Summer Dream 2006

This trip began as a motorcycle adventure, it was said before. To feel the independence, to take-what-comes along the way. It quickly became more. Early on it became a journey, not a destination. It became family in Minnesota, fun and memories. It was always a reunion and that became much more, very dear and very wonderful friends. Four days went by so fast there still was more to remember. Hugs and dance and talk and laughter.

And birthplace Sault Ste. Marie, grandparents home. Detour sleepy village by the river, ancient memories of Caribou Lake. A re-uniting with long lost cousins, my new and dearest friends. We will stay together from this day. And classmates extend to a greatest stay in Milwaukee one could ever have. Alyce, Jerry, Noel, Judy. Harley, city, tours; such friends. Sturgis, a plan from day one, yet a coincidence, a part of life now fulfilled.

And Boulder, CO, Aunt Mary. history, heritage, dinners of Nepal, Etheopia. Fossils, to pave the way for a day to come. The Rockies. The march across this great land, so varied, so pristine in so many places, waiting for more to enjoy. Mike and Irene, more days gone by.

Of things,

Prairies, plains, deserts, rivers, mountains, waterfalls,
Dance, hugs, music
Antelope, coyotes, rabbits
Rain, heat, humidity, perfect days
Miles of endless skies and land and smiles
The back roads of America
Camaraderie of bikers along the way, parking lot and restaurant conversations
Firepit, cast iron cooking, GPS
Great ore carriers, the Soo locks
Rushmore, Rockies, Fossils, Craters of the Moon

This is a journey of a lifetime, I hope not the last. It has been adventure. It has revitalized old memories and made new ones for me. I am intensely grateful for how many people these writings touched, in different ways. An outpouring of thoughts from many through email and the blog. It made the trip way more than I had ever hoped a lasting memory. You told me of your own awakening, of roots discovered, of relationships re-borne. To dream, to dare to do. To have been an instrument in any of that is the greatest privilege one could know. I hope you all have found something you can hold. You can do anything that you want to do.

Treasure each day. You never know when it will be your last.
Treasure your friends; good friends are hard to find.
Know your family; we’re only here a short time together.
Live life and be thankful for every day..

I love you all.
And Lil' Joe says "Same for me".