We are ringing in 2010 from Yuma, Arizona… thrilled to finally be in another state! We are indoors tonight, enjoying a bit of champagne and the New Year’s Eve countdown on TV. It has been a fantastic last five months (and 3000 miles!) on the road.

From the Imperial Valley in SE California, we rode along Interstate 8 into Yuma today. Stretches of the freeway parallel the US/Mexico border, and you can see the big fence just across the desert. As we rode and I kept seeing this barrier that draws an imaginary line in the sand, I couldn’t help but think about how unbelievably fortunate I am to have been born and raised on this side. This journey is an amazing opportunity for both of us. And, while I don’t think either of us has forgotten how truly incredible it is that we’re able to do this, seeing that fence was a good reminder.

Now we are ringing in a new year, feeling fortunate to be surrounded by so many good people and awesome experiences. Thank you for coming along with us!

So, we thought it would be fun to post a list of some of our favorite moments from 2009…

Favorite Campsite… Elk Prairie Campground, California Redwoods… after descending through a thick tunnel of Redwood trees, we found space at a full and social hiker/biker area, next to a wide open meadow with free-roaming (and fighting!) elk…

Favorite Downhill… Flying down Montezuma Valley Road into Anza-Borrego State Park

Favorite Hamburger… Lunchbox Laboratories in Seattle, Washington

Favorite Stretch of Road… Howland Hill Rd, through the redwoods in Jedediah Smith State Park, outside Crescent City, California

Favorite Fuzzy Roommates… Justin & Delia’s cats in Seattle, Washington (but there were lots of runners up!)

Strangest Place We’ve Spent Time… Slab City, California… where we learned that, sometimes, it’s best just to check your expectations at the door

Favorite Aspect of the Journey… Meeting all of the people that we’ve had the opportunity to connect with along the way, swapping stories, and becoming a part of each others lives for a brief period of time.



Favorite Mini-Mart Meal… Pasta with Smoked Salmon and Olives, along the Hood Canal, Washington.

Favorite Beer… Deschutes Brewery’s Black Butte XXI.

Best Decision We’ve Made… To go!