Recharging: Part 1

Where to begin a story can be difficult. Do I start this tale from when Eric's girlfriend (the fabulous Brandy) sent me a text (because he was driving) about having a motorcycle trip weekend? Do I start from the preparations of the trip and why we chose the direction to head? Do I start from the day of the trip? Do I start from the end and work my way backwards? Do I go Memento style and jump around?

I'll start here:

Combining an old love with a new love has proven to be an experience that proverbial recharges my batteries. I know you wonder, "Rob, why do you need to recharge your batteries so often. I mean I don't get to, and I have more headaches than you- you bum." My response is everyone needs to engage in self care on a regular and basis, and I'm sorry you don't get to as often due to responsibilities. Make a concerted effort to take care of yourself so the everyday stressors are set to 5 instead of 11. My juvenile response is, "Don't be jealous!"

 I have been camping from a very young age, and it is one of my favorite things to do. There is nothing like sitting around the fire (also known as Caveman TV) and oscillating between conversations and comfortable silence. Even large national campgrounds, there is a sense of privacy and respect for the natural beauty, which equates to people actually being respectful of their neighbors. The infinity of the sky is awe inspiring. I'm not much of an astronomer, but outer space is cool. Also, coffee never taste better than when it is brewed after a night in the sleeping bag.

 I find complete tranquility in the late evenings and early mornings of camping. I believe this is a perfect counterbalance to riding a motorcycle.

On top of Gizmo, I have solitude, but feel connected because there is not much between you, the pavement, and cars. Senses tend to run high while maneuvering around turns and the flow of traffic. There is excitement, concentration, and technical challenge while riding a motorcycle. On a side note, I will never understand not wearing full gear and driving reckless. Florida has no helmet laws and we say many people riding topless (top of their head, naughty person). It is infectious riding a motorcycle.

Combining motorcycle riding and camping has the additive effect of minimizing what you can bring. I have side panniers that hold 39L and 25L respectively; plus two waterproof bags that can be strapped down, as noted above. When packing, you have to consider length of stay, weight, bulk, and necessity. It is a big puzzle to work on. Honestly, I'm already planning my next couple of camping trips (the perk of limited responsibilities and attachments).

It had been a tedious period leading up to my weekend getaway, but I was excited. We decide to go to Florida for our trip. Part of the reason is that Florida is a short drive away, there are some beautiful stretches of road, and I had not been to Fort Pickens for camping since 2002 with my brother and dad. The other reason is that after riding in Florida, I had ridden in all the southeastern states on my motorcycle: Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida was last on that list.

We left Baton Rouge in the morning, and we could not have asked for better weather. It was cool with a slight breeze. As previously stated, I ride in full gear all the time, and riding through traffic in summer it can be less fun, but this weather it is no bother to move slow. The first leg of our journey was I-12 (the dreaded tarmac/pavement), which is just straight. Once we hit Mississippi, it was time to get off the interstate and enjoy more picturesque roads.

More to come.

Until I ramble on again. . .