Thursday
23 December 1999 (The final week of preparations)
Well, here it is Dec. 23rd. I'm done with school as of noon today
(boy does that feel good) and now I can concentrate on the seemingly
endless number of details that still need to be taken care of
before I leave on the trip of my dreams. About 4 weeks ago, the
realization hit me that I was about to leave on this trip that
I've been working so hard for during the last 3½ years.
It didn't seem possible that it was almost here. Now there are
only 5 days left until I leave my job, home, car and friends behind
for a year to travel by bicycle and it is a little scary. But,
hey, I'm ready and I will keep in touch by e-mail so that this
page can be updated on a timely basis. My goal is at least weekly,
more often if possible. A big thanks to all of you for your support
in any way. It's nice to know you believe in me. I'll be back
in Jan. 2001. Al
(First few hours alone)
After eating far too much the last week or so, (you know the Christmas
parties etc.) I've been trying to walk as much as possible every
day. So within minutes of being dropped off by Don, Jerry and
Gale at my SLC hotel for the night, I took to the streets, and
I happened across a pond with many ducks and a few geese in it.
So now my mission was to find a loaf of bread somewhere in this
industrial and hotel complex. I did indeed find a convenience
store and purchased a loaf for my down-feathered friends. Boy
were they happy to see me. As soon as they saw the bag, they were
anticipating supper. Two geese in particular were super friendly,
ate out of my hand and were so gentle. My favorite was the Canada
goose. Beautiful sleek, well-groomed feathers and the disposition
of a very well-trained domestic goose. They brought back memories
and made my day. I just sat by the pond and listened to their
happy quacks. A nicer farewell couldn't have happened by chance.
From what I understand, transmitting e-mails by phone or otherwise is very difficult in Mexico. Plus it is the most expensive country for my phone card. So if after Jan. 3rd you don't hear from me for awhile, don't worry. I'll do my best to keep in touch.
Today was another day spent in meetings, long time sitting, and the bottom going numb. We went outside and rode our bikes in the parking lot for almost 2 hrs, trying to stay in straight lines and look cool. When it started to rain rather hard, they let us quit and then we loaded our bikes on the semis, and packed our main bags in the luggage truck. Tonight there is a big New Year's Party until 1AM, but I don't think I'll be there. Breakfast is at 4AM (yes, 4AM). We have to leave the hotel at 5AM to prepare for the parade and then ride another 75 miles after that. I might finally get to sleep well tomorrow night.