When ever I finish a trip-adventure, its envitable to find myself getting introspective. First and foremost, thank you to everyone who made the trip what it is.
Thank you to my parents for their support, worries, advice and care.
Thank you to all the people that let me stay with them, either forewarned of me existence, or just let me on a whim:
John, Andy and Emma, Mike, Al and Connie, Gary and family, Elisa, Kim and Bob and Carina, Leon, larry and The Church in Miller,St.Lawrence (South Dakota), Barry and Edna, Mary Lou and Family, Mathew, Tom and Edith
Every person that I met along my trip has had a huge impact on me and the way that I see life, the universe and everything. Ive got a lot more to do and see before my time is up.
Im glad that I managed to raise some money for the SDLCF (Seand Devereux Liberians Children Fund).
I intend to be in Vancouver for about a year, riding my bike around, which is well in need of a service.
Thank you to all again, peace and love.
Sam
Monday, 20 September 2010
Tuesday, 14 September 2010
Upgraded Hospitality
So its worth mentioning that I'm having a day off before the final few days to the west coast. Its also worth mentioning that I have been very lucky to experience some great places to stay. When I was in Troy,MT a few days ago a gas station attendent (who also owned a motel) let me shower in it for $5 and sleep out the back. Just as he was closing up, his wife came up to me and said 'We're not going to rent the room, your welcome to sleep in it for free!' So I watched tv for three hours (a luxury i rarely allow myself).
Then two days ago when coming through into Washington (after doing Idaho in a day) I got to a campsite where the lady gave me a reduced rate, $10, which is not bad considering it had showers. Then I found out it had a hot tub! So i've been living the life of luxury. Saying that, i'm far too lazy at the moment to put up my hammock, and I stay warmer on the ground, so i look like a bum on the floor in my sleeping bag, but its warm, so don't knock it untill you've tried it.
Today started off well, a cycle into town, a big milkshake, and over two hours of batman comics, ahhh, life is good, off to get a sandwich.
Then two days ago when coming through into Washington (after doing Idaho in a day) I got to a campsite where the lady gave me a reduced rate, $10, which is not bad considering it had showers. Then I found out it had a hot tub! So i've been living the life of luxury. Saying that, i'm far too lazy at the moment to put up my hammock, and I stay warmer on the ground, so i look like a bum on the floor in my sleeping bag, but its warm, so don't knock it untill you've tried it.
Today started off well, a cycle into town, a big milkshake, and over two hours of batman comics, ahhh, life is good, off to get a sandwich.
Monday, 13 September 2010
Pictures
This is the only picture I managed to take of me in Glacier National Park, thanks to my battery running out. But luckily help was on hand! Two very kind people took my pictures and sent them to me!
Libby, city of Eagles (apparently!) This is about 12ft wide and 6ft tall.
Libby, city of Eagles (apparently!) This is about 12ft wide and 6ft tall.
Funny church sign
The wiked campsite I stayed at, got a $10 rate, had a shower, then found out they had a hot tub, i've been living it up the last few days!!!
The wiked campsite I stayed at, got a $10 rate, had a shower, then found out they had a hot tub, i've been living it up the last few days!!!
Saturday, 11 September 2010
Libby, city of Eagles
I'm in the library in Libby, MT, about 35/40 away from the Idaho state line, of which I plan to go through the whole of Idaho in a day, then get to Spokane for my birthday (which I may turn into my rest day). So unfortunately my camera has completely run out of juice, so all the memories i have of Glacier National Park will have to stay in my head. Luckily a very nice couple took pictures of me in the Sean Devereux t-shirt at the top of Logan Pass.
I am now on the west side of the continental divide, which means that all the water that lands as rain or melts off the rockies runs to the west side of the country, before it all ran to the east on the other side.
i'm feeling good, although a bit tired, and i must confess its about 6 days since i last had a shower, but as the temperature is so cold at the moment it means that i'm not sweating so much.
so last night didn't want to pay for a campsite so found a spot under a truck, in a quarry sorta place. it was cold!! i slept in my sleeping bag in my liner with jeans, wool socks, thermal baselayer, grandad top, and the hat marla made, then i put the emergency blanket over my toes then my other blanket over that.
so i put my bag of food ontop of the truck and head something scrabbling around ( i guess some kinda ferrety thing). its was scrabbling around all night, so i didn't get to sleep till 1. on the plus side, the sky was amazing, saw quite a few shooting stars, and made some wishes.
I am now on the west side of the continental divide, which means that all the water that lands as rain or melts off the rockies runs to the west side of the country, before it all ran to the east on the other side.
i'm feeling good, although a bit tired, and i must confess its about 6 days since i last had a shower, but as the temperature is so cold at the moment it means that i'm not sweating so much.
so last night didn't want to pay for a campsite so found a spot under a truck, in a quarry sorta place. it was cold!! i slept in my sleeping bag in my liner with jeans, wool socks, thermal baselayer, grandad top, and the hat marla made, then i put the emergency blanket over my toes then my other blanket over that.
so i put my bag of food ontop of the truck and head something scrabbling around ( i guess some kinda ferrety thing). its was scrabbling around all night, so i didn't get to sleep till 1. on the plus side, the sky was amazing, saw quite a few shooting stars, and made some wishes.
Friday, 3 September 2010
What I've been up to
Me and Lance at the top of Beartooth Pass, it was bloomin' windy at the top and I got rather nervous from how far up we were. In 15miles there is an increase of 5,00ft, then on the other side, about the same, the downhill was great. Clocked 39mph on me bike computer.
The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Yellowstone National Park. We saw loads of Bison and some bear tracks, but thankfully no bears themselves. We did get hail, and frost, and freezing temperatures.
The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Yellowstone National Park. We saw loads of Bison and some bear tracks, but thankfully no bears themselves. We did get hail, and frost, and freezing temperatures.
Rainbow on the way to the bottom of the waterfall in the Grand Canyon.
Geyser, look at the pretty colours. This one, wasn't too hot, although some of them are boiling.
Lance, writing up the past few days by our big ole fire, the last night together.
Geyser, look at the pretty colours. This one, wasn't too hot, although some of them are boiling.
Lance, writing up the past few days by our big ole fire, the last night together.
Oh I, I will survive
Hello, I am sitting in the library of Ennis, Montana, where the population is 840 and the trout are 11,000,000 (according to the sign when i got in). Though as I have been out of the practise of blogging for a while I'd put up the back log of photos I've got aswell as a little explanation.
So here's a landscape of the Badlands, or the Mal Terre, called by the French when they came through. There is no water to speak of, apart from in campsites and there are rattlesnakes, tricksy hills and its pretty barren, basically, not somewhere you'd want to come through with a waggon back in the day.
Prarie Dog, these little critters are funny and wag their tail when they'res signs of danger!
Lance, on our second day together. Lance and I cycled together for over a week and a half, it was great fun, but alas, he's going south, and I, North.
So here's a landscape of the Badlands, or the Mal Terre, called by the French when they came through. There is no water to speak of, apart from in campsites and there are rattlesnakes, tricksy hills and its pretty barren, basically, not somewhere you'd want to come through with a waggon back in the day.
Prarie Dog, these little critters are funny and wag their tail when they'res signs of danger!
Obviously, me at Mount Rushmore, South Dakota. The information, exhibits and general layout of the area are brilliant and strongly contrast the gaudy neon Keystone town, which is a few hundred feet below it.
Chatted to a park ranger who was kind enough to give me her knife, as well as advice on how to
avoid getting stalked by a mountain lion. If it knows you can see it, it won't try and sneak up on you.
avoid getting stalked by a mountain lion. If it knows you can see it, it won't try and sneak up on you.
Lance, on our second day together. Lance and I cycled together for over a week and a half, it was great fun, but alas, he's going south, and I, North.
Tony Adams, a man that has cycled the continental divide 8 times and has spent 10 years cycling. He does summer jobs then cycles for the rest. He covers 20-30 miles a day and has a 500lb load!!!!
Monday, 23 August 2010
Intermittant contact
I have had a lack of cell reception and have a few people comment that I have not updated my blog, don't worry, I am still alive and kicking! I am trying to do my best to keep my blog updated, but its not always the easiest thing to do. So will make more of an effort.
Would Two be Too Many?
Two's a company. I have now been riding with company, Lance (from Iowa) for about 4 days. It's been great fun to have someone my own age that I can get on with that likes being outdoors etc. We've had some great campfires and meals and its been excellent having someone to talk to on the long climbs.
My body is now having to adapt to the rigours of higher altitude life, mainly, the colder weather and the hills! We've had a few days of big climbs, and big descents, we descended into Deadwood along a ridge for about 2 miles, probably around 1,500ft. Then climbed out of Deadwood to a 7% decline over 2 miles that dropped alot. The fastes downhill speed i've clocked so far is 34 mph. I've gotta say I do quite like having the hills and mountains, whilst you have to slog it up them, you really get to appreciated the views. For instance, a lot of ranges in Montana, once you get to the top, it just opens up and you can see for at least 10 miles in front of you, with the road curving away.
We've had our fair shares of fun, we took a break under a tree by the side of the road and when we were getting ready to leave heard gunshots, some guy was shooting from his drivers side witha handgun at something we couldn't see! Last night we managed to stay in someones back yard in Billings, because tehy said people die in the park we were going to stay in! Nice
So change of plans, I am no longer going up tp Calgary/Banff/Jasper. I am in fact, hopefully, going to head down to Yellowstone National Park and do some camping for a bit, then head up to Glacier National Park and do the Going to the Sun Road. Then nip across Idaho, into Washington. Its actually not that far, so I should be about three weeks give or take to my final destination. I'm glad I'm doing it this way, saves me going 600 miles out of my way. And I can always go to places in Canada whilst I'm there. Its unlikely that I'd ever be around Montana in this area again, so might as well do it while I can!
Have hopefully managed to get my parcel forwarded to somewhere along the route, as it gets cold up high, am starting to think that hammock isn't always the warmest thing to use! But at least I can pitch the tarp quickly!
My body is now having to adapt to the rigours of higher altitude life, mainly, the colder weather and the hills! We've had a few days of big climbs, and big descents, we descended into Deadwood along a ridge for about 2 miles, probably around 1,500ft. Then climbed out of Deadwood to a 7% decline over 2 miles that dropped alot. The fastes downhill speed i've clocked so far is 34 mph. I've gotta say I do quite like having the hills and mountains, whilst you have to slog it up them, you really get to appreciated the views. For instance, a lot of ranges in Montana, once you get to the top, it just opens up and you can see for at least 10 miles in front of you, with the road curving away.
We've had our fair shares of fun, we took a break under a tree by the side of the road and when we were getting ready to leave heard gunshots, some guy was shooting from his drivers side witha handgun at something we couldn't see! Last night we managed to stay in someones back yard in Billings, because tehy said people die in the park we were going to stay in! Nice
So change of plans, I am no longer going up tp Calgary/Banff/Jasper. I am in fact, hopefully, going to head down to Yellowstone National Park and do some camping for a bit, then head up to Glacier National Park and do the Going to the Sun Road. Then nip across Idaho, into Washington. Its actually not that far, so I should be about three weeks give or take to my final destination. I'm glad I'm doing it this way, saves me going 600 miles out of my way. And I can always go to places in Canada whilst I'm there. Its unlikely that I'd ever be around Montana in this area again, so might as well do it while I can!
Have hopefully managed to get my parcel forwarded to somewhere along the route, as it gets cold up high, am starting to think that hammock isn't always the warmest thing to use! But at least I can pitch the tarp quickly!
Wednesday, 18 August 2010
Through the Badlands up, up and up
So I have survived cycling through the Bandlands. It was bloody awful, bonking after having a pretty rubbish buffet lunch in Interior (tiny town kinda in the park) and spent a few hours, felt like i was going verticle, and got a punture, and didn't end up camping. That aside:
Had an absolutely fantastic time staying with Barry and Edna, who paint the signs for wall drug. They are beautiful and make you think of the old west. I got into Wall drug and saw the t-rex and all the memrobiliia and all of the cattle brands aswell.
So after Wall Drug (no 5c coffee for me, mind you!) I cycled on into rapid city, had a bit of hail outside the rubbish bike shop, although did manage to get a new mount for my bike computer (may seem insignificant, but quite important for rationing water on long stretches). So i cycle to keystone, a rubbish little city, created, it seems for the sole purpose of housing the tourists. laughed at a guy who wanted me to pay $25 for a night to camp, and talked to a very nice sherriff, who said i could camp by the old abandoned mine.
so in the morning, schlepped it up to mt.Rushmore, had a walk around, got given a knife by a park ranger. Rushmore is amazing, all of the exhibits and information really add to it. There's no gaudy stuff. Then to crazy horse, which is a tribute to a native american chief, its actually about 20x bigger than rushmore, and its the largest sculpture in the world, its also still incomplete, being funded completely by admissions and donations, no government funding here. met lance, who i have know been cycling with for two days. had a great camp last night, campfire cooked corn and soup and the like, only trouble is, the nights are getting real cold, so may look at pickign some stuff up at a salvation army store, fleece or something, just to keep me going untill my care package.
so, hopefully will be in billings, montana, not to soon, have had some crazy ascents, and hair raising descents, down 7% declines from 5500 odd feet to about 4200ft.
anyway, must go, more soonish.
Had an absolutely fantastic time staying with Barry and Edna, who paint the signs for wall drug. They are beautiful and make you think of the old west. I got into Wall drug and saw the t-rex and all the memrobiliia and all of the cattle brands aswell.
So after Wall Drug (no 5c coffee for me, mind you!) I cycled on into rapid city, had a bit of hail outside the rubbish bike shop, although did manage to get a new mount for my bike computer (may seem insignificant, but quite important for rationing water on long stretches). So i cycle to keystone, a rubbish little city, created, it seems for the sole purpose of housing the tourists. laughed at a guy who wanted me to pay $25 for a night to camp, and talked to a very nice sherriff, who said i could camp by the old abandoned mine.
so in the morning, schlepped it up to mt.Rushmore, had a walk around, got given a knife by a park ranger. Rushmore is amazing, all of the exhibits and information really add to it. There's no gaudy stuff. Then to crazy horse, which is a tribute to a native american chief, its actually about 20x bigger than rushmore, and its the largest sculpture in the world, its also still incomplete, being funded completely by admissions and donations, no government funding here. met lance, who i have know been cycling with for two days. had a great camp last night, campfire cooked corn and soup and the like, only trouble is, the nights are getting real cold, so may look at pickign some stuff up at a salvation army store, fleece or something, just to keep me going untill my care package.
so, hopefully will be in billings, montana, not to soon, have had some crazy ascents, and hair raising descents, down 7% declines from 5500 odd feet to about 4200ft.
anyway, must go, more soonish.
Saturday, 14 August 2010
Week 6 photos
Larry on the motorbike, on his way to Sturgis.
My big mexican combo meal!
My big mexican combo meal!
Nice tan
What the heck is Wall Drug?!! In Barry and Edna's studio.
Panoramic of the studio, you can see some of the unfinished signs on the left.
Panoramic of the studio, you can see some of the unfinished signs on the left.
Week 6 Photos
'Turtles in a half shell, turtle power.' (from the Ninja Turtles Theme Tune) Actually he's in a full shell, cos i didn't want him to get run over by cars. He was bobbing his head (see video)
Leon and me, had a great night, beer, steak and great conversation. Thank you for the great jersey, it keeps me so much cooler than my other one!
Leon and me, had a great night, beer, steak and great conversation. Thank you for the great jersey, it keeps me so much cooler than my other one!
Yehaaa, big cowboy
Tour de Etats Unis dans le jersey jaune!
In the church in Miller.
Week 5 photos
Getting ready to leave Mike's house. All decked out in black for some reason...
The cool chair in the cafe, I forget where. Take a look at the third one!
The cool chair in the cafe, I forget where. Take a look at the third one!
Carina and overloved cat!
Kim and Bob's beautiful house
Entering South Dakota.
Kim and Bob's beautiful house
Entering South Dakota.
Monday, 9 August 2010
Mid-Western Hospitality
Over the last week I have enjoyed mid-western hospitality to its fullest, as my bulging belly will testify. I have spent a great time recuperating and getting ready for the next leg of my journey.
At Kim and Bob's I was given provisions for the journey and lots of advice about how not to be knocked dead by hail or picked up by a tornado. I spent alot of time playing with Carina (Marla's youngest sister) and being introduced to her toy cats (for example Pokey-nose).
The country fair I went to was fun, had a corn dog and got to watch a cow competition, (kids sell cows they've raised after they've been judged).
At Mike's I got introduced to the game of kickball and had a great game of monopoly, although i'm not quite sure if my tactics were right, and was going to end up practising some of that 'supply and demand' I learnt in economics. The impromptu massage was a great suprise and I managed to do a good 94 mile day, the following day, with close to no pain!!
The only thing I need to do is get some new cycling shorts, mine have got two holes in them!!
My odometer now reads over 2k miles and it will soon surpass my daily calorific expenditure. Amongst trying to figure out routes and using maps given to me by gas station attendents (who blew off the dust first!) I have been attempting to apply for some jobs in Vancouver, some look promising, I just hope I look good on paper.
In aid of my trip out west, I have shaved myself a cowboy moustache in the hope that the cowboys will take me for one of their own!
Within the week I will leave Minnesota and have pressed on through South Dakota to Rapid City where I will see Mount Rushmore, among other things.
At Kim and Bob's I was given provisions for the journey and lots of advice about how not to be knocked dead by hail or picked up by a tornado. I spent alot of time playing with Carina (Marla's youngest sister) and being introduced to her toy cats (for example Pokey-nose).
The country fair I went to was fun, had a corn dog and got to watch a cow competition, (kids sell cows they've raised after they've been judged).
At Mike's I got introduced to the game of kickball and had a great game of monopoly, although i'm not quite sure if my tactics were right, and was going to end up practising some of that 'supply and demand' I learnt in economics. The impromptu massage was a great suprise and I managed to do a good 94 mile day, the following day, with close to no pain!!
The only thing I need to do is get some new cycling shorts, mine have got two holes in them!!
My odometer now reads over 2k miles and it will soon surpass my daily calorific expenditure. Amongst trying to figure out routes and using maps given to me by gas station attendents (who blew off the dust first!) I have been attempting to apply for some jobs in Vancouver, some look promising, I just hope I look good on paper.
In aid of my trip out west, I have shaved myself a cowboy moustache in the hope that the cowboys will take me for one of their own!
Within the week I will leave Minnesota and have pressed on through South Dakota to Rapid City where I will see Mount Rushmore, among other things.
Tuesday, 3 August 2010
Now I know how Mark Beaumont feels
I have had a great few days in Madison, WI with Marla's sister, Elisa, who sleeps so much it makes me tired! Chilled out on the Terrace with beautiful sunset and watched people try and windsurf as well as seeing 7-Bags and getting some great food, like Ian's 20" pizza!
So... being who I am and liking a challenge, I thought I would try and get to Baldwin, WI in a fairly short time. Luckily I had rails to trails to aide me, i probably cycled about 80miles of the way on them alone. So... The first day I pushed it to Sparta, a 110 mile in total. Yesterday, thinking that that wasn't enough, I somehow, managed to cycle over 130miles to Marla's mum's house. It pretty nackering and means you have a lot of time on your seat. But I did get to see a bald Eagle as well as the Missippi and a massive turtle. I just don't think I could do a 100 every day, but at least I now know that its possible, which means that I can do it again if I need to. Its nice to know that I can really push myself when it is required of me.
My legs feel a bit tired now, but its nice to be here a bit early, and I had a lovely tour of the Hei's many acres of orchards, and vegetable gardens, had a lovely fresh apple, berries, cucumber!
Going to go through all of the stuff I sent here and to think about what i need for Montana etc. Bob has helped me to look at a good route (212 for any of you interested).
So... being who I am and liking a challenge, I thought I would try and get to Baldwin, WI in a fairly short time. Luckily I had rails to trails to aide me, i probably cycled about 80miles of the way on them alone. So... The first day I pushed it to Sparta, a 110 mile in total. Yesterday, thinking that that wasn't enough, I somehow, managed to cycle over 130miles to Marla's mum's house. It pretty nackering and means you have a lot of time on your seat. But I did get to see a bald Eagle as well as the Missippi and a massive turtle. I just don't think I could do a 100 every day, but at least I now know that its possible, which means that I can do it again if I need to. Its nice to know that I can really push myself when it is required of me.
My legs feel a bit tired now, but its nice to be here a bit early, and I had a lovely tour of the Hei's many acres of orchards, and vegetable gardens, had a lovely fresh apple, berries, cucumber!
Going to go through all of the stuff I sent here and to think about what i need for Montana etc. Bob has helped me to look at a good route (212 for any of you interested).
Rails to Trails
This is a sign that shows the rails to trails, basically old railway tracks converted to bike paths. Really good to cycle on and met a few people along the way.
Funny named river, for all the boys out there
Filling up, this was after my 110 mile day. It consists of (eventually) two burgers, fries, a mountain dew, a vanilla milk shake and an ice cream. The place was cool cos it had waitresses on rollerskates.
Massive turtle thing, check out its tail!!! It was alive, kinda barely.
Stocking up on my bigger day. Fuelled by bananas, ice cream and two helpful people. The guy in the bike shop gave me some good advice and two energy bars. Then I stopped for a drink later and was just on the side of the road, a young guy (with a bike in the back of his car) pulls up and asks if I need anything. He then threw me an energy gel, first one I've had, think it made a difference!
Funny named river, for all the boys out there
Filling up, this was after my 110 mile day. It consists of (eventually) two burgers, fries, a mountain dew, a vanilla milk shake and an ice cream. The place was cool cos it had waitresses on rollerskates.
Massive turtle thing, check out its tail!!! It was alive, kinda barely.
Stocking up on my bigger day. Fuelled by bananas, ice cream and two helpful people. The guy in the bike shop gave me some good advice and two energy bars. Then I stopped for a drink later and was just on the side of the road, a young guy (with a bike in the back of his car) pulls up and asks if I need anything. He then threw me an energy gel, first one I've had, think it made a difference!
Friday, 30 July 2010
Week 4 photos part 2
This is on the opposite side of the 'adventures unlimited' wall.
Had a good breakfast and chatted about grain elevators, small towns, and how far bars have to be from Lutheran or Methodist churches.
Where's Wally?
Steve!!!!
Cycling with Gary, Zach and Nick; thank you for letting me stay at such short notice, and for a great time.
Old pic, but cool, fisherman in the river, in i forget where, the place where i got moved on by the sheriff.
Week 4 photos
Me and Al, I swapped my bike for a slightly more relaxed riding position. Check out my coloured cloves, curtesy of Al!!
Julian and Tank! and Beech in the background. Tank is one of Al and Connie's St.Bernards
Uh, in Ohio, there ain't much to do, so people shoot signs with what seems like .40 cal rifles!
I could fit my finger through the big holes!
My first Bison, for some reason with a Confederate flag in the background! This was in Illinois as well.
You gotta love this picture
Wednesday, 28 July 2010
Hills, Headwinds and (logistical) Headaches.
So, I have made it to the state of Wisconsin and have just had a little look around the time, may even treat myself to a movie tonight.
So, after the lovely people in the coffee shop in Peru, Il i managed to fin my way unscathed to Dixon, where Regan grew up as a boy and then got to a campsite. Managed to get a fire going and chilled out and relaxed, had a much needed shower!
Little did I know, though that Illinois is a tricky state. It seems nice and mellow and flat when your in the middle, but when you get to the top, you get rolling hills, except they don't seem to have very much down, just lots of up. So been gritting my teeth and getting through them, but enough of me.
I have learnt from experience that when "Oversize load" lorries go by, its best to hold your hat, cap or proverbial head covering, cos they bring a gust with them that'll blow it off!
But for now, I think I might go to the cinema for a late matinee performance, i'm only about 45 miles from madison, and have just found out that there are trails that go almost all the way!
Monroe is pretty, has a distinct square set up downtown, with a clocktower in the middle.
For those of you that are interested I have decided I am carrying way to much stuff, so when I get to Marla's mum's house, i'm stripping down, so to speak, and keeping only the essentials on me.
So, after the lovely people in the coffee shop in Peru, Il i managed to fin my way unscathed to Dixon, where Regan grew up as a boy and then got to a campsite. Managed to get a fire going and chilled out and relaxed, had a much needed shower!
Little did I know, though that Illinois is a tricky state. It seems nice and mellow and flat when your in the middle, but when you get to the top, you get rolling hills, except they don't seem to have very much down, just lots of up. So been gritting my teeth and getting through them, but enough of me.
I have learnt from experience that when "Oversize load" lorries go by, its best to hold your hat, cap or proverbial head covering, cos they bring a gust with them that'll blow it off!
But for now, I think I might go to the cinema for a late matinee performance, i'm only about 45 miles from madison, and have just found out that there are trails that go almost all the way!
Monroe is pretty, has a distinct square set up downtown, with a clocktower in the middle.
For those of you that are interested I have decided I am carrying way to much stuff, so when I get to Marla's mum's house, i'm stripping down, so to speak, and keeping only the essentials on me.
Tuesday, 27 July 2010
Woof
So over the last few days I have been chased in a variety of ways by four legged friends. Usually they are not too violent. I read somewhere that whistling at them and calling them to you is reverse pschology and they stop. This works some of the time.
I've manage to cross from Indiana into Illinois now, and I should be in Wisconsin (WI, not womens institute), tomorrow.
I'm in Dixon, Il right now, there is a guy at the desk behind me asking the wierdest questions, like how fast does grass grow, and what were the first ships to america, and how do they burn information to a cd/dvd. and 'when you watch a movie or tv, how do they get the words on tv'
anyway, have been really falling into the rythym these last few days. the wind has dissaperead and i managed to press on and get my legs-a-spinning.
the other night in indiana there was a massive storm, lightning hit a tree and two cars almost crashed straight into it. the ambulance and fire dept turned up luckily no one was hurt. in the morning when i cycled off they had cut the offending tree down and cut it off the road.
i have enjoyed shooting the breeze with the older generation, from everyrthing from small town stores and civic responsibility to crop rotations, the second world war and grain elevators. i much prefer them to the scruffy ruffians of the younger years.
last night i played some american football with some kids, got sacked a few times! but its all in the game.
will load up some photos when i get a chance, cos on this site, i have to load them up backwards so they come out in the right order!!
anyway, going to treat myself to a film tomorrow i beleive, just gotta go and find a campsite, been three days without a shower, nice!
hast la vista
s
I've manage to cross from Indiana into Illinois now, and I should be in Wisconsin (WI, not womens institute), tomorrow.
I'm in Dixon, Il right now, there is a guy at the desk behind me asking the wierdest questions, like how fast does grass grow, and what were the first ships to america, and how do they burn information to a cd/dvd. and 'when you watch a movie or tv, how do they get the words on tv'
anyway, have been really falling into the rythym these last few days. the wind has dissaperead and i managed to press on and get my legs-a-spinning.
the other night in indiana there was a massive storm, lightning hit a tree and two cars almost crashed straight into it. the ambulance and fire dept turned up luckily no one was hurt. in the morning when i cycled off they had cut the offending tree down and cut it off the road.
i have enjoyed shooting the breeze with the older generation, from everyrthing from small town stores and civic responsibility to crop rotations, the second world war and grain elevators. i much prefer them to the scruffy ruffians of the younger years.
last night i played some american football with some kids, got sacked a few times! but its all in the game.
will load up some photos when i get a chance, cos on this site, i have to load them up backwards so they come out in the right order!!
anyway, going to treat myself to a film tomorrow i beleive, just gotta go and find a campsite, been three days without a shower, nice!
hast la vista
s
Thursday, 22 July 2010
Quick Thank you
Thank you to everyone that has donated so far, the money that you give really does go to a good cause. We such so much poverty and suffering broadcasted into our living rooms that it desensitizes us to the real thing. In our respective countries, it can be easy to forget that there are those that do not have access to the things we take for granted, like access to a doctor, or a choice of career. So all the money that you donate, goes to a great cause.
Thanks again
Sam
Thanks again
Sam
In Defiance
I'm currently sitting in the defiance library. There are a lot of jokes you could make with a town called Definance, but actually its a nice place. The baker at the Cabin Fever coffee shop just bought be lunch and was about to go out of her way to get me some maps. Very nice.
So I was moved along by the police last night. Apparently some locals complained about me camping out in the school. Luckily the sheriff was a lovely guy and directed me (actually escorted me) to a place where I could put up my tent.
Met a freaky guy in Napolean, for those of you that want to know, I'll fill in the details (not appropriate for kiddies eyes).
Staying with Al and Connie has been amazing. It was great for Al to find someone to ride with, and great for me to finally have a cycling buddy! I had a historic tour of the coast of Lake Erie that included a cemetery of a prison where the Southern Soldiers were kept. Wouldv'e been quite a depressing place to spend. It's on an island. Saw a beautiful lighthouse and found out all about the history of the area.
I have a great video of their dogs, but i'll upload it in a few days! In other news, i'm going to hopefully find a movie theatre to go to during one day as a treat. The miles are treating me well, and appart from some odd swelling here and there and a few infected cuts, keeping well.
Listening to the local country radio is great, and the classic rock stations are good when facing a headwind.
Sending my love to the Hench family.
So I was moved along by the police last night. Apparently some locals complained about me camping out in the school. Luckily the sheriff was a lovely guy and directed me (actually escorted me) to a place where I could put up my tent.
Met a freaky guy in Napolean, for those of you that want to know, I'll fill in the details (not appropriate for kiddies eyes).
Staying with Al and Connie has been amazing. It was great for Al to find someone to ride with, and great for me to finally have a cycling buddy! I had a historic tour of the coast of Lake Erie that included a cemetery of a prison where the Southern Soldiers were kept. Wouldv'e been quite a depressing place to spend. It's on an island. Saw a beautiful lighthouse and found out all about the history of the area.
I have a great video of their dogs, but i'll upload it in a few days! In other news, i'm going to hopefully find a movie theatre to go to during one day as a treat. The miles are treating me well, and appart from some odd swelling here and there and a few infected cuts, keeping well.
Listening to the local country radio is great, and the classic rock stations are good when facing a headwind.
Sending my love to the Hench family.
Tuesday, 20 July 2010
The Kindness of Strangers (again)
So, thanks to a few people this week. When fixing a tire Bill helped me out, then his family fed me sandwiches and cookies in their air-conned RV. We chatted about the ease of RV camping and good places to go. I hope their 11 hour drive to South Carolina went well!!
So I managed to get into the farming area of Clyde just as a storm broke. Sitting under a salon, trying not to get wet, a guy pulled up in a car and asked if i wanted to stay in a fire station, my response: 'hell yeah!'. unfortunately, because the town owns the station, i wasn't aloud to for legal reasons. So Al and Connie put me up in their house. I got to have a tour of the station and try on all Al's gear! (see pics). We went out for a great Applebees meal, managed to have a Stella! Then the next day was spent relaxing!
More to come.
So I managed to get into the farming area of Clyde just as a storm broke. Sitting under a salon, trying not to get wet, a guy pulled up in a car and asked if i wanted to stay in a fire station, my response: 'hell yeah!'. unfortunately, because the town owns the station, i wasn't aloud to for legal reasons. So Al and Connie put me up in their house. I got to have a tour of the station and try on all Al's gear! (see pics). We went out for a great Applebees meal, managed to have a Stella! Then the next day was spent relaxing!
More to come.
Week 3 part 2
Absolutely massive bridge just near where I camped. The storm pulled up my rain fly up, but luckily I learnt a way to tie a adjustable slip knot.
The Milkshake Bandit.
The Milkshake Bandit.
Flatness of Ohio, with a headwind.
Al, helping me try on his gear, all in all, it weighted 80 lbs (36 kilos)!
Fireman Sam, with Julian in the background. Courtesy of the Fire Department of Clyde.
Al, helping me try on his gear, all in all, it weighted 80 lbs (36 kilos)!
Fireman Sam, with Julian in the background. Courtesy of the Fire Department of Clyde.
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