Snow day!

Getting an inch of snow is a novelty getting 4 inches is priceless! Three days ago I had no idea Williams Arizona existed, now it is a safe haven from the snow that has blown in on a winter storm. Williams is the tiny town before the South Rim of Grand Canyon, our next destination. Our goal had been to make it to the Canyon before the storm so that we could take our first rest days while exploring the park. That is still in the cards. In fact, Michelle had been willing the storm on in the hopes of a rest. A snow day is most welcome.

Growing up in South Africa gave me very little reference for snow, however, I have come to appreciate that there are no two words in the English language that cause more excitement in a child’s life than "Snow Day." The mere thought of a chance of a day off from school or work can send children of all ages into a state off euphoria. The rumblings begin as a glimmer of hope, evolves into anticipation, and cascades into pure joy when the snowflakes start to fall. Without fail everyone wakes up early peeks out the window and if snow is on the ground basks in the joy of the off day that rivals that of Christmas morning.  For us it was a begrudging joy,  as we would have liked to be at the Grand Canyon, but what a treat to be cocooned in a winter wonderland and not be out riding our bikes. It is an opportunity to rest and recreate, a time to catch up with what is happening in the world, it is a time to catch our breath as we have been on the go for 14 days.

It seems so long ago that we embarked on this journey yet at the say time is seems like only yesterday that we were in San Diego or riding through the Mojave Desert. It is an appropriate time to reflect on what has occurred so far. We have travelled over 500 miles, climbed over 24,000 feet, endured winds in excess of 50 miles per hour, got caught in a bone chilling hail storm, put up with flat tires, suffered through personal meltdowns and temper tantrums, negotiated harrowing traffic, and finally found refuge in a snow day. We have also benefitted from an incredible outpouring of well wishes, found strength and courage in each other, bore witness to the wonder and awe of the environment, basked in the magnificence & splendor of achievement and satisfaction. Food has never tasted better; goals are always within reach, introspection is the currency of the day and like a new born we are in constant learning mode. All our days are filled with success; however, some of those successes come through sheer perseverance & persistence and resolute determination even as we blunder through the day constantly picking ourselves up. On balance this experience has been beyond words and continues to change my relationship with myself and ultimately with everyone and everything else.

~Shogan