Twists, turns, mountains, plains, sun, wind, rain, torrential downpour, lightening, thunder... We've seen and experienced so much in only 7 days in retrospect it really seems somewhat surreal. I don't think we could have written the script better, for a vast assortment of reasons the trip seemed to inspire and refresh each of us.
From the onset I knew it would be special and I wasn't alone. On the very first day Jim rode 1200km just to meet up with us in Ashford, Washington. Now that's commitment!
From then on it was one incredible experience after another. You know you think you've seen beauty but what doesn't seem possible is to see the beauty of God's creation as if it were the first time all over again. Rivers, streams, mountains when being described as majestic only seems to do injustice. Vast forests for miles and miles, and then plains stretching out far beyond vision. The astonishment of Gods creative juices bewildered our minds and often fell from our lips.
Highlights! Lolo pass in Montana, a road built for the enthusiastic biker who not only wanted to experience the thrill of twists and turns but the wonder of dancing beside a wandering river. I must admit sometimes my mind wandered as well, just a thought, enjoy your surroundings but don't forget there's a curve ahead. No harm done just a little injection of adrenalin.
1000 km day! Okay George you may think we fell short by a couple but I'm pretty sure I made it up by taking the curves much wider than you.
Mount Rushmore! Man those guys are big. You know I wonder at Gods creation, but something like this reminds me that were Gods creation as well and given the opportunity and compulsion we can do great things.
Wyoming! I guess what I can say is it far surpassed my expectations. This is incredible country. I've always been a sucker for the wild west, in fact my favorite movie is Tombstone, but the Wyoming plains and rock formations are breathtaking, can you say Devils Tower. That sight alone makes you step back and ask a whole lot of questions.
Yellowstone National Park! Scenery ever changing, animals a plenty, hot springs, more great roads, curves, flag ladies? Jim? I guess some things stay on the road.
Mt. Big Horn!!!! Okay this may have been my come to Jesus experience of the trip. Thunder, lightening, torrential rain, gale force winds, cliff side roads... So many thoughts rushed through my head, not many were good, but then the exhilaration and male bonding when we conquered the angry mountain. If you want to read the legendary tale check out Bob's blog at Positively Parkinson's.
I could go on and likely will for weeks, but let me tell you one of the great prizes I left with, a deeper friendship with four men of integrity, caring, humor, and wisdom.
Countless times I sat and listened as they shared their experiences, life lessons and wisdom, not as people looking to impress but with honesty and openness. This may not be the stories we'll tell others when they ask of our adventure, but for certain it will be the thing that shapes me and made me a better man.
Thanks guys, here's to more twists and turns together, and maybe even one day becoming a Knight. Another story.
