Written in my journal on the way out of Anchorage on August 18:

We have been in and out of Anchorage for nine days now, and right about now, we are gone for good. Having been on the road all summer, I have not stayed in one area for nearly so long since May. I am trying to make it sound like I am ready for the road again, but I am only doing this to make it easier to leave town.

This city has shown me so much love. I always walk around with Adriano, who always wears his T4T t-shirt, and we are basking in our 15-minuets of fame. People know who we are and what we have done. They have seen us in the paper. They give us shining smiles and heartfelt wishes for a safe journey home.

When I ride in a car, I know the radio stations. When I ride my bike, I know how to get to the raindeer sausage stand downtown where a cute who goes to Texas A&M when she is not in Alaska, knows me. At the park next to the sausage stand where I rode to for lunch, the Airforce band is playing and everyone wants to talk to me. I filled a nice Anchorage woman's baby stroller tires with my bike pump. I feel like I belong here.

Our hosts, Dave and Josh, allow us to come and go as we please. We find small amounts of time to lounge on the couches and watch the Olympic games and drink beer. Both Dave and Josh tell us stories concerning our "Next Alaska Adventure," and then we head out for a couple of days with their stories ringing in our heads. We know we will be back to Dave's just in time for a refreshing shower and great company.

Last night at the Glacier Brewhouse, where Adriano and I bought dinner and Dave insisted on buying us t-shirts (thanks!), our waitress was sweet on me.

Life is good in Anchorage. After another week or so on the road I will be home again. "Life is a journey not a destination." Yes, I am looking forward to many a sights to come on the way back. We are going to try to spend some time in Utah and the 4-corners region. I am excited. We are hitting the Alcan hard so we can spend more time in the southwest. Great things do happen on the road, even in a cramped Honda. I found out that the back seat is a great place to be. I can put one leg over the cooler and the other foot on the drivers side door and be very comfortable enjoying a panoramic view out the back and side windows while reading my books. Just a few minuets ago, Dan looked at the map of the U.S.A. and said "Hey fellas, is there anywhere you really want to go? The entire Western United States is open." I said that I had never been to Utah.

Life is good on the road. I am headed home where I will take all these beautiful things that I have so quickly come to love about Anchorage for granted; Maybee not so much.