(1) We had a big scare a few days ago when Shawn was hit by a car about 10 miles outside of Lusk, WY early in the morning. He is okay, sustaining minor bruises and some scrapes. Thankfully no broken bones or major traumas. The ambulance came and we were all pretty worried, but he was joking around before leaving the scene and we were pretty sure he was okay. His bike, on the other hand, suffered major damage. Shawn put a lot of time and effort into his bike, particularly his frame (he welded the steel together himself), so that was really disappointing. Better the bike than him though. He's in the van for the next few days until he heals and we figure out how to get him a new bike. He's in good spirits though, so that's great. As for the woman who hit him, I didn't see the accident, but apparently she just didn't see him as she was turning left into an intersection. I guess she was pretty shaken up about it. In the end, no long-term damage done.
(2) We came into Casper, WY yesterday after a nice 60-mile day. We had a 10-mile detour to a natural rock bridge formation that we really enjoyed, with some great scenery to make the ride go quickly. The best part of the day, however, was pulling into the Casper Best Western for a two-night stay at a hotel. The Casper Habitat chapter apparently swung some discounts and put us up for the weekend in these rooms. We are all very happy to be sleeping in beds for 2 nights.
(3) The build day today was quite fruitful. We moved two already build sheds into permanent position behind two houses, laid sod in the backyard, and began installing fencing around the house. Normally we complete tasks too quickly for these chapters to keep 32 people busy for the full day, but we were moving around for most of the day with something to do. That was really nice. Certainly my favorite build day so far.
Otherwise, just pedaling and pedaling. I got to talk to Aaron yesterday and Schirmer today, great to hear their voices. Hopefully I can hit up some more friends soon. Thanks to Mom/Dad, Grandma/Grandpa, and Claire for the mail drop letters and goodies the other day, I really enjoyed reading/eating them. Talk to you guys soon!
Hey, Justin! Please tell Shawn we are thinking about him and hoping that he heals quickly! That must have been very scary for all of you. Glad you had a good build day. Happy pedaling! It is cooling off here for this next week -- hope you get the same luck!
ReplyDeleteLove, Mom :)
Wow. That is scary. Thank God Shawn did not get seriously hurt. We will be thinking about him and hoping he can get another bike and continue. As parents that is always in the back of your mind although I try not to think about it.
ReplyDeleteGlad the build day went so well. Also it sounds like you guys are enjoying some great scenery up there.
Talked to Aaron yesterday and it sounds like he is having a great time in NO. He really enjoys the projects he is working on and the place he is living in is very nice. He and some of his friends went to the cemetery yesterday to visit mom & dad's tomb but the gate was locked up. They weren't as adventurous as we were that time we climbed over the wall to get in. Glad he didn't try, would have hated to see him get arrested for trying to visit his grandparents grave!
Carry on Mate! The continental divide is looming.
Love, Pops
Alright, so I have finally broken down and made a google account so that I could post a comment. JEEZE LOUISE I hope that Shawn is ok! I saw a biker get hit right in front of my house the other day and it scared the begeezes out of me! Luckily she was fine too but gosh people should pay more attention to what is around them, especially when they are driving!
ReplyDeleteWell, I was going to call you yesterday but I figured with only a few weeks of bike and build left you probably don't have much time to chat. So here is a quick update.... Colleen, Joe and DJ all came to visit me last weekend. It was a strange but awesome americorps reunion. Reminiscent of the Smokies as we mainly spent the weekend hiking. Now, I am down to the last three weeks in Colorado and it is sooo sad.
So to wrap up the longest comment ever, I am so glad that you are having such a good time and making the most out of your bike across the country! Keep up the peddling, stay safe and put up more pictures!
Best Wishes,
Becky
Hi Justin -
ReplyDeleteI called your Dad today and finally figured out how to get in and read your blogs. I'll catch up on them as I get a chance. Grandma keeps me posted on where you are and how things are going. They enjoyed their visit with you. I'm glad your trip is going well. Take care and stay safe.
Aunt Cindy