Mid-morning on May 26th, I left home on the very first leg of my Cross Country trip.  The official departure photographer, Dave Miles, stood by Karen as she waved goodbye.

A pleasant surprise was that our pastor, Kevin Bates, rode out to our house in order to accompany me for the first 5 miles or so, after which he peeled off for his home. 

After checking out "Cruzing in Colby" and lunch, I headed for Mount Vernon. My first stop was at the home of our friends, Phil and Esther Harmon. 

After that, I rode to the home of Dave and Cindy Schuh, the middle son and daughter-in-law.  Dave installed a flag antenna on the back, and then his son, my grandson, Mattie, and his cousin, also my grandson, Andy, gave me a rousing send off by riding with me through the neighborhood before my leaving.  That was very nice of them.

My last stop was at the home of my grandson, Troy Schuh.  He and his fiancee were gracious hosts.  Troy had the magic touch in several games of Yatzee.

The weather had been pleasant, and the ride perfect.

Tomorrow should be good, with a couple of small climbs at the end.  Then there are four consecutive mountain passes in four consecutive days.  If I can survive them, then I should be okay for the rest of the trip.

Will McMahan