Another Adventure

I miss writing in my blog. One thing I learned while blogging about my trip across the country is it affords me a few minutes to reflect on the simple things that make life so wonderful. Knowing that *anyone can read my ramblings keeps me restrained to a point that I have to brush off the negatives and focus on the important things. It is a good practice of meditation and has a way of lifting your mood. I think this is why Bob Marley praised"Positive vibrations."
*By "anyone" I am referring to Cara, who I realize might become my only follower!

What to write about?
Since being medically separated (soon to be retired... I hope!) I have been pursuing a career as a Physician Assistant. It has been a tough ride just getting accepted to a school. In fact, I have spent the last 3 years taking classes and getting work related experience in patient care just to compete for the coveted opportunity just to become a student. it has been a tricky balancing act between keeping my focus on the goal pf being a PA and sucking up the entry level work which usually involved dealing with patients bodily fluids.
I figured I would write about my experience of being a layman and tackling this monumental personal goal. Really, I feel like a guy who has no business diving head first into a graduate level science degree, especially with my background of a history degree and navigating airplanes. They are similar, right?

In the Surf!

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VA Beach.jpg

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I miss my blog!

I feel like I left everyone hanging. The end of the ride was amazing! It was HOT and humid and the day was a bit of a whirlwind! We rode into VA Beach to an overwhelming show of support. I was truly humbled. After a brief program, we rode down a specially made ramp and into the Atlantic. It was so emotional, I can barely remember the details. The image of the group of us, arm in arm, amongst a crowd of thousands being swallowed by the Atlantic surf will be with me forever. It's one of those moments you wish you could freeze and experience longer. I guess it's these fleeting moments that seem to mean the most because they go so fast. I guess it's a bitter sweet reminder that life is about experiences that touch you. The beauty of it... there will always be more.
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Where do I begin... Where do I end?

I have no idea how to put the last 64 days into words. I have no idea how to take an idea... a collective effort... a great cause... and put it into words to wrap it all up. It just can't be done. Words, no matter how descript, are finite, and limit our efforts... punctuate our story.
So be warned my trusty followers, this is is just the beginning!
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Ron and Nate some how got themselves, their bikes and overnight stuff on a Miata!

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We've been known to break a few rules.

We had a hot day of gently (and not so gently) rolling hills. The heat and humidity were killer and we were beat by the end of the ride. Some of us rode straight to the hotel because a ceremony in a park, in the sun after that ride would have been unhealthy.
My friends Ron and Nate showed up for the ride today. I think they'll be pleasantly surprised about the support we have been receiving!
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THE Iwo Jima Flag... Amazing!

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I left this Sea to Shining Sea button on the headstone.

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Charlie Owens, my former navigator school classmate and proud member of the Nav Show.

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Sea to Shining Sea wreath in Arlington National Cemetery.

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DC

So far it has been a restful day in DC. I was originally going to head to lunch at the Capital with a NC representative but when I heard we were getting Subway sandwiches rather than being allowed to eat lunch in the congressional dining room, I opted out of the political photo op.
Besides, I really needed a day to rest up!
We have only a few riding days left and we reach VA Beach. Cara, my parents, and sister's family will all be there at the finish line. I just wish my dog could attend but he had prior arrangements.
I got word that we fed 297 service members at Walter Reed a steak and lobster dinner! Only a few made it to the dining hall so I was hoping the rest got a good dinner(better than Subway at least ;).
It was impressive to ride to the hospital with former patients and amazing to realize some were patients mere months ago! That's what this ride is all about.
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Long anticipated arrival at Walter Reed

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Heroes

Jeff Thomas, Mike Claver, and Wayne (last name escapes me right now) lay a wreath at the National Fire Academy's memorial. We asked these men to lay the wreath because they are all firefighters. It was very emotional for them to say the least.
We had a long day in the hot sun climbing and riding. It was nice to get to the hotel, jump in the pool and get some sleep!
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At the summit of our last major climb!

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Beautiful PA

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Wreath placed near Flight 93 memorial. The impact site is in the background, just to the left of the tip of the flag on the fence.

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Beautiful Pennsylvania

This morning we visited the crash site of United Airlines Flight 93. It was a moving memorial and a quiet place to contemplate the sacrifices made by those during and since 9/11. It was a fitting visit by the team because of the impact the terror attacks had on our lives and the story of our military careers.
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Wow... What a day!

I'm not sure if I speak for the other riders but today was rough! It was warm and humid with some pretty good climbs. I left a lot on the road today and hope I can recover tonight and start tomorrow fresh. We are currently on Somerset, PA and tomorrow morning we are heading to the Flight 93 crash site. From what I've heard, it's a very moving memorial to some brave Americans.

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Nicolette talking to Dr. Allen Russell, Director of the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine.

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