Once in Mississippi, we exited within mile two, and headed towards Highway 90. Once over Bay St. Louis, you are riding right next to the beach. As mentioned before, we had wonderful weather, and riding next to the beach was sublime. There was no feeling to ride fast or find winding roads. The bright sandy beach mingled with a relatively calm ocean juxtaposed with the steady rhythm of riding on a motorcycle was settling any lingering thoughts on previous stressful events. Traffic on Friday morning was limited and made for steady driving.
Around Long Beach, we happened upon a large group of motorcyclist out for a ride. Instead of by-passing, we joined in with this large group. First time riding with a large group of people. Eric attempted to find out where they were going, but couldn't understand due to helmets, ear plugs, and age (cheap shot). After riding with the group (I noticed a variety of different plates from the southeast), we had to make pit stop, and lost the group afterwards. It was nice while it lasted.
Once in Alabama, we took Highways 188 to 193 heading towards Dauphin Island. We found some curves to have touch of the adrenaline. For some reason, Eric and I like to ride ferries [insert inappropriate joke here]. So, part of the planning was to take the ferry from Dauphin Island to Fort Morgan, and check out Fort Morgan. I think we have ridden the majority of current operating ferries in Louisiana, and feel like we have ridden 1 or 2 more in other states. I should keep better track of our journeys. Here we are waiting for the ferry.
The ferry ride was about 35 minutes. There are observational decks on the boat to enjoy the view, but I was too busy admiring myself and my bike.
The waves were a touch choppy, and our bikes rocked back and forth. We were a little nervous they might fall over, and lifting those bikes is not fun. Although we do riding off road and there is a greater chance of dropping your bike, we try to avoid from picking them up as much as possible. However, the suspension held and no bikes fell.
On the other side was Fort Morgan, and part of the initial planning was to stop there and have a look around. With the days getting shorter, we decided to visit on our way back to ensure that we have enough time to wander around and get our history on.
The drive through the rest of Alabama and into Florida was in a single word- sublime. Clear skies, cool breeze, and pulchritudinous scenery provided a relaxing and refreshing ride.On a side note the GPS ( a favorite rider of ours refers to his as Doofus/Dingus), took us oddly through downtown Gulf Breeze. It was unnecessary, but the GPS doesn't know better. The many times that I have passed through that area, and I have never seen the quaint downtown area.
We arrived at Fort Pickens with a couple hours left of daylight. The place was packed! There were a few spots open, and it seemed everyone was getting in there last bit of camping before the temperatures really went south. Although that night, the temperatures were in the high 40s, but I love the cold.
After setting up camp, instead of forging for our own wood, we decided to purchase pre-cut wood at the little story very close to the campsite. How to you transport wood on a motorcycle? Stacking and bungee cords- that's how. However, on previous trips, I have used duct tape.
The first night of camping we consumed some dried backpacking food. On a previous trip, Eric and I found out that one of these packs of food is enough for two people. We figured it out as we were both eating our own bags and became full with plenty left in the bag. Using our higher level skills of cognition ( we both have Master level degrees), we were able to deduce (read) that the packs clearly stated that it contains two 14 oz serving sizes. These are made for people that are exerting a lot of energy, and are very filling. I can eat a lot (I once ate 5 omelettes with 4 eggs per omelette and wanted more, but was forcible cut off), and have been called Mikey or Trash Compactor to give you an idea of my ability to consume large quantities of food per sitting. I was only able to eat half of one of those bags after a very full day of riding. With this previously found information of quantity, we shared a single bag of Kathamandu Curry with a glass of scotch per usual celebration.
Here is Eric prepping the meal.
Catching some great shows on Caveman TV:
More to come.
Until I ramble on again. . .
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