So this is kind of a three part update.

We've been eating and drinking with great regularity. Dawn shows us in one pic. "How big it really was." Oh maybe she meant the bottle on display. Actually it was about a frog. Or was that Prince Charming?

The sign shows how clever some kids can be in the dark of night.

Now for the trip. The V-Strom is packed and ready to ride. Following the Star Wars theme that makes me a Strom Trooper. I get two week of riding with the Jedi master Tom. Who like Yoda in stature needs his KISS army boots to touch the ground on his bike. We won't be swapping rides as he'd never touch on the Strom. My long legs barely make it with the seat chamois.

Tom will come packed like Walmart and Home Depot. I'll be a dirtbag. I've been paring the load. Have some "throwaway ou fits". Scored some poly pro shirts and underwear. Easy care.

Going to try the smartwool under the armor. God knows a T'shirt or two will be purchased may be a hat.

I wonder if Nashville has a good Salvation Army? Could probably score some sweet cowboy shirts there.

This trip will take us to Maggie Valley NC. Where we'll be going to the Wheels Through Time museum. A number of day trips. Then head to Deals gap to ride the Dragons Tail, 11 miles 317 turns. Then off to Nashville just because, (and meeting fellow netizens) From there we head to Evansville IN. To meet a fellow netizen/bike racer/chef. More Food!!!From there we're headed to Columbus OH. From there we're not sure of the ride home. We may even stop at my sisters.

This trip will be something I never could have done with my Dad. Since he was convinced I'd grow up to be a Hell's Angel. But I'll be stopping at his grave tomorrow, to bid my respects.

Part three is the Willie Nelson song. I had a friend Chris in college that sang in bars. He was good As the night wore on and the bar became drunker/rowdier he'd sing On the Road again. But with his lyrics.

On the road again,

just can't wait to shoot my load again,

down her throat again,

like a band of gypsies we go up the Hershey highway.

It was funny to watch the crowd going. "Did he just say that?"

Then Chris would wind it all up with a sing along of American Pie.

The sad part of the story is Chris killed himself over a his girlfriend at the age of 24. Put the hose on the exhaust of the car ran it in the window. Case of beer on the seat. Good night.

What a waste of talent and a future. I'm not judging him. I just don't understand getting to that point. So to avoid ending on a low note to the beginning of a new journey for me.

I'll be thinking about he and Dad when I get on the road again. How things could have been.

It's a big ol' dirty world get out and play in it.

Ride safe, Enjoy life, pet your dog, say hello to strangers, eat new foods, remind someone why they are your friend, Watch the sunset,

Marvel at the world we live in.

Enjoy life. OGQ