NOTE: Sorry this one is late. This one was hard to write…
After a very restless and uncomfortable night trying to sleep on the train, I gave it up about 0500 and went to catch up on the blogs.
When dawn broke, we were about even with Mount Shasta, snow was on the mountaintops and all the trees were now pine. Further into the mountains, the snow dusted the trees on either side of the tracks and the ground was completely covered.
Soooo, THIS is what we have been missing since we have been gone.
We came down off of some beautiful pass, that was announced as the longest downhill train track in North America, and went into Oregon.
Green and lovely Oregon. By far, my favorite state on this trip. I think the entire state has a sense of accessibility to it. The people will stop and actually have a conversation with you and some will actually chase you down to talk to you. You can get to the beaches and walk on them. Everything that touches the ocean is public land, owned by everyone. Jeeps, horses and people are free to use the beaches and everyone respectfully does. In Washington and California one owner can fence it all in and regular people have to go to a state beach or some other limited access place. Somehow, that seems wrong to me.
OK, I’ll admit it…they really had me at free hot showers, too.
Staring out the window, mile after mile, I could not help but think that the days with the hills and all the difficulties that we had to problem solve our way through went really slow. But looking back, the trip went incredibly fast. Maybe not for those who waited at home but, then again, it is always easier to be the one who is gone traveling.
I could not believe it was over and we were returning to “everyday.”
I can’t speak for Steve but I learned so much in the last couple of months. I don’t mean to be preachy here, so relax, it’s just my observations. Some of this may resonate with you.
The kindness of people, the “Coolness of Strangers.” Everywhere we looked.
A re-learned confidence in my own ability to make a decision and know, no matter what comes up, it will be ok.
Even if I make a mistake, I can change direction again…I had forgotten that one. The pressure I put on myself over the years to be perfect was just plain stupid and a waste of time. I never got there then, nor will I.
All I have is now. Present moment. Nothing else and no promises of anything else. I need to ignore “what was” and “what might be” and pay attention now.
I need to say “I love you” more often to those that matter most. I’m starting today.
There is always time and just enough money. It becomes irrelevant compared to the experience.
If I see Frank and Edna, I will have to thank them. They mercifully started disappearing over the last 3 weeks. I suppose every migratory bird has a flight schedule, even Snowbirds, and we hit it at the end. Thanks to them for honing my survival instincts, once again, to a razor sharp edge.
I need a lot less than I think I need. That Cup ‘o Noodles on a chilly night was perfect. Simplify.
We all have incredible support all around us. To feel like we are alone, ever, is not a correct assumption. I know if I am open to acceptance, it is there.
So what do we come away with after all these miles? Here’s what I know.
Silverbacks are not Steve and Dave. Silverbacks are everyone who shared themselves with us. We do nothing alone.
Silverbacks are all of us who, for some reason, still believe we are capable of things others think crazy. The OTHERS are often those who would never attempt anything chancy. Ever. They think yer crazy anyway, so why not?
No matter what it is, there is ALWAYS another level. So do it. Be legendary.
Who are YOU going to be? (Hey! Somebody has to ask the question. Might as well be me asking you. Now, answer the question looking in the mirror. You can’t lie to the face in the mirror. That face in the mirror knows.)
Silverbacks are we who wrote or read or laughed or wished were here with Steve and I and our misadventures of “How to Bicycle the Pacific Coast Highway…
Incorrectly.”
So, we want to share the name. Especially with those who are over 50.
Ancient. Jurassic. Over the hill. Stick a fork in us…
However, we are also the ones that still somehow know have the ability to surprise the hell out of everyone who knows us. We can still even amaze ourselves occasionally.
The name Silverbacks is open to use as you see fit. Just add your trip specifics. Like “Silverback East Coast Tour” or “Silverback Weekend Around Minnesota.” Tell us about your adventures.
It’s your turn.
We will publish another couple of posts with equipment lists, pictures and impressions of that gear but we are taking a couple of days off.
We are pulling into the Seattle Station, concluding “Silverback Left Coast Bike Tour 2012.”
Thanks for following. Bye for now… until the next adventure.
Happy Holidays!
Best to All and Much Love,
Dave Mitchell and Steve Williams
(No, really… that’s it. Get off your couch and go do it yourself.)