A fond farewell

The pictures, map and mileage are all updated and finalized.

By the numbers:

852 miles in the saddle

58 days on the road

23 different places where I spent the night (including one night on a train and one on a plane)

16 different friends & family who hosted me at one point or another along the way

13 different states

5 campgrounds - 4 hotels

5 different modes of transportation to get me from point A to point B

4 time zones

2 times I chose to walk my bike

1 bike repair needed

1 flat tire

1 chipmunk killed

1 gopher spared

zero regrets!

I can't begin to count the number of people I met, or the memories I've made, or the lessons I've learned. I am sure they will keep coming as I recall the days, review the pictures, and tell the stories to those who ask.

I've been home for a week now. It is starting to feel normal again. We had our first day of meetings for school today (Yes, I know some of you have been in full swing for a few weeks now...). Our full schedule starts on Tuesday, the day after Labor Day. I've been meaning to "close up shop" on this blog for a few days now. Maybe it is the same idea that keeps me awake and prolongs the inevitable...

People have been asking me how my summer was. All I can say is, "More than I thought I needed!" So many were a part of that: giving me a bed, feeding me, letting me do my laundry, riding bikes with me, staying up and talking with me, driving out of the way to get me or take me somewhere, sending texts and emails of encouragement, etc., usw... I can't say "Thank You" enough for the love shared with me. I'm going to need a while to process it all.

Things I won't miss:

- recording my mileage after every ride

- the 100 degree heat, and layer upon layer of sun screen!

- packing (and re-packing) the panniers

- gaps in cell service

But all-in-all, that is a pretty short list... Anyone ready to start planning the next adventure with me? ; )