Final thoughts

a few random thoughts about this trip:

i accomplished a few things i set out to do, and didn't others. 
i was very lucky.
i never had to face any adversity, those kind that make the most interesting stories. 
i also didn't have any that make up horrifying stories. 
i didn't hurt myself.  and my heel didn't heal.
although i reference google maps on a regular basis, i went alot of the trip without a map in front of me.  the window on my front handlebar bag was usually clear.  i didn't use an odometer or speedometer or any other measuring device.  i didn't spend a lot of time counting the miles, but rather looking, observing, listening, and feeling.
so i don't know how many miles i travelled.  sorry, dad, there are some inherited behaviors i try to curb.  my initial route measured out roughly 3,600 miles.  but things vary, plans change.  i didn't alter course much, didn't make any grand detours, but i did adjust some on the fly.
i did not have a single mechanical problem, not a single flat tire, nothing.  i lost the one bolt off my back rack that was easily enough replaced.
i think i did a total of two watercolor sketches and three pen drawings.  i took a lot of pictures.
there are a lot of birds and plants out there and, while i can recognize a few, i don't know most of them.
i carried very little with me.  i used almost everything, except some of the tools and spare parts.  i never used the collapsable bowl, the cup was enough.  the only things i didn't have that would have been nice are a light sheet, the sleeping bag can be too hot at times; a pair of binoculars; and a really good camera. 

i didn't solve any of life's great problems.  i did not figure out how to achieve world peace.  i did not find the cure for cancer.  and i still don't know what i want to do when i grow up.
i avoided thinking about work.  riding is, for me, about the here and now.  experiencing what is around me and within me.  i don't think about much else.

the answer to the ultimate question about life, the universe and everything is still 42.