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
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Grandson Michael and his 1959 Ford Galaxie
Poolside and loving it...
Oh, I think it's time to reapply the sunscreen.
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.
Monday, October 8, 2007
A Good Samaritan
Mike loaded my bike in his Honda Minivan and drove me about seven miles to the first frontage road.
Without this wonderful Samaritan I would have been in a potentially dangerous situation. God Bless You Mike.
(Don't worry, I more than made up those miles by later following several frontage roads that were dead ends, and required a lot of back tracking.)
Old Vehicles never die in the California Desert
