Another world to explore

I feel as if I've entered a new world, or some kind of time warp. It still seems unreal to see Palm trees and to see leaves and even oranges on the trees here. Hearing a lawn mower was in the distance yesterday as I built my bike was like something I remember but as a distant memory in the world I come from.

My hosts, Heather and Terry, have been so gracious and kind. Ate a delicious take-out middle eastern style meal last night complete with Baklava for dessert.

They gave me my own room with queen size bed and private bathroom, what a treat. They had to go to work but allowed me to linger, to take my time, to allow the outside world to warm up a little more.

Went for a 20 minute run along the "green strip" or also known as the "old canal cut park" in the morning hours so I could get a taste of where I was and just enjoy the sights and sounds of where I am. So many bird sounds.

I seem to have come to sunny Arizona when it's not particularly sunny, not that I mind... Mix of sun and cloud can be a good thing.

Wore my arm and knee warmers.

It was exciting to finally embark upon my journey via bike, and yet I quickly realized that I would have to re-adjust to the feel of having an extra 30+ lbs hanging off of the back of my bike. The first hour I hardly dared take even a hand off my handlebars so as not to disrupt my sense of balance. The longer I rode the more I began to get comfortable, or at least, used to it.

Phoenix is the perfect example of urban sprawl. The city stretches out but never really feels particularly city-ish.

I marvelled at the cactus plants and dusty ground as I rode. That's what landscaping round these parts consists of.

Oh yeah, with warmer temperatures come bugs, forgot about that, not that they've been particularly annoying or anything.

Time passed, km's slipped by.

I had to keep reminding myself to eat and drink, to take moments to stop and rest, to reflect.

Having an iPad for this trip is such a great thing! At one point I stopped at a shopping plaza and found a quiet bench in the shade to eat, drink and jot some of this blogpost. After being on the road in a very barren desert-like area it felt so strange to be among civilization.

I started feeling achy and not so great in the stomach, like the virus I was fighting before I left Canada lingered, it made it hard. Hard to enjoy things the same way. The last 10 km's to my hosts place were hard, it felt like all I could do to keep on peddling.

I reasurred myself that it would all be over. Reaching John and Laura's place was like coming to an oasis ( complete with hot tub). After the hours of being on the road it's such a blessing to be welcomed, given a place to stay, a shower. I thank God for the kindness people have extended to me through this trip.