Final Thoughts

I've had a little time to reflect on the whole trip and while a lot of it seems a blur, there are so many specific, powerful, moments that made it the trip of a lifetime. Of course, very little went according to plan. I was thinking about all the things we planned to do before it began: I brought five books to read figuring I could always pick up some more along the way. Books read: 1/2. I was going to teach myself Filemaker Pro. Didn't happen. Darryl was going to download a pile of 'This American Life' episodes and listen to them. Didn't happen. Should have been plenty of time to brush up on my Spanish. Nada. I was going to be sure to set aside some time every day to write some postcards to friends and family. Number sent: 2. Oh, well.

A lot did get done, though. Mostly being a reminder to thousands of people about the ridiculousness of war in general and the illegal, immoral morass in Iraq in particular. Personal highlight: Darryl gave me one of the best presents I've ever received when he dedicated a song at the reunion - one that was stuck in my head all the way across the country. He wrote it to honor the peace march and it's called I Can Get There from Here. It came in particularly handy on the long days into the wind.

Elle (Best. Cook. Ever.) wrote her thoughts on the trip on her blog. She certainly says it better than I ever could. Many thanks to her and Louise for keeping us fed in style. Enormous and particular thanks to all the hosts along the way and all of the many, many people that helped in so many ways. I certainly have a renewed sense of optimism about the basic decency of people. Mostly thanks to Ellen for putting up with all of my nonsense!

DonCon, you're are MY acoustic hero....

Dan The Man - thanks for helping me survive the "Paris-Roubaix" of Pittsburgh in the pouring rain.

Peace out.