Jolly Geography

Studying simple machines and labeling the simple machines we find in this compound machine - E. Rivers - February 09

Adair and Juliana looking for Welsh, Louisiana

E. Rivers Elementary kids say: "Please keep Michael going! Please donate - buy t-shirts and koozies!"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From: Julie Anne Jones <julie@julieannejones.com>

Date: Sat, May 2, 2009 at 12:28 AM

Subject: Sam, Eli & Julie had a cool week…

To: Julie Anne Jones <julie@julieannejones.com>

 

Happy May, everyone!

 

I just had to write and share an amazing experience the boys and I had this past week. We had a young man by the name of Michael Galardi stay with us for two days. He found us through a website community I joined last fall called Couch Surfing (www.couchsurfing.com) and contacted me in early April through that site.

 

He said he was biking through the lower 48 and was hoping to crash at our house for a few days at the end of April on his way through Washington State. I checked out his website and told him we’d be glad to have him. He arrived on Wednesday and left Friday morning.

 

This is a truly amazing young man. He’s 26 years old and one of the most positive people I’ve ever met. Prior to this undertaking, he hiked the Appalachian trail 2800 miles from Georgia to Canada. His motto is “Control nothing and nothing controls you” and “If there is always a positive and negative side to any situation, then why would one not focus on the positive?” He spent countless hours visiting with my boys, answering their questions and just being present and respectful of who they were and what they had to say. He spent an hour mesmerizing Eli’s 5th grade class, and just generally won the hearts of everyone he met here in town. And being from the south, he was totally polite and charming and just very easy to have around. We were all three sad to see him ride away on Friday morning but we know we’ll keep in touch. We all agreed this was a truly special experience and one we’ll never forget.

 

If you have kids (and even if you don’t), you owe it to them (and yourself) to sit down with them and go to http://www.jollygreenicemachine.com. It’s Michael’s website and has not only lots of information about him, but also photos and a blog about his ride so far as well as an educational section for teachers to incorporate his experience into the daily learning in their classrooms. They can actually follow his progress through his blog posts and study the geography, weather, etc. His message to and about young people is really inspiring. Make sure you check out the “about” page on his site. It’s very well written and interesting.

 

Just wanted share this amazing experience with all of you.

 

Julie

 

P.S. Michael has no sponsorship but he does have a donation tab on his website if you’re interested in supporting him.

 

Make it a great day!

 

Julie Anne Jones

Direct sales/party plan language & relationship-building specialist!

Phone: 509-526-3837

Direct Sales Success Made Easy Blog http://julieannejones.com/blog

Check us out on the Web! http://www.julieannejones.com

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Join my Facebook group http://groups.to/directsalessuccessmadeeasy

Join my LinkedIn Network http://www.linkedin.com/in/julieannejones

 

 

“JOLLY GEOGRAPHY” has turned into much more than simply geography –

PLEASE JOIN IN AND COMMENT WITH SOME OTHER IDEAS!

 

The “Jolly Geography” project has become so integrated with all concept areas that there is no one lesson plan – everything in bold letters is tied to the Georgia Performance Standards.

Aside from the maps, our class has a foam core board with the title: “Where’s Michael?” and we pin up pictures, articles we find on the computer, and artifacts Michael has sent.

 

The first item of business each morning is: 

          

1. Track Michael’s mileage and tape string along his route on a GIANT U.S. road/political map and a separate U.S. elevation map.

(types of maps, measuring miles, map scale – social studies and math)

2. The “leader” goes to www.weather.com to find out the weather in the city and tries to forecast tomorrow’s weather

(weather/climate – reasons for differences and how the physical geography impacts human systems and natural resources – social studies and science)

           3. We google places of interest Michael reports and print out the articles and state trivia – the students really like this! We discuss people he has met and some of his great experiences.

( places and people of interest, locations of states and regions, and history – social studies) (Georgia fourth graders learn Early American History – it is easy to integrate historical information and cultural differences in each state)

           4.  Our class started a unit on force, motion, and simple machines, so of course,

we drew Michael’s bicycle on a large poster board and labeled the simple machines that make up this compound machine. We included a discussion of force, motion, acceleration, velocity, friction, and inertia. The bicycle made it more interesting – physical science is not a strength of mine!

(simple machines – wheel and axle, gear, lever, screw plus force and motion -science)

            5.  We will begin average his miles per day – per week – per month, etc.

(averaging – math)

“Jolly Geography” made the Northside Neighbor in Atlanta

 

     PLANT A SEED – TEACH CHILDREN WAYS TO HELP THEMSELVES!

 

During a presentation to my fourth grade class at E. Rivers Elementary in Atlanta, GA, a student asked him, “Why are you doing this?”. Michael replied “It is a journey into the heart of America. It is intended to break the fears and inspire otheers to live their dreams. It is a journey to prove that the American dream is still alive and that love and compassion truly fuel our country. Through a healthy imagination a healthy reality is born”.

Our fourth grade class decided to create a project, “Jolly Geography”, and it is one where we follow Michael’s progress on a giant U.S. map integrating map skills, science, math, social studies, reading and life skills. He, in turn, keeps journals, mails us cool educational information about particular people and places he goes (Dolphin Research Center, New Orleans Aquarium, shells from the beach, Naval Air Museum in Pensacola, rice from the Bayou Country in Welsh, Louisiana, etc….). He also shares the weather, physical features of the land he travels and his occasional flat tires! The students look forward to hearing from him and it is a way for Michael to give back to the community! What a great connection!

Wil, Lex, and Miguel measuring miles

E. Rivers Fourth Graders

Aug 9th – 18^th, 2009  As I wrap up one chapter in my life, I know the end must be better than the middle, so I have some big shoes to fill…

Aug 9th                                                           Princeton, NJ

 I woke up to rain and asked if I could stay one more day. It was ok, so Blair and I had talked about a day at the movies, so we headed off to a  flick called “500 days of Summer “ which was a very cute story about thinking you have the one – only to realize that when trying to control love is like holding back the Mississippi River.  Over time it will tear you apart. Once again I am just set in my thinking that trying to control anything is human’s main downfall. That evening we had one last dinner and I planned to head for the coast for the Cape May ferry.

Aug 10th                                             Delaware

I left with all the family there and said goodbye. It was hard to leave them since they truly treat me like one of their own. I jokingly asked to sign the papers to become an official Lamb. I decided to use the shortest distance option on MapQuest and I was so pleased with the ride. New Jersey is highly underestimated in its beauty and I think because of its large cities people give it a bad name. Remember it is the Garden State and it lives up to that name. I went through the blueberry capital of the US and then the pine barrens which is a beach forest of endless pines. Even the coast was wonderful. By 4pm I had 107 miles under my belt and arrived at the ferry right on time. The ride was 80 minutes across the bay in to Lewis the first city in the first state of Delaware. It is just crazy how big this bay is and like the Mississippi River they let me walk on board first. The ride was a joy and I talked with many of the crew and guests. Once on the shore of a new coast I headed on waving good bye to my new friends. I made it an hour or so and camped in a new subdivision off the one heading north for Maryland. Delaware is nice because of its small size and its flatness.

Aug 11th                                              Maryland

If today was a golf tournament, mine would be over. I was just not into my game. It was not that it was a bad day – it has just been so hot. It is too bad having this type of weather at the end – like wearing a wet blanket all the time, but I say it allows me to appreciate all that I have had and I truly am having fun battling the elements. I would also say that I am eating like a girl that just got her heart broken. As I was just guessing my way into north Maryland I ate at several places. I truly think that it is just the overwhelmingness of the completion of my trip. It’s not that I am scared to be down, it is just hard to fathom the past and the future. Like my wise turtle said in “Kung Fu Panda” – yesterday is history and tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift so that is why it’s the present. It’s so true if one stays in the past too long it’s like a warm bath that soon goes cold – you can’t stay in forever. I must just love where I am and what I do. I did finally get the idea to MapQuest again at a library in Rising Sun because I really was just guessing roads and once again it did me right with an excellent right to the 11 which went into West Virginia. I made it to a big bay bridge after battling two dogs with my “water bottle sword”. It was two on one and I was not going to lose. I slept behind a sign and had some fishermen guests that were nice. I must say ever since passing through New York City I have noticed a thread of underlying rudeness. It’s not that people have been mean, but there is just a sense of hesitancy at my approach that I never experienced in the West or Midwest. I just think people live closer together and because of that, this sense of selfishness and accepting kindness is harder for the “East Side of the U.S. The kids have been more of a nuisance too. I have yet to put my finger on the issue but I will meditate on it till I do.

Aug 12th                                             West Virginia – Virginia

I headed back into the Appalachians once again crossing over the AT in the rain. The day was beautiful climbing mountains and heading into West Virginia. Wow! It is moving so fast and I am doing my biggest push without a host. No worries just a little physical challenge in the end is good for the soul. I loved my camp spot and slept well on the border of Virginia and West Virginia.

Aug 13th

Today was a day of true laziness. I slept in till about nine thirty and then went through a small town where I got a “gas station breakfast” and set up in a laundromat where I found out I was on camera when I changed clothes which is a nice present for whomever! Look out internet! After that I went and got more food for my long push – I am on and pounded the weirdest mix of food to date. I had two pounds of yogurt, a tub of hummus, and a half gallon of apple juice. It was not more than twenty minutes before I was stopped again paying for that meal. Still all in all I made it almost 100 miles and even in my camp spot I just went off the side of the road. I was not tired. I am getting a weird feeling in my gut to know that I am so close to completing my journey. I did sleep like a baby though.

Aug 14^th

Once again I slept in and continued my slower movement to the end. I was in the Shenandoah Valley which is amazingly beautiful and I cannot stop my unnecessary food buying so I got a smoothie and found out the kid was about to do the AT also. I talked to him for about an hour giving him advice. I love seeing other kids heading off into something I know will change their lives. That evening I also ate at a Waffle House which I had been craving for some time and talked to the locals for a while. When I left there I made a quick decision to go away from the 11 to the 221 and boy was that a crazy road with cars flying by on small roads. I figured it was night traffic so I camped out in the woods and looked for a different way and saw the Blue Ridge Parkway nearby.

Aug 15th

I started out to revisit my past trip when I pedaled the whole parkway with some friends and boy was today some serious climbing. Still it was beautiful and was nice to trade the cars in for a nice date with Mother Nature. I remember why it was the Appalachians since the Parkway was climb after climb, but I loved the descents because of it. Still I was having a hard time remembering where I was on my past trip during this time until I came across the 8 and saw the motel we stayed at on our trip. I decided I had to eat there and went in. Would you believe that in about a minute I realized my waitress was the same girl as when I was there with six friends in 07?  She still had a drawing two friends and I gave to her. She said she had talked about us the day before I was there to another group of bikers. It was so crazy but since the cool experience had happened I felt memory lane was complete and decided to keep on the 8 which had a fun three mile descent up ahead. It was still a very hilly day but beautiful in the same and soon I was in Winston Salem, North Carolina. I was about to get a motel as a present for myself plus I was about a day away from Greenville, South Carolina anyway and needed some alone time. I went to a Marriott because I like their customer service. One time I left a wallet in a taxi and the hotel found it and went out of their way to find me and get it back in my hands, so please stay with them if you are ever looking. Robert, the door guy, told me the room was 90 dollars. This was way out of my price range. Still I asked nicely if I could use a computer and get directions to Greenville for my last map questing. I thanked him, headed out of town and stopped at a gas station for dinner. There was a couple there that asked what I was doing but even though they were very clean looking something was off. They asked if I wanted to stay with them but I was getting that gut feeling so I kind of blew them off. It is just weird to me if you are nicely dressed with a lot of cologne and are sweating something is up. Anyway, I found a great spot and slept well in my tarp where I am always safe.

Aug 16th                                             Greenville, SC

 I awoke to another hot day but wanted to make Greenville. I had a mission but it was about 160 miles away. I rode all day stopping in a few spots to eat and slowly made South Carolina. It was some fun back roads and I was out with the motorcyclists. As I pounded 2 pounds of yogurt and five muffins I called my aunt, Camille and they wanted to meet me in Spartanburg for dinner. By seven I was there with 140 miles behind me - I am not sure where these miles went but I was booking it. I also knew I was in SC when I saw a family in a van selling samurai swords out of the back. I would have taken a picture but storms were all around. It reminded me of this crack head I knew in Atlanta that sold fruit baskets. It was too funny! I made it and not soon enough. My butt was about to quit – I had gone a week and almost 1000 miles since Princeton, NJ and was excited to be close to the border of Georgia and know I would see the family. If there is anything this trip has taught, which is a lot, is don’t worry. It has also made me really appreciate my own family. There is something special about the ones close that I knew but never clearly saw. Camille, Frank, Caroline, and Meredith Wingate and I had dinner and shared stories. It was an early night but then I watched bad TV till like 4 in the morning- something is wrong with me!

Aug 17th                                             Greenville, SC

This was a fun day with a blast from the past in many ways. The first thing I did was go get new socks because after almost 8 months my wool socks died and I was wearing cotton which smelled so bad (my aunt Camille insisted!). I have finally solved the problem of my smelly feet – it’s smelly cotton. So I needed to get something else. We went to a triathlon store and I picked up some awesomely ugly USA socks which will do great for my last seventy miles into Gainesville, Georgia for my pop’s (Bill Galardi) birthday. The next part of the day was when the revisiting of the past began and I was so excited. “Coconut Monkey”, one of my friends from the trail, came over to the Wingate’s. It was so good to see him – he brought his wife and cute kid. I could not believe the change. Well, not in him -he looks the same but in his life. We laughed, talked, and watched the little one act just like him and then he invited me to dinner later which I said yes. Then I was off to my second ghost of Christmas past when I went to Meredith’s high  school orientation. It was crazy being back in the high school crowd and I have to say they are looking “small” – does that mean I am getting old? It was fun though and I was impressed with the school and the kids. We are entering a strange time with kids in high school – they have all the open information which I think is great, but it is making them realize that the idea of a teenager is made up causing confusion in their heads when most parents will not let them grow up – leading to rebellion and bad behavior. It’s a cycle that is getting faster and scarier. After that and a pretty clear idea I would not do that chapter again. I was off to dinner for some more fun with the “monkey”. He wants me to do the PCT (Pacific Coast Trail) with him in 2012 or 13 and I must say I am into the idea. We talked some more over amazing bbq and then said good bye. I am also so amazed at the cuteness of Greenville and really like the town. I had no idea!

 Aug 18th

Today was a simple day with relaxation and calmness around every corner. I did get to go see Meredith swim and check out the town out in the daylight which was nice. The bridge that is a suspension bridge on one side is great and the whole feel of Greenville reminded me of the west and its excellent clean up of the downtown area. I am having a family spaghetti night and then it’s time to head into Georgia and finish what I set out to do. I am a little nervous about going back but who am I kidding – there is no going back in life. We are like flowers and if you stop blooming you’re dying and I am not ready for that. Plus the end of a book must be the best part – the climax scene and this is only the beginning, so my life is destined for greater things.

Worrying about what those are now will only keep me from experiencing them and like “Motormouth” said in Florida in the beginning of this trip ( he was the homeless guy) .

I, Michael Galardi, am a Doer not a Trier and I have biked all 48 states. Thank everyone for what they have done for me and much love. 

July 27th                               Buffalo, NY to Auburn, NY

So it was finally time to leave Buffalo, New York and it was not too big of a deal since I was seeing them all again in four days for Jeremy’s birthday. There was still a sense of moving out. We had all gotten along so great and I will miss Sunita’s, Tom’s and my nightly philosophizing. I followed Jeremy to my turn and then it was back off to what I know the best – the unknown. The day was great – I was pedaling along singing bad songs and thinking of ideas for whatever I would do next when – pop! I hit a rock and just knew what was next. That cheap wheel I had to buy back in Sandusky had ripped. It was not too big a deal, but a nice gentleman stopped with a pump and I noticed the last bike shop stole my adaptor for American pumps. I thanked him anyway and pumped it myself because it was good for my arms. I traveled through the state running next to the Finger Lakes. Upstate New York is one hilly place with sharp inclines everywhere, but I had missed it since I was out west so I loved the burn. In Geneva I looked to the left and saw a sign for a bike shop so I pulled in. The store said that was the second time the sign had worked for them with cyclists, so I told them they had a winner. They were great and super kind – (we even chatted about other bike shops especially the last one I left called Ricks – because they just walked away not really wanting to help). In no time they changed my tire into what I needed – the Bomber (right up my alley) and found that my chain had stretched. I found out this place is rated one of the best bike shops in the country and we chatted for awhile then I was off again. I made it all the way through Auburn and rested well. The mosquitoes were out but not too bad and I slept really well.

July 28th                               Auburn, NY to Esperance, NY

I awoke to slugs everywhere and moisture all over the place. I set off around 8 and had a fun task of meeting one of Jeremy’s friends for lunch. Brad was meeting me near his home in Waterville and I was off to be there as soon as possible. The hills were like the Grand Tetons and I am sure I was going well over forty mph. It was intense and I was dripping in sweat. Finally, I was there but there were no restaurants around that were open so we went to Richfield Springs only to find a Subway which works for me. We chatted forever and I was glad to watch a few of those hills pass me by. I am also excited because Brad is moving to Hawaii and you better believe I am visiting soon. After that I went in to Esperance and slept between two farmer’s properties. This night was worse than all the others with bugs. I was attacked and could not leave. I awoke like the last time at 4am.

July 29th                               Esperance, NY to  Marlboro, VT

I slept very lightly and at four a.m. could not move fast enough to get out of there. I was going mad trying to kill as many mosquitos as I could and get moving but stopped at a Stewarts gas station where they make their own ice cream and got a little breakfast and coffee to calm down. I was all smiles in no time. I was off for Vermont and soon was in a terrible city of Troy. If there is a good part I missed it and even then I must say I saw a character from ”Family Guy” with his face upside down in real life. I was going to ask someone what happened but there can’t be sunlight without rain, so maybe it was a beauty I just missed. The hills were getting bigger and soon I was in Vermont where I decided to treat myself to a second breakfast just because I love Vermont maple syrup. I am not even sure who decided that regular maple syrup tasted like Vermont’s but they were way off. I talked with all the staff and was in heaven. As I left I noticed the town had a familiar scent to it and soon realized why. I crossed the Appalachian Trail a few miles up and remember the day I was there on the trail like yesterday. It was so cool – I remember I had had this hitch back to the trail from some hippy New Yorkers and had a blast. I also had the thought that looking at the past was like climbing into a warm bath. It is good for a little while but if you stay in it too long it will go cold. I love remembering but the present is all we will ever have and it is where my life will choose to stay. As I snapped out of that thought and into the mountain and climbing it, it began to rain and then poured. I was actually loving it and just kept booing it on screaming down the descents like a mad man surfing in a hurricane. I finally came to Marlboro, Vermont (like the cigarettes) when a guy named Vincent pulled over and got out in the downpour and offered me a bed. I said sure knowing it was not going to stop raining and this was a lot better than a bridge so we were loaded and off. Vincent had done a 2800 mile ride back four years ago and had so many people help him he had to throw out a helping hand. It was great and made me smile thinking about how many I will help in the years to come. He even made me a steak dinner and taught me about Moose Fargle which is a super complex role playing game that changes based on whether you choose a good or bad path. It made me think and I have now realized that the path to good or evil is the same path to controlling things and not controlling things. In life control seems like the better path but it tricks us much like the dark side in Star Wars. It even seems easier and safer but at some point no matter what – that bubble can and will pop and that is why even though it seems hard at first we must learn to let go. Control nothing and nothing can control you. Once we look and learn what nature teaches us – our life will become easier. I am living proof of this and will talk with anyone about it. If we act like water we will get to where we need to go. My eyes were getting heavy and I was going to make Raymond, New Hampshire on time for Jeremy’s birthday. I was even going to beat them. I was excited to meet more of the family and so I slept very deeply listening to the rain and knowing I was dry and out of it.

July 30th                                           Marlboro, VT to Raymond, NH

I got up a 5am and Vincent made some breakfast. It was still raining but I was not worried  - in the rain you are focused on riding because what else is there to do. I hit the road after thanking Vincent again and soon was in New Hampshire on my way to Raymond. By 9am the rain was done and the sun rose. I ate lunch at a doughnut shop just drinking their tea which I know sounds weird but the slushy I wanted was $4 and they’re not getting that from me. Within no time I was there and I laughed a lot at the signs because they have the old man’s face on their road signs and when I was hiking the AT I was in the town where this was and it had fallen off. It was national news and I just laughed because it is a perfect example of my control point made earlier. Now this poor town and the whole state has to deal with leftover souvenirs and signs of crap for something they should of just enjoyed and not tried to exploit. By 3: 30pm I made it in and just like Jeremy; Doris and Rick are great with two kids that are wonderful too. We ate and laughed.

July 31st                                            Raymond, NH

We all awoke and it was like I never left Buffalo. It was so nice seeing everyone again and we laughed about my swift entry into New Hampshire. The day was once again very wet and all of us ate breakfast and got into the van and headed to Meredith Beach. We, of course, wanted a sunny day but you can’t yell at Mother Nature.  She has a much wiser plan and I learned what that was — we ate lunch and I won the top score of my favorite game Gallagher. That’s right – Mother Nature gives us all gifts and that was mine for the day. Skeet ball was fun too and Aunt Rosie was quite the player. We all left after Jeremy saw the beach was closed since he is such a fish – he wanted to swim even though the rain was making us all swim on our own. That night we all gathered around the table for some pizza and then got into a serious dice game called Moose Fargle. I lost but the fun made me feel like a winner anyway. That evening a few of us went for a moonlight walk and we were called “Raymond trash” – oh the silly boys that want to feel cool through their fears in life. It a shame to see but we all must learn on our own and I know that they have a very small shot of ever gathering the knowledge that we have. I was tired from all the excitement of the day and the amazing draining power of the rain earlier so I slept.

Aug 1st                                  Raymond, NH

I am seven months in and I started this day by jumping onto Jeremy for a thirtieth birthday smash. We all gathered for a huge egg and maple bacon breakfast and then got our act together for a day at Hampton Beach for a day of sun and fun. Rosie, Doris, and Sunita decided to do their own thing but Jeremy, Lisa, Stacy, Tony and I gathered in the van and jammed our way to the beach. The day was a lot of fun and the beach was quite the site with just thousands of people everywhere. We even had to turn into a full lot just to try to find a spot and we did. It was weird seeing the Atlantic Ocean again and a flood of appreciation flooded me thinking about all I have done. It was just overwhelming to think how far I have come and where I have to go, but the present is all I have got so I decided it was time for a swim. The water in the north is just as cold as the Pacific. I was in for a while and then caught one wave on the board and was done. I tanned for the rest of the day and got a little burned on the belly but it will be fine. The necklace that Jeremy gave me of the native vine from Hawaii broke and I turned it into ankle bracelets. Then I was told a great line  - you must never cry – you just need to modify and I loved it. We had to head back for there was a comedy show to attend and I do love live comedy. We made it for a quick bite and headed to the bowling alley because that is the biggest venue in Raymond. There is nothing like the energy of a live comedy show and it is amazing to see what laughter can do for the soul. We had our own table and one of the biggest jokes was where the comedians careers were going playing in Raymond but they were all really funny. The best was the fact that Rosie was asked to jump on stage and help and I think she was already up there before the guy finished asking. I am so glad this great group of people allowed me to be a part of their lives and I cannot wait to continue to see them. We came back for one more game of Fargle and then it was off to bed. It was weird how both a day of rain and sun both can put you to sleep but the rest was in the stars.

Aug. 2nd                              Raymond, NH

We awoke to the smell of blueberry pancakes! I think I am gaining weight on this trip than losing. All the young people headed up the coast and I got to see where I would be riding tomorrow. We went to Portsmith, NH and shopped and played. I bought some stones for my ankle that brought me strength and forced negativity away since I need all the help I can get. The area is full of history and even in one battle during the American Revolution the locals stole gun powder from the English to defeat them. It is also a nuclear sub refill station. We met Steve who runs a marina and a towboat company and he showed us around a multimillion dollar boat. It was so fun. We ended with some seafood from Saunders in Rye Harbor that matches the food back in Pensacola, Florida. I am ready to ride but will miss this new extended family I have gained. This is what I am out to find and these people have made my trip.  It just so happened that Brad was being too rushed and could not make the tool show in Manchester so I was very excited and got to take his ticket. The show was crazy and before it began Lisa and I made a new friend who ended up choking and head butting a kid that sat in his wife’s seat. I am not making this up and even though he should of just waited on his wife before he reacted he was in the right. They both were escorted out, but the big guy that did the fighting was booed. It just shows you how easy a group of people can be fooled by what they do not see. I knew the whole story and saw both sides but others did not and the one that was in the right was hated. It’s weird to think about how much this happens in our own lives. The show was quite the sight and all else went smoothly. We got home around 1 and found Brad sleeping in his car. Much love and peace.

July 18th                              Toledo, OH

 I was so excited for today was the day I got to venture to the Motor City- Detroit, Michigan. Peggy and I picked up a few of her friends and we were off. I must note that one friend had a beautiful home her mom left her with artifacts of her world travels. The home was stunning but at the same time very claustrophobic thinking about all that would have to be moved.  It is just this freedom one gains by not having things – it allows movement. I just think about my simplicity and how it translates into our language. The word DO is so short and sweet but holds more meaning than any other word I can think of. We think we can “do” because of our stuff and releasing that burden releases your soul. It the feeling you get when you clean out your room or car – you are just lighter.

Sorry about that -back to Detroit. I was so excited to see this city just one week before the last major super market shut down. Much housing is ripped of its copper and empty — poverty is in the rise and the only time people are downtown is for a sports game or a casino visit. When we arrived this is what I saw – a city that looks like it is dying and it’s sad. I had not felt this way since I was in the Indian reservations. We even stopped through some of the worst parts of Detroit. Still a low heart pulse remains and the city lives –we went to the concerts of color which is just a small view on what Detroit could be. It was a connector of people from everywhere getting together to just hear music. It was an amazing time with music from around the globe. I even saw the man who wrote “Mustang Sally” perform his famous song. It was nice seeing a small part of a city in such need coming together in love and hope. After that long festival I was excited and ready to ride into Buffalo, New York to stay with Jeremy.

July 19th                                                         Toledo, OH to Sandusky, OH

Boy was I ready to hit the road -I left about ten and never looked back. My tire was low so I pumped it up and headed for a Kroger. After a purchase of a few dinners I noticed my wheel was flat again, so I changed the tire. All was well until I stopped in Sandusky for a water break and my tire was low again. I took a close look and my side wall of the tire was blown out. I asked Dan the attendant for a bike shop although it was Sunday. I thought about a motel but then it was only 5pm so I had plenty of sunlight to ask around for camping areas. I got some ice cream and then headed to the bike store to post up near there. Across the street was a diner called the Better HHalf Café. It was so cute being split into his side/her side. I sat and drank coffee just picking up conversations with locals wherever I could and finally talked with three people for about an hour. Luckily, they had a friend in the police department that told them I could sleep in the park. I was thrilled as they left and they told me where to get some good local fish –perch – so I headed out and ate where I was told. I finally got back to the park and it over looked Lake Erie.  The lake is stunning because of its unbelievable size. To my right was Cedar Point which is rated one of the best amusement parks in the world and I sat for hours just pondering and watching the sunset. I am amazed at my level of patience just sitting in silence. I crave silence now. My mind is at peace with all because the present is all we have. We live in this world that happens with or without us and all we have to do is participate and enjoy. The situations are there no matter what, but we get to choose how we react to them – good or bad. It was such a joy and as people left I rested and slept through the night.

July 20th                                             Sandusky, OH to North Perry, IN

I managed to sleep in the park without bother. I still left at about six in the morning as I saw walkers begin their daily exercise. I decided to take up the local’s advice and head to the Better Half Cafe for some breakfast. It was a wonderful place and Julie, my waitress, was just so bubbly that we chatted till 10:30 with locals chiming in here and there. Finally, it was time to get my tire changed and hit the road by about eleven. I went and hugged Julie and was off. The day was just like any day -my back was still stiff but I rode and rode till dusk. I also was stopped by the nicest cop who just loved my trip and talked to me till he got a call. I told him that he too should hit the road, but as usual many worry about the daily tasks and responsibilities in their lives – but this guy still gets out on the road every once and awhile for a few weeks which in my mind is great. We all should travel – it quiets the mind and cleanses the soul. From one day to a few months – it is all the same – the important thing is that we all find out who we really are through travel and I hope everyone can do it someday. I have to note though that I saw the most beautiful fox just watching me on a railroad track. I contemplated what that meant or if he was a spirit animal of mine but nothing came up other than my day was great. I camped by what I thought was a closed down dump site and slept great.

July 21st                                           North Perry, IN to Buffalo, NY

I woke up about 6:30am to rain slowly coming down. Now most the time in these situations I roll over and sleep, but today was different. Something told me to move on plus I could make Buffalo, New York today and I was excited about meeting Jeremy. As I quickly packed up in the rain, the closed down dump site was not that at all and a huge truck came out of the gates. I was like a deer in head lights but soon the driver told me “no worries and I had till nine” before the boss got there. I was on the road by seven and the rain lasted all day. I pedaled through Pennsylvania and then into New York hitting my 34th state – I was flying and I think the rained helped because what else is there to do in the rain. I had talked to Jeremy and as I was about 15 miles out of Buffalo, I suddenly saw a car that I took notice of coming over the hill. It was Jeremy yelling at me to stop which I did. We met and I have to say were friends in no time. He told me about some flooded roads and said he had to get me out of that and even skipped a meeting for me – a total stranger. We hit it off from the start with story after story. He got me some Chinese food and the next thing I knew I was watching him play indoor hockey eating a wonderful meal. I also was introduced to loganberry soda which had an amazing flavor. The game was so much fun to watch and even though they did not win, all I could think about was how one really learns best from failure. It is then important to learn how to succeed from that. That night we hung out with his two roommates, Tom and Sunita. Tom is his cousin and an amazing carpenter and Sunita is an Indian going for her doctoral degree in education. I loved the story of how she came into the house because Jeremy had met her son out one day and a friendship was born. I also was told stories of Puerto Rico and already was asked to go down and stay whenever I liked. I really think if they go down in January, I would like to go and help them rebuild a house for which he was given charge for a great kindness he gave the lady that owns the land. I was told I could stay as long as I liked, so I accepted and really wanted to get my lower back feeling better before I headed out. We retired to bed because and I was so happy to be with a couch surfer that I truly enjoyed again.

July 22nd                                                                    Buffalo, NY

I woke up and was off for my day of touring the city solo. I started off with the shipyard that housed two warships and a submarine. The self guided tour rocked because it was at my own pace and I ended up going the wrong way. These boats were crazy and much like the air museum back in Pensacola I was amazed and saddened by the advanced technology that comes with warfare. It is just so crazy to think about the fact that technology is always 30 years ahead of what the public knows about and scary to think about where it is today with things moving so fast. I finished my tour and headed to city hall where I walked in and asked if I could go to the top. The man at the desk told me to run up there and I did.  To my surprise as I entered I was closed in by a red ribbon and some scissors. To my left was a podium with about 15 mikes set up and a large group of people all dressed up. I got in the back and listened and it was the grand reopening of the city hall tower. The mayor and his whole “team” were there with the TV crews and I just watched. I guess my amazement showed because after the ceremony a gentleman name David, who was the head of economic development, introduced himself and asked how long I had lived there. I told him the funny story and next thing I know I am meeting everyone and taking pictures with the mayor of the city. I got interviewed by NPR and even got an article in the Buffalo Rising. It was wild – the next thing I know David showed me the city and told me the amazing history of Buffalo making me realize how great and highly underrated this city really is. It’s rich in history and culture and working hard to be a progressive place for future generations. The experience put a smile on my face all day.  I really just wandered the city checking out the art and culture for the rest of the day.  The day became really spectacular when we went to Niagara Falls. All I can say is “wow – they are just amazing”. It is hard to even wrap your head around the amount of water that falls every five minutes – I think it is almost a billion gallons. We then went down to the base of the falls onto hurricane deck where the water just blows you back with force. It was magical moving and a memory hard to forget. We were there so long night fell and then Canada blasted colored changing lights onto the falls making a spectacular show of colors. It is the type of place you almost get emotional about realizing the beauty in America. That night we retired home to a movie about surfing and I was so moved by this travel bug that I have I almost forgot about the boats at the beginning of this full day.

July 23rd                                             Buffalo, NY                

I went to work with Jeremy who runs what I think is “like a model agency for construction workers”. He wanted me to talk to Real, who was a ghost writer, and we hit it off from the start. It was exciting to see all these doors open in such a short time and I was amazed at a story Jeremy told me about how the day he told friends he was biking the country I had e-mailed him. It’s just great to think about how we are a product of our situations and if you put positive things out there you will get positive things back. Real asked us to come to dinner because the people he was staying with did a “sea to sea” trip and Real was writing their book. The rest of the day I took Jeremy’s car and relaxed until that night when I picked him up and met his wonderful family for some fine wings and pizza. Later that night after playing, talking, and eating, we returned home to the best political talk I have had in a while. It is a scary time in our history but much like the idea that the world was flat, a new idea can be born and in the end I know I will be ok and I hope others follow in the same mind set. It is a time where we need to know that all we have is each other and as we were a country built on “WE THE PEOPLE” , we should come back to that by being kind to others and loving ourselves. I slept well and my back pain was still there but getting a little better.

 July 24th                                            Buffalo, NY

I once again was able to use the car which was so nice of Jeremy  and I loved driving it. I have to remember though that it is against the law to talk on the cell phone, but that’s not too hard and I think a good law. I am helping Tom out by picking up a window and decided to go to this other bike store because the one I went into the other day was full of  rude people and rude people make me not want to spend money. Bert’s Bike Shop was great and in a matter of seconds the whole crew and I were chatting it up having a grand old time. I went and got the window with success and then picked up Jeremy from work. We waited onTom and loaded the kayaks into his truck. We were going to Real’s house for dinner to meet the biking Swedes. They were so kind and made a great Swedish meatball. The conversation was excellent and after dinner we loaded the kayaks and went for an hour long night ride on the Erie Canal. The water was like glass and blue herons flew everywhere. It is hard to believe this river like canal was all manmade. The paddle was very nice and to chat on such calm terrain was an experience in itself. We came back in and talked for awhile more. The day was full and fun. I cannot wait to read the story of their ride and see the differences. From our talk I already know there are a lot of differences. As we went home Jeremy and I got a second wind and decided to pick his brother up and go party. It was a fun time – telling people I was a pro surfer until I talked and could not keep the lie going. I feel secrets keep you sick but it was all in good fun. I even got kicked out of a place for not dressing right which cracked me up. We had a good old time and retired to a steak sandwich joint where some drunken kids took my picture as though I was Jesus for their face book picture. We came home about 4am and passed out.

July 25th                                             Buffalo, NY                

This will be my last full day here. We slept in then went and got some breakfast. Jeremy is an amazing drummer and his skateboard company has a great look. I even am wearing his shirt and have been asked all about it. I guess blue is my color. We are going to go swimming in the Great Lakes and then go to the race track to bet on some horses. Tom cannot wait because he thinks my newness will bring him luck. I sure hope it brings all of us some. My stay has been so amazing that I am heading to New Hampshire next to stay with Jeremy again at his aunt’s house. I have made a brother on this trip and can’t wait for our next adventure.

We ended the evening with going to Igor’s birthday party out at a local joint. We had a blast hanging out to two in the morning. The group was amazing and we had some good laughs about the current state of affairs in our government which is healthy when things get bad. It’s a way to cope especially in this day and age when we see problems that are scary. Anyway that night we ended once again at the local grease joint and then rested.

July 26th                                                         Buffalo, NY

I decided to stay one more day with the idea of strawberry pancakes with Jeremy’s aunt! We sat and talked till about  five and I came back to help clean up a bit. Jeremy has been the most amazing host and I will be heading to New Hampshire to stay with him again. Much love and peace.

The elevation map helps us focus on physical features plus we are forecasting the weather for Michael!

in the fact it had been so long since I road in it

Article II.      ‘Jolly Geography’: Bicyclist makes a stop in Freeport