well, it's been two weeks now since we arrived back in bella vista. we've settled back into a somewhat normal routine, though, after that trip, one can never be totally the same.
first, i've learned (the basics, anyway) how to do a blog. (thanks, john!) i have much more to learn. if you look closely, you'll see that i lost two major entries (one being the account of the ride down the entire west coast!) while adding photos and editing. still can't figure out where they went!!
i also learned that i'll need to take better notes the next time. what seems like an unforgettable sight or experience in the moment, can fade if not documented. trust me!
the last leg of our trip included a stop in phoenix to visit with son, john, and several other herricks that were able to join us for dinner. we were able to meet john's new friend, kimberly kelly, who we look forward to getting to know better! 
double rainbow after a long, hot ride from phoenix to placitas, nm.
last stop of the trip was a quick overnight visit with sister-in-law, cindy, in placitas, new mexico. a comfortable bed and a home-cooked meal were quite welcome as we prepared for the final 800 miles back home.
we averaged 42.1 miles per gallon over the entire trip.
postcards - $18.04
bottled water - $97.04
269 gallons of gas - $1148.61
you got it - memories, PRICELESS!
i will now close this post, but not before saying that i would like to continue to use this blog to share our on-going experiences on the motorcycles. just this week, we've done 3 patriot guard missions, covering many miles, and supporting many grieving families and their friends. please don't forget them - they continue to sacrifice long after their soldiers have been buried.
hope you enjoyed the journey.
