You just never know when a silver lining is going to appear. Initially when travel restrictions upended our usual travel plans, neither Jim nor I were inclined to be happy with the turn of events. We both so enjoy travel, cycling, our cycling companions, the anticipation and planning that we were bummed. This fall we had plans to join our friends Peter, Judith, and Debbie (companions from several previous rides) in the Dordogne region of France. We were to stay at an Inn with cycling by day and luxurious accommodations, fine food and wine in the evenings along with great companionship. Sigh, big sigh.

But then, we devised this plan of supporting each other to cycle cross country with our van and dogs—first to South Dakota and now to Arizona. There have been many unanticipated pleasures:

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1) Traveling in the western US with beautiful scenery. This one needs no explanation.

2) The joys of being the ” support person”. How surprising! Not only is it fun to help your partner enjoy their ride but enforced waiting– particularly on beautiful days– is relaxing 😌. For example, Jack and Star and I were “forced ” to hang out at the waters edge of the Clearwater River.

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3) Days out of cell/WIFI range. It is so unusual to be away from the news (and so much of it is so unsettling) that this is a rare pleasure indeed.

On a different note, our friend Dan sent an email the other day regarding a discovery they found on a local biking/ walking path. Evidence of a possible conspiracy:

We stopped by the bike shop where Chad, the owner, saved my bike from the famous scissors incident in June. Thanks again Chad!

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We head back into Idaho tomorrow. A little smoke is rolling in but we hope that the air remains breathable. See you on down the road…