Final thoughts

I have been home for two weeks now, and it is amazing how quickly one returns to the daily grind and the memories begin to fade. Maybe current events accelerate that process, as I'm sure everyone is aware of the grim financial news these days.

Best and worst---The best thing about the trip was the undisturbed alone time. It is actually quite a rare thing in our society today to spend an extended time alone, or even away from the influence of friends/family/job. I believe it changes your world view a bit. In my case, maybe I feel less affected by events around me, and value more than ever the ties of friends and family. What else is there, really.

Worst----or perhaps better stated as most surprising and most disturbing. I heard the comment several times from young people "I could never do that." Well, OK, there are some things I will never do. I won't climb Everest or K2. That said, I haven't ruled our Rainer on some future date! (Let me know if you want to sign up, that won't be a solo trip) I won't compete in the Tour De France. (But you never can tell, the "Furnace creek 508" might bite me yet, and I do hope to crew for a RAMM rider!)

Point is, especially for young folk, how on earth would you know if you can do a thing or not, if you have never tried. Especially something like a long bike ride, if you can ride a bike for 50 miles, you could do 2000 miles if you determined that was what you wanted to do. How do you know you can't do public speaking, learn Chinese, rock climb, play chess at a competitive level, surf, grow a garden, write a book, knit a sweater, etc. etc. etc. if you have never put any effort into one of these things?

Maybe an article I read in a climbing magazine at one of the Hostels I stayed in had a partial answer. The author was discussing fear, specifically as it pertains to climbers. He stated that there are three fears, fear of failure, fear of falling (DUH---), and finally one I would never have considered, fear of extreme effort! His point was that most of us get in a comfort zone of moderate effort, and we are fine with doing that, but if extreme effort is required to reach the next goal, we shy away from that, because it is uncomfortable. Something to consider . . .

I'm done now. Hope you enjoyed it a little bit. I considered posting about gear, but decided if anyone has gear questions, drop me an email. (There is so much information out there, not sure my addition would be of much value).
Pbrunton@gmail.com

email Paul

My goof---I had miss stated my email at some prior post. It is pbrunton@gmail.com

Sorry for any confusion.

Paul

Ride Photos

I have put together a few pictures in a web album. Here is the link. http://picasaweb.google.com/pbrunton/AlaskaRide#

I hope you enjoy them. If I were starting over on this venture, I would take a better camera. Oh well.

I will post one or two more items over the next week.. one will be "final thoughts", and the other will be my take on cycling gear. If you are planing on any cycle-touring, it might be of interest to you.

Thanks once again for all the support from my "virtual road crew".

Paul

Home at Last

I arrived safely home about 4:30 last night. I am very happy to be here. Sheila had gathered quite a crowd, and we had a little party (pictures here: http://picasaweb.google.com/sheila.brunton/PaulSWelcomeHomeParty). Within the next couple days I will post some final thoughts and some gear comments for those who are interested.

Last Post From the Road!

I spent the night in Salmo, within easy striking distance of the border. Soon I will be back in the good ol' USA! It has been a fantastic trip, and I thank my "virtual road crew" one more time . . . especially Sheila, who has been very understanding and supportive from the get-go. I will post some final thoughts and a couple comments on gear once I get home (tomorrow night). I look forward to seeing some of you tomorrow when I arrive. If you are reading this blog and have any desire to email me, pbrunton@gmail.com will reach me every time. Till then . . .

The Hardest Two Parts of Any Job

Paul is fond of quoting the old adage that the hardest two parts of any job are starting and finishing. It seems like just yesterday that he was telling me (as he was packing panniers for this trip), "I'll be glad to get a week under my belt." Now here he is within striking distance of home and I think it is safe to say that he is very eager to be here! He will cross over the border tomorrow and then one more day to home. He is humoring me to time his ride home on Thursday to sometime between 4:00 and 5:00. If you'd like to help welcome him home, please join us at 7903 E. Princeton Ave. Call me for directions if you need them 953-7931.
The next post should be from home with a link to pictures - Yay!