Monday, May 12, 2008

Louisiana to Mississippi...




Hi All, I am so excited to be writing you. I am at a library in Vancleave, Mississippi and Sheryl, Doug ,Nick and I rode steady to get here in time to hopefully make it to the library! We have only about 20 more miles today to go. Today is hot and sunny and so beautiful --I love being outside so much (that would be almost every minute of every day). I can not believe how far we have come -- and I am so proud of each of us! I continue to struggle somewhat with the trip actually ending. It wasn't an aspect of this whole adventure that I ever prepared for..... of course I can't wait to see everyone, but where do I go from here. There is a part of the ever "restless" me that is well suited to "being on the road" -- I left that life style to go to school and have a family -- and here I am again feeling so comfortable with it all I could just ride on. One friend told me to remember to stop at the end of the trip. I thought this was the oddest of comments at the time (was that you Linda Oldani!!)and now I think it was just someone who knows me well ... and knows that I could easily "ride to the beat of a different drummer".

I spoke to Rob, Kali, and Jamie last night---and yes I was teary --- the day had been one of those incredible days -the ride was through forests ,with thousands of wildflowers beside the road and some tiny towns with only a gas station or small store. At the end of the day I was riding with Doug and Andy and I made them listen to stories about Ty and Jamie and kali and half pipes being built and some of Ty's friends and Alicia and my sisters...they were the most patient of friends...and 2 of the sweetest guys you could meet. I talked till I couldn't -- and then we just rode. I am so proud of Kali and Jamie and the people they are and the person that Ty was. Mothers Day will forever be bittersweet for me I think -- but I get so much love and support from them -- i guess I Love that they sometime's parent me. When I talked to Kali about riding on a trip 2 weeks or so after this one (to Alaska) she simply said "Come home Mom --we need you at home." That's all I really needed to hear I guess.....and thankyou Rob for putting in to words what I tried to convey over the phone -- as always,I love you with my whole heart!

Tomorrow we head south to the Gulf, and I am really excited. I will be 53 tomorrow and riding toward the water seems like a great way to celebrate! Tomorrow is a 78 mile day and I guess we will cross at some point into Alabama. Sounds like a long hot day --but I am excited --and the next day is a "rest day". Some folks will be heading to New Orleans (renting a car), but I will be really resting --on the beach and in the water I hope! After my birthday, there are 2 weeks left of this adventure. Herb has been busy snapping pictures of all of us -- he has an uncanny ability to really see the picture. Frank and Eileen also have a blog of this journey and it is great fun to follow the trip through their eyes. I have missed being able to write in the last couple weeks, but know that I am well and in high spirits, and anxious to see everyone soon! No one need spend money, time or energy to see me at the end of the trip --I promise I will catch up with all of you --and share stories of life on the road on a bike until you are weary of them! I put some of Ty's ashes in the Pacific the day this journey began and I have carried some across the US for the Atlantic. It will be an emotional time for me. I am already thinking of where I can ride this summer --maybe I can start up in the Ottowa Valley when we take Jamie up for kayaking school at Wilderness Tours! That reminds me one of the riders (Aeda, from the Hague) will be riding on from St Augustine up to the Ottowa to visit with his son who lives there! See what I mean.....these bikers are crazy!! Anyway, love to all --be well and I will see you soon! Dee

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Feliz Cumpleanos...Joyeux Anniversaire...Happy Birthday, Dee! We will surely be talking about you and your amazing adventure tomorrow evening at Curves. We miss you and are awaiting all the tales you wish to share with us on your return. Peg

Anonymous said...

I WISH YOU PEACE AT THE END OF YOUR JOURNEY....HAPPY BIRTHDAY.
CSK

Anonymous said...

Dee.... You are an AMAZING woman.....I am so glad that I got to meet you through Curves.....You are such and inspiration to so many people! Every time I read your blog I get teary eyed...
Stay Safe and I wish you the very BEST for the rest of your journey...I am sure you will get to take that birthday dip in the Gulf...!
See You soon......Have a "Wonderful Birthday"....
Luv Ya...
Joslyn

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday! Enjoy every minute of these last 2 weeks on your big bike adventure. I know that you, Rob, Kali and Jamie are hopeing for a quiet family time in St. Augustine. We will all be here at home (near and far) waiting for your return and to see you when you are ready. I will be sitting at my little cottage thinking of you as this journey ends...
With tons of Love, Me

Anonymous said...

Belated birthday wishes, Dee. What a gift you are sharing with all of us, as you pen your emotions, thoughts, and observations. We will be just as enthused to hear the memories of your trip, which will be indelibly imprinted, as we have been to read your unfolding story. Stay well.
Roseann

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday girl friend! This is one you will treasure and remember always. I wish I could plunge in the ocean with you at the end of another impressive day of riding. I thought about you alot on Mother's Day and knew your heart would be full, your mouth moving and your eyes flowing!! It's what we do best..

When I read what you and Rob write I am always amazed by the power of the words you both write. You need to put your remarkable talents together and write a story. You have so many gifts to share.

Savor these last weeks, but do come home! Love you, Shar

Bob S. said...

Happy Birthday Dee! It's been great reading about your Journey. I'm so jealous. Take care, ride safe, and have fun.
Bob S.

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday, Dee!
You are an inspiration to all of us Curves women.
Thank you for your beautiful description of your journey. I feel like I've shared in it.

Ride on!

Kim G.

Anonymous said...

Dee, Happy Birthday! I can hardly believe your journey is almost ending. You are AWESOME!! Of course, I don't think any of us ever doubted you, I'm just not sure we want you to leave us again for such a long time.
I didn't know Ty and I don't think you were ready to talk about him before your trip, I'm hoping I'll get to hear some of the stories about him, he sounds like a great guy. I'm sure he's been with you on this special journey.
See you soon. I hope the end of the journey leaves you happy and peaceful.
Love you,
Linda T

Anonymous said...

It's coming up on the evening of your birthday. (Happy Birthday, again.) This journey may be nearing it's end but I have a feeling you'll be taking others...and who knows where that will lead? Hope your day was beautiful. See you soon, maybe...
Love, Mitch

Señorita Rose said...

Hey Birthday Mom!!

Felizzz, felizz en tu día!
Amiguita qué Dios te bendiga!
Qué reina la paz en tu vida!
Y qué cumplas muchos más!!

Feliz cumpleños! Ahhh, I was so irritated when I saw that you called today and I missed it...I tried to call you back but it went straight to your voicemail. (Jamie found some new jeans...so it was a successful trip to the mall today.) Maybe you'll have a moment to call later this evening or tomorrow. A. Mary and I had a nice lunch today. We talked about how much we love you and how proud we are of your accomplishments and your spirit. Enjoy your special day! The big 2-1 Hahahaha almost...I'm sure it has already been a Bday you'll never forget! Stay strong and pray for Aunt Jane.

Love you lots
Can't wait to see you!!!

XOXOXO
Kali

Anonymous said...

Dee,

Happy Birthday Dee, I'd sing but I guess I save that for a few weeks. Talking about another trip, my goodness slow down ....
All the best and stay safe and healthy.

Uncle Dave

Anonymous said...

Bob and I wish we could be there when you arrive at the end of your journey, but understand that this will be (and should be) a very loving and emotional private reunion with Rob, Kali and Jamie. And so I look forward to seeing you soon, my amazing and awesome friend. Lots of love, Donalee