Face Licking Good To Be Home

  Today I slept in late. Didn't meant to just relaxed from my half day off. Got on the road by 9:30 and proceeded to go the wrong way. These towns that are situated east and west always throw me off. It doesn't help when 35 E has two directions. I only had to go a mile or two before I realized my mistake. It takes forever to get out of Dallas but once I got on 20 I realized that 20 is really my extended drive way. My house is only a few blocks from 55 and only a few miles from 20. It made me feel good anyway. The weather was good today cool and overcast leaving Dallas and as it cleared it warmed up. Not bad. The air here in the South is filled with the smell and feel of the Gulf. The air is warm not cold like the Pacific air. Sure it gets muggy and feels like a suana but it also warms you and feels comforting.
  This was my last 400+ day. I've racked up almost 7K miles on this trip. I have accomplished what I set out to on this trip. I am settled with who I am and the situation God has placed me in. I am more comfortable with what may lie ahead.
  Todays music choice " Man of Constant Sorrow" from Oh Brother Where Art Tho as I left the gas station in Monroe. My last stop or "Lie To Me" by Johnny Lang as I was crossing the Mississippi Bridge at Vicksburg. I really like Man Of Constant Sorrow. Great song and great movie.
  I made it to town just in time to make a meeting. The topic, freedom to and from. I think I have lived examples of both. Freedom from my former life of fear and lies and freedom to do what I have just done. Some told me I was crazy to ride a motorcycle across the country others envied the adventure. For me it has been a journey without fear of what could happen. Afterall I got stranded in the middle of nowhere and was aided by good smaritians. No one robbed me or killed me. I meet only people welcoming me and open to helping me if they could. I think its called grace. I also learned that there are good people everywhere. It helps if you are not stupid and are honest with them. Once I got home my dog Max jumped on me and gave me plenty of face licking love. Ruby my cat kept meowing at me, telling me what had happened while I was gone. Max is now curled up with me and I know we are both happy to be together.
  For all who have followed this blog,Thanks for giving me an excuse to journal my life and look for the next On The Road With Rusty, Revenge of the O-ring.
                                                                               Rusty

Bob's By The Pool

  Today was to be a short ride and hanging with my buddy but this plan got derailed and Gloria stepped up to fill in. Don's Mom was not doing well and he thought it best I stay elsewhere. Totally understandable. My delimma Ride like the wind and get home real late, ride to Sherevport and stay in a hotel again or call on my friend Gloria to put up a weary traveller. Yup Gloria won out. It was a good call. I talked her into shisk-a-bobs and she talked into a dip in the pool. God its good to be in the South.
  I out ran the rain and should miss it tomorrow. Tomorrow is the last 400+ day on my journey. It gets easier because I'll get closer to home with each mile. I'll blog one last time when I get home and post a pic of my faithful puppy and trusted cat. If I can get them to stand still.
  My friend Steve asked me how many miles I've logged in and the answer is 7k by the time I get home. It seems unbelievable that it's been that much distance in one month. A nice relaxing night and I'll hit the road tomorrow.
  The song for the day is Stevie Wonder's "Past Time Paradise" as I was passing through Witchita Falls. I don't have any Glen Campbell. Will see what tomorrow's shuffle brings.

Heat Wind Manure, Must Be Texas

  I meet some bikers from Kansas last night and they were gassing up when I loaded this morning. Nice folks making a big square on a ride. I headed down 82 to 287. Thet road on 82 out of New Mexico was abandonded. Then I got passed by two riders. I saw them coming up on me and when they passed I saw their patches on their vests  Bandidos. Contrary to popular belief real biker gangs will not mess with you unless you mess with them. I had no intention of "messing" with them. As I continued south there were more and more bikes. I found out at a gas station the Red River Memorial Run  was this weekend. All kinds of bikers were on the road including a contingent of Bandidos. As I got toward the end of New Mexico the heat began to rise and the mountains began to dwindle. The wind picked as well. Once the oil derricks appeared and the smell of manure hit I knew I was in Texas.
  It got so hot today my phone went to a yield heat alert. I found this happens if it gets to much direct sunlight. Even opening the top of the case didn't cool it. It cooled down in a convience store while I paid for gas and got a water. I took my time. I moved it to my vest pocket in my jacket to keep it out of the sun. Tunes went on just fine. That brings me to my tunes choice of the day. "Radar Love" on the open road of New Mexico or "Pass The Hatchet" by Roger and the Gypsies off the Desperado soundtrack as I pass the oil derricks in Texas.
  There are a group of riders from Longview at the hotel tonight. They went to the Red River ride. Nice enough guys but not very inviting. They are wrapped up in their own journey so no hard feelings. I am glad I took this trip on my own, it would have been selfish of me to take someone else on such a personal journey. God and I have settled a lot of issues on this trip. It's no use trying to understand why Kathy had to die. That's God's job and beyond my ability to comprehend. Either you trust God has a plan or such things make no sense. I've seen enough of God's will in my life to believe and so I do. The big question is what's in store for me. Part of my nightly prayer is to be granted the wisdom to recognize my part in God's plan and the courage and ability to carry it out. Kathy believed God got me sober so I could care for her. I'm not sure she was wrong. I remembered the song lyric again today. " to know yourself is to let your be loved". I'll keep that one on my mind for a while.
  My journey is almost done. Tomorrow back to Don's where it started and then home to the girls, Todd and Sarah, Max, Ruby and family. I promised to go cook dinner for Kate soon.

Roadracers Have Rubber

   I arose this morning with the express plan of obtaining new rubber. The I-80 Powersports people don't open until 10 so I got to work on the problem early. Google is such a great thing. TNT Powersports in Laramie opens at 9. A quick call to confirm they had my tire and could get me in and out and I was on the road. Brian the owner is a former roadracer and got me in and out in a couple of hours. Not bad since I showed just before lunch. It gave us time to talk about the MOTOGP race at Austin. He was there too. We did some serious bench racing and soon I had new rubber and headed to Denver.
   As I crossed the Colorada border the heat began to rise. I'm getting closer to the south. The next stop for gas included removing my jacket liner for the first time since I left LA. The mountains in Colorado are green like Idaho but rockier and topped with snow. I made to Pueblo by 7. Not bad after having a two hour lunch stop to get a tire. The Best Wetern was at the end of hotel row. I should have picked up on that earlier. Who would of thought a NCAA track meet would be in Pueblo. It was and there were no rooms anywhere. Back on the road to the lovely town of Walsenburg. That makes the second 400+ day in a row. So here I am in nowhere Colorado. I will say this about the Best Western chain. They have gone to great lenghts to make sure they all have a great bed and flat screen TV.
  The music choice for today is either "Train Train" entering Laramie or "Kiss" by Tom Jones entering Denver.
  Tomorrow I head to Amarillo or beyond. It seems I am pushing a little every day. I think I am ready to get home for some puppy face licking.

Sunshine + Clear Road = Rawlins Wyoming

  Sunshine, a clear road and speed means miles. 447 to be exact. 9 hours in the saddle but its easier when you don't have to battle rain cold or twisties. In order to get to the other side of Colorado you have two options. 1. You can go through Wyoming which is straight and open road and cut down at Cheyenne, 2. You can cut down past Salt Lake City and go through to Grand Junction on 50 which is through the mountains. I've been that way a few years ago. The problem with both of these is they are both 750 miles and there is no place where you can stop in the middle. At least one of those days will be 400+ miles, a long day either way. I decided to go through Wyoming. Afterall I haven't seen Wyoming and if I was going to make a 400+ day best to do it on easy road.
  I hit the road convinced I would just take it easy and use another day. I cruised and made good time. I stopped at a little camp ground gas station and looked at my map. It was 50 miles to my planned stop and 120 to the next stop. It was 4 o'clock and the sun was up. I decided today was the day to push it. I arrived at 7. In time for dinner and a blog. I noticed at my last gas stop I need a rear tire. Not  a thing to panic over but if I have the time better sooner than later. So tomorrow I'll check out I-80 Powersports.
 Today's music choice was listening to "I will Always Love You" by my late friend Kelly Pates. This was the song Kathy and I had him play for us, so it became our song with him. Every time I hear it I have the image of dancing at the Feninns Pub. It is a good memory, a very happy memory.
  Todays talk with God yeilded a song lyric for me. " to know yourself is to let yourself be loved". Its from "Get Me" by Everything But The Girl. I think this is one my keys for getting past Kathy's death.

Sunshine Blue Skies Please Don't Go Away

  Today was sunshine blue skies and around 50ish. Great weather to ride. I ran under a big grey cloud to the hotel just missing any rain. It occured to me that some might not understand riding a motorcycle on such a journey as I have embarked upon. When you ride in a car you experience the surroundings as one would watching a movie. On a motorcycle you are part of the surroundings. If it rains it rains on you, you smell, feel and experience all around you. The scenery is not out there it's here. Riders often explain they feel a great freedom when riding. This is also true. There is also the experience of travelling light, afterall you have to carry what you need and no more.
  I left Oregon and made my way to Idaho today. The mountains were left to the edge of my view and the hills and plain were covered with agriculture. The mountains and then the hills are green not brown like California. It's beautiful. I saw two motorcycles on my ride yesterday probably an indicator that I was one of the few brassen enough to venture out. Today there were many more bands of us two wheeling folk. I plan on heading into Wyoming tomorrow. I've been through the Rockies in Colorado and so I'll see what Wyoming plains look like. I can also make better time on the interstate.
  Music choice for today. Luis Miguel " No Me Platiques Mas" riding out of the mountain pass onto the plains.

Rain Ice and Mr. Sandman

  I doned my rain attire as I left the Hartung manor with the drizzle of rain Seattle is known for. That continued with intermitent showers through Summit Pass and all day. I stopped in Summit Pass for gas and asked the attendant if there was more snow ahead. There was snow everywhere! He told me they were at the top and it was clear down the other side of the pass. So only rain, cold rain. I was glad I brought my winter gloves.
  Next stop was dry so I utilized an old trick, I put my gloves at the exhaust pipe and used the forced warm air to dry and heat them. I made my way down through Deadman's Pass. That was beautifully green and a view that covered miles. Then back amongst the mountain passes. The last one cleared to a fairly straight road and more rain. This time the altitude, cold rain and wind combined to form ice on my windshield. Great! Ice! It did not seem to be on the road so on I go.
  I made it to La Grande Oregon and the Best Western awaiting me. Booked, no vacancies. In this town of few stop lights No Vacancy. Lucky for me the Sandman Inn was next door. The thought of going another 45 miles as the sun went down and the temperature dropped was unappealling.
  The song for today was "Need Somebody" by The Subdudes as I was going through the pass in the rain. My talk with God today centered around safe passage. So far God has graced me with a safe journey and as the 12 steppers would say I don't believe God would bring me this far to drop me now. Have faith my loyal followers. Have faith.

Have Bike Will Travel

  Today was all about the bike. I talked to Ben, the mechanic, who assured me the bike has been checked out and is good for the long trip home. The O-rings have been replaced, oil and gear oil changed and the tires and front end checked. We are good to go.
  I met a friend of Mikes today, another struggling lawyer who does domestic relations work. It is good to know our problems are the same.
    We went to dinner at a Thai resturant and thee grilled flank steak was great. Thai BBQ who would have guessed. It has been great to be in an urban area for a while. I appreciate what I have at home and remeber the need to visit the rest of the world now and then.
  Tomorrow back on the road and headed south for La Grande Oregon. Check in on me then.

Sit Right Here and Toss Me A Fish

  Today was a cool day. Started by going to the EMP where they have music exhibits and sci-fi/horor stuff. They have many collectibles from Paul Allen's collection. He is a Microsoft billionaire. They had Capt. Kirk's chair and a life size Dalek. They had a Curt Colbain exhibit and a Hendrix does London. Very cool. Yesterday when we went to the Needle I pulled my phone out of my back pocket and my readers fell out. Gone forever right? Wrong, they had them in the lost and found. Unbelievable. I have lost and found those glasses more times than I can count.
  Next we went to Pike Fish Market. Fish is the least of what they have there. Crafts and all kinds of cool stuff. I even got my littlest one something. Amelia will have to wait till I get home. If I move I'll have to come back for some cool stuff to decorate with. 
  I also got to go to a Seattle meeting. The problems we face and our stories of how we came to be members of this club are so similiar. It is indeed a special club.
  Tomorrow I get the bike back and prepare for the road on Wednesday. I'm ready to get back home but it will take a while and I must be patient. God has really smiled on me this trip and I am counting on his continued grace for the ride home. Say a prayer for the weary traveller. 
  The music choice for the day Elvis Costello and an acoustic version of "Everyone Wants to Wear My Red Shoes".

From The Needle to the Gates of Mansions

  The ride up to the top of the Space Needle takes 41 seconds. The view should be taken in for a bit longer. It rises some  650 feet above the city and makes for a spectacular view of the city. Built in 1962 for the World's Fair, it costs 4.5 million and was a massive undertaking at the time.
  Gary, Mike's friend, was kind enough to give me a water tour of Mecer Island and the million dollar mansions around Lake Union. We saw Bill Gates house. Or I should say houses. There is a compound of houses that extend into the side of the mountain. If you get too close the security comes out to check you out. Then we saw those who live on the water. These are not house boats, they are houses that float. Mostly glass fronts so not only can they see from their bedroom but you can see in. I'm sure they have some kind of blinds.
  After that we went to Alki Beach for dinner of prawns and a walk down the beach walk. It was very interesting with young folks hanging out at the El Chubracumbra and a cross between bikers and skate boarders. The prawns were only outdone by the cole slaw. Awsome. The sunset was memorable and caught and posted on Facebook. Check it out.
  I've made a new friend. Fritzy, the snickerdoodle, came out after all were gone to bed to sit with me as I wrote this post. Time to get back to my puppy. I think I have been able to get back to me and look forward to my changing life in Jackson. It was important to spend some time with my old friends so they could remind me of the the qualities that make up Rusty. My journey home will take a while but should be the final chapter to this tale of self discovery. Stay tuned.

Going Where No Southern Caucasian Has Gone Before

  Mike and Anna Bell took me me to the Union Street fair today where we met a friend of theirs who has a young girl about Anna Bell's age. It was very interesting with lots of art vendors and food. I saw a Vanson Leathers sign and found a motorcycle leather store. Lots of great jackets and some racing leathers on display. One had been worn by a roadracer that I know. Small world. Then we went to a movie. The girls went to see the Groogs but I took the opportunity to see Into the Darkness. If you are a trekkie you'll like it. It was a typical trek movie, lots of explosions, suspense and action. It was good not great.
  I also got a call from Lake City Honda. They changed the O-ring and that seemed to be the problem, yeah!!!  They did not find a problem with the front end so I had them keep it until Tuesday to road test it. It will be road ready for its long haul back before its time to leave so all is well. I am relieved that the O-ring was the problem. It is a function of wear from time more than anything.
  Then we went to Seattle's Chinatown for dinner. We actually had Cambodian food but that's just me being picky. It was really good and the area was very reminisent of San Fran's China Town, just not as big. The Kung Fu supply store was closed by the time we finished dinner but maybe later.
  The only music reference today was Anna Bell singing along with a Katy Perry song. She is a great kid and would get along great with my girls. I've started mapping out the ride home. Should be six days on the road. Another Best Western tour to be had.

The Bike Doctor and Capt. Mike

  This morning I went and checked the paper towel I put under the bike. No oil yeah! I called the Lake City Motor Sports Honda dealer and talked to Ben the mechanic. He was very knowledgable about my VT 1100. I proceeded to crank the bike and WOW antifreeze comes dripping from the left side. It was antifreeze not oil I had seen. Great if it was a bad cyclinder gasket the motor has to be taken apart to fix. Ben pointed out that there is a connecting port between the two cylinders and after a while the O-ring can go bad. You can replace them without tearing the motor down if your lucky. So there's one question you gotta ask yourself? Do you feel lucky? We'll do ya punk? I feel lucky. We'll see.
  So after that I got a Caribbean fish sandwich for lunch and headed to Mike's boat. Nice yatch. The boat dock was filed with 30 to 50 foot boats. These are ocean going vessels not little sailing boats you sail around the Res. You can take these anywhere you want. Mike has always liked boats and its easy to see his progression to this one. Yep Capt. Mike is alive and well.
  Anna Bell has a friend over for the night so once again I am in a house with two little girls and a grey fuzzy dog. I feel at home. I miss my girls. We are supposed to have a sleep over at Granddaddy's house and bake a cake when I get back. I look forward to that.
  I really enjoy being in a big city. There is multiple cultures and a variety of food to choose from. Mike asked me today if I plan on staying Jackson all my life. Good question. We'll see what God has in store for me.
  I don't have a music choice for today because I wasn't plugged in to my music today so think of something in the grunge catagory.

North to Hartung. Check

  This morning started out with rain. As I made my way north the sun broke through and just before entering Seattle I stopped and removed the rain suit. Weather here today was beautiful. I made it Mike's and am ready for a few days off. When I went out to the bike this morning there was a small spot of oil on the ground under the left cover. I checked it every time I stopped today but no leak. I'll check it in the morning before I send it to the shop for an oil change. I'll get them to give it a good look over as I prepare for the ride back. It is a LONG way to Seattle by bike. The ride has really been good. After a couple hundred miles of twisties and scenery that is spectactular I can tell you that doing in shorter bursts is a good idea. Taking it in one long trip leaves little to do the next time I venture this way. Perhaps the Benz next time.
  Mike seems to be doing well as Mr. Mom raising his two kids himself. Nick actually recognized me amd Anna Bell is a smart little 5th grader. Seattle gives off a good vibe, a lot like San Francisco. Portland seemed more like an industrial town. The grays were previlent there whereas the skyline of Seattle is full color. My conclusion to the end place in my trip is I can do anything I set my mind to do as long as my motives are good and I am true to myself. Part of that is keeping a conversation with God. A conversation is two ways. God speaks but you have to pay attention to hear it sometimes.
  The song choice of the day was easy The Commitments " I Can't Stand the Rain" as I was leaving Eugene with a downpour and rain geared up.

Out of the Woods and Over the Bridge

  Well another long day on the road. After 200 miles of twisties I was happy to finally get to an interstate and eventually almost straight road. Riding a road full of 20 and 30 mph turns gets exhausting after a while. The view was nothing short of incredible. The big Redwoods and green everywhere are overwhelming. A stark constrast to the brown mountains of southern CA. Hwy 101 hooks back up with Hwy 1 for a while. The coast up north is a bit more rough, more jutting rocks and not as much beach. There are beach spots that are long and pretty. I can't help think of Florida where the beach even in winter seems warm. Here it is COLD. The Pacific wind makes it cold. After you move away from the beach the wind still brings that cold from the ocean. What do these people do in the winter? I made my way to Eugene Oregon for the night. I meet some kids who were out of gas in the middle of nowhere California just before the Oregon border. They were begging for enough money to get far enough to find a Western Union. No doubt for a call to somebody's Mom. I gave them five bucks. Afterall this place had one gas pump with only regular. The major business in town was carving with a chainsaw.
  Oregon has a strange rule about gas service, there is no self serve. Both attendants said I'll hand you the pump and you can fill your bike. They wouldn't dream of touching, scratching or spilling gas on my bike. It was a draw back to the age of full service. I did that for a while. Fill the gas check the oil, etc.
  My song choices for today are, Jim Croce "Operator" while driving through the redwood or Everything But the Girl " I Don't Understand Anything" also through the redwood. You can tell I spent a long time in the redwood today.
  Tomorrow on to Seattle.

Big Bridge and Big Trees

  Today was an eventfull day of motorcycle travel. I left Monterey with a fog cover and a bit cool. Then Nancy and I split ways and I made it over to Hwy 101 and low and behold there was Nancy. Evidently her turn and mine ended up at the same place just prior to her turning off to go cross the mountains. After working my way through Palo Alto to find gas , I took 101 through San Francisco and across the The Golden Gate Bridge. This is the second time I have crossed this bridge. The first was on my honeymoon.

 As I passed the turn to Sonoma I thought about the Sonoma Inn and the great life that was just begining. My life has certainly turned out differently than I thought. I had expected to revisit there on our twenty year anniversary. Of course the grandkids and other great things that have happened were not anticipated either. The point is we don't know what life has in store for us. I know passing that exit will help me move on to what God has in store for me now.
  I proceeded up the Redwood Highway. The weather warmed and the mountains began to get more green and with more trees. Then the trees started getting bigger. 

The road was twisty turns that were very much like those in the Blue Ridge Parkway. Trees encompass the road in parts and its like driving through a hole in the forest. The turns become longer and you can get a smooth rhythm on them. I discovered I am better at right handed turns than lefthanded ones. I have a tendency to look short and turn too soon so I practiced looking through the turn and my rythm improved. Its been a while since I have been on a road long enough to really practice this. It should help if I get on a track with high speed turns. I like them anyway so getting better at them is cool.
  My song pics today were just too good. The first was Tower Of Power " Everybody Walk Your Dinasour" as I'm crusing past Oakland and Joni Mitchel " A Case Of You" while coming down Van Ness in downtown San Fransisco. I really don't plan these the are a random play from suffle.
   Tomorrow I check out the Redwoods and head out of California.

Stormy Monday

Today I got the chance to ride up one of the most beautiful roads in the world. The bummer was the fog rolled in and that restricted the good photo ops. It also meant the cold of the Pacific moved in. Of course even with all that it was incredible. Every time you come around a corner you see the mountain falling into the ocean. 

 The waves crashing onto the rocks and the cliffs jutting out into the water, incredible....
  We made our way to Cambria for lunch. If you have never tried fish tacos treat yourself one day. I learned about them in the 80's in Santa Barbara. Then passed Big Sur to Monterey for other night at the Best Western. Got in just in time to see the seals at Fisherman's Wharf and enjoy a delicous meal at the Old Fisherman's Grotto.
  My song combo today is Everthing But The Girl " Missing" as you come around the mountain to see the ocean bashing into the cliffs. My thought for today is you may feel fear because you can't see the road around the corner but your brain knows it's there so you go forward. Don't let fear hold you back from taking the challenges you know you can accomplish. See through the fog to the bright day ahead.

Mom's Day

  Mother's Day was a relaxing day of pool side activities and a wonderful meal. We went to an organic market where the produce was beautiful. The lettuce really caught my eye. Red leaf as red as a plum and green leaf bright with color. It was a lovely day for an afternoon nap for me. A call to a couple of moms and my day was done.
  Bev cooked a fabulous meal of pork loin, asparagas and butternut squash. We dined  and told large tales. I will miss being around such friends but it time for me to move on. Afterall this is a journey which will not wait. I have a long way to go to finish this. No song and scene for today just a chorus of "Wanderer" by James Taylor. 
  I'll begin tomorrow to move up the coast. I have the time to take my time but I feel the need to move on. I think part of it is the need to get on with my talk with God. We still have some unfinished conversing to do.

Bev, Bill and Buellton

  Nancy and I had a nice ride from Santa Barbara to Buellton where Bev and Bill live. We went Solvang for lunch and then to an italian resturant for dinner. The dinner was fabulous, I mean really good. It has been very relaxing to be with Bev and Bill. We have rekindled our old relationship and found we are still a good fit. Talking about old times, religion, motorcycles and all manner of things is just easy. I am as relaxed in their home as I am in mine.
  The realization of the day is be where you are happy. Whether it is in a multimillion dollar mansion or a modest house in the burbs. If you make it your home and are happy there you have gotten more than what the money can buy. That applies to where you live as well. I am at home in the South but I like to travel it helps me to understand that there are things from other places that I can bring back with me. Food, fashion and a more world view are some of the things I like to bring back.
  Today's song choice is riding through the mountain pass to the valley with B.B. King and Eric Clapton singing " Riding With The King".

Feast on the Bluff

  Today was a full day of vacation. A dog walk to the pier, a visit with some motorcycle tourists, a nap and a real feast followed with Justified. We walked my friend Terry's two Jack Russells down to Steadman Pier and on the way back I saw a Honda Shadow dressed with bags. I introduced myself as a Sabre owner and met some tourist from Sussex. They had ridden from Florida and were travelling this summer. We also saw a group of Harley clad tourists bikers from France.  Then it was off to grab BBQ foods. Nancy and I made bruchette and I made some wings. Steak, chicken, guacamole bruchette and much more made for a fine feast. I saw Bev and Bill and other folks I haven't seen in years.
  It was a fine day to hang out in sunny southern California. Tomorrow I head to stay a couple if days with my friends Bev and Bill. The music for the day was flaminco. Spanish guitar was appropriate for the feast on the bluff. Tonight the castles glow to invite me back another time. I really like visiting here but still don't think living here is me. It is really nice to have more than one place that feels this comfortable. It's like being in Ft. Walton. I love it there but I like going home. I did get into an interesting conversation about religion. The comment was religion is for people who need to rely on something other than themselves. That worship was in some sense demeaning. The unexamed life is not worth living. Something I learned in philosophy class. I think this includes the reality that there is a power greater than us. Worship I believe is the recognition of this and prayer is the historical way we have been taught to interact with this higher power. I mean nothing disrepectful in this statement but it is where we learned to talk to God. The concept of living life without a belief in a higher power is a very lonely self-centered way to live. It is as self-centered as believing we are the only life in existence.
  Tomorrow suishi and more of SoCal.

Cliffs and Castles

  Took Hwy 1 on the way to Santa Barbara today. Had a final lunch with my friend Steve at The Dock. They had linen table cloths. Seemed really strange for a place called the Dock. The ride today was through one of the most beautiful drives in the country. Even with an overcast sky rounding turns with the ocean and cliffs in full view is just awsome. Getting slowed on the 405 is part of the LA experience and was not too bad.
  Made it to my friends house over looking the Santa Barbara Bay from the hillside. At night the oil rigs offshore look like glowing castles in the sky. I haven't seen Terri since Kathy and I stayed with her on our honeymoon. We stayed with her and her husband in San Francisco on the way to wine country. Terri lost her husband to cancer a few years ago. Tomorrow night she and my friend Beverly are throwing a BBQ for my return here. How nice to have such friends. The most amazing thing happened when I arrived. Before I could get my helmet off my sister pulls into the driveway. Talk about timing.
  My song choice today was easy; Rod Steward's "People Get Ready" while driving through Malibu. I kept thinking of Charlie Sheen.
  Can't wait to a show these folks some real southern BBQ.

The Good the Bad and the Marsala

  Today was a day of rest and tooling around with Steve. He runs the audio video for his church which is just around the corner from the Newport Bay. He is the wizard behind the curtain. Had my first In and Out burger and Sarah you are right they are great. A visit to Laguna and then it was time for a little bike TLC. She took a quart of oil, actually she needed a little less but for 2000 hard miles she is doing well. Then dinner with the family.
  Steve's wife Janet and I haven't seen each other in about 25 years. She and Steve were not married yet when we last saw each other and now they have two teenage girls. She is a lawyer, so the discussion of the difference in court prodical was interesting. Steve is still trying to entice me out here. The scenery is beautiful but can't leave my girls just yet. We met next door at an italian place. Met Steve's two girls both in high school and typical teenagers. Watching Steve the dad was a trip. A far cry from the giant oil guy I know.
  The truth for the day is this; there is good and evil in the world, people are clamouring for the good to win. Just look at the people who showed up at the kidnapped girls houses when they returned home in Cleveland or how many cheered when Arius was convicted. We need to do good whenever the opportunity presents itself, it spreads to all involved. Face evil head on and trust in the good within you. 
   Tomorrow a little lunch and then on to Santa Barabara via the 101 scenic drive.

Go west til you hit water. Check

  I tired my Garmin navigation rather than Google Maps. It worked great except I forgot to tell it no toll roads. Oh well, $3.50 for seven miles is not bad to  avoid LA traffic.

Newport Beach is typically California, beach across the street and the Big Belly Deli next door. They have a cali-style pastrami sandwich. They put the pickle in the sandwich, interesting.

Hi Thumb...

   It was good to visit with my friend Steve. Although we have never really hung out together we talked about things as if we were brothers. I value his all in attitude. 

My insight for today is that you have to be true to youself. Just as God gave you the insight to instinctively know what is right or wrong you also know what direction your life should take. You just have to clear the noise away and listen to the truth in you. Trust the truth in you and let God be in charge of the outcome.

  I'll leave you with another music choice. The Red Hot Chili Peppers " Give It Away" as you enter LA or Steppen Wolf " Hoochie Coochie Man" as you drive down Pacific Coast Highway. My favorite is the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

  Tomorrow relax and visit with my friend.

Grand Canyon Oh Hail Yeah!

  Well today was filled with wind, rain, hail and road assistance.  It was overcast this morning headed to the Grand Canyon. It drizzled a few times today but no real down pour. It was an one hour juant up to the canyon and then OMG. Pictures, words and wow do not do this place justice. Imagine standing in Brandon and looking at downtown Jackson with a drop of a few thousand feet in between. I don't mean a thousand feet, not two thousand feet, I mean a mile or better. You come within a hundred feet of the rail and your fear of falling says this is close enough. It was a careful walk to the rail. There were birds flying below us. 

    I went back to the bike to get ready to leave, a little drizzle began then a little hail. Yes, I said hail... So time to go. The wind was strong again today. I made it California and its amazing how the mountains and their colors change. They are not as red and the land begins to get green. I was planning my last gas stop and thought certainly there is a gas place between this place and the next town only 70 miles away. Nope, I had gas for 60 miles. Stuck on the the side of the road with a 10 mile hike, oneway of course. I decided I had a better chance of getting a ride if I stood by the bike and stuck out my thumb. Its amazing who God sends to the stranded. I got a trucker from North Carolina to get gas and an Iraninan Christain on the way back.God bless our truckers. An hour later I was on the road again. What a day!  

  Tomorrow I battle LA traffic to Hunington Beach and water. 

Wicked Wind

   Today was wicked wind. At one point just past the continental divide the wind decided I needed to move from the left lane to the right and so it moved me. Driving in a straightline leaned over like I'm making a left turn is nutts. On the good side the scenery was beautiful. The red cut away mountains and the majestic mountain ranges in the horizion were awsome. I've made it to the P's on my music library. I may have to hit iTunes soon. Most of my conversation with God today delt with keeping me on the road. Next time I either pick a different month or bring the Benz.
     I'm staying at a hotel at the base of the road to the Grand Canyon. There are some Harley folks here. The wind doesn't bother them as much as they are about twice my weight but it still causes conversation at their dinner table.
    I heard from my sister that our friends in Santa Barbara are planning a party for my return. It's nice to have such friends. I can tell I've made it out west as the pine trees are different. Elevation went up to 11,000 feet and temp dropped 10 degrees. Glad I brought chaps. Tomorrow is Grand Canyon and on to Barstow.

All in one day

I realized that some of the followers of this blog may not know its origin and the meaning behind the trip. So...here you go. My lovely wife died last October after an almost decade's worth of battling cancer.

 I was told by all of those concerned that I should take some time off. My calendar had trials set every month until May. I began to keep all court dates off of May and I planned to go on a road trip. I decided to go visit friends on the west coast and Seattle. These are my close friends I haven't seen since Kathy was diagnosed with cancer. I also need some time talk to God time and I do that best in a helmet. For those who wish to know I'm riding a 2002 Honda 1100 Sabre.

 So as for my days events. I had lunch with aliens in Roswell and tamales in Old Town Albuquerque. I met some Harley guys today who had just finished the Kyle Petty Charity ride. One was from North Carolina. They told me there was snow on the ground in Flagstaff. Well I've had rain, driving wind and more almost out of gas in the middle of nowhere Texas than I care to tell, why not some snow.

I did come to a discovery with my talk with God today. When you give up things to make a relationship you don't give them up. You only place them aside in favor of creating something new with another. I was blessed with a wife who encouraged me to do the things she knew I liked but she did not. She was able to do them same. We would both listen to the others enjoyment and at least for me, it filled me with more love for the beautiful woman I married.

 I heard our song today. It's an original composition called " I will always love you" by Kelly Pates. What really hit me was they are both gone. Kelly died suddenly a few years ago. He was a great talent and friend. I don't morn them so much as I am drawn to the mortality of my existence. Cherish the ones you love everyday and remember the wake they leave when gone. I tell people when they ask about me and the "How are you doing, really". I lost a full time job and need to figure out what's next for me. 

Tomorrow I head to Flagstaff for a look at the snow. One day at a time I'll find myself again.  

Road Tunes

Today was windy. I mean really windy. I was at a 15% tilt just trying to go straight. It was longer than  I expected but nice traveling. I must have picked the right route cause I saw four other rider groups. I saw wind turbines and then oil derricks. Yup I'm in Texas. I can't decide which was better; listening to the theme from Mortal Combat on an open Texas rode where the speed limit is optional or listening to Cancion del Mariachi riding into the Texas sunset. Oh well tomorrow Roswell and aliens. I guess you can tell I got new ear buds and they rock... And roll.

"I almost went Left"

Birthday

I Had a wonderful birthday with my friends. Don took me out for a great dinner and a ride in his double black diamond caddy. There are some things that are still good after forty plus years. Tommorrow get some new ear buds, wash the bike and head west. Thanks to all that send messages of good wishes.  I am blessed to have such friends.

                 

Day 1

Well it rained to Shreveport then mostly sunny to Dallas. I Got lost as usual and then after 12 hours in the saddle hanging . I Saw the most beautiful sun rays today breaking through the clouds. Tomorrow is my B- day dinner with the Taylor's.

Keeping on.
Rusty

Rusty

Thanks to Sarah for setting this up and to all who contributes as  I hit the road. I welcome you to my search for what God has in store for me
  Rusty