The New Guitar

Unbelievable acquisition on Ebay as the only bidder on this wonderful Martin-Sigma DM-19 acoustic guitar. Just the right tone for the country/bluegrass type music I play. It will end up being the workhorse around all the campfires.

And here's a great night photo of where we play once a week in the evening.

Old Friends

It's good to have old friends stop by for a visit. It's been 4 years or so since we've seen Brush. Princess and I were just delighted.

Brush and I were Ohio charter members of the U.S. Veterans M/C many years ago. No longer riding with any club we've remained Brothers just the same.

Maggie Valley Update

Outside of the Wheels Thru Time Museum just off the main drag in Maggie Valley. For some reason they are moving to Prescott, Arizona in November; the land of desert heat and sand. Who the heck goes to Prescott anyway.

Our friend Jon, the big dude 2nd from the left, rode from Minnesota to join us at the museum. It's a rather curious friendship as Jon rides to whereever we happen to go just to buy us breakfast.

The Traub 80 ci 1300 cc V-twin of 1917 vintage is the exception. It is the bike with no story, no history that anyone can find.

It was found buried inside the wall of a building in Chicago in 1967, restored and owned by Steve McQueen’s stuntman Bud Ekins. This motorcycle was years ahead of it's time. Who was Traub? No one knows. Perhaps a man who dreamed dreams that no one else dared to dream, and for some reason or another had to abandon.

If you live east of the Mississippi and are really into motorcycles you simply have to make it to the Wheels Thru Time Museum before November. It's a journey through history you will be amazed to discover.

Catching Up

It's been awhile since we posted last. Our trip to Maggie Valley was followed up by a week-end at the Paw Paw recreational area in Michigan, visiting members of the United States Patriots Motorcycle Club. As is pretty much normal when we ride, we failed to get out the camera and take pictures. And really, I don't know why that happens.

This past week was a special and personal one for me. After 40 years of never actually speaking with someone I served with in combat, one of my true Brothers came back into my life. What a wonderfully emotional experience it was to see my Brother, Buddy. We had 40 years to catchup on and the discoveries I made breathed new life into my soul.

This past week was partying and riding and introducing new friends to old friends.
From left to right: FTW, COOKER, BUDDY, and yours truly.

On to Maggie Valley, N. Carolina

On the road from June 25th to July 2 and it was just a super ride. Coming out of Ohio the first day we avoided the interstate, choosing instead to enjoy the country side as we rode south. While we managed to avoid rain, it would have been a relieve to the heat had we gotten wet. It was almost unbearably hot and humid. We rode a bit over 300 miles that first day, spending the night in eastern Kentucky; Prestonburg. There's a terrific steak house there (Reno's) next to the Super 8. And for those in the need to know, it is NOT a dry county.

We continued south on Rte 23 to I-81 south in Virginia. The "I" isn't a real pleasant ride but in Prestonburg we were still 300 plus miles from our destination so we opted for the quicker route.

The country side is simply gorgeous. You can click on the pics to view larger image.

I-40 south to Rte 276 to Maggie Vally was a smooth ride. It was still hotter than we like but we did run through some "after rain spots" where the air was cooler. We reached our spot in Maggie Valley, the Apple Cover Inn, in the early afternoon; settling in for a cold brew and a bit of a nap.

Princess took this pic of me, dreaming of moving south.

Lots of Time

Well, it looks as though there's going to be a good deal of free time on my hands since I was forced into retirement (60 years old) in April. With 2 more years to go before I can get into social security I'm hoping to sustain my "non-working" status until then. I like NOT working ya know.

Our first distance ride of the year (last month) was to eastern Kentucky, W. Virginia, and southeastern Kentucky. Kentucky is such a beautiful place. The folks in W. Virginia need to take note since their state is just as filthy as it was 40 years ago. The mountains are beautiful but it certainly doesn't seem that the residence care too much about their home. There's trash and filth every where. I'm from Logan so I know what coal towns are like and what poverty is but poverty doesn't mean you have to live like a pig. Sorry folks, call 'em as I see 'em. If you're offended then clean up the place.

Ready for Warmer Weather

As April approaches and moisture continues to fall we're still in Winter's grasp. It's just not getting any warmer. A couple of old folk like us don't do well in the cold on the road.

The motorcycles appear to be rocking to and fro in the garage in anticipation of a ride. But like everything else, a bit of spring cleaning needs to be done on them as well. The moisture over the winter has been awful and I'm afraid a good deal of hand cleaning and polishing is in my future. We did get a couple of new toys along with a new(er) Jeep Wrangler. I think we're suppose to exercise and ride those bicycles when the weather breaks. Exercise is such a nasty word.

Day 365

It's the last day of the year. It has been a wonderful year though we didn't ride much after October. Granddaughter HarliAnn is growing up right before our eyes.

Always the "Rocker". Grand daughter Lauren we're sure pictures herself on stage one day.

We wish everyone a prosperous and joyous New Year. Look for us on the road in 2008.
Peace..Doc and Karen