Following in my father's path...

So it goes. This is my reflections and thoughts on the JOURNEY to come. My dad and I have been throwing around ideas for years as to an adventure that he and I could embark on. Our trip would have to be feasible for someone in a wheelchair, being that my father is in one and is on a breathing machine. We sat for hours pondering where to go. We threw around ideas of the Appalachian Trail and numerous hiking trails. The main problem with these is there isn't a chance a wheelchair could travel through these grueling trails. After days and months and years have passed we have finally decided upon our grand trip. We are traveling from Canada to Mexico via the Pacific Coast, I on bike and my father in his wheelchair and my brother will be traveling in the van and a scooter being our support vehicle during the trip. The background of this all happening and coming to fruition is an interesting story in and of itself. I recently am going through a divorce and my company is closing its doors May 29th so even though these have been trying events I feel they have opened the door for this trip to actually take place. This will be a very personal time for me both of self-discovery and a deep bonding time with my father and my brother. My father has beat all the odds in life and now he is going beyond just surviving and dealing with his disease. He is stepping outside of his comfort zone and pushing his physical body beyond imaginable lengths. I never grew up with a dad that could throw a football around and climb mountains, yet I have learned more from him in lessons on perseverance and the ability to deal with whatever life throws your way. We will be departing on this epic JOURNEY June 1st, 2011. It would be amazing if you could support us on this JOURNEY by donating a little to this amazing trip.There is a link on our blog that will take you directly to a paypal donation link. If you're unable to donate we would love for you to follow us on this amazing trip by checking this website daily. We will be uploading daily journals, pictures and videos for your enjoyment. Thank you for taking the time to follow us and who knows maybe we will see ya on the road. I would like to leave you with one of my favorite quotes regarding travel...
“Our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again; we had longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life.” Jack Kerouac

Ben Barnett~

Posted in: Ben,Story,Trip