Last night in North America!

So, it is my last night in San Fran and the USA. Tomorrow I fly to Mexico. It is with very mixed feelings that I leave. My time in the cities here has been amazing, but usually tinted by that feeling of a rat in a maze. Travelling without a guidebook is indeed very interesting. Add to that the additional challenges I have set myself: finding a cycle tour set up, learning to ride a bike (properly), getting used to the roads here; cycle touring for the first time. Locating camp sites and getting used to that system; hostelling for the first time; hitching; getting used to a new public transport system and travelling with a bike; damaging my knee and having to negotiate what has been described as a ‘non-existent health system and well…. At least it has been an adventure.

My time on the coastal cycle rout is almost indescribable. I adored cycling through quiet forests and along coastal roads and waking up at another beautiful beach each day was fantastic. I would have liked to have 6 months to do it I think so I could really explore all around and have fun on the beaches. I guess this is the one down side of this time of year. The days are short and short of racing through each place, a max of 6 hours cycling was realistic. With the amount of weight I have been carrying I would challenge anyone to do more than 70 miles a day. I am determined to return at the next possible opportunity to complete the whole route: 3 months Jul-Sept I think would be best.

What will stay with me forever is the creativity and generosity and community mindedness of the Americans I have met. Everyone I have spent time with has been supportive and incredibly welcoming. I have had invites to visit exiting and beautiful places, given food and even had meals paid for; had accommodation provided and paid for; lifts offered and paid for; suggested work avenues offered and well in short, I am seriously tempted to stay and live and work here for (well…) ever. I love the music and the passion and enthusiasm of people here and wel the natural beauty is breathtaking. I have been treated so well.

On the down side, the US is not a place one can stay without a job (or three). It is expensive. I have almost rediscovered my early teens and early twenties verve for fashion and shopping. There is so much I could buy here. I am literally forcing myself to get on a plane and move south before I have nothing left in the bank. I am for the moment still with bike. I am not sure that accepting half of the money is wise (I hope I don't regret this!) and I am hopeful that in two weeks I will once again be fit to carry on cycling. I believe that NZ is excellent for cycling and that much of Central America is too. If I do come back to the US it will have to be to couch surf or work. Then my age begins to show..... I think I spent a little too long ‘couch surfing’ in my early 20’s and have unfortunately discovered that I am rather attached to having my own room and home where I can close the door. I am considering hiring an apartment for a month in Argentina to be sure that I can do this. I am also nearing the point already that I will have to earn some money soon. I know the key to this is to stop spending my time blogging and to start applying for work permits. Or just stop spending! However, it is much more fun writing down my own thoughts and experiences than applying for jobs. There are just too many unknowns in applying for a country I have no idea whether or not I will enjoy it. I knwo I am able to make the most of most situations, but I hold in my head the idea of being able to live near a sea I can swim in. I know the mersey has been cleaned up but..... Anyway, that’s life! If I miss the US too badly, I will just have to come back I guess. So long….

My last words have to be a big “thank you” to everyone I’ve met here and a big up for Jessie Burns and Gaelic storm.


This is my thankyou section so far – I’m sorry if I’ve forgotten anyone..

The staff at the “Moore hotel’ – you rock! A big thank you to Max for leaving me a gorgeous secret gift of delicious chocolate. You made my day! Thanks!!

The staff and Aikido guys and ladies at the “College Inn” at the U district. Thank you for making me feel safe and welcome. Respect and peace.

The crew at Recycled cycles and particularly Erica who made my trip possible. A big thank you to Bryce the mechanic for customizing my bike and giving me training tips. The weight throwing came in handy going down the hills and so far all is holding up well. Cheers!!

The cyclers of Portland – for letting me ‘tag along’

All guest and staff at the Portland Hostel. Hi to Happy – for making me smile and to ---- and his daughter who made it feel like home and shared there sparkle and generosity to all. You are wonderful people and I wish you well in your life and ministry. Thank you for having such faith in me; you helped restore my faith in myself and other people.

Amber – for being patient with me as I was building my fitness and strength and having my mini crisis of cycling during the ‘inconvenient time of the month’. Pretty hard core. You made it very special though and it was great to share it with someone. Really pleased you managed to make it all the way to San Fran. Well done you!!

Doris - for sharing a day through the redwoods and a fun and wonderful night there. I hope the rest of you journey goes well.

John Monaghan for letting us imagine the Lamborghini was ours and talking Biology.

Pete and Oscar – thank you for your sounds, your warmth and you company. Also thank you for the lift and making sure I was safe. You are both wonderful. I am only sorry I didn’t get to meet your 'sweetheart'. She sounds like an incredibly inspiring woman. I feel like she is with you in all that you do and in this way I feel I have met her, It was both a pleasure an a privilege. Thank you!!

----- for making my train journey a little more interesting.

The staff at Downtown hostel SF for being great and allowing me to store my bike

The bakers at Macy’s cheesecake factory for providing me with high level culinary delights

The staff at the Amsterdam hostel and music makers there. What a cool place to stay. Best wishes to the French group with their IT!

The staff at the Fort Mason hostel/. What an amazing place! Until next time….thank you!!