Duckpond Pete here!

Guess I might have to explain that name!!?  

No, I'm not traveling with a duck (well a live one anyway :) nor do I have a duck fetish. But there is a duck connection. Or a pond connection. Or both. 

I'll have to address that title /nickname in my first post though since it's a story in itself.  Not a short one either.

I am, however, a recently retired Air Traffic Controller hitting the road to travel across the country in a jeep, with a tent and two bikes! 

Kind of a dream trip for me...although alone would not have been my first choice.  No, I wasn't thinking of bringing all four of my kids but maybe one would've been nice. Or I thought the "perfect" partner would've accompanied me by now but hey, maybe an orange Salsa Rangefinder bike is the perfect partner!  Although she has left me flat a few times : )

 

The goal is to start from the incredibly beautiful beaches of Long Island NY and end up on the shores of California with several stops planned along the way.  This trip almost didn't happen but an amazing knee replacement nine months ago has given me a new lease on mobility and life for sure!         #blessed to have this kind of surgery available today.

I also plan on visiting my Mom, my sister and her family, a daughter, some friends and even an old boss perhaps.  Wait, not an old boss like ninety-two years of age, but ya know, a guy that was a boss a few years ago kinda old! Because sixty-five is not old right? Or maybe he's only sixty?  Ha!  Wait! That's not old either right!? 'Cuz I'm starting to creep up on those numbers!

 

I plan on spending time with all of these fine peoples while also finding some killer bike rides to do in the area's they live to really taste the different parts of the country a lil' closer to the road.  A Parlee Altum Disc road bike and a Salsa Rangefinder mountain bike are my sole companions.  Fun!  Such "a big 'ol beautiful world" as Mr. Chesney would say and I can't wait to see some of it. Yes, I'm a country music fan too.  A recent change but I think a good one!  

 

The pictures here are to give a view of some of the things mentioned throughout the blog and to give you a taste of who I am.

The little screenshots of quotes are because a divorce twelve years ago turned me upside down and put me on a spiritual journey. I began digging in and trying to figure out what this stuff we call life is all about. So in addition to exploring the country I'm also searching for the next step in the second half of the novel of me.  Where I may live or what passion I wish to stoke.  Coupled with the perspective that if I align it with something closer to what God or the Universe has for me not only will I be a blessing to others but life will only sweeten itself even more.

Hard to believe it could get any better than having four amazing kids, great friends that love to cycle (Westhampton Liberty Riders pictured!) and geez I'll even throw in an Oat milk Latte!! Life is sooo good....even the little things - if you just slow down enough to take notice.

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Why the title? Inside/outside? Upside/downside? Heck who would read that kinda nonsense? I'm thinking I need to explain that dang title a little more too huh!? Maybe I should make that my first blog also then? Something like: "Blog 1: Totally Obscure Nicknames and Wonky Titles"  Sounds like a plan... I can't wait to get started!

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