|
Kids Say the Darndest Things The last few days brought just about everything a bike tour can provide. We've had highs, literally and figuratively and lows, of which only the latter. Yet somehow, I'm continuously amazed at how resilient the human spirit can be, especially that of our two daughters. We had a long hot climb yesterday pedaling over 4:30 minutes, with about 3:30 of which was all uphill, in the heat, and fairly steep. They were not happy, there were lots of stops, thirst was a constant, the need for energy, ever present. So when we arrived at our campground I was expecting frailty, but what I got instead was strength and fortitude. The girls jumped right in helping us find a site. This was not an easy task as each site either had campers, or a tag marked "reserved." So we decided to wait at the designated campground host's site to see if they could carve out a small plot for our tents. One thing was certain, we were definitely camping there as we could not make any other destination that night. To our surprise, when we finally met the host, he told us that site was empty and that we could stay there. So the girls happily jumped in by setting up their tent and sleeping gear, helping us figure out the camp stove and cooking with us, as well as lending a hand in the cleaning effort. All while in fantastic moods. Maybe it was the awesome pasta and canned (not jarred) red sauce? Today we awoke to a cold dreary day that got worse by the minute. We had planned to make pancakes and hit the road, but when the rain started we scraped that plan and ate PB&Js instead, I could barely chuck mine down. After, we packed up our wet gear climbed a mile back to the main road, and headed downhill again into what felt like shards of rain on the face. The day did eventually clear out but it never warmed up. We had a late lunch at the first town we saw and headed to our hotel for the night after another long stretch of raod. We had tons of work to do after checking in; unload bikes, dry gear, wash and hang dry clothes, etc. But there were two comments from each of our rear passengers that amazed me. One said, "today was my favorite day" and the other commented "these are the things we'll remember about this trip." 
10 Comments
Bob Rya
6/6/2021 04:06:27 am
It just goes to show you that we don’t need to rely on external elements to create a “great day”. Sounds as though the team is really gelling early on and ready to take on all conditions and handle all situations. That’s a very good sign and will provide strength and stability rolling forward. Great job all!
Mary Ciampa
6/6/2021 04:58:00 am
You are experiencing the ups and downs of life all in just 48 hours. Lessons that will shape all of you for years to come!! Thanks for sharing these moments for all of us to reflect on. Hope to come share some moments with you along the way:)
Marilyn Whipple
6/6/2021 05:26:09 am
I've been following your story since I saw the article in the Globe. My family (grown kids now) are all active cyclists, and I love to read about your family. At one time we also had two tandems with the kids, who were younger then, maybe 8 and 11. The farthest we got were overnights at hostels on Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard, but it was great fun. Good luck and know that you have fans in the Boston area rooting for you! (And remember this favorite traveler's quite: "An inconvenience is merely an adventure, rightly considered."
Fernando Barrios
6/9/2021 10:35:09 pm
Hello
Janet
6/6/2021 05:51:49 am
Those are some great quotes from the girls. We're keeping up with your travels--always awaiting the next update! Love the photo of you all with your bikes and gear--it's amazing to think that's all you're traveling across the country with. Perspective.
Sarah Patek
6/6/2021 07:17:43 am
I saw the rain jackets, and just had to smile. What would the beginning of an epic journey be if it didn't have rain, and lots of it!
Charley
6/6/2021 07:51:03 am
Yeah Anna and Isabel! Crushing it!
JB
6/6/2021 01:59:25 pm
Big props to your girls! Badasses all around. Go get it.
Karl Borne
6/6/2021 03:31:19 pm
Anyone who can make lemonade out of a lemon of a day like that is true badass in my book, those girls are awesome. My heart is warmed thinking of the four of you bonding as a two engined team out there, so impressive. Also, who is writing this blog? SO? FB? The girls? Whoever it is, I love your style.
Josh Mandell
6/8/2021 08:11:12 am
Bravo to you all! I am so impressed and admire your fortitude and parenting. Leave a Reply. |
What is it?
One family Archives
June 2021
Categories |
RSS Feed