Firsts

In a season of new things, like riding my bike across an entire country, I have begun to gain a new passion for "Firsts Lists". Writing down things big or small, (though the size of them never matters they are still new things) And often they are exciting things. While on tour this summer, my friend Ellen had begun her Firsts list of the 2012 Just Hope Northern tour. You can actually check out her list here ellenbikes and check out the rest of her blog while you're at it because I'll be honest, she's pretty swell. We share some of the same Firsts,. But that's also the fun of it. Sharing these things with others. Memories... They make this life the wealthiest and so rich in heart. 

Just+Firsts 

1. First time on South West Airlines (Best sense of humor)

2. First time in Washington

3. First time in Montana

4. First time eating Snicker Doodle Ice cream-Seattle, Washington

5. First time in Seattle!

6. First time eating Huckleberry Ice cream -Harrison, Idaho

7. First time in Idaho

8. First time in North Dakota

9. First time in Hot Springs-White Sulphur Springs, Montana

10. First time in South Dakota

11. First time eating an Apricot (Ellen)

12. First time listening to Trevor Hall (First morning waking up together in Washington, thanks Ellen)

11. First time eating Beef Jerky with cheese in a can Spokane, Washington with Ashley

12. First century ride -to Culey City, Washington

13. First time seeing a friend perform live in a cafe (Ellen)

14. First time on an escalator with bike cleats on -Minneapolis, Minnesota

15. First time riding a bike in Minnesota

16. First time in Wisconsin 

17. First time eating cheese curds (still weirded out by the squeaking)

18. First time eating S'mores with peanut butter (Thanks Hans!)

19. First time witnessing a bike chain breaking with slightest amount of effort -Ellen after 111 miles to Wasau, Wisconsin?

20. First time eating Wisconsin Custard (Thought of you Theresa)- Wisconsin

21. First time in Chicago (not in an Airport)

22. First time seeing Wrigley Field.

23. First time seeing a Great Lake (Lake Michigan)

24. First time eating Chicago deep dish pizza ("It's cake, not pie for your pie hole")

25. First time attending an outdoor church service-Missio Dei, Chicago

26. First time seeing anyone show off their tan lines during a church service (Connor)

27. First time consuming a smoothie Chai -Milwaukee, Wisconsin

28. First time launching a bottle cap rocket in a church parking lot -Jacob and Jessica, Indiana

29. First time riding bikes and holding hands (Craig and Ellen)

30. First time eating Hawaiian style pizza

31. First time riding a Roundtail Bicycle (Thanks Ellen!)

32. First time swimming in a Great Lake (Lake Michigan)

33. First time eating cheese whips (Somewhere in Wisconsin)

34. First time in Greenbay, Wisconsin

35. First time in Lambeau Field- Greenbay, Wisconsin (GO PACK GO!)

36. First time eating watermelon Salsa- Mt. Vernon, Ohio (Thanks Abbey)

37. First time touching a  Tiffany Window -Richmond, Indiana

38. First time seeing a Moose -Coeur D'alane bike trail, Idaho

39. First time at a Fudruckers- Billings, Montana

40. First time jumping onto a moving train- Indiana

41. First time holding a baby goat, Riding towards Portage, PA

42. First time passing a horse and buggy on my bike

43. First time not wearing socks with my cleats (Thanks Ashley)

44. First time running over a dead rattle snake- riding towards Baker, Montana

45. First time getting a tattoo in New York City- New York

46. First time having friends stay at my house in Pennsylvania- Scranton, Pennsylvania

47. First time doing laundry in a laundry-mat, Appleton, Minnesota

48. First time riding to the Atlantic Ocean on a bike- Rockaway Beach, New York

49. First time crying tears of joy in the Atlantic Ocean- Rockaway Beach, New York

50. First time Playing "Hey Cow" from a bike- multiple states

51. First time loosing complete control of my body due to depletion of electrolytes- riding into Chambersburg, Pennsylvania

52. First time ever riding my bike across an entire country, United States of America, 6/10-8/6/12

53. First time having a photo shoot in front of a corn field, Indiana

54. First time riding my bike on the Brooklyn bridge- New York

These journeys are rather awing. Want to know the best thing? They will continue... Because Each end has a new beginning.

Keep adventuring.