Pearls On Wheels

My friend Joce sent me a message yesterday... 'I looked back on the prayer of blessing I sent you as you left (from John O'Donohue) and I think it came to pass!' " May you travel in an awakened way, Gathered wisely into your inner ground; That you may not waste the invitations Which wait along the way to transform you. May you travel safely, arrive refreshed And live your time away to its fullest; Return home, more enriched, and free To balance the gift of days which call you." As I reflect on the journey I realise that the kindness and love shown by strangers and fellow travellers has been transformative. The tenderness of the unexpected touch melted me and strengthened me. Thanks for the photo Shirley. Some strangers became friends. Here is a video Mark Donham has created of our last two weeks together on the Caraterra Austral.  Team Kiwi and Radioman Video Be encouraged if you are on the road to Patagonia. May you meet friends along the

A glorious Auckland day to greet me. Auckland Harbour Usually the trip is 20 hours 45 minutes. LAN airlines  provided the longest airline journey I have ever travelled.  72 HOURS travelling from Ushuaia to Auckland.  Father grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change. Courage to change them if I can Wisdom to distinguish the difference. I really appreciated the messages of encouragement I received during this journey home.

 Team Kiwi at Tierra del Fuego National Park. I give thanks ... for our safe arrival and for the companionship of our group and for the friendliness and kindness of all the people we have met on our journey... and especially for Dick's planning, leadership, driving skill, judgement, loving kindness and consideration of others... and for those who have helped me to be physically, emotionally and spiritually prepared for this journey. It has been as much an Inward journey as an Outward one. A 140 day retreat. I treasure the messages of encouragement and all your prayers. Thank you for your comments and emails. We have met beautiful people, seen beautiful creatures and beautiful places.   Today was no exception. Pink shelly beach, wild flowers to match. The cross, a reminder of the sacrifice that set me free... and the streams of living water that flow. Ushuaia: el fin del mundo, el principio de todo! The

People could sense our anticipation and our joy today.  Kind Clarissa at Cerro Sombrero  Noehelia at San Sebastian.   Adrian reached out  his warm hands in a loving welcome to me when I entered the room. Maria beamed with delight. Such big warm hearts.  Us  Our chef... who prepared this wonderful, well-balanced meal - succulent lamb, chorizo and black sausage  And especially Team Kiwi.   We missed you, Shirley. You were with us in spirit.

This journey was all about people for me. A wonderful collection of pearls. People we met, and people in my memories populated the days. Meeting them was only possible because we were on the road, so... Here is the overall summary  Date Stage                                             Days                       Distance                       Rest             km               Days 28 June-26 August Vancouver, to Deadhorse Alaska;  Yukon, Canada, to Hollywood, USA 60 18,503 10 11 September - 24 October Hollywood, Mexico, Central America, Colombia, Quito - Ecuador 44 8920 9 1 November - 7 December Quito - Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Argentina to ushuaia 36 10402 7 140 days        37,825km 25 days In addition to these days on the road we had three days in Vancouver and an 8 day break in Quito when Dick w

Yes we are! Thanks for this photo, Mark At 3.40pm. This afternoon,  Thursday 6 December  2012 we arrived in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego Hallelujah! Praise The Lord!! Praise the driver, Dick!!! Thanks for this photo, Mark

  Glorious cerise lupins.  This pisco sour is going to make me smile, too.  Early morning mountains  Marcus in his red Mini Cooper. Mum has the remote control but he knows how to change the car to manual control...and how to turn on the music and the headlights. We have had wonderful care in Puerta Natales. Jimena from Colombia.  Claudia and Isabel at IF hotel. Wonderful welcome. Wonderful warm hospitality. Muchas gracias A lovely farewell hug and we were on our way.  Long straight roads, ever-changing cloud patterns and... strong crosswinds to lean into. Just like a comfy sofa. El viento es muy fuerte, hoy.  Elegant hexagonal bus stops along the highway. Blue roofs, windows and a spire.  We had to pull over and let this house past.  It was so windy today that I wonder if it stayed on the transporter. Tierra del Fuego...this way. This sheep and dog duo wanted to board the transportador (ferry) with the vehicles.  Safely on