Innocence Lost - Brian

Our need to belong to a group larger than ourselves is enormous. Think about it. You get married, you're in a group. You join a church, a club, a bowling league, anything, and a little part of you feels better, bigger, part of a brotherhood.

But what happens when things don't go according to plan? Sometimes in a church, things may move away from your belief. Maybe it's too much about the pastor, or too much about one topic. As soon as the church solves world hunger, there might be time to worry about politics.

When a basketball team doesn't function it is very clear. You could have five all star playersbut if they don't communicate they lose. Five great players, no teamwork. It was a team decision NOT to work together.

How about your personal choices? What if you decide to quit going out, and start working out? You lose one team, but have decided to join another, much healthier for you. That is a decision YOU made.

A marriage gone bad could be devastating. Those are decisions made that have downstream consequences. You have the whole family unit working as a team, and all of a sudden you may only have one brother to lean on, through no fault of your own. This is NOT a decision you made, and you have to find your own way.

Some of these things I have experienced, and it hurts. Finding your own way is hard, and sometimes scary. When you lose all support, and your entire team is ripped away from you, it must hurt.

Think about the children we are supporting. They were part of a team, and it was ripped away from them. For some time I'm sure they feel alone. The staff at Our House and Arabella must work very hard to help them belong again, be part of something bigger than themselves. No matter what the challenge, no matter how many curves in the road, they need to belong. I want them to know, they matter. I am on their team. I will be there. How about you?

Today's song of the day...Black Hole Sun by Soundgarden...

Back in the US of A - Bozeman Montana

Well, the riders are back together again - at least, we're all in the same time zone. There was a hotel snafu, so we're in a couple of hotels an exit apart, but as far as I know, Scott got a belt from another Harley rider when the dealerships couldn't find the belt the other dealership shipped via Greyhound.

It's all a great story - or will be, in a year or two when the headaches are forgotten, and it becomes a "remember that time Scott's belt broke?" story. The group split in Calgary, with some of the guys going with Scott, and the rest headed for the hotel iin Bozeman. Traffic and other stuff led to another split, or two ... but we should all be able to pull out of the parking lot together tomorrow.

Tomorrow is the shortest mileage day of the Ride, at 255 miles planned. Of course, that was also the mileage for the trip from Fairbanks to Coldfoot, but I expect we'll have better roads, and probably better scenery, I think we're riding through Yellowstone and Beartooth pass - which is another one of those places I've read about, heard about, but never dreamed I'd get to ride my bike through.

All in all, a long day, with decent weather, and everyone arrived safe. 

James Leatherwood

Great Ride - Doug

We prepared to leave from A&W in Grande Cache. Scott throttled up to pull away from the light and nothing happened. Perplexed, he throttled up again. Nothing. Then Brad pointed to his drive belt which had decided to become linear instead of the more useful circular shape. That was the end of the go for Scott's Harley for the day. The comedic entertainment that ensued kept several us amused as the group attempted to solve the problematic belt. About 45 minutes later Scott's Harley was in the trailer and Sheriff's dirt bike was out for the remaining 240 miles to Banff.

It was an amazing ride through Jasper National Park. The most picturesque of all the rides to this point. The mountains were starkly beautiful and the water throughout the park was every shade of blue and green from the glacialmelt. The curves and elevation changes were as breathtaking as the scenery.

What a day. What a ride.

Scott's Ride Fund

How far would YOU go? Hank Lewis

If a family member needed anything, how far would you go?

If a close friend needed help, how far would you travel?  100 miles?  1000 miles?

If a casual acquaintance needed help, how far would you go?          

Ok, If someone you do not know needed help, how far would you go? 

All that is known to the Riders is that there is a need. Would you travel 10,000 miles?

The Ride is about making a difference in one child's life. 

It's been a while - Scott

Been awhile I know. In fact I'm sitting in the exact same place when I wrote my last blog, Fort Smith. The roads have been a challenge for sure. I had no idea that they could make bumps and pot holes in so many sizes. Then just when you think you have them figured out they come by in a big truck and flood the road with thousands of gallons of water and mix in some slippery stuff all to make the roads better. Not sure how that works out, I can tell you on a motorcycle it will get your attention quick. The celebration at the Arctic Circle and Coldfoot was incredible. It was different than our past rides, only different because this was being celebrated for reaching a destination instead of riding into our 48th state, then it was was just a simple ride home. The Arctic Circle just brings us to the half way point and then we have to ride for another 10 days to get back home. Between all the bumps, dust and mud, going home sinks into my mind. You think about the kids and all the bumps that they have had in their lives, you think about the pot holes that seem like there is no bottom when you hit one. The life of a child taken out of a bad situation must feel a lot worse than that. What is home for them? The one that they were in was something that I could not even imagine, but it is all that they know and in some strange way I would think it is what they call home. Now that they have been pulled from that environment and placed in a safer place it still has to be hard for them. The night we pull back into Columbus we will know we are loved...we will KNOW we are loved. We know that we are home!!!!! When that child walks thru the door of Carpenter Way Ranch or the Arabella home there will not be hundreds of people cheering them on, but there will be love from the inside. I'm sure that it will be hard for them to even understand that kind of love at first. How foreign that must feel to them. Questions must pop up in their mind like why would anyone care about me. I'm also sure that it will be hard for them to recognize the love at first. I can feel it when I'm there. And I feel it from the stories that the staff members tell me, but at first the kids are still falling into that pothole. I still don't see how the staff is able to reach in and save them but they do. Each child is different just like the different bumps and holes that we hit on the road to the Arctic, each one has to be handled differently. One wrong turn or angle that you hit it will send you off in the ditch, the same with helping a child that has been brought to one of our homes. I do know that there is love inside and that the staff will find a way to reach it and show them a better way. They do this one child at a time. This is what we ride for. To help make a difference in one child's life. To give these kids a place that they can call home and feel loved.

A Good Ride - Doug

A good ride from Watson Lake, Yukon to Fort St John, British Columbia. 556 miles logged today. It was a long but fulfilling day. We had great weather and good roads. There was gravel and construction but less than on the way up and no rain which made all the difference. We stopped several places for fuel and food. Coal River and Todd River were interesting and we met some good people. Peter was riding a BMW from Vancouver to Alaska. Dave the fuel attendant in Coal River was hilarious. And, Sylvia the Medic in Toad River was one tough and amusing young lady!  Good times. Let's hope the weather holds to Banff tomorrow.

Destruction Bay to Watson Lake - Doug

Despite being tired, today's ride from Destruction Bay to Watson Lake was a good one. We had great weather and reasonable roads. There was some construction and that crazy mud hole detour but at least it wasn't raining this time. Plus some of the construction gave us the opportunity to stretch our legs and meet some new people while we waited for the pilot vehicle. Casey the Stop Girl was an amicable diversion from the ride.  She claimed to be paid the "big bucks" for holding her stop sign taped to a stick with which she expertly brought all traffic to a halt but then magically twirled the stick after 10 minutes time to reveal her next trick - slow.

Other than Casey the Stop Girl, we made several stops including Whitehorse and Johnson's Crossing. Lunch in Johnson's Crossing was equally enjoyable as last time but today we had a new waiter. I didn't catch his name but it was his second day on the job. He is 14 and going into the 9th grade which I found impressive considering his recent employment. He did a great job and was rewarded handsomely upon our exit.

I fancy myself a runner and put in about 25 miles a week when things are normal. The last couple weeks have been solidly outside normal for me. Scott Ressmeyer has been relentless about the ride miles so before today I have only been able to run once on this trip. We arrived in Watson Lake about 6:00 PM which gave me time to put in seven miles in some rolling hills and not anytime too soon. My legs were starting to hurt from lack of running while the rest of me is hurting from riding. Seven miles and I feel much better which I'm sure tomorrow will change since kickstands are up at 7:00 AM for a 550 mile ride to Fort St John, British Columbia.

Mike Hamby and I walked down to the Sign Post Forest at the edge of Watson Lake. I've never seen such a sight!  Thousands of signs from all over the world are on display. We found signs of all types from locations far and near but what was crazy was the Columbus, Georgia sign. Out of the thousands of signs, we walked right up to Columbus in the middle of the forest. What are the odds?

Good times, great people and unique experiences!

Scott's Ride Fund

Wiggles

Any time you wiggle on your bike, it's scary. When anything or anyone wiggles on your bike, it's scary. When you are not in complete control, it's scary. We hit fresh gravel, the front tire goes one way while the back tire goes in a different direction. We crossed a five span bridge with metal grates. Same thing. At that point all you can do is maintain your balance and hold on for the ride.

I have a pair of shorts made out of denim. I call them shorts. Not my kids, they call them jorts. My daughter Katie found a picture on Facebook of a dude in jorts, a belly, a beer and some New Balance shoes. She said it was me...it was not...message received, don't wear the jorts in public. And for the record I don't have any New Balance shoes. I think when you hit 60 you get a pair for free. Seriously, look next time, old dudes dig the New Balance look. I also have standard "Dad" jokes. When we sit down at a restaurant and the waitress says hi, my name is Betsy, I'll be your server....or later when they ask "do you want another beer"...I have standard replies that my entire family is rolling their eyes at right now. I tell you this because it makes me think of another old joke. It's about breakfast and the participants. The chicken is involved with breakfast, the pig is committed.

I'm committed to this effort. I'm committed to make a difference in one child's life. On these scary roads, every day I swing my leg over the seat, I'm committed. And there are 18 other guys that are all in as well. We have close to $400,000 in Harley's out here on roads not fit for a $7 Mule. We've lost countless head lights, shifters and other mechanical parts, because we are committed. We buy ride t shirts, we pay our own expenses, we donate, just to donate, because we are committed.

So if you want to be involved. Go to Columbus Tape and Video, buy a ride shirt or two. Go to Bricks and Minifigs in The Landings and buy a Miracle Rider minifig, or a ride shirt or two. How about stopping in your favorite beverage store and grabbing a six pack of Duster from Omaha Brewing, or even a local restaurant, where it's on draft.

But if you want to be committed, go to Chattahoochee Harley Davidson and buy a raffle ticket. At Bikes on Broadway on September 9 we will be giving away a 2017 Street Glide Special, you can see it there at the shop. Shoot, the first person that goes in there and buys two tickets I'll buy you two ride shirts. And if you do it before we return on August 11 who knows what might happen.

Answers: Hi, my name is Brian and I'll be your customer. Next when they ask if I want another beer I say...want, need whatever....

Today's song of the day...She Loves My Automobile...originally by ZZ Top, but I love Willie Nelson's version. Also go find Hank Williams Jr doing Jesus Just Left Chicago...

Brian

Back in Watson Lake - James Leatherwood

Day .. I don't know. 12? 13? 

One of the things I love about long rides, and Scott's Rides in particular, is that after a few days, the day of the week and even the date don't really matter. Wednesday? Thursday? Don't care. Where are we headed tomorrow, and will I need my rain suit? That's all that really matters.

That, and talking to all the really cool people out here in the world. Like Casey, our flagger on one of many AlCan construction pauses. She grew up in Whitehorse just a few miles from where she stood holding a Stop sign duct-taped to a stick she found by the side of the road.  She works construction during the summer, then travels for the winter. She's quick with a smile, and somehow makes people happy they're stopped on the side of the road waiting to drive through loose gravel and dirt.

Last night a couple of friends from Jacksonville caught up with us in Destruction Bay, an even though they left at 10 this morning (instead of 8:30, like normal people) they still were able to join us here in Watson's Lake for Chinese food. Doug and Hart are riding round Canada and Alaska for fun - maybe someday there will be a Scott'sRide chapter in Jax, and maybe we can ride to help make a difference in a child's life.

As for today (and yesterday) it's amazing how much different a road can look coming down the other side. It helps that it wasn't raining today, and the cloud cover was high enough to see the snow at the tops of the mountains we were riding through. I don't think even Brice's camera could capture the raw beauty and the contrasts. Simply stunning, and I have images and memories that I'll never forget. I put the collected works of Mannheim Steamroller on my phone before we left Fairbanks, and simply rocked while  we rolled down the highway.

Even the construction didn't seem as bad today as it was the last time were down this road. And the hotel here in Watson is definitely a step up from the last time we were here. That was what, four days ago? Six? Something like that.

Lots of motorcycles on the road, and lots in the hotels. Some are going to Sturgis, because it's there. Most, though, are riding to a destination that's not really the destination, because just being on the road is reason enough.

A couple more days in Canadia, then we're back to the land of real internet, green money, and (with a little luck) some better food.

James

Out here. Somewhere Between Day 12 and Day 13

Yesterday Tuesday Aug 1st we said good bye to Alaska. 

Fairbanks, this time of year is a beautiful place, but decievingly so. In 2 months time this entire region will be placed in a severe deep freeze, the likes we in the sunny south can only imagine. The lady at the front desk is a retired US Postal employee. She says its not unusual for temps to get down to -45!

SAY WHHHHAAATT! (Ronnie Wilsons favorite thing to say)

The mail must be delivered, she said. Ok, I said walking away, thinking, these people are nuts for sure!

So if Alaskian Postal Employees are nuts, what does that make me and my Brothers out here riding to The Artic Circle and back? Afterall,

I think I got some of the same reactions from people when I would tell them what we were/are doing, but when I tell them why, they say, thats a great cause, raising money and awareness, ALL, to Make a Difference in One Child's Life.

Music is a very powerful thing, it can lift your spirit, it can comfort your Soul. John Michael Montgomery recorded such a song a few years back, The Little Girl, moves me to tears everytime I hear it. If you have never heard The Little Girl you should listen now.

Such are the Children we ride for. They are displaced from their homes, that for some reason or another their parents are not able to give" Kisses and Hugs Everyday".

CHILDREN DONT HAVE A CHOICE WHERE THEY LAND IN LIFE!!

A mama bear ferociously protects her cubs and a mama eagle teaches her young to fly. God's plan was that humans would follow his plan for the family modeled by the Holy Trinity, but somewhere along the way things have gotten off track.

People are people and enough said about that.

So right now I want you to stop whatever you are doing and listen to The Little Girl by John Michael Montgomery. And when your eyes are sufficently teared up or you are balling your eyes out, remember this is not fantasy or make believe, this really happens. First Law Enforcement is on scene, then the Social worker comes on scene, and instructs the child or children to place their belongings in a plastic garbage bag. 

I think of my own children and grandchildren, to be taken from home and put in a strange and unfamiliar place. How traumatic, how unloving!

There are 2 places in our town where these kids are treated with Love and Compassion. Arrabella House and Carpenter's Way Ranch. But they need our help please while you are reading this blog please make a donation, after all if we don't make a difference in one Childs life, who will?

Thank You

Mike Hamby

Trust - Brian

Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me. We all know that one. The roads up here are tough. You never know what's next. If it changes color watch out, could be a dip, a pot hole that would swallow your bike, gravel, or even soft sand. You can't trust the road any farther than you can see. You sure can trust the Canadian department of transportation to warn you. When they put up a sign, they mean it.

You have to trust your mechanic. You have to know your wheels will not fly off. You have to know your bike is going to perform as expected.

For a ride like this you have to trust your planning. It is unforgiving up here. If we didn't have the chase vehicle this year we would have had big, big challenges that would have delayed us for days.

You have to trust your abilities. You have to know all the training (thank you Lt. Tim Wynn) and all the miles you have ridden have prepared you for whatever.

But what happens when you lose trust? When you lose trust, you lose a very important part of your ability to function. Think about how many people and times you trust in one single day. My grandson Brody trusts me explicitly. He doesn't understand gravity and how it works. When we go down the stairs, he holds my hand and takes three stairs at a time. But he knows I've got him. Country music is littered with lost trust. Lawyers all over make a fortune when a husband and wife "lose trust".

What happens when children lose trust? How do they get it back? It is a precious commodity, and once lost, can never be given again without serious thought. Been burned before? Are you just going to trust again?

I can imagine the children at Our House and Arabella have had some level of trust ripped away. And one of the most important things the staff has to do is rebuild that ability to trust. There will be no other progress or growth until they can trust again.

I know what I'm doing to help rebuild that trust. What can YOU do to help.

I trust you'll make the right decision.

Today's song of the day..."Life's a journey, not a destination" Amazing by Aerosmith.

Headed for Home - James Leatherwood

We've officially completed the Arctic Expedition from Columbus, and made the turn toward home. Wifi at the hotel here in Fairbanks is ... not great, but it's better than we'll have for the next couple of days!

We left Fairbanks yesterday with glorious weather - a bit chilly in the morning, but not freeze-your-face cold. It warmed up to the mid-70s, and the blue skies were amazing.

The Dalton Highway doesn't start right away out of Fairbanks, but it's very clear where it dos start. If you've watched today's video, you can see the beginning of the Dalton - it's the part where the flatbed truck, carrying another truck, is passing us. Uphill. On a curve. Fortunately, that was probably the worst traffic situation we had to deal with. There were other trucks, and a grader putting 12" rows of dirt in the road, but for the most part the traffic wasn't as scary as I thought i would be.

The road, though - it was either perfectly flat paved highway-grade asphalt, or inches-deep gravel concealing rust and washboard, or slick-looking fresh dirt.

We kind of took over the Arctic Circle pull-off - there were several folks who we invited to jump in while we were taking photos, because 19 Miracle Riders and the support crew take a long time to do anything. We wrapped up the photos, and some of the Riders headed back to Fairbanks, while some of us went on to Coldfoot.

Thanks to the expert cooking on a beautiful Golden's grill, we had delicious reindeer sausage and steaks. And we fed a bunch of new friends, too!

This morning was chilly, and soon a gentle rain started. We covered the same roads we'd seen earlier, with the added challenge of those slick-looking roads now being, well, slick. Another headlight was sacrificed to kicked-up gravel, and there were a couple of unscheduled pull-overs, but eventually we made it back to the BMW rental place, and traded in the high-performance, nimble German machines with their rock-hard seats and unfamiliar riding postures for our familiar, comfortable, American Iron.

Tomorrow the journey home starts in earnest ... back through Destruction Bay and Watson's Lake. I think we're all tired tonight - but the mood is great.

Check out the videos and pictures - and if you want a slightly different perspective, go read the "End to end" blog on my sponsor's website at Availity.com/ride-blog.

A Message of Hope - Mama Cat

This morning the riders received a message that makes hard miles and horrible weather all worth it.  They gathered for their morning briefing and over the phone hooked to Ronnie's speakers I read to them; it had come only moment earlier. The silence at the end was complete.  I hope the road will be a little better today.  I know their spirits are renewed.  Here it is.

Hey Friends...Alison here...CEO of The Methodist Home.  I am in awe of you and your determination to press on for our kids.  Thank you for your sheer GRIT and incredible love.  I have been reading your blogs - the journey through one person's eyes. It truly reminds me of our kids.  While you all see the same scenery, critters, roads and rivers, you each navigate it individually.  However, there is something magical, indeed binding, when you experience the comfort of being in the group...the fellowship, and the feeling you are not alone.  I was especially moved by the amount of rain and the terrain, the condition of the roads - it keeps you mega-alert...probably another similarity for our kids in their journey.  You understand the value of a good night's rest when you have been tense all day, wondering what comes next.  If you didn't know the true meaning of why you are on this journey, I pray you do now.  Seeing life as our kids may experience it is invaluable to understanding their young lives.  YOU are helping us provide them with a good night of rest, a safe and healthy place to call home. God Bless you and thank you for sharing the road with our kids!          Alison

Scott

Two days of challenging riding, with two more to go. Then we get to do it all over again. 😀 the best part is that we will be going a different direction on the same road so it will bounce everything back in the right place, I hope. Friday we rode in the rain for the whole day then add to that the temperature was in the mid fifties. Mr. Cole just informed me that made it feel like 34 degrees. He knows this from his years, lots of years experience and he also stuck his head out the window of the truck and said it was cold. Now that we have water on all of our body parts we can add mud to that as well. Let's just say this is not a ride for the faint of heart. This is not to say that we are better riders, in fact there are alot of better riders than us. What makes the deference is that you got to have the heart. You have to be willing to get up each morning and put your chaps on and say I'm here in this world to make a difference. It does not matter what you choose to do in life, you will have to ride thru a little mud in life. Then at the end of day the sun will break thru and you can find out what was the ride (life) was all about.

Tidbits from Destruction Bay - Mike Langford

Rooming with James Cole again. He was getting dressed this morning and asked if he needed a sweater today?? Remember now, he is riding in the geezer mobile with Vern.

All in all the bikes are holding up well to all this torture we are putting them thru. A couple of shifters, a couple of broken lights, a gas leak, a couple of air shocks leaking. Not too bad, better than some of the old bodies riding them.

Several guys are moving a little slow, a few with sore body parts, and instead of looking for beer store, drug stores are in high demand. Aleve is like gold.

A few guys also left home without all the cold weather gear. It is summer after all. You can pick them out easily, they are blue.

Tonight we get to Fairbanks. Tomorrow we get the little off road bikes and do last 200 miles to the circle. At that point 5 of us will have ridden from Key West to the Arctic Circle in 13 days. How cool is that?

Day 8 - Rain, Dust and Gravel Mike Hamby

When they say the Alaska Hwy is not for the faint of heart, it is an understatement.

Yesterday was only 423 miles, but with the spotty gravel roads and rain it made for a full 12 hours in the saddle.

The Alaska Hwy starts in Dawson Creek British Columbia and runs all the way to Fairbanks Alaska.

Some 1493 miles. 

It was built by US Army Corp of Engineers starting in 1942.

These little tiwns we are staying in are inhabited by the decendants of the civilians left to run the outpost.

I am always intrigued by the history of places, especially such remote places as this.

Destruction Bay gets its name because of the high winds that come through the mountain passes to the south. 

Today we will be crossing back into the good ole US of A.

And on to Fairbanks. 

This morning has a sad note to it. My Brother in Law, Milton Davlin passed away. He has been suffering from Parkinsons and Alzheimers. 

He was a good man, a good Husband and a good Father.

I will be riding in his honor today.

He is finally free of his earthly bondage. 

Please keep my Sister Sharon Davlin and her Family in your Prayers today

Destruction Bay Yukon Territory - Doug

Made it into Destruction Bay, Yukon this evening about 6:30 PM local time after a 430 mile ride. We had rain and drizzle much of the way but it cleared for the last 60 miles.

It was. less technical ride today with better roads (not much sudden gravel mixed in the with pavement) and no major construction.  The curves were sweeping and the elevation changes were less dramatic. We were warned about the frost heaves of which there are many but they are marked with yellow "wave in the road" signs and/or little red flag markers. If you aren't watching and hit a frost heave at speed some of them will launch you like motorcross which isn't cool on a Harley.

We met a lot of interesting and very friendly people along the way! Some of the are even more intense than us. Gou from China is riding his bike from Deadhorse, Alaska to Panama. Sam and Taryn are riding theirs from Vancouver to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska and then on to the southern most tip of South America. That is the northern most to the southern most points of the Americans. Oh, and Gou's bike is bicycle - the peddle kind. Sam and Taryn are riding on-road/off-road motorcycles. We have seen many more BMW, Kawasaki, and Yamaha "enduro" touring bikes than Harley bikes up here.

Thursday, a little late. Mike L.

I may have had a worse day on a motorcycle, but I don't remember one.

We had rain, we had cold, and we had rain and cold together. Seems like it was 550 miles of road work. And if it wasn't sand or dirt, it was loose gravel. Not just a few places, it was all day, and it was just gravel thrown on the road.

Then the rain mixes all the sand, dirt, and gravel. Ask Kevin how that works out!

We did get stopped by a herd of buffalo. A very large herd that did not care that they were not crossing at a cross walk. And we also had two mountain goats with very large horns standing in our lane of the road who refused to move. And maybe 8-10 black bears watching us go by.

We also had to stop when the pilot truck driver at one of the construction areas stopped the truck and ran for a ditch in the tree line. She came back after a few smiling and waving at everyone.

So, you have to keep an eye on the road or fall down, and you have to keep the other eye on the right shoulder for bears and the other eye on left shoulder for buffalo. And you do this for 550 miles.

I am going for an adult beverage.

 

Terrifyingly Beautiful - Brian

First, let me make it clear, I did not get Karen's daughter, Ginny's number from a wall...got it from Facebook.

Normally I let the other guys tell you about the ride, of the day...today is my turn. When we got west of Edmonton, away from the farming, the scenery changed. Mountains, valleys, rivers, goodness there are named creeks every mile. We go up, we go down, curves, great riding. Go look up Muncho Lake in British Columbia on Google Earth. Beautiful teal blue water, Ronnie said sea foam green and Doug wants to know when Ronnie and I are picking out wall paper...more on that later. Rushing rivers into big lakes, I really would like to spend more time here. 

As we are riding through this stunning scenery at eighty fi...seventy fi...the posted speed limit, it is raining. The road is sometimes muddy, always wet, tar snakes in every turn. Oh yea, we are right on a river, so one bad move and your bike is at the bottom of a lake, or a canyon. The Canadians do a wonderful job of marking the roads, they let you know there is "loose gravel" everywhere. Cars are zooming past in a curve, on a mountain, in a no passing zone with loose gravel. Go ahead, take a look around, I dare you, terrifying beautiful.

Today's song of the day...No Way Back to Eden

They say that you gotta go, to know

That you wanna come home

There is no shame till you know

There’s right and wrong

We dipped ourselves in the river, but we never get clean, there's no way back to Eden from what I've seen