Click on pic for larger version. Updates to follow...That's it for today. Stay tuned
Thursday, March 26, 2009
3/26/09
Preview of this weekend's trip...
Click on pic for larger version. Updates to follow...
That's it for today. Stay tuned
Click on pic for larger version. Updates to follow...That's it for today. Stay tuned
Monday, March 9, 2009
3/8/09
Today I decided to drive back home. There's some family stuff going on early next week and I need to be in Atlanta for it.
So, I drove 650 miles in one shot - needed a nap when I got home..
It was race day in Atlanta, and I thought I'd get caught up in traffic. Turns out I got caught up in traffic, but not from the race. Somebody coming back from Bikeweek in Daytona turned left into the guardrail. By the time I got to the site, the parts were loaded up on a wrecker.
Hope whoever it was, is OK. Tried to take a picture, but got my doorpanel instead - oh well.
Random toughts:
While at home, I'll not be updating the blog unless I take a side trip. I'll be going on at least 3 more trips in the coming months. If you want to be kept upto date, please subscribe and you'll automatically get notified when I post new entries.
Well, that's it for today... Stay tuned
So, I drove 650 miles in one shot - needed a nap when I got home..
It was race day in Atlanta, and I thought I'd get caught up in traffic. Turns out I got caught up in traffic, but not from the race. Somebody coming back from Bikeweek in Daytona turned left into the guardrail. By the time I got to the site, the parts were loaded up on a wrecker.
Hope whoever it was, is OK. Tried to take a picture, but got my doorpanel instead - oh well.Random toughts:
- Livestock breakdown - Left 857 (includes 7 chicken coops @ 1000 each=7000 / 10 = 700 left), right, 140.
- The clouds look great.
- Lots of Ontario and Michigan license plates.
- Listening to - One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey. A most excellent tome. I had to rent the movie when I got home.
While at home, I'll not be updating the blog unless I take a side trip. I'll be going on at least 3 more trips in the coming months. If you want to be kept upto date, please subscribe and you'll automatically get notified when I post new entries.
Well, that's it for today... Stay tuned
Sunday, March 8, 2009
3/7/09
Naples, Florida.
The day is finally here.
The whole reason I went to Florida in the first place.
Swamp buggy races! Woo hoo!
At the Florida Sports Park.
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&q=26.105061,+-81.689464&jsv=148e&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=41.496446,55.546875&ie=UTF8&geocode=FeVUjgEdiIQh-w&split=0
What can I say?
Totally redneck, totally fun. I had a blast.
I took some videos and when I figure out how to upload to Utube.com and embed links I'll update the blog.
Had a great time hanging out with Matt and his little girl, Julie. The 4 year old was so cute. She would stand up and stomp her feet when the racing was going on. Her favorite phrase was "When will the Jeeps come out again, daddy?"
Here are some pics of the action.
One of the V8s. Check out the rooster tails. They don't even dip in the Sippy hole.
Jeeps getting ready
In the "Sippy" hole.
These things are powered by air-cooled high revving motorcycle engines. I have no idea how much horsepower they put out, but two actually did wheelies.
Swamp buggy queen. I think the other one is the princess. Look for the girls in tiaras in the middle of the picture. I have no idea why they're behind the fence. They don't look too dangerous.
What a great day. Low humidity, temperature in the low 80s, no skeeters.
Random Thoughts:
The day is finally here.
The whole reason I went to Florida in the first place.
Swamp buggy races! Woo hoo!
At the Florida Sports Park.
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&q=26.105061,+-81.689464&jsv=148e&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=41.496446,55.546875&ie=UTF8&geocode=FeVUjgEdiIQh-w&split=0
What can I say?
Totally redneck, totally fun. I had a blast.
I took some videos and when I figure out how to upload to Utube.com and embed links I'll update the blog.
Had a great time hanging out with Matt and his little girl, Julie. The 4 year old was so cute. She would stand up and stomp her feet when the racing was going on. Her favorite phrase was "When will the Jeeps come out again, daddy?"
Here are some pics of the action.
One of the V8s. Check out the rooster tails. They don't even dip in the Sippy hole.
Jeeps getting ready
In the "Sippy" hole.
These things are powered by air-cooled high revving motorcycle engines. I have no idea how much horsepower they put out, but two actually did wheelies.
Swamp buggy queen. I think the other one is the princess. Look for the girls in tiaras in the middle of the picture. I have no idea why they're behind the fence. They don't look too dangerous.What a great day. Low humidity, temperature in the low 80s, no skeeters.
Random Thoughts:
- Naples is a pretty swanky town. No slums in this place
- Did notice a lot of homogeneity as to residents and visitors
- Substandard Mexican food and hardly any other ethnic restaurants
- Why is everyone driving way under the speed limit?
- The town shuts down at 10pm
- Funnel cakes and fairy floss!
- What's the deal with all the Germans at the Hotel? Did Lufthansa have a sale?
- Livestock update: 2 barracudas, 3 Mustangs, 1 Stingray (at the classic car show)
Saturday, March 7, 2009
3/6/09
Left Ft. Lauderdale and started making my way to Naples for the festivities tomorrow.
I thought I'd never make it out of Miami. It took 3 hours for what I was hoping would be quick Walmart/BJs visits. Patience was exercised in dealing with traffic and WAY too sophisticated traffic management devices. Is it just me or are the traffic lights in this city off kilter just a tad?
Decided to take the Tamiami Trail (US41) through the Everglades to pass “through paradise of primeval forests and toothy animals” according to the St Petersburg times.
I would recommend the drive to everyone. It only takes an extra 30 minutes from Miami proper, but the scenery is worth it. Some of the pictures from the trail are below.
The trip itself was uneventful. Was not accosted by anybody and had an overall pleasant time.
Scored an excellent deal on accommodations through Hotwire.com. Very pleasant front desk people. What a pleasant surprise.
Random thoughts:
Mockingbird at the tourist info center.
You can see the charring from the last fire.
Front page of the sports section - Ft. Lauderdale paper.
The route.
Well, that's it for today. Stay tuned
I thought I'd never make it out of Miami. It took 3 hours for what I was hoping would be quick Walmart/BJs visits. Patience was exercised in dealing with traffic and WAY too sophisticated traffic management devices. Is it just me or are the traffic lights in this city off kilter just a tad?
Decided to take the Tamiami Trail (US41) through the Everglades to pass “through paradise of primeval forests and toothy animals” according to the St Petersburg times.
I would recommend the drive to everyone. It only takes an extra 30 minutes from Miami proper, but the scenery is worth it. Some of the pictures from the trail are below.
The trip itself was uneventful. Was not accosted by anybody and had an overall pleasant time.
Scored an excellent deal on accommodations through Hotwire.com. Very pleasant front desk people. What a pleasant surprise.
Random thoughts:
- People fishing off Tamiami Trail. Wonder what they're catching?
- Construction on the Tamiami Trail – in the middle of the Everglades. Stuck! For about 30 minutes.
- Campgrounds OK, but houses in the middle of the Everglades?
- There's the Dade-Collier training airport - http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&q=25.863342,+-80.897414&jsv=148e&sll=25.864167,-81.137595&sspn=0.023093,0.04343&ie=UTF8&geocode=Fa6kigEdepot-w&split=0 Check it out and Zoom out to see the trail in Google Maps. Sorry, you'll have to cut/paste - still haven't figure out hot to embed links...
- Livestock breakdown: Left 1 manatee, Right 2 alligators.
- Still listening to: The First Law by John Lescroat
- Either the tap water doesn't smell as bad as it used to, or I'm losing my sense of smell.
Mockingbird at the tourist info center.
You can see the charring from the last fire.
Front page of the sports section - Ft. Lauderdale paper.
The route.Well, that's it for today. Stay tuned
Thursday, March 5, 2009
3/5/09
Left Key West after breakfast at Ana's Cuban Cafe – see entry from 5/4. The trip north was not as bad as the trip down. Maybe because I didn't drive as long. Found acceptable accommodations in Ft. Lauderdale, so I'm be spending the night here.
Here are some pictures from the Key West to Ft Lauderdale leg.
So, I walk up to the check-in counter of the hotel this afternoon and as soon as I put my hands on the marble, the clerk remembers he needs to call his SO and finalize plans for the evening. I stood there for 3 minutes before he even acknowledged my presence. I was in awe of him when he did though. He only screwed up my check-in 4 times. I hope he and his boyfriend have a fight, get watered down drinks, consume lettuce past its prime and the valet loses their keys. Not that I was upset or anything.
Had the best cooked fish I've had in years at Flanigan's. Truly outstanding. Drove around Miami tonight. Saw the pretty lights and smelled the ocean. Notably, I saw a drug deal go down on US1 & Dixie Hwy. It was between a 7 year old Hyundai and a guy on a bicycle. They need to work on their delivery if I was able to spot them from across the street.
Random Thoughts:
Here are some pictures from the Key West to Ft Lauderdale leg.
So, I walk up to the check-in counter of the hotel this afternoon and as soon as I put my hands on the marble, the clerk remembers he needs to call his SO and finalize plans for the evening. I stood there for 3 minutes before he even acknowledged my presence. I was in awe of him when he did though. He only screwed up my check-in 4 times. I hope he and his boyfriend have a fight, get watered down drinks, consume lettuce past its prime and the valet loses their keys. Not that I was upset or anything.Had the best cooked fish I've had in years at Flanigan's. Truly outstanding. Drove around Miami tonight. Saw the pretty lights and smelled the ocean. Notably, I saw a drug deal go down on US1 & Dixie Hwy. It was between a 7 year old Hyundai and a guy on a bicycle. They need to work on their delivery if I was able to spot them from across the street.
Random Thoughts:
- Where do hotels get their counter staff and do they teach them ANYTHING about customer service?
- Aren't there enough wifebeater shirts already?
- Livestock breakdown - Left 4 hookers, Right 2 pimps.
- Listening to: The First Law by John Lescroat
3/4/09
Wednesday
Left Orlando and headed to the keys. Stuck to mostly the turnpike. Traffic was not too bad until I got to US1. I don't know if I would do that again though. I must have spent at least $15 .00 on tolls, and there are limited exits (read – not too many places to relieve oneself.) Somewhere along the way, I did manage to disrespect a McD's bathroom..
Here are some picture of the drive down.
KW is a walker town. This is not something you want to attempt on a rickety leg. That said, I actually walked around for a couple of miles and stopped for the best roasted pork cuban sandwich I've ever had. The place is around the corner form the Blue Marlin Motel
– where discriminating travelers stay... With a cold brew on the patio, it was phenomenal.
At the same place I ran into this guy all dressed in yellow – I mean bright, OSHA yellow. Normal looking dude, but he accosted me as I was cleaning up wanting to tell me all about his parachute jump yesterday and how he was going to parasail tomorrow. I told him to wait till I was done, and he said he wasn't waiting for anything. Then he went on a diatribe about how the yankees come down and ruin everything. I wasn't about to argue with this induhvidual, so I walked off. I don't know what kind of vibe I give out to attract the sub-ordinary, yet mildly entertaining. Here's a pic
Took the obligatory picture of the “Southernmost” point in the continental US.
Then turned around and took a picture of the upper 48. I wonder how many touristas do that?
Sadly, the sunset was quite ordinary tonight and I couldn't get to a descent location for a picture.
WiFi is very sporadic at this hotel. Either that, or the first and second honeymooners are really spanking it.
Shirtless person having a heated discussion with the law. I think they were discussing the pros and cons of the designated hitter. Again, sadly, no Tasers were used. Where are the COPS cameras when you need them?
Motorcycles Everywhere! These are the ones right outside my room. Got nice echo from the enclosure.
The cigar factgory
Random thoughts:
Left Orlando and headed to the keys. Stuck to mostly the turnpike. Traffic was not too bad until I got to US1. I don't know if I would do that again though. I must have spent at least $15 .00 on tolls, and there are limited exits (read – not too many places to relieve oneself.) Somewhere along the way, I did manage to disrespect a McD's bathroom..
Here are some picture of the drive down.
KW is a walker town. This is not something you want to attempt on a rickety leg. That said, I actually walked around for a couple of miles and stopped for the best roasted pork cuban sandwich I've ever had. The place is around the corner form the Blue Marlin Motel
– where discriminating travelers stay... With a cold brew on the patio, it was phenomenal.At the same place I ran into this guy all dressed in yellow – I mean bright, OSHA yellow. Normal looking dude, but he accosted me as I was cleaning up wanting to tell me all about his parachute jump yesterday and how he was going to parasail tomorrow. I told him to wait till I was done, and he said he wasn't waiting for anything. Then he went on a diatribe about how the yankees come down and ruin everything. I wasn't about to argue with this induhvidual, so I walked off. I don't know what kind of vibe I give out to attract the sub-ordinary, yet mildly entertaining. Here's a pic
Took the obligatory picture of the “Southernmost” point in the continental US.
Then turned around and took a picture of the upper 48. I wonder how many touristas do that?
Sadly, the sunset was quite ordinary tonight and I couldn't get to a descent location for a picture.
WiFi is very sporadic at this hotel. Either that, or the first and second honeymooners are really spanking it.
Shirtless person having a heated discussion with the law. I think they were discussing the pros and cons of the designated hitter. Again, sadly, no Tasers were used. Where are the COPS cameras when you need them?
Motorcycles Everywhere! These are the ones right outside my room. Got nice echo from the enclosure.
The cigar factgory
Random thoughts:- What is that smell at the West Palm Beach exit?
- What is that smell as you're just entering Key Largo?
- Too many hours and miles traveling 30-50mph.
- Scooters have the run of the city
- Did you guys know that now is the busy season for the keys? No wonder I couldn't score a deal on a hotel.
- I miss my DVR already
- Livestock breakdown – Left 58, Right 10+2 alligators.
- Tried to listen to “The Illuminator”. Sorry Brenda Rickman Vantrease. 4 hours of piousness and medieval church politics was enough for me. Can't handle the other 11.
- Bad travel food: Arizona Jack's Beef Jerky – Teriyaki/Soft. That flavor should have never left the bottle.
- Good travel food – Cheetos even though finger licking is required.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
3/3/09
Post 1 - Since I decided to take the year off and fart around, I thought it'd be a good idea to document the thing. Thank you ---------- for laying me off and providing me with this opportunity. Well, I got the OK from the knee surgeon to start traveling yesterday. She said to go and enjoy, but walk with the cane in case I need to lean on it or whack anybody who gets in my way. Left Atlanta at about 10:00am and headed down I75. 
Did not encounter any Johnnies until after the Florida line.
Arrived at hotel, called from the parking lot and got a good rate with Sam's membership. Turns out you can get into Epcot center for free if you sit thru a presentation of some resort or another. Didn't feel the knee was up to it, so I punted.
Notables from the road:
Did not encounter any Johnnies until after the Florida line.Arrived at hotel, called from the parking lot and got a good rate with Sam's membership. Turns out you can get into Epcot center for free if you sit thru a presentation of some resort or another. Didn't feel the knee was up to it, so I punted.
Notables from the road:
- The Google street view guy. Ever wanted to see what Google uses to record the street views? Here's a picture. I don't know if he was recording... He was averaging 80mph all the time I was behind him. If he was, you'll see my mug from the north end of the Florida Turnpike to the toll plaza. Yea, I tailed him and made faces at the camera.
- Gourmet burger + onion rings - $4.00 - Near Tifton, GA
- I swear these clouds were Pink
- Listening to: Peace Kills by P.J. O'Rourke.
- Livestock breakdown – those that have traveled with me know what this is. The rest of you, ask if you're confused. Left – 297 including horses and goats (bonus) Right – 284 including horses, sheep (no bonus) and 2 salt licks. I make the rules
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