Our journey took us over many of the same roads that we have traveled before. But this time, by motorcycle, it was as if we were experiencing the country for the first time. And I guess we can say that we really were experiencing it for the first time. We could see a larger panorama from our bikes. We could feel the wind, the rain, the warmth of the sun. We could hear the rush of air, our heavy-metal thunder as well as the loud crack from the thunder storms. We could taste the salt on our lips as we traveled through the fog from the ocean. We could smell the clean mountain air, the sage after a desert rain and the bacon cooking over a morning campfire. We experienced so much more by motorcycle that when we reflected on something that we thought had happened a week before, we realized it had only happened earlier that day.

We found that people seemed to be more engaging on this trip. We were approached more and it was easy to strike up conversations. Often, as we passed others or others passed us, we would get a friendly wave or a sign of approval. At restaurants, people at the next table would ask us about the trip or share experiences that they had. We even found that many motels offered a discount to bikers.

When we would travel by car, it seemed that we would rush to get to a particular attraction or destination and then enjoy. For this trip though, the attractions were a bonus. The journey would not only capture our senses but our hearts and minds. It was easy to imagine how mountain men like John Colter and Jim Bridger must have felt as they rode into the Yellowstone area for the first time. As we rode northwest across Montana into the Canadian Rockies, we imagined what the Sioux, Black Foot, Nez Perce and Metis must have felt as they rode those same areas many years before.

The unpredictable weather made it an even greater adventure. We avoided the major cities and interstate highways as much as possible. We were rewarded with a lifetime of memories and a deeper love and respect for the country and each other. If you ever have a similar opportunity, take it. Life is to be enjoyed.

So whether you prefer the comfort and protection of the carriage or the freedom, romance and adventure of the saddle, just remember... It's not the destination... It's the ride!!!