May
5
2011

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The End

by Going Slowly

As we snuggle in darkness, on a plane, somewhere high above the ocean, the enormity of what lies ahead is just beginning to sink in. When we awaken tomorrow morning and descend into San Francisco, our two-person "Going Slowly" bubble will burst. The people we are now, a pair of very different souls from those who left more than two years ago, will be flung back into society in the massive country we call home.

This is the end of something great, and the beginning of something even greater—we're just getting started!

If you click , the movie will play in full screen. Clicking will vastly increase the picture quality, but might take quite a bit longer to load on slow connections. The music is "Home" by Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros.


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Wait!! We're not done yet! Coming next, we'll publish entries with thoughts about our re-entry, planting our first garden, learning how to ride a motorcycle (Tara), and ultimately, the next stage of our lives: building a home off-the-grid. If you'd like to receive a message when we've finished our book, or to hear about the start of our next adventures, click here to sign up for our newsletter.

Thank you for following us on our journey!

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25 comments

Incredible movie! Great song! Love it! Felix
Posted by Felix on June 30th, 2011 at 2:25 AM
I have a new hot-button link for instant inspiration now. Thanks!

Jesse
Posted by Jesse on June 30th, 2011 at 6:53 AM
Oh boy, now it's really over! But I'm looking forward to reading what comes next.

I feel so blessed to have met you two on our trip, and ever since you have been a constant source of inspiration an awe. Congrats on such an incredible journey, and can't wait to see what you do with all those mind-blowing amazing pictures!
Posted by Magalie on June 30th, 2011 at 9:14 AM
I love it! What a great way to remember your last two years, and even to remember the first time I read those entries- a retrospective for both of us. Thanks so much for all your efforts in documenting your trip. Your photos are gorgeous. Looking forward to reading on!
Posted by astrid on June 30th, 2011 at 10:04 AM
Congratulations guys!! I'm so proud of you, and so jealous!
Btw, I was in San Francisco just a few days ago! Ah, I wish I could meet you there! I'm sure you'll love the city:)
I hope your future will be just as wonderful and full of adventures as your great tour:))
Posted by Janka on June 30th, 2011 at 10:27 AM
Thank YOU for taking us on this journey with you. I'm embarking on a new adventure (well, it's an adventure on my scale anyway) by leaving my home of Chicago to move to Minneapolis with my husband. Reading about your journey, and how you two handled everything good and bad that came your way, makes me feel that I can be brave too. Thank you for that.
Posted by Julia on June 30th, 2011 at 10:29 AM
Good luck with your ups and downs and new adventures......Funny seeing several blogs coming to an end just months before my little trip starts:)
Posted by Shane on June 30th, 2011 at 5:07 PM
Thank you so much for giving your 'armchair tourist' fans such a wonderful time following your adventure. It was very special, from your brilliant photography to the refreshing way you interact with the world around you. I feel a little wistful that the travels are over, but, I'm also excited to hear about your readjustment to returning to the US and your new adventure of creating a home. I hope to continue to enjoy your insights. I will certainly be signing up for your newsletter. If there's one book I'm going to buy in the next year it will be yours! Good luck with your plans and lots of love and thanks for the lovely tales!!
Posted by BB on June 30th, 2011 at 7:54 PM
Love this slideshow! And what a perfect song to go along with it :) Thanks for sharing all your adventures and beautiful photography.
Posted by Liz on July 1st, 2011 at 9:41 AM
thanks for a truly inspiring blog, topped off with a brilliant final post.
our thoughts and prayers will be for you guys as you begin your next adventure...
Posted by Rik on July 1st, 2011 at 11:33 AM
LOVE!
Posted by Greta on July 1st, 2011 at 8:49 PM
Holy Cow! That was such an amazing video - welcome home!

Posted by Frank Harper on July 1st, 2011 at 11:00 PM
WOW! Thank you so much for the gift of your generous, inspiring writing and photography over the past couple of years. I've been following almost since the beginning, and I can't want to see what adventures are next for you two.
Posted by Emily Bruce on July 2nd, 2011 at 10:59 AM
The End! Having followed you guys for over a year I can't believe it's over. I will miss your updates and photos. I've been mostly away from the computer the last few months having my own adventures so now I have the pleasant task of catching up on what I've been missing! I'm emotional, but looking forward to what you guys will be doing in the future! All the best!
Posted by Tony on July 2nd, 2011 at 11:58 AM
Wow! Great movie and summary of your trips. Watching the pictures flow by reminded me about where I was when reading your blog. It doesn't feel like two years have gone by, but apparently it has!

I'm also excited about checking out more music by Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros!
Posted by Kelly on July 2nd, 2011 at 11:24 PM
Thanks for sharing your journey and letting us all live vicariously through your travels. You helped me through some terribly boring and monotonous days at my 9-5! I found your blog when you were in Greece, but wouldn't let myself read ahead until I caught up. I always felt like I was 'cheating' if I read ahead! Thanks for taking the time to share with others.
Posted by Jackie on July 4th, 2011 at 7:53 PM
Holy moly--thanks everyone :D

Tara and I are currently on a road trip in the New England area, scouting out possible places to start our homestead. We've really enjoyed reading all of your messages over the last few days!
Posted by Tyler on July 5th, 2011 at 11:43 PM
I could watch this video over and over! I'll say it again--what a sweet tribute to your journey and to each other. And, while I miss following your daily travels around this fascinating, charming and seemingly small world, I'm awfully glad you're both back in the Midwest (at least for a while). See you again soon.
Posted by Mary on July 8th, 2011 at 12:08 PM
What a gorgeous slideshow! I always loved the photos on this site. Somehow it that much more impressive condensed into 5 minutes. Congrats on your amazing trip, guys! And Welcome Back Home!
Posted by Ali on July 17th, 2011 at 7:58 AM
Thoroughly enjoyed this video. These images successfully capture the spirit of the road in a way words never can. Thank you for all the time spent in creating such an inspirational space for adventurers.
Posted by Amaya on July 23rd, 2011 at 11:30 AM
Great Work! Very inspirational video, I need to hit the road again after watching that.
Posted by Dustin @ Work2Ride on August 24th, 2011 at 1:05 PM
So glad to see a NEXT>> button on this entry titled "The End."
I'm hooked.
Posted by Jennifer on October 17th, 2011 at 7:28 PM
Hi everyone! I just wanted to say a belated thank you for all for your kind comments.

Jennifer, it was so much fun to get notifications of your comments in our inboxes yesterday, to see your reaction to the posts as you read them in real time. By this morning, you've probably caught up with all of them, and have started over at the beginning. :-)
Posted by Tara on October 18th, 2011 at 10:14 AM
Hi Tara & Tyler,

Just finished reading about your journey after hitting on it many months back now.

As so many people have already done, I'd just like to thank you both for inspiring me to order up my Surly Long Haul Trucker frame and get started on a build that will see me begin my own adventures.

I look forward to continued reading of your pages and hope you are both continuing to strive for your dreams (shhh... Don't ruin it for me!).

Thanks again for many months of enjoyable reading and may the world be your oyster.

Finest regards,

Marc (UK) x
Posted by Marc Lewis on March 26th, 2013 at 10:14 PM
Marc, thanks so much for your kind words! We're touched to know that you've been inspired by our site, and hope you enjoy our current projects. May your bicycle touring adventures be everything you hope them to be! *Tailwinds*
Posted by Tara on April 8th, 2013 at 11:19 AM
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