Back on Track

9/6/2017

By Tim Notier

The last couple posts have illuminated the struggles we have had, but every problem has led to a better understanding on how to solve them as a team. We will be the only two members of this team for a very long time, and hopefully every so often be assisted by the generosity of others.

Problem: Started the trip without a driver’s license.
Resolution: Because the residents of the place I used as my mailing address were out of town, the neighbors watched the mail until it arrived, and mailed it directly to me. I am forever indebted to them, because starting a round-the-world trip on a motorcycle without a driver's license is not recommended.

P: My external hard drive crashed prior to leaving.
R: Bought a solid state external drive and was able to hack into the old one and transfer all my files.

P: The general inspection of my bike was taking a week longer than told, biting into our timeline.
R: Got the bike back with the limited amount of work that they were able to do and moved on (this did lead to other problems that I am currently trying to resolve).

There is a list of minor things that just weren’t going my way that seemed to add to the stress of the larger problems at hand. Luckily, most of the major problems/strings of bad luck have been solved prior to us leaving the States.

I hope no one thinks I am not appreciating this trip as the incredible gift it is. Yes, there are nightmare situations, but they are only brief moments in the dream we are participating in on a daily basis.

Highlights as of today:

Seeing the solar eclipse in all of its glory on a clear day while spending time with my brother and his family.
Watching Marisa read a book by a campfire while I lay in a hammock.
Drinking coffee on the bank of the Rio Grande observing a family of otters play.
Listening to Guns n Roses and Nine Inch Nails (which I haven’t done in 15 years) while driving through amazing scenery.
Seeing the look in Marisa’s eyes when we visit sites like Mesa Verde, the Taos Pueblos, or spotting Bighorn Sheep within 20 feet as we hiked.
Waking up every day knowing Marisa and I will experience magnificent things that will strengthen us as a team, and give us a new outlook of the places we visit.

Through our own teamwork, and with the assistance of strangers and friends, we have tackled every problem successfully we have come across. I hope this trend continues as more problems will inevitably arise.

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