Our journey from Michigan proved three things for us – traveling together with all our stuff for 5 months takes patience, perseverance, and prayer.
First, we managed to break down our tandem and get it packed up with other gear, and still keep each full sized suitcase under 50 lbs. (Thanks Rod for help and Bill and Tina for the space to do that for 3.5 hours).
With a soft roof case and a bike rack, all 4 of us fit with our bikes and gear into Devin’s Chevy Malibu for the 10 hour journey to Tori’s relatives near Rochester, NY. [patience/perseverence]
We then spent the next day tearing apart and packing up in boxes and cases all our belongings for 4-6 months (and bicycles) and managed to rent a vehicle that would fit all of us. *note: when renting, use your iphone technology to find gas stations and do the filling yourself; if you pre pay for the full tank they can tax you at a rate of 25% –we saved $50 thanks to Kallie’s insistence. [patience/perseverance]
On our way to the airport we had decided we’d stop by NY city to get some camera equipment that’s hard to come by. Traffic and a later start turned our journey into a race against time. *note: when driving in New York City, have one driver, one spotter (for taxis, bikes, and pedestrians), and one person giving directions. We parked and idled outside of B&H for 23 minutes withou a problem while Devin and Kallie did the shopping. Then we managed to cruise through the city narrowly and in the nick of time get our baggage and selves to two different terminals, drop off the rental car, and catch our flights (divide and conquer). [prayer]
Once arrived in Frankfurt, Kallie and I (without cell phone contact) had no way of knowing when Devin and Tori had landed (besides checking the boards). This proved ineffective to inform us that Devin and Tori had barely missed their connecting flight and were put on a later flight. We waited from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. watching the gates and figuring ways to contact. Just as we were leaving, we decided to take the info lady’s advice to check with British Airways. Even though they are not allowed to give out information on specific passengers, the lady recommended we wait a little bit longer… as soon as we returned to the D wing, there they were! Reunited in Germany, we enjoyed Claudia’s hospitality that evening after we arrived in Worms around 8–champagne and open faced sandwiches. Long day after a short night of 1-2 hours of sleep on the plane. [patience, perseverance, prayer]
Now we have again separated for a few days as Devin and Tori explore Paris, where Peter and Lindsey are also spending some time, and we visit family in Norway for a quick weekend. We’ll meet up Monday night, ready our gear Tuesday, and hopefully be off and pedaling south Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012.
Such nice community sounds in this! All these, working in concert . . . I think you are in tune!!
We are thankful for you all- reminds of of the Fulbe Proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.”