2014 The Final Day

            With the plane not taking off until 4:30 in the afternoon I found plenty of time to walk over to the Eiffel Tower and later to buy several gifts.  There was one final foul up as I tried to retrace my steps back to the unfamiliar Metro stop.  With all the construction the entrance was well hidden and I missed it easily.  I walked several long blocks before acknowledging the mistake. 

            The Metro led to the bus that led to the airport.  Like on arrival I was ushered from one end to the other.  I had a window seat and shared a row with one other gentleman.  Eleven hours later I was welcomed back to the good old USA with a warm smile from Joe Williams.

Final thoughts.  This trip was not the “shock and awe” trip of 2013.  Buying the bike and visiting Paris with Isabelle could never be duplicated.  This was a very different adventure topped by being with Aaron for the first several weeks.  Sleeping under the stars and meeting fellow adventurers made camping very special.  How often does one meet someone who has been to both the North and South Poles?      

The biking was out of this world.  Finding a new wheel halfway through erased 99% of the anxiety.  At the same time I lost the chance of meeting those wonderful people in the bike shops.  Not being part of the regular tourist trade, they still acted with the utmost courtesy toward a foreigner who could not speak the language.  They patiently translated my wild gesticulations as if they were the Sioux in Lakota country.

            The staff in the markets, super or small, reflected the same helpful attitude.  Whether asking for the sandwiches or plastic ware they often would take me by the hand and lead me to the correct areas.  

            Aaron and I commented on the helpfulness of the people working in the Tourist Offices.  This continued after he left.  In the smaller towns they might only see one or two Americans per summer.  Their ears really perked up when they heard that I was from California, the land of glamorous movie stars.  They were more than ready to practice their craft before the trickle of tourists turned to a flood on the first of July.

            Aaron and I agreed that trips like these are not for everyone.  Most important is to spoon good out of a bad pot; to transform a missed turn, a closed campground, a weed filled campground, or a rainstorm into an opportunity for an exciting adventure.

            Lastly, words can never adequately describe what passes between Isabelle, Marie Line, and me.  They are simply the best of friends and will reside in my mind and in my heart until my very last breath.

            Much joy!!!

            Hardy