Name: Al and Dan	Redmond, OR - helped with directions; thought    we were from Publishers' Clearinghouse!
Date:    8/2/00
Hi everyone, it's us. We are in Missoula, Montana. We are taking our first day off after 860 miles in l4 days, not bad for a couple of old guys. We are doing laundry, bike maintenance and needed rest. We read all of the messages and do thank and appreciate everyone's interest and encouragement, it really helps. Tomorrow we head for Yellowstone through the Bitterroot mountains of Montana. There have been some fires in this part of the west, they may slow us down but present no danger. A special HI to our sweethearts, Jane and Kay (plus Lily and Grace). Did we mention that the people we have met and the scenery have been wonderful. We will try to update as computers become available. Bye for now. Al and Dan.

Name: John Schilling

Date:    August 2, 2000

Al and Dan, Great to get your message from the road! All those hard miles in 14 days - you guys are awesome! Hope that the temperature comes down and the roads level out for you during the next leg of your journey. Our thoughts are with you! Can't wait to see the pictures.

Name: Nancy/Frank

Date:    2 August 00

You are showing very good judgment in taking a rest day periodically. The Trans-Am on adv-cycling.org Route folks going E to W rested one day in seven (I wonder where they got that idea) and ended their adventure 87 days after leaving Yorktown. Have fun this week- should be one of the best!

Name: Cindy Vogtsberger	Don - Sisters, OR
Date:    08/02/00
Hi Guys Can't tell you how much fun it is to follow you across the US. And I assure you, sticking pins in the map as you travel on is a lot easier than pedaling all the way! Truly, I'm glad to hear this adventure is even better than you thought it would be. Everything at Linworth Animal Hospital is under control; although, one client actually told three of us that Dr. Gutin really needed to get her permission before leaving like this. The two weeks Dr. Bird was with us went very smoothly. He is a delight to work with. Once I figured out his name was Tom, not Tim, it went even better. I've nicknamed him Tom Terrific, but only those of us in the appropriate age bracket know who that is. Amazingly enough, one of Tom's old friends(Chuck Hess)now lives at The Forum where my father lives, and Chuck and Dad have also become friends. So, one lunch time the four of us went to Fifty Five Grill for lunch and had a great time. This is the first week Dr. Edwards is back in the saddle, and we have been busy. A number of interesting cases - hypercalcemia and mediastinal masses seem to be the thing. Hope the remainder of your trek is as enjoyable as it has been to date. Keep us posted. Happy pedaling - Cindy

Name: Caroline Pharmer

Date:    8/2/00

Dad & Al, So great to see that you got to a computer and saw first hand, what great support and love that so many people have for you guys! You are doing fantastic. I am also glad that you are resting now and then. Remember dad, it helps to hold your tongue just the right way, (That was from the Sam & Carly). Thanks for the postcards! I spoke at a breakfast Tuesday to 55 teachers and was very proud to tell all of them about my fabulous father. Keep on peddling and be safe. Love ya ! :)

Name: Ken and Karen

Date:    8-3-00

WOW! You guys are moving right along..didn't know they had freeways in Montana..Ha. Hope the weather cools down for you. Looking forward to seeing some pictures.

Name: Jane

Date:    8-3-00

Wasn't it great to hear directly from them? They're moteling it in Hamilton, MT, tonight. They spent two nights in Missoula, and had a personal tour, with Paul, of the Adventure Cycling headquarters housed in an old church. They had their pictures taken to be placed on a bicyclers' wall of fame (at least they're not on the post office walls!). Greg Seiple, (Siple??) son of the guy who started TOSRV, seems to be a main mover of the Adventure Cycling organization. He wasn't there, however. The fires are in their vicinity but Al assured me they're fine. They were to meet up today with David, but the main pass he had to cross to get to Hamilton was closed because of the fires. They are going to try to work something out so they can still get together. Dave has all kinds of goodies for them and I think hoped to sag them for awhile. If they can proceed as planned, they hope to put in a "short" day tomorrow, get to Sula and then Saturday, start up the next mountain passes: Lost Trail Pass 6,990 and then Chief Joseph Pass 7,24l. Aren't these guys something?? Thanks to Chris for scanning the pictures for the site.

Name: Tom Walker

Date:    03 AUG 00

Al and Dan, It's great that your journey is progressing so well. I know that you are having the time of your lives (except the laundry which is never fun). Last summer my brother in law and I rode the Lewis and Clark trail (3,015 miles), and saw much of the same territory that you are now enjoying. It was, in fact, such a memorable ride, that a day rarely passes without reflection on the previous year's ride of the day. I am confident that you, also, will finish with unending stories and memories of unique adventure. You mention that the people you have met have been wonderful, which we also found to be the case. The experience overwhelmingly ratified the thought that Americans are great people; eager to help, and full of a sense of adventure. As a Westerville resident frequently roaming roads north and east I'm surprised I didn't recognize your pictures. I'll keep my eyes open, however, and hope to swap tales with you some day. I know you won't have time to provide much detail as you go, but we'll read eagerly every morsel that you publish. Have a great ride !!

Name: Larry Corman

Date:    8/3/00

HI hard guys. Thanks for keeping us informed. Every day I can't wait to see the posts and your tremendous progress. You also seem to be enjoying the ambiance in addition to the challenge.You'll have to explain that to me? I'm sure every one following your adventure thinks of you every time they go out for a ride.Looking at what you've been over and through the last two weeks I doubt there is any climb or weather you can't handle. Keep riding safe and continue to have a great time Larry

Name: Mike Gutin (Al's younger bro)

Date:    8/3/00

Hi Al ( and Dan), it sounds from your journal that you're having a great time. Life is for having adventures, isn't it! Thanks for the card from Oregon, Al. I was up in Big Sky Montana this past February on a little ski adventure and really loved that part of the country. I hope the weather and wild fires cooperate and you enjoy your trip more and more as you proceed. Looking forward to reading about your progress and seeing more photos. Sending you both cool Santa Barbara ocean breezes. love, Mike

Name: Lisa Sabula	Their most favorite sign!
Date:    8/4/00
Hi Sir and Al, Hope you are having fun. It is great to hear your updates. It is really fun to see the pictures. There is not much new to report on the home front. Well, Clark did get a haircut. He told Andy that he wanted it as short as he could get it. It is really short. It is just your style!! Have lots of fun. We miss you lots. Love. Lisa

Name: Jane

Date:    8-5-00

They've hooked up with Dave and all the goodies he had waiting for them (along with Dave's dog, Scully, and her two pups)! Fires are still raging out there. Through the kindness of a woman in an RV, they were able to get through one of the passes where the fires were licking at the side of the road. They've ridden through Sula, Wisdom and were camping in Jackson, MT., last night. Al says the trip is all they thought it would be and much more. He commented that riding up the side of a mountain is so much better than driving it. Spoken like a true bike-riding adventurer. The two of them are something else! WOW!

Name: Dianne

Date:    8/5/2K

Hi Guys! "Good golly Miss Molly"...fire all around you...even at the edges of the road! Glad to hear you're safe and have had the help of some nice folks. I know Dave was very excited about hooking up with you. It was good to hear, from Jane's report, that it all worked out. So Al...you think it's better RIDING YOUR BIKE up a mountain than riding it in a car?? Oh my gosh!:) Perhaps the air is too thin up there!!:) By the way...since you've been on your trip, every time I see a local guy on a bike, struggling up a tiny hill...I just laugh to myself and think of you guys up in the mountains. Good going to both of you. Lots of love sent out your way, Dianne

Name: Pete Clark

Date:    Aug. 5, 2000

Hello Dan & Al, I spent some time reading your journal and messages from all your friends and well wishers. 850 miles in 14 days! You guys are impressive. You are coming up on the most beautiful secenry in the world in this next week. Take some time to rest and enjoy Yellowstone and Jackson Hole. Any mechanicals with the bikes? I can not imagine they could go a thousand miles and not have problems. Do you need parts sent your way? I think of you and Al with pride each time I pass a rider along route 22 between home and Wilmington Ohio. We will send prayers your way tomorrow. I checked the radar a few minutes ago. Appears you are still in dry weather. Have fun, be careful. Stay out of the smoke. It is not good for you! Pete Clark

Name: Mike Gutin

Date:    8/6/00

Hi Al (and Dan), thanks for the card from Idaho Al. Sounds from the trip journal that everything is working out as well, or better, than expected. Glad to hear that you got to link up with Dave. All is well here at home. Going down to smel-LA today to work in the heat for a couple of days. Keep cool and have fun. Mike

Name: Cathy G.

Date:    8-6-00

Hi guys. I see you're moving along just fine. I still cannot immagine the strength that you both have. I commend you. I saw the map at Linworth marking your points passed. (yes, it was w/Camiele). Things are fine at the clinic. They did punch biopsy's & the whole wk-up. I pray for continued safety & strength.

Name: Jane

Date:    8-6-00

Kay heard from Dan this morning from Sheridan, MT. The town is filled with people of all ages as they're holding a reunion for anyone who graduated from Sheridan High School! Last night, they camped in a city park in Twin Bridges. It rained buckets but their trusty tents kept them dry. Dave and the pups are still with them and will be for a few more days. Somewhere along the road they met a cowboy that Dan said looked liked he was straight out of central casting. His comments re: seasons in Montana: "Almost winter, winter, and still winter." They have a big climb today...

Name: Lily

Date:    8-6-00

Hey, Dad: How much longer, in dog years, will you be gone? Mom is taking good care of me but it's not the same around here without you.

Name: Grace

Date:    8-6-00

Hi, Dad (Dan): I am missing you a lot. Thank goodness mom came to get me from my babysitter's. There were some little dogs there that were bugging me. I am fine but wish you were here.

Name: Lisa Sabula	Road Warrior
Date:    8/6/00
Hi Sir and Al, We were all happy to hear the latest updates today. We had another birthday celebration today for Mariclaire (her birthday is tomorrow) and Mike (his birthday is Fri.). I also took Mom and gave her a lesson in pumping gasoline. Andy and I had talked about it and wondered how long it would take until both cars needed filled up! Later this week, we are taking the other car, and she is going to try to get gas herself!!! Drew was a big helper, and cleaned the bottom of the pool for Grammmy, and Clark skimmed the top. It is still blue and clear, and looks good. Alex is staying with us tonight. Andy helped Drew, Clark and Alex build a Wigwam, and a tree fort last week-end. The tree fort is the biggest hit! They also got a pulley and tied a bucket on the rope, so they can raise and lower things as they wish. Last Sat., they ate both breakfast and lunch up there! Mariclaire and Chelsea are both staying with Grammy tonight. When we left, they were both having a great time, and Grammy is taking them birthday shopping tomorrow afternoon. So, they are all excited about that (even Grammy)!!! The whole birthday party thing brought up Clark's question of the day... will Grampy be home in time for his birthday party? We also saw Jane. She stopped by with some great pictures that Al had sent. She looked good and was fine. We loved seeing the pictures, and especially liked the descriptions on the back! Mom and Jane are both doing OK, but missing you both..of course. How could they not miss the "loves of their lives"? Anyway, we will continue to follow your progress, and in this case live vicariously through our Dad(Grampy to the kids)and his friend Al; as opposed to how we normally live... vicariously through our children! We are really proud of you both, and miss you lots. Take care of yourselves, and we will take care of things here. Lots of love, Lisa

Name: Al andDan

Date:    8/6/00 8:48pm Mt. time

Hi everyone, it's us again: David has a laptop and a cell phone so we are getting really advanced with the tech stuff. We just read all the new messages and it is really terrific to hear from so many people. We are in Ennis Montana tonight. This is the fly fishing mecca of the world. We climbed up a pass to over 7000' and then a great downhill that got me up to 49 mph without peddling for over 7 miles. Dan was more cautious and breaked most of the way. I should be conservative but I feel I earned all that gravity will give me after the 3 hour climb. Tomorrow we are off to Yellowstone, where we have heard the RV's are thuick

Name: Jane

Date:    8-7-00

They're in the fly fishing capital of the U.S., Ennis, MT. Touristy type of town. They've passed hordes of motorcycles migrating to Sturdges, S.D. Saturday night, Dave showed his culinary talents by cooking them burritos on his Coleman stove. Al said they ate very well that night. They're on their way to West Yellowstone today. Dave is going to visit friends and will meet them on the other side of the Park and ride with them for a bit. They sound strong and happy.

Name: Kim and Andy

Date:    8-7-00

It has been a great adventure following you on the web. Thanks for allowing us to share in the adventure. Even Zach has returned to the bike and has logged a couple hundred miles. Dan and Al, you two are an inspiration to a lot of people. Keep it up.

Name: Jean Fedor

Date:    Aug. 7, 2000

I have been trying to send a message to you and it looks like I"m finally able to do it. I see you are taking a day off today. As you know I am at camp Kislak; Address is como@njycamps.org I am in 106 Main house MOM

Name: Jean Fedor

Date:    Aug. 7, 2000

I have been trying to send a message to you and it looks like I"m finally able to do it. I see you are taking a day off today. As you know I am at camp Kislak; Address is como@njycamps.org I am in 106 Main house MOM

Name: Nancy/Frank

Date:    7 Aug 00

If you need another site to look at Teton Valley and Jackson's Hole, take the aerial tram to the top of Rendezvous Mountain in Teton Village-( there might even be a bike trail if you're looking for another hill-climb). The Hostel in Teton Village is a place to stay, the Mangey Moose a place to eat. Hope you are no longer breathing smoke! Everyone is enjoying your odyssey. Stay safe.

Name: Caroline Pharmer

Date:    8/7/00

Dad & Al, I am so happy that you are seeing this great website devoted to you two. I really enjoy the postcards that you've sent, and love reading all the comments that you and others have written. We are all doing great here. Kids started back to school today and loved it! Bill has started riding a bike like his now famous father-in-law. He said he really likes it alot and feels beter than he has in a long time. But he know that you could whip him in a race any day of the week. We all love you dad, (yes even Freckles, the bunny) and we look forward to hearing from you again real soon. Oh yea, one thing, Martha Pharmer's boss, Fred Hooper died friday (he was 102)and now it really looks like she gets to retire. Yea. She doesn't seem to be thinking about any cross country bike rides or anything in her retirement. I told her that you would talk to her when you get home. Love ya and be safe and have FUN! Kisses from the kids and Billy

Name: Clara & Frank Bunk

Date:    8/8/00

Al & Dan: Wow--what a ride. We're finally catching up on the news of your journey. We're back home and will be until Oct. 1. We were in Europe when you left. Everything in Riverlea is quiet and the grass keeps growing. We thought of you when we saw bikers in Europe and especially in Heidelberg. At the railroad station there on a Sunday morning, there were over 500 bikes parked as their owners drove downtown, parked and then headed off on the train. We also saw many cross country riders in diffcult terrain in the Austrian Alps-sometimes whole families. We're proud to know you and honored that Riverlea is so well represented. Keep up your spirits and your health. Clara & Frank

Name: Kyle Andrews

Date:    8 Aug 00

Hi Guys - Sounds like the trip is progressing quite well despite the heat and wildfires. I'm quite envious that you have far surpassed my RTR mileage in such a short time. Glad to see you are finding time for things like fly fishing. It's great to enjoy the local flavor. Al - FYI, just talked with my mom and got the Boomer update for you. She has had seizures on 31 May, 15 July and 29 July. As usual, she is having good and bad days, but is generally doing OK. 20 cc's am/pm is doing the trick right now. We all hope she will hang in there far beyond the time you are back. Mom joins me in wishing you all the best as you continue your journey of a lifetime!

Name: Lisa Sabula

Date:    8/8/00

Hi Dan and Al, I hope that all is well with you both, and that you are enjoying Yellowstone! Dan, I have a question for you...remember when I told you about our refrigerator? It is causing frost to gather on the things in the freezer. You told me to have Andy take the front of it off, and I think you said that there is a tube or something that he needs to check? I can't remember what you told me, so I'm giving him those kind of "I think" instructions!! I wish you were here, or at least just a phone call away, but we can try this new technology! I will be in big trouble if my car breaks down or something. We miss you lots. Thanks for being our favorite Dad!!!! Love, Lisa

Name: Jane

Date:    8-9-00

They're in the Yellowstone area in a place called Grant Village, 20 miles from Old Faithful. Off to the Tetons today! They'll meet Dave on the other side of the park and he'll do some riding with them. Mom (Jean), it was so good to see your message. Al will be so pleased to hear from you. More pictures are on their way...

Name: John and Barbara

Date:    8/9/00

Barb and I are following you closely. Dan, I still think the fact that I talked you out of bicyling across Europe in 1957 in some small part gave you the resolve for this trip. Sorry! (You might be home at your swimming pool right now.) We have 92 coming this weekend for the family reunion.

Name: Al and Dan

Date:    8/9/00

Hi all, We are camped out tonight near the Teton's. Dave just cooked the best pork tenderloin for our dinner. Boy is he the expert outdoorsman! Tomorrow we start off with a 2500' climb up Togwotee pass in the Rocky's . We will cross the continental divide again for the 5th time. We are feeling strong and ready for the challange. More latter. Al and Dan

Name: Ken and Karen Cunin

Date:    8/10/00

Al and Dan and Dave, Sounds like the camp cook is a real hit. The Tetons..what a great place to be. We hope you climb today goes well. Your trek inspired to get out on a new bike. So far I have made it down Tucker and up to Wilson Bridge Road and back a couple times...somehow I don't think going up the TWHS "pass" to get home counts. I think I need a course in "biking for the elderly." Take care.

Name: Jane

Date:    8-10-00

They've pedaled through Yellowstone and are in the Tetons. Yellowstone was bumper to bumper cars and way too crowded to find a place to camp. When Dan called, they were camping out and David was back with them cooking dinner on his Coleman. They have a big climb today: from 8,000 to 10,000 ft. They are still happy and going strong.

Name: Marianne, Mike, and Jake	Montana rancher: "The 3 seasons here are    1) almost winter, 2) winter, and 3) still winter"
Date:    8/10/00
Hello Sir and Al, How good are you two? I love reading all the entries about how you are doing. I hope you are away from the smoke and fires now. By the way - I have managed to stay away from the smoke for 57 days now!! I am feeling great!! Things here are good. Lisa has kept you updated much better than I have. We have been busy with Jake. He is now standing up (with assistance from mom or dad or a table) but is getting stronger every day. He greeted me with a big smile this morning standing in his crib rattling the rails to let me know he was ready to get up. He very well could be walking by the time you get back. I know Clark was wondering if you would be back in time for his birthday (Oct. 15). Jake is wondering the same thing about his birthday (Oct. 16). We saw the pictures that Al sent to Jane with all the comments on the back. Those were great. Keep the pictures coming. Mom is doing well. I was so pleased to hear that Lisa has taught mumsie how to pump her own gas. Who knows what other tricks she will learn while you are away. I must close. We miss you lots. Jake sends grampy kisses. Lots of love and prayers, Marianne

Name: jean fedor {MOM}

Date:    August 10,2000

Hi, My thoughts are with both of you. I surely hope you are safe from the smoke and fire. Weather here has been nice mostly. It's not like Camp Y-Noha..Aug 15th, I go back to Fla.May God be with you and keep you safe and have fun. Love.MOM

Name: Molly Feldmann

Date:    August 10, 2000

Dr. Gutin, I thought I should send you one last e-mail before I go on my maternity leave. I went to the doctor this week, and she doesn't think I will make it to my scheduled c-section date. It could be any day now! Anyway, I just wanted to tell you how much everyone at work has looked forward to reading your updates and keeping your progress posted on the map in the lobby. I think it helps us feel like you are still with us - we miss you! The clients are really enjoying following your progress too. It sounds like you are having a wonderful time. Everything is going fine at the hospital, so don't worry about anything here - JUST ENJOY!! Good luck on the rest of the trip and be safe.

Name: Pete Clark	Carole/Megan - drove them through the pass    past the fires
Date:    Aug. 10, 2000
Dan & Al, What a pair! You two are an inspiration to all of us grey headed Golden Buckeye's. Wish I were with you in Yellowstone and Jackson Hole. Drink a brew at the Silver Dollar. Try not to get envolved in a shoot out in Jackson Hole. I hear they have every day. We love following your adventure. Stay safe and God's speed. Speaking of speed... What a down hill ride that must have been Al. You might get a speeding ticket!

Name: Becky-Becky

Date:    8/10/00

Sir and Al, You two are INCREDIBLE!!! (I'd have told you so earlier, but I just caught on as to how to contact you...just a little slow! Ironic, you'll cover a thousand miles by the time I make it around the keyboard!) I'm trying to picture your ride downhill--Al's amazing freefall side-by-side Dan's smoking tires. Be careful about all that braking, Sir. (Could touch off another forest fire!!) Hope you're having the time of your life!! It goes without saying that you're having the wedgey of your life!!! Hugs! Becky

Name: Kathy Whitaker

Date:    08/11/00

Hi, Dr. Gutin! I don't know how you've gotten as far as you have without any jokes. I apologize for my neglect. Last night, John and I went to a very fancy restaurant. The maitre d' told John he couldn't come in without a tie. So, we went to the car to see if we could find something that would pass as a tie, but all we found were my jumper cables. I thought it was worth a try, so I tied them around his neck. Well, we didn't get very far. The maitre d' stopped John and said, "Excuse me sir, but I believe I said you had to be properly attired in order to dine here." John protested, "But we came all this way, and I don't have a tie! All I have are these jumper cables!" The maitre d' sighed and replied, "Well, I guess it's OK this time, but don't START anything!" It sounds like you've been having lots of fun. Keep up the hard work and be careful. We're cheering for you! Kathy :)

Name: Pete Clark

Date:    Aug. 11, 2000

Boy you guy's are missing out on some fun around here. It has been raining in above normal amounts. I just finished mowing our yard and will spray for weeds again in the eary morning before the wind gets up. I tried to call Kay but heard your voice Dan. I wanted to check in with her to see if she had anything to relay to you. I'll bet she is out pumping gas. Now that she has been checked out on how to do the pumping Kay has unlimited range in her automobile. Boy do you spoil her! You must be East of Jackson hole by now. Have either of you had any break downs? Stay safe and grab the tail winds.

Name: Mike Gutin

Date:    8/12/00

Hi Al (and Dan), I'm glad to hear that this summer of pervasive wildfires in your travel path has not hampered you much. Thanks for the card from the Bitterroot Area of Montana, Al. I enjoy receiving your cards very much. I just got back from LA doing a rough 5 day, 20 hour/day stint of cleaning up an apartment unit for new tenants who moved in yesterday. The previous tenant left the unit in disgustingly filthy condition and her four cats ruined all of the carpeting and the hardwood floors underneath the carpeting with their poor bathroom habits. Being a landlord is a big pain sometimes. The new tenants are a bright young newly wed couple who have moved out to LA from Washington D.C. to attend graduate schools, him at Claremont and she at USC. I know that they will take much better care of the place than the former tenant. Today I am working on repairing one of the two large 5KV emergency generators for the Ventura County Medical Center that failed last week during a routine emergency power run. Had to borrow a large tractor trailable portable generating unit from the local Navy base to replace the failed generator until I could get replacement parts from England to repair the failed unit. I envy your being on vacation right now, since I am working my butt off these past couple of weeks. However, I am extremely happy for you that you are realizing your dream trip and that it is working out so spendidly, Keep those cards coming Al and have a great time. love, Mike

Name: Jean Fedor {MOM}

Date:    Aug 13th, 2000

Hi, Today is Sunday..Just a few more days and I'll be heading back fo Fla. I leave here this Wed. Glad to hear everything is going good. May God be with you and keep you safe. Loads of love, MOM

Name: John Schilling

Date:    August 13, 2000

Al and Dan, Enjoyed your last message from 8/6. Glad to hear you are all the way through Yellowstone. Hope you left all of the cars and RV's in your dust! You deserved a few down hill roads after all those climbs. What's the speed limit out there, anyway? If you get a speeding ticket, keep a copy for your trip photo-journal. That would be quite a story! Wishing you smooth roads and strong tailwinds! P.S. Working on the Fall Ride information today-packets should go out in the mail this week. I will get information to Jane and Kay so that they can book your reservations.

Name: Pete Clark

Date:    Aug. 13, 2000

Hello Al & Dan, I was able to connect with Kay tonight and she gave me your latest where-abouts to pass on to your multitude of fans. First the news from Kay to Dan: Everything at home is fine the pool is in great shape and all the kids are well and getting ready for school. Kay has had the children out shopping for school clothes. Kay is about to break down and buy herself a computer so that she will be able to speak in the first person. I wasn't to tell you this Dan, but Kay misses you. Be safe and hurry home to her. Al: Chris is in Aspen and Jane is in Denver today attending a friends graduation. She will return home tomorrow. Fans: The wonderlust spent last night in Jeffery City WY. Jeffery is the site of a huge uranium mine that was going strong in the early 1980's with a population of 5,000. Now that the mine has closed, there are only a hundred people in what is almost a ghost town. They rode 61 miles yesterday in relative flat terrain and HOT temperatures. (If my geography of Wyoming is correct they crossed near the Red Dessert.) Dan and Al should be in Rawlins WY. tonight. Dan told Kay the weather has been so dry the grass is burned up and the cattleman have sold off all the cattle or shipped them out to other pasture lands. The Team will turn a bit south and head down toward Pueblo CO staying west of the Denver high traffic area. Kay could not find her notes that had all of the towns between Rawlins and Pueblo. Take care Dan & Al. Have you seen any bears or wildlife? Speaking of the four legged type of course. Thinking of you guys often and you are always in my prayers for a safe trip.

Name: Caroline Pharmer

Date:    8/13/00

Dear Dad and Al, Hello from Florida. I wonder if it is as hot there as it is here? The kids are great and in school for a week now. Bill has decided to take up cycling, (wonder where he got that inspiration from?) He found a great biking trail that goes from Hawthorn to Paines Prarie, (near Gainesville) He would like to do some riding with you Dad when you and Kay come south to visit. You have inspired us in many ways! Clancy, Steve the cat, and Freckles are all fine and ask about you often. We love you and can't wait to hear the sound of your voice telling us all about your adventure of a lifetime! Love ya Dad, Charm

Name: Dianne

Date:    8/14/2K

Hi Al..Hi Dan... Just a quick note to say "Hey." Never before have I watched the weather reports out west, as closely as I'm watching now. By the way, the only reason President Clinton decided to head out to your neck of the woods to check on the fire situation, was because he knew about "Al & Dan's Big Adventure." He wanted to make sure you were ok. Uh huh...that's why :) With all this riding, I'm figuring you guys must be totally buff by now...looking like two young studs!! Hee Hee. Well, again, keep having fun and safe adventures. Lots of love, Dianne

Name: Sue Neal

Date:    08/14/00

Dan & Al, love hearing about your adventure. I'm very envious about all the beautiful scenery you are seeing. We are anxiously awaiting the fall trip to get the full details and see all the pictures. Keep riding, have fun, be careful, and above all continue to enjoy this trip of a lifetime. Sue