Stick a fork in me-I'M DONE!

Hello Hello Hello! I bring you GREAT NEWS everyone! My Father and I have successfully completed the Mississippi River Trail extending from the Gulf of Mexico, LA to the headwaters in Lake Itasca, MN. HOW STOKED AM I??? So stoked. Ahhhhh!!! I am feeling so many emotions right now: elation, joy, accomplishment are just a few! I have not yet had time to fully process the last month, but I will fill you in on the last couple of days and you can have a look at some of our pictures! The last few days were quite long-about 70 miles each day except for the final day which was only 40 miles. On Wednesday, we rode through Minneapolis and I got to see my Dad's childhood home as well as "The Dairy Store", a place where he would sit on the curb and eat popsicles as a child which is now an organic cafe. We stopped there for lunch, and it was really wonderful to hear Dad reminice about the early years.

Dad in front of his childhood home....


On Thursday, my Mom and my sister, Ingrid came to meet us and it was wonderful to see their BEAUTIFUL faces! On Thursday we had an entire bike paths to ourselves for the whole day which was such a treat. It was nice to see other people rollerblading, walking or biking and enjoying the weather. However, nobody wears helmets here and it makes me very worried. It also ticks me off. Why can't you just take the extra ten seconds to put on a helmet that could potentially save your life?? Nevertheless, it was a wonderful day of riding and we were definitely doing some "styling". The last day was definitely filled with an adrenaline rush. It was crazy to think that I was only 40 miles from my FINAL destination. Everything I had trained for, worked for, and looked forward to for the past month was just 40 miles away! That certainly doesn't seem like much when you've already biked 2000 miles. Anyways, the wind was against us, and STUPID HILLS appeared, but I was NOT going to let it get me down! We finished the last five miles on a beautiful bike path in Lake Itasca State Park. I was peddling that bike as FAST as I could. There were a lot of families cycling for fun because it's a long weekend here, and as we passed them I wanted to shout, "WE HAVE SPENT THE LAST 33 DAYS CYCLING FROM THE GULF OF MEXICO AND WE ARE ONLY A FEW MILES FROM THE FINISH LINE!!!! YOU SHOULD BE VERY EXCITED FOR US!". But I refrained. Mom and Ingrid were there waiting for us at the headwaters, and I couldn't help but tear up as we reached the source of the Great, Majestic Mississippi River. Apparently, it is a tradition to dip your feet in the Mississippi headwaters with your bike after completing the River Trail, so of COURSE we did just that and had everyone was staring at us. Good thing we're used to that by now. :) At this time, Ingrid also presented me with a shirt that she made for me!




This trip was so amazing and I can't believe it has already come to an end! I have greatly appreciated the time that I've had to spend with my Dad. The more I learn about him, the more I admire him. He has always been an amazing Dad, but I am so thankful that I got the chance to see just what an incredible INDIVIDUAL he is. We definitely made a great team, and I will forever treasure the partnership that we formed on this trip. I'm just so blessed to have him in my life, I can't even tell you! On a personal note, this journey has been the most difficult, but most rewarding adventures that I've ever been on. It was obviously a physical challenge, but beyond that it challenged my patience, ability to adapt to new situations, and mostly my ability to let go of things that I can't control (AKA THE WIND!).
Here are some pictures of things that got in our way: trees, stairs and...poor coordination....



I also thought I would include some pictures of my tan lines. They're pretty epic. Ingrid tells me each morning that I look diseased. Gotta love her.



I'm also extremely thankful for the time that I had for self reflection. Sometimes I feel like my life moves so fast that I don't ever take the time to actually sit back and appreciate just how great it is. I truly appreciate everyone's support-whether it was reading my blog, praying for me, or sending me words of encouragement, it did not go unnoticed! I am sad to be writing my last blog entry, and it feels a little surreal to be honest. I really didn't know if I would be able to get to this point and still be alive! haha Anyways, I LOVE YOU ALL and thank you so much for everything!
God Bless You!
This is the diva SIGNING OUT!
A