asked if they could recommend a safe camping spot. Long story short, Lieutenant Frankie Jones said we could camp in the "AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY" area behind the police station. It was great. She even let us come in and use their showers and bathroom.
Tonight we are staying with the Panella family in Poplarville, MS. They have been wonderful to us. They fed us a delicious dinner and introduced us to their mule, horses, goats, dogs, hens, cats and other animals.
As for tomorrow...we are renting a car so we can see New Orleans!
God
It has been weeks since I have gone to church and I miss it! I miss going with Robbie & Tracy and meeting up with Dale and a host of other wonderful people. Starting in East Texas(and through where we are now in Poplarville, Mississippi), my Dad and I have seen many churches, most of which have been some type of Baptist church. Here are some of the signs we have passed during this Valentine's day season:
"GOD IS LOVE"
"HELL, YOU DON'T wANT TO GO THERE"
"GOD IS YOUR TRUE LOVE"
"PREACHING 10 SERMONS IS HARDER THAN LIVING ONE"
"'WILL YOU BE MY VALENTINE?' -GOD"
"REPENTANCE IS GOD'S FAVORITE FRAGRANCE"
"SIGN IS BROKEN MESSAGE INSIDE"
"GOD IS LOVE"
"HELL, YOU DON'T wANT TO GO THERE"
"GOD IS YOUR TRUE LOVE"
"PREACHING 10 SERMONS IS HARDER THAN LIVING ONE"
"'WILL YOU BE MY VALENTINE?' -GOD"
"REPENTANCE IS GOD'S FAVORITE FRAGRANCE"
"SIGN IS BROKEN MESSAGE INSIDE"
Saturday, February 16, 2008
One more post for today
When I talked to my Mom tonight, she informed us that Mrs. Trapp has leukemia. This makes our hearts heavy. Kay, we all love you! Lots of prayers from Louisiana are being sent to you and your family. Get well soon.
Proof
1. Pecos River
2. At the Air Force Base with Wes & Travis
3. Eating the Breakfast of Champions
4. Jake & my Dad at the Chocolate Festival in Austin
5. We stayed in this trailer
Laissez les bons temps roulez!
After the initial disappointment of having biked "clear across" Texas and not seeing a "Welcome to Louisiana" sign, I quickly perked up once I started to see that in addition to the general litter on the side of the road (beer bottles, beer cans, dirty diapers, bungy cords, pennies, etc.), the roads of Louisiana are also littered with Mardi Gras beads. I'm not kidding, the colorful beads are strewn about in all directions.
This particular day was another epic 100+ mile day. We started our day in Silsbee, TX at a not-so-lovely RV park where our tent was conveniently nestled in between some frequently crossed train tracks and the freeway. We both awoke feeling a bit crispy. However, it was Valentine's day and my spirits were lifted when my Dad presented me with a box of conversation hearts. On behalf of Dale, my Dad also gave me a teeny tiny box of chocolates that seemed wonderfully appropriate for light travel and a high calorie diet.
After persevering through a mighty headwind, we made it to Oberlin, LA just before dark and had two options for dinner: the cafe in town that was going to close in an hour (we still had to shower and rid ourselves from road grime) or a casino dinner (the hotel offered a free shuttle). Needless to say, we chose the latter and indulged in their all-you-can-eat buffet. To drown away the sorrow of not being with my valentine, I finished my meal with an entire plate full of desserts and a big bowl of ice cream. In essence, we paid homage to the holiday by turning ourselves into fat cupids.
The next morning we awoke and ate more food. We headed down the road and encountered many, many dogs who felt the need to chase us. Additionally, we muscled through some muddy road construction that was quite jarring to my body. However, the rides are always better when we know where we're going to stay for the night. For this night, we had made arrangements to stay with Dr. Henry Moreau, a state veterinarian who lives in Simmesport, LA. Being that he's officially Cajun, he gave us a history lesson about the French-Catholic influence and explained that since it's Lent, one cannot eat meat on Fridays. My Dad and I decided to take on this penance and we ate a feast of boiled crawfish and very well-seasoned corn, mushrooms, garlic, potatoes, etc. Spicy and delicious. While the crawfish were boiling, we sat around and laughed with the Moreau family and their friends. Through their thick accents, we heard stories about getting "snake bit" and adventures in Cajun country. So much fun.
A thunderstorm hit during the night and we were extremely thankful to be safe and dry inside their camper. At one point I peered out the window to make sure that we weren't going to float down into the Gulf of Mexico.
Today, we took a day off from cycling and Henry took us crawfish harvesting. We hopped in his truck and he took us down many sinuous roads to 7,000 acres of crawfish ponds. My Dad and I took turns riding in a small boat with two men who scooped up the crawfish as we traversed the murky waters.
I love their accents and the Cajun culture they enabled us to experience. Go LSU!
I can't believe that I forgot to mention the rum cake that Geralyn made for dessert. It was amazing. I think I ate three rotund pieces.
As for tomorrow, I'd best get back on my bike.
This particular day was another epic 100+ mile day. We started our day in Silsbee, TX at a not-so-lovely RV park where our tent was conveniently nestled in between some frequently crossed train tracks and the freeway. We both awoke feeling a bit crispy. However, it was Valentine's day and my spirits were lifted when my Dad presented me with a box of conversation hearts. On behalf of Dale, my Dad also gave me a teeny tiny box of chocolates that seemed wonderfully appropriate for light travel and a high calorie diet.
After persevering through a mighty headwind, we made it to Oberlin, LA just before dark and had two options for dinner: the cafe in town that was going to close in an hour (we still had to shower and rid ourselves from road grime) or a casino dinner (the hotel offered a free shuttle). Needless to say, we chose the latter and indulged in their all-you-can-eat buffet. To drown away the sorrow of not being with my valentine, I finished my meal with an entire plate full of desserts and a big bowl of ice cream. In essence, we paid homage to the holiday by turning ourselves into fat cupids.
The next morning we awoke and ate more food. We headed down the road and encountered many, many dogs who felt the need to chase us. Additionally, we muscled through some muddy road construction that was quite jarring to my body. However, the rides are always better when we know where we're going to stay for the night. For this night, we had made arrangements to stay with Dr. Henry Moreau, a state veterinarian who lives in Simmesport, LA. Being that he's officially Cajun, he gave us a history lesson about the French-Catholic influence and explained that since it's Lent, one cannot eat meat on Fridays. My Dad and I decided to take on this penance and we ate a feast of boiled crawfish and very well-seasoned corn, mushrooms, garlic, potatoes, etc. Spicy and delicious. While the crawfish were boiling, we sat around and laughed with the Moreau family and their friends. Through their thick accents, we heard stories about getting "snake bit" and adventures in Cajun country. So much fun.
A thunderstorm hit during the night and we were extremely thankful to be safe and dry inside their camper. At one point I peered out the window to make sure that we weren't going to float down into the Gulf of Mexico.
Today, we took a day off from cycling and Henry took us crawfish harvesting. We hopped in his truck and he took us down many sinuous roads to 7,000 acres of crawfish ponds. My Dad and I took turns riding in a small boat with two men who scooped up the crawfish as we traversed the murky waters.
I love their accents and the Cajun culture they enabled us to experience. Go LSU!
I can't believe that I forgot to mention the rum cake that Geralyn made for dessert. It was amazing. I think I ate three rotund pieces.
As for tomorrow, I'd best get back on my bike.
On what's behind
After leaving LaGrange, Texas, my Dad and I were expecting the rain storm predicted to hit the East Texas area. We decided not to take the advice of an old man at the RV park who adamantly told us that we should "just head West instead," so we started our journey and got to the very small town of Richards, Texas just as the rain started to fall. To wait out the intense thunderstorm that ensued, we ventured inside the City Hall Cafe, the only cafe in town. The menus read, "More than 10 people served." Haha. While there, we chatted with a guy named Steve who was so impressed by our journey that he bought our lunch. Not only were we thankful for his generosity and the delicious food, but we felt like it was a miracle we missed the rain. If we had departed five minutes later, we would have been two drenched and sorry-looking cyclists stranded on the side of a farm road.
Prior to this journey, most people in my life (people who are admittedly very liberal) warned me that Texas was a HUGE and horrible state. While I have no intention of creating a life for myself in Dryden, Texas, I have to say, you "misunderestimated" this state! It is huge, but it is filled with some of the nicest people I have met in my life. We have truly enjoyed the scenery along the way as well. One problem that my Dad and I seemed to encounter on a daily basis was that everyone was so chatty. For example, I would go into a grocery store aiming to buy our breakfast of champions food (which should take three minutes) when someone would stop me to ask, "Where you ridin' them bikes from?" After flooring them with my answer, I would emerge from the grocery store half a hour later.
Having been trained in grammar by individuals like Liv Rosin, both Jill and I get a little feisty when things are not communicated properly. I am the first to admit that my grmamar, punctituastio nand speleling/ are not perphect. The grammar of the TXDot mimics they way our President speaks. Popular signs like "Drive clean across Texas" further my opinion. Similarly, the tourism motto is: Texas, it's like a whole other country. That kills me.
After biking through Hope, Arizona, we saw a sign that read: Your now beyond Hope.
I do admit that I felt kind of sad when we crossed the border out of Texas. Pehaps, it was because I was thoroughly disappointed that there wasn't a "Welcome to Louisiana" sign on the border.
Prior to this journey, most people in my life (people who are admittedly very liberal) warned me that Texas was a HUGE and horrible state. While I have no intention of creating a life for myself in Dryden, Texas, I have to say, you "misunderestimated" this state! It is huge, but it is filled with some of the nicest people I have met in my life. We have truly enjoyed the scenery along the way as well. One problem that my Dad and I seemed to encounter on a daily basis was that everyone was so chatty. For example, I would go into a grocery store aiming to buy our breakfast of champions food (which should take three minutes) when someone would stop me to ask, "Where you ridin' them bikes from?" After flooring them with my answer, I would emerge from the grocery store half a hour later.
Having been trained in grammar by individuals like Liv Rosin, both Jill and I get a little feisty when things are not communicated properly. I am the first to admit that my grmamar, punctituastio nand speleling/ are not perphect. The grammar of the TXDot mimics they way our President speaks. Popular signs like "Drive clean across Texas" further my opinion. Similarly, the tourism motto is: Texas, it's like a whole other country. That kills me.
After biking through Hope, Arizona, we saw a sign that read: Your now beyond Hope.
I do admit that I felt kind of sad when we crossed the border out of Texas. Pehaps, it was because I was thoroughly disappointed that there wasn't a "Welcome to Louisiana" sign on the border.
Food, Glorious Food!
The title of my post is dedicated to all the Snail Lake kids who acted in the production of "Oliver." hahaha.
One good thing about biking is that my Dad and I don't fret about rising gas prices. However, we consume our fair share of caloric energy. By fair share, I mean that I just about triple the calories I consumed in my "life before biking" days. Several people have asked me about what we eat...
Our Breakfast of Champions:
Two bottles Ensure, not that bad if it's cold
Five packets of instant oatmeal
Two cans of canned fruit or real fruit if it's available
On-board Snacks:
Dried fruit
Snickers Almond, quite possibly the best candy ever created
Fig newtons
Pretzels
Peanut butter
One good thing about biking is that my Dad and I don't fret about rising gas prices. However, we consume our fair share of caloric energy. By fair share, I mean that I just about triple the calories I consumed in my "life before biking" days. Several people have asked me about what we eat...
Our Breakfast of Champions:
Two bottles Ensure, not that bad if it's cold
Five packets of instant oatmeal
Two cans of canned fruit or real fruit if it's available
On-board Snacks:
Dried fruit
Snickers Almond, quite possibly the best candy ever created
Fig newtons
Pretzels
Peanut butter
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Tejas
We're still in Texas. Ever since my high school days when Miss Christine Paulu played her Dixie Chicks and SheDaisy CDs for me, I have liked country music. Being in this land undoubtedly makes me think of songs like "Wide Open Spaces." This journey also makes me think of the Martina McBride song that goes:
I have been blessed, and I feel like I've found my way. I thank God for what I've been given at the end of every day. I have been blessed.
Some people in my life deserve special attention:
Our kind and generous hosts: Sara, Bernhard, Eva & Sophie; Grandma & Grandpa; Gene Robert, Joy & Mons; Pat; Jenette & John; Charley & Kamala; Julie & James; Wes & Travis; David & Jonnye; Lisa & Jake
My Mom: This trip is her nightmare (both her daughter AND husband off galavanting in strange places), but she supports my dreams. Her motto is, "slap on some lipstick and go face the world." For this trip, lipstick is a burdensome luxury because of its weight. I do slap on the SPFs and face the gargantuan hills of Hill Country.
The countless friends and family members who have kept my Mom company: The Hartleys deserve extra special attention because they just decided to move in with my Mom. They claim their move was because of the fumes of a kitchen remodel, but my Dad and I think they must have been inspired by our warmshowers.org/couchsurfing.com adventures.
Dale: He is probably my biggest cheerleader. He is big: he's 6'3" and muscle-y and he is apparently growing a Wyoming mountain man beard. He seems genuinely impressed by our progress (perhaps its because of shock or disbelief), but he makes me feel like he's truly proud of me. Perhaps we've achieved a number of our mileage goals because I'm motivated to get back to him. There have been a million moments I wish we could share. I miss my valentine!
My friends at CES: You inspire me! I wear the red bandana just about everyday. Thanks for getting all the signatures Amy Linn. Congratulations for your success at the Special Olympics.
Geralynn: A couple days ago we were leaving Leakey, TX and we encountered some road construction. The road, in fact, was gone. Just as we were pulling off to figure out how we would traverse the muddy miles ahead of us, a woman named Geralynn stopped to see if we wanted a ride to the other side of the construction. We gladly accepted her offer and considered it a miracle.
Recent happenings:
Went to a wine tasting at a tiny vineyard in Sisterdale, TX.
Ate amazing BBQ food. YUM!
Toured Austin! Went to a free chocolate show where we ate truffles, ice cream, brownies, etc. prepared by the students of the Texas Culinary Academy. Walked around the University of Texas campus, 6th street and enjoyed the company of our hosts, Lisa and Jake. While we were at their home, their dragonfly "hatched." It was exciting.
We biked a little over 80 miles today. My Dad's chain broke which was not good, but he managed to fix it quickly. Tonight we're at the Colorade Landing RV Park where they have a computer! Tomorrow it is supposed to rain/thunderstorm...boo...
Thank you for your prayers and encouragement. I couldn't do this without you.
I have been blessed, and I feel like I've found my way. I thank God for what I've been given at the end of every day. I have been blessed.
Some people in my life deserve special attention:
Our kind and generous hosts: Sara, Bernhard, Eva & Sophie; Grandma & Grandpa; Gene Robert, Joy & Mons; Pat; Jenette & John; Charley & Kamala; Julie & James; Wes & Travis; David & Jonnye; Lisa & Jake
My Mom: This trip is her nightmare (both her daughter AND husband off galavanting in strange places), but she supports my dreams. Her motto is, "slap on some lipstick and go face the world." For this trip, lipstick is a burdensome luxury because of its weight. I do slap on the SPFs and face the gargantuan hills of Hill Country.
The countless friends and family members who have kept my Mom company: The Hartleys deserve extra special attention because they just decided to move in with my Mom. They claim their move was because of the fumes of a kitchen remodel, but my Dad and I think they must have been inspired by our warmshowers.org/couchsurfing.com adventures.
Dale: He is probably my biggest cheerleader. He is big: he's 6'3" and muscle-y and he is apparently growing a Wyoming mountain man beard. He seems genuinely impressed by our progress (perhaps its because of shock or disbelief), but he makes me feel like he's truly proud of me. Perhaps we've achieved a number of our mileage goals because I'm motivated to get back to him. There have been a million moments I wish we could share. I miss my valentine!
My friends at CES: You inspire me! I wear the red bandana just about everyday. Thanks for getting all the signatures Amy Linn. Congratulations for your success at the Special Olympics.
Geralynn: A couple days ago we were leaving Leakey, TX and we encountered some road construction. The road, in fact, was gone. Just as we were pulling off to figure out how we would traverse the muddy miles ahead of us, a woman named Geralynn stopped to see if we wanted a ride to the other side of the construction. We gladly accepted her offer and considered it a miracle.
Recent happenings:
Went to a wine tasting at a tiny vineyard in Sisterdale, TX.
Ate amazing BBQ food. YUM!
Toured Austin! Went to a free chocolate show where we ate truffles, ice cream, brownies, etc. prepared by the students of the Texas Culinary Academy. Walked around the University of Texas campus, 6th street and enjoyed the company of our hosts, Lisa and Jake. While we were at their home, their dragonfly "hatched." It was exciting.
We biked a little over 80 miles today. My Dad's chain broke which was not good, but he managed to fix it quickly. Tonight we're at the Colorade Landing RV Park where they have a computer! Tomorrow it is supposed to rain/thunderstorm...boo...
Thank you for your prayers and encouragement. I couldn't do this without you.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Texas
My thoughts on the past few days:
After leaving our great hosts in Alpine, TX, we ventured toward Del Rio. Our first day out, I rode my first century (a single day ride of over 100 miles)! Upon arrival in Sanderson, TX, my Dad and I chatted about how much further we wanted to travel that day. The other woman dining in Paddy's Pub decided to join our conversation and told us that we should leave Texas because everyone had the flu or a cold. I must have looked at her incredulously because she wagged her finger at me and said, "You'll see, it's a pandemic!" We chose not to take her advice so we continued on our journey and camped by a dilapidated building. We were sung to sleep by 25+ dogs as well as the "hum" of the bustling railroad tracks.
Super Bowl Sunday: a time for friends, football, commercials and just about every type of potato chip you can think of...
Our Super Bowl Sunday started when we woke up in the tent. We delighted in a can of citrus blend canned fruit, instant oatmeal, some Snickers bars and a couple cans of strawberry Ensure. Over a hundred miles separated us from us Del Rio so we got an early start and encountered lots of hills and even more wind.
This is a very hilly state; it's no wonder Lance Armstrong is so fast!
Anyway, upon arrival in Del Rio we were picked up in a red F150 by Wes Morgan. I learned of his existence through the website couchsurfing.com. He and his roommate were GREAT and we spent the night with them on the Laughlin Air Force base. It was so interesting to be surrounded by a military base community. Once we arrived at their place it was time for the PARTY! Upon arrival we showered because we know that many people find biking spandex unsettling. Chips! Beer! 20-30 Air Force guys! Through a couple of conversations, it seemed like most of the clean-shaven guys graduated from the Air Force Academy in 2006--like my fellow Mounds View High School classmate Chris Schendel. Some of them knew him-I love connections like that.
We watched the eventful game and the eruption of cheers for "anyone but the Patriots!" As the crowd thinned out, we chatted with our hosts in their well-decorated home. As Travis said, "We're two straight dudes with a fruit bowl." We ended the night by celebrating my Dad's birthday with a beer at midnight. Travis said those were the house rules, so we didn't want to offend.
The next day it was my Dad's birthday, and we saw armadillos roaming alongside the road. Once it started to get dark, we needed to find a place for our tent so I went up to a ranch house and inquired about whether or not we could camp in this person's yard. They explained that this house was their guest house so they offered us the couples' suite.
EVERYONE THINKS WE ARE MARRIED. We find this very disturbing. I frequently find myself saying, "Hey Dad..." before all my sentences.
Anyway, the owners of this house went back to their real house and let us stay at their guest house - for free - that night. We felt so lucky. Among their pets, they had a very old lab named Bullet. Dave, the owner, would jokingly instruct Bullet to "kill" or "attack," but the love-sick dog would just wag its tail with glee.
After leaving our great hosts in Alpine, TX, we ventured toward Del Rio. Our first day out, I rode my first century (a single day ride of over 100 miles)! Upon arrival in Sanderson, TX, my Dad and I chatted about how much further we wanted to travel that day. The other woman dining in Paddy's Pub decided to join our conversation and told us that we should leave Texas because everyone had the flu or a cold. I must have looked at her incredulously because she wagged her finger at me and said, "You'll see, it's a pandemic!" We chose not to take her advice so we continued on our journey and camped by a dilapidated building. We were sung to sleep by 25+ dogs as well as the "hum" of the bustling railroad tracks.
Super Bowl Sunday: a time for friends, football, commercials and just about every type of potato chip you can think of...
Our Super Bowl Sunday started when we woke up in the tent. We delighted in a can of citrus blend canned fruit, instant oatmeal, some Snickers bars and a couple cans of strawberry Ensure. Over a hundred miles separated us from us Del Rio so we got an early start and encountered lots of hills and even more wind.
This is a very hilly state; it's no wonder Lance Armstrong is so fast!
Anyway, upon arrival in Del Rio we were picked up in a red F150 by Wes Morgan. I learned of his existence through the website couchsurfing.com. He and his roommate were GREAT and we spent the night with them on the Laughlin Air Force base. It was so interesting to be surrounded by a military base community. Once we arrived at their place it was time for the PARTY! Upon arrival we showered because we know that many people find biking spandex unsettling. Chips! Beer! 20-30 Air Force guys! Through a couple of conversations, it seemed like most of the clean-shaven guys graduated from the Air Force Academy in 2006--like my fellow Mounds View High School classmate Chris Schendel. Some of them knew him-I love connections like that.
We watched the eventful game and the eruption of cheers for "anyone but the Patriots!" As the crowd thinned out, we chatted with our hosts in their well-decorated home. As Travis said, "We're two straight dudes with a fruit bowl." We ended the night by celebrating my Dad's birthday with a beer at midnight. Travis said those were the house rules, so we didn't want to offend.
The next day it was my Dad's birthday, and we saw armadillos roaming alongside the road. Once it started to get dark, we needed to find a place for our tent so I went up to a ranch house and inquired about whether or not we could camp in this person's yard. They explained that this house was their guest house so they offered us the couples' suite.
EVERYONE THINKS WE ARE MARRIED. We find this very disturbing. I frequently find myself saying, "Hey Dad..." before all my sentences.
Anyway, the owners of this house went back to their real house and let us stay at their guest house - for free - that night. We felt so lucky. Among their pets, they had a very old lab named Bullet. Dave, the owner, would jokingly instruct Bullet to "kill" or "attack," but the love-sick dog would just wag its tail with glee.
Deep in the heart of Texas
Howdy from Austin Texas
When last we posted Ann and I were in Alpine. We left Alpine Saturday morning on a mission. We had two days to cover a little over 200 miles to reach Del Rio, Texas for the next stop on our tour with Lt. Wes Morgan and his roommate Travis. Both are stationed at the Laughlin Air force base for flight training and have invited Ann and I to join them for a Super Bowl party at the base.
We covered 106 miles on Saturday and reached Dryden home of a mercantile store and nothing else. We camped alongside the road next to an abandoned building and some railroad tracks with frequent visits by trains.
Sunday we battled the wind and the hills to reach our hosts in Del Rio. I've never been on a military base before but Ann and I felt very safe with our hosts and their friends watching the Super Bowl and actually seeing a good game. Just after midnight Wes and Travis helped me celebrate the 30th anniversary of my 23th birthday to cap the day.
Pretty cool!!
When last we posted Ann and I were in Alpine. We left Alpine Saturday morning on a mission. We had two days to cover a little over 200 miles to reach Del Rio, Texas for the next stop on our tour with Lt. Wes Morgan and his roommate Travis. Both are stationed at the Laughlin Air force base for flight training and have invited Ann and I to join them for a Super Bowl party at the base.
We covered 106 miles on Saturday and reached Dryden home of a mercantile store and nothing else. We camped alongside the road next to an abandoned building and some railroad tracks with frequent visits by trains.
Sunday we battled the wind and the hills to reach our hosts in Del Rio. I've never been on a military base before but Ann and I felt very safe with our hosts and their friends watching the Super Bowl and actually seeing a good game. Just after midnight Wes and Travis helped me celebrate the 30th anniversary of my 23th birthday to cap the day.
Pretty cool!!
Friday, February 1, 2008
Day off in Alpine
Our hosts in Alpine, TX have been amazing. They are protecting us from frigid temperatures, they fed us dinner and a pancake breakfast and they encouraged us to take a day off from the wind and spend some time in West Texas.
Enabling our local travels, James and Julie gave us the keys to their hybrid !!! so my Dad and I headed to Marfa, TX. Marfa, an extremely random city in rather empty West Texas, is filled with trendy hipsters who sport black turtlenecks and tight jeans. They taught us about art and Marfa culture while they brushed aside the long black bangs that swept across their faces. We didn't meet anyone that didn't match my generalization.
Picture 1: At the top of the Marfa Courthouse, a stop recommended to us by our host Julie, who is a lawyer
After touring Marfa and some of its art galleries, we went to the Chihuahua Desert Research Institute which is where our host, James, works. We walked their trail and were thankful we were not biking against the fierce wind. Picture 2: Not flattering, but it kind of shows how quickly the wind was blowing.
Pictures 3, 4 & 5 are of the botanical garden at the Chihuahua Desert Research Institute. Look at all those cacti!
God Bless Texas.
More pictures!
1. Entering Texas
2. My Dad and me with Kamala and Charley, our El Paso hosts
3. For only $29.75 you too could stay in this room in Sierra Blanca, TX
4. The McDonald Observatory near Fort Davis, TX
Pictures!
Photos!
1. My Dad with Joy and Gene Robert Larson, our Safford, AZ hosts
2. Climbing up a mountain pass
3. Me with Pat, our Hanover, NM host
4. Snow on the top of NM's Emory Pass
5. My Dad with John, our Las Cruces, NM host
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