First an update on the trek: we rode 47 miles up and over a big ridge and then upstream to New Meadows. For the first time since the Portland Metro, road traffic is a focus as we are on a major commercial artery with much truck and camper traffic. The highway was almost certainly not nearly as busy when the TransAm route was established decades ago. As we plan to be on this road for another two days we hope to mitigate against the traffic (and the heat) by starting very early in the mornings. We are now 650 miles into our journey and continue to hit our marks.

Reflections from Joe:

Sixty five years ago I was born in New York City (population about 7 million) on this date, and today I am in New Meadows, Idaho (population 362). I am very grateful to be here.

My good friend Chris Randall said it’s difficult to remember where we were on birthdays, even milestone ones, but that I’ll always remember this one. I think he’s right. I’m very grateful to Chris and Mary Ann for making this trip possible, as I probably would not have done it alone, and it’s clear to me now that doing a trip like this alone would be very risky. I’m also grateful to Becky for her unflagging support of my dream of crossing the county by bike.

Music is often playing in my head, the song playing at any moment selected subliminally by what I’m experiencing. There’s a lot of Chuck Berry on the playlist, especially on a road trip where lines such as “When I was motorvatin’ up over a hill” and “Rain water flowin’ all under my hood / Knew that was doin’ my motor good” perfectly capture the moment.

But the majority of the “playlist” consists of Bob Dylan songs, in part because the work is so vast and varied there’s a line which seems to suit every eventuality.

Today Dylan’s “New Morning” was playing a good part of the day:

“Today’s the day when all my dreams come true. / So happy just to be alive, underneath this sky of blue…”

On this New Morning, in the fortuitously named town of New Meadows, I am so fortunate to be alive and experiencing all we are experiencing. I am grateful for health, grateful for my wonderful wife, for our three adult children, two fabulous sons-in-law, and our six grandchildren we are so proud of … and grateful for all of you, family and friends.

I’m glad this birthday was so different because I hope it marks the opening of a new chapter.  I wish Becky could have been here too but she arranged a cake and champagne and was here in spirit.  My heart is filled with gratitude.   

Time to go climb some hills with Chris and Mary Ann!   Van Morrison’s playing in my head now;  lines about smelling the sea,  feeling the sky, and letting our souls and spirits fly.