And so the 2025 adventure begins to begin!!

So after months of preparations, booked flights, hotels and fundraising, I have finally arrived in the United States and I’m currently in a hotel before ride registration tomorrow and on Saturday 31st May, the charity bike ride will begin.

It all started on Tuesday 27th when I drove my car to Bristol International Airport with Elaine and we parted at the bus transfer station where I climbed aboard the bus and was taken to the departure terminal to check in for my flights. Elaine returned home to our ‘boys’ - Robson and Hank - who you met in my last blog.

My first flight took me from Bristol in England to Amsterdam in Holland. I sat next to Ian on the plane and we talked about this pending retirement from work and his passion for………cycling! Small world! Another keen cyclist who took great interest in my rides that I have done since taking up cycling in 2019.

Airbus A300 (- there you go Peter)

After a lay over in Amsterdam for 3hours, I climbed aboard a Delta Airlines flight direct to Seattle. The first thing I did was fall asleep and that nap would be my last sleep for nearly around 16hrs. The main reason for arriving a few days early is to recover from the 8 hour time difference between England and the West Coast of America. I arrived in Seattle in the early hours of the morning from a body clock perspective but it was 4.30pm in the afternoon, bright and sunny. I then had to keep going for another 4-5 hours before finally getting some distrupted sleep. I must have woken up 4-5 times only to find out it was still night time.

I watched a few movies on the flight but despite having a long list to choose from, I struggled to find many good ones. I can however recommend the latest ‘Paddington’ movie which gave me a few chuckles with Antonio Banderas playing numerous daft roles in ‘Paddington in Peru’. (I’m not much of a film critic)

One of the most striking elements of flying into Seattle is the proximity of the Rockies and, in particular, Mount Rainier. As we came into our final approach to Seattle, I was able to capture some photos.

The photo on the right also shows the Hotel Interurban, where I was staying, and Mount Rainier in the background - another glorious picture of a parking lot!.

Having landed, made my way through customs (where I was not asked to pledge allegiance to King Donald), caught a taxi to the hotel, checked in and dumped my cases in my room, I then set about trying to keep myself awake.

My first stop was the walk around the block to the Guitar Center where my eyes feasted on loads of beautiful, colourful guitars only to find they only had one second-hand left handed guitar. Doh!! However, I did find the keyboard area where they had loads of instruments to accommodate left-handed guitarists! This was where I met Mario, who was playing another keyboard and sharing his enthusiasm for jazz music and rolling chord progressions. We talked for some time and he promised to visit my website and was so enthusiastic about a shared passion for music. We exchanged contact details as we both left the shop together.

Then I walked over to the large Westfield Mall and I wandered around and was struck how even the toys in America are bigger than elsewhere!! One particular shop caught my eye and reminded my of my granddaughter Melody. She loves here squishy toys.

A few shops further along I was approached by a young lady trying to sell cosmetic creams but our conversation changed from skin deep to heart felt issues and a shared faith. To cut a long story to short, I ended up praying with Michelle before we parted. Another God encounter but this time in a cosmetic shop in a large mall. I love coming to this country and realising that I am here with purpose and a plan - His plan.

The following day was focused on one main event - a visit to the ballpark to see the Seattle Mariners playing again - as I did in 2019, the last time I was in the city. The stadia in Seattle are immense and just over the road from T-Mobile Park is Lumen Field, the home of the NFL Seattle Seahawks and now the home to the Seattle Sounders, the city’s Soccer Team.

Century Field has since been renamed Lumen Field - neighbouring Stadia

People were everywhere as there was a soccer match on, as well as the Baseball game. As we were waiting to enter the ballpark I met up with Henrique from Vancouver, along with his wife and two daughters. They were there to support the Washington Nationals, who used to be based in Montreal before the franchise moved to Washington. I was slightly envious of the whole family watching a sports event together, however, for my family it’s more usual for it to be a musical concert together. Hey ho!

My view inside T-Mobile Park, watching the pre-game warm up

That’s the update so far from the West Coast of America - the fun is about to start!!

BTW - The Mariners lost rather badly to the Nationals - 0 to 8 having won the previous day 9-1 - maybe I should stop watching the Mariners and they have lost both games I attended.