Day 2 started off with the climb to Mount Washington. Not for the light of heart! Needless to say it is probably the slowest 16 mile bike ride EVER! Oh but what a thrill it was and what a way to start the day!
We decided on our route over lunch following some recommendations from other bikers we met on our way to the summit. The guys from Pennsylvania recommended our chosen route and we were not disappointed. We traveled the rest of the day along the Connecticut River which borders Vermont and New Hampshire. It follows the river through small towns with stretches of rolling hills and many turns between them. We seemed to miss the rain clouds running ahead of us. Temps ranged from 11 degrees (at the summit) to 28 degrees in Vermont in the late afternoon. We stopped in Rutland for the night and decided to use leg power to carry us to supper. The walk and the fresh air a great way to end the day and enjoy the evening.
As we rode along the river, giving in to solitude at times, thoughts had a way of finding their way in. Before this trip we had many discussions on whether this would be about the destination or about the journey. Neither of us could decide really, not that we were in disagreement just that it seemed that the trip could be both.....hence the title! Today I decided for myself what this trip meant to me, strangely so had Larry. We both agree, for the same reasons, that this is definitely all about the journey. Each to our own thoughts with like mindedness. Who would have thought! If we had traveled with only the destination in mind, we would have chosen a different route and maybe a different mode of getting there. We really only had two destinations in mind, one of which we conquered today. The other is still another 3-4 days out. Without understanding or realizing, we have been choosing our route with the journey in mind, not one of stops at museums and parks. We chose the path less traveled and believe me there is not a lot of traffic! We chose this route for the sheer pleasure of riding, the scenery and the freshness of the air. This is the perfect elixir, intoxicating and detoxicating at the same time. Each day something else to look forward to, new scenery, more winding roads and solitude - not from each other, but together, in our thoughts......and corny jokes.
Tomorrow I will tell you more.......about the journey.
I climbed Mt Wash 35 years ago....in a car.....in the rain and fog. I couldn't see my hand in front of my face. It sounds like you had a much better experience. Here's hoping for more wonderfully zen days down the road. Take care and ride safe. T
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