Wow, I commented on your photos on the other thread before reading this. What an adventure! Were Simon's flats from goatheads? That's one thing I reallllly don't miss from that part of the country. We didn't have any this year as I guess we didn't get quite far enough west, thank the cycling gods!

Other than that, it sounds like a really good trip overall, and what a wonderful mother-son bonding experience. Amazing photos too! Great job by both of you!