Day 22 el Paso

The route so far...

Stats
Daily mileage 40.67 Ride time 2hr 42min
Avg speed 15 mph Total mileage 1298

I spoke to my http://www.warmshower.org/ host last night and the plan was to set off at similar times in the morning and would meet along route 28. I decided to go to the diner and had a lovely breakfast consisting of pancakes and bacon. Whilst sitting there, I realised that Texas was an hour different to the clock I had been working by. I was already slightly late in leaving and this meant my hosts had left along time ago. I have not been paying attention to the physical time in the last 3 weeks, I have been using the sun as my guide.

I got on the bike pronto and cycled like the wind. Within in about 10 miles, I bumped into my host and they escorted me back to their home town, El Paso. It was great to have some company and the miles ticked past quicker than even before. As we were cycling down the road I noticed another tourer, named Scott, ahead with his camera out posing to take a photo of me. He even shouted “keep going kris”. My hosts informed me that they stopped him earlier thinking I was him. We all joined together and cycled into town and had lunch together. Scott is also a copper from Phoenix and had been on the road for 7 days but due to his work commitment was finishing today.

We ate at a Mexican joint and said our goodbyes to Scott. My hosts showed me into their house and told me to make myself at home. I spent the afternoon chilling and resting my sore ankle. In the evening I watched a film I had been dying to watch for sometime. It was called “Into the Wild”. I could see some serious similarities between me and the main character.

For a long time now, I have been wanting to write about my desire to do these things and were I get this free spirit attitude from. I am not sure this public blog is the best way to express some of these deep thoughts because sometimes I forget who is reading this. Documenting my beliefs in such a way has been a great way of looking inside myself and deciding what is important at the present time. On the other hand I guess some or my blog readers simply wont give a shit. But I am finding it intriguing to understand why I have to do these things.

I guess it comes down to having just one life and I plan to grasp every opportunity I can. Sure, that means I have to make compromises but without taking a chance and experiencing something new, I cant grow as a person. This world is a beautiful place but how can I see that when I have to go to work Monday to Friday and then spending the weekend hung over. I have had to make sacrifices to do this trip. For example, a university friend has just got married last week and I was unable to attend it. Understandably, he was upset when I told him I could not go and I was too, but I am not simply going on a one week holiday to Ibiza. I am fulfilling a dream of mine and although it was a though decision, I am positive it was the right one. Sure, I know some folks wont see it that way and they are of course they are entitled to their opinion but I guess I am different. Is it selfish, maybe!?!

I know people wonder how I can afford to do all these things but it comes down to priorities. I am happy without having all the latest fashion, owning the fastest car and having the biggest house. Instead, I save that money and spend it on living my dream. I feel most alive when I am out in the middle of nowhere as opposed the rat race of the London life. Will this attitude last forever, probably not. Maybe, happiness is real when shared!

I feel as though I could go on for a lot longer and perhaps I will another day but for now I shall say goodnight. Goodnight.
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