Alas, we must sing our swan song, The Party’s Over. With much regret, we decided not to wait out the rain any longer. The forecast for the next week shows continuing storms and showers; the poor condition of the C&O trail makes it unusable to us. Tomorrow our friends will drive us to BWI Airport to rent an SUV; from there we’ll head to South Carolina to visit Bill’s cousin and wife, who had planned to join us when we reached Williamsburg. Our target to arrive back in Denver is next Wednesday, the 14th.
This journey began long ago as a dream, and even if we stopped short of our goal, in my opinion we accomplished a great thing. We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped us along the way, from offering an encouraging word to a ride across a river. We hope our many new friends keep in contact and that we may meet again; you are always welcome to our home. And we are excited to return to Denver and reunite with our friends there!
This morning we toured Harpers Ferry, and learned that in addition to its role in the Civil War, it was a key provisioning town for Meriwether Lewis before he set out on his expedition. He and William Clark provided inspiration to our two-person Corps of Discovery, so it is fitting that we end here. Happy trails!
An unforgettable adventure! But riding in the rain is not enjoyable and even has some risks. Congratulations on a great accomplishment.
By: Dave Hannes on September 7, 2011
at 3:34 pm
I am happy and sad for you both. I am happy you have not only set a huge goal but you followed trough, travelled more miles than most will do in their life, and inspired more people than you probably know. I am sad because that journey had come to an end. I wish you both well and look forward to see what the next venture will be. Wendy
By: Wendy on September 7, 2011
at 3:46 pm
Well done, Bill and Paula.
By: Mary Tenwinkel on September 7, 2011
at 4:09 pm
You are a huge success, and we (selfishly) can hardly wait for your return to Denver! Thank you for letting us share the journey! Love, Sherry
By: Sherry Kenney on September 7, 2011
at 5:25 pm
Bill & Paula,
Dave and I were so very happy to meet up with you guys. Next spring we are going to invest in our own bikes and hit the trails just maybe…………… we can make the trip in 10 years too!!!
What a wonderful ride you have had
God Bless
Becky & Dave
By: Becky on September 7, 2011
at 5:33 pm
Rock on….a true inspiration for all!!
Have a safe trip back home howver, before doing, enjoy your stay in the Carolinas.
By: tradermon23 on September 7, 2011
at 7:10 pm
Sorry above comment from Casey and Craig
By: tradermon23 on September 7, 2011
at 7:11 pm
Paula and Bill,
Not only did you have the Dream, but you also had the “Guts” to complete a fantastic journey on such a simple conveyance. You have earned your yellow jerseys.
Thanks for taking us along for the Ride!
Happy Trails to you in your 4 wheeled auto. May you enjoy the sweet memories forever and…
Welcome back to the Queen City of the Plains!
Marge & Sam
By: Marge Romberger on September 7, 2011
at 7:41 pm
What a Wonderful adventure!!! Linda and I feel very blessed to have been a part of it if only for such a short time. we became friends so quickly. Please keep in touch. I believe our paths will surely cross again.
By: Wendell and Linda Hoffman on September 7, 2011
at 7:48 pm
I couldn’t agree more with Sam and Marge’s comments; you accomplished what many (most) only dream about. You did it! And thanks for sharing the journey with us. Can’t wait to see you!!! Love, Louise
By: Pastor Louise on September 8, 2011
at 5:09 am
Congratulations on finishing way back east, P & B! I will miss your travel stories but of course miss you more. Now comes the scariest part of your journey – driving! Safe travels home.
By: Bridget on September 8, 2011
at 1:55 pm
You guys achieved something memorable and will look back with great pride on this trip across America. Tom and I have really enjoyed your blog and accompanying photos. Enjoy some much-deserved R&R and look forward to your homecoming!
Tom and Barb
By: Barb on September 8, 2011
at 2:48 pm
Congrats on a fantastic journey!! I’ve told dozens of people about your trip and think what you guys have accomplished is amazing. Thanks for sharing along the way.
By: Keith Archer on September 8, 2011
at 5:39 pm
End of the Trail with great memories and wonderful stories. I’ll miss your adventure tails but it will be so-o-o- good to sleep in your own bed with your own pillow. Our door is open in NC if you need a stay over before SC. Summers is over I guess for all of us. Be Safe & God Bless, Paula
By: paula on September 9, 2011
at 6:08 am
You made a good decision. The C&O is a rough ride in the best of times. Congrats and safe travels back to Denver!
Where to next?
By: Bryan Durkin on September 9, 2011
at 3:27 pm
Far out!!!!!!
By: Ray on September 9, 2011
at 5:21 pm
What an amazing journey! Every day we couldn’t wait to get our daily fix of willmerriwether! No need to be disappointed—you are an inspiration to all of us. We hope we can get together with you sometime in Denver to hear more of your stories.
By: Bruce and Robin on September 10, 2011
at 9:34 am
I add my congratulations to a job well done too… even though a bit late. Thanks for letting us all be a part of your experience. See you both when you get back to Denver.
By: Jason Clark on September 12, 2011
at 9:00 am