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October 12, 2007---Huntington Beach Arrival

Reaching the Pacific Ocean after 42 days on the bicycle
Minneapolis to Huntington Beach
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

Minneapolis to Huntington Beach
Itinerary
DAY # | DATE | MILES | TOTAL MILES | DESTINATION |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Sat 9/1 | 71 | 71 | Gaylord, MN |
2 | Sun 9/2 | 55 | 126 | St James, MN |
3 | Mon 9/3 | 57 | 183 | Spirit Lake, IA |
4 | Tue 9/4 | 50 | 233 | Sheldon, IA |
5 | Wed 9/5 | 58 | 291 | Sioux City, IA |
6 | Thu 9/6 | 56 | 347 | Tekamah, NE |
7 | Fri 9/7 | 39 | 386 | Elkhorn, NE |
8 | Sat 9/8 | 67 | 453 | Milford, NE |
9 | Sun 9/9 | 80 | 533 | Hastings, NE |
10 | Mon 9/10 | 55 | 588 | Holdrege, NE |
11 | Tue 9/11 | 73 | 661 | McCook, NE |
12 | Wed 9/12 | 76 | 737 | Haigler, NE |
13 | Thu 9/13 | 71 | 808 | Cope, CO |
14 | Fri 9/14 | 41 | 849 | Last Chance, CO |
15 | Sat 9/15 | 61 | 910 | Elizabeth, CO |
16 | Sun 9/16 | 34 | 944 | Columbine Valley, CO |
17 | Mon 9/17 | 63 | 1007 | Colorado Springs, CO |
18 | Tue 9/18 | 0 | 1007 | Colorado Springs, CO |
19 | Wed 9/19 | 70 | 1077 | Pueblo, CO |
20 | Thu 9/20 | 75 | 1152 | Walsenburg, CO |
21 | Fri 9/21 | 62 | 1214 | San Luis, CO |
22 | Sat 9/22 | 60 | 1274 | Taos, NM |
23 | Sun 9/23 | 48 | 1322 | Santa Cruz, NM |
24 | Mon 9/24 | 31 | 1353 | Santa Fe, NM |
25 | Tue 9/25 | 0 | 1353 | Santa Fe, NM |
26 | Wed 9/26 | 67 | 1420 | Tijeras, NM |
27 | Thu 9/27 | 68 | 1488 | Contreras, NM |
28 | Fri 9/28 | 79 | 1567 | Highways 52, NM |
29 | Sati 9/29 | 59 | 1626 | Quemado, NM |
30 | Sun 9/30 | 75 | 1701 | Vernon, AZ |
31 | Mon 10/1 | 74 | 1775 | Forest Lakes, AZ |
32 | Tue 10/2 | 70 | 1845 | Sunflower, AZ |
33 | Wed 10/3 | 45 | 1890 | Scottsdale, AZ |
34 | Thu 10/4 | 26 | 1916 | Sun City West, AZ |
35 | Fri 10/5 | 82 | 1998 | Wenden, AZ |
36 | Sat 10/6 | 61 | 2059 | Parker, AZ |
37 | Sun 10/7 | 59 | 2118 | Desert Center, CA |
38 | Mon 10/8 | 90 | 2206 | Desert Hot Spgs, CA |
39 | Tue 10/9 | 45 | 2251 | Calimesa, CA |
40 | Wed 10/10 | 38 | 2289 | Highland, CA |
41 | Thu 10/11 | 31 | 2320 | Anaheim, CA |
42 | Fri 10/12 | 17 | 2337 | Huntington Beach, CA |
43 | Sat 10/13 | 0 | 2337 | Huntington Beach, CA |
44 | Sun 10/14 | 0 | 2337 | Huntington Beach, CA |
45 | Mon 10/15 | Fly to Minneapolis, MN |
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Read about the trip in the Eden Prairie newspaper......
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
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.