Thee final day of riding was still blessed with incredible weather without rain or severe heat. Although there were some winds from the south, they were generally blocked due to buildings, trees and the environment in particular. As expected, the traffic was much more intense, even though we took a "road less traveled". Not much out in this area of the country is "less traveled".
I'm not sure which state we traveled through was the prettiest. Seems like each day of riding through the various country sides just got nicer and nicer. Each area of land we traversed had something really special to offer ... some item of "gorgeous" that "just couldn't be prettier". Each place we stayed at, each restaurant we stopped at offered us an interesting tale to discuss later on. People were interesting with various dialects, reactions to our trip, humouring statements and insights.
We loved hearing from those who bravely posted comments. Thanks to those who also provided answers: N&L for the asphalt dilemma; Patty for the WaWa explanation. Every evening as we were settling down, the question was asked, "What comments did we get today?". They were enlightening and uplifting. This is Mark's and my first vacation traveling with a computer and its links to the world and home. Very educational and it provided a different slant on the term "vacation". Also, for the three of us, it was our first trip with cell phones. Hmm.m.... Not sure I'm going to continue with mine after this week.
Would I do anything different now that I'm looking back at Thee Trip?
Only a few things: The previous 3 days of grinding to get to Atlantic City just wasn't our best decision. As noted in the previous blogs, we repeatedly climbed and climbed, then climbed some more. We really should have stuck to the original plan of arriving on Sunday. That one extra day of riding would have made the final rides much more pleasant - and easier to endure.
I wouldn't change the route we took, nor the time of summer. The northern route brought us beautiful scenery and weather, and we were able to avoid the really populated cities of Chicago, Detroit and Philadelphia.
Thee Van, sleeping in hotels, hot showers, cooked food - call me soft. Wouldn't change those items at all.
The company and friendship provided memories that will last for a lifetime ... or until our brains fail us.
Overall, the trip was near perfect as one could hope!!
I've been gathering a few thoughts as we've traveled, and will be posting those for your amusement in the next day or so. Then the Shop Will Be Closed.....and back to work and real life as we three know it.
Cindy and Mark, I have been reading all your wonderful thoughtful entries in your journal. They were so informative, eloquent, and sometimes scary. I didn't know how to make a post until a friend showed me today, now that your trip is basically over. It was so simple I thought I already tried to click on comment and it was something else. I am wanting to say are you guys crazy, bike across the country with bee's bad drivers of cars and big trucks. So glad you made it safe. Enjoy your rest. Jim Sather
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