Calendar says Spring--- Feels like Summer

Officially Summer does not start till June 21st but someone forgot to tell the weather. Summer came in full force this week with temps climbing into the mod 90's. Sun Screen is flowing and pool water splashing as we get into our summer routines.




We missed this first bit of summer the last two years with our San Fran to Salt lake trip in 2006 and the cross country ride last summer.

We are getting lots of use of the pool though... which is nice. Derek is 6'5" but still a little kid who enjoys BIG jumps and SPLASHES.

Later this week (Thursday) we will head to Grayson Highlands State Park in the mountains of southern Virginia for some camping. Pepper likes this trip because she gets to go and while there gets to hike off lead in the high country. The campground is at 4,300 feet (approx) and is situated on the Appalachian Trail.



Even with the heat we have still been getting our cycling in Mon Wed Fri & Sat mornings. It is warm but oh well we live in FL -- as I write this it is 84 here and also 84 in my hometown of Johnstown... so I can not complain.

5 Day Motorcyle trip --- report

I left last Thursday and returned today Monday June 1st --- covered over 1800 miles hit a total of 5 states (FL GA NC SC TN)

Thursday -- Rode to Toccoa GA and stayed with the infamous Uncle Bob from our cross country ride. He, Sherry, and Buck (the dog)were great hosts and it was excellent to catch up with Uncle Bob

Friday Am I said goodbye to Buck and his "parents" and rode to Robbinsville NC and met up with some guys from the Motorcycle Forum. We headed out to Fontana Dam and the Dragon (318 turns in 11 miles)







I peeled of from the group and went on a 165 mile loop hitting the Dragon, the Foothills Parkway and the top of the Smokies(
near Clingmanns Dome)





Saturday we went to the Crossroads of Time, then hit the Hellbender and on to Franklin and Highlands (via 28) then down into SC and back to Warwoman Road to Clayton GA. Then on to Suches, Blue Ridge, route 60 & 68 to Tellico Plains then over the Cherahola Skyway to the cabin at the RIdge.





On Sunday it was raining in the AM then it let up and Steve,Franco and I headed out for a nice ride and some sight seeing.




We had Franco's R6 it is the pretty Yellow one




Steve took us to an incredible waterfall. (look at the guy in the middle -- double click to blow it up) this was a big set of falls - near the TN end of the Cherahola Skyway

















As the light faded we headed back up and over the skyway.



Today (Monday) I rode home --- all 540 miles of it

Whew great trip ----lots of great people, scenery and riding

Beach Camping at Anastasia State Park

We had a great weekend at Anastasia State Park. Derek and his friend Michael as well as our Michael and Cayce were with us for the weekend.




The weather was delightful.... other than a thunderstorm shortly after set up... it was perfect. Sunny during the day, the evenings were pleasant.













Our site was spacious and level with nice shade that provided for dappled sunlight in the afternoon.






We had a nice time at the beach in the early morning and late afternoon... so as to avoid the peak sun of the afternoon.

back at home .... good week

We will begin with a few final pics and thoughts on our Netherlands adventure. The overall trip was GREAT. Weather, people, scenery, animals, and the opportunity was one we were grateful for.
This is Iggy the boats parrot he and the dog made the boat feel homey.









Our food was great and each night was a theme from a different country. It was a good thing we were cycling all day or We would have gained weight. As it was I lost 4 pounds during the 2 weeks.








People have asked what our cabin looked like. Lets just say it was a little smaller that this one.
Actually it was comfortable clean and cozy.








WE had a great time in the Netherlands and it opened our eyes to a very big world. There are some new places on our dream list--- and my job is bringing those dreams to a clear vision then reality.








We have flowers in this country too- I found these in the Villages on our Friday morning bicycle ride. We had a pleasant 50 mile ride.


The baby horses are getting bigger and they look so good as they use some of that youthful energy in the paddocks.



It was nice to be back in the canopied roads of central Florida. The summers humidity is beginning to build and once it is in full swing it will be here till mid October.









In the afternoon after our Saturday AM ride I went out for a nice long ride on the FZ6. This is a shot of it near the ocean at Flagler beach.

Holland trip summary

We have ridden every day for the last 14 days. The first week was colder and some light rain (highs about 60) and the second week was pleasantly warm (high 70's) and sunny.

The riding has been casual but steady. We have enjoyed the countryside with farms, canals, sheep and windmills. Also traversed many cities and towns. Some modern some from the 1,100's --- All bicycle friendly.

We have seen more cyclists and types of bikes than I have ever seen before. I will try to give you a flavor of some of what we saw. I am notgoing to try to label them for you-- Enjoy!!