Got up a bit late today but managed to start riding by 8:15. Headed for Valley Forge. Rode entire 25 miles without stopping. Jumped in Schuylkill to cool off and had some snack food in the shade. Began listening to hokey WPEN AM on Nancy's radio...I think some of the old tunes triggered memories of car rides to Vermont with my grandparents. For a few moments I felt their presence as I was riding. Inside I felt the same excitement of spending a week or two at the cottage with them as I feel about the bike trip. I think those car rides to Vermont as a kid instilled my love of traveling. Didn't know it then but realize it now. Gee, it sounds funny now but 5 hours in a car used to seem so long. "Are we almost there?" I never asked that question...I just looked at the map and figured out where we were and could see how much further we had to go...I still love maps!
So now I just finished a small bon voyage/goodbye party in the Studio. Today is my last day at Channel 17 after 21 and 1/2 years...Leaving seems surreal right now...it will be a while until it really sinks in I feel. One more newscast, then out the door forever...Being focused on this bike trip is overwhelming all other emotions I guess...
Claire's "San Diego or Bust" cake