Full Circle

It was a long way back by bus from Chetumal to the USA, but I got a good 2 1/2 hour ride from Belize back into Mexico before sitting on the bus for an age. No problems at the border between Belize and Mexico, and then basically three days on the bus to Matamoros. I decided to take the Mexican bus line “Tornado” from Matamoros through to Nashville, as there was no extra charge for the bike and equipment. When I googled Greyhound from Brownsville (USA side of the border), they charge for extra bags and the bike, which they said had to be boxed. This would have meant finding a bike shop in Brownsville and stripping the bike down to get it on the Greyhound and being charged for it. With Tornado, the bike simply went on its side in the hold. Anyway safe and sound to Nashville and then a short bike ride back to Jeff and Kara. A far cry from 2 years and 50 000km but it was still a moving experience cycling back into the driveway, and I met Kara finishing her run. It was really good to see them both again. 

Trail running with Jeff early the following morning - it was really good to ‘move’ again after four days on the bus and the ankles were quite swollen again with oedema, but the run soon sorted that out, and then basically put my feet up for the day. A 3.00am start on another bus (this time Greyhound, but without the bike) up to Chicago to see my sister for the weekend.

Really good to touch base with family again - it has been 5 years since I have seen them and it was a very special weekend. My niece was 7 when I last saw her and what a change to see her at 12. Unfortunately my nephew, who is now 22 was on a training seminar in Connecticut, so I missed him which was very sad, but c’est la vie.

Another 10 hours back to Nashville and a fantastic trail run again this morning at 5.15 with 95% humidity. Went off to the bike shop to get a bike box, so today has been stripping and packing the bike and equipment for the flight back to the UK tomorrow. So much traveling - will be happy to get back to Grayshott Spa and have feet on terra firma for a few months.

Still no new tenants for the house in Zimbabwe, so fingers crossed that Sharon and Mario will find someone soon. I am really worried about the dogs, but trust that all will be fine with them for a few months to get some cash together before heading back in November. Would love to go back now but just do not have the cash at present. Again, c’est la vie.

So it seems that the circles are closing on themselves - Nashville, UK then Zimbabwe - and then perhaps a new journey begins in Mozambique. We shall see.