“The house is, in its true essence, a grave for this world.” The Tuareg, the nomadic Berber people of the Sahara.
I have gotten too close to home, and its gravity is pulling me in. I am awake; it’s 5:30 a.m. and I’m trying to adjust to being at home tonight.
This tour was not the tour that I set out to ride. I began with excitement of riding gravel roads from the Mississippi River at the southeastern corner of Missouri to the Pacific Coast of Oregon. After many difficult days and some nearly impossible days, I switched gears and turned the corner so that I could have the time and energy to explore and enjoy the summer. I didn’t ride as much as I would have liked, but the days I did ride were wonderful.
At 7 a.m. I start packing the tent and sleeping gear. With these ready to load, I make breakfast. Nancy is moving her things into the car, and I load mine. We are ready for the long drive home.
We say goodbyes and wave with smiles as the car leaves for home.
It is now lunchtime. We exit the interstate for gas and food. Nancy is filling the car while Google restaurants. I find The Grill a half mile from the gas station. We go. The Grill is dog-friendly. The waitress comes to our table with a water bowl and two slices of bacon for Moe. Dog-friendly is an understatement!
I am juggling two choices on the menu. The waitress comes back to the table. I need to choose. The choice lands on my tongue. I order the Mac and Cheese with their house-smoked brisket.
This is where the logarithm breaks. This isn’t “you get what you pay for”. I got more than I paid for. This is a winner.
Back on the road with half the distance behind us.
Crossing the Hudson River south of Albany, NY.
We are now close to home, too close. The tour will soon be over. In fact, it is over now as we drive up the driveway. Nature has had three and a half months to thrive and take over the property. It would be a shame to step in now after all it has achieved.
We are tired. Moe and Inky have settled in and are sleeping comfortably. They feel at home. I feel restless. It will take a while before I adjust.