Four wheels rolling – we’re on our way!

Last glance at the apartment, first time rolling with everything!

Last glance at the apartment, first time rolling with everything!

 

 

It is still sinking in, but we are super excited to be rolling.

We wrapped everything up yesterday in terms of work and apartment, and rolled away from State College about 3:30pm.  One of my very best friends, Vishesh, rode with us for the 30 miles to our first camp.  It was wonderful to have him with us, because the road was familiar to us but new to him.

Spring is starting, finally.  We saw baby lambs, blooming trees, and wild mustard greens poking up everywhere.  They are an invasive species around here, but they are certainly delicious this time of year!

 

Baby lambs!

Baby lambs!

We got in to camp around 7:00, and we greeted by more wonderful statistics friends waiting for us.  They had brought food and firewood, and wasted no time in getting it all cooking.  Thank you so much Jeonga (and Won) for all the delicious food, and Jason for dessert! I can’t believe that we didn’t take a group picture!

The adventurers rolling into camp.

The adventurers rolling into camp.

We spent a few hours chatting, deciding where we might in 5 years time (and who we might be with!).  I think we will scatter across the country, but hopefully we can have a reunion with some sort of regularity. When they left the campground, there were a few tears…

Camp in the morning - taming the gear.

Camp in the morning – taming the gear.

 

Rock formations near Huntingdon.

Rock formations near Huntingdon.

It was a chilly night, but we were warm and cozy in our bags.  In the morning the sun was out, the temps were up, and we had to once again tame the pile of stuff and get it packed on the bicycle.  It might seem like a lot, but when I remember that it is literally all we have for the next 1.5 years… well, it doesn’t seem so much.  Also, many items that seem silly now will be wonderful in Alaska.  Like…  the handwarmers, extra gloves, long underwear, etc.  It doesn’t help how many food items we are carrying way too much of because we decided to eat them instead of tossing them.  Like… 1.5 pounds of almonds, 1 pound of gatorade powder, and about 4 pounds of rice. Ha!

Now we are in Huntingdon at our favorite coffee shop / laundromat.  After this, we will be on uncharted roads.  Forward!

7 thoughts on “Four wheels rolling – we’re on our way!

  1. Ye

    You two are sooo ready for this, enjoy it and I am gonna miss you. I almost had my tears in eyes when seeing your empty desk and the cut kitty calender.

    1. Daisy Post author

      I already miss the office! It is really hard to focus on writing my dissertation now.

  2. Cousin Kendra Smith

    Hi Jason and Daisy, Soo excited for you to be on the road … wow, I cannot imagine … of course, I am old. haha … love pictures and love your writings to us … thank you for letting us keep up with you … You on your bikes … and Me in my chair … :) Blessings and safety … have fun … Cousin Kendra Smith

  3. Alex

    Following from Austin, TX! I recently bought a LHT and I’m totally itching to do something like this. Greatly looking forward to following you guys throughout your trip. It’s inspiring and interesting! Looking forward to the updates! Enjoy :)

  4. Millie Johnson

    I am certainly glad the little lambs are delicious this time of year. Bet they go great with the mustard greens! (joke!). So excited and happy to read about your journey. Be safe on your adventure! Hugs, Millie

    1. Daisy Post author

      Thanks, Millie. We usually pair mustard greens with onions and fried eggs… but maybe next time we’ll find some lamb!

Comments are closed.