October 12, 2007---Huntington Beach Arrival
Reaching the Pacific Ocean after 42 days on the bicycle
Route Overview
Minneapolis to Huntington Beach
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Some people never age
It's wonderful to be at their home and catching up on the past few years.
I think it's time to kick back and party.
SOBE Elixir Orange-Carrot
Drink the best and ride your best.
Bicycling in the Inland Empire (On my way to Len & Val's home in Highland)
Tuesday Greetings from the Calimesa Library!
(Thanks to two lovely librarians, Mary & Linda, for allowing me to be a guest user.)
"Once you have traveled, the voyage never ends, but is played out over and over again in the quietest chambers. The mind can never break off from the journey." Pat Conroy
Something tells me Pat is correct about this. I seem to be reliving earlier parts of the journey and thinking about people that I met several weeks ago. One person that keeps appearing in my mind is Mekonnen Wolde, who owns the Tekamah, NE motel. I vividly remember that rainy evening when I arrived at his place, and the way he opened his home to me. Thanks Mekonnen, for praying with me and asking for a safe journey. Your words of prayer have forever touched me and I thank God for his blessings.
Let's go back and revisit last Friday evening.
Friday evening I stayed at the Burro Jim Motel in Aguila. I wanted to mention that Eunice still runs this motel. She and her late husband, Bud, operated this motel for a long time. She has an assistant, Karen, who now handles the day to day functions. If you envisioned a desert motel circa 1949, this would be it. Time moves on but fortunately, this place still takes you back to a simpler time in our history. Imagine all of the returning GI's traveling across our great land, marrying, and having lots of children. Life was on a roll with economic success available for all.
Hey, I'm a product of that generation and as a Baby Boomer, darn proud of it.
Now fast forward to 2007, and you see a different picture. Places like Aguila have been left behind as the younger generation seeks new opportunities. When the Interstate System was completed it essentially meant the economic end to so many small towns. Since life is a repeating cycle, maybe these towns will reemerge stronger and in a better way?
Saturday was a great ride and it started with a super fine breakfast at Ingredients in Wenden.
I wish all of you could have been with me that morning. It was a great way to get pedaling.
Early Saturday evening I arrived at Parker, AZ. This was an evening of rest and a medium sized pizza. I enjoyed spending this time in Parker, and thinking about crossing into California.
Anticipation is one of life's rewards. You know how exciting it is to think about something that is just around the corner! Well, California was just across the Colorado River and it wouldn't be long before the crossing.
After another good breakfast I crossed the Colorado. It was magical just thinking about arriving in California after all these weeks of pedaling.
That magical feeling soon evaporated about 20 miles down the road when I reached the Agricultural Inspection Station, and saw a sign that said 93 miles to 29 Palms. This would be a serious trek across the desert on a bicycle. My thoughts turned to George, and how nice it would be to have him on this part of the trip. But, alas, there would be no George, or anyone else to share this experience.
As I committed to going forward, an inner strength filled my mind and body. "You can do this, Dennis". It's just 93 miles of solitude and at the end a town awaits.
It's impossible to describe my emotional roller coaster that day. Up and down, confident and scared, worried and serene. It all played over and over, but as darkness fell I was riding high on the saddle knowing that this was probably the most challenging part of my journey. Yes, I did survive and because of this I am a stronger more confident Dennis. Thank you God for being my co-pilot.
At 29 Palms I stayed in a nice Mom & Pop named the Sunset Motel.
A Swede, Totte Knutzen, has owned this motel for over six years. He keeps it nice and clean and quite functional. Two blocks further west was a Denny's. That was a good choice for a full plate of meatloaf and potatoes.
Yesterday, I enjoyed a fun ride from 29 Palms to Yucca Valley. Along the way I met CHP's Officer Eric Brewer who stopped to check on my safety. I posted a photo of his car but forgot to tell you that Officer Brewer also gave me an official California "Junior Officer" decal for my bicycle. That is a memento that will stay with me until the end. Thanks also for posting the nice comments on this blog.
Also, I can't forget to mention my Good Samaritan, Mike Scott, who rescued me from a potentially dangerous situation on Interstate 10. Thanks again Mike for your kindness.
Maybe you can take the family to the river next weekend. I hope your daughter is feeling better.
Today is all about enjoyment and relishing the views of California's Inland Empire.
It's going to be so exciting to reach Len and Val's home in Highland. We have a lot to catch up on.
More later...
Welcome to California's Inland Empire
My goal is to reach the home of our dear friends, Len & Val. They were our neighbors when Cathy and I resided in Huntington Beach seventeen years ago.
I can't wait to see them and catch up on all of life's happenings.
Good morning from Beaumont, CA
You all enjoy a splendid Tuesday.
Thanks again to those who have posted comments. Your thoughts mean a lot to me.
Hey Denise and Beth, you two are the greatest sisters in the world.
I love you.
Weather here is sunny and beautiful.
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