Remember that “different direction” I hinted about a while back? Well, here it is: I’m currently riding Greyhound Bus Lines from Missoula, MT to Buffalo, NY. How’s that for a plot twist?? I spoke to a number of people who told me that, this late in the season, what I was about to ride into would be hot, dry, and most importantly, lonely because everyone has gone through already. So I’m gonna Take It Easy, Take The Bus. Believe it or not, this greyhound bus actually has A/C outlets and Wi-Fi! I’m about to drive through Turah, MT, whatever the heck that is. Some folks with matching jerseys are riding their bikes up a side road. Part of me wishes I was with them, but I know my legs need a break. It will take 47 hours to get to Buffalo, so I get at least 2 days off the bike. I’m going to keep the blog going, though, because I will be getting back on the bike when I get to Buffalo. I’ll be taking the ACA routes around Lake Erie, and then heading down to Allegheny State Park, where I used to vacation when I was a kid. So the trip continues, just in a different form. The only thing constant is change.
It’s weird to watch the sun set and know what it’s like to be down there on the road. I keep looking at the spot that I would have been and imagining myself like a ghost, pedaling along. I was starting to feel a weird sense of home being on the bike all day, like the trail had me covered. It was in its way a bit of a dependable life, something you could count on.
Missoula was a pretty interesting place. I’m not as big of a fan of the physical geography as, say, Bend. It’s a little stark for me. But I did like the people. I met up with friends of friends that I’d never met who are in their early twenties and went to a party full of people even younger - some undoubtedly too old to drink. I still felt like I fit in, but because I was so exhausted, I couldn’t really fully participate, and I ended up with 4 hours sleep that night. I really admired Corwin - that was the boyfriend’s - attitude; both of them really. They were so happy and eager to play hosts and be helpful; I appreciated it because I needed that, but also it reminded me of the importance of being good to guests.
As far as the “original trip” goes, I’m keeping the full original map up on Google Maps Engine as a reminder of how having a plan is awesome, and even better is having a plan and having the freedom to leave that plan in the dust. My current line of thought is that I’d like to take next summer and do the rest of the trail from east to west; start in Virginia and go to Missoula, and do it during the “high season” so that I share the road with other people. Perhaps even join up with a small tour group. I definitely enjoyed this trip, but the best part was the people, and I’d like to meet even more of them next time.
One awesome thought, being out here “among the people”: now, I feel like If I choose the San Francisco high-powered life, I now know that I’m making a choice, and I can bail out whenever I like. I’m not locked in. I have seen the other side, and I can pick, and not feel like I’m missing out.
