Reflections on a North Star Adventure

January 1, 2015

Reflections of my My Adventure - Traci Wentling

.Ralph Waldo Emmerson wrote: "What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us"

What in the world gave me the idea that I could ride nearly 3,000 miles; some of it more of a physical challenge than I thought possible and days and days without shelter other than my tent walls at night...

It is human nature to forget the pain of something. I believe God gave us this ability to forget so that we can move on to what is next without fear. In giving me the Grace I needed for each day, He also gave me just enough strength that I needed for that same day. No matter how absolutely spent or how sore that I was at night, He gave me what I needed to do it again. His healing of the body overnight is an awesome thing that no one on this planet can explain.

Patience, I had to pray for daily. Often, in dealing with different personalities and people with different moral standards, a good deal of patience was required on everyone's part. A profound truth that I have discovered is that there is only one thing in this world that a person can have complete control over and that is how we react to situations. Even if that reaction is at first dishonest to our heart, we still have control over what is reflected out towards the rest of the human race. In many cases, our first reaction to a circumstance is not what we feel days later anyway.

I look back and peruse the thousands of pictures and it helps me remember the thousands of moments of joy and awe of nature as displayed by God. From the full orchestra heard only by me while riding the Columbia Icefields to the beautiful lyrics imagined in my mind while meandering along a lazy rural back road filled with the stories of the folks who live there.

 

 

From the awesome vistas of Mt. Robson or Mt. McKinley to the massive views of the multitudes of running rivers or the still waters of the lakes.

From the green grass or tall sweet clover in which I could pitch my tent to the small cafe where I could order a pancake.

From the rugged danger felt and seen while riding through the Yukon Territory to the scenery of the untouched mountain tundras of the same.

From my best riding buddy Sue to the surprise encounters along the way.

These are things I will remember and hold in my heart even if the elusive memory of my mind might fade away someday.

Thank you to each and everyone who commented on my blog. Words of encouragement coming in from the outside kept my spirit high and you just can't imagine how much those words meant to me.

In every regard I am glad this Adventure is over as I have no desire to ride on. For now, I have no yearning to see more. My home state of Kansas, complete with the heat and wind, feels comfortable to my soul. And lastly, may I not be remiss in thanking you for lifting me to The Lord in prayer and for the encouragement of my loving and faithful husband, John. I am home sound and safe and acclimating to my wonderful life as a wife and mom and "Grammy".

I bid you adieu...until my next big bicycle adventure begins to tickle my fancy 8-)

Stats of this 2014 Adventure

Total miles: 2,880
Total ascent: 98,588
Total riding days: 47
Total rest days: 9
Average miles per riding day: 61
Total nights spent in my tent: 54
Total nights spent in a cabin/motel/hostel: 6
Total peanut butter sandwiches: 67
Total days away from home: 70

P.S. Did you know that the tree line in Alaska is only at 2,500 to 3,000 feet while the tree line in northern Colorado is about 10,000 feet? Did you know that a beaver can weigh 100 lbs in Alaska? Everything gets more and more extreme the further north we go on the globe...

 

Post by Traci Wentling | Photos by Traci Wentling

 

ON THE ROAD is written by the tours team — Lydia, Darrah, Mike, Mandy, and Arlen — tours specialists and intrepid bicyclists, covering all things related to the Adventure Cycling tours department. Check out our 2015 Guided Tours today!