In less than 3 days (Friday, May 29 by noon) we will be on the road. Growling motors, slipping past the dotted lines, farm and factory smells, crashing waves and scattering crows fleeing roadkill before they join the carrion. It is the journey that beckons, the feel of each corner, bursting over each horizon.
Some 60 hours away lies the beginning of a tale to be told. It is that tale, told and retold, that makes the journey worthwhile. Whether the trip or life is short (like that of our fellow Knight, Hugh Stansfield, pictured above in front of Mt. St. Helens, which we will see this trip, now riding stronger than ever in our memories) or longer, it is not the destination but the process of living; the adventure. Everyday presents adventure, some just harder to discern. This one ahead of us has the unmistakable markings of a grand crusade (lacking perhaps in some of the "higher" purpose of those of the dark ages). We will try and avoid any serious infidels.
Enough of the airy poetic stuff, more of the gruff, biker stuff.
The challenge that lies ahead is about 10,000 miles (remember, it's the US, mired in metric myopia) of highway. The Southern California Motorcycle Association call it the USA 4 Corners Tour. Starting in Blaine, Washington (a convenient one for us at some 30 minutes away), we then must touch each of the other 3 corners of the continental USA inside 21 days (average is 16 days but who's in a hurry!). Blaine, San Diego, Key West and lastly Madawaska (Maine, adjacent to Edmunston, New Brunswick). That means about 475 miles a day. Piece of cake! For a few days at least. And the prize? A bumper sticker and hat. Actually, it is the pride of being one of about only 100 people who do this in any year.
We will be heading down I-5 with the intention to be to San Diego by June 2. We have little in the way of a planned schedule or route, but will share the twists and turns daily (travelogue style - hopefully more interesting than home movies). From there on it is any one's guess where we will be any day (except Madawaska - June 19 - no later).
For those of you who might be bored or curious or even interested enough to follow along we will try and keep it readable (even if we have to make up stories) punctuated by appropriate (or not) photos of sights along the way. We have a lot of country to share here in the days ahead.
We are mindful that this trip is a blessing, a treat that many others might wish for (or not). It is only possible due to the sacrifice and patience and kindness of others, especially our spouses (Renae and Sheri). To them, my family, and my fellow team members at the firm (www.kuhnco.net), clients and friends, thank you for allowing me this trip of a lifetime.
More to follow...