Back on Track

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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