Back to my new old home.

Judging by the length of the beard in the mirror, it was time to come off tour to adjust to one bed and one kitchen. My journey was as great as you would expect and even better in the unexpected. I've been asked what my favorite part was, and at first I could not imagine what it might be. It turns out my favorite part of the trip were the people. Who would have thought that a hermit would enjoy the company of so many strangers?

There were only 2 American riders out of 25 and this provided an abundant variety of accents and personalities. Nearly everyone was from a post colonial country and learning the differences and similarities of each nation's quest for independence and the treatment of their native population was very interesting.  The differences in vocabulary was a lot of fun as well, words like knickers, cheerio and physio.  My favorite word was "tramping" this is what Kiwi's use in place of backpacking, in Nzed (another new word) backpacking is what kids do in Europe when they travel on trains with backpacks. Everyone on the trip had great conversation to offer in one way or another and nobody was a drag to get stuck next to.

My favorite quote of the trip came from Jim, he told me I was good to be around because I always had a smile on my face and something positive to say. Those of you who are close to me are probably just as shocked by that statement as I was. After a brief conversation with Paul we decided that Jim is so positive and even keeled that he has some sort of negativity Kryptonite that overwhelms my grumpy powers.

While my cup is half full I should mention all the tough moments on the trip either from weather, giant hills or dealing with 500 tiny problems at once have nearly vanished and have been replaced with memories of all of my great new friends.

Bike touring is so much more enjoyable than I ever thought possible, if you really want to learn about a town and everything between it and the next one, a bike is the best way to do it. Subtle differences in terrain and vegetation are appreciated mile by mile. The climbs get bigger and smaller and road conditions that would go unnoticed in a car are always appreciated. My solo ride through Joshua Tree National Park was a highlight and experience that could never be duplicated in a car. The park's smooth pavement and bumpy jeep trails made for an epic ride and every change in the soil and rocks left my mind wondering. The next time I go I want a geologist and biologist at my side to answer the endless string of questions that come to mind.

Now all I have to do is decide what style of beard I want to sport when I go back on tour in Canada this August.