Goodbye America

My trip is now at an end. It is tIme to go home, back to reality!!!
A last word to say thank you to all the wonderful people I have met, far too many to mention in person, but you all know who you are. These encounters across the country with cyclists and others, have really made this trip special. I also thank the people from home that have offered such great support and messages along the way. It has been really great to know people are interested and supportive.
Here are a few final shots from my NY week.

New York

Wow, this is different.
What a week. Started off with meeting up with my family.
Clare, Greg, Elizabeth and Abby who have taken the time to join me for the week and Peter and my Mum who made this journey for the weekend. What a time we have had, busy and tiring but very good fun.

Seattle

My second and final visit to Seattle. Staying with Spencer and Sheila my generous warm shower hosts. On arrival I took advantage ( on my hosts recommendation) to visit Pike's place market (supper of a clam chowder bread bowl), the space needle ( i rode to the top) and the Chihuly ( a glass artist) exhibition.
The next day I enjoyed a cycle around the city (26 miles) with my hosts, a wonderful way to get to know Seattle.
Then to the packing, time to dismantle and pack the bike and get ready to fly to New York.
Photos, Clam Chowder bread bowl, the needle, a very beautiful glass display and my hosts with me and their tandem.

Grand Canyon Day Three

Up at 5.30am for an early start, our final four and a half miles of ascent up to the south rim. Quite tough as our legs ( particularly calves) are pretty sore after the three days of trekking. As we got closer to the top the sparseness of other people diminished. Most people visiting the canyon only come to the rim or maybe venture down a mile or two. According to Dan only one percent of visitors go to the bottom of the canyon.
Finally we reach the top and celebrate with a milkshake, before Dan drives us back to Flagstaff for our bus back to Las Vegas.

Grand Canyon Day Two

Started our day just after 8.The day began with a two mile hike along the Colorado river before starting our ascent up the Angel trail to Indian Garden (approximately half way to the top) where we camped for the night.
We saw our first live rattle snake of the trip tonight, it has taken up residents in the campsite. Making the nearest residents a little jumpy, but we are told that it will not bite unless provoked. Although we need to be particularly careful walking to the toilet as a rattle snake making consider being trodden on a provocation. This particular type of rattler is a dusty pink colour, matching much of the environment here.
Our guide suggested that we could have a further trek out this evening of three miles to a place called 'plateaux point'. A rock plateau directly two thousand feet above the Colorado river, not a place for the feint hearted. So off we went to plateaux point.
Dan our guide cooked us dinner under the stars, we were the only people out there, quite an amazing experience.

Grand Canyon. Day one

Picked up at 5am by Dan, our Guide for the trip. We then drive from Flagstaff to the south rim of the canyon to start our downward trek. Today's trek down the kaibob trail is seven and a half miles to the bottom of the canyon to stay at Angel campground by Phantom ranch.
Phantom ranch is the only accommodation ( and fairly basic) at the bottom of the canyon and usually requires about a year's notice to get a cabin.
We need to carry a pack each for this trip, which includes all our water for the day, plus our camping equipment, food etc.
The kaibob trail is a reasonably hard hike (all down hill on rugged rock), we manage quite well considering the temperatures are well over 100 by the time we reach the bottom.
The views are spectacular, alongside flowers, cacti and mules we also see a condor coasting in the updrafts.
Mules are used to transport everything in and out of the canyon either pack mules for supplies or dude mules for people. Tomorrow we start the nine and a half mile trek back out, which we will do in two days.

Flagstaff

If you ever plan to motor west,
Travel my way, take the highway that is best.
Get your kicks on route sixty-six.

It winds from Chicago to LA,
More than two thousand miles all the way.
Get your kicks on route sixty-six.

Now you go through St Louis,
Joplin, Missouri,
And Oklahoma city is mighty pretty.
You see Amarillo,
Gallup, New Mexico,
Flagstaff, Arizona.
Don't forget Winona,
Kingman, Barstow, San Bernandino.

Won't you get hip to this timely tip:
When you make that california trip
Get your kicks on route sixty-six.

Las Vegas

What a town! I have had 24 hours here, great fun. Our day included a ride on a roller coaster, a walk down the strip, a little gambling, a swim, and a show ( an illusionist called Cris Angel).
Ride down the roller coaster was great fun and scary( both decided ),no need to repeat this experience. The walk down the strip was extremely hot(temp over 100), fascinating experience, road, casinos and people.
The gambling ( never experienced before) was fun, I played blackjack and a couple of slot machines, ended the day $30 up. Illusionist allegedly mega tv star, clever tricks, but both unsure it was worth the $70 ticket price.
Look at the strange tan!!!

Day 88

Do you recognise the skyline??
Yes it's Seattle.
5127 miles in total.

Time to put the bike to one side( for a few days at least).
Now for the next stage of my trip. Las Vegas for 24 hours, followed by a trek down the Grand Canyon, back to Seattle for a bit more sightseeing and then to New York.

Day 87

What a fabulous day ( and no cycling). Walked up Shriner pass (3434 ft climb and 8 miles round trip) to spectacular views of Mount Rainier. Joined Marse and the excellent company of her walking group. Days walk followed by a few chores(haircut for one) and a most enjoyable Thai meal. Off to Seattle tomorrow, the last 40 miles of cycling.

Day 86

Bremerton to Tacoma via Poulsbo, yes I know that is the other direction, but I thought I would just go there for a coffee ( 54 miles) of local countryside and a ferry ride across the bay.
With Marse and her book group tonight, good company and excellent Turkish cooking to go with the theme of the book they had read.
Slight change of plans, Marse has invited me to join her walking group tomorrow for a hike onto the Shriner peak in the Mount Rainier national park. I first saw this snow capped mountain as I came south today, it dominates the view even though it is 2-3 hours drive away. This was an opportunity I couldn't miss so a bit of juggling with arrangements and a 6am start.

Day 85

101 miles from Raymond to Bremerton. I think I got a bit carried away, but as I have never cycled more than 100 miles in one day I am quite pleased with myself.
Celebrated with motel. I am only across the bay from Seattle, but am going to cycle back to Tacoma tomorrow to stay with Marse and pick up my bike bag before heading into Seattle from the other side of the bay.

Day 84

On to Astoria the final point on the TransAmerica route a photo at the official end on the banks of Columbia river.
Scrumptious lunch with Christopher, then a parting of the ways as I continue on journey to Seattle.
Crossed the Columbia river (3 mile bridge), into the final state of the cycle, Washington.The route took me along the bank of the Columbia, very picturesque. Then through the Washington countryside alongside Willapa bay to a small town call Raymond where I am camping for the night.

Day 83

State park to Seaside (about 30 miles) not much of an effort. Major beach volleyball tournament with hundreds of games( weird to experience). Tomorrow last day of official route (20 miles to Astoria) then I am on my own.

Day 82

Neskowin to Nehalem state park ( 75 miles) continuing my journey northward on the Oregon coastline, picturesque, but a little chilly. The coast is considerably cooler than inland, which is a bit of a shock after the temperatures we have experienced.

Day 81

Look, what we've found!!! It's the Pacific, hidden in the mist at Neskowin. We have reached the coast, although not at the end of our route, we have now cycled coast to coast USA. We are very pleased with ourselves and celebrated with a night in a motel and a pizza.

Day 80

Goodbyes to Martin in Eugene. Then a ride to Rickreall 71 miles. Tomorrow we turn towards the coast. Camped in the county fairground with the permission of the sheriff. The annual county fair takes place here over the next few days. We wondered in and had a sneak preview of some of the livestock. Some very strange looking goats and a large assortment of rabbits, sheep and pigs. Plus some wilder looking inmates.

Day 79

An uneventful but pleasant cycle to Eugene (52 miles). Staying with Jen and Clare( warm shower hosts). Very nice evening enjoying a barbecue and glass of wine on their patio. Christopher and I set off on the final few days to Astoria tomorrow and Martin sets off to Florence. Our hosts with two of Jen's many bikes.

Day 78

Only 42 miles today, Sisters to Mckenzie bridge via the last pass of the trip. Over 2000 feet of climbing to reach the summit. Our day took us over the spectacular Cascade mountains and through the lava fields of the three sister volcanos.
Our climb was followed by over 4000 feet descent over 20 miles. To camp at Mckenzie bridge before a relatively easy day to Eugene. We will be staying with a warm shower host for our last night together as three. Martin is then spitting off to finish his ride in Florence and Christopher and I will continue up to Astoria.