There and Back Again - Day 2...

Saturday, 06 June 2009.

0700- Feeling rested. Showered and now looking for a coffee before I begin finding a source for a new headlight for Baby.

The lobby offered up a continental breakfast. Two coffees later and I was ready to re-pack Baby. It may seem like a convoluted evolution to have to unpack and re-pack the bike, but we don't refer to our machines as 'iron horses' for nothing. Just as cowboys must tend to their steeds at the beginning and end end of a long day of riding, the same applies to bikes. There were a couple of truck parts stores in our immediate area, but not surprisingly, none of them offered up a standard H4 type bulb. I would have to wait and look further down the road.

0720- Departed Hagerstown, MD. Cruised along I-81 past exits for Boonesboro and the Battlefield of Antietam. At 0800, Baby and I thundered across the Potomac River, entering West Virginia.

0830- Stopped in Winchester, VA. Was coming off the Interstate for some fuel and spotted this bike shop as I negotiated the off-ramp. Decided to investigate. Parked Baby outside Winchester Motorsports and went on inside to meet the folks. Their staff were friendly and funny. The young fella behind the counter invited me to have a cup of coffee with them, while the older gent (one of their senior wrenches) went to see if he couldn't scare me up a new headlight bulb. I enjoyed a good conversation with these lads, just spending the time of day.

http://www.winchestermotosports.net/

I finally had to get down to business, so I took my new bulb and went off to change it. It dawned on me as I approached Baby, that in order to get the face of the headlight off, I would have to remove or at least drop substantially, the light bar which was mounted under it. Great! No such thing as an easy job... Fortunately I had brought all the tools that I would need for this and any other minor work on Baby. Investing in that tool roll before leaving, was a great idea. I finally got the bulb replaced and fired the bike up to verify all my systems. The headlight worked great, but my running light on the right-hand side was out. Hmmmm... Oddly enough, the turn signal on that lamp worked, but not the running light. Curiouser and curiouser. Luckily for me, I always travel with spares. So I changed the lamp and flashed up the bike again... Same thing. Turn signal works, running light doesn't... Hmmmm...
Not feeling particularily analytical at the moment and happy to have a headlight and two functional turn signals, I decided I would let it go for the moment. I went back inside and picked up a t-shirt from the place before leaving.

0945- Departed Winchester, VA. Had to remove windshield and light bar to change headlight. Noticed right side running light out as well. Changed bulb too. Running light still out but T/S operating (?).

I arrived in Front Royal, VA at about 1030hrs. I gassed up and then rode through town, looking for the entrance to the Syline Drive. Pretty little town. Had to transit right through (speed limit 25mph). Took out a $10.00 bill and tucked it under the strap of my toolbag, between the risers. That way I'll have it on hand when it comes time to enter the Shenandoah National Park.

http://www.frontroyalva.com/

1051- Entered Shenandoah National Park. I am sitting on Mile 0 of the Skyline Drive. I feel exalted, excited and humbled to be here, at the beginning of something I have longed for, for so many years now!

http://www.shenandoah.national-park.com/

1201- Stopped at Little Devil's Stairs lookoff. Took a pic of Baby with this gnarly tree in the background. Kind of reminded me of the 'Joshua Tree' song. Have taken a few other shots so far. The scenery is nothing short of breathtaking. Jess (my step-daughter) would smile at my usage of this word but it's the only word that fits.

1220- Stopped at Elkwallow Wayside store. Had a pork Bar-B-Q sandwich and a Pepsi for lunch. Friggin' deeee-lish!! Bought some souvies too. :)

1250- Back on the road!

It is impossible to accurately describe the views, the scents, the feeling of traveling the Skyline Drive. It is simply the most beautiful road I have ever ridden. How the Hell is it that the mere sight of some of this scenery, is enough to give me a lump in the back of my throat???

1520- At Rip Rap Gap lookoff. 13 miles left until I'm on the BRP. Took a photo of these wild lilac bushes growing here. My God this is going way too fast...

At about 1545, I reached the end of the Skyline Drive. Words fail me to do it justice. I took a couple of pictures, one of the signpost showing directions to both the Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway, and another showing Baby poised to enter the BRP.

1615- Stopped at the BRP visitor centre. Picked up some souvies and met some riders. Good conversation. Back on the road. Don't know how far I'll get today...(?) No cell phone service here. Will have to call home from hotel tonight.

http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/

1715- Stopped for a break and to put my JR jacket back on. I'm at Yankee Horse Ridge parking area, about 30 miles into the Parkway. It's slow going with speeds of 45mph and curves that you have to take at 25mph. It's a huge roller coaster. Up and down, twisting and turning as you go. Will stop at about 1900hrs tonight. I still have tomorrow and Monday to make it to Tellico Plains. I miss my Honey...

The elevations here are really something. I feel my ears popping constantly as I climb into the sky, then feel them decompress on the way back down again. It's just like flying or sailing on subs. At times I'm basically partially deaf, with everything sounding all muted and fuzzy as we burble along. On the long downgrades, I just ease off the throttle and coast downhill in 4th, Baby merrily burbling along with her characteristic: "Ffnnnn-rrrrrrrr..." sound. It seems as though she is enjoying this experience as much as I am. :)

2030- After being turned away from the Peaks of Otter (they are full up owing to a large D-Day anniversary celebration around these parts...), I landed at the Reba Farm Inn Bed & Breakfast, about 8 miles off-mountain. It is located in Bedford, VA. Owners Ron and Kathleen have over 40 rescued horses, colts, foals and of course, dogs. This place is so charming, although I almost lost the bike on the way up their steep gravel driveway. Tomorrow leaving will be something else...

http://www.peaksofotter.com/

http://www.rebafarminn.com/

Coming off-mountain, I saw so many deer it was incredible! Now I know where they all come from, when you see them less than a foot off the road. I passed so many on the mountain that were so close, I could have reached out and slapped their ear as I scooted by. Also passed a skunk bimbling along the side of the road. Like the deer, he was totally oblivious to my presence. All the animals appear to be totally relaxed... totally unconcerned.

I met another couple here, Bill and Sandie. They're both native Virginians from Charlottesville and are riding a big black Yamaha Star with hardbags. I reckon I'll try to follow him out tomorrow. We started chatting and I related the story of my spill last year. So he pulls up his t-shirt and shows me the same scar that I have. This happened some 7 years ago and he can move his arm just fine. Over his head, behind his back... no problem. He's been a real inspiration. We talked physio and he said:"Why I'd just use them pullies until it brought tears to my eyes. Then I'd stop, have a couple of whiskies and start right back up agin'...".

Bill oddly enough, is 55. Same age as me. He kinda even looks like a Southern version of me. It's eerie...

My wife would love this set-up. Particularily with all the rescued animals. It's so odd that I should end up here. Everything happens for a reason, I guess.

2110- I'm feeling a little panicky right now. There is no cell phone service here and I have yet to call home. Must contact the owner and see if there is a land-line I can use to call collect.

2145- Just finished talking to my Honey. Let her know where I was and that everything was just fine. Recounted spotting so many deer coming off the Parkway, relating how the scenery is simply stunning. Also told her the story about getting here, meeting Bill & Sandie and of course, the driveway from Hell. She almost lost her mind when I described the surroundings I found myself in. I promised her that we would both come back here so she could enjoy it for herself. Ron has suggested using Rte. 11 to take on the way back, just to escape from the madness of I-81. I may look into that.

My supper then arrived. Ron and Kathleen had overheard my wife asking me if I had eaten anything for supper yet. It was pretty late by now and I had not, so I told her I still had some energy bars stashed in my saddlebags. After I had finished my call, Ron asked if I would like some supper brought up to my room. I told him that would be extremely nice of them if they could manage it. Ron has just brought up 2 barbecued chicken breasts on a large bun, w/lettuce and tomatoes, a large dollop of homemade potato salad, a large bunch of green grapes, a homemade chocolate-walnut brownie and a Dr. Pepper on ice.

2219- I'm stuffed!! And I haven't even touched the chocolate-walnut brownie yet... I'll sleep very soundly tonight.

0320- Having a hard time staying asleep. Too much food, too late in the day. I won't be doing that again... Am still fretting about getting Baby down that hill in one piece. Yeah... I'll let Bill lead. There are brief, isolated times during this trip, when it feels as though I am diving down to the bottom of the ocean. I keep thinking I should stop, turn around and make for the surface before I run out of air. I have no idea why I would feel this way...

The Tale of There and Back Again - Day 1

I said my goodbyes to my Honey and left Orleans at 0720hrs, Friday morning, 05 June. Baby had 53,705km on the clock. It was a beautiful morning. Sunny and still slightly cool, with a mild breeze. I took my time cruising down Innes Rd., which I would stay on until I met up with the turnoff for the Anderson Road, by the Correctional Facility. From there I followed my usual route to the 416, which was via Eighth Line to Ramsayville Road, to Mitch Owens, to Manotick.

At about 0800 I stopped in at Tim's in Manotick for a small double-double and a blueberry fritter... a favorite of my late friend's, Spider. I could feel the temperature beginning to creep higher. I was debating putting on my Joe Rocket ballistic nylon pants for the highway section of the journey, which would last for the remainder of the day. I had also realized that after much preparation and downloading of good ol' road tunes, I had gone and left my iPod at home... D-Oh!!! *Sigh!!*

0851- My departure becomes later and later. I'm at the junction of Mitch Owens and John Quinn Road. I had phoned my better half from Tim's and she had kindly volunteered to meet me halfway and bring out my iPod. That was so sweet of her. It seems at this point that I'll be riding until at least 2000hrs tonight, in order to make up for lost time. While I waited for her to arrive, I donned my JR riding pants. I wanted all the protection I could get for this first leg of the trip.

0900- I now have my iPod and was able to get another last hug and kiss for luck from my Honey. I am now actually on my way. At Manotick I turned left onto the Rideau River Road and followed it all the way until it crossed the 416 near the Veteran's Memorial Park.

I recall how wonderful it was pulling off the exit on the 401 for the 1,000 Islands Parkway at around 1000hrs. I knew it would slow me down some but I didn't want this whole first day to be nothing but 'work'. I was not disappointed. Traffic was almost non-existent as Baby and I purred along the deserted and sunlit Parkway.

1030- Pulled off the Parkway for my first fill-up. We are at the gas station at Narrows Lane Rd. The river's surface is calm and sparkling. It's just beautiful. Paid my bill inside and grabbed a bottle of water, which I half drained before heading out again.

My next stop following that was for the US Border Crossing at the other end of the 1,000 Island Bridge. I'm gonna have to guesstimate that that was around 1100hrs or so. He asked me where I was bound for and I launched into my dissertation. He looked at me, then past me... "And you're going by yourself...??" "Why, yes...", I replied. He seemed to think that riders didn't do that type of stuff anymore. To be truthful, I don't suppose too many do nowadays. But I ain't everyone... I was almost tempted to relate my solo trip to Daytona, but then thought better of it. Hell, I had places to go and things to see...

I stopped very briefly at the welcome centre which is just after the border crossing. I took a quick picture of it and deeked inside to pick up another bottle of water, after finishing off my first one outside.

1245- Stopped at the rest area 15 miles outside of Syracuse, NY. My Honey and me had stopped here a couple of times before and being here without her, made me miss her all the more. I was feeling a little melancholy but was determined to push on. I phoned her to let her know where I was and that everything was fine so far.

Back on the road, I had decided to take I-481 to bypass Syracuse itself. Yes, the thought was there to grab some lunch at the famous Dinosaur Bar-B-Q, but the thought of fighting with midday traffic in the city's centre was not an amusing one. Baby and I sailed on... Binghamton was only a paltry 65 miles distant.

1535- Stopped at the visitors' welcome centre, just inside the Pennsylvania State line. They had a touching memorial to their local military folks who had made the supreme sacrifice, set up just outside the centre itself. I paid my respects and took a couple of photos. Picked up some pamphlets from the centre and had a water break. Again, I phoned home to give her an update.

As I headed back out onto I-81, I discovered that Pennsylvania is a State that is still under construction. As we approached Wilkes-Barre, traffic simply stopped. It took an hour of inching forward before we discovered that the reason for this bottleneck was a simple merge from 2 lanes down to 1. We remained in one lane for about 4 or 5 miles. This was the first of many such merges. My schedule was really out of whack by now. I had no idea how far I would make it.

1815- Stopped for gas about 60 miles North of Harrisburg, PA. It doesn't look as though I'll make Virginia tonight. Oh well... Many rain clouds moving in too. Am dressed for the WX. Charge!! A hot bath will be great tonight...

As I hit Harrisburg, PA the rain started. Not long after that, I noted that my headlight was not doing a thing as far as visibility went. It then dawned on me that my low beam had packed it in, not too long after we had crossed the Maryland State line. I then proceded on my high beam for the remainder of the night's trip. Thankfully Baby still also had her passing lamps, which could create virtual daylight at the flick of a switch...

2118- Pulled into the Super 8 Motel in Hagerstown, MD. Holy crap, I'm tired. Got a military discount from the manager. Unloaded the bike and dragged everything to the 2nd floor. Nice enough room, clean, comfy and well appointed. Ordered some Chinese from a local restaurant and phoned home to provide a sitrep. The rain was steady from Harrisburg, PA to here. Am only 65 miles from Front Royal, VA. Not too bad... Time for a shower, some food, then sleep. Must check WX for tomorrow and Monday.

Note: The Chinese food arrived from the China King Restaurant (164 N.Burham's Blvd.). It was hot, delicious and there was enough to feed a good-sized subdivision. Yummm!! MSG is gooood!

I ate what I could of the delicious fare, while viewing something mindless on TV. I then collapsed until 0600 the following morning.

So much for Day 1...

"The Mountains are Calling and I must Go..." - John Muir.

"The Mountains are Calling and I must Go." I had never heard of this quote by John Muir, before my latest trip to Virginia and her Blue Ridge Mountains. But I had felt it within me for ages. How long have I scoured the electronic ether for images of the Shenandoah National Park or the Blue Ridge Parkway? Hours I have spent, enraptured by their promise, spellbound by their beauty and their lofty majesty. As I sat gazing dreamily at such pictures, I felt the same giddy anticipation I would feel as a small child, perusing the toy section of the Sear's Christmas catalog. It is as though John Muir himself had read the very contents of my heart.


Mr. Muir may well have been thinking about Yosemite when he coined this phrase, but I believe that the lure, the beauty and the wonders of nature to be found, applies to just any mountain range on earth. Certainly this is the case with the mountain ranges of Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee.

I had stopped at the Elkwallow Comfort Station, perhaps at the 24-mile mark along the Skyline Drive. I bought a very tasty Bar-B-Q pork sandwich and a Pepsi. After having fed myself, I wandered back into the store section, featuring all manner of souvenirs. I wanted to pick up a pin for my "parade vest", as well as a patch or two for my denim cut-off jacket... They had many items which advertised or showcased the virtues of the Park. And then I saw this one t-shirt, which featured Mr. Muir's famous quote. I knew in an instant that it had been made for me. It summed up my very reason for being there. It gave an identity and substance to this heretofore indescribable longing which had been tormenting me for years. Clearly, the mountains had been calling... long and loud. I had simply, finally decided to respond.

John Muir (21 April 1838 – 24 December 1914) was a Scottish-born American naturalist, author, and early advocate of preservation of U.S. wilderness. His letters, essays, and books telling of his adventures in nature, especially in the Sierra Nevada mountain range of California, have been read by millions and are still popular today. His direct activism helped to save the Yosemite Valley, Sequoia National Park and other wilderness areas. The Sierra Club, which he founded, is now one of the most important conservation organizations in the United States. His writings and philosophy strongly influenced the formation of the modern environmental movement.

For a complete rundown on the man and his considerable and varied career, you can check out the Wiki site below:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Muir

John Muir may well have been the original "tree-hugger". The great, great-granddaddy of all ecology-minded nutbars. And you know what? That's just fine by me. Without him and his ilk, there may not be such spectacular places as this, still existent for the unbounded pleasure of folks such as me. John Muir is a person whose life's work and passion for nature, strikes a chord within me. He is reknown for a good many other quotes, all of which are as valid today as the day he first uttered them.

Here are just a few of his gems:

“Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to the body and soul.”


“When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world.”


“The gross heathenism of civilization has generally destroyed nature, and poetry, and all that is spiritual.”


“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.”


“The power of imagination makes us infinite.”


“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.”


“Keep close to Nature's heart...and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.”


“Society speaks and all men listen, mountains speak and wise men listen.”

So there you have it. John Muir... an author whose works I intend to become much more familiar with in the future. Traveling does indeed have a tendency to broaden the mind...

Of There and Back Again...

I have allowed myself the luxury of using the title: Of There and Back Again, from J.R.R. Tolkien's 'The Hobbit'. This first book of his which then led to the Lord of the Rings trilogy, depicts the episodic quest of one Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit of some reknown who inhabited Bag's End in The Shire.

To begin, I must offer a summation of this, my latest road trip: It was quite simply the best, most satisfying road trip I have ever taken. And when I say "satisfying", I mean so in a sense where I know this will have been but the first of many such trips to this destination. This journey could best be compared to gulping the first few mouthfulls of chilled water, when working outside on a sweltering day, only to find out you must re-cap the bottle and return to work. Yes... I will definitely be going back for more.

I managed to travel the entirety of the Skyline Drive (105 miles, speed limit of 35mph) and about half of the Blue Ridge Parkway (230 of a possible 469 miles, speed limit of 45mph), which follows it. Don't let the speed limits fool you though. These are very few straight parts to these roadways. You will find yourself hard-pressed to trundle along at the 'maximum speed'. They soar skywards or plunge downwards, twisting and turning like snakes held over an open fire. There are more decreasing-radius turns here than I have ever seen anywhere in my life. For those of you who are not acquainted with these animals, a decreasing radius turn is one where the arc of the curve does not remain nice and smooth as you wheel your way through it. Rather the turn tightens progressively as you wind your way through, forcing you to alter both your speed and lean angle continuously. It's a real treat and guaranteed to keep you alert and on your toes.

I made it to Mile Marker 230 of the BRP. The entire trip to There And Back Again, covered 3,308km. I discovered on the way back that with some hard riding, it is possible to make it from Front Royal, VA to Orleans, ON in one 12 hour stretch. Hence, the reverse must also be true... assuming a departure time of 0730hrs and an arrival time of 2045hrs. This would allow a 15 minute stop for each gas-up and an extended lunch period of some 30 minutes. The remainder of the time is spent on the Interstate, cruising at between 70 and 80mph. Hydration, sun block and adequate protective gear are the order of the day here.

So in theory, I am only ever one day away from being able to enjoy the Skyline Drive and Virginia's Shenandoah National Park all over again. Is such an experience worth 2 days of hard riding? You bet your sweet ass it is... There is a $10.00 (US) admission fee to the park. It is arguably the best $10.00 in any currency, that I have ever spent. It's kinda like paying $10.00 to access an all-you-can-eat buffet for your soul.

I'm not gonna lie and tell you that: "I even enjoyed the Interstate part...". I hate riding on interstates. I'd rather poke sharp sticks into my eyes. For a variety of reasons. The main one is trucks. 18-wheelers to be precise. They block your vision. They spit out rocks and bolts. They litter the highways with large, death-dealing strips of rubber... remnants of exploded retreads. Their very presence can be enough to ruin your day. If you're traveling behind one, the buffeting can drive you crazy and it makes steering a straight line all that much harder. It doesn't take too long before you can sense fatigue setting in. Your only option? Pass him. So you go hurtling past him, canting your bike alternately away from the side of the trailer so you won't get sucked under, then towards to cab as you pass the front, to counter the wall of wind that is trying to blow you into the weeds. So you pass him, only to find an endless line of semi trailers stretching as far as you can see. Aaaaaarrrrrrggghhhh!!!!!!

Time constraints are the only reason most of us will even consider riding on an Interstate. Time permitting, find me a parallel secondary road, even a two-lane blacktop affair headed in the same direction and I'll be happy enough to just toodle along at an assinine 80-90kmh. No hand cramps, no bunched up shoulder muscles, nice and relaxing like it oughtta be... You get to see more of the local countryside as well. It's a lot easier to stop more often, if you're not going that fast to begin with. You miss less, discover more... Chances the are the wildlife you'll see will be... well... wildlife and not road kill.

One of the most disheartening aspects of the Northbound I-81 heading through Pennsylvania, is the carnage it wreaks on the deer population. I had not noticed it so much while heading Southwards, but coming back it reminded me of the fate which awaited Hussein's troops, who had been caught with their loot on the only road heading out of Kuwait. The very aptly named Highway of Death. Where Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland had been rich in the wonderful aromas of wildflowers, trees and plants, Pennsylvania will be best remembered for the ever-present odour of rotting deer carcasses.

Over the next few days, I will attempt to jot down some thoughts on this journey and transcripts from my travel journal, which I faithfully kept while underway. I had a lot of time to myself to think on this trip. To absorb and interpret what I was seeing, experiencing. Rendering it back in the form of a disjointed narrative, in a way which might do it justice, will be a tall order. The wait for this trip to finally take place, has only made it's realisation that much sweeter. In so many of life's instances, our longings and aspirations often lead to disappointment, when finally we get to fulfill them. This has definitely not been such a case. In this instance, the reality of doing has far outstripped every expectation I might have held.

I have been incredibly fortunate in my life to have had the opportunity to travel quite a bit. True, much of that travel was done while under an alcoholic haze, but nonetheless... I do have some very endearing and enduring memories of these trips. This last one however, has topped every journey I have made so far. Including my solo ride from Dartmouth, NS to Daytona Beach, FL in September of 1996. And that... is saying a mouthful.

Okay, time to gear down...

I have found myself getting wound up lately, as my date of departure draws closer. My frame of mind has not been what it should be, for several reasons, but this will change. It would be all too easy to give in to outside influences, as well as my own niggling little fears. But this is not about to happen. Thanks to a brief, casual and journey-related email I shared with my step-daughter's hubby this morning.

I have been recently looking at this trip, as I used to look at an upcoming operational deployment. This is the wrong mindset to be in. This trip is not about physical achievement or endurance. It is not a means to an end, nor is it meant to prove anything. It is meant to be a spiritual journey. It is a memorial run for a dear friend, as well as a voyage of discovery and pleasure. My preparations will be followed with anal, military precision and logic, yes. But I will not sweat the details. The universe will unfold as it should, there can be no doubt. Still, I've made lists of lists, in an effort to forget nothing and to be prepared for any eventuality.

In the deepest recesses of my mind however, there echoes this laughing little voice which refuses to be stifled. I haven't attributed a character to this voice yet, but it's the one that knows that no matter how much planning I do, no matter what I bring along, I will never be totally equipped for everything that fate or nature might decide to throw in my path. Hmmm... Maybe we'll call this the voice of Reality... or Experience.

But, no... I steadfastly refuse to get sucked into this vortex of pre-departure angst. I will not start snapping at those around me, I will not allow my mind to become clouded with negative thoughts. Those I will leave behind me. I will go as far as I go in the first 4 days and then I will turn around. If I make it as far as Front Royal, VA on the first day of riding? Fantastic!! If I make it as far as Tellico Plains in Tennessee by Day 4? Great!!! I will be ecstatic. If for some reason I do not, then that will simply be a trip for another day. Perhaps even one that I'll get to take with my daughter...

Now that would be a trip... :)

The best thing about travelling...

There are many aspects I truly enjoy, when it comes to travelling. I love seeing different sights, grand panoramic vistas, experiencing different cuisines, meeting new people and being exposed to different experiences and cultures. This upcoming trip promises some truly outstanding scenery and of course the unparalleled pleasure of riding some of the premier motorcycle roads this entire continent has to offer. The scenery from the top of the Blue Ridge Mountains, some 6,000 ft. above sea level at Mt. Pisgah, NC, is nothing short of spectacular.

I will have many enjoyable moments on this trip, I have no doubt. But I will miss that one particular joy that I was so looking forward to... that of sharing this experience with someone else, for whom it would also be brand new. To be able to see the thrill, the joy of discovery mirrored in their eyes as well. Well, okay... assuming that they would be able to appreciate the beauty around them, of course. I have been very fortunate in my life, to have travelled extensively. It has been one of my greatest satisfactions and in many cases, formed some of the highlights of my life. But I do not consider my travelling days done yet. Not by any means. I'm far too young to quit just yet.

I suppose for those who do not wish to or have never travelled, there is nothing to miss. For myself? I believe I would rather have a large store of memories to reflect on, for those days when I am no longer able to wander as I please. I may never get to visit all the places which call to me, during my lifetime. But I'll wager that I'm going to give it a pretty good shot...

Only a couple of days left...

It's now Wednesday. Only a couple of days left before I begin this epic journey. As always, I am experiencing butterflies and second thoughts. My better half has been asking me if I'm ready for this type of an adventure. I feel that I am, otherwise I wouldn't be going. I still wish she would come along, as she is missing out on the experience of a lifetime. Some people don't thrive on travel and adventure, I suppose.

We enjoyed a marvellous morning at the spa last Sunday. She surprised me by springing for not only a pedicure but a full body relaxation massage as well. It was very sweet of her. And after Saturday's Ride For Dad, I was more than happy to receive such a timely and welcome present. Afterwards we headed out along the 148 West, to Les P'tits Lutins for a great brunch.

The massage was heaven and I commented to my masseuse at the time, that I hoped she had her hands insured. She truly had 'million dollar hands'. Ever since then however, I find that my back has been acting up. I can't find the logic in it, unless it's simply protesting that it wants more of that massage stuff...and I can't say that I blame it if that's the case.

I have yet to do a dry run for packing. I must do that this evening, right after I wash my Joe Rocket ballistic pants and hang them to dry. Tomorrow I'll apply some fresh 3M waterproofing to them, as well as to my rain gloves. Maybe some dubbin to my riding boots... I should treat the saddlebags with some Armor All... Line them with trash bags, as well as the rear carrier, my sports bag which I'll use for stowing my footwear and the T-Bag which I will likely also be packing and securing to the pillion pad.

Still no snakebite kit but I've been doing some reading up on them on certain medical sites. For the most part they are inefficient and to treat a snakebite, they actually discourage cutting at the bite site, applying suction or applying a tourniquet. They do advise splinting the member, keeping the victim calm and getting them to a medical facility asap. In fact, in my research on these kits, I came across the following product evaluation/critique on the Amazon.com website. It deals with the Coghlan and Rothco snake bite kits:

By the way, 35 of 35 people found the following review helpful :)

This is dangerous! - January 29, 2007
By Gary W. Topic "tour guide" (NSW, Australia)

"I work as a tour guide in the outback of Australia. I was recently horrified to examine the contents of this snake bite kit that one of my overseas passengers was carrying. I seriously cannot believe that in this day and age of first aid wisdom, Coghlan's are still selling such a frighteningly wrong product.

Do they know nothing about correct snake bite treatment? No you do not inject antivenin immediately, as the instructions advise. Antivenin can be just as dangerous as a snake bite, if the wrong one is administered.

Further, if a snake bite is dry (most are), then the administration of antivenin is terribly dangerous. Only after a victim starts to show symptoms of invenimation should antivenin be given, and then only by an expert who has positively identified the type of snake. No you should not clean the site of the bite. Leaving the bite alone is crucial to the correct identification of the venom and administration of the correct antivenin.

God no you should never cut into a snake bite with a scalpel. Are these guys serious!? How can they be so out of touch with correct first aid procedures? Not only do you risk introducing the venom into the bloodstream but cutting a patient will no doubt cause much anxiety and heighten the pulse rate... precisely what you are trying to avoid happening.

The flowing blood will also wash away the venom which you need on the skin for identification purposes. No you should not use a lymph constrictor. The lymph system is best slowed down by bandaging with a regular elastic bandage from the bite site down to the end of the limb, then all the way back up to the top of the limb. But then if Coghlan's told people that, they wouldn't make any money from selling these dodgy snake bite kits, would they?

I'm amazed Coghlan's haven't been sued for selling this product. I would strongly advise they remove it from the market, because it is a dangerous bit of merchandise. If Coghlan's were in my first aid class, they would have received a fail."

So, no... no snake bite kit required, I reckon. I have a pretty good 'snake stick' in my cane. I know rattlers are often seen crossing the Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway in the summer months. Virginia is populated by the Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus horridus), Northern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen), Eastern Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus piscivorus), as well as 31 other non-venomous species of snakes.

New York State itself has 17 species of snakes, 3 of them venomous: the Timber Rattlesnake (also called the Canebrake Rattlesnake), the Massasauga Rattlesnake (Sistrutus catenatus) and the Northern Copperhead.

Pennsylvania possesses 18 species of non-venomous snakes and 3 venomous species. The Timber Rattlesnake, Northern Copperhead and Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake. Of the top 10 states for deer-auto collisions, Pennsylvania ranks as Numero Uno. This according to surveys carried out by State Farm. Pennsylvania is apparently where they fabricate deer for all the other States. Coming in second and third were Michigan and Illinois, followed by Ohio and Georgia. Minnesota and Virginia ranked sixth and seventh respectively, while Indiana, Texas and Wisconsin rounded out the list at eighth, ninth and tenth.

North Carolina is home to the Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix), the Timber Rattlesnake, the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus), the Cottonmouth, the Pygmy Rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarus) and the Eastern Coral Snake (Micrurus fulvius). One can also find 31 species of non-venomous snakes.

Tennessee is home to 32 species of snakes, of which 5 are venomous. These are the Northern Copperhead, the Southern Copperhead, the Timber Rattlesnake, the Western Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus leucostoma)and the Western Pygmy Rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarus steckeri).

Thank God none of these States are like Florida, where you would have to worry not only about indigenous venomous snakes, but 'gators and also pythons which have established breeding populations in the Everglades, and are wreaking havoc on the local fauna there. American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) only extend as far North as South Carolina.

As with any thing that can be life threatening, the best thing to do with any of these aforementioned critters, is to leave them the Jesus alone. Mind you, if I saw one on the Parkway, you know I'd have to at least stop and get a picture of it...

So yes... many things yet to do in the next two days. I know I'll forget something, it's always the way. Passport, license, insurance, journal, phone, iPod, camera, batteries, chargers (3), Werthers Originals...