What I knew in my mind before I flew out to Maine, was that no journey of this type is ever the same. And how true that would turn out to be. My main take away for myself personally, was my ability to manage my needs better, then I had on my previous West/East crossing. This has enabled me, for the last three weeks to be able to relax, breathe, and enjoy myself so much more. In essence, this trip has wiped the slate clean for the cumbersome and time-consuming things I had done on my previous trip. I wanted this trip to be easier, so that I could enjoy it more. It could be that I had just gotten a little older, and handle things differently. I did make a concerted effort this time, to not focus on those many tedious efforts from before, but rather to focus on what was going on around me. For me personally, that is my biggest Takeaway. To not get hyper-focused on the little details that don't really matter, but instead, look around and relish life. This is something that I will keep with me in my daily life. A gentle reminder always in my pocket.
I also have a new appreciation for the New England states. Their beauty, the people, the beaches, the vast Atlantic Ocean, and the plentiful shoulder on Route 1. I've honed my camping skills, I'm great at finding secret places to sleep, and my ability to eat banana and peanut butter for multiple meals a day is a plus. I may not have found quesadillas a common denominator in this area, but I did substitute grill cheeses, and found that to be an excellent option I've never really explored.
As my mind is making the shift from the road to back home tomorrow, I can't help but think of the many things that I want to do there. There's always a 1000 things to do on the farm, but the first item on my agenda is to go love on every animal. I may even sleep in the barn. I look forward to Lauren's visit to Texas in September, as I'll be there to see her. And just getting back into a regular day-to-day routine will be a privilege. No matter where I am - on the road or at home - life is good. So it's a win win situation.
I also look forward to John getting back home and getting himself settled as well. There's comfort in that, probably for both of us. As for my plans tomorrow? I made the decision to not go the miles in the morning, despite what my ultrarunner self says to do. Instead, I'm going to unpack my cart, get cleaned up, maybe even sleep in, and have coffee with my breakfast. I'll be ready to hop in the car when David arrives, and we are going to enjoy the day in New York until our flight later tomorrow evening. It will be like a date in New York, for the day. Yep, who am I, you ask? My internal self fights a battle to want to go run those miles. But I'm going to go somewhere new tomorrow, new to me. Happiness is not the finish line. It's the journey, and part of my journey will be spending the day tomorrow, with my sweet husband who came all the way from Texas to come and find me, and take me back home. My heart is filled with excitement to be able to hug his neck.
This partial crossing feels more like a vacation then anything else. I've chosen today to go off Route 1, here and there, and go into the towns, look at the shops, and eat yummy food. The weatherman not only predicted my mood, but my day today by saying the rain will clear to bring a beautiful sunny comfortable day. Not too hot, not too cold. Just right. What more could I want for my last day?
Thanks for being with me, supporting me, and loving me through this journey.
It's not over yet, close, but not yet,
Cyndi
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