Journey's End - Finding Zen

George and I spent Wednesday with Carol. We meandered around Ashland. Ate a great lunch at a place in Medford. Talked, napped, and went out to dinner at the brewery in Ashland. A perfect day. George's brother, Sandy, and his roommate, Steve, stayed nearby at a hotel, and we agreed to meet them for breakfast on Thursday when we would begin the long, hot ride home. Carol kindly offered to bring all of our belongings to Sacramento later in September when she was coming to see my sister. So, George lassoed the box on the back and we hoped for the best. The ride from Medford to Sacramento is my least favorite. It is always hot, we are at the end of the fun, and it is long. This time I am riding on a bike with an unstable backrest so I decide to ride with Sandy. By the time we hit Corning the box is like a loose tooth that is barely hanging on. George has a bit of a weep over his baby, pulls it, we take a few pictures, and he leaves it by the garbage can. At some point we separate from Sandy and Steve as they have to go their own way and I rejoin George on our bike. Wow! I am holding on for dear life as we hit it at 70mph on the freeway. Of course it is Thursday and we hit commuter traffic. We finally make it home of course our Jack and Gracie were over the moon to see us. Sam, we're not sure. He warned us about a gigantic bill for air conditioning. Taking a vacation of any type is hard. Taking a vacation on a motorcycle could be an oxymoron. After a few days I made the decision that I would never do this again. My head itched from the helmut, my butt hurt, I was never comfortable, and there was constant stress about finding another hotel. Where was the fun? Then I had an epiphany. Life and motorcycle riding have a lot in common. They are both more about the journey then the destination. Finally I was able to slow down and relax into the ride and let everything else be. And then my vacation began....and it was amazing. Until our next big adventure - Jenson and George By the way, we traveled over 2,800 miles

Carol and George saying - "Until next time!"

Sandy, Steve, and George

George saying goodbye to his baby

George hugging baby goodbye

Home Again!