Not your ordinary trip down to Yuma
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KSWT, KECY)-A couple and their dog traveled down to Yuma from Canada on bicycles, spending 53 days on the road.
Richard and Beverly can be described as an outdoorsy type of person. Back home they own a shop where people can rent things such as kayaks.
It was March of last year when Richard said they were both sitting on their couch and out of the blue, they began planning their next adventure.
The couple had to choose something they can include their dog, Yogi, who they had rescued from the Humane Society. It was then that they came up with the idea to bicycle down from Canada to Yuma.
From March to October, the couple prepared themselves mentally and financially. They didn't really know what was to come.
The journey began, and at the border they encountered a U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agent who said, "I’ve talked to many snowbirds and I’ve had them with many bikes in the back of motor-homes and had them with bikes behind their fifth wheels, but I’ve never had snowbirds crossing the border riding their bikes and going down to Yuma."
From the Oregon Coast to the California Coast there was always a sight to see. The couple spent most of their nights in a tent if the weather allowed it.
They described their first two weeks as freezing cold, not having much clothing on their backs.
It was in Oregon where the couple got stuck in a storm.
Richard described 30-mile winds pushing them back, and rain coming down side ways for 4 days.
But with all the hardships there were still moments of peace as Beverly describes, “The senses are different. Like you feel the temperature change when you pass the trees because of the shade, and then you’re in the heat. So you’re really experiencing what you’re going through instead of just seeing it.”
Many friends and family followed the couple and Yogi's journey through the dogs' Instagram and Facebook page.
When they finally arrived back to Yuma, where they'll spend the rest of the Winter months, they were greeted with open arms.
“Someone at the park made a sign and put it at the gate, saying welcome home Yogi the adventure dog, and Beverly, and Richard,” Richard said.
If you would like to see more photos of Yogi and the couple's adventure, follow "Yogi the Adventure Dog" on Facebook or Instagram.
