October 12, 2007---Huntington Beach Arrival

October 12, 2007---Huntington Beach Arrival
Reaching the Pacific Ocean after 42 days on the bicycle

Minneapolis to Huntington Beach

Pedaling a bicycle to Huntington Beach, CA has been my dream for more than five years. On September 1, 2007 the journey will begin. This blog will document "people" and "places discovered" along the journey. Welcome to a different way of seeing America. Enjoy a virtual ride!
Pics from first day
More pictures from the morning take off! http://www.jonsmithers.com/dennis090107-cathy/
Some really fun pics here.... http://www.jonsmithers.com/dennis090107

*** If you would like to leave a comment for Dennis or read what others have written click on the word 'comments'. Do not click on the envelope icon. ***

Route Overview

Route Overview
Minneapolis to Huntington Beach

Itinerary

DAY #DATEMILESTOTAL MILES DESTINATION
1Sat 9/17171 Gaylord, MN
2Sun 9/255126 St James, MN
3Mon 9/357183 Spirit Lake, IA
4Tue 9/450233 Sheldon, IA
5Wed 9/558291 Sioux City, IA
6Thu 9/656347 Tekamah, NE
7Fri 9/739386 Elkhorn, NE
8Sat 9/867453 Milford, NE
9Sun 9/980533 Hastings, NE
10Mon 9/1055588 Holdrege, NE
11Tue 9/1173661 McCook, NE
12Wed 9/1276737 Haigler, NE
13Thu 9/1371808 Cope, CO
14Fri 9/1441849 Last Chance, CO
15Sat 9/1561910 Elizabeth, CO
16Sun 9/1634944 Columbine Valley, CO
17Mon 9/17631007 Colorado Springs, CO
18Tue 9/1801007 Colorado Springs, CO
19Wed 9/19701077 Pueblo, CO
20Thu 9/20751152 Walsenburg, CO
21Fri 9/21621214 San Luis, CO
22Sat 9/22601274 Taos, NM
23Sun 9/23481322 Santa Cruz, NM
24Mon 9/24311353 Santa Fe, NM
25Tue 9/2501353 Santa Fe, NM
26Wed 9/26671420 Tijeras, NM
27Thu 9/27681488 Contreras, NM
28Fri 9/28791567 Highways 52, NM
29Sati 9/29591626 Quemado, NM
30Sun 9/30751701 Vernon, AZ
31Mon 10/1741775 Forest Lakes, AZ
32Tue 10/2701845 Sunflower, AZ
33Wed 10/3451890 Scottsdale, AZ
34Thu 10/4261916 Sun City West, AZ
35Fri 10/5821998 Wenden, AZ
36Sat 10/6612059 Parker, AZ
37Sun 10/7592118 Desert Center, CA
38Mon 10/8902206 Desert Hot Spgs, CA
39Tue 10/9452251 Calimesa, CA
40Wed 10/10382289 Highland, CA
41Thu 10/11312320 Anaheim, CA
42Fri 10/12172337 Huntington Beach, CA
43Sat 10/1302337 Huntington Beach, CA
44Sun 10/1402337 Huntington Beach, CA
45Mon 10/15 Fly to Minneapolis, MN

Blog Archive

Do you think Dennis will make it to California?

An epic journey of more than 2000 miles. Untold encounters with the heart and soul of America. Surely this experince will change Dennis, but in what way? Cast your vote now.

Sunday, September 2, 2007

Text message test post

Day 2 of 42

"He who would travel happily must travel light" Antoine de St. Exupery

Today's ride was fantastic. We were greeted by sunshine and minimal wind. As a matter of fact, the light morning breeze eventually evaporated. By the time I arrived at Larry & Shawn's, New Ulm home there was zero wind. They have three wonderful children (Brit-at the University of MN, Trevor, and Anna) They also have a super nice home in New Ulm.

Larry grilled burgers and chicken, and Shawn prepared everything else including a tasty salad.
It was a real feast, and I especially enjoyed conversation with Trevor and Anna. School starts on Tuesday, however Trevor had already played his first football game. Nice kick-off Trevor!
After lunch we toured the city.

This was my first visit to New Ulm, and I simply fell in love with the city. I suppose it might be my 50% German heritage, but I was impressed with the geographic beauty of rolling land and spectacular vistas of the city. Yes, they took me to the top of Hermann's statue (102 ft) and drove me to Schells Brewery for a photo. Magnificent homes, churches, and buildings cover the land. I stayed five hours in New Ulm and can't wait to return.
Our dear departed friend, Hertha, had lived in New Ulm many years ago and spoke eloquently
about this place. Hertha, you were absolutely right. It's a beautiful city. And what a view from the top of old Hermann!
The ride from New Ulm to Saint James was a piece of cake. You know, bicycling really is a neat way to see the countryside. I'm staying at a Super-8 tonight so it's easy living.
Talk to you tomorrow. (Note: I'm still working on uploading images from my Palm Treo 700.
Why is technology so challenging. Once I learn how to text-message it will be possible to upload photos throughout the day.)

Tomorrow, we ride to Jackson, MN and then navigate into Iowa.

Day 2: Gaylord to St. James (via New Ulm)

We have a beautiful morning here on Lee & Sue's farm near Gaylord.
Breakfast is finished and I'm off to New Ulm.