Toward the Flatlands

L to R: Jeffrey, Joey

Joey here. Further to Nancy’s recent guest post:

Penelope by Dorothy Parker

In the pathway of the sun,
In the footsteps of the breeze,
Where the world and sky are one,
He shall ride the silver seas,
He shall cut the glittering wave.
I shall sit at home, and rock;
Rise, to heed a neighbor’s knock;
Brew my tea, and snip my thread;
Bleach the linen for my bed.
They will call him brave.

Friend Janet, who sent this poem to Nancy, rendered the last line thus:

They will call HIM brave.

Suitably sarcastic, Ms. Parker. But remember: Odysseus didn’t travel only in a sunny silver glittering world. He faced the Cyclops, Scylla, Charibdis, cannibals, storms . . .

* * *

We are aboard the Lakeshore Limited, bound for Chicago, where we ended the 2014 Great Lakes Ride. Last night and today, we had a great sendoff.

Benjamin sent greetings from London.

Rebecca & Andrew came by to wish us well.

A delicate sunset, our last before departure …

… as we look toward Chicago.

Friend Monica helped wheel me atop the boxed Sprint 26. The foam protects pedals & gears.

Nancy took her turn too, for nearly 3 miles.

Finally, W. 33rd Street, Pennsylvania Station, & a view of the Empire State Building.

At Penn Station. Jeffrey (the sap) already missed Nancy.

The Amtrak baggage clerk was leery of accepting a box with protruding pedals. Jeffrey pointed out that Amtrak had carried the boxed trike from Chicago in 2014, he showed an x-ray of his shattered leg, & he accurately called the machine his “mobility device”. The clerk & a supervisor happily approved carriage at no charge.

In the Penn Station waiting area.

Sappy Jeffrey clutches a card from sweet Nancy. He will open the card on the train.

The Henry Hudson Bridge as our train leaves Manhattan & enters the Bronx.

Hudson Highlands State Park, en route to the Great Lakes and the Illinois prairie.

We reached Albany and turned west toward Chicago, where tomorrow Deena will meet us at Union Station

and our adventure will begin in earnest.

9 thoughts on “Toward the Flatlands”

I love the beautiful pictures, especially the ones of you and Nancy. All of us here at Human Rights First are in awe of you both. We cherish your friendship and so admire your commitment to refugees–and to going in search of what’s best in our country. Vaya con Dios.

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wonderful “leaving NYC pics….Safe travels…..
cousin Joel

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Miss you already! Penelope

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B’ hatzlicha

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All best wishes to you, Jeffrey and Joey, as you set off on this new venture. We hope for the wind to be mostly at your backs! We look forward to your posts and keep you in our thoughts as you go about your mission. Deborah and Matthew

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Safe travels!

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And you are off! We will all follow, loyally, and send loud messages to let you know we are with you – our small attempt to bolster your spirits on your mighty voyage. I wish you only open-minded interesting people who will listen respectfully to your message on refugees and asylum and America. Human Rights First is lucky indeed to have you as a friend. Many many thanks. Keep safe.

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