The Journal - Phase III

From Amarillo, Texas to Phoenix, Arizona

Click on the tiny little picture to see a bigger and better picture

This is the final phase of our journey which will commence around the 29th of October, 2003 and end in Phoenix, AZ on Eric's birthday, November 21st.  We will stay in Phoenix to have thanksgiving with our daughter and her family.  We will be back in Ohio for Jim's birthday which is December 1st.  Presents are not necessary. We hope you will track our progress and send us your e-mails 

        Map of Phase III (click to enlarge)                                                     

  Iris at top speed               Jim and Iris at Play       Desert Sunset

October 30, 2003 (Day One) Thursday

We started at 8:15 this morning and arrived in Effingham, Illinois by 5:30 (450miles). Tomorrow will hope to be staying in Tulsa , OK before reaching the start of phrase III at Amarillo, TX.  Iris is well prepared and excited. She is also excited about the trip. The picture is of the three road warriors just before we began.  

Of course, Jim had to stop at the office for one last visit.  When we arrived we found Deborah and Fran on their third cup of coffee toasting Jim's absence from the office for one whole month.  Jim has his laptop with him with unlimited wireless access.  This means he gets to "bug" at will.  For those of you that have aol instant messaging, Jim's screen name is AngleJim1040.

October 31, 2003 (Day Two) Friday

We reached Stoud, OK  which is 30 miles west of Tulsa.  Iris uses lots of ice so we had to stop to stock up.  Biscuit was in need of doggie treats so they both decided to visit the local store.  We should reach Amarillo by 2pm tomorrow ( Sat) for Jim to locate a battery charger for the camera.  It would be a shame not to have pictures along with the stories.  

Jim just told Iris one of his jokes. Of course, Iris heard it before but still thinks Jim is funny.  After we reach Amarillo, we will rest and then start the walking and biking on Sunday.

November 1, 2003 (Day Three) Saturday

      Well you won't believe this!  We decided the check into a motel 30 miles west of Amarillo.  We knew we were in trouble when we discovered that we are the only guests.  Vega, TX is three miles west of nowhere!  The closest restaurant is 30 miles away and the town is reserved for all the ghosts that use to live here. If there was any doubt how much Jim loves Iris it has been dispelled today.  Tomorrow (Sunday) we will drive back to Amarillo the start from the outer East side of town.  After two nights here in Vega, we will then advance to the next hell hole.  All kidding aside, we are really having fun.

November 2, 2003 ( Day Four) Sunday

The pictures today are a before and after.  Iris began where we left off last June near the eastern border of Amarillo. The normally busy road was less traveled since it was Sunday.  This is good because it was a much safer route. 24 miles later found us at the Cadillac Ranch just west of the city.  10 Cadys, in a perfect row, are buried nose down in the dirt at the same identical angle.  We had our first fight today when Iris was off the route and Jim was not able to locate her within the acceptable time limit allotted.  We made up later and things are back on track. Texas style steak dinner at the famous Texas Steak House, home of the free72oz steak (If you can consume it within 60 minutes).

November 3, 2003 (Day Five) Monday

The day did not start out quite right.  After breakfast, Iris was set to charge out onto the road.  Flat tire on front!  Command central ( That be Jim) took charge and promptly fixed it.  What a hero!  Very windy today so Iris was having great difficultly but, as a true champion, managed to cover 18 miles on bike.  She decided to try walking since her butt needed a rest.  Out jumps Biscuit to volunteer as her trusted companion.  After about 400 yards, Biscuit realizes that Jim is no where to  be found.  Upon realizing this, she shopped and turned back to find her true master and would not go one step further in the correct direction.  Jim had to rescue her and drive back to pick her up and leave Iris alone.  After about 5 miles of walking, Iris hopped back on to her bike.  Oh no! Flat tire on rear!  Command central once again comes through!  What a day.  Total miles of 23 ( 18 on bike 5 on foot).  With all that was going on today, Iris had time to write a poem:

                                                                                In the Panhandle of Texas

                                                                                                        While fighting the wind,

                                                                                                   I wondered if I would 

                                                                                              Ever reach the end

                                                                                                                              I looked back to see how far I'd come

                                                                                                        Then I hear his voice say,

                                                                                                                     "Keep going, you can do it, mom"

November 4, 2003 (Day Six) Tuesday

Command Central had all of the technology tools at its disposal.  However, a short cut to New Mexico ended at a bridge that lead to nowhere.  We passed through a town call Glenrio, TX. , a ghost town, on the way to NM.  A small amount of back tracking and we discovered the sign of welcome to New Mexico.  Only 18 miles covered today. Wind is a major factor.  As Iris goes forward 3 miles, the wind blows her back 2. As we pass by the flats lands of TX and approach the mountains, we are hopeful for less wind.

November 5, 2003 (Day Seven) Wednesday

  Command Central had a very challenging day.  When the map said there was no road, there was.  When the map said there was a road, it was a dead end (see picture).  Bill Gates will receive a personal letter from CC since his company, Microsoft produced the map software. I am sure he will take proper note and correct the errors.  What do you all think?  The wind was low so Iris picked up the pace and did 27 miles today.  She has declared herself a "route 66 babe" and insisted on climbing on top of a sign to proclaim her allegiance to all who proceeded her on the mother road.  We will be staying in Albuquerque tomorrow night and will spend a few extra days to play.  We are ahead of schedule thanks to route 66 ending without notice and not permitting us to proceed.  We have had to skip sections of our journey and travel by auto.

November 6, 2003 (Day Eight) Thursday

Iris met a new friend today. Surprise! We came upon a lovely little town called Santa Rosa, NM and discovered on the out skirts of town an auto museum featuring cars from Jim's glory days --  The Fifties.  The owner's (Bozo} wife, Anna spent some time with Iris while Iris explained why we happened to be passing through.  A couple of Iris's old friends from the past were there and agreed to have their pictures taken. The journey is progressing.  For every mile that Iris is able to accomplish, there is another that she is not able to complete.  The old route 66 which is the only choice we have to travel on bike or foot was , once again, closed in rather large sections. Today, we had to skip 70 miles in order to find passage.  Iris has been in contact with a reporter from Phoenix who will be doing an article about our adventure.  We are hopeful that the city officials will be awaiting our grand entrance into the city. Twenty miles today

November 7, 2003 ( Day Nine) Friday

25 Miles today.  The last 20 was all down hill coasting all the way into Albuquerque. We located a dedicated bike path going in the right direction and were able to penetrate Albuquerque by 5 miles.  Of course, Command Central lost the whereabouts of the happy biker and panicked. We reserved dinner for Sat. at a restaurant called High Finance that was recommended to us by our friend, Helen Sadler.  It has a theme of accounting and finance.  Finally, someone has recognized the bean counters of the world.  If you have notice, there are no movies or TV sitcoms featuring CPA's.  I have no reason why this is so. The doctors, police, and lawyers seem to monopolize.  The restaurant sits on top of a mountain overlooking the city.  To get there, we will ride a gondola car. 

November 8, 2003 ( Day Ten) Saturday

Dinner was cancelled at the High Finance and changed to Sunday night instead. Report to follow.  No walking or biking today.  We drove to the old town section of Santa Fe ( 45 north of Albuquerque) to shop and visit museums.  Our friends, Reed and Sue Dallmann were passing through on there way to Phoenix so we joined them at Reed's favorite place, Starbucks.  We are meeting for breakfast tomorrow ( Starbucks) to send them off and continue our journey to Phoenix.   

November 9, 2003 (Day Eleven) Sunday

  The day started great with anticipation. The two veteran road warriors encountered a blow out on the way to have coffee at Starbucks with Sue and Reed.  Reed assisted in the repair by offering to get Jim and Iris another cup of java.  Today, Iris was introduced to a little creature called the "goat head".  This is a little hard ball of plant growth with hard, sharp spikes growing outward. After experiencing 4 flats and Jim running out of extra bike tubes, we had to call it a day before covering a grand distance of  9 miles.   That makes 7 flats in 7 days of biking. However, Command Central was not daunted. He immediately drove the troops to the nearest bike shop and demanded that they replace the tubes with extra heavy duty ones guaranteed not to go flat.  If they do, the owner of the bike shop said they would only be flat on the bottom. We said goodbye to Albuquerque by having diner at High Finance on top of the Sandia Mountain. Thank you Helen for a great recommendation! The picture was taken of the sunset from the cable car ride. Iris forced herself to over come her shyness problem and met some new friends during the 15 min ride. The family in the picture are the Frenches.  A family reunion of sorts.  Wonderful people and fun to be with! Look very carefully for Iris in the middle of pic.

Special Note:  It's been a couple of days with no web page publication since we are out in an area without internet service.

November 10, 2003 ( Day Twelve) Monday

We arose at 7am. Ready to charge into the day. First we rescued from the bike shop Iris's bike sprouting two new extra heavy inter tubes to fight off the goat heads. Then to the UPS store to pick up a new supply of key tags to pass out to the new friends we meet. The tags were scheduled to be delivered at 9am. UPS started a new driver and the tags show up at 11:30.  Oh well !  We went to lunch !!!!!  Drove to the last spot we left off and started biking around 2:30pm.  Covered 11 miles today.  At this rate, we will be in Phoenix by the end of next tax season.  Are you listening Deborah, Fran, and Kathy?  Before checking into our motel in Grants, NM we found The Dancing Eagle Casino.  Iris won $16 on the slots so the day was not a total loss.

November 11, 2003 ( Day Thirteen) Tuesday

Off to an early start. 7am !  Iris did 23 miles today. The first picture is where we had lunch. Ray's is located in San Filpe.  We stopped there because it reminded us of the Ray's in Kent, Ohio were Jim's daughter, Laura meat her husband, Paul. .  No goat head problems today.  However, Jim's computer needed some serious attention.  After three trips to the Radio Shack store in Grants for the needed part, we found Sparky and Mike.  These computer guys fixed the computer in no time flat and became friends with Iris. ( They accidentally passed within three feet!)

November 12, 2003 ( Day Fourteen) Wednesday

  Record day for this trip.  33 MILES  No stopping her now ! The Tomahawk Bar was a quick stop just outside Milan, NM. We reached the Great Divide but did not notice that the water parted ways. After watching for about 30 minutes, we decided to push on.  Staying the next two nights in Gallup, NM.  Iris should reach the Arizona border by Saturday.  

November 13, 2003 ( Day Fifteen) Thursday

              Iris Stopping to Read                                                       View approaching AZ border                              Iris crossing AZ border   

Another 33 mile day!  Jim was anticipating reaching AZ on Saturday. Iris accepted the challenge and pedaled her butt faster in rain and cold (45 degrees) and exclaimed as she crossed to border " Jim, I told you I could do it today!" We have 335 more miles to cover in 10 days.  Wish us luck.  I think we are going to need it. 

November 14, 2003 ( Day Sixteen) Friday

  35 miles today.  Iris's journey took her into the Painted Desert and the Petrified Forest.  Quite breath taking.  We were contacted today by NBC, Phoenix.  Iris and Jim will be TV stars on Friday, November 21st ( Eric's birthday). Iris will have to be at the station by 5am.  Not being known as a morning person, it will take an act close to war to get her mobilize. If the National network picks it up, we will advise so you all can see.

November 15, 2003 (Day Seventeen) Saturday

    We  completed our journey of the Petrified Forest today.  We spent extra time and took in the beauty of this marvelous scenery .  We were accompanied by a raven friend who was looking for food as he flew by the car for about a mile. He was about three feet away at most times.  Friends from Canada (Richard, Katherine, and Scoter) stopped to have their picture taken with the happy road warrior.  The only road to Show Low was heavily traveled , high speed, and very little berm for slower moving bikes.  Command central made the decision to skip this dangerous section.  Sunday AM we will depart from Show Low heading southwest to Globe, AZ.

November 16, 2003 ( Day Eighteen) Sunday

Sorry, Command Central did not take any pictures today.  Iris started from Show Low and, for one brief moment, thought she was in North Carolina. The landscape changed drastically from very barren to mountains and pine trees. We saw the results of last year's fires. Iris covered 28 miles today. Lots of ups and downs. Tomorrow , we will be moving on towards Globe, AZ. which will be our last stop before reaching Phoenix. 

November 17, 2003 ( Day Nineteen) Monday

    Many of you have asked what Jim and Biscuit do during the day when Iris is biking and walking over the mountains, plains and desert.  The picture tells it all !  Iris covered 20.5 miles today and made it to Globe, AZ ( 36 miles to finish).  The going was tough today since we discovered that the way to the desert is through the mountains.  Many ups and downs.  

November 18, 2003 (Day Twenty) Tuesday

     Iris started out in Globe, AZ and walked to Miami, AZ for 7 miles.  She then hopped on her bike to proceed to Superior, AZ.  Command Central sped ahead and found a 7 mile steep climb without berm.  She managed to do another 3 miles on bike before ending in Superior.  In Superior, we meet with Angela, a reporter  from the Arizona Republic,  for a final interview and pictures. Story to appear on Friday.  Along the way we meet Vera who is visiting USA from Germany. We asked her to take our picture and, of course, Iris told her our story and she became another friend we acquired along the way.

November 19, 2003 ( Day Twenty Two) Wednesday

    Iris completed her long journey today ( 1,783 miles).  At 1 pm we reached the point where Eric died after doing 26 miles.  Tomorrow we will return to that spot for a ceremony.  You can see Iris's pure joy as she poses with her grandchildren, Cameron, Alec, and Sierra.  It has been a wonderful experience.  Iris will be writing a book to document the trip.  This should keep her home for awhile.  Please sign in tomorrow for a few words ( did I say few?) from Iris.

November 20, 2003 (Day Twenty Three) Thursday

Day of rest.  Absolutely nothing happened !

November 21, 2003 ( Day Twenty Four) Friday   Eric's 31st birthday

    Jim, Iris & Biscuit           Iris with Grandchildren        Jim and Iris               Desconsos                       Jim, Iris, Biscuit with Grandchildren      

This is the last day of our incredible journey and Jim has asked me to share some of the events and my thoughts of this glorious day.  We woke at 4:00am as we had to be at the NBC Channel 12 television station downtown to be interviewed by Jeannine Ford on the early show. I shared a little about Eric, about my journey and about the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Survivor of Suicide Teleconference on Saturday. The time flew so quickly, I don't remember anything I said. Jim and Laura came with me and Laura taped the entire thing for our viewing. It was still dark when we drove home. We rested and had breakfast. When the kids and Dean were up and ready to go we drove to the far south of Phoenix to the location where Eric died. Our friends, Sue and Reed, Gary a friend of theirs and Dick met us there, all of them on their Harley's. The warm sun was shining as we celebrated Eric's life and love by placing a Desconsos near the site where he ended his life. The day before Alec, Cameron and Sierra wrote notes on heart shaped pink paper telling Eric how much they loved and missed him. It was a glorious and blessed time of sharing love, memories and joy with my family and friends.  All of you were with us in spirit. We decided to have lunch together. I rode with Dick on the back of his Harley and cried.

After reading the article about us in the Arizona Republic several times, I was emotionally and physically exhausted. I slept for two hours. Then Laura and I went to the beauty salon. She had a manicure and I a well needed pedicure. That night, Laura, Dean, the kids, Jim and I celebrated Eric's 31st birthday at his favorite restaurant, Red Lobster. I will remember this day forever.  

Saturday morning we went to Alec and Cameron's football game for a while. Then Laura and I went to the SOS Teleconference at Scottsdale Community College. They had asked me to share my story after the teleconference. Many had seen the article in the paper and thanked me for my part in increasing the awareness of suicide. One woman whose son suicided just two months ago came because she saw the article and knew she had to come to meet other survivors and learn more about suicide. We ended the day by having dinner at our friend's, Dick and Ann's house along with Sue and Reed. I am blessed with having so many friends, here in Phoenix, at home and all over the world. We could not have completed this journey without all of you cheering us on with your words of encouragement, prayers, e-mails, cards, and  phone calls.  We thank you all so much.

We are now enjoying the Arizona sunshine, spending time with our daughter and husband and doing our best to spoil our grandchildren. I have a feeling it will be several months before I come back to earth and get back to a normal life whatever normal is for us.  We are looking forward to the holidays, for Jim another tax season and for me to complete my poetry therapy work. And of course I will be working on the book I must write to share my story with the world. Many of you have asked what our next project will be. I told Jim he could choose it. We'll let you know what he decides. What ever it is, I know it will be enjoyable, entertaining, probably expensive and another journey of love, joy and blessedness. A final Haiku; 

                                                                  No clouds, just blue sky 

                                                                  and warm, bright sun welcome me

                                                                  to my journey's end.      

                                                                  Namaste and Shalom,

                                                                  We thank you!

With Love, Healing and Poetry,

                                                       Iris, Jim and Biscuit Angle

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