Showing 0 to 12 of 13 Results
The Crossing - 8 Days at Sea
"She left you with many gifts." Duncan said of Brooklyn. Those words continue to regularly echo in my consciousness, especially on this trip. As I move forward through this life diverted, the meaning of those gifts continues to make itself apparent. "If not for her, I would not be here." I would often think as I sat in the dark on yet another watch alone with my thoughts as angry waves bashed the hulls of this beautiful boat. If not for her I would not be the person I have slowly been ...Read More
Days 7 & 8 - If Not Now Then When
Today is November 11th. It's a down day because of two things. The weather has changed yet again and we did not get to the fuel dock before it closed. While we could probably have found fuel elsewhere which would have allowed us to continue it would also have meant getting into choppy seas around midnight. So we opted to wait out this latest weather pattern anchored near the place I originally met Dana on his boat when he had lost a prop back in July. The weather was gorgeous and the water ...Read More
Days 4, 5, and 6 - Where The Plan Ends ...
They say adventure begins where the plan ends. So I am sitting in the office of the marina where we are currently docked. We lowered and removed the severely damaged mainsail yesterday afternoon and a sailmaker picked it up. As I am sitting here inside, Dana and Peter are working on making some repairs to the headsail. Dana has a big Sailrite sewing machine on board with all kinds of supplies and is very accomplished with the gadget. Headsail Repairs(https://adv-traveler.com/yermo/ride ...Read More
Day 3 - First Day Under Sail - Uneventful Hours Punctuated By Moments of Abject Terror
I was so tired last night I started falling asleep as I was trying to write. I had not slept that well the night before. In contrast to the previous morning, today I woke up of my own accord before 7:30 which was the agreed upon time that Dana should wake me up if I overslept my alarm. I suspect my subconscious understood that the sound of the generator being fired up meant "coffee". I was awake, dressed, and in the salon in short order. As my subconscious had divined, there was, in fact ...Read More
Day 2 - Were There Any Signs?
I dutifully set my alarm for 7AM in the "Mourning" because I didn't want to hold up leaving the dock. At 7:30 Dana knocked on my door. My alarm showed it was going off but there was no sound. My suspicion is the waterproof case I've gotten for it is interfering. I jumped up and tried to get ready as fast as I could. I walked up to the marina facility, took a quick shower, and returned. Note to self: I /ALWAYS/ forget to bring flip flops. Bring flip flops next time. I got back to the b ...Read More
Day 1 - Loading, Provisioning, Repairs, and Dinner
As we attempted to walk to dinner in the cold, with Dana navigating, we made a series of wrong turns leading us to walk in a huge very long circle. Walking in these boat shoes that far is not exactly comfortable. He relented and fired up google maps but to no avail. I said, "Much later in this misadventure story, when we're capsized in the drink waiting to be rescued, we'll ask ourselves were there any warning signs way at the beginning any signs at all that might have been a red flag to fore ...Read More
A Sailing Adventure
"I think I know who you are." were the very first words she ever said to me. It was impossible for me to know then, so many years ago now, how intertwined my life would become with hers and her extended family and how much this young woman named Brooklyn and her family would fundamentally alter the course of my life. The very last words she ever sent me were "I love you." Two days later she was gone. I have known pain. I have known loss. But I have never experienced anything like this. I ...Read More
Lake Junaluska, NC to Floyd, VA on 2 lane backroads.
The first day of our trip takes us to Floyd, Virginia, a small rural crossroads town about 8 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway junction with VA 8 at milepost 165, a.k.a. Tuggles Gap. Here we will meet our partner Yermo at the Hotel Floyd. The three of us will be traveling together for several days. Jackie and I commonly ride the Blue Ridge Parkway north from home when we want to get to Floyd. It's a comfortable day ride. Having done that many times, I've decided to go another way. It wil ...Read More
AZMA - Saturday
Hot coffee and warm breakfast burritos started our day at the Jonquil Motel, another cool clear morning. As soon as the sun clears the mountain top the yard warms quickly. Breakfast Burritos today(https://adv-traveler.com/13640/rides/163848/arizona-motorcycle-adventures-kickoff-event-2021/photos/164211/breakfast-burritos-today) We kept plans loose for today. Some are looking to spend time exploring Bisbee. We're gathering up folks to put together an itinerary. The bikes wait pat ...Read More
AZMA - Friday
Finally, the first day of riding the loops Sterling Noren provided. The 20 riders broke up into roughly 3 groups. Mine chose to do the Patagonia Route. Coronado National Monument(https://adv-traveler.com/13640/rides/163848/arizona-motorcycle-adventures-kickoff-event-2021/photos/164048/coronado-national-monument) We left around 8, returned around 4. I particularly enjoyed the Cornado National Monument with it's sweeping views from atop the pass. We were impressed by the large number ...Read More
AZMA - South to the Border!
Hilton Garden Inn Airport North, Phoenix(https://adv-traveler.com/13640/rides/163848/arizona-motorcycle-adventures-kickoff-event-2021/photos/163976/hilton-garden-inn-airport-north--phoenix) We assembled behind the hotel after morning breakfast and departed for Busbee around 8 AM. The day was started warm, sunny, and breezy. My ride(https://adv-traveler.com/13640/rides/163848/arizona-motorcycle-adventures-kickoff-event-2021/photos/163977/my-ride) It took quite a while to work o ...Read More
AZMA - I Hate the Commute
Living in western North Carolina I am so spoiled by the wealth of great roads to ride. We literally roll down the mountainside for less than a minute and we've hit some nice twisties. When you live in the heart of it, it's all good. Just down the Street(https://adv-traveler.com/13640/rides/163848/arizona-motorcycle-adventures-kickoff-event-2021/photos/163923/just-down-the-street) For those who aren't nestled within the Appalachian hills, I sympathize. You are compelled to ...Read More
Arizona Motorcycle Adventures Kickoff Event (AZMA) - Beginnings
Over the years my wife Jackie and I have rented motorcycles from Colorado Motorcycle Adventures in Denver. We've come to know Scott Lee, the owner, and have been quite pleased with the bikes he's been able to provide. Colorado Motorcycle Adventures(https://adv-traveler.com/america-rides-maps-public/links/85283/colorado-motorcycle-adventures) I received a call in February that Colorado Motorcycle Adventures was expanding into Arizona, and there would be a kickoff event for the new lo ...Read More