Hello again from Highland, CA.
"Let your memory be your travel bag." Alexander Solzhenitsyn
What began at the Mississippi River in Minnesota is almost completed.
Yesterday's relaxation mode continues today. I have so enjoyed spending quality time with Len and Val. Last evening, their grandson, Michael, stopped over and we chatted about his life and goals. Once again, as I interface with the younger generation (he is almost 23) I see a bright future for our country. The enthusiasm and "can-do" attitude reminds me of when we boomers were younger. Our dreams for a bright future are being replayed by America's up and coming generations. It's simply wonderful and at the same time reassuring, to see the leaders of tomorrow assuming increasing responsibility. Hope and dreams coupled with a good education and hard work will translate into a wonderful future. Remember, "The hopes of yesterday are the dreams of today, and the reality of tomorrow."
After chatting with grandson Michael, we visited Len and Val's son, Michael, and his wife Kris. They have a new impressive home in Yucaipa, that is positioned against a large mountain.
We had a really nice time catching up and enjoyed dessert and a glass of vino. For those of you who don't know Michael, trust me, he always has been one of the hardest working individuals I have known in my life. He spent many years working as a Produce Manager for Stater Brothers Grocery Stores. This man knows how to get things done. He and Kris have three boys.
They live a life filled with activities and family fun.
Tomorrow will be the final bicycling day of this adventure.
Previously, I mentioned how the days have seemed to be somewhat seamless and continuous. I still feel this, but acknowledge the inevitable end of the trip. Life's journey has taken me many places and introduced me to so many wonderful people. I know that my personal journey will continue long after the bicycle is packed for shipment back to Minnesota. However, what has changed is my outlook and my perspective on the way we live each precious day. Taking nothing for granted, and seeing the good in all people, will help define the new Dennis. I will be more patient and more understanding of the feelings of others. I will take extra time to learn something new about my coworkers and my associates. I promise to live my life to the fullest and always do my best. I will strive to be the best husband and life partner!
During the next few days I plan to summarize what I have experienced and what I have learned. Stay tuned for a blog summary.
I think the pool is calling me, but, I want to leave you with something on this journey that touched my mind.
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Salome
Contrary to many published reports, I am Not a Millionaire, a Miner, a Lunger, an Author, a reformed bad man or a lunatic, and I do really live, exist, and get a lot of fun out of life here in the middle of the desert, in, at and around a town "?" called Salome-- Where she danced People from all over the world Go through Salome, en route to Los Angeles-- or getting away from it. Few ever stop longer than necessary, to get gas and oil and beat it on to the next place they are looking for but will never find. Most of them sympathize with me-- "What a Place to Live!"--
and don't realize how Sorry I am for them, knowing, as I do, that I am finding Something for which they are still Seeking.
I have lived for considerable periods in such Large Towns as New York, Pittsburgh, Omaha, Fort Worth, Los Angeles-- and even Phoenix.-- and I have made considerable money at times; but I weary of it after a time and always come back to Salome, to the Mind-Resting Quiet, the Soul-Satisfying Peace and the Vibrant Mysteriousness of the Desert. The average person in a Large Town Gives Up So Much and Gets So Little out of Life. What does it all lead to in the End--this Money-Chasing, Jazz Crazy, Luxurious Civilization the World is drifting into? I wonder-- and the Desert is a Wonderful Place to do a lot of Wondering in.
-Autobiography of Dick Wick Hall-
Saturday Evening Post of May 30, 1925
NOTE: October 6, 2007, was Dick Wick Hall Days Celebration In Salome, AZ
He lived from 1877 to 1926
October 12, 2007---Huntington Beach Arrival
Reaching the Pacific Ocean after 42 days on the bicycle
Route Overview
Minneapolis to Huntington Beach
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Relaxing on Day #41
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4 comments:
Dennis,
You have nearly completed the "dream" and deserve all the kudos you will receive.
You've touched many people on your journey, both face-to-face and online. Many of them will also be changed because of meeting Dennis McCoy.
Julia and I look forward to celebrating with you on Saturday evening and will be with you in spirit when you dip your bike tires in the Pacific!
A job well done!!
Duane and Julia
Dennis,
Enjoy your well deserved relaxation, the pool looks awesome. Wish the whole family could be there on Friday to see you reach your final destination, but we are certainly there in spirit sending our love to you and knowing you will have a wonderful reunion with Cathy. We love you both so very much and look forward to hearing you are home safe and sound once again!!!
Congratulations on a fantastic adventure, fulfilling the dream of a lifetime and inspiring us all in living each day to the absolute fullest!
I Love You,
Beth
Hey brother,
I got on the blogsite and was anxious to hear about the journey's end and ,alas, no entry for Friday yet appears on this computer screen. But I quickly remembered California is 3 hours behind and its only 6:20 pm local time. Dont keep us in suspense too long. Send us the picture of the tire in the Pacific!
Daryl
Hey brother,
By the way, I loved the piece from Dick Wick Hall about Salome, Az. and the peace and solitude and serenity he found there in the desert. I think thats what we're all searching for. Thomas Merton, the famous monk from Gethsemani,Ky. talks about that "desert experience" throughout his books. I'll bet the solitude and "inner places" you discovered on the way will be places you often go back to in your mind in the years ahead.
Daryl
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