As I sit writing the first blog entry of our trip (at almost midnight), I am reminded of all of the reasons that we struggled with the idea of keeping a blog.  I love the idea of having a way to keep all of our family and friends updated on where we are and what we are doing, but don’t want to end up with entries along the lines of “Having a great time, wish you were here.”

Although I am a fairly diligent journaler, particularly when traveling, writing to update others is a different process and commitment.  Over the years we have encountered many travelers who have been so focused on keeping in touch with those at home that they are not fully experiencing the rare opportunities available to them on the road.  We encountered this phenomenon most recently with a traveling companion in Nepal at the end of last year.  As we were on a safari in Chitwan National Park, searching for rare white Rhinos and rarely-seen Bengal tigers, he was completely focused on trying to get a connection on his iPhone.  Knowing that he wasn’t dealing with an urgent crisis, I found it hard to imagine how his need to keep in touch could outweigh the once-in-a-lifetime experience of the safari. Although he did see the wildlife once someone else had spotted it, he completely missed out on the thrill of the search.

Having learned this lesson, we commit to doing our best to keep interesting updates on the blog on a weekly basis, but the priority will be on experiencing wherever we are in the moment rather than finding internet connections and downloading photos.

Tracey

Friends and neighbours gathered to bid us a fond farewell as we rolled away from home on September 17.  Just south of Calgary we had our first wildlife encounter with a black bear on the side of Tongue Creek Road. Fortunately he was running at high speed in the opposite direction.  As much as we love to travel, explore and appreciate other areas of the world, this was a great reminder of the beauty and wonder that exists in our own back yard.  It was a great start to our trip.

Friends Richard and Ken rode with us as far as Waterton before heading back to Calgary while we continued on through the U.S.border and Logan’s pass before settling in for the first night of our journey in Polson, Montana.

The next morning it was off to one of Montana’s favorite rides for motorbikers – Lolo pass.  This was our first trip to the pass and it didn’t disappoint.  The ride was great fun and the scenery beautiful.

We have now moved through Oregon and into Northern California where we are beginning to indulge in the Mexican food that we love.  Hopefully we don’t get sick of this before we actually get to Mexico.

Good Day All;

Last week we had an opportunity to visit with old and new friends at the Horizons Unlimited meeting in Nakusp, BC, Canada  (www.horizonsunlimited.com)

A great event! We had a ceremonial start to our trip and Grant Johnson the co-founder of Horizons placed the HU decal on the sidecar to begin the adventure.

We camped with the Snowsells; Ken and Charlotte, as well as Sherri Jo Wilkins, an ex-pat living in Australia and continuing her around the world tour – A great time was had by all. Quite a few travelers shared current information about South America and Adrienne shared her new soon-to-be husband who she met on her trip south!

The Ural performed flawlessly and carried all our gear without a hiccup – We are ready!

Eleven days to go and Tracey is disappointed that I’m not excited yet – I’m trying! it’s just been busy out lately. Our ‘smiles and miles’ decals are on the way and we should see them soon. Get them while they’re hot.

Wade helped out and turned all the brake drums on the bike. It stops better than ever now and no more headshake. Thanks Wade.

Now we just have to get on the road!

Happy Trails,

Miles