Our Return

It's been almost a week since the end of our road trip. We are well rested and enjoying the finer things in life like running water, showers, and flush toilets. We have had a few thoughts, or reflections from the trip. They are as follows:

• Gas is cheaper in the Midwest due to cleaner ethanol infused petrol; however, makes the price of food increase so a wash really, but you feel better fueling up.
  
• Coffee is a necessity in the morning!
• You can only eat so much lunch meat and PBJ's.
• If you hear critters (like mountain lions or bears) outside your tent, engaging the car alarm is not the appropriate response and certainly not a good defense.
• When the cross winds are over 60 mph driving through the great plains with 4 bikes on the car, you should pull over and drive another day.
• Wash your bike clothes regularly after rides. It's not the uncomfortableness of wearing them multiple times, but the odor that creeps in your car and never leaves.
• Don't think you can sleep on anything other than a thermarest! The name brand means something!
• Check and make sure you have rain gear before the storm unloads on your tent.
• Always carry wet wipes when traveling.
• Never underestimate the value of a shower.
• Three weeks is too long to spend with one person in tiny spaces, i.e. car and tent. Especially when this person is your spouse.