16 July - Back at Home!!!!!!!!!!!

Sat 16 July

Back Home!!!  Sad, happy, depressed, very mixed emotions.  Nice to see all the friends and family, and nice to get straight off the bikes, and into our microlights – in riding gear, and fly for a few minutes!!
On Thursday morning, we slept late, awoke gradually, packed slowly, and rode slowly to Jefferies Bay – 3 of us this time.  A nice lunch, a bit of shopping, and back on the bikes to Port Elizabeth, where Richard carried on towards home and Grahamstown.  We  spent the afternoon with Sharon’s parents, and had a very nice family dinner.
Friday morning was again a slow one, for the last 130km from PE to Grahamstown, with a stopover with Harry and Linda – Bike Gear – to catch up.  Harry got home from Germany about a week ago, and Linda about a month before that.  They have left their bikes in Germany, with obvious plans to ride again from there – but who knows in which direction!!!  It was  great to reminisce about the trip, with all the places seen, and things done.  We all feel lost!
Once back in Grahamstown, we once again had a family reunion, with Parents and kids – plus a grandkid, this time with my mom.  At 4.30 we could wait no longer, so onto the bikes, and up to the airfield, where we had our official departure.  A great evening was had, with many friends visiting.
So, the end of an amazing trip, a life changing experience, a making of many new friends.  32165 km travelled, through mountains and deserts, past and over oceans – maybe 5 ?? – will have to check!! No punctures, no mechanical problems – other than an accident and routine maintenance!!!  A few spills and bruises,  fortunately nothing serious.  These bikes and bodies are amazing!
Our sincere thanks to all who have helped, encouraged, supported and followed our travels. Without all of you, we would not have been able to do this.   Where to from here seems to be the biggest question, for ourselves and others.  Who knows, but the travel bug bites hard!!
Larry and Sharon.