Well, I'm sorry everyone.
I really didn't think this whole thing through.
I'd been considering my options way back in Texarkana and just couldn't bring my self to pack it in. Again in S. Padre Island, so very close to my first international boarder.
The decision was hard, terribly hard. Mostly because of the long time in planning this whole thing, and for all the people I misled by telling them my grand scheme.
I've decided to pack it in.
I'll have a more detailed report later, (I'm just on my mobile device now) but I've been terribly lonesome for much of the last two weeks, I'm constantly stressed about the mechanical shortcomings of the bike, as well as the general dangers of motorcycling. My family is worried about me, and doggone it, I'm spending a ton of money and not having any fun!
I've limped my ailing motorcycle back across the boarder(to reclaimed my visa deposit) collected my things and caught a bus, a plane, another bus and a train to surprise my girlfriend, Emily with an early home coming.
I'm in New York for now, planning my next move(not through adventuring yet)
But hoping to be back with my family and in Wisconsin soon.
If you're reading this, sorry for the delay in GPS updates, and I'm even sorrier that I didn't follow through on my words.
But 2,200 miles, 3 weeks, 5 states, 2 borders, and four breakdowns in, I think I've had my adventure. I've learned a lot about myself.
Mostly that when I started planning this journey, I was in a different place in my life, and had different motivations.
As I said, not through yet. Em and I will be back in Mexico for her thesis research so I will keep you all apprized.
Thank you all so much,
Phil
Hey Phil! Sounds like a tough decision you've had to make, but you've got absolutely nothing to be apologetic about- to yourself or anyone else you 'misled by telling them your scheme'. Most people will never get to experience what you just have: the adventure, self-discovery, working through the tough stuff whether it be the loneliness or a technical setback that interrupts your plans. There's nothing wrong with changing, postponing or cancelling your plans based on what's best for you.
ReplyDeleteIt's also good to share this part of traveling with people so they know what to prepare for. It IS hard work finding a new place to stay every day, finding food to eat, doing enough to make it worth your while visiting that place. Getting enough rest/water/proper nutrition to keep healthy and well. Not feeling too homesick or missing your loved ones too much. Trying to keep within budget. Remembering to take notes/photos to have solid memories once you return home. It all adds up to quite a bit!
I'm thankful for being able to drive on this first part of our trip so we have that which is a source of familiarity and comfort. And also that I have someone here to keep me (mostly) sane. Day 57 today of being in the US! Day 62 of our homeless, vagabonding lifestyle :)
Once we're settled a bit after our travels & have a floor you can crash on, you should road trip out west for a visit!!
-Sarah (& Erik) from SPI
Hey Cruise! Misled us? Hardly! I think we all caught a bit of your excitement over this grand adventure -- what's so bad about that? But YOU were the one out there on the road, dealing with the dangers, the tedium, the loneliness, the expense. So soon you will be on to other adventures that we can live through vicariously! I, for one, think you made a fine decision! Hugs to you and Emily...
ReplyDelete