Day 8 - Educators Save the Day

Today we knew we had to make a choice between heading to Baker's city or Unity. Baker's City was the prettier route to go, as Unity was a desert route.  Since we were down to 1 spare inner tube and a patch kit, we decided to head to Unity, the closer of the two.

As we took off we got another flat, and then the stem broke off the tube. So we replaced it with the other one.

We stopped in Austin Junction to eat.  Everything looked great. We had 24 miles to go to get to Unity.

After eating we took off only to get another flat. We had no cell service. The cafe' said we could use the phone, but for $2 for every 5 mins.  This was crazy, so we tried patching and leaving.

After stopping 4 times and only 15 miles to go, the value on the tube broke again. We switched out tires and I walked the bike and started trying to hitch a ride to town where I would order tubes to be sent next day air.

A gentleman picked me up and drove me into Unity. It turns out that he's the superintendent of the John Day school district.  He informed me that there was no such thing as next day air in this part of Oregon.  We proceeded to discuss the similarities of our students, even though they're from vastly different settings.

He dropped me off safely at the RV park in Unity. I jumped online and tried ordering from Amazon (no cell service yet).  No luck. It would take at least 3 days. Yikes!!!  We'd be stuck outside in oppressive heat for 3 days.
Finally, a woman came into the shop looking for lemonade to go with her vodka. She asked it I was part of the group hitch hiking up the rode. I immediately ran out of the shop to are who was there.

It was my second time to be saved in a day.  I caught up to the couple. Dave and Ellie. They had a spare tube!  They gave me a tube :-)!

Ellie is also an educator in Holland. I couldn't believe my luck running into these amazing people who are exactly like I want to be. Someone who is kind and willing to help out a person in need.

Dave and Ellie were leaving as the rest of the family arrived. They met and Dave stated, "The universe is now realigned. Everything will turn out."

So far, even with other setbacks, he has been right.

Thanks Mark, Dave, and Ellie!  I hope in the future I can return the favor!

Day 4 - Mountains are easy!

Mountains are easy, it's the passes that are difficult.

We woke up next to the rushing flow of the Zig Zag River ready to take on the challenge of climbing Mt. Hood. Everyone had been telling is how challenging the 7 mile trek up would be, but we were prepared and ready.

As we climbed, we stopped at different times to take photos. "Man, you can't capture this!" Catey exclaimed after looking at a picture she had taken.  And boy, was she right.

The joy of climbing the mountain was going to be made even better as we would coast down the other side and slide into Warm Springs.

When we finally made it to the top, we captured the moment with a photo. I even called my parents to tell them of our accomplishment (man I love my family).

We coasted down Mt. Hood, but suddenly we were climbing, and climbing. We ended up taking a pass that was just as high as the mountain. Again, we coasted down, only to climb even higher this time. The excitement we had gotten from conquering the mountain quickly vanished as we continued to coast and climb these incredibly challenging passes.

I began to realise that there was an analogy between this experience and my own life. I love taking on challenges (like climbing mountains), but I frequently get bogged down in the drudgery of the "little" and "continuous" challenges of everyday life (those pesky mountain passes).  I'm hoping that this trip will help me focus a little bit more on perseverance and the joy of the continuous little victories rather than just taking on the glories of the "big" ones.  

Breakfasting at our summer homes.

I keep wondering how we pack it all up to carry.

Still at the airport

Well, we are still at the airport waiting for our flight. As Jay and I were walking around he looked up at the departures board and asked which city I would go to if I could. Feeling the absolute need to destress, I immediately said Honolulu. He choose Saskatoon and Durango.  When I asked why, he replied, "Just so I could say I was in Saskatoon." Hmmm....

Our other activity while we have been here is discovering all off the items we have forgotten... And/or still have to purchase. The most important of these being the list of places we are going to be going to.  'Sigh' we might never get out of Oregon once we actually get there.

The Route: Minnesota and Wisconsin

We hope to arrive in Minnesota on July 28th and Wisconsin on August 1st.

Wortington, MN
Mankato, MN
Rochester, MN
LaCrosse, WI (staying with family)
Wisconsin Dells, WI (Devils Lake State Park)
Fond du Lac, WI (staying with family)
Manitowoc, WI (staying with family)

We are probably leaving Wisconsin on August 5th, but might extend the trip a few days to try to see more friends and family.

Cat of the Day (June 2, 2012)

You can barely see him but the glowing eyes seem to give him away.

Why we are riding: So, I can keep an eye on my daughter

I just have to say that I hate stupid school rules - even more so after this week.

A little bit of background.  Gina's nickname for Catey growing up was "Potatoes" it was just a play on "Catey Patety."  Catey, it seems, took that nickname a little too literally as she began to "develop."  She has taken on a fashion style that somewhat resembles a bag of potatoes.  Almost all of her clothes are sports jerseys that she likes to wear in a baggy way.  When she goes out for a walk, which is never less than three times a day, she puts a vest on to make sure she is covered.

As the father of teenage girl, I just have to say I am pleased with her fashion sense (or lack there of).

Then, came her overnight class trip to Washington.  We were given a list of rules that included, "no sportswear."  Really!?!  Does our nation's capital have something against athletic wear?  I suggested that she go naked, since she does not own anything else.  I am usually in favor of ignoring stupid rules, but Gina thinks that we should raise good children. As usual, Gina won out.

So, Gina went to her closet and found a couple nice t-shirts.  One from a pizza place in Italy and another from Wicked.  I've seen Gina wear both shirts and they looked good.  So, off she went.  We knew that she would have a great time with her friends.

Gina and I walked up to the school two nights later to pick her up.  Catey was very excited when she got off the bus.  She walked up to us said, hi and said, "Dad, I need to talk to mom about girls stuff, walk ahead."

As I walked three steps ahead, I am kept an ear in their conversation.

Catey:  "Mom, you know what girls talk about?"

Gina:  "Boys?"

Catey:  "No. You know the shirt I was wearing..."

Gina:  "Yes"

Catey:  "Well, when my friends saw it that said, 'Damn.  When did you get those?" as she gestured at her chest.  "It's not fair" her friend complained, "if I had those I would actually use them!"

Catey was obviously pleased with her friends' reaction grinning the whole time from ear to ear.  Gina remained very positive throughout the whole conversation.  

It ended with Catey concluding that she should wear shirts that reveal her shape more often.

Thanks school rules, now I have to follow my daughter around all summer to make sure that she does not "use them."