Final Thoughts......

                                                                                                   

As you may have noticed, I have been putting off posting my final entry, this one, for a good while now. As there was no immediacy in posting, that is to say, because there weren’t going to be any other posts to build up, there was no rush. I set out to see the 19 states that I missed on my Harley and to see as many National Parks as possible. Both of those objectives were accomplished, but that was only an aside from what I really ended up seeing. What I did see was America at its very best, not only in its obvious beauty and diversity. but the people, at their best too. The people that I met were willing to offer directions, food and drink,their company, their fire for the evening, stories of their travel, advice, suggestions, and showed an amazing willingness to just plain be friendly. I don’t know if it is just a commonality with people who are camping, but I’d like to think it’s more of a trait that we humans exhibit when given a proper chance to do so. People are inherently warm and caring. This I believe to be true. Sure, there are always exceptions to the rule, but those exceptions, at least for me, were few.
As for our national parks, well, you are going to have to see them for yourself, because there is no way that I can do justice to their excitement, beauty, and the sheer wonder of experiencing them on your own.  A suggestion though, consider investing in the six DVD set by Ken Burns, Our National Parks, America’s Best Idea, you will want to see it more than once and it may just inspire you in planning your next vacation and having your own adventure.
So, a few facts you might find interesting; twenty two thousand miles in eight months, twenty three national parks, if you count the east and west side of Glacier and Olympic National Parks, and I do, count them as separate, as I had to pack up and drive to each, twenty seven states, 1375 gallons of gas (approximately) the excitement, beauty, wonder of the whole experience, priceless……OK, so I borrowed that one from TV.
I appreciate those of you who followed my journey and all of your comments. I look forward to hearing from you again when I set out on my upcoming Alaska adventure, which will be announced when the date is set. Right now February or March is possible.  Thanks.
TC….