A wedding on expedition & the end of Stage 1 - people move on, new peopl oingWhat a fitting way to bring the end of Stage 1 of our expedition to a close – than the wedding in the group.

Steve & Lisa decided that the expedition and Tuscon in particular would be a great time to get married.
They planned it well, and a fantastic event it was. A new member of the group (Pastor Ron) who joined us in Tucson officiated. It was an afternoon wedding in the gazebo at our hotel, followed by a wedding breakfast in the function room, some organized fun – some gambling tables (roulette, blackjack & craps) were set up – with the croupiers coaching us as we played for sheep stations (monopoly money), an ice sculpture that doubled as a drink server (the louge) – with buried tube to chill the drink on the way. Inevitably it all got very merry, and most people ended up in the pool late at night in varying stages of dress – from fully formal to fully buff!

Kevin (our group leader) played the father of the bride

Pastor Ron did a great job in a simple & meaningful blessing.

The couple

Photographing the photographers!

Throwig the bridal bouquet! Unfortunately one of our group was WAAAY to keen to catch it – young Matt – he really is on the prowl for a good woman!

Lisa was not impressed!!! (jokingly).

The group was resplendent in formal attire (provided by Lisa & Steve – many thanks)

The ice sculpture (with luge tube)

Luge in use:

The rest of the evening was somewhat of a blurr!!!

A day to recover, and the next day was the end of Stage 1 of our expedition. Those leaving us had to deliver their bikes to the freight agent in Phoenix (about 100kms away) – so they hired Harleys for a couple of days to come back to Tucson for the wedding and to say our farewells.

Leaving us were:
Dave (The Astronaut – because of the amount of bling he brought & then accumulated more) Dave at Mexican Hat in Arizona – just before we got to Tuscon – Dave look out for falling rocks!!!

Shared the odd cup of tea with Dave on the side of the road - at some stunning scenery – been great fun Dave.

Richard (a quiet one – who soaked up every moment & was a thorough gentleman)

Remember Richard – stand UP, look UP, Gas UP!!! (Ron’s secrets for successful dirt riding!)

Evan – we shared my bike for a few days as Evan’s Honda had expired. Evan had the trip of a lifetime & helped everyone.

Linley – (a fellow Aussie)- rode the HP2 with style – never hurried and always smiling (she supported the local economy in most towns, with enthusiastic shopping – followed by a trip to the post office!)

John (and the fruit of his loins – Greg). The trip was John’s graduation gift to Greg – having just finished his degree. Greg was having so much fun – he decided to continue to Argentina with us!

(doing the famous Harley salute – we say all over the US as we passed traveling Harleys)

Joining the group in Tucson – Pastor Ron(from the US) and Eric (a British actor of some note) – but we will have plenty of opportunity to chronicle our adventurous encounters in later entries.

Cheers
Ron & the Black Mamba