From Virginia to Ushuaia. Fulfilling a dream!

It is the 11th of January, 2023, and the chill in the air is palpable, wrapping around me like a crisp, frosty blanket. The temperature outside hovers just above freezing, starkly contrasting with the warmth of my house, where I pace impatiently in anticipation. The clock on the wall reads 11:15 AM, and I am waiting for a pair of SIDI adventure boots to arrive from Europe. They should have been here three days ago. These boots are not just any ordinary footwear; they are meant for a crucial part of my journey that will soon take me far from the familiarity of my daily routine and over terrain I have never tred. Once they arrive, I will jump on my motorcycle, an extension of the spirit and freedom I cherish dearly, and embark on a thrilling and dangerous ride to Texas. Destined for the other end of the continent, leaving Texas will mark the beginning of my Latin American journey. There, I am set to meet two strangers who share my passion for exploration and adventure, individuals who, like me, desire to experience life to its fullest. There is severe weather forecast tomorrow along my route. I should avoid it, go north of it, or south first, towards Florida, then cut west to Texas. But I don’t have time. I need to get past Tennessee as quickly as I can.

The plan was to ride across the border on the 12th and head into Mexico, a land rich in culture, history, and vibrant landscapes that beg to be explored. This is not just another trip; it is the day I check off one of many unfulfilled bucket list items that have laid dormant in my heart for years. At 55 years old, I am acutely aware of the passage of time. I can feel the effects of age creeping in through the arthritic aches in my knees and neck. Every day seems to slip by a little faster, while I find myself getting older and slower with every sunrise. Yet, this realization fuels my determination to seize the moment and embrace the adventure that awaits me. As I sit here, the anticipation builds, intertwining with the cold air that seeps through the invisible gaps in these supposedly insulated modern windows. I can see the open road stretching out before me, the thrill of the wind against my face, and the sense of camaraderie with my fellow riders as we navigate the twists and turns of our journey. Each mile will bring new sights, sounds, and experiences that will enrich my life and add depth to my story. That is how my mind sees the journey ahead. A dream, a fantasy, a wish longing to be made real. With each passing moment, I remind myself that life is too short to postpone dreams; the time to act is never tomorrow. It is always now. As soon as my boots arrive, I put them on, and I am gone!

This day marked the beginning of a new chapter filled with adventure, discovery, and the joy of living fully in the present moment. As I stood on the precipice of this exhilarating journey, I reflected on the plans I had meticulously crafted for this day. I should have left this morning, as planned, but customs delayed the arrival of my boots, which, unbeknownst to me this very day, would prove essential in the months to come. The anticipation of those boots, designed for riding in rugged terrain, and managing long legs on the bike, while originally exciting, was now beginning to turn irritating. Little did I know that waiting for these boots would turn out to be one of my best decisions for this trip. The wait offered me a chance to pause, to breathe, and to fully prepare for the incredible experiences that lay ahead. I couldn’t possibly know at this time that this 4-month trip would actually take a full year to complete, evolving into an odyssey that would test my limits and expand my horizons in ways I had never imagined. From the majestic peaks of the Andes mountains to the serene flows of the Pacific Ocean and Andean rivers, from the arid expanses of the Peruvian deserts to the vibrant cultures of bustling South American cities, I would traverse landscapes that seemed to whisper secrets of mother earth herself. I would face rainstorms that drenched me to the bone, endure freezing weather that chilled me to my core and embrace the sweltering heat of the desert. That same dry and arid desert that would leave me longing for shade would eventually fill me with sheer joy one moment and unexplainable fear the next. Each environment brought unique challenges and rewards, transforming me with every mile I rode. This was an experience like no other I have ever had, a tapestry woven with mystical threads of adventure, resilience, and profound learning. Fourteen countries, over 14 thousand miles, and priceless memories will forever be etched in my heart, each a testament to the beauty of exploration and the spirit of adventure. I immersed myself in diverse cultures, savoring local cuisines and forging connections with people whose stories enriched my own.

I am grateful for the friends who accompanied me through every stage of this journey; I reflect on the laughter we shared, the challenges we overcame, and the bonds that were strengthened in the face of adversity. Together, we created a mosaic of experiences that will resonate with me for years, reminding me of the importance of companionship and the shared joy of discovery. Life is the journey.

There is much more to this story than I can say here. It is a rich tale of experiences, emotions, and adventures that my dear friend and travel sister, Cynthia Franklin, and I are meticulously working on telling in full detail. Our journey together was filled with unforgettable moments, each contributing to the larger narrative we are eager to share with the world. From breathtaking landscapes that left us in awe to the vibrant cultures we immersed ourselves in, every chapter of our travels holds a unique lesson and a cherished memory. For now, I leave you with this little tantalizing glimpse into our experiences, and I sincerely hope you will be curious enough to delve deeper into our story when our book is published. It is a tale that promises to inspire and resonate with anyone who has ever ventured beyond their comfort zone. Life, after all, is the greatest journey we embark upon, and the road we travel is not merely a path but a profound way of discovering ourselves and the world around us. Each twist and turn reveals new insights, and every stop adds depth to our understanding of life’s intricate beauty. We are blessed with every breath we take.

Until tomorrow, then. There will be more!