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THERE & BACK: portraits and stories along the way - B A C K
I T I N E R A R Y - Sarasota, FL > Wrightwood, CA
01/30 Flight: Ontario, CA > Sarasota, FL
01/31-2/5 Sarasota, FL
02/06 Sarasota > South Venice, FL
02/07 South Venice
02/08 South Venice > Fort Meyers, FL
02/09-10 Fort Meyers
02/11 Fort Meyers > Sarasota
02/12-15 Sarasota
02/16 Sarasota > Tallahassee, FL
02/17 Tallahassee, FL > Gonzales, LA
02/18 Gonzales > Baytown, TX
02/19 Baytown
02/20 Baytown > San Antonio, TX
02/21 San Antonio >Sanderson, TX
02/22 Sanderson > Big Bend National Park
02/23 Big Bend National Park
02/24 Big Bend National Park > Presidio, TX
Drive Ojinaga, Mex. > Chihuahua, Mex.
02/25-26 Chihuahua
02/27 Drive Chihuahua > Ojinaga/Presidio
Presidio > Marfa, TX
02/28 Marfa > Las Cruces, NM
03/01 Las Cruces > Tucson, AZ
03/02 Tucson > Laveen, AZ
03/03 Laveen
03/04 Laveen > Palm Springs, CA
03/05 Palm Springs
03/06 Palm Springs > Wrightwood, CA
013122 Sarasota, FL
Yesterday I flew to Sarasota, Florida, where my motorcycle has been in storage since last November. Picked it up today. Had a great first day with Marco and Betsy, close family/friends for 50+ years. Nice to be back in Florida, though it is unseasonably cold. Supposed to warm up the next few days. Will spend a week here before riding to the Keys and back. Photographed first story tonight.
020122 Sarasota
A day relaxing in paradise.
020222 Sarasota
And another day in paradise…
020322 Sarasota
Beautiful warm day. Fun breakfast at Ginny’s and Jane E’s Cafe, a very popular restaurant on the north end of Anna Maria Island. A two-mile walk along the beach afterwards burned off maybe 20% of the morning’s weight gain!
Photographed two interesting artists: Emerson, a prodiguous painter who works seven days a week to produce enough output to meet the demand of the 14,000 stores that carry his work worldwide. Then Kelly, an amazingly talented sign painter, painting the gold-fillet logo on a yacht’s bright, royal blue transom.
020422 Sarasota
Fishing off the Anna Maria Island city pier this morning, followed by lunch at the Wicked Cantina Mexican restaurant.
Photographed Reina, who had been very kind to fit me into her schedule to reattach the cover to my motorcycle seat. I had removed it to add a gel pad—hopefully to reduce discomfort on long rides—but couldn’t get it back on. The staple gun I brought isn’t powerful enough.
Have decided to scrap plans to ride to Key West. Can’t find any place to stay (at least for under a few
hundred dollars a night). I’ve been warned repeatedly not to ride down the Keys without having secured someplace to stay, expecially this time of year with so many tourists visiting the state.
020522 Sarasota, FL
Slow day, cloudy and cool. Packed motorcycle getting ready for ride to South Venice tomorrow morning. Photographed Jackie at her bagel restaurant. A real patriot originally from New Jersey.
020622 Sarasota > South Venice, FL
Easy 50-mile ride to South Venice to spend two nights with Jim and Jan, close music buddies from Colorado Springs, now spending winters in Florida. Caught up, played bluegrass together.
020722 South Venice
Fun day visiting old Venice. Great lunch on beach and very cold walk out on the jetty. “Want to go on a bike ride?” ”OK.” A 10-mile ride around the neighborhood! And I thought my butt was sore from the motorcycle...
Played some more music together—fun.
020822 South Venice > Fort Myers, FL
90-minute ride through traffic on Route 41 and not so much on I-75. Cloudy, damp, very cool high 50ºs to Don’s (though I’ve always called him Donnie, as he began working for me when he was only 14, about 40 years ago) car detailing shop. Spent the day learning a bit about wrapping cars and detailing. Don and his partner work on some very, very expensive cars.
Met Don’s wife, Amanda, a very pleasant lady perfectly suited for marriage to Don. So happy to see how happy and successful they are. Very fun dinner out with their friends, Ruben and Diana. Lots of photo-geek talk with Ruben, a very talented photographer.
020922 Fort Myers
Short ritde to Donavan and Holly’s house. Really wonderful to reconnect with them and their five kids still at home. Happened to arrive just as Father Hans, the priest from their Eastern Orthodox Church, who was performing a water blessing on the house. Impressive how the whole family chanted in response to the liturgy.
Fun family lunch at Chic-fil-A eaten at the local nature preserve. Hike afterwards through a beautiful, other-worldly, though creepy, slough of cypress trees in swamps.
021022 Fort Myers
Attended an Eastern Orthodox church service with Donavan, Holly, and family.Took Father Hans out to lunch after- wards where he shared his perspective on the healing of trauma (see story on page 27).
Relaxed during the afternoon and spent family time with kids in the evening. What an amazingly impressive family that mindfully lives out their convictions, their entire lives finely attuned to their beliefs in God.
021122 Fort Myers > Anna Maria Island, Sarasota
Said goodbye to Donavan, Holly, and kids and rode back to Anna Maria Island near Sarasota to spend a few more days with Marco and Betsy. Enjoyed the ride, beautiful day... the 75 day: I-75 North, 75 mph 75º, 75 mile drive.
Stopped for lunch in the very busy St. Armand’s Key circle. Photographed Danielle, who was eating at the same restaurant with her partner, Alex; both from the UK.
Uncharacteristically for me, took a long walk on the beach later in the afternoon, all the while thinking about my life living alone.
Dinner out at Harry’s Grill where I photoraphed Pam playing her sax.
021322 Anna Maria Island
Rainy day of anticipation awaiting the Super Bowl game between the Bengals (from Cincinnati, home to my family for 18 years) and the Rams (from Los Angeles, to which Nancy and I moved 9 years ago). Photographed Jason, a really nice guy, while having haircut this morning. Surprised by visit from family members, Harry and Anne, who have been vacationing nearby.
Super Bowl party with friends from Cincinnati. Exciting game, particularly knowing that my son is there. VERY disappointing loss for the Bengals!
021422 Anna Maria Island, FL
Spent a couple of hours dealing with paperwork, faxing, shipping. Lunch celebrating Valentine’s Day at the Beach House... freezing cold in the wind and shade near the beach, but beautiful view of the gulf with a happy dolphin entertaining us.
Rode the motorcycle into Sarasota to visit the Classic Car Museum. Great collection and the chance to photograph a famous person. Got the photo (page 38), but no story.
021522 Anna Maria Island > Tallahassee Mileage: 310 Duration: 6:00 hrs
Began the long ride home. Thankfully, a very beautiful, warm day, though a bit windy at times. So much fun to stay with Neil and Marion in their home, and visit with Pete—all members of the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America club who help fellow riders along the way. Shortly after arriving, Neil took me on a 70-mile ride through a maze of wonderful black-topped back roads and a network of Florida red clay dirt roads. I was amazed at the scenery, the likes of which I had never seen before during my many trips to Florida. Road past countless huge plantations and through some really, really nice suburban neighborhoods. So glad Neil got me off my butt, well... actually back on my butt on the motorcycle for the ride. Photographed three interesting stories at the area’s famous Bradley’s Country Store.
Great folks with whom I really hope to stay in touch.
021622 Tallahassee > Gonzales Mileage: 440 Duration: 8:30 hrs
Very long ride today (record for me). Cold in the morning, warm in the afternoon, but VERY WINDY, especially crossing over many long bridges spanning the gulf and bayous. Kind of scary at times as I was blown across my lane almost into another several times. As I finally exited Florida and then crossed Alabama and Mississippi before entering Lousiana, I spent a lot of time thinking about what awaits me in California and the next phase of my life.
Had planned to stop 100-miles earlier today but decided to just keep riding so I can at least reach Houston tomorrow and an easy ride to San Antonio on Saturday and a rest day on Sunday.
021822 Gonzales > Baytown Mileage: 265 Duration: 6:30 hrs
Left hotel about 7:00. By 7:05 was miserable, a very damp, no sun, windy, 43° cold. Rode for an hour or so. Sat by fireplace at Cracker Barrel Restaurant for an hour or so. Rode for an hour or so. Sat by fireplace at another Cracker Barrel Restaurant for an hour or so. Rode for an hour and a half as it warmed up about 10°. Departed Louisiana about noon and crossed the international border into the country (sized) Texas. Will be in this immense country fir a few days!
Again had planned to camp. Forget it! Need a very long hot shower. Staying at Springhill Suites Marriott Hotel. Nicest room I’ve had for many years and extremely reasonable price. Will stay an extra day to rest and wait for coming warmer weather.
021922 Baytown, TX
Rest day. Feels good to relax, though did need to do some planning for the next few days. Thankfully, it seems like the weather will be good, becoming warmer each day.
Walked to lunch and did a photo/story on Hope. I was very moved by her story and sense that she is a unique strong person. Only hope she can overcome her struggles to fully realize what I am sure is vast potential.
022022 Baytown > San Antonio Mileage: 262 Duration: 5:00 hrs.
Much better weather, 60º - 73º and some sun, not too windy. What a difference! I-10, however, has become pretty boring. Mile after mile, hour after hour, scenery doesn’t change much. Road condition pretty rough in places. Traffic in Houston light on this Sunday, but amazingly heavy in San Antonio. Lots of signs, too.
I died and went to heaven today! NO, not on the highway. At lunch. At Joel’s Bar-B-Que. What a find! Fantastic bar-b-que beef sandwich with pickles and onions, a side of slaw, and of course... pecan pie. Ate with a really nice couple who had moved to Florida from California and are now moving back. Mick’s a guitar player and photographer, so poor Caitlin had to endure way too much geek talk.
Afterwards filled up with gas and met, Charile, riding cross-country, too, but on a bicycle. Has quite a story, quite a sad story.
Out to dinner at Longhorn Steakhouse, always voted a top choice among meatatarians, like me. The filet was perferct. Need the protein for the next two days riding down to the Rio Grande. Leaving the restaurant I was once again thankful for God’s second greatest gift to mankind... the COW!
022122 San Antonio > Sanderson Mileage: 277 Duration: 4:45 hrs
Took my time getting started because it had unexpectedly rained in the night and the streets were still wet. Before leaving photographed Jody and Connie on their way back to Chimayó, New Mexico, home of the famous Catholic chapel, El Santuario de Chimayó. Once again, fun to interact wth new people and hear their story.
Got a bit lost leaving the hotel with its location surrounded by various Hwy 90 loop roads. Back wheel slid a few times before finally entering the highway, fine afterwards. Took 90 for a change of pace. Not a whole more interesting but at least not interstate. Much warmer weather and a lot less wind. Passed through a lot of small towns separated by miles and miles of desolate country. Passing through one town saw a sign:
THIS IS GOD’S COUNTRY. DON’T DRIVE LIKE HELL!
I did my best, kind of.
Passed countless police cars and Border Patrol vehicles, and was stopped at a checkpoint, seemingly checking for drugs and illegal migrants. Pretty conservative country based on signs, bumper stickers, and people packing pistols holstered on hips. Camping for the night at the very minimalistic Canyons RV Park in Sanderson, Texas, only 120 miles from the entrance to Big Bend National Park, my destination for the next few days.
Set up tent on AstroTurf, can’t use stakes. Suddenly so windy I had to lay inside to keep it from blowing away. But temps way above normal, so nice and warm.
022222 Sanderson > Big Bend National Park Mileage: 175 Duration: 3:25 hrs
This is dinosaur country apparently. Big jaws assured me it would be an easy 50-mile ride to breakfast in Marathon. Didn’t think to tell me it wouldn’t ber much. Funny weather on the way. A cool, though thankfully sunny and not windy, 49º when I left. 55º fifteen minutes later. 61º in another fifteen. Then dropped to 48º a minute later. Had gotten my hopes up. But hoping did eventually pay off—was 83º ninety minutes later as I pulled into my camp spot at Big Bend National Park, even warmer later.
Photographed a couple from Wisconsin concerned for the future of our country, and then another from Iowa (husband is president of a vintage motorcycle club). After setting up camp in my shade-barren spot, headed to the nearby camp store relax (as much as one can) sitting at a picnic table in the shade, working on this book.
Photographed a nice couple and their son who had joined me. Kindly offered me a bologna sandwich on Bimbo white bread. Got to talking, the best I could in Spanish. They’re from Chihuahua and insisted that I contact them when I’m there a few days from now. Recorded Rubén’s story in Spanish. Will need to translate it, hopefully with help from Fransisco.
Cool, windy night. Visited outside of tent by wildlife: something that made a deep purring sound; something sounding pretty large. Found large scat nearby in the morning.
022322 Big Bend National Park
Cold, very windy morning kept me zipped up mummy-like in my mummy bag. With only one day to explore the park I forced my self up, dressed warm and rode out of the Rio Grande Village, up to Panther Junction, and up 4,000+ ft. to Chiso Basin. Beautiful ride and interestingly became much warmer as I gained elevation. Hard to believe but it will probably be 90º in the Village later this afternoon when I return.
The geography of Big Bend is very similar to the Sierra Gigantis I lived among in Baja. Dry, dusty, wind ravaged, barren, rugged mountains surrounding by scrub desert.
Photographed Aaron, a Neurologist from Boston, before enjoying a late, relaxing breakfast at the Chisos Lodge. Great view. Thankfully, there was cell service at the restaurant, and I was able to take care of some pain-in-the-butt problems as a result of being gone from home too much of late. Come to think of it, I’ve been experiencing lost of pain-in-the-butt, granted for very different reasons.
Strange weather again as rode the 39 miles back to the Village from Chisos Basin. Mentioned it to ranger, said very strange indeed. 71° as left 5,400 ft elevation at the Basin. 48° at 1,000 ft at campground. Colder lower??
Ranger confirmed that I had been visited last night by a mountain lion (purring, segmented scat full of hair), though estimate of the park’s population is only 20-30. Going to be another scary night, especially not able to see outside, at least not without unzipping the door and welcoming a guest inside. Understatement of the day: A tent offers a very false sense of security.
022422 Big Bend National Park > Presidio, TX > Ojinada Border Crossing > Chihuahua, Mexico
Was a cold night, in 20s. Thankfully, my sleeping bag was warm enough. Wish I could say the same for my riding outfit. Was 28° when I left the campground. Low 30s for next hour and a half, then 40s and finally low 50s as I reached Presidio, TX, where I stored my motorcycle for a few days. Walked across border into Mexico. No one asked to see my passport, nor was I given a visa. Waited awhile for Franscico. Realized that there was a 1-hour time difference, so I was early. Two hours later I discovered that he had some kind of a problem and was delayed. Will be another three-hours. So much for leaving early to get here in time and FREEZE in the early morning temps! Hadn’t been in Mexico for even five minutes when a young guy asked if he could use my phone. Got a taxi and asked to be taken to, ‘el mejor restaurante de la ciudad.’ Took me to Lobby’s for a great arrachera steak, baked potato, and a salad for lunch. Hadn’t eaten since lunch yesterday so hit the spot, the growing spot... even though I am eating very little. Go figure!
Guess if I was really concerned I could join Wiley and chase the Road Runner... guilt!
Speaking of guilt... When I had asked Francisco to pick me up and drive me to his home in Chihuahua I didn’t realize how far it was from Presidio. One of my very closest friends didn’t mind, and we had much to catch up on. Stopped at sunset for a brief rest at the stunningly beautiful Cañon de Peguis. Wonderful, absolutely wonderful to see Armida, Xavier, and Fernanda again. Had been 15 years. Xavier now a geodesic engineer; Fernanda a doctor. Nancy would be so proud; she loved these children. (Francisco and Armida had been students in one of her adult ESL classes in Colorado Springs.)
022522 Chihuahua
Staying in humble lodgings here has been a reminder of how few things are really required to live a full life. I am so glad to reunite with this dear family, so refreshed by their warm acceptance and enduring love.
I have always known Francisco to be a skilled, hard worker, yet I am amazed to see the architectural and construction work he and his business partner, Donna, are accomplishing. Really first class modern design—inspiring. Photographed Donna as she prepared a delicious breakfast. A very impressive woman raising three precious children. I expect big things to come from their business, ARQLOCAL.
Nice family dinner at the Ware Restaurant.
022622 Chihuahua
House busy early, Javier leaving for work and Armida taking Fernanda to her 24- hour shft at the hospital. Francisco (pastor) and I took a long walk during which I sought his relationship advice.
Went to lunch with Armida, Javier, Armida’s mother and sister, Irma, and Irma’s daughter, Sofie, at a very upscale restuarant.
Photographed Francisco and recorded his story about friendship, ours in particular.
Carryout dinner from famous Elotes Corn Restaurant. Hoped to be joined by Fernanda on a break from hospital, but she was called in to assist with an appendectomy.
022723 Chihuahua > Ojinaga > Presidio > Van Horn Mileage Presidio > Van Horn: 135 Duration: 3 hrs
Long drive back to the border with Francisco, Armida, and a weary Fernanda, who had just finished her 24 hr rotation at the hospital. Said goodbye wondering when I may see this wonderful family again.
Uneventful, though tiring, walk across the border, through customs, and a 1/4 mile or so to where my motorcycle was stored. Seemed to take forever to ride just 135 miles to Van Horn, Texas, where I spent the night at the historic El Capitan hotel. Very nicely remodeled, quaint, and really excellent restaurant. No photos/stories—just too tired.
022822 Van Horn > Deming, NM Mileage: 225 Duration: 4:30
Got up slowly, no rush, waiting for temperature to climb past 60º. Must have been very tired because didn’t think I’d ever get to Deming. Very boring ride, thought about a lot of things that made me angry. Nasty traffic through El Paso. Not my favorite ride of this adventure. One bright spot: f i n a l l y getting OUT OF Texas. Stayed at typically mediocre roadside hotel, pigged out on pizza. Decided I better address my balding rear tire. Ordered a new one to be mounted in Phoenix. Again no photos/stories. Glad this day is over.
030122 Deming > Oro Valley, AZ Mileage: 220 Duration: 5:00
Slow start again. Easy, little more interesting ride. Very beautiful about 60 miles east of Tucson through heavily bouldered Texas Canyon—reminded me of the boulder fields in Catavina, Baja.
Fun staying with friend, Ellen’s, mother… great chance to talk about Ellen behind her back. Photographed Nikki at dinner.
030222 Oro Valley > Phoenix Mileage: 120 Duration: 2:45
Interviewed Nikki and her friend, Patty, before riding off towards Phoenix to visit Fred and Karen. First half of the ride was very pleasant, happily riding along a two-lane blacktop, the Pinal Pioneerr Highway. Second half of the ride was very heavily trafficked, dangerous.
Great to reunite with Fred and Karen, and to see their visiting granddaugher Ahmina. Fred and I removed the back wheel of the motorcycle and took it to the BMW dealer in Chandler to have a new tire mounted. While there photographed and interviewed Scott, the sales manager of Indian Motorcycles—a little Biker 101.
030322 Phoenix
Restful day, mostly spent with Fred volunteering at the Christian bookstore on the ASU campus. Huge student body. Two interesting photos/stories.
Late in the afternoon, put the motorcyle back wheel with its new tire back on. Getting ready for long ride to Palm Springs tomorrow.
THERE & BACK: portraits and stories of people along the way
Itinerary Wrightwood, CA > Tampa, FL
9/26 Santa Barbara, CA > Wrightwood, CA
9/29 Wrightwood > Flagstaff, AZ
9/30 Flagstaff > Albuquerque, NM
10/1 Albuquerque > Las Vegas, NM
10/2-3 Roadrunner Festival
10/4 Las Vegas > Elk City, OK
10/5 Elk City > Joplin, MO
10/6 Joplin > Collinsville, IL
10/7 Collinsville
10/8 Collinsville > Randolph County, IN
10/9-12 Randolph County
10/13 Randolph County > Indianapolis, IN
10/14 Indianapolis
10/15-19 Flight > Washington, DC
10/20-25 Brown County, IN
10/26 Brown County > Cincinnati, OH
10/27 Cincinnati
10/28 Cincinnati > La Grange, KY
10/29 La Grange
10/30 La Grange > Nashville, TN
10/31-11/3 Nashville
11/4 Nashville > Athens, GA
11/5 Athens > Augusta, GA
11/6 Augusta
11/7 Augusta > St. Augustine, FL
11/8-10 St. Augustine
11/11 St. Augustine > Palatka, FL
11/12-14 Palatka Bluegrass Festival
11/15 Palatka > Tampa, FL
11/16 Flight > Los Angeles, CA
Solo Motorcycle Travel Tips
09/15/21 (Tim Collins, Forty Times Around)
Meet people along the way
Stay in touch w/family, friends
When lonely stay busy
Embrace solitude
Relax (stop worrying, pre-planning)
Challenge yourself, push your limits
Get to know yourself
Practice self-care
Keep a journal
Embrace the freedom of traveling alone
Logistics
Camp with a lot of people or alone
Be prepared for emergencies: health, safety, mechanical issues
Pay attention to bike (daily pre-ride check)
092121
Adventure pants, jacket, boots, gloves, and helmet. Tracking started on the Garmin Mini GPS communicator. Kickstand up, starter depressed. Off I'll ride on a cool fall morning near the end of September, 2021—the beginning of a 7,700 mile cross-country motorcycle journey from Los Angeles to Tampa and back.
Why? You tell me. You might understand better than I do. I was restless, lonely, prone to depression when not busy, tired, so tired of listening to inner self-talk day after day. Riding is freedom, Adventure. All-consuming. An antidote to more of the mundane. Concentration so severe as to quiet self-talk... at least after the first mile down steep, foggy, dangerous Lone Pine Canyon wondering:
Can I do it?
Can I ride this far?
Will I have enough energy??? I’m almost 70!!!
Long days. Sore muscles. Rain and cold. Wind and heat. Camping. Staying with friends. Maybe a few hotels. Hopefully, few mechanical problems and no accidents.
Yet purpose within adventure: photographing portraits of people I meet along the way and recording a story—any story from their lives; maybe a few stories of my own; content all for a book to follow.
092621 Santa Barbara > Wrightwood Mileage: 175 Duration: 6:30
Yesterday I rode down from the mountains in Wrightwood to the coast of the Pacific Ocean in Santa Barabara, a fitting place to begin this adventure—a motorcycle ride across America. Today I rode back to Wrightwood along with Gary, who was kind enough to ride with me and lead me to John’s house in Simi Valley. Very nice ride through the warm foothills and Ojai and then warmer canyon country back to the cool mountains at dusk. Riding partners, John, Nick, and Gary, all of whom I met rather surreptiously eating outside the Jensen’s market in Wrightwood have been extremely helpful preparing me for this adventure.
092921 Wrightwood > Flagstaff Mileage: 421 Duration: 7:30
Left Wrightwood at 6:30 am after a fitful night of sleep. Cool, almost cold riding today north on I-15, and especially east on I-40 very windy between Newberry Springs and Needles, CA. Good, long ride. Met up with friends, Bob and Claudia, to camp at Buffalo Park in Flagstaff, AZ. We’re all headed to the Roadrunner Music Festival in Las Vegas, NM, over the weekend. First photo/story at gas station when Cameron, a bubbly young man, admired my motorcycle. He was glad to participate in the book project; actually gave me a hug when he learned his photo and story would be featured in the book. Got second photo/story at a 50’s BBQ/Burger restaurant from Emily and Elvis.
I like the fact that this project forces me to take breaks during the day and gives me something to do at night... in tent tonight, raining.
093021 Flagstaff > Albuquerque Mileage: 326 Duration: 5:52
Rain off and on all night, stayed warm and dry. In bed 7:30 pm - 6:30 am. Corresponded with friends.
Broke camp and off at 7:00 am. 45º - 55º with rain half of the day; uneventful otherwise on I-40 to Albuquerque. Tired, cold. Staying in hotel. No photos yet today. Wanted to get through with wet ride as quickly as possible.
Photographed Virginia, the assistant manager of the hotel, a pleasant, ambitious young woman who restored my waning respect for people of late.
100121 Albuquerque > Las Vegas Mleage: 108 Duration: 2:20
No rush getting up. Waiting for weather to blow through. Easy 100 mile ride through vast beautiful plains and later rolling hills outside of Santa Fe beneath the imposing Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Ride ended on a 1-mile stretch of loose gravel and mud, kind of hair raising before arriving at Geo’s and Tanya’s wonderful compound in the country. Once again met up with friends Bob and Claudia who drove their Class C RV from California to attend Geo’s Roadrunner Stringjam. Fewer folks this year than usual—yet another Covid consequence.
Unwound tight back muscles in the 106° soothing water of the wood-fired hot tub. One of mankind’s greatest inventions!
Great potluck dinner (though I only brought myself) followed by a delightful jam with Geo, Bob, Robert, Rolf, Kevin, and Sandy. As usual really talented musicians. As usual I am by far the least skilled. Good time. To bed earlier than just about anyone. Still worn out from yesterday’s 300-mile ride in the wind, rain, and cold.
100221 Las Vegas Roadruuner Stringjam
A nice warm sunny day relaxing, playing music, and eating barbeque smoked ribs. Spent a few minutes prepping the motorcycle for long rides each day next week.
Photographed Monte and Jenny, missionaries to Brazil, and Robert, a fine musician and song writer.
100321 Las Vegas Roadruuner Stringjam
Another lackadaisical day, 70s, bright blue sky, puffy white clouds. Morning began unexpectedly with a gospel jam playing a dozen or so hymns, followed by another hearty breakfast served from the outdoor kitchen: scrambled egss, country fried potatoes, bacon, tortillas, green chili, juice and coffee.
Photographed Charlie, a musician/motorcycle repairman, and George, host of the Stringjam. All of the muscians left late in the morning. Relaxed the rest of the day and packed the motorcycle for the next three 300+ mile days. Played some more music with Bob this evening and photographed him.
100421 Las Vegas > Elk City Mleage: 417 Duration: 7:50
Left the Roadrunner Stringjam reluctantly at 6:30 am. What a fun, memorable weekend. Hard to say goodbye to good friends, George and Tanya—special folks, unique, warm, and wonderful. Ride as sun came up was not warm and wonderful. Cold, 39º (21º wind chill). Warmed up slowly to low 50s, 60s, suddenly 86º as I crossed the New Mexico border into Texas. Pretty monotonous driving through the seemingly limitless plains of eastern New Mexico, across the Texas panhandle, and into Oklahoma.
Met David when I stopped for a quick lunch at a gas station/diner. Hard core rancher and a very nice guy. Fun.Rode to the KOA between Clinton and Elk City, Oklahoma. Set up camp. Took a nap. Went hunting women (have to few so far) for the book. Photographed the bartender at the campground grill, a hoppin’ place, and a young woman greeting folks at the reception desk. Also, an older woman who built a truck stop just down the road. Refreshing, down-to-earth, middle-America folks. Just before sunset photographed Chad and Ashton and their converted ambulance camper—very cool.
Worked on the book a few hours before crawling into my sleeping bag for a good sleep tonight. Long ride
today. Poor diet today. Breakfast: Hostess cherry pie, chocolate milk. Lunch: pizza, Diet Coke. Dinner:
Hamburger, chips, ginger ale.
100521 Elk City > Joplin. Mileage: 317
Slow getting up and started this morning. Fixed oatmeal. On road about 9:15. Georaphy changed from expansive plains to heavily forested (yellow poplars, oaks), gently rolling hills similar to Ohio Valley area. Very inefficient ride. No sooner started than stopped for gas. Then to pee. Gas. Pee. Pee. Pee. One of those days. Camped again at a KOA. Have discovered that KOAs seem to be located very near, like right on top of major highways. As much as I hate noise when I’m trying to sleep, the ever present traffic is of no concern. Set up camp as soon as arrived, fearing rain. Nice hot shower. 90-Minute nap; slept like a rock, nightmare (last night, too).
Realized today while riding that I feel happy—not always the case. Like doing this. Motorcycle is comfortable, effortless to ride, though 6 hours riding is enough.
Shot no portraits today. Will spend the evening editing and posting stories from yesterday. Looks like rain on the long drive to St. Louis tomorrow. Will seek hotel for the night and probably an extra rest day.
100621 Joplin > Collinsville Mileage: 286 Duration: 6:30
I’m so tired I can barely type, keep my eyes open. Tough day of riding through weather.
7:30 - 8:55 dense, wet fog
8:55 - 1:05 rain, heavy at times
1:05 - 2:00 partially sunny
Late breakfast in Lebanon, MO at Waffle House. Got a few glances as I walked in dripping all over the floor. Photographed Jerry and recorded his coon story. Variety of stories people come up with fascinates me.
Staying at nice hotel in Collinsville just east of St. Louis, so nice. Even offer free dinner. So nice. Will stay an extra day luxuriating in the niceness.
Photographed Elizabeth and her grandfather, Ron, with whom I have things in common.
Photographed Ernie, with whom I have things in common.
Found this quote apropos today:
Despite the rain and the cold I still loved riding the bike. Loaded and lardy it may have been, but it gave me a buzz – always. The challenge of keeping it upright in difficult conditions, the smooth lean and swing of the bends, the instant response and power of the engine, a touch of the brakes at just the right moment, the visor (long since replaced) slightly open or locked shut depending on rain and condensation, the chill on my chin, the air in my face, the rumble beneath, a glance to the instruments and compass, a flick in the mirrors, the satisfaction of forging on, whatever the weather. BEARBACK, Dr. Pat Garrod
100721 Collinsville
Tough night sleeping. Had a Diet Coke and dark chocolate candy bar for an afternoon snack at a rest stop out of the rain. Kept me awake; finally to sleep about 1:00, my eyes very unhappy. Unhappiness soon returned, this time throughout my entire body, when the room’s alarm clock in and of itself b u z z z z z e d at 5:30. So much for sleep. Groggy at breakfast in hotel. Invited to sit with Elizabeth and Ron... very good company.
Resting today with only one important task at hand: LUNCH at BOB EVANS. So glad to be back in the land of Bob Evans Restaurants. Ordered usual sausage patty sandwich with cheese and pickles and well-done country fried potatoes. My midwestern-food-accustomed-stomach is very happy indeed.
Spent a few hours designing the book that will result from the photos and stories captured on the trip.
An observation: nice to see gas prices falling: Premium gas in Newberry Springs, CA — $4.99/gallon. Regular gas in Collinsville, IL — $2.89/gallon. What the... ?!?!?! Oh, the blessings of living in California. Or, perhaps better said, the blessings of traveling outside of California!
100821 Collinsville > Randolph County Mileage: 342 Duration: 7:10 hrs
Met Nestor in the parking lot outside the hotel as I packed the motorcycle. Ate breakast with him and his wife and then photographed him before we rushed off our separate ways.
50 or 60 miles into Illinois the landscape became very familiar, making me happy and feeling like I was back home to canoe the lazy rivers, hike through the jungle like dense hardwood forests. Crossed into Indiana—where I was born, where I went to college, where I came to faith, where we lived as a newly weds, where our first son was born, where I had my first real job, where I bicycled long distances and began backpacking, where I became serious about photography—the only place that feels like home.
Hoped to avoid rain today, but alas some more near Crawfordsville, windy and cold mixed with tiny hail. For some reason my rain paints leaked today, first time. Perhaps because of all that, I missed a turn and ended up in heavily congested downtown Indianapolis. Took me an extra 1.5 hours to reach Marty and Diane’s farm outside of Muncie. What a beautiful property surrounding their historic 1850s brick house.
Wonderful dinner and early to bed after a long, trying ride.
100921 Randolph County, IN
Woke up well-rested to a beautiful morning of soft sunshine filtering through the leaves of the pines and oaks and illuminating the maple tree lined drive on the farm. A space infused with as much peace as with light.
Met Marty and two fellow bike riders, Larry and Kerry, for a rest break on the nearby bike trail at a small country gas station/convenience store at the junction of two national highways—35 and 36. Arrived early and photographed Johnny, Christy, and Ben. What an amazing crossroads of humanity frequents this place. Got an idea do a book of portraits of the incredible variety of folks that stop by here. (Designed a book cover later in the day).
Rode in Marty’s time capsule—an all original 1954 aqua green Chevrolet with only 40,000 miles—fifteen miles to the aged, though nicely restored, school house in Williamsburg for a classic car show fundraiser for a firefighter fighting cancer. Intermingled with hundreds of folks there meandering about the cars and ate a delicious pulled-pork lunch in the gym, which just wreaks of Indiana high school basketball—an exceedingly high level of sport, which only a true hoosier can appreciate, knowing full-well that it should be included in the Olympics! Hyperbole, you say. Tell me so after your first edge-of-your-seat game with Gene Hackman.
Before we left, photographed Nathan, the demolition derby driver, Elam the young amish man, and Gunner, the future classic car owner. Photographed Marty piloting the time machine through the maze of county blacktop backroads to the farm. Diane cooked up an amazing hamburger and homemade (from the garden) fries for dinner. Ended a delightful day talking into to darkness on the front porch.
101021 Randolph County, IN
Attended Assembly of God church with Marty and Diane followed by lunch at a Mexican restaurant, desert at Duncan Donuts (love this Indiana lifestyle!), and a beautiful drive through the country along side of the White River. Stopped at a very old cemetery near their house, which includes graves of Civil War casualties.
Spent the remainder of the afternoon enjoing the warm breeze out on the porch transcribing stories from
the photos taken yesterday. Late in the afternoon Jerry and Rodney and his son, Jake stopped by for a great 3-hour jam, mostly bluegrass gospel. Very talented players and singers. Great evening. Went to bed feeling very blessed to be spending time here with such wonderful friends.
I haven’t mentioned one negative aspect of life here on the farm. A year or so ago, 49 wind turbines were erected—at enormous effort and expanse—in this section of Randolph County to generate electricity equivalent to the output of a coal-fired electrical plant. The scale of the project is enormous, Regardless of whether or not they are effective, the towering white turbines are a blight on this otherwise pristine pastoral landscape. A blight both visually: spinning 100’+ white blades and tower, red flashing lights at night, and aurally: swooshing sounds of the blades slicing through the air at speeds of 100-150 mph or higher. A travesty to inflict upon long-term residents having lived their lives in peace before this massive intrusion upon their space.
101121 Randolph County, IN
Slow moving this morning, though found myself speeding up a bit as I raced into the kitchen for Diane’s biscuits and sausage gravy! Drove to town for a haircut and photographed Elisia. Quiet afternoon relaxing
Diane shared stories of the history of their historic house. Fascinating
glimpse back in time to an era that is hard to even imagine today.
Arriving on horseback patriarch Driskill constructed the house from local timber and bricks handmade from a clay pit in a nearby field. By the tme Diane’s parents bought the property in the early 60s, the house was in great disrepair and only the surrounding 80 acres were of any value. Her parents and Diane and her sisters and brother spent countless hours restoring the old house to liveable condition. She and Marty, afer they married, slowly remodeled the hosue into a fully-functioning modern equipped home. Meanwhile, Diane has created extensive luxurious gardens on the property. And together they have planted orchards of apples and peaches.. Their house is indeed a marvel to behold, both of beauty and a testament to perseverance and fortitude.
101221 Randolph County, IN
Up and at ‘em easy, packed cleaned laundry on motorcycle. Photographed Diane in front of her historic house. A real piece of history.
Rode motorcycle to Fountain City, Indiana to meet up with Marty, Larry, and Kerry again for lunch, this time at Fountain Acres Foods, an amazing Amish grocery store/deli. Delicious HUGE sandwich. Was fortunate to meet Stevie, the store’s owner, in the parking lot. Couldn’t photograph him, but he told me a good story. Rode back on Davis Martin Road through farm after farm under a threatening, leaden gray sky… an ominous foreshadow of winter ahead.
101321 Randolph County > Muncie > Indianapolis Mileage: 52 Duration 1:32
The Last Breakfast, yet again delicious, and I said goodbye (for the time being) to Marty and Diane. Decided to ride via Muncie in order to photograph Tim, a fascinating guy who owns an auto repair service. Then the short 40 miles to Indianapolis to spend two nights with Ruthie, Nancy’s (deceased wife) life-long best friend. Shortly after arriving Ruthie and I had a religious experience: lunch at Noble Romans Craft Pizza and Pub. I didn’t know they chain was still operating. The deep-dish cheese, sausage, and onion pizza was every bit as good as the dozens I ate years ago when attending Indiana University. Wonderful to reconnect with Ruthie and Jay.
101521 - 101921 Flight: Indianapolis > Washington, DC
I am certainly experiencng a huge variety of the disparate sights and sounds this country has to offer: desolate deserts, majestic mountains, plain plains, calm countryside, chaotic cities—each with distinct occupants. Experiences for which I am thankful, reminders that our pot of incongruity is indeed still melting, sticky syncretism the glue binding together this united of states.
102021 Indianapolis > Brown County Mileage: 50 Duration 1:30
Flew back from DC yesterday afternoon. Fantastic visit with Andrew and Penelope. Great joy to meet her family. Dinner and lodging again last night with Jay and Ruthie—so great to catch up with dear, dear friends.
Up early this morning to pack the motorcycle before Suzy and Dave joined us for breakfast. Again, nice to catch up, lots of memories of time spent with Nancy. Easy ride to Brown County. Met Bonnie, at Brownie’s Restaurant across the road from Bill Monroe’s festival grounds in Beanblossom, just north of tourist-infested Nashville, Indiana. Absolutely wonderful to catch up with her, one of my very closest and longest friends and favorite people.
I had carefully planned this trip to arrive in Brown County State Park during this third week of October in order to experience the magic of its Fall leaves, which regularly compete with those in Vermont for the most spectacular color. Unfortunately, the change is late this year, probably will be poor anyway, because of the very dry past summer. I am so disappointed. Though Indiana is for the most part a very flat state, this county about 35 miles south of Indianapolis, is full of 1,000’ hills and dales covered by dense hardwood forests as far as the eye can see in any direction. So much for the plans of man…
Yet just being here, however, my little tent nestled amongst the trees of the park, fulfills my deep longing for home. This area alone, the park in particular, is the only place I have ever felt at home. Just riding across the county line felt as if I’d arrived. The verdant green grass covered fields bordered by majestic maples, oaks, poplars, sycamores, beeches, walnuts, hickories speak deeply to my soul. 100+ year old cabins lining sky blue ponds awaken a longing, which is never far from my mind, to live out my days here.
No saturated red, yellow, orange leaves, but peace. An inflatable mattress that no longer inflates, not so peaceful. Going to be an uncomfortable, back breaking night. Hope to replace it tomorrow in town. A light dinner of oatmeal and hot chocolate before mounting the rack… Hope to meet a few folks and take some portraits again tomorrow, including kilt-wearing Corey WHO LOANED ME A MATTRESS!
Walk after dinner and nice light in the sky and a few leaves. Thank YOU.
102121 Brown County, IN
Rain didn’t materialize last night. Lunch at Abe Martin Lodge in the park with another long-time, close friend, Patty. Lots of catching up on our families and many friencs from our time at the Lighthouse, a spontaneous Christian ministry during the Jesus Movement at Indiana University in the early 70’s. Looked at a couple of old photos of Patty’s wedding in which I took place—I adamantly refuse to believe that was me! Photobraphed Patty doing delicate crochet work, for which she is well-known, before we parted.
Rode around familiar country roads throughout Brown County past at least 40 old cabins in the woods, the kind I dream of (with the help of Zillow) owning here. Stopped in Nashville for a snack at a favorite restaurant and potographed Susan—good story, and then Chris, as well. Returned to my campsite in the park, winding up and down hills along ridge tops overlooking vistas with endless miles of hardwood forests in the distance.
Bit chilly camping tonight, but snuggled up in one of the 47 year old Gerry down sleeping bags Nancy and I bought when first married and still ABLE to backpack.
102221 Brown County, IN
Cool night, mid-40s but no rain. Broke camp, prepared gourmet breakfast: instant oatmeal, hot chocolate, Tang. Interviewed Cory, speed skater record holder. Rode about 40 minutes through light rain to meet friends, Dick and Cindy, at the Gatesville Country Store in eastern Brown County. Photographed Robin at the store, where I couldn’t resist ordering a Hoosier special: fried bologna/American cheese sandwich. Great story from Robin of a gem collector who found four (gave her one) diamonds in Salt Creek running behind the store.
Rode a bit further to their home on Sweetwater lake where Dick and Cindy retired—lovely. Lots of catching up from our days together at Indiana University and afterwards. Lots of talk of Nancy.
102321 Brown County
Dick and I had a very enjoyable time spending much of the day driving on the Back Roads Brown County
Studio Tour. Visited 5 of the 20 art studios and saw the work of some 13 artists: metal work, wood furniture, blacksmithing, falconeering, water colors, weaving, printmaking. Absolutely fascinating to see such a variety of work by these artists dispersed throughout the county’s dense forests. Brown County remains to this day an artist colony at heart. Another reason I love it here so. Throughout our drive I was overwhelmed at my attraction to the forested hills and valleys, green grass meadows, cabins of old and new, creeks and ponds. As my son says, ‘Brown County is your happy place, dad.’ Indeed!
Lunch at the famous, old (1851) Story Inn at the junction of State Highway 135 South and Elkinsville Road just south of the horse camping area in the state park. More horses ‘parked’ out front than cars. Great lunch outside listening to old-timey music. Hadn’t been there for many years; memories of the last time with Nancy.
102421 Brown County, IN
Went to church with Dick and Cindy in Nashville, traditional service with solid expositional preaching and
incredible piano playing by a music profesor with a doctorate in performance. Lunch at the relatively new Hard Truth restaurant/distillery/event center, an amazing complex set on 325 beautiful acres of wooded rolling hills.
Tried to catch up with editing photos and stories for this book and the trip blog... unsuccessful, napped instead. Rained hard on and off all day until a brief period of warm sunshine late in the afternoon gave us an opportunity to take a lovely boat ride around Sweetwater Lake. Finally, some colored leaves framed by deep blue sky and wispy clouds. Some beautiful reflections in the water.
Finished editing photos and stories and discovered a fascinating connection with Sarabeth’s story and renowned Catholic Theologian, Thomas Merton. I am overwhelmed by the mix of people I have met and photographed so far on the trip.
102521 Brown County, IN
Ran errands with Dick up in Greenwood, Indiana. Dark, dreary, rainy day. Shipped home the fantastic 4' x 6' alpaca wool throw rug I purchased from one of the studios we visited yesterday—will add texture to my house.
Visited the Brown County Art Gallery. Viewed an exhibition of 90+ impressionistic oil paintings by child art and music prodigy, Timothy Greatbatch. Pretty amazing but exhibition took up much of the gallery space so that, unfortunately, the gallery’s permanent collection of T. C. Steele paintings were in storage. Thankfully, the 45+ prints of Brown County by Gustave Baumann were hanging in the Dr. Robert E. Sexton Gallery. As we were viewing a video describing Dr. Sexton’s collection, who should walk in but Dr. Robert E. Sexton and Lyn Letsinger-Miller, president of the Brown County Art Gallery Foundation (who it turns out was a classmate of mine in the Radio and Television Department at IU in the early 70s). Unbeknownst to me she is the author of The Artists of Brown County, my favorite book on the impressionistic movement that took place in the early 1900s in Brown County; a book on display in my home. What a treat! Had a fascinating discussion about the Baumann prints and how Dr. Sexton had collected them over a period of years, tracking down every print Baumann ever made of the area.
Photographed Dr. Sexton and recorded his story, after which he invited Dick and I to visit his log cabin and tour his 28-acre property. Can’t put into words what an incredible treat this was. Again, I am overwhelmed by the people I am meeting in making this book. Feel as if I am being directed to meet very special people. Amazing!
Before going to bed photographed Cindy and recorded her story about the blessing of moving to Brown County.
102621 Brown County > Milford Mileage: 110 Duration: 2:30
C b O rr Lrrrr Drrrrrrr riding today—45º-50º, windy, gray overcast, damp. Brrrrrrrrrrrrr. Stopped for gas in Edinburgh and photographed Cole from nearby Camp Atterbury, after he helped me park my motorcycle on uneven ground. What a kind, courteous, committed patriot!
Arrived about noon in Milford on the eastern edge of greater Cincinnati, to stay with very close friends Mark and Bev. Allowed my stomach to dictate our lunch choice: Cincinnati Skyline Chili, a regional delight I have not experienced for years: 3 cheese/onion/mustard conies. Tasty heart burn.
102721 Milford
Up late, took too much medicine in the middle of the night for neuropathy; woke up with hang-over, very fuzzy. Ran a couple of errands. Mark cooked gourmet lunch. Photographed Jay and recorded her motivational story. Also James. Worked a bit on motorcycle, then rode to Mariemont to visit Paul, then Lynne, then to a fancy restaurant for dinner with old friends, Burr and Terry and Brad and Sarah. Much reminiscing over excellent, though pricey, food. Photographed Burr and recorded his somewhat miraculous story.
Strange riding around Mariemont, so many memories from high school and then later to raising family. Late to bed and anticipating early ride in the morning.
102821 Milford > La Grange Mileage: 96 Duration: 2:10
Left about 7:00 trying to ride the 100 or so miles needed before predicted rain began. Very dark, lots of fast traffice on I-275, then I-71, and again cold. Bit of a hairy ride, kind of scary. Met good friend, Vance, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, and rode with him to Louisville to pick up prescriptions for his ill mother-in-law. Good bar-b-que lunch on the way back. Worked on the book for awhile in the church’s guest apartment (nice!) where I’ll stay two nights. Nice to see Fern at dinner together in the evening. I’m blessed to have so many good friends throughout the country!
102921 La Grange, KY
Slow moving this morning. Thankfully a rest day. Think the trip is beginning to wear on me. Worked on book, played guitar. Lunch with Vance at Our Best Restaurant in the country. Great food and photographed Nancy and Jerry and Faye.
Visited Wendell and Joyce. Fun time playing a few tunes together. I had forgotten how well Wendell sings and plays, and what a gorgeous piece of property they have high on a hill.
103021 La Grange > Spring Hill Mileage: 229 Duration: 5:10
Arrived early to meet Vance for breakfast at the local McDonalds near I-71. Photographed a group of 7 local guys shooting the breeze there. Fun. Rode to Nashville through light, moderate, and heavy rains, but at least not too cold. Saw 4,213 cars (approximately), 1,246 semis (approximately), 0 motorcycles (exactly!).
Arrived at Marco’s and Betsy’s house in Spring Hill, TN about 2:30 (including time change). Dinner with son, Joe and CJ and two kids. Great to catch up and see how their young family has grown and how dedicated they are to their successful cross-fit trainng business. A very capable young couple.
103121 Spring Hill, TN
Fun breakast at Marci Jo’s restaurant in ‘Muletown,’ the nickname for Columbia, Tennessee, county seat of Maury County. Had perhaps the best cinnamon bun with cream cheese icing of my life... and I’ve had a few. Walked around town and photographed Tia.
Fun jam with neighbor friends of Marco, after which I photographed and interviewed Diane—a very, very moving story.
110121 Spring Hill
Day to catch up... bills, prescriptions, appointments, scheduling next leg of trip. Betsy drove us to Franklin in the afternoon. Fun town filled with very nice shops. Extremely beautiful scenery coming and going. Photographed Issac and Elenore. Continue to be amazed at the folks I meet. Dinner with Chris and Lindsay and family. Great to catch up some more.
110221 Spring Hill > Tracy, TN Mileage: 90 Duration: 2:05
Beautiful two hour ride on back roads through better fall foliage to Marco’s and Betsy’s tiny house in Tracy City, Tennessee. I had never seen an entire community of tiny homes—very, very apealing around a pretty lake.
Photographed Marco at the Mountain Goat Restaurantin Monteagle, cool place. Later visited the Odd Shop Outdoors in Tracy City and photographed Robert, who shared his life-long familiarity with guns.
110321 Tracy, TN
Gray, cold weather—winter approaching. Drove around the area and visited some fun shops. Photographed Jessica at her store, The Whimsey Willow. Also toured University of the South, a privage college in Sewanee, TN, with its Episcopalian Schiool of Theology. Extremely impressive campus with old, old stone buildings reminiscent of Europe. Very surprising to see here in middle Tennessee.
10421 Tracy City > Jasper, GA Mileage:94 Duration: 3:10
Awoke at 4:00 am to the dreaded sound of m o r e hard rain striking the metal roof. Began to worry about today’s relatively short ride (to get a headstart on the long ride to Augusta. So much for sleep. Had planned to leave after lunch, ride for about 3 hours on back roads and camp. Check of the weather predicts rain will cease this morning, but below normal temperatures, freeze warning tonight. Made a reservation at a hotel instead with plans for a very long, very hot shower. Will be a cold ride today with me wearing everything I have with me: 5 layers on top, 6 on bottom. No doubt the motorcycle’s freeze warning will blink on and off all day.
Rode to nearby Jasper for lunch following Marco and Betsy, who were surpised by a very large bald eagle flying up from the side of the road. Hard to part ways with Marco and Betsy, two of my best, longest known friends, who have supported me for a lifetime. This adventure, riding cross-country, has been such a blessing as I reconnect with dear friends, more impotantly friends who love me, who accept me for who I am... a pillar, the only pillar of self-growth, the only way in which I have come to accept myself. (The very essence of the Gospel.)
Rode another hundred miles or so to Jasper, Georgia, through on and off again light rain through my kind of countryside: dense forests carpeting lush hills. Temps in upper 40s, not too bad dressed as I was. Glad I’m staying in a hotel tonight.
100521 Jasper > Evans, GA Mileage: 161 Duration: 4:25
Very cold ride today, temps in the mid-40’s, gray sky, windy at times, d a m p. First time I’ve really been chilled on this trip. Very glad that I’ll be heading south from here on next ride. Again rode through beautiful countryside past a lot of gorgeous homes but also through some real southern poverty in this land of the Civil War. Arrived at Tim’s and Ban’s house about 2:00 pm. Hot soup. Hot bath. Finally warmed up.
Wonderful time with Ban and Tim, Ban’s sister, and little Sahira.
110821 Evans > Jacksonville Beach, FL Mileage: 268 Duration: 6:30
Scraped frost off the windshield before packing motorcycle this morning. Waited awhile until temperature reached 40º. Ride south through Georgia became progressively warmer, until acutally reached 72.6º (that’s right 72 point 6—I was thankful for every tenth of a degree!) before crossing into Florida. Stopped for a late breakfast at Huddle House in Millen, GA (a gourmet restaurant on par with Waffle House!). Photographed Brittany, Johnnie, and Brandon.
Negotiated fairly heavy traffic through Jacksonville. Stopped briefly to check into a hotel and then back on the motorcycle for the five minute FINAL RIDE ACROSS AMERICA to the Atlantic Ocean. I MADE IT!
110921 Jacksonville Beach > Sarasota, Florida Mileage: 258 Duration: 6:15
Tiring 250 mile ride through considerable traffic along major highways (I-95, I-4, I-75) through Jacksonville, Orlando, Sarasota. Wanted to arrive as early as possible because I am wasted. Good thing the THERE portion of this cross-country adventure is over!
Pulling into the hotel parking lot, I had the only close call of the trip. A maroon Audi convertible turned left into the hotel’s entrance, but then suddenly stopped and began to back out of the drive just as I was turning in. It happened so fast I couldn’t even honk my horn. Without thinking I swerved to the right to avoid hitting the car. Thankfully, I found myself riding up a sidewalk adjacent to the drive. A very close call... how ironic at the very end of the trip!
Total Trip Mileage: 3,846
Checked out the storage facility where I’ll leave the motorcycle for 2.5 months, then ate at Rico’s and took two fun photos/stories. Edited them and to bed early; exhausted, eyes won’t even focus.
111021 Sarasota
Poor night of restless sleep. Up early to work on this book, ate breakfast, and then spent several houses cleaning the motorcycle and rearranging gear for its storage. Rode to St. Armand’s Circle and then several miles on Long Boat Key. Photographed Thranya and heard of her project, for which she is working hard to accomplish.
111121 Flight: Sarasota > Ontario, CA
MOTOPHOTO miles
Photos and posts from various mile markers on motorcycle trips
Read MoreInto the Frame
into the frame
pink purple plums of prunus terminal buds, solitary side buds petals grouped one to five
rooted firmly row upon row, another row members, neighbors, all of the square
winds blow, branches quiver blossoms dance, roots hold pink aromas flee the square to share
up the sun, down the sun night then day, day then night
growth leads to birth, fruit in incubation tree trimmers, instruments of growth alone their only visitors
beautiful beauty for all to see, yet none do lonely neighbors one of another their branches entwined
distant in darkness, gloom overshadowing ever present, never forgotten, only ignored
oppression conquered by pink, green, blue
a road of you upon the orchard creeps false pavement, insidious yellow stripes
oh, two uprights enter in reverence oh, two image capturers violent in silence their compression of three dimensions into two
soon gone, lonely or not, back to their own square pink purple plums of prunus a memory but aware
Is a photograph worth 1,000 words?
Is a photograph really worth 1,000 words?
You bet! Consider the following:
Has your organization devalued photography, thereby reducing the impact of this powerful communication medium?
Would you describe the photos your organization has been using as “compelling” or more like snapshots?
Have you considered using a professional documentary photographer, who would most likely have a great deal of training and experience, and produce better results?
Do you understand the significant increase in ROI a professional photographer will bring to your organization?
A photo is indeed worth a thousand words—maybe even more! For good photographs speak realms to readers in our visually oriented world. Great, compelling photos speak very loudly.
What makes a photograph compelling?
What is it that makes one photo, arresting people’s attention in an irresistible manner, all the while inspiring their convictions, and another, a simple snapshot that does nothing more than inform viewers of who participated at what event?
Read MoreThe (unfortunate) devaluation of photography
Many organizations today have lost sight of the value of good photography. Photos often become commonplace, mere arbiters of events, often capturing nothing more than a snapshot of the physical presence of participants.
Read MoreJournal: Motorcycle Trip - Baja Peninsula
This 16.5 year old rebellious teenager-acting Suzuki SV650 is a common, general purpose bike that paradoxically is known for being a good beginner’s bike but is also used extensively as a track bike. So far it has performed flawlessly. It’s low enough for me to plant both feet firmly when stopping, provides a pretty comfortable upright seated stance, and handles very well. It hasn’t missed a beat in over five million two hundred and fifty thousand engine revolutions since we began a week ago…
Read MoreThe importance of me
None of this is new, nothing different tonight from millenniums of nights past.
Read MoreTerra Firma opened
Today terra firma opened the door to my cage, releasing me from its unrelenting gravitational pull…
Read MoreAn audience of one
Water suspended calling forth a new day into momentary utter stillness…
Read MoreDockweiler Beach
Playing on the beach. Struggling on the beach. Stumbling on the beach.
Read MoreJalama Beach
Pulling and pushing, half carrying, one minute stretched uncomfortably to fifteen, both of us exhausted by the two of us having become one stepping up sliding back
Read MoreStormy was the dark night
Stormy was the dark night, yet amidst beating raindrops and loud claps of thunder, silence slowly overwhelmed the one room cabin.
Read MoreIt’s amazing
The earth still spins, but the sing-along ends. How can it be? I can’t feel it. I can’t hear it. I can’t see it. It’s amazing...
Read MoreWhen change comes
The change of season is upon the land.
Read MoreMy son of so much
I‘m wondering these days if the chase, one‘s unyielding pursuit, is not, in fact, the real goal that brings meaning.
Read More