"The best things in life are free."

Than again - - the best things in life you work for. Isn't that the idea behind pedaling 65 miles during the day rather than driving it in an hour? Those of us with a few years and many touring miles under our belts have surely heard something in the nature of, "Why would you do something stupid like that?" Surely there is a sense of accomplishment when you reach the top of a pass in the Rockies - - or else why would so many people post photos of themselves at the elevation sign?

Whether it's mulching and tilling the garden in the springtime or building a dollhouse for your daughter (which probably doesn't have as many bells and whistles as a plastic one from Walmart) - - and yes, even a job - - there is something gained by perseverance, effort, work. The "Instant" age began long before electronic media took hold, but the latter has certainly accelerated the instant need. "Instant Karma" most certainly.

The idea of working and saving for a trip and for the requisite equipment might sound terribly puritanical, but the rewards of doing so are usually far greater.