Oki is grateful

When the rain starts the internet goes out, and often takes with it the electricity. This keeps me on my toes as to how often I can stock up on fresh fruits and veggies. In return, this small inconvenience has taught me to plan my meals and choose my produce accordingly. The tupperware containers in the bathroom and kitchen sink remind me that the water I use comes from a cement space the size of a walk-in closet under the yard that has to be filled. Water scarcity has put a smile on my face, because the morning after a rainstorm when the electricity has gone out and the refrigerator is getting warm, I can go out and collect what the buckets have captured and feel a sense of calm and gratitude for the cycles of nature.

Gratitude is fascinating. At times I only acknowledged as that sliver of a feeling that comes along with satisfaction and happiness. Lately though, I have come to realize that the tranquility I feel as I retreat to my temporary home in Las Juntas when the rain clouds start to swell, has more to do with what I don’t have, than what I do. In other words, the peace of mind that lets me sleep is due to someone else’s selfless nature. For example, the sense of panic and fear that developed inside me as I read the possible side affects of rabies was calmed when I discovered that the government of Mexico extends the same life saving vaccines to visitors passing through as it does to its people at no cost. The situation dosn’t even have to be that dire. Take for example the many roofs I have been extended in Paulsbo, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles and Huntington Beach. Even here in Mexico the span of hospitality has been a beautifully furnished condo in Puerto Vallarta to the living room floor of an incredibly giving family in Esquinapa who had me in tears the next morning when it was time to say goodbye. For a few of you, it was the time we shared in conversation or in passing, convinced you that my character and this adventure deserved the merit of your financial support or the donation of your services. This overwhelming feeling of gratitude coming from inside of me requires some sort of recognition. I know it, because I felt it just recently when I was back on my bike for the first time since nearly two weeks, riding with traffic in the streets of Guadalajara feeling complete once again.

It is to you, my community of friends, family, businesses and strangers from the road that I am grateful for. The kindness of your actions continues to fuel me to complete this pilgrimage. So as I prepare to set out in the midst of monsoon season, I wanted to extend to you all a gift for your support. Along this journey, I have carried a camera that has allowed me to document and capture the places and people I have come across. Upon completing my voyage and returning to Alaska, I will compile a group of images from which you can choose. The memories, stories and the people and places I have encountered will be made available to you in the form of a limited edition  archival print.

A special thanks goes out to my partner in life and my wife-to-be Laura, for believing in me and handling the costs of getting my filmed developed. To the awesomely real crew of my favorite local photo lab in Alaska, Kellers, who has been digitizing my film. And to you my rockin Alaskan community of photographers and again to Kellers, for the many sweet rolls of film you sent down so that I can continue to feed my addiction, thank you. Last but not least, to Dropbox for believing in the freemium model of business, which has allowed me to obtain my images anywhere on the road and share the beauty of analog photography, and to those of you who have shared the wealth of your social capital by sharing my links and stories with others. Thank you all!!

That said, I leave you with the most recent depictions and events from the life of a thankful nomadic cyclist named Oki.