Looking Back

Almost three months of being with Nick and Whistler every waking moment together has slowly come to its end. The moment we road our bikes into Sarasota we new that we had accomplished something many only dream of and something others would never dream of. We rode our bikes more miles than  we would have ever imagined doing in a short amount of time, we traveled into areas the three of us have never seen before, maybe not even realizing these places existed, these people existed.
To know we are finished with our riding and tomorrow we can sleep in rather than race the clock getting up and on our bikes, is a moment of asking ourselves which we would rather be doing. We looked at each other and both said if we could we would continue biking all over the world. However; life is right here in front of us and reality is too, so as for now we will enjoy our next few days with our family before flying back to Hawaii, back to life, back to reality.
Our trip will remain in our hearts and will become a part of conversation for the rest of our lives. Nick and I will forever be telling Whistler about special moments we experienced and moments he experienced himself. Even though Whistler may only be on his way to 2 1/2 years old, we both strongly feel he will carry this journey along with him as much as we will.
No amount of words can truly describe how we feel inside,  not even the pictures that have filled our cameras full can show all of you the way we experienced the world ourselves.

August 25: Saturday

We decided to push the last 90 miles all the way to surprise the family arriving into Sarasota!! We couldn't have asked for better conditions to help make the day possible. We are here everyone, the three of us made it to Sarasota before the hurricane!!! WE MADE IT ALL THE WAY!!!

August 23: Not so sunshine state

Rained on, poured on, dumped on... This is the pattern of our daily riding. Nick and I end up looking like drowned rats and Whistler dry as can be...but we continue riding along the gulf coast of Florida. Hwy 98 has become our rode of choice all the way from Gulf Breeze to Destin to Panama city to East Point to Crawfordville to Perry to Chiefland. We are only days away from Sarasota (our final destination)...thunder, lightening, rain, and hurricane Isaac on the way is not enough to end our trip (not unless the weather is completely out of our control!) For now more adventure into the rain, riding over red & black caterpillars, dead gator parts, passing Windixie's from the 80's & liquor packages (that pretty much only carry Budweiser), and keeping hydrated from all the rain falling into our mouths while riding.

it's all a kaleidoscope

August 17: Destin, FL

A nice playground/water park/ park for kids and it's free!!!

Whistler loved the water. A nice break for him today.

Whistler, Miranda, & Liam

About 30 minutes later we encountered a thunder, lightening, rain storm.

We finally decided to pull over and wait it out a few minutes.

August 15: Alabama

The most humid camping experience of our lifetime. Nick nor I could sleep because of being so hot, sweat dripping off of us each time we rolled over. We both agree Whstler was a super trooper not complaining even though he was drenched!

The camp playground. Whistler insisted on playing even though we had been in the sun all day. Hard to tell a 2 year old not to play.

August 16: welcome to Florida

After pushing about 70 miles we arrived. Gulf Breeze, FL

the chariot got screwed!

August 14:

We biked from Gulfport to Moss Point  today which was (49 miles)

Took about a six mile detour round trip to get Whistler another stamp in his passport book.

Don't mess with the gator, the gator will win.

Where's whistler?

One of the very long back roads (Old Spanish Trail Rd.) we rode to get off the highway. Nice chance to see some houses, schools, etc...

One last bridge before Moss Point.

Interested by the split in the sky... Not sure what it means...but it caught Nick's eye at first and then mine...

About five minutes later, the rain storm came down to end the evening here in Moss Point..

August 13: Mississippi

East on Hwy 90 all day (80 miles) and we arrived this evening to Gulfport, Ms.

Bridge after bridge..I'd say at least 10...

Checking for the bike shop. We need two new tires for the Burley and I need a new helmet because mine was broken in a couple spots while packed on the train. I said it was fine, but it didn't pass inspection with Nicholas...

The Gulf coast...hot sunshine, ocean breeze, salty skin, sand blowing all over... Mmmmmmmmmm

Great bike shop, friendly employees, found just what we needed. They even let whistler eat his snack around the shop before paying for it (just like he was at home at bike works).