[x_section style=”margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px; padding: 45px 0px 45px 0px; “][x_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=”” style=”margin: 0px auto 0px auto; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_column bg_color=”” type=”1/2″ style=”padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_counter num_start=”0″ num_end=”180″ num_speed=”1500″ num_prefix=”” num_suffix=”” num_color=”#2ecc71″ text_above=”Rode for” text_below=”Minutes” text_color=””][x_gap size=”45px” class=”x-hide-xl x-hide-lg x-hide-md “][/x_column][x_column bg_color=”” type=”1/2″ style=”padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_counter num_start=”0″ num_end=”130″ num_speed=”1500″ num_prefix=”” num_suffix=”” num_color=”#3498db” text_above=”Covered” text_below=”Miles” text_color=””][/x_column][/x_row][/x_section][x_section style=”margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px; padding: 45px 0px 45px 0px; “][x_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=”” style=”margin: 0px auto 0px auto; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_column bg_color=”” type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_text]Having slept without the tent cover, I awake to the sight of the cottonwoods fluttering against the morning sky. Crawling out of the tent, we make our way down the rocky river shore. Wade into the cold, mountain water. Take a breath, submerge fully. Come up gasping for breath from the cold shock of it all. Sit on a rock, warming in the sun.
I remember to fully appreciate how perfect this site is, compare it to others along the way.
The night I fell asleep clutching my bear spray in hillbilly haven.
The time I beelined to a green spot on the map late into the night only to realize it was a gated, day-use only park. Knowing it best to avoid a mistake cascade, I give in. Don’t even bother with then tent, just spray my face with bug repellent, roll out the bag and sleep for a few hours on the pavement in front of the gate.
The morning I awoke to find that though in a legitimate camp spot, tide has risen higher than normal. Surrounded by water, I’m bobbing softly about on the inflated sleep pad.
Balanced on my rock, I savor the time on the beach. Thankful for this camp spot goldmine, glad I’ve learned it doesn’t take an expert to find perfection. Throw enough darts at the board and you’re bound to get a bullseye every once in a while.
Sun bright overhead, we hit the road for Talkeetna. Enjoying the easy highway drive, a sense of satisfaction overcomes me. Less than two months ago driving at 55 mph would have caused my shoulders to tense, heart rate to increase. Progress is being made.
Creeping down main street, I take in the sites. Recognize names of places that have been recommended. Reaching the end of the road, I turn around. Head back towards the line up of motorcycles, shyly pull in next to them. Being new to the moto world, I feel like an imposter. Worried that I don’t understand the mores that exist within this universe. That I’ll misstep and upset the very group I want to join.
Removing my helmet, I smile timidly as a rider approaches. Did I park too close? Is it rude to join a pack of bikes like this? But he’s grinning at me, so it must be okay.
I was hoping we’d run into you, he says. I’ve been following your adventure online, it’s good to see you’re back on the road.
Momentarily shocked, I quickly regain coherence. We chat about mutual moto friends, the adventure so far and the loop his group is traveling. I exchange hellos briefly with others in the group as they prepare to depart. Wave as the last of them roll out.
What could’ve been just another interaction-less encounter between strangers became catching up with friends. If nothing else, I’ve come to understand this: adventure builds community strong and fast.
Aglow from the warmth of unexpected friendship we turn towards town.
Suddenly this place doesn’t feel so foreign.
51 days down. Many to come.[/x_text][x_image type=”none” src=”https://mallorypaige.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Screen-Shot-2015-08-06-at-5.39.08-PM.png” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][x_line][/x_column][/x_row][/x_section]