Fijis Across America 2010

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

__________________________________________-

http://www.youtube.com/user/FIJIsAcrossAmerica#p/u/3/b0MVp5Zg8J8

Well, after sleeping in for quite some time in a comfortable hotel and gorging on their continental breakfast, we all departed soon enough and traveled around Colorado Springs for the time being until we had to drop Chaz and Jordan off at the municipal airport at around 2ish. In the meantime, we went to Garden of the Gods, just northwest of town, and spent some lengthy time enjoying the sights. The geology formations were quite thrilling for any individual wanting to consider the field of study. In the distance, patiently sat Pikes Peak a mere 14,(something) feet of a beast towering past any mountain in close range. We talked about summiting the mountain, by car that is, but due to time constraints we were unfortunately unable and were left lurking around the Gardens.  It was neat to meet someone from our own state and to also observe some technical rock climbers ascending some of the many various steep obtrusions towering from the surface. After Garden of the Gods, we all headed to a local restaurant recommended by Chaz and chomped down on some buffalo burgers. MMM….the first one was absolutely delish. After the buffalo, we dropped Chaz and Jordan off at the airport outside of Colorado Springs wished them happy travels back to home and then ventured on toward Dillon, Colorado to meet Mr. Bill Hebb. 

Ok, so first off I would like to say that the hospitality and generosity humbly exemplfiied by Bill was beyond deserved. Secondly, I want to simply state—-Bill Hebb, YOU ARE THE MAN! For those of you who don’t know who this fine young man is (thought you would like this Bill) he is the owner of Hebb Electric bikes, an international company selling yes you called it—electric bikes. It has been a very successful business since establishment 2 years ago and I know it will continue to expand for years to come. As I first met Bill and within a short few minutes, I knew he was a man of high integrity and I respect him immensely for his unselfish actions in giving us a hand. I mean who would honestly open their winter home in Colorado to a bunch of college strangers? The first night of meeting, Bill graciously grilled out hamburgers and brats, which really were an added treat after a continued staple of PBJ. I knew after supper, these next couple of days of rest were going to be a luxurious vacation. The next day, we awoke bright and early and journeyed to Idaho Springs to try out some whitewater rafting. Even though it was extremely cold out, the class 3 and 4 rapids, produced tons of excitement and suspense for our group. Our guide was well skilled and added much enjoyment to our trip. None of us fell out and were fortunate to have well equipped gear to keep us fairly warm until 2 hours passed. Ahhh if only I could do it all over again.

After the excursion we drove back to Bill’s homestead where shortly he fixed his famous, “up the butt beer chicken”. It was my first time and it was interesting to watch how the delicacy came together from start to finish. 

The next day we all went to the small ski town of Breckenridge, a few miles southwest from Dillon, and hit up a sports bar to watch US and England battle in the 2010 South Africa World Cup and to celebrate Wade Haga’s 20th birthday. I still can’t believe the 40 footer Dempsey crawled by Green. Go USA! At the same time, while we were eating lunch, Tyler’s parents met up with us to celebrate the festivities. In a few days, Lori and Wayne will be driving the support vehicle through the finishing miles of CO and the upcoming state of Kansas.

We retired back to the homestead for one more last night where Bill cooked more brats, corn on the cob, chicken, and practically anything else we asked for. It was heaven once again. We awoke the next morning to 3 inches of snow on the ground, something I have always wished to see at such high altitudes. Bill had to leave early and catch a plane ride back to his hometown of Texas. Bill,  I would personally like to say thank you for EVERYTHING you gave to us during our rest days for it truly was beyond our expectations. I will never forget some of the conversation we had and the memories we shared together. By the way…I hope you enjoy my refrigerator drawing, I felt you needed some new detailed artwork up there. I hope one day we can meet again and complete our challenge.