tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75812603170547610182023-11-16T06:12:21.000-08:00Tour de Jim: An OdysseyOur Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03842587987888562127noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581260317054761018.post-7963616391855345202007-05-26T09:29:00.000-07:002007-05-26T09:35:45.276-07:00End of an Odyssey<pre>Hello Friends and Family:<br /> <br />I'm a bit negligent in wrapping up my<br />communications from the field. Arrived home in Ramsey<br />Wednesday night and have been chillin ever since. Got<br />a little work done today but nothing of consequence.<br /> <br />Here's the end of a long tale: I believe I left<br />off in St. Augustine. There I met Julie and Matt at<br />the A1A BrewPub. Julie tried to talk me into<br />accompanying them on a ghost tour, but I opted for an<br />early night to bed (along with the tour record three<br />beers I consumed with them). Great kids from Florida's<br />west coast. Pics of the bartenders from our afternoon<br />together were an attempt to catch some ghostly orbs<br />for Julie. We know they were there, just didn't show<br />themselves.<br /> <br />Left St. Augustine on Saturday morning, the 19th.<br />I hope that's right, as many dates have tended to<br />blend. Stopped for lunch that day in Flagler Beach.<br />Great shore town if you want to avoid the typical<br />tacky boardwalk beach. Arrived in Daytona later that<br />day and made it an unintended stay.<br /> <br />In early afternoon, still plenty of time to<br />continue south, I pulled into the only shade I could<br />find to drink, check my disobedient tire and take a<br />brief rest. While sitting on a bench to the right of<br />the somewhat pretentious Hawaiian Resort entrance, my<br />counterpart on the left bench engaged me in a<br />conversation. Seems he (Lt. Alex Moody) had recently<br />returned from his second tour in Iraq with the 10th<br />Mountain Div Reserves. Ian had been in the 10th<br />Mountain, so Alex was surprised to find another human<br />being who knew where Watertown and Sackets Harbor are.<br /> <br />Alex is still a mystery to me in my "People Tour",<br />and this is why. He had fallen asleep on the beach.<br />He assumed his wallet had slipped from his pocket, for<br />when he woke it was gone. No cards, no military<br />papers, no money. Friends were supposedly on their<br />way north from Ft. Lauderdale to rescue. I "insisted"<br />on buying him a drink (no really, it was my idea)<br />which ended up to be several for him and several beers<br />and chips for me. I also met a couple from Tennessee<br />who had had too much sun and too much refreshment.<br />"In appreciation" for my generosity, Alex talked me<br />into going to dinner with him, them, and his friends,<br />later -- much later, like 9:30.<br /> <br />Well, by 10:00, starving, I walked outside to<br />unsuccessfully find food, prepared a peanut butter and<br />raisin sandwich, and went to bed. In the morning I<br />called the cell phone number he had given me. "Voice<br />Mailbox full". The front desk had no Moody or Mooly<br />or other Moor registered. Really weird because he<br />provided so many facts about things I knew to be so.<br />I even reversed checked his phone number, and that<br />matched. No, he didn't ask for money or talk me into<br />investing or providing my SS#. Still curious and plan<br />to "Track him down" in Albany (area).<br /> <br />I still had about 70 miles to Ian and Michelle's,<br />so I informed them that I'd break it into two short,<br />easy days and arrive Tuesday. Bikers: you know you<br />can't stop once you're on a roll, so at 40ish miles I<br />decided to go all the way. I did stop at a bar on<br />Merritt Island and called Ian. His military<br />personality doesn't handle surprises as well as my<br />scattered self does, but he rushed home.<br /> <br />I haven't seen the photos yet. Plan to go to<br />Snapfish right now, but he and Michelle were outside<br />the house with Henry and cameras and balloons and a<br />winners tape for me to break. Victory party pics<br />included a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a bottle<br />of Champagne shook and sprayed at me. It was soooo<br />terrific. I also received a USA jersey and a<br />"Discovery Channel - Credit Lyonnaisse, Maillot Jaune<br />(Tour de France Yellow Jersey for you four wheelers).<br />It was so touching that my son rewarded my effort and<br />appreciated the accomplishment. <br /> <br />The last person on my "People Tour" is Chuck Web,<br />the politically sharpest waiter I've ever met. We<br />were between lunch and dinner at the Macaroni Grill in<br />the Orlando Airport, and he made the time to really<br />discuss the state of this absurd war and our absurd<br />administration. I guess Chuck was placed there to<br />take me back to reality.<br /> <br />Oh yes. And my delicious grandson Henry (13 mos)<br />is so beautiful and so amazing. Hope there's a photo<br />in blogspot or Snapfish for you to see him. Except<br />Michelle and Ian are convinced that his runny nose is<br />teething. Well, I'm not teething, but I've had a sore<br />throat and runny nose since Tuesday night. Henry's<br />first childhood passalong.<br /> <br />All in all, with a slight computer correction, I<br />judge 1330 miles over 24 riding days. That mileage<br />number is a bit false because on my four "days off" I<br />usually rode around to see the sites. A great<br />bus-man's holiday. Thanks for your interest. I loved<br />knowing that you were following me.<br /><br />Love to all,<br />J</pre>Our Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03842587987888562127noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581260317054761018.post-3175442058213849452007-05-24T13:17:00.000-07:002007-05-24T13:21:21.363-07:00Album completeAs I type this, I am uploading to the Snapfish album an additional 135+ photos Jim left on our hard drive. I also took quite a few of him crossing the finish line at our house, which I am also in the process of uploading. <br /><br />So check back later today or tonight, for the final & complete album. Unfortunately, they are no longer in chronological order. There are just too many for me to sort through now and try to get them in order. Perhaps Jim might want to conquer that beast ~ or just leave them as is. <br /><br />I hope you enjoy the photos!Our Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03842587987888562127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581260317054761018.post-7472708429129929072007-05-21T18:30:00.000-07:002007-05-21T18:31:21.881-07:00Album updatedI uploaded a ton more photos to the Snapfish album, so be sure to check them out!Our Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03842587987888562127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581260317054761018.post-70810124950050090172007-05-21T18:22:00.000-07:002007-05-21T18:30:12.393-07:00The Eagle has LandedAround 4 o'clock this afternoon, Ian called from work to say that he had just gotten off the phone with his father...and, much to our surprise, Jim was just down the street!!!! <br /><br />Ian flew home from work with a couple of bottles of champagne (one to drink and one to pour over Jim's head!), along with a big bunch of flowers...and, after setting up the finish line, he got out the special order jerseys and the camera. We stood outside and waited until we saw Grandpa Jim come around the corner and then we rolled the camera. We were able to catch Jim's finish on video, along with lots of still photos. I'll have to do some uploading so all can enjoy. <br /><br />Jim looks amazing. Full of sunshine and great stories. Some really great stories!!!!! Will post more later...but he is here and is safe and is very excited. We are very proud of him!!!!!!!Our Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03842587987888562127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581260317054761018.post-3907340227755184052007-05-20T18:55:00.000-07:002007-05-20T18:58:37.713-07:00Photo Album UpdatedI uploaded over twenty new photos, from Jim's journey, to the Snapfish album ~ be sure to check it out.<br /><br />I have about ten more e-mails from Jim, mostly of photos that he's sent. Tomorrow I will work on uploading those and adding any additional e-mail updates he may have sent me. Check back tomorrow / tomorrow night.Our Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03842587987888562127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581260317054761018.post-91117481368820833642007-05-20T17:10:00.000-07:002007-05-20T17:12:19.603-07:00May 19 UpdateUpdate from Jim, sent on May 19:<br /><br /><pre>Decided to stay one more day. Sun, sand, nice<br />historical town and sand. Using my day off to ride my<br />bike. Duhh.<br /> <br />Went to the beach this morning and eventually had<br />to dig out my beach towel. Wind is really kicking up<br />the surf and blowing the beach into every pore of my<br />skin. Guess I picked the wrong day to go to the<br />beach. Showered and found a grocery store to catch up<br />on my fruits and veggies.<br /> <br />Tomorrow am I'll head south again, hoping to reach Ian &<br />Michelle's by Tuesday evening.<br /> <br />At the St Augustine Library on Rt 1, but forgot my<br />wire, so no pics. Yesterday I was able to do Ian's<br />trick and insert my camera chip into the hostel<br />computer. NG here<br /> <br />Congratulations Nico. Now the hard work begins for<br />real.<br /> <br />Love,<br /><br />J</pre>Our Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03842587987888562127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581260317054761018.post-12713083025201651182007-05-20T17:08:00.000-07:002007-05-20T17:10:12.786-07:00May 18 UpdateUpdate from Jim, sent on May 18:<br /><br /><pre>Writing from the Pirate Haus Hostel in St Augustine.<br />Arrived 3ish after 59 miles from Amelia Island.<br />I had a great ale from a micro brewery after a hot<br />shower. St Augustine is interesting to walk around.<br />Great buildings large and small and all old.<br /> <br />Amazing tail wind today, 18, 19 mph. It's so easy<br />to fly, I'm constantly tempted to continue to raise my<br />gearing and fly faster, but that does require a<br />little extra effort, and I have to keep reminding<br />myself that this is supposed to be fun. Still having<br />tire trouble. Got another new tube in Jacksonville.<br />I'll change it tonight, but there's a problem in the<br />rear that I can't diagnose. Fortunately it's a slow<br />leak, so a repump every eight miles or so got me here.<br /><br />Nice bike shop in Jacksonville gave me a tube. I'll<br />supply his name next email for incorporation into the<br />blog. He said it was pay forward for all the help he<br />got on tour.<br /> <br />Unable to send photos here. I'll try the library.<br /><br />Love to all,<br /><br />J</pre>Our Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03842587987888562127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581260317054761018.post-51604601271607963962007-05-20T17:06:00.000-07:002007-05-20T17:08:00.032-07:00May 17 Update #2<pre>Update from Jim, sent the evening of May 17:<br /><br />I so screwed up. I followed my maps, but I did them<br />wrong. Instead of staying on US 17 all the way to<br />Jacksonville, I turned on A1A and ended up too far<br />north, on Amelia Island. I added so many miles<br />uselessly and ended up too far north. I'm at the Best<br />Western just off the ocean. Tomorrow I'll have to<br />retrace my route in order to head south. I will have<br />added an entire day to the tour. Oh well, guess I'll<br />have a relaxing dinner. Can't be more than 200 miles.<br /><br />I'll check mapquest. The only thing<br />that bothers the old body is numb hands, but that will<br />be better soon.<br /><br />J</pre>Our Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03842587987888562127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581260317054761018.post-64346158369699111032007-05-20T17:00:00.000-07:002007-05-20T17:05:04.215-07:00May 17 UpdateUpdate from Jim, sent on May 17:<br /><br /><pre>I'm writing from the Woodbine, Ga Research Library,<br />but I should start with yesterday, when I left Savannah<br />traveling south on US 17. It seems to be the main<br />road from everywhere to everywhere along the coast.<br /> <br />My amazing host, Eric Woodell, strongly suggested I<br />stay at the Forest Hostel just south of Brunswick. I<br />did. Didn't want to leave. Peace and quiet after so<br />many days on the road with trucks and SUVs. My second<br />best meal of the tour last night. An indescribable<br />goulash of beans and papaya and who-knows-what. A<br />delicious, nondescript tomato soup full of lots of<br />stuff and home-made bread.<br /> <br />Slept in the "Mushroom Room". Surrounded by<br />chickens. Clean, compostable latrines, outdoor<br />showers, skinny dipped in the lake and woke to a<br />strange rooster who hadn't received the<br />cock-a-doodle-doo memo. Breakfast was my own peanut<br />butter, wheat thins and golden raisins. I<br />inadvertently shared it with a small squirrel by<br />leaving it on the deck unattended. So wonderful.<br />Ian and Michelle Have to spend a weekend here. I<br />have soooo many photos, but I think I'm on dial-up, so<br />they may have to wait.<br /> <br />On the road, quite a difference between yesterday<br />and today. Yesterday, Rt 17 was (is) so fllaaat and<br />so straaaight that I felt I could see the horizon.<br />That wasn't necessarily good, as that was my<br />destination. Today, south of Brunswick I began<br />realizing that I was riding into smoke. I have a photo<br />at the Waverly Minit Mart where I thought you could<br />see the smoke. Well, here in Woodbine it has<br />continued to deteriorate. I timed the cars (pickups)<br />passing me and disappearing into the haze. 15 seconds.<br />If they're doing 60mph, the visibility now is down to<br />1/4 mile. I took a second photo of the Santilli River<br />from the Edwin M (Fat) Heally Memorial Bridge where<br />you can recognize the severity of the haze. The folks<br />here say their cars are covered with fire dust every<br />morning. A lady at the Minit Mart said, "He don't<br />even pay no attention to me and his younguns when he<br />sees me". Oh shit, that's a different conversation.<br /> <br />Florida is only 14 miles away. You can warn Oprah<br />and the high school band that I should be there around<br />2:00 pm. </pre>Our Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03842587987888562127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581260317054761018.post-75400621936332450372007-05-20T16:46:00.000-07:002007-05-20T18:29:20.705-07:00May 15 Update<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAQfH0pkpq8kk0t96LIiS2MB7cgIdDrA4v1FvyvwNL18kYaD8-1YOLvKJo38NaAbM-x0qxdiQuUR1THD7Lp-8_EBeHqRfrRYsGNVRB73AIgi9FFZTZb9Rq8tSfqPnhyphenhyphenbCLPLahTYxHzMvQ/s1600-h/29_Savannah_VWArt.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAQfH0pkpq8kk0t96LIiS2MB7cgIdDrA4v1FvyvwNL18kYaD8-1YOLvKJo38NaAbM-x0qxdiQuUR1THD7Lp-8_EBeHqRfrRYsGNVRB73AIgi9FFZTZb9Rq8tSfqPnhyphenhyphenbCLPLahTYxHzMvQ/s400/29_Savannah_VWArt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5066818987287133250" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaC1lKp1jknIT91T4TjSuWQHC1JRtyLMO6L_hyxfd0YZF5RGLRJYkyuw1svnevUnl-BNUI8ZCDXQAWIa7LBz_VVYRz4O1NSWOeKaCaqGVcEqebFgbj7Uw-a1DQmeYiJbpiHMrF6hOfqYWh/s1600-h/30_Justin_AlbaniaMania.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaC1lKp1jknIT91T4TjSuWQHC1JRtyLMO6L_hyxfd0YZF5RGLRJYkyuw1svnevUnl-BNUI8ZCDXQAWIa7LBz_VVYRz4O1NSWOeKaCaqGVcEqebFgbj7Uw-a1DQmeYiJbpiHMrF6hOfqYWh/s400/30_Justin_AlbaniaMania.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5066818991582100562" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbYegIODMxPXnTZWBC45H3lGx_8qeDoz_QAI3K5Pi2UmUC_8EfxPdAX4sKrojACdh-jpwD2nQaWngAoqCqH0I2ETW1xpeIbmArCmdrGtkYCTYC_ZIHcYj1mGM45ucZErYl9AENMGwCRo_V/s1600-h/27_SavannahHippies.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbYegIODMxPXnTZWBC45H3lGx_8qeDoz_QAI3K5Pi2UmUC_8EfxPdAX4sKrojACdh-jpwD2nQaWngAoqCqH0I2ETW1xpeIbmArCmdrGtkYCTYC_ZIHcYj1mGM45ucZErYl9AENMGwCRo_V/s400/27_SavannahHippies.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5066818991582100578" border="0" /></a><br /><pre><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Update from Jim, sent on May 15:<br /><br />Savannah is a very hip town. Spent last night (and<br />again tonight) with Eric Woodall, a Global Freeloaders<br />host. Great! He invited friends over and we all<br />shared rice and beans and bear. This morning Jonathan<br />and Sarah came for me and another roomie (Anthony),<br />took us shopping and to their house for breakfast.<br /><br />21st Century hippies rock.<br /><br />The wall hanging is a BMW front hood. The back of<br />the car is in the livingroom. I forgot to photograph<br />it.<br /><br />That's us (them) at Publix, stocking up. When was<br />the last time you were in the back seat of a Beetle<br />convert?<br /><br />Spent all afternoon yesterday cycling around<br />historic Savannah. Ten miles on top of the short 36<br />from Beaufort to Savannah. Eric Woodall is an amazing<br />guy. Bright and interesting, quiet and gentle. He<br />has three roommates. Anthony moved out today and is<br />on his way to NJ's Atlantic Highlands. Melissa and<br />Justin, not roomies glommed onto these interesting<br />people when their band bus broke down in Savannah.<br />Cool younguns. Albania Mania plays Clesmer. Have to<br />look for them.<br /><br />More later</pre>Our Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03842587987888562127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581260317054761018.post-50786234703360325452007-05-20T16:39:00.000-07:002007-05-20T18:54:32.490-07:00May 14 Update<pre>Update from Jim which was sent on May 14:<br /><br />Savannah at 12:30 Monday. I feel like I cheated<br />because I had to ride only 42 miles. My computer<br />reads 36, but the road signs read 42 after I had<br />ridden 2+.<br /><br />Cheated too because I was prohibited from crossing<br />the bridge into Savannah. I'm glad, because it was<br />long and dangerous.<br /><br />Why such a beautiful bridge should sit ignobly at<br />the end of a perfectly crappy highway (US 170)? One<br />lane in each direction with an even crappier shoulder,<br />high speed vehicles and BIG trucks. On a two lane<br />road like that, my practice (Thanks Nate) is to take<br />the lane and force the vehicles to move left to pass<br />me. Works a lot better than hugging the right white<br />line and having the vehicles force me over. But not<br />on this road. Glad it's over.<br /><br />Back to the bridge: When I read the "No Bicycles"<br />sign and examined the bridge, I fell in line. No GSP<br />here. I retraced my path to allow good Samaritans<br />room to brake and pull over, stuck out my thumb, and<br />the second vehicle, a gleaming white van stopped.<br />Thanks to Cesar Angeles. A delightful and generous<br />Mexican Immigrant who runs his own business, CAF<br />Construction. I'll ride around until I can contact my<br />Savannah host.<br /><br />Last night I hosted Ryan Powell. I sent you his<br />photo yesterday. He's been walking about three weeks.<br />Check out his website: Aimlessmovie.com<br /><br />I met him earlier Sunday on Rt 17 and gave him my<br />phone #. He took me up on my offer, after accepting a<br />ride from a Parris Island couple who dropped him at my<br />hotel (Comfort Inn). I provided a clean room and a<br />shower, so I feel as though Cesar paid back my<br />generosity.<br /><br />More about Savannah when I discover it. Really<br />enjoyed Charleston, but it's pretty touristy.<br />Beaufort is far smaller (but touristy). Very<br />enjoyable. Beaufort, NC is pronounced bowefert.<br />Beaufort, SC is pronounced biufert.<br /><br />Love,<br />J</pre>Our Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03842587987888562127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581260317054761018.post-62010710913793624512007-05-20T16:33:00.000-07:002007-05-20T16:36:12.698-07:00May 13 Update<pre>Jim's update, sent on May 13:<br /><br />Made it to Beaufort, SC this evening at 5:00. I found<br />the day difficult. Stopped many times for nutrition<br />and water. Even had a can of Nutrement. Foolishly<br />bought a one pound box of raisins in Charleston and<br />weighed myself down with it without ever opening it.<br /> <br />As I entered Beaufort (US Rt 21 near Parris Island<br />and just past Naval Air field) a black sky and wind<br />buffeted me. Debris and sand pelted me across the<br />highway. I turned around and went to the last hotel I<br />had passed, Comfort Inn-Beaufort, 2227 Boundary St,<br />Beaufort, SC 29902. 843-525-9366.<br /><br />I showered and quickly put on a bathing suit and<br />headed for the whirlpool. While I was showering it<br />had rained and stopped, so my timing was helpful.<br /><br />I guess I'll see Beaufort tomorrow before I leave<br />for Savannah. Savannah should be nearer since I made<br />all those miles today. One of my internet hosts has<br />come through for Savannah, so I'll save some money<br />there.<br /><br />I'm dripping all over the lobby, so I'll come back<br />later with camera and usb wire and hope to send some<br />pics.<br /><br />Love you all,<br /><br />J</pre>Our Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03842587987888562127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581260317054761018.post-14446082788682793472007-05-20T16:26:00.000-07:002007-05-20T16:30:35.943-07:00May 12th Update<pre>Update from Jim, sent on May 12th:<br /><br />Hi. Slept till 8:30. Passed up the ibuprophen in<br />favor of using my muscles and joints for other<br />purposes. Breakfast was at the door. Took a photo,<br />but the library system blocks them. I'll try later at<br />the College of Charleston.<br /><br />Dinner last night at a joint I mistook for a local.<br />Turned out to be Jennine's Kitchen, a Charleston<br />landmark. I was early, but by the time I left, the<br />tourists were lined up for my table. As you might have<br />guessed in these reports, I don't consider myself a<br />tourist (read pompous ass) so I search out locals and<br />local places. Discovered "Rice Paddy's" in<br />Georgetown. I know I'm throwing Ian's chronology off.<br /><br />Met a local at the bar. Intended to have my first<br />beer since Atlantic City and ended up having two and a<br />half and a very good, very expensive dinner.<br /> <br />Well, last night's dinner at Jennine's Kitchen beat<br />it by yards. Seared catfish with a chopped tomato<br />sauce (Tomatoes, basil, oil, vinegar, salt, pepper and<br />horseradish). They threw in several tomato slices at<br />the last minute to wilt and served all with collards<br />and lumpy mashed potatoes. The best restaurant dinner<br />I've had in a year. Oh, yes, also the best pecan pie<br />with icecream.<br /> <br />Route 17 through SC was uneventful. Stopped for<br />nutrition every 10 to 15 miles. Pretty warm. It's<br />hot this morning in Charleston. Virtually nothing to<br />see between Georgetown and Mount leasant, but<br />strangely there are AME churches scattered every<br />several miles. South Carolina has no helmet laws and<br />virtually no shoulders. As I entered Mount Pleasant<br />just before the Charleston bridge, traffic got nasty<br />and I found myself buzzed several times. I decided to<br />"take" the right lane and force the traffic into the<br />left. Got only one nasty horn and shout and a lot<br />more feeling of safety. Wait till you see pics of<br />this bridge. The longest I pedaled this tour.<br /> <br />Charleston is a tourist Mecca. Mule-drawn tour<br />carts, walking tours, and lots of visitor help. When<br />you see the two houses I photographed you'll smile at<br />this story. Someone (Jimmy, I think) told me that in<br />the 17th and 18th centuries, the town fathers set up the<br />tax structure to rate people's homes based on their<br />street frontage length. Sooo, they built all their<br />houses sideways to minimize taxes.<br /> <br />More later. Going to be hot today.<br /><br />Love,<br />J</pre>Our Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03842587987888562127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581260317054761018.post-51910493085309683522007-05-20T16:21:00.000-07:002007-05-20T16:43:45.755-07:00HiatusI've been on hiatus, not Jim. We were in Houston for this past week and we never got online. But we are back now and, as soon as I can get through the 116 new e-mails, I'll post what Jim has sent.<br /><br />But I do know that he is in Daytona, Beach...a mere 2 - 3 hour car drive from our home, so he will be at our place on Wednesday night.Our Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03842587987888562127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581260317054761018.post-28765830500898778962007-05-11T15:00:00.000-07:002007-05-11T15:01:08.065-07:00Day 17: Charleston, SC.Just a quick update from Jim thus far today:<br /><br /><pre>CHARLESTON ABOUT 2:45<br />I'm at the library. Have to check in to my hotel. It<br />may have a computer, but I thought I'd say hello from<br />here first. About 65 miles.<br /><br />J</pre>Our Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03842587987888562127noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581260317054761018.post-56185939167365097962007-05-10T12:58:00.000-07:002007-05-10T13:00:14.580-07:00Day 16: Georgetown, SC.<pre>The latest update from Jim:<br /><br />Hello all:<br /> <br />In Georgetown after only a 32 mile leg. Actually<br />rode closer to 35 or 36 because I took a side trip<br />into Huntington State Park (off Rt 17) and a ride<br />through Georgetown to check out the town and the<br />hotels before checking into the one Jimmy reserved for<br />me. His is the best, and they gave him a great<br />discount.<br /> <br />Jameson Inn, 120 Church Street, Georgetown, SC.<br />Really took my time today. Stopped for coffee and a<br />handful of oatmeal cookies I just happened to be<br />carrying. Realized I haven't had icecream since<br />Maryland. Time.<br /> <br />Today was also a fast trip because the wind was<br />behind me. Those several days when I fought to hold 9<br />mph were replaced by delightful 18, 19 and 20 mph<br />stretches.<br /> <br />I can't dawdle tomorrow, because it's a 60 mile<br />leg. There are no hotels or services, so I'm going to<br />stock up at the Food Lion before leaving town. The<br />wind should continue to be at my back, but it's a<br />pretty straight road with only trees on both sides.<br /> <br />I contacted my Charleston connection the other day<br />but haven't heard from him. If he doesn't come<br />through I'll have to hotel shop. I'd like to stay a<br />few days, and the hotels are said to be expensive.<br /> <br />Having trouble getting past this computer's<br />security, so I'll try to send pics later.<br /><br />J<br /> </pre>Our Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03842587987888562127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581260317054761018.post-73217064884861951282007-05-09T17:27:00.000-07:002007-05-11T15:01:41.302-07:00Day 15: Myrtle BeachAnother post from Jim tonight, on his adventures in Myrtle Beach:<br /><br /><pre>I feel like I'm in a time warp and can't get away from<br />Myrtle beach. Even though it will be only two days, I<br />will actually have gone to bed three times, once in<br />the dump and twice here.<br /><br />Another mechanical. As wonderfully as I reported<br />my gearing was working after NC, this evening after a<br />short ride this afternoon to the Myrtle beach State<br />park east of Business Rt 17, I discovered that I was<br />unable to shift down into my two lowest gears. Arghh!<br /><br />I had made no adjustments at all, so I don't<br />understand it. I located Rick Hussey's "Bike Shop" at<br />711 Broadway in MB. He seems quite professional but<br />it was then 5:45, and he would close at 6:00. He<br />opens at 8:00 am, which is unusual for bike shops, and<br />promised to work on it first. He's almost 30 blocks<br />away, and I've seen no buses, so i guess I walk<br />again.<br /><br />I ate dinner at Captain D's on<br />King's Highway on the way home and stopped at Krispy<br />Kreme (who couldn't) both also on King's Highway (Rt.<br />17 business). I'm thankful that I'm in a nice hotel<br />and that, you know.<br /><br />Love you all (or y'all)<br /><br />J</pre>Our Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03842587987888562127noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581260317054761018.post-55289005434652939822007-05-09T12:14:00.000-07:002007-05-09T12:16:53.220-07:00Day 15: Strange Days IndeedHeard from Jim. He writes:<br /><br /><pre>The past 24 hours have been strange. Checked into<br />what appeared to be a decent motel but turned out to<br />be far from. So nasty that I felt creepy all night.<br />Separated myself from the tissue thin sheet with the<br />saved-your-ass, Valerie, Yellow Rain Jacket. Awoke at<br />2:30 and could no way sleep again. A peek out the<br />window showed that sub-tropical storm Andrea had wet<br />Myrtle beach and probably the next leg to Georgetown.<br />Rose at 4:00 and decided I had had it with the<br />park-Whatever Motel. I intentionally left out the<br />details. Packed up and rode to the nearest pancake<br />house which didn't open til 6:30, so I had coffee at a<br />service station, snapped on my flashing taillight and<br />headed south, sans Jimmy. Have you noticed "Service<br />Stations" no longer offer service? And, if a lawyer<br />is an "Attorney At Law", what else could he be an<br />attorney at? Certainly no one here to ask!<br /><br />I checked a few hotels along the way and decided to<br />ride as long as there were hotels and no rain. Then<br />the rain came. I checked into the Ocean Park Resort,<br />which is terrific. I'll sit out the rain. <br /> <br />Took a nap and woke at 11:00. Guess I needed<br />sleep. And the sun is shining through thin clouds.<br />Jimmy made it to Georgetown by noon. I'll go early<br />tomorrow and hope for the same weather pattern.<br />Meanwhile. . . .relax. Can't get to the locked<br />computer to send you pics.<br /><br />J</pre>Our Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03842587987888562127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581260317054761018.post-50754653559037832262007-05-08T16:38:00.000-07:002007-05-08T16:43:11.153-07:00Day 14: South Carolina<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhWKyYeN2wlLI4_tiLBiGE1ShEtY13z7nEWZ-_jKR1Fdnh9knYqrf0vccUxb4uXqbVqHMsZFuCu-HXnIgCp-qrAOAPhYuFGvsxg09vAXxPUjRsWrTGb40BNXBXYZzyCAdW7nWR8FvFKb9e/s1600-h/SC_StateLine.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhWKyYeN2wlLI4_tiLBiGE1ShEtY13z7nEWZ-_jKR1Fdnh9knYqrf0vccUxb4uXqbVqHMsZFuCu-HXnIgCp-qrAOAPhYuFGvsxg09vAXxPUjRsWrTGb40BNXBXYZzyCAdW7nWR8FvFKb9e/s400/SC_StateLine.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062339475048347314" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I have received several e-mails from Jim today...looks like a good portion of them contain photos, so I'll drop those into the album, for all to enjoy.<br /><br />Here's his update from today:<br /><br /><pre>Hi all:<br />Crossed into South Carolina this morning. I was only<br />about 15 miles away last night at the Microtel hotel<br />on Rt 17 south of Shallotte, NC (pronounced shalote).<br />I had earlier crossed the Cape Fear River at Fort<br />Fisher to Southport, NC. In Southport, Jimmy Griffin<br />and I ate at the Thai Pepper restaurant. Some good<br />Pad Thai shrimp, tofu and noodles.<br /><br />Stopped in North Myrtle Beach this morning at the<br />Windy Hill Dunes high rise along the ocean just o enjoy<br />the view. I'll send a photo. The surf has calmed a<br />bit.<br /><br />I decided to stay over in Myrtle Beach mainly<br />because of geography. Rode only about 35 miles today.<br />Feel like a woosey waste, but Georgetown, SC is only<br />about 40 miles away and after that there's a long 60+<br />mile leg to Charleston with no services and no hotels.<br />I need an early start from Georgetown to make it work<br />out.<br /><br />This morning, while still in NC (I think) a bike<br />shop owner waved at us so I decided to stop and ask<br />about my gearing. It's been somewhat iffy all tour<br />and my constant adjustment didn't help. Steve Bruce<br />and his wife Stephanie were the best. Steve (Island<br />Hoppers Mobile Bicycle Repair & Pro-assembly 579-1766)<br />is a really good mechanic. I'm going to write him up<br />for Adventure Cycling. Steve brought a portable stand<br />out in front of his store and set me up. It seems that<br />my local shop had my barrel (at the rear derailleur)<br />out as far as it could go, so adjustment possibilities<br />were minimal. There was also a small rubber bushing<br />missing from that point, and the derailleur was<br />slightly off from the pulley. Just some technical<br />stuff to explain why I'm more than a little ticked at<br />my bike mechanic. Steve set me up and tuned and had<br />me test ride three times. He wouldn't accept any<br />payment. I'm shifting well now.<br /><br />Staying at a mom and pop motel, Sea Park Motel at<br />1501 N. Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach. It's only $40 plus<br />tax, but I'm getting just what I'm paying for. Across<br />the street from the expensive beach-front hotels. If<br />the wind doesn't sand blast me, I might lie out a<br />while after lunch.<br /><br />Here at the Chapin Memorial Library in Myrtle<br />Beach. Lot's of stores, restaurants and services.<br /><br />Oh yes! North Carolina smells like Honey Suckle<br /><br />More soon,<br />J</pre>Our Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03842587987888562127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581260317054761018.post-42268066441588871302007-05-06T16:26:00.000-07:002007-05-06T16:27:15.360-07:00Day 13: UpdateReceived the following update from Jim this afternoon:<br /><br /><pre>Been following a route marked for Charles Couralt.<br />Remember him?<br /><br />I guess I'm a bit cycle tetched. On my day off, I<br />rode 16 miles to and around Wilmington. Too bad they<br />don't count toward Florida.<br /> Wilmington is a "progressive" (read hippy) town.<br />Enjoyed a long hour at a local (non-tourist) coffee<br />shop. Cute waitress/PE Teacher/Schoolbus driver<br />Belle.<br /><br />Going to try to have the rest of a day off now.<br />Tomorrow should have winds to our backs. 20 miles to<br />the ferry then 40 minute ride to Southport. The next<br />motel could be a little iffy. Possibility to make it<br />a really short day, stay near Southport, then a long<br />day to South Carolina on Tuesday???</pre>Our Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03842587987888562127noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581260317054761018.post-25787696412766989702007-05-06T12:29:00.000-07:002007-05-06T12:41:28.804-07:00Day 13: Day of Rest in Wilmington, NC.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiu2f_6WO8W9yBTg5Ys0MrVCRZhUAos7XzqkYl1CafHfOGFVw5pM54JRqjHhWzC-BPTM-JbTbAlNsQwiT7WbjRboRkqaetf_I9nH94QSVS0-VXStrkRFfnKmlpOFnskG0NHGZyESffbWwf/s1600-h/Jim.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiu2f_6WO8W9yBTg5Ys0MrVCRZhUAos7XzqkYl1CafHfOGFVw5pM54JRqjHhWzC-BPTM-JbTbAlNsQwiT7WbjRboRkqaetf_I9nH94QSVS0-VXStrkRFfnKmlpOFnskG0NHGZyESffbWwf/s400/Jim.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5061533318276822674" border="0" /></a><br /><pre><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />It's Sunday and I'm on my day of rest.<br />Rode into downtown historic district.<br /><br />Probably do about 12 miles.</pre>Our Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03842587987888562127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581260317054761018.post-33137525901023620062007-05-05T16:35:00.000-07:002007-05-06T12:39:10.975-07:00Day 12: Wilmington, NC<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2zAxAmncFPcI0cmDFX7Fxvv_8jU0N5i2G3CBNSTdQRTSf_Lk_T2AwvBAUCjFSDSzWErwj9uGGBjYNpb_Nok9Q_Kf6d-gqhqielu7brCzFhbpWlxNaZK8RI5xXPyflhJBGn0Nqh9xVvGh/s1600-h/Bike+Wash.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2zAxAmncFPcI0cmDFX7Fxvv_8jU0N5i2G3CBNSTdQRTSf_Lk_T2AwvBAUCjFSDSzWErwj9uGGBjYNpb_Nok9Q_Kf6d-gqhqielu7brCzFhbpWlxNaZK8RI5xXPyflhJBGn0Nqh9xVvGh/s400/Bike+Wash.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5061534516572698274" border="0" /></a><br /><pre><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Today's update from Jim:<br /><br />I think it's day ll on tour and day 10 in the saddle.<br />Forgot to admit back in Kitty Hawk that I bought a<br />jell saddle cover in K-Mart. I always thought they<br />were for gym gals, but it's been a real buttsaver.<br /><br />71ish yesterday and again today. Jimmy Griffin and<br />I rode around Camp LeJeune, through Jackson (ville?)<br />and to Wilmington, NC. Wilmington claims lots of<br />history and a great ocean beach, so I'm strongly<br />considering a rest day here after cycling 62, 62, 71, and 71<br />miles, respectively.<br /><br />Still having trouble finding computers that allow<br />camera hookups, so nothing attached here. If I get<br />this one or another to work, I'll send a bunch to<br />Michelle for Snapfish. Today was very unphotogenic.<br /><br />Yesterday it rained a lot here, but I usually rode<br />into town after the rain. The bike got sooo gritty I<br />had to wash it in the tub. Today pretty much the<br />same, but I did get wet about five miles from the<br />hotel. Took the bike across the highway and used a<br />hose at a gas station.<br /><br />Flat tire today. Punctured as I hit something on<br />an overpass. Overpasses seem to collect crap that<br />otherwise would eventually end up in the storm<br />ditches.<br /><br />That's all for now. More to come.<br /><br />J</pre>Our Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03842587987888562127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581260317054761018.post-30007669735298453232007-05-04T16:57:00.000-07:002007-05-04T17:11:52.352-07:00Day 11: Somewhere in North Carolina<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUqV5DNcPKQEcETUtMYuF-NChKdpLu6fkBzrw5tfoLfLfTEp_tISs7tRqap0_XC5Xk37UP64G7kr_SR1tQtEuLSgX9H5fSsIVeBVDRBpguCfUeKfr8GjwtqZmpYlfdAFUW386gdRR8XvUA/s1600-h/FerryNC.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUqV5DNcPKQEcETUtMYuF-NChKdpLu6fkBzrw5tfoLfLfTEp_tISs7tRqap0_XC5Xk37UP64G7kr_SR1tQtEuLSgX9H5fSsIVeBVDRBpguCfUeKfr8GjwtqZmpYlfdAFUW386gdRR8XvUA/s320/FerryNC.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5060861529557153346" border="0" /></a><br /><pre><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Jim's e-mail updates are beginning to sound<br />more & more like excerpts from Kerouac's On the Road. :)<br /><br />Don't forget to check the Snapfish album for all of the<br />latest photos.<br /><br />Here's the latest e-mail update from Jim:<br /><br />I just lost my entire email and three attachments in<br />the slowest library system so far on tour, so I'll<br />just talk here and send Michelle the photos<br />separately.<br /><br />Haven't been able to do much communications lately.<br />No internet and no cell service for two days. Left<br />Avon, NC yesterday and crossed a 40 minute ferry from<br />Hatteras Island to Ocracoke Island. Ocracoke is<br />mostly barren with a few towns scattered. That was<br />the day we made only about 35 miles due to outrageous<br />winds. We decided to take the 3:00 ferry from<br />Ocracoke to the mainland when we learned that there is<br />a motel at the ferry dock. The trip is 2-1/2 hours<br />and we (me and Jimmy Griffin) met more interesting<br />people. Oyster researchers from UNC and a retired 50<br />something guy who does "seasonal work" to take him<br />everywhere in the world. Not counting the ferries, we<br />road only about 35 miles.<br /><br />I'll send a photo of the flags waving<br />(wind starched) at the Cedar Island end of the ferry<br />trip. Brutal. We left Cedar Island this morning and<br />have reached about 50 miles to Newport, NC. We also<br />learned that we have to change our route as the road<br />through Camp LeJuene has been closed to civilians by<br />Homeland Security. 50 miles so far today.<br /><br />Look for photos of a beautiful Belgian girl and her<br />Basque boyfriend. Three years on the road. They'll<br />be in NYC in ten days, but I won't be there to host<br />them.<br /><br />Hoping to get another 10 to 15 miles in today, but<br />hotels are scarce in this area, so that's the<br />determining factor.<br /><br />Love from NC,<br />J</pre>Our Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03842587987888562127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581260317054761018.post-61037608946216670052007-05-03T15:19:00.000-07:002007-05-03T15:23:07.101-07:00Days 9 & 10: Ocracoke, NC.I'm a bit late posting the e-mail Jim sent this morning, but here it is:<br /><br /><pre>Good Morning:<br />It's Thursday morning and I'm about 15 miles from the<br />40 minute ferry from Hatteras to Ocracoke. Today will<br />probably be about 30 miles, but that seems to be the<br />only way to hit the ferry and still find<br />accommodations on Ocracoke.<br /> Yesterday was a real challenge. 53 miles into the<br />wind. Most of the long day was spent in my lowest<br />gear (39/21). For you non-riders, that's rare to have<br />to do that just to make headway. Speed was 9 to 10<br />mph all day, mostly 9.<br /> Tuesday evening when I entered Kitty Hawk, I met Jim<br />Griffin, a 46 yo retired landscape farmer from Ocalla,<br />FL. He started in D.C. and is headed for Ocalla. We<br />rode together and stayed at the same motels Tues and<br />Wed.<br /> Back to today: The wind has shifted around to my<br />right shoulder, and this morning was a complete breeze<br />at 16 mph. What a treat. Internet access is tough<br />(as is T-mobile phone service), so I'm at the Hatteras<br />Community Library. Unfortunately, many libraries<br />"Filter" their internet access. and this is one. So,<br />I can't send photos from here. I'll try again along<br />the route.<br /><br />I always forget my email address book when I come in<br />here, so would one of you let Chris, Terese, Patty and<br />Julie know about the blog and snapfish.<br /> Love to all,<br />J</pre>Our Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03842587987888562127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7581260317054761018.post-41061926862945366192007-05-01T16:40:00.000-07:002007-05-01T16:43:14.858-07:00Day 8: End of the day updateJim did 67 miles today! He said he really didn't have much of a choice, that there wasn't any place to stop along the way ~ except for the ocassional fruit stand or auto repair shop. <br /><br />He's in Kitty Hawk, NC. for the evening and he sounds great!Our Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03842587987888562127noreply@blogger.com0