200. More than half a year. Less than .1% of my life. A huge chunk. A minuscule speck. Just depends on the perspective with which you view it.
Flipping through my tattered journal, the beginning of the adventure simultaneously feels like just yesterday and an entire lifetime ago. Memories grow fuzzy around the edges. Not forgotten, just softened by time and distance. Dulled every so slightly by the immediate, pressing present. And yet certain words bring moments rushing back in full technicolor wonder, olfactory memories cause a moments pause, a picture tells a thousand words, just hints at the full story.
I’m asked regularly about favorite places, most memorable moments, the best, the worst. I usually just pick a moment at random to tell of, because really there are no favorites. Every moment, place, person, experience is important. Beautiful. Fun. Challenging. Scary. Easy. Necessary ingredients in the recipe of adventure.
With that said, it’s still fun to take a trip down memory lane. Here’s a random smattering of the moments we’ll never forget, the people that keep us inspired to get out there each day, the places that will forever hold a piece of my heart.
Rufio & The Power of a Can Do Community
Day 1 | The Furthest I’d Ever Driven a Moto
Day 10 | Not the Birthday I Had Planned
Day 19 | The Trustfall that Changed It All
Day 23-29 | Love, Marriage & The Importance of Legacy
Day 47 | A Lightning Bolt Straight to the Heart
Day 57 | A Bittersweet Alaskan Farewell
Day 72 | All That I Leave Behind
Day 105 | Milo, Crazy & The Water Tower
Day 134 | Unexpected Moto Heroes, Beach Shenanigans & Yogurt Heaven
Day 150 | The Comfort Filled Future
Day 175 | Big Guns & Backwoods Vacations
Day 183 | Commuter Memories, A Short-Lived Funk & Beach Frolics
People. That’s what I end up talking about every time I’m asked about the adventure. Sure the places are gorgeous and yes the camping, riding and exploring are memorable. But more than any of that is the kindness, generosity and love we receive each day on the road. I would not have made it this far without the support and encouragement that has been showered upon us from across the globe. I’m endlessly inspired, humbled and filled with gratitude. Thank you. For changing my life, for making Operation Moto Dog possible, for proving over and over what I’ve always believed. People are good.
200 days down. Many to come.