Warmshowers Rides Again!

 

Faith and Noah are wishing our new frind, Norman, safe travels!

Warmshower guests have filled my backyard for many years. I first heard of warmshowers when I was on Ocracoke and one of the younger girls had traveled across the country on her bicycle. I was intrigued about that whole process and wanted to hear all about her adventures. I was also curious about the funding. How does that work travelling across the country (any country) on a bicycle? Where does one stay? How do you shower or cook? She explained it all to me.

Warmshowers is actually an organization that pairs bicyclists with hosts. The hosts can provide tenting in the yard or lodging, access to kitchens and, of course, a great hot shower after a long day (or week) of cycling. There is no money exchanged as it is completely voluntary and it is the right thing to do, if you can. I signed up right away.

My yard has been home to many cyclists over the years. Men, women, college students, young, old…and from every corner of the earth. One year a young lady pitched her hammock bed in my trees. I have had cyclists from Asia, Europe, and of course the United States. So, it was exciting for me to accept an evening of hosting last week from a man from Australia. Ah, that would be a first and the kids always love meeting new people. Not only was Norman from Australia, but he was coming on a unicycle. I was very intrigued. Who travels across the country on a unicycle? I had to look him up. Everything about Norman was interesting. He was 58 years old and originally from New Zealand. His goal is to bike around the world on his unicycle, and he is going for the Guinness World Record. I said yes, of course.

Norman arrived at our house around 8:00 in the evening just as we had started our campfire. It was one of those perfect nights last week, cool, cloudless and no wind! It was also our s’mores night! Aaron had already set up their tent, so we moved it over making a spot for Norman’s tent when he arrived. Just as we got the fire going, he popped into our yard with his backpack and his unicycle. Noah was completely taken with Norman. In fact, he helped him unpack and set up his tent. We gave Norman towels and soap for his much-needed shower, and soon he was back out with his under a twilight sky. He told us it was his first American campfire.

We had all the ingredients ready for our s’mores and asked Norman if he would like to make one. We were all amazed when he said he never heard of them or had one before. Well, that was it! The kids had a marshmallow on the roasting stick in a second. Of course, his caught his on fire, but he didn’t mind. I handed over the Graham cracker and the chocolate square. He loved them. Well, who doesn’t?

The stories kept on as we asked questions. We were very curious. He told us stories and we listened intently as his accent was quite Australian!! Finally, the embers dissolved into a few leftover coals, and time to call it a day. We said good night as Norman climbed into his tent.

The kids and I chatted for another hour before they settled down to sleep. By morning they were both up and ready to help Norman pack up. They were like little Magpies. Noah took Norman up to my welcome wall. He was absolutely amazed. He drew a unicycle and wrote about his adventure, so we always have a part of Norman in our house.

As he was all packed up and ready to leave, there was one more thing he asked me to do. I had to sign his logbook so he would have proof of his travels here. The logbook was thick and full of signatures from 153 days on the road. He left Australia on January 1^st. He said it would take him a full year to complete his journey. We waved and hollered as he took off down the road.

I can’t imagine riding a bike across the country, let alone riding a unicycle around the world. This was a great adventure for all of us. We will always remember Norman’s story.

We wish our new friend safe traveling around the world. We are cheering for him and for the Guinness World Record!