Pacific Ocean Arrival Video

Special thanks to Allison B. for making this video.

Memories for a Lifetime (Epilogue)

I hope you are enjoying a pleasant Tuesday evening.
Maybe you are relaxing by the fireplace, or just finishing your daily routine and preparing for tomorrow. Regardless of where you are or what you may be doing, it's time to think about living your dream. Let me help you get started on this important project.

Think back about six weeks and how my dream adventure was just beginning. All the planning and preparation had come together with an amazing send-off at the Mississippi River. Thanks to those of you who participated in this day. It was an exciting time, filled with all the potential and hopes that come with a dream.
Every one's dream is different, but what really matters is making a decision to go forward. All that is needed is your desire and commitment to to take your dream to reality. Maybe your dream involves a career change, or even changing your life goals to better align with who you are. Yes, sacrifice and risk are two likely hurdles, but in your heart you know it's worth it. Although my dream involved bicycling, yours may have nothing to do with physical exercise. Your dream may be related to helping others in life, or it may be something that just seems impossible. Regardless, it is your dream and you know that sooner or later you just have to go for it. Start thinking about how and when you can make changes that will bring your dream into focus.

Over the past three days I have thought a lot about Friday's ride into Huntington Beach.
Seeing the city sign brought an incredibly rewarding sensation and confirmed the joy and excitement in my heart. Pedaling on towards the beach and seeing my friends at the Pier made it all the better. That very moment, when I realized the journey was completed still resonates in my mind and body. Ocean spray and the pulsating sound of steady surf combined in a catharsis of sheer emotion. It was a "wow" moment that will never be forgotten.

Appreciation goes to Cannondale for building the comfortable Adventure 400 Series Bicycle. It's a great bike and backed by a superb dealer network. I really enjoy riding this bicycle and of course you can't forget my local bicycle shop, Eriks. Thanks to Chris and his staff of customer service specialists.

I also want to thank John Haywood, General Manager, at JAX Bicycle Center for handling the return shipment of my bicycle to Minnesota. Matt, Service Advisor, received my bicycle and will supervise dis assembly, packing, and shipping. Thanks to both of you for handling this process.

Special thanks for all those who enjoyed a fine meal at Shades in the HB Waterfront Hilton.
We had a great time and it was so nice having you share this event.
Duane & Julia, Mike & Melissa, Sharon & Allison & Nancy, Mary & Bob, and of course my lovely bride, Cathy, thanks to each of you for being there. Special thanks to Sam and Jan who came from San Francisco on Sunday, and shared a wonderful dinner at Duke's. What a weekend we all enjoyed!

Monday afternoon we traveled back to Minneapolis, and arrived home about 8:00 pm that night. You might think that's the end of the trip, but in a way it's simply the beginning of our next phase of life. I went back to work today and enjoyed a special reunion with my co-workers.
Much appreciation to Joanna and Becky for maintaining our shop production and even improving output. As I have mentioned numerous times, I am blessed to be part of a great team and an outstanding company. Thanks to my boss, Greg, who supported my dreams and who does so much for our company.

With sincere appreciation to all those who touched my life on this trip, I extend best wishes for a bright and prosperous future. To those in small, medium, and large towns, I say, Good Job!
You are living your life and loving your families in a way that will make us an even stronger and more united country. God Bless You, and may good health and great joy fill your hearts.

To all the professional truckers and commercial drivers; You are doing a great job. Thanks for sharing the road with bicyclists and doing so in a kind and considerate way. You were always courteous and put safety first. To all the Motor home, RV'ers, and pickup truck and automobile drivers; thanks for allowing me to share the road and make it safely to my destination.

To all the Train Engineers; especially those working for BNSF. You are awesome. I especially enjoyed riding alongside your tracks and hearing those train horns and whistles. It brought back childhood memories of being amazed at the beauty and power of a train rolling down the tracks.

To Tom Costello; you provided the biggest surprise of my trip. How can I ever forget the vision of you walking down US Highway 6? Thank you my friend!

To George; you took me out of my comfort zone and showed me how to be a better bicyclist.
Also, you proved that the Arizona night time sky has more stars than any other place in the world. Thanks for sharing eight wonderful days of touring, and a special recognition of your ability to change flats and smile at the same time.

To God; Thank You for allowing me to live this dream and return safely to Minnesota.

To all the readers and fellow travelers; thank you for sharing your words of encouragement, your prayers, and your vision. Now, it's your turn to live your dreams. Keep me posted with your plans.

_______________________

Robert Frost said it best. " Two roads diverged in a wood and I-- I took the one less traveled by"

Back home in Minnesota

Good evening,

Cathy and I just arrived back in Minneapolis a few hours ago.
Look for a final posting with photos tomorrow night.
Thanks again for being part of the adventure.

Dennis

Surfing at Surf City

If everybody had an ocean...

Mike, Cathy, & Melissa at the Beach.

A day at the Beach.

Always a great time for DQ

Sunday Brunch at Duke's in Huntington Beach

When you visit this beautiful city be sure to dine at Duke's. It's located right at the Pier on Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway.
Brett (GM) and his team feature the finest food and sensational service.
Make Duke's a part of your California experience. You will love it.
Yesterday, we toured Hollywood and Santa Monica as well as Venice Beach. Last night's party was a grand success. Thanks to all who joined us for dinner and the celebration.
Cathy and I are taking it easy today.
We fly back to Minneapolis tomorrow morning.

Wheels Touching The Pacific Ocean...

Friends greeting me at the beach made this an experience of a lifetime. Thanks to all for sharing the journey. I arrived at the destination about 5:30 pm PDT. After all the hugs and photos we dropped the bicycle off for packing and shipping. Then it was time for a quick shower and a fine dinner at Silvera's Steak House. I will never forget this incredible evening.

This morning, Cathy and I are joining Mike and Melissa for a day trip to Hollywood.

Can you believe it rained last night in Huntington Beach?

City Limits

Tony and Rita at Legends

How about this, Tony and Rita are native Californians. They have seven grandkids.

Legends Restaurant

This is in the town of Glendora, CA.

Lunch at Legends on Historic US Route 66

Now this is one terrific burger...
Just imagine what it would be like to relive our teenage years on Route 66.

On the Road Again

Wine & Food Under the Stars (20th Annual)

Val had tickets for this entertaining Wine and Food charity event.
We had a super nice time and met many interesting people.

Richard & Jane at the Fund Raiser

It was nice meeting you.
Have a great weekend.

Excellent Food

Pedaling to the Beach

Good morning from Highland,

Last evening we enjoyed a wonderful time at a local fundraising event. Superb Wines and Great Food were featured and the turnout was excellent. Thanks to Val for making this possible!

Here it is Friday morning, and I'm just about ready to depart on the final leg to Huntington Beach. What an adventure I have enjoyed during the past six weeks! Beautiful Vistas and Wonderful People fill my mind. Thanks to all for sharing your stories and your kindness.
You have made this journey an incredible adventure.

Next Up: Photos from the Pacific Ocean landing at Huntington Beach.

Margaret & Val

Mother and Daughter visiting in Highland. Margaret works for CVS Minute Clinics.

Relaxing on Day #41

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.

___________________________________________________________________________________
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

Grandson Michael and his 1959 Ford Galaxie

Len & Val's grandson is restoring a 1959 Ford. This reminds me of my parents 1959 Chevy.