After seeing Columbia I knew the only place to go was back to where my parents lived in Grass Valley. My brother lives there with his wife and son, and I always love to visit them and get a good taste of his wife's cooking. So I went up to spend a few days with them and my nephew. I adore him and he is the one to carry the family name on. So it seemed a perfect ending to this ride to end with a visit there.
So, what I have learned: Pretty simple... I have discovered that all the bad stuff and just crap that I went through with the death of my mother, none of that really matters to me anymore. My brother is my family and I adore him. I feel at home with his family and that will never change. All the other stuff is just crap to make other people feel better about themselves, and that's not my problem. Being the oldest, it is harder for the younger ones and younger generations to "get it"... they didn't live my life nor were they old enough to be a part of it.
I am solid with knowing more about my ancestors and who they were. What they struggled with and who they became. I can say, I am very proud of my father's side of the family. I knew a little before the ride, but not as much as I know now. I have filled in the blanks. They worked hard, earned their educations and went on to be a substantial part of the communities they lived in. So much so, their legacy lives on in local museums.
So with that, my Heritage Ride was a success and I am actually planning another ride to go back and explore the areas I didn't get to see off of Highway 49. It is a must to ride for anyone who visits California, and The Mother Lode is full of small towns to stop and stay and talk with the locals. Everyone I talked with on this ride was eager to recommend the next turn in the road.
All is good...
Happy Heritage Trailzzz
KT Did
