KICK AT THE DARKNESS TILL IT BLEEDS DAYLIGHT

   Those dark places are temporary. That's what you tell yourself, or try to. After 3 days of loneliness it’s shocking how, for no reason, you can just be out of a funk. Usually the therapeutic way is come up with goals, something to give you a reason. But sometimes all it is is just putting one foot in front of the other. Or in my case, just one more pedal stroke. Being outside I think helps me the most and the obvious change of scenery. Getting over physical exhaustion probably helps in a weird way or maybe it exacerbates the low feelings. Not sure but it sure leads to a lot more sleeping. After ending 3 tough days in the dump, the next few proved to be quite the opposite. And as this adventure continues, I’m sure the rollercoaster of emotions will continue.

The draw of the wife and dogs is always there. And of course, friends and family. But I’ve been adapting to life on the road. Having people to stay with now is a definite asset and not sure I’d have the same attitude if things were less. Warmshowers has been mixed at best for finding a place but I still scored 4 nights with great folks. There is something inherently different about folks that host. They are more open and definitely less scared about others. I’ve heard it so many times from people that learn about it for the first time, “Why would you let strangers in your home?” “How do you know they aren’t thieves or murderers?” “Aren’t you SCARED?” No I’m not fucking scared. It’s such a shame that those who have the most have the most to fear. The deep paranoia that runs through this country is quite unsettling. But it’s great to have organizations and people that counter the fear. It’s amazing some people get out of bed with their view of the world.

Therefore FEAR leads to SUFFERING

Recently listened to an Invisabilia episode entitled "Fearless" (For those that you that haven't heard this show, I would put it right up there with 'This American Life'). It started off with a Vermont town that studied children’s behavior when adults weren’t around decades ago. They revisited the same town which has managed to stay virtually the same after so long. Well it turns out many of the kids that were studied back in the 70’s are now still living in the town with their own families. Except they have been driven to erase the childhood they once enjoyed for one of paranoia and shadowing their kids. Crime is barely a concern in this town but yet many feel that there are strangers around every corner waiting to grab a kid. So the helicopter parent is here till this unwarranted fear subsides. Along with how terrible kids are because of their sheltered lives. It’s the same on the road, many folks adding their 2 cents about how dangerous it’s out there. Had a few people ask if I was carrying protection, psst you know a gun. What the HELL! Get over it folks, the world isn’t that bad. Hell it’s really quite wonderful and friendly if you just stop making it out to be the opposite. You reap what you sow.

So I counter by kicking at the fear. Personally and socially. I refuse to become a fearful person scared of every ‘what if’ out there. That’s the beauty of such an adventure, you are forced to face old and new fears. From loneliness to dealing with hostile drivers. Oh do get afraid at times, like the nights wild camping not knowing much about the area. But you eventually fall asleep and it doesn't matter, wake up fine. Slowly as you confront each obstacle you get over it and it's less of a hurdle next time. I'm not saying I'm going to run around with antlers in this area during hunting season, that would be, well funny in a way, but stupid. There are some sane choices I make but based on low odds not that something is a possibility. Time to get busy living.

The other experience that was a bit uplifting, I finally hit some dirt. Uplifting in the challenging sense. 18 miles of loose gravel, washboard and babyheads. Nothing like a couple of hours of wear and tear on the body to feel alive again. Plus a great shake up for the rig which did fine. Though riding a 100 lb bike in these conditions and mostly uphill can lead to not only smiles but dirty teeth with the trucks coming by often enough. The other thought was I felt like I was floating in a bowl of rice crispies as the snap, crackle, pop of the rocks and sand never ended.
After Ellensburgh, I stopped in the small town of Cashmere and the local brewery, Milepost 111. I sat at the bar to get insight of where to set up my tent (the riverbed right across the street). A gentleman later sat next to me and we shot the shit. He turned out to be a widower raising a young girl. Heartbreaking and encouraging at the same time. As I asked for my tab, the bartender said the gentleman already picked it up. See how when you least expect it, the world you see as going to hell is actually turning the other direction. So you can either be part of it or complain and do nothing. I choose to make it a better world reducing fear for when it is needed, when a life is on the line.
So off I go continuing into the heart of Eastern Washington farmland on my way to Spokane. Till my next thoughts and ramblings, PEACE AND LIVE THIS DAY LIKE IT'S YOUR LAST.

Travel Notes:

There is a dirt gravel road that connects Naches to Ellensburgh, WA . Near the top was an unusual site. In an area that was pretty arid, all of a sudden there was a swamp filled with wildlife, Umtanum Creek. Absolutely out of place in this environment. Wicked. Ellensburgh had a big rodeo going on Labor Day weekend that also features Dave Matthews playing at the Gorge. That was a huge missed opportunity. Iron Horse Brewery has a nice porter, Irish Death. Also had my first Warmshowers host, Gerard, and what a great experience. looking forward to more.
Ellensburgh also is dissected by the John Wayne Trail the longest Rail to trail conversion. It almost spans the state from east to west. 253 miles.
Cashmere is a sweet little town making differences to better walking and biking. Heck the town of 3,100 even has a skate park and pump track. Something my town of Redlands lacks with a population of 74,000. Bike lanes and bulb outs are also more common place in Cashmere. Sometimes smaller is better.
Wenatchee is another larger city that has more accommodations for vegetarians. It's tough in some of the little towns that don't understand not EVERYTHING has to have meat on it, especially salad It's funny when you order something you get "no meat?" "Yes, no meat"