They say, the longest journey begins with a single step, and while waiting for my flight to Tucson early Sunday morning (June 27^th2004) it finally dawned on me that I was about to take that first step that sets everything in motion. This was it!

To the Ends of the Earth---Living a dream.

Feeling the warmth of the bright Nogales sun on my back I stepped from the Mexican boarder and headed north.

Traveling with the master of”How to”…”Where to”, has many benefits, and I am able to meet other friends and travelers along the way, hearing new stories that convince me that I have made the right decision.

David, offering hospitality and a room for the night.

Jim J.of Albuquerque. Telling tales of how Gregory had held back in a race,

allowing him to appear the hero in front of his sons.

I believe that half the battle is communicating with your traveling partner…both of us are passive. This should be an interesting trip!

The view from behind…..

Observations:

While not the panoramic view from the front, the side view allows me to be part of the environment we are passing through, allowing me to feel the moment. From the sun filled Arizona desert to the heavy ominous clouds hanging low over the mountains of New Mexico. I am a part of all I see

Revelations:

Traveling with the Lone Wolf does have a few drawbacks. Used to traveling on his own agenda, it must be difficult for him to adjust to a second person

With 5 stops for gas, and one for food, I rapidly learn that Greg’s’ priorities, and bodily functions, were not the same as mine.

By the end of day one I have learned to stuff food items in the front of my jacket, and practice bladder control!

Hot cappuccino in a Styrofoam cup was tried and is definitely not recommended.

July9th, 2005

 One year and 40,000 kilometers later I read the words I wrote so long ago, and wish I could go back and relive every moment, knowing what I know now. 

The Ride is nearly over………..The Dream has just began.

 We are at present taking a much needed break. Giving Greg a chance to resume his personal life, and catch up on his day to day business that he regretfully had to leave behind when we set out on our journey

This of course offers me time with my daughters and the necessary round of Doctors.

 The amazing thing is that in five and a half months I was never sick or had any need of a Doctor. The standing family joke was that I always came home to be ill.

This year I spent a lot of time alone on the back of the bike with the world wrapped around me. I learned to soar in the shadow of the Crow, and to draw within myself.

 I realized how very little I truly need to survive and how much I treasure those who are dear to me!

 There have been difficult times; there have been times of celebration, moments of joy, pain and anger,

We have laughed loud and long with, and at each other.

We have endangered our friendship by knowing each other to well, and we have memories to last a lifetime,

Mid August will find us headed back to Frankfurt for our final leg of the journey and it will be bitter sweet,

 To accomplish this completes the Ride and full fills the Dream.

What do you do, after the Dream?

There were times, when adjusting to the solitude, and a sometime” surly pilot” that I thought of giving in. When I did, I went to the nearest Cyber Café and read your wonderful words of encouragement.

 If Miss Scarlet had had your behind her, Rhett Butler would never have made it out the door!

Without you I would not have gone beyond my front porch!

 In a few short months The Ride will be over. Greg will be off exploring new territory.

You will be following new adventures and I will be answering long overdue notes and reflecting on my view of life……..from behind.

 Greg asked if I wanted to put something up and replying that he was the author I shook my head!

Later I realized that as a guest in the traveler’s world, I might be able to provide a slightly different perspective.

My view from behind!

  Donna-Rae

   In Denver

Celebrating

   The View

On The Road Again August 2005

The soft lights of the beautiful old castle glowed in the night time sky, as laughter drifted on the breeze and for a moment I thought I was dreaming, for here I was in Heidelberg the city of my dreams ………….once again on the road.

Had I known it would be the closest I would come to any other castle old or new I would have taken the time to stare a bit more intensely?

Early the next morning after enjoying the luxury of Steffen’s Bed and Breakfast we were off and running, literally!

My handsome hero had presented still another face from his Indian medicine man bag of tricks and some how I knew these last few weeks would be anything but dull!

Paring down our meager supplies we added a tent, two sleeping bags and my beautiful new Nolan helmet.

We were on our way.

The rest is history!

                                                         January 29^th 2006

 I have to say it was the best of times; it was the worst of times that bring us to today.

Filled with laughter, loss and wonder we take stock, lick our wounds and thank the powers that be for our safe and whole return.

While Gregory suffered the loss of four of his friends as we traveled, my beautiful determiner mother waited for our return and during Christmas week quietly slipped away.

We both have scars, on our hearts and our souls but we have pride in the fact that against all odds……we made it!

 To the ends of the earth and back home again.

Thousands of images crowd my desk and mind spilling over on every opportunity taking me back in time to live and share the dream.

My view from behind………….and what a spectacular sight it is.

Join us, As we invite you for a bit of My View From behind!

Donna-Rae

Celebrating Life

www.ultimategloberide.com