Journey of living life with joy, gratitude and adventure: Travel to California, arrival at Vanguard University and prep work

This week Hank, Phil Quist and I left at 6 AM for the trip across the country to Costa Mesa CA. We traveled 2300 miles taking 70 across Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah. In Utah we picked up 15 to 215 in California. On the way we stopped in Lincoln NE with Hank's cousin John Dahm and his wife Susan. They were gracious hosts and provided us with a gourmet supper. Thanks John and Sue. We also stayed in Erie Co with my daughter Sarah Boonstra and her three children. Love my visit to connect again with grandkids and watch a baseball game Grant played. Sarah and Brian are in the middle of a big renovation to the basement so it was good we got out of their hair and got back on the road early the next morning. Headed to Las Vagas but stopped in Glenwood Springs to view the hot springs there. Gorgeous ride through Glenwood Canyon.

We then headed to Las Vagas a place neither Hank nor I had ever seen or visited. We walked through the Bellagio, MGM, Planet Hollywood, New York New York and the Excelsior and they all started to look the same.

Paris Casino

Hank and Phil standing in front of the New York New York casino with an imitation of the Statue of Liberty. I am sure real thing will be much more impressive. We stayed on the strip at an inexpensive hotel which allowed us to walk the strip late in the evening and early in the morning to observe what was happening. When I walked through Planet Hollywood at 5 AM. people were already drinking, gambling and playing at the slot machines. Not a place Hank and I are eager to visit again.

On Thrusday night we stayed with Scott and Kristin and their family. It was a joy to visit with all my kids within a week and to connect with grandkids. They all think I am crazy to do what I am doing. I hope I don't embarrass them too much by doing such an audacious crazy activity at age 65.

Friday we arrived at Vanguard and the excitement started. As we were greeted by others who were familiar and we had not seen for a while. People are ready to start the tour. I have already heard some interesting stories from cyclists . One cyclist lost her bike while traveling by air to Vanguard. After 24 hours past and no bike showed up, she bought a new bike. Late this afternoon the airline reported it found in "Denver and it would arrive tomorrow. Unfortunately the young lady will start her bike ride. The good news is that the airlines will pay for her new bike and she will have her old bike returned to her. Following are some pictures I have taken from the past several days.