Thirty-eight years ago as we began our married life, we cycled out of Strafford, Vermont and began a year-long bicycling adventure traveling around the world. (The photo is from Nepal.) Then came another wonderful adventure -- children and careers. With children on their own and our careers behind us, we entered the next chapter, again with a bicycle adventure. That one was more modest, train trips across the country and five weeks on bikes from Los Angeles, CA to Portland, OR; but it greeted us with we good riding, great sights, and interesting people.

After two bicycle trips on the west coast, we tried something different. With an old dog along for the ride and a camper in the bed of the pickup, we set off for the desert southwest exploring national parks, enjoying daily cycling, and even playing a little golf.

In Spring, 2017, we decided on an international adventure. We landed in Lisbon, Portugal and rode a loop through Portugal and Spain and back to Lisbon. Once again, seeing the sights, meeting people, and pedaling 1600 miles were wonderful!

In March 2018 we left Maine after a big snow storm and headed to North Carolina for some warmth - we didn't find it. We went further south to SC - still didn't find it! But we did discover new places to cycle and explore!

It is now August 2023, kids are married with families of their own (five wonderful grandchildren) and we are off on another adventure! Our first stop will be Lily Bay State Park on August 13, then head north and west, across Canada and into Alaska driving and camping with bikes and a canoe. Here is the family, though missing Miles' wife, Baily.

Saturday, March 29, 2014

Into Arizona . .



Crossing the Colorado River into Arizona.

Arizona has been beautiful and challenging in equal measure.  The desert, mountains, and variety of plants are so different from anything we are familiar with, that it keeps the days interesting.  










The prettiest desert flower!

The monotony of endless RV parks baking in the shadeless sand can get depressing.  And, the road which stretches out ahead for 30 miles or more without a rise, fall, or the slightest curve plays mind games with cyclists.  We can see what looks like the end of the road, but it takes an hour and a half to get there, and when you do, the new end is another hour and a half away -- psychologically stressful. But we have learned how to spin such vistas into more positive thoughts. We have learned the names of the different cacti, keep our eyes out for lizards, and enjoyed the warmth and sunshine.





Our night in Wickenburg was at a great Best Western hotel with pool and hot tub. The town certainly has a western feel.



We have arrived on the outskirts of Phoenix and will stay with a "warm showers" host tonight, and a high school friend of Anne's tomorrow.  Then, on to Tucson and the train.  We are both feeling the end of the journey approaching -- not an entirely welcome prospect.
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2 comments:

  1. Susan AllenMarch 30, 2014 at 4:58 PM

    Wow guys - What a wonderful adventure - So sorry to hear about Annie's illness, so glad you got the lift for a bit on the long day, and love the Arizona flower shots - I had the same reaction when we were there visiting Christine and Nate in Tucson - there is such beauty there! XO

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  2. snowhavenmapledotcomMarch 31, 2014 at 4:50 PM

    followed your route in CA ok; not so clear in AZ; give us a little more detal on the route... wow, amazing land... red sox opening dayin Baltimore: 1-1 after 5 with Sizemore 2 for 2 with a homer- mc

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