What's next?

Over the past little while, we've realized that we're making much better progress that we had anticipated. Also, we've decided to leave the bikes in Ogden (just north of Salt Lake City) because of the heat and logistics of keeping the bikes safe while hiking and transporting them back north on a vehicle. So, that means that we're well ahead of schedule!

The biking part of our trip really has been fabulous. We've seen some gorgeous scenery and it's a neat feeling to have seen the progression of the landscape all the way from the Pacific Northwest to this desert landscape. There's such a feeling of freedom, being able to choose where to go each day, and such a feeling of accomplishment to have done it all under our very own power.

Since we'll probably be arriving in Ogden this coming weekend (if we can dawdle enough until Erica gets home), our current plan is to spend some time with Erica and then head down to Moab for a couple of weeks of hiking, then try to get to some other parks -Bryce Canyon and Zion Nat'l park. Ray will be flying into Salt Lake City early on August 12th, and his current instructions are to meet us in Zion. This plan changes daily, of course, as we are constantly trying to pack as many adventures into this trip as possible. Then, with the car he's renting, we'll drive around to see some more sights (maybe the Grand Canyon??) and then north to the Bonneville Salt Flats to watch the car races for a few days.

It's so nice to have more time than we actually need because we don't have to worry about being on time, or about keeping to a schedule. It's a much freer way to travel - and how often can you take a 2 month break where you just don't have to stress about anything and can enjoy what you're doing in the moment.

There's just so much to do down there, the world is so exciting!