Hi all. I rode to Everglades City today. There are not many old Florida towns left. This one is neat. Here is a map and info from the US park service. 318 miles round-trip. I'm staying at John's house in North Palm Beach because I'm tired of hiding my bike from the Canadians. They have some freak rule against motorcycles in their complex.

Hey Massachusetts, why does the dog have ticks?

Yesterday I rode to Flamingo, Florida. It is a park station in the Everglades National Park. I then went back to Florida City and turned toward the Keys.. I went as far as Islamorada, saw that I was over water with the green and blue water around me turned back for Hypoluxo. A very nice ride. Today Chrissy, Scott and myself went to Pompano for the Seafood Festival. I tried to think of friends and family in colder climates who I could call to tell about the sun and sand. I got through to Tracy in Seattle. She, as I, would like to know when I'm getting out there. Time will tell

I took a ride out Southern Boulevard (rt80/441) yesterday and rode around Lake Okeechobee. I put spf 15 sunblock on but I still got burned. Later on Dena and I went to dinner at
Spoto's Oyster Bar In West Palm. The food there is fantastic. They didn't skip a beat with their quality and consistency.

Today I went to look up Jackie at News and Gourmet and she hooked me up with coffee, a newspaper and a muffin. I sat in one of those comfy chairs near the croquet court and enjoyed the nice Florida weather while reading the paper. I have yet to look up Rose and Lilia. Maybe tomorrow. Saturday may be the Keys or at least some destination in the bottom of Florida. Are all of you writing to Dave? I really do believe that he enjoys this encouragement being the busy, can-do-guy he is. Send him mail.

here is a link to this weather

I see that y'all are getting snow and cold weather and I'm getting sunburned. Poor me.

I made it. It was pretty much sun-up to sun-down for three days on the bike.

day 1:

502 miles to Ocean City, Maryland, where I met up with Jeannie, Louie, Little Jeannie and Justina. We then went to a Parks & Rec's convention.

day 2:

533 miles to the midlands of South Carolina.

day 3:

567 miles to North Palm Beach. I didn't want to go even a few more miles to West Palm or Hypoluxo. John's Mom fed me and I stayed there the night. Right now I'm at Scott & Chrissie's in Hypoluxo. The sun is very hot as I remember; I already got too much of it on my arms from the short trip between North Palm and here.

It is now 5:10AM and I am almost ready to start the trip. I need to eat some first. I should post again today from Maryland.

The tax are done!! It wasn't so hard. I just had to follow the directions and follow them through to the end. The weather should clear up mid-Monday so I can start the trip Tuesday morning, early. Now to pack.

I found Mysterious Dave alive and well in his foyer enjoying a refreshing beverage and contemplating cigars. We got nostalgic for our tobacco picking days in the Pioneer Valley (Whately) when we were much younger. From what I gathered, my brother and I made quite an impression. I guess that I'll leave it at that.

I don't know if y'all will like this , but I found it very amusing: Non-sequitur, and check out his home site. If these folks are in trouble now, then how far behind them are we?

I have decided to wait until the rain stops for my trip. I keep getting the question, "I thought you left already?". Not quite. The taxes are still not done and it is raining. The new rain suit pants are nice though. But for the slippery roads and the sand it wouldn't be a problem. First Gear made them. No polyvinylchloride (pvc) to suffocate me. I hope that y'all have a great Sunday.

Oh yeah, I got a new windshield. It is a Memphis Shades Fats 19". It has the look of a cop bike shield. It is certainly big enough to do the job. ...a few more pieces of the puzzle to put into place...

I am delayed again so i hope to leave Saturday morning. The is a gap between my newly positioned lowers and my windshield. A column of air comes blasting through so I have to either fill that gap or take off the lowers alltogether. The taxes aren't done yet either. Thanks for following my...ahem,...progress.

Hello hungry readers! I'm in the middle of planning my ride to Florida. I can't figure how to put on the forward mounts, so i'll bring them with me in hopes that I'll get some help. The bike is great with the new handlebars, sprocket, springs and shocks though. A new ride, all thanks to the strickly ace 750 forum and the cruise customizing web page who gave me all the ideas of how to spend more money. I hope to leave for the trip Friday (not so) bright and early. pre-sun up or very close. I should tell my sister outside of Annapolis that I'll be on my way. I need to go to 'hamp for some more shopping. I want some waterproof socks and some long underwear/silk for warmth. Maybe a camping store. I went to Westfield the other day and got some gerbing heated gloves and socks, plus rain gear. I want to feel my toes and fingers after some time in chilly weather. Tomorrow I'll have to be productive. Judy will watch the dog while I'm gone because I believe she is home the most. I got a big bag of food for the ex-monster today. See y'all later...

Kenny isdead!

I went to see Peava the other day and by now he should have a shorter cast. I've been helping my brother deliver kitchen stuff the last two days so the dog and I have not made it into town. I finally caught up to Matt. He is a regional manager for a wireless company. He is all grown up and adult with his own kid. Twenty years is a long time.

The bike isn't ready yet. The heated grips don't fit the bars so I'll have to wait until the replacement grip for the left side.. The shop couldn't get the grip off that side. The forward mounts should be here soon. I had to send an e-mail to Monica turning down her offer of a trip to Seattle. I don't know that I'll make it to Florida on the bike but I don't feel that I need to visit the northwest before the big move. Maybe the relocation angels are aiding me, or will.

If you didn't know it already, click on the bunny below.