Last day!

It's been a very long week, filled with many obstacles that I've had to overcome. I began this tour with little hope that it would be enjoyable. I looked at it more as a way to get in shape for the summer and spending some time with my dad was just an added bonus. But I experienced exactly the opposite. I got to spend quality time with my dad that I haven't been able to in a long time. I saw how strong of a person he was -the encouragement he gave to keep me going when times were tough, when I felt I couldn't make it (and there were a few), when I was tired and hungry, when I complained and whined, when I complained and whined and again when I complained and whined :) I saw how he could walk into any rough backwoods bar (wearing spandex I might add) and leave with more friends than when he came. I was amazed at how even the most abbrasive person could be touched by his kindness and unassuming spirit. I was proud of the way he did whatever it took to get the job done. And I can't forget to mention how he let me feel like I really was "roughing it," while we stayed in hotels with comfy beds and warm showers. I think he knows that although I try and rough it with the big boys, I will probably always be a pampered princess at heart. In fact, my new nickname is Princess of the Trail.

As far as my own experiences, I have surprised myself by camping (yes, 1 night is still considered "camping"), I have become more at peace with bugs (although spiders and hairy things STILL completely gross me out) and I have pushed myself far beyond what I thought I was capable of. But more importantly, I feel I have come away with more than just making friends with bugs or biking through dark tunnels at night. The life lessons and the memories my dad and I shared in the last five days were what turned out to be the most meaningful. I have watched him and learned from him and been encouraged by him and mostly I realized just how proud I was of my dad. Spending time with him was by far the best part of the journey. In the end, the scenery and getting in shape were what really turned out to be the added bonus.