We've made some major decisions yesterday and today. I've traveled around 2100 miles, climbed from sea level to 8000 foot elevation and decided I've proved to myself that I can do this. It may not be the fire swamp with flame bursts, lightning sand, and ROUS's like the characters in the "Princess Bride" movie faced, but I've conquered the logging trucks, hills, wind, and dogs we've met along the way. The cold, rain, heat and flying thorns we've encountered have made me confident I can finish the final 500 miles to San Diego. But I'm going to take a break and complete the trip in October.

I've missed home a lot, (although it has been great having Marie with me the whole time, friends and family along the way and really nice to have Dale with me again these 10 days), but my mind is on the busy spring and summer our family has ahead of us and I want to be fully there in mind and spirit and not miss any of the activities and preparation for them. Liz's birthday was yesterday, which we'll celebrate when we get home; then I would like to attend in person Sam's dissertation defense on May 3rd followed by Liz and Matt's wedding on May 14th. It is a destination wedding to be held on Block Island in RI; so I expect to be there for 5 days. Then Sam graduates with his Doctorate degree from Dartmouth on June 11th followed by his 30th birthday and Dale's 60th on July 3rd. Summer is always busy at the farm and we'll be getting it ready to hold Sam and Nicole's wedding in September. 

I have several friends with health concerns that I want to be with and support. In addition, Madaleine, my dear friend and biking partner, who spent the first two weeks of this adventure with me (and taught me how to ride the hills!) was planning on joining me in Phoenix Sunday to ride with me the last two weeks to San Diego. Unfortunately, she's currently recovering from Covid-19 and it's questionable whether she'd be ready for that last two week push.

I'll continue riding through Saturday, April 16th and writing this blog thru Easter Sunday, the 17th. If you want to read "The rest of the story" mark your calendar to check the blog again on October 1st as by then I hope to have the exact dates and plan in place to finish this adventure.

Thank you all for supporting me throughout this trip. I feel so blessed to have had this opportunity and I look forward to finishing this week and then the last two weeks later this year. I also am thankful for my brother-in-law Wes who has agreed to fly out to Phoenix on Saturday and drive the truck home so Marie, Dale and I can fly home on Sunday. I will send out the number of miles completed next week so we can determine the donation amounts for those that have pledged. If you would still like to pledge and have not, please send your commitment to Marycraigritter@gmail.com. The donations will go towards your choice of the following non-profits: City to Saddle; The Mark W. Tripp Scholarship at GWCF; and YWCA Central MA.