Wednesday, June 11, 2003

Brigham City, Utah

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We left Pocatello, Idaho for Bringham City Utah today under beautiful clear skies and incredible mountain views and lush valleys.  We dedicated this day to the folks and Engineering/R&D and the Prototype Shop at Ohio Willow Wood.  Pictured to the right is the highly secret OWW research lab where the boys were denied access (AGAIN!!!)  All of the boys have been using the OWW Pathfinder and feel it is the best high end prosthetic available.  We want the Engineering and R&D shop to know that through their efforts in developing the Pathfinder, that you have touched thousands of people all over the world and made a difference in their lives.  We want to convey our heartfelt thanks for your efforts on our behalf. The Ohio Willow Wood staff in these departments are:

Engineering/R&D
Jim Colvin, Chris Kelley, John Hays, Lonnie Nolt, Barbara Rowland, Marc Taylor, Robin Taylor, Michael Haynes           
Prototype Shop
Robb Banks, Jim Capper, Jeff Doddroe, Mark Ellison, Chuck Flora, Larry Rowe, Rod Summers, Bob Webb                  

Here the boys leave Pocatello under clear skies for their daily excursion down one of life's highways.  As always, we start the day smiling and laughing at the thought of being outdoors.  The effects of the high mountain altitude of course has no effect on their mental state.

Joe's diesel rig, which is responsible for carrying supplies, equipment and of course our bicycles over 11 states during the next few months is pictured here.   It is felt by the crew that the diesel fumes have had a pronounced affect on Joe's ability to navigate mountainous terrain.

Here Cheryl ponders a wooden post.  All attempts at intelligent dialogue with the wooden beam proved fruitless.  This mistake is easily understandable as the post resembles her significant other, Bruce.

The boys give a thumbs up after climbing a particularly healthy hill.  Actually Bruce is giving the sign indicating an urgent need for a tow rope.

Along the route, the boys met some youths while riding through Preston, Idaho.  They are: Jordan Anderson (in the black shirt), Kyler Daley (in red), Cassidy Hansen (in grey), Joyce Boer (red hair), Dylan Boer (blue shirt), Hayden Boer (yellow shirt) and Joshua Boer in the stroller. 

The boys tried in vain to persuade the children to donate their candy money to our cause, but they wisely refused.  Seriously, they were great kids and we enjoyed meeting them and awarded them with signed posters (hey these things may be worth some money some day).

After a long morning, the crew searched for a rest stop and lunch.  We located a small restaurant called the Willows, by the Logan River and enjoyed a fine lunchtime feast.  Pictured below is the entire crew with the owners, Rick and Cynthia Smith who were great hosts and we enjoyed our time dining outdoors while listening to the river run past. 

Our loud and boorish behavior is having a disturbing effect on our manager and founder of Amputees Across America.  The all night parties and loud music are making it impossible for Joe to sleep at night.  Feeling his pain, the boys sing Joe's favorite "sleepy time" song in an attempt to lull him to slumber land.

Just some of the beautiful mountains we passed along our journey.  Each day brings us more incredible scenery.

A small, rural post office we passed along our route today.

Note that this post office is a one-stop facility where you can mail your letters and pick up welding supplies. 

Once again the boys climb another hill along the route.  Note the look of grim determination (and agony) on their faces.

Here Jim, Mark and Cheryl ponder the wonders of a newly discovered invention called a "lamp".

Although it was another great day to be riding, the boys bowed their heads and paid their respects to the recent loss of Bruce and Cheryl's felines who unfortunately met their demise during our trip.  Bruce dedicated today's ride to Maggie and Missy, those frisky and sometimes ferocious felines who have gone to a better life.  They will be missed.

Tomorrow we depart for Salt Lake City for a few days of Visitations at HealthSouth and a skydive by Joe.

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