Day 1

Day 1...

I plan to start Day 1 by leaving nice and early from my home in Fort Walton Beach. I will head west on Hwy 98, taking I110 north in Pensacola. I will then head west on I10 until the turn-off towards New Orleans. I have been to New Orleans a few times in my early adulthood, and never drove or walked down St Charles Avenue. Once I have completed that I will get back on I10 headed west until I stop in Lake Charles at my first overnight stop of the trip at Sam Houston Jones State Park. 

Planned points of interest photos along the way: Florida/Alabama Border, USS Alabama, Alabama/Mississippi border, Biloxi Lighthouse on Hwy 90, Alabama/Louisiana border, St Charles Ave, and Sam Houston Jones State Park.

Miles this day: 458; Miles so far: 458

Day 2

Destination San Antonio...

After my night at Sam Jones State Park, I will hop back onto I10 and head west to San Antonio. I started my career at Lackland AFB and feel that it is appropriate to swing by while I am there. Part of this trip is dedicated to the friends and colleagues that have helped me throughout the years. San Antonio is home to one of the largest military conglomerates where many of my friends have made it home. I will be sure to remember the Alamo as I see it one more time before I continue my journey.

Planned points of interest photos along the way: Louisiana/Texas border, NASA Johnson Space Center, The Alamo, Gabe's, Ch Mark's Family if they are there, and Hansel's.

Miles this day: 367; Miles so far: 825

Day 3

Let's go home...er Fort Worth, Tx...

Time to go back home to start my trip. There is a feeling that is nurtured into us about returning home. Whether that home is the place where you spent your childhood, or the place you have made your own home, that feeling of returning home is special. 

I will leave San Antonio headed north through New Braunfels and the state capital in Austin. I will continue up I35 and split towards the west towards Ft Worth. Really crazy thing is that I will be passing the hospital of my birth as I cross into Ft Worth. 

I plan on seeing a few of my relatives and spending some quality time with my brothers and my Mom before I leave the following day. 

Planned points of interest photos along the way: Texas State Capitol Building, Brother's and Mom.

Miles this day: 269; Miles so far: 1094

Day 4

Pops in Palo Pinto...

Speaking of hometowns, on this day I will pass through the town I graduated High School from. Not many of my close friends stayed in Weatherford, and I am always passing through, not really stopping to see how it feels again.

The Baker Hotel is a reminder of forgotten dreams. It was built with luxury in mind as Mineral Wells was said to have natural healing waters. It has been shuttered up since 1972, with rumors of hauntings. Now it sticks out like a sore thumb in a small sleepy town. 

My dad is one of 333 people that live in Palo Pinto, Texas. He has ridden motorcycles off and on for a very long time. He will join me for the next few days on my journey west. The mountains are calling pops...let's ride. 

Planned points of interest photos along the way: The Baker Hotel, Dad's place.

Miles this day: 63; Miles so far: 1157

Day 5

Aliens...

Gotta see Roswell at least once in my life. There is a whole lotta nothing between Palo Pinto and Roswell. We plan on booking it to make the day as short as possible and bonding over the sound of two cruisers. Once we get to Roswell I am hoping the museum will be open. Other than that, I am hoping there will be a hole in the wall somewhere along the path to eat lunch with some green chili salsa. 

Planned points of interest photos along the way: Texas/New Mexico border, Roswell Museum, road side oddities. 

Miles this day: 390; Miles so far: 1547

Day 6

Red or Green...

I don't know how old I was when I first went to Colorado, but the beauty of it is hard to put into words. Northern New Mexico is gorgeous as well. 

I have an old boss type coworker that lives in Albuquerque. Bob was a very respectable man when we worked together in Germany, and from his posts on Facebook, he has only earned more of it. I am hoping to catch up over lunch if possible. Being on the road, I don't know how many interactions I will have, unless it is an overnight stay. This time, I got to get to Durango. 

Change: Taking Jeff's suggestion to see Billy the Kid's Stomping grounds, and the natural lava flow in the Valley of Fire State Park.

Planned points of interest photos along the way: Bob, the wondrous terrain of the southwest, New Mexico/Colorado border. 

Miles this day: 457; Miles so far: 2004

Day 7

We'll be comin round the mountain when we come...

235 miles around the mountains in southern Colorado. If there was another state in the US I would like to live besides Florida, It would be Colorado. 

I have not met a person that hasn't liked the mountain scenery. Sure there are people that prefer the beach, and the fun that can be had in the water, but when Hollywood chooses a breathtaking location, typically it involves a mountain of some form.

We will be going counter clockwise around these mountains. I am not sure what to expect except for many stops to marvel at what is all around us.

Planned points of interest photos along the way: Mountains...

Miles this day: 235; Miles so far: 2239

Day 8

Which wonder is this...

The leg of my journey with my dad is now likely over. From here on out, I ride alone. I will continue west to see things I have never seen before, but not before seeing one last childhood memory. My earliest childhood vacation memory is going to the Four Corners Monument. 

I have seen the Grand Canyon in movies, but never saw it in person. Now that will change. The Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. And it shall make a fine backdrop to what I am sure will be a rather dirty Road King at this point.

Planned points of interest photos along the way: Colorado/New Mexico/Arizona/Utah border, Four Corners Monument, Native American food and gift shops, The Grand Canyon.

Miles this day: 316; Miles so far: 2555

Day 9

Vegas baby... yeah...

I lied...Vegas has a short past with me as well. Lets just say I went there for an anniversary that I no longer celebrate. Here lives Noah, and his awesome little family. I don't care what else I do while I am in this area, I must see Penn & Teller. I did not get to see the show last time because Penn was doing Celebrity Apprentice.

On the way I will likely pull of to take some dam pictures.

Planned points of interest photos along the way: Arizona/Nevada border, Hoover Dam, the Vegas Strip/sign, Penn & Teller, Noah's.

Miles this day: 281; Miles so far: 2836

Day 10

Man Diego...

To have a true west coast experience, I have heard you need to ride up some of the coastal road. I want to ride most of the coastal road. In order to do that I have to make it down to San Diego before I can start my journey north.

I will be taking the route seen in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas for a bit, and hope I don't die in the stretch between Vegas and Barstow. Crossing the Mojave on an air cooled motorcycle in the middle of July gives me a burning sensation between my legs.

I am really hoping my friend B² is in town, and not on a ship in the middle of the ocean. I miss her dearly, and Cappie too.  (Confirmation: YAY, she will be in town!!!)

Planned points of interest photos along the way: Nevada/California border, US/Mexico border, B² and Cappie.

Miles this day: 362; Miles so far: 3198

Day 11

If the ocean is to my left, i am going the right way...

I have a feeling I am going to like California, but realize it is too expensive for my blood. I would love to spend a few weeks riding through California, but this trip is around the US, not Cali plus a few other places. 

I am not too excited about the inevitable traffic up the 405, but lane splitting is legal, so it may be ok. I do plan on hitting the very touristy area of Venice Beach in the chance encounter with Kassem G. I will likely hit Hollywood as well, just because I think I will hate myself if I don't.

Planned points of interest photos along the way: All of the signs pointing to places I have only seen in 90s hip hop, west coast, Venice Beach, Hollywood, Malibu.

Miles this day: 169; Miles so far: 3367

Day 12

That's a big tree...

This gap between Malibu and Scott's valley is supposed to have some of the best views on the PCH. I am just happy I get to camp in the Redwoods. Honestly, I have no idea of what this stretch will be like. All I know is that there is so much beauty within our borders that is rarely seen, and I want to see it before I venture off to other countries. 

Have you met a traveler that is completely satisfied in where they have been, and no longer need to travel? I don't think that travelers reach that point until the last breath they take. I want to be a regular traveler. Experiences have been so much more valuable than the stuff that I own. 

Planned points of interest photos along the way: PCH, Carmel, Redwoods.

Miles this day: 334; Miles so far: 3701

Day 13

This Week in Tech...

I plan on venturing off the PCH for a bit to head to the studio of one of my favorite old TV show/podcast. But first I need to head through a bit of San Fransisco, and cross the amazing Golden Gate Bridge on my bike. Is it just another bridge, or is it going to be one of those moments I relish forever. There are people who have to travel across the bridge every day on their commute to work. Do they realize that people dream about this man made marvel?

I have been watching Leo Laporte since around 1999. Now he is part of TWiT tv. If you want to learn about technology, The TWiT team can help. Replace one of your reality shows with a tech show that fits your level, and device and you will learn a whole bunch. 

After visiting TWiT, I will keep punching up the PCH into what is known as Northern California. 

Planned points of interest photos along the way: San Francisco, Golden Gate Bridge, TWiT, more PCH

Miles this day: 253; Miles so far: 3954

Day 14

California is long man...

The short way through the length of California is 14 hours. Taking the beach road all the way up is even longer. It is hard to put it into perspective unless you have something to compare it to. From my home in Fort Walton Beach, it would take me over 12 hours to get to Miami. 12 hours is also the distance between Beaumont, Tx to El Paso. If I took my time and saw every land mark on the west coast, I could use a month. I do believe I will be back to California just for California.

Today I will exit Cali, and peek into Oregon. The last time I drove this far north, I was headed to Alaska. I did that drive through the midwest, and don't know what to even expect up here. 

Planned points of interest photos along the way: More PCH, California/Oregon border

Miles this day: 281; Miles so far: 4235

Day 15

Oregon doesn't look this big on maps...

The entirety of this day will take place in Oregon. This also starts the Portland to Portland trek. I am not sure how many people have gone from Portland, OR to Portland, ME, But I plan on doing it in  less than 2 weeks.

I won't actually go through Portland until the following morning, but having it in sight is a cool goal. 

Planned points of interest photos along the way: Last day of PCH

Miles this day: 281; Miles so far: 4516

Day 16

To Old Friends...

Again I meet up with people from my past. Here lives Harrison, AJ, and their kids. Also Jake is somewhere in this area and I will do my best to see them all.

I was really thinking about staying on the coast all the way up, but I think it will be a cool story to say I road from Portland to Portland on my motorcycle. 

Planned points of interest photos along the way: Portland, Oregon/Washington border, Jake's, Harrison/AJ/kids

Miles this day: 211; Miles so far: 4727

Day 17

Let's go home, the long way...

It is here where I start the long journey back home...kind of. I will be heading east for the first time in the trip. I have seen Mt. Rainier sort of from the Air Force Base; this time I will drive through the national park on my way east through Washington. I will make it mostly through Washington in one day, and stop in the other Washington Air Force Base for the night.

Planned points of interest photos along the way: Mount Rainer National Park, Washington State, Fairchild AFB

Miles this day: 346; Miles so far: 5073

Day 18

I understand why there used to be no speed limit here...

I get to spend this morning going through the north end of the potato state. There is a national forest here. Actually this whole area is dense with national forests. I can't wait.

I have been here before, at the beginning of my first long trek 19 years ago. This is the state where I entered Canada on my first trip up north to Alaska. I believe on the way up I went through Butte, and so some of I90 might feel familiar. Being here before the sky really does seem bigger. This is from the fact that there are no trees or buildings to get in the way of the horizon the further west you go. Also the elevation is higher here, so you are looking down in every direction. 

Planned points of interest photos along the way: Washington/Idaho border, Idaho/Montana border, National Forests

Miles this day: 438; Miles so far: 5511

Day 19

The presidents...

There is not a lot going on here besides wide open roads. I think there is a speed limit here again. When I came through in 1998, the speed limit signs said reasonable and prudent. That was interpreted as, don't be dangerous, but just go. I have gone pretty fast on my bike, but anything above 80 without wind protection is really hard on the body. The speed limit is now 80 MPH, and I am considering buying a batwing fairing before the trip, so this has the potential to be the roughest stretch of road on my body.

I also get to pass through Sturgis, SD which during the second week of august is one of the most prolific motorcycle rallies in the world. Otherwise it is supposed to be a sleepy town, which I am very much OK with. Maybe there will be some signs I can take a picture with.

At the end of this stretch is the Mount Rushmore National Memorial. I don't know if I can get my bike and the memorial in the same picture, but I will try. Either way I plan on doing more looking than picture taking. This is the correct proportion of how we should take in life. Look at things with your eyes and mind before capturing them in your shutter. 

Planned points of interest photos along the way: Montana/Wyoming border, Wyoming/South Dakota border, Sturgis, Mount Rushmore

Miles this day: 433; Miles so far: 5944

Day 20

Holy crap, people live here...

Blazing across the midwest is not seeing the country, but I have some really important people in my life I need to see, and I don't want to be on the road forever. The midwest is somewhat forever in span. The first half of the day I will be zooming through what is known as the badlands. 

I have the option of cutting down I29 to Sioux City, or just going over the border into Minnesota, before going to Sioux City, and then down into South Sioux City where I plan to stay the night. I think that is the path I will go, but it really depends on how I feel as I hit Sioux Falls. I will likely go the longer way, because otherwise I will have to wait to cross Minnesota off my states I have been to. 

Planned points of interest photos along the way: The Badlands, South Dakota/Minnesota border, Minnesota/Iowa border, Iowa/Kansas border.

Miles this day: 455; Miles so far: 6399

Day 21

The longest day...

This will be the longest day of the journey. I am pushing it extra hard to get to see my friends Dusti and Liz. There are many things to see along this leg, but none of them will affect me as much as giving and receiving a hug from one of the closest friends I have ever had. I met Dusti when I was healing from one of the most hardest mental/emotional injuries in my life. I am forever grateful for what she has done for me, and cannot wait to see her. 

Planned points of interest photos along the way: Iowa/Illinois border, Bloomington (home of Dusti, and Liz)

Miles this day: 499; Miles so far: 6898

Day 22

Home away from home...

I have never been to a more foreign place, and felt more at home than Normal, IL. I came up to Dusti's hometown for an undisclosed reason, and the only person I knew was Dusti. Dusti and I consider each other as siblings, and he family treated me as such. I have no reason to live in this are of the country except if I needed another family. These people are that good, and I can't wait to go back on my bike.

I don't plan on riding this day, unless Liz wants to go for a jaunt. Liz is a dynamic woman that also rides bikes. I am certain there will be a ride around Bloomington in store for me, but I hope it is after sleeping in a bit. 

Planned points of interest photos along the way: Just some time with Dusti, her family, and Liz. 

Miles this day: ??; Miles so far: 6898

Day 23

Ohio (said in the voice from the Drew Carey show)...

I wish I was going a bit further south to do the Bloomies run (Bloomington, IL to Bloomington IN), but I figure the Portland to Portland run will have to suffice. I will likely stop by the Indy Motor Speedway as it is the halfway point on this day, and I am a motor head, so it seems like a great place for a visit.

Before coming to Florida, I was really hoping to land in Ohio at Wright Patterson AFB. My ideal retirement would have included settling on some land large enough to support a large shop for me to work on things, some chickens, and a few goats. That dream was shattered for now with a few other things. I think I may still get some land, and a shop, but the livestock may have to wait for further life developments and the land may end up being closer to Florida. I will visit the museum at WP before stopping in Delaware...OH.

Planned points of interest photos along the way: Illinois/Indiana border, Indiana/Ohio border, Wright-Patterson Air Museum

Miles this day: 372; Miles so far: 7270

Day 24

Niagara falls...

If I had more time, I would love to head to Sandusky. I love roller coasters, and Sandusky have some of the best in the world. This is where I need your help. Should I at least go to Cleveland? Does it indeed rock? Or is stopping for some pierogis on the outskirts good enough?

The destination of this leg is Niagara Falls. I had thoughts of going over the border to see the falls as Canada has camping facilities really close to the falls. All that is on the US side is a casino and hotels. The US has lost most of its campgrounds to RV parks and hotels. Let's make camping great again. 

Planned points of interest photos along the way: Ohio/Pennsylvania border, Pennsylvania/New York border, Niagara Falls

Miles this day: 330; Miles so far: 7600

Day 25

New York countryside...

Western border to eastern border of New York in a day. One of these days I will come back and do the long path from the south to the north border. 

There is so much to do in this area and again I am having to focus on the end goal of covering distance and meeting up with people. Onward to Maine. 

New York Countryside, New York/Vermont border

Miles this day: 345; Miles so far: 7945

Day 26

Portland again...

Notice the road between the state park I am staying in, and Hampton. I am certain this is what type of road the motorcycle was made for. The reason I am not taking the 202 is because Charlie will be in Wells, ME when I come through. I haven't seen Charlie in 17 years I believe. We were stationed together in Alaska. 

11 days before this day I passed the Portland, OR sign. The end of this leg puts me in Portland, ME. Portland to Portland complete. Lets head home, but see some friends and sites on the way. 

Planned points of interest photos along the way: Vermont/New Hampshire border, New Hampshire/Maine border

Miles this day: 214; Miles so far: 8159

Day 27

So many states over here...

I plan on sticking to the coast as much as possible like I did on the west coast. There is a bit of a difference though. I am making each leg a bit shorter than I did on the west coast. The cities are much more dense here, and while Google estimates a certain time to reach each destination, If I hit somewhere at the wrong time, I could be stuck somewhere for hours. Also the density of the scenery and the amount of time I have been on the road lends me to believe I will need to take my time.

I plan on cutting directly through Boston, and Providence.

Planned points of interest photos along the way: Maine/New Hampshire border, New Hampshire/Massachusetts border, Massachusetts/Rhode Island border, Rhode Island/Connecticut border 

Miles this day: 233; Miles so far: 8392

Day 28

Sometimes, the destination is food...

There is two food places that are a must on this leg. If I had multiple days, I would add a third. I will be on I95 in New York cutting through the Bronx and the northern part of Manhattan. I know there has to be a good slice right off the Interstate here, but it is going to be heck getting it. I will d my research, however I am much more interested in the next stop.

I haven't had a decent Philly Cheesesteak since I went to trauma training in Baltimore. It wasn't even from Philly, but it was amazing, and that trip spoiled cheesesteaks for the rest of my life. You would have to find Chaplain Logan to figure out what that place was called, as I cannot find it on the map. One of the best rated cheesesteak places in Philadelphia that is on my route is Joe's. I will let you know how it is.

Planned points of interest photos along the way: Connecticut/New York border, New York/New Jersey border, New Jersey/ Philadelphia border, Philadelphia/Delaware border

Miles this day: 249; Miles so far: 8641

Day 29

Lol, the crab bag...

Delaware... I am hoping Wayne's World wasn't completely right about this state, but I decided to stick to the coast so I can hit the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel. 

I also picked this route because I have been to both DC and Richmond before. I don't remember why I looked up the crab bag, but it sounds cool, so it is on my sights to see and eat. 

Planned points of interest photos along the way:Delaware/Virginia border, Virginia/North Carolina border

Miles this day: 304; Miles so far: 8945

Day 30

Sometimes going off course is worth it...

I am cutting so far inland for no other reason than to see Caleb and Shannon. North Carolina currently has no other draw than to see old friends. I am sure there are great things about Tarheel country, and I am hoping to experience them. 

While I was deployed to Alaska, 2 people sent me packages. My Mom, and Caleb. Yes, Cutting this far into land is worth it. 

Planned points of interest photos along the way: Caleb and Family, North Carolina countryside

Miles this day: 247; Miles so far: 9192

Day 31

Back to the ocean...

It is going to be neat to see first hand how the scenery and people change as I ride deeper into the south. I really appreciate different cultures, and on this trip, I can't wait to see regional variances. I am certain the further away from home the more likely I will be blogging about human interactions. 

I think one thing that will stay consistent though, is that human interaction is typically a reflection of what you are producing or just the opposite. That is one reason I like wearing a helmet. It actually shields my reaction so I can get an accurate representation of encounters with others. 

Planned points of interest photos along the way: North Carolina/South Carolina border, Myrtle Beach, Charleston

Miles this day: 258; Miles so far: 9450

Day 32

Back in Florida...

During this leg of the journey I am uncertain of how much water I will see on the east coast. It looks more like a swamp land than a coast line. I wonder why this shore is different. It looks like a kayak fisher/paddleboarder wonderland. 

What...jumbo shrimp? OK, let me explain. A few years ago I made plans to see every stadium in the same league as my somewhat local Pensacola Blue Wahoos. The Double A Southern League has 10 teams. I have went to 10 games at 10 stadiums, but not the stadium in Jacksonville.

I went to see the Huntsville Stars the first year, and then they moved to Biloxi as the Shuckers. And now it appears the Jacksonville Suns are now the Jumbo Shrimp. I hope to "catch" the early game, and hang out with Amy and her family. 

Planned points of interest photos along the way: South Carolina/Georgia border, Georgia/Florida border, Jumbo Shrimp

Miles this day: 240; Miles so far: 9690

Day 33

More friends before I go home...

I could cut the drive short here, but I will have been out on the road for over a month at this point. And Tallahassee has some great people I can't wait to see to help me celebrate the end of my journey. 

Planned points of interest photos along the way: Tallahassee

Miles this day: 165; Miles so far: 9855

Day 34

Fin...

10K miles...

Planned points of interest photos along the way: ECHD, Home

Miles this day: 167; Miles so far: 10022