After zooming across Texas, trying to outrun frigid weather (we lost), we went to Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico. It is an amazing place! The main cave is 750 feet below the visitor's center and incudes over 30 miles of known passages.

Because of the time of year (and weather), we spent of three hours wandering through one incredible room after another and rarely saw another person! There is no way to describe the intricate structures that have been formed over time scales to long to comprehend. This should be on everyone's list of must see destinations!

Back in the eastern tip of Texas (warmer than New Mexico) we passed the highest point in Texas at the southern edge of the Guadalupe Mountains. Because of the extremely variable weather, and the amount of time we are having to spend trying to stay out of it, we decided to pound out the miles and head for home. It will take a few more days to get back (depending of weather ... again), but that will be our next destination.

For the last day of the trip, we chose to ride Highway 49 from Oakhurst (the southern end) north to Placerville. It is a wonderful motorcycle road with sections that are like 'The Dragon', beautiful Sierra Foothills scenery, and small towns along the way that got their start in the gold rush era.

Back home at last! It is with mixed emotions that we bring an end to this trip. Seeing new territory, and meeting new people every day for the past seven months definitely have an appeal, but being home for the winter has it's own positive points as well.

The character and length of the tour would have been radically different (and not positively) were it not for the people we met and shared some time with along the way! From the people we met at camp sites (with whom we swapped stories, adventures, and destinations), to those who went out of their way to talk to 'bikers' at restaurants, stores, parks, or on the street. Fellow motorcyclist we crossed paths with were informative, helpful and very friendly (almost without exception). It's amazing how a common passion is an introduction in and of itself!

To all we met, we sincerely thank you for adding to an already phenomenal life experience for us! We especially thank the friends (some old, some new) who opened their homes to us: Chuck, Bobi, & Marlo; Wendy & David; Bill & Linda; Bob & Valerie; and Blair & Lois. We also appreciate the offers of hospitality from others who, due to circumstances or timing, we didn't spend more time with.

The trip turned out to be considerably more than we had hoped for at it's beginning. We can only encourage others to try it (with no specific plan or critical timing), and see where their own adventure takes them!

If the opportunity were to present itself again, we would do it all again without a second thought!

PS: After being at home for a week (sorting through piles of mail, unpacking boxes, and generally trying to switch mental gears), we returned to the road for a little two day trip back down 49 to meet up with son Michael in Oakhurst and ride back up to the farm. Another fun (albeit much shorter) trip!