My apology for the abrupt motorcycle “interuptus”.

After leaving Apalachicola on April 3rd, I made a b-line to John and Denise Kuendig’s home in Ormond Beach, Florida.  I left my motorcycle at John and Denise’s home and flew back to CT on April 6th.  I returned home so that Catherine and I could join four other couples in Costa Rica (Dominical / Quepos on the West Coast).

After returning home from Costa Rica on April 22nd, John and I flew back to Ormond Beach where I spent a day at John’s and Denise’s beautiful home on the Intercoastal.

John and Denise could not have been better hosts and I am so thankful for everything they did for me and allowing me to “rest” my bike at their house while I went to Costa Rica with Catherine and the gang – Thank you, John and Denise!

Starting round two of my motorcycle adventure, I left Ormond Beach this morning and followed the shoreline on A1A up the Florida coast and crossed into Georgia at Kingsland, GA.  This is just a quick rest stop as tomorrow I am focused on getting to Savannah as early as I can so that I can explore the city.

Savannah’s role in the Civil War is legendary—it was one of the only towns left standing during Sherman’s famous ‘March to the Sea,” preserved and given as a Christmas present to Abraham Lincoln in 1864.   Therefore the city is well preserved and I am sure it is beautiful.

The drive from the Kuendig’s home and up the East Coast of Florida on the Famous A1A was a great drive.

So, tomorrow I am off to Savannah and looking forward to seeing this famous city.

Keep Wheeling!

Allow me to show you where I have been over the past weeks so that you get an idea of my location:

We started in New Orleans, Louisiana – The Green Dot
B) Grand Isle, Louisiana
C) Thibodaux, Louisiana
D) Breaux Bridge, Louisiana
E) Natchez, Mississippi
F) Vicksburg, Mississippi
G) Ocean Springs, Alabama
H) Fairhope, Alabama
I) Gulf Springs, Florida
J) Sandestin, Florida
K) Current Location – Apalachicola, Florida

I selected Apalachicola, Florida as a stopping point because Tim Mcgraw referenced it in his “Southern Voice” track (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdT8Tlzto20);

“Smooth as the hickory wind
That blows from Memphis
Down to Apalachicola
It’s hi Y’all did ya eat well
Come on in I’m
Sure glad to know ya”

It sounded so friendly and it has proved to be as friendly and welcoming as the song suggests.  In fact, I was going to stay one night and extended it to two as Apalachicola was so welcoming.

Apalachicola was established in 1831 and quickly became the third largest Cotton Shipping Port in the Gulf of Mexico.  Its success was due to its location at the mouth of the Apalachicola River which still plays a huge part of the town’s appeal today.

By 1836, 50,000 bales of Cotton were being exported through Apalachicola annually.  By 1840, more than 40 Three Story cotton warehouses lined the downtown waterfront.  By 1853, approximately 140,000 bales of cotton passed through the port of Apalachicola.

The cotton boom of Apalachicola was not to last as first, railroads made it faster and more economical to send the cotton by rail and second, the Civil War, stopped the shipment of Cotton ending Apalachicola’s Cotton industry.

Apalachicola reinvented itself as a home port for a variety of seafood workers, including oyster harvesters and Shrimpers. More than 90% of Florida’s oyster production and 10% of the entire US Oyster is harvested from Apalachicola Bay.

I entered Apalachicola on Florida State 65 through the Apalachicola National Forest.  A pristine forest maintained by the US Parks Department.

Apalachicola is a small, quiet town along a part of the Florida Coast that has certainly been forgotten.  In fact, it is marketed as the “Forgotten Coast”.  The town’s waterfront, along the Apalachicola River, is beautiful as is the town.

The 1st video is state route 65 to Apalachicola and the 2nd video is looking out on Apalachicola River from Water Street in Apalachicola.

Apalachicola River as viewed from Water Street in Apalachicola.

Apalachicola’s Oyster industry is, unfortunately, going the way of the Cotton Industry due to a number of environmental issues and over-harvesting.  Once, over 1,000 Oyster Boats Oystered the Apalachicola Bay and today, that number is down to less than 100.

But, the characters and personalities that make Apalachicola so much fun continue to define the community.  I was fortunate enough to find the Apalachicola Ice Company Tavern – A dive bar of the first degree, and I say that with great respect.

The Ice Company was founded in 1885 and with the advent of electricity, went out of business.  However, the proprietors, a couple named James and Erin, opened the old Ice Company warehouse as a tavern a few years ago.

I met Mark at the tavern and it turned out that his daughter, Erin, was the owner with her husband, James.  Under the heading of “don’t judge a book by its cover”, do not judge Mark by his overalls.  Let me tell you a little about Mark;

1. Mark was a lead roadie for Hendrick’s, Allman Brothers, Four Tops, etc.
2. Is a licensed riverboat captain and ran large barges up and down the Mississippi River
3. Is now developing an Oyster Farm in Apalachicola in conjunction with Tulane University and the University of Florida and is working towards establishing an Oyster farm that will employ over 500 workers.

These are the personalities that I looked forward to meeting on my adventure and was fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to talk to this gentleman.

On a completely different end of the spectrum, I was in Apalachicola on Easter Sunday and had the opportunity to attend a 7 AM Easter Sunrise Service on the water that was absolutely moving.  The Minister talks about the rising of Jesus as the sun rose over the water.

After the sermon, I rode my bike to Carabelle Beach which is 19 miles east of Apalachicola, on the Gulf, and along Route 98.

A very interesting fact about Carabelle Beach is that it was the US Army’s 4th Infantry’s training site for the Normandy invasion:

I bid farewell to Apalachicola, FL.  It was a great two days, reminding me of the grace that is found in believing, the fact that we should not judge people based on their appearance and that small towns sometimes offer the biggest lessons.

Tomorrow, or today, I leave for Perry, Florida as my next stop on my march to Ormond Beach and the Kuendig clan.

Keep Wheeling!

After leaving Fairhope, Alabama and crossing into Florida at the “Flora-Bama Bar and Grill line”, I settled into Sandestin, Florida for the purpose of discovering the Destin to Seaside area.

SEASIDE

Seaside, Florida, created in the 1970’s and 80’s, is one of the first communities in America to be designed on the fundamentals of New Urbanism.  New Urbanism is based on principles that existed prior to the advent of the automobile when the only way to get around was by horse – if you were lucky to own one.  So communities were built to be highly accessible for walking with wide streets, everything within walking distance and a strong sense of community.

Seaside was built with the same principles in mind.  Seaside is privately owned, no other municipal governments have planning jurisdiction over Seaside, and therefore the developers are able to write their own zoning codes.  Some of these include wide “lanes”, everything accessible within walking distance, no private front lawns and only native plants, all signs are white with blue lettering, including signs that contain the name of the home and the majority of the homes, if not all, are built in Victorian or Neoclassical design.

Seaside is a whimsical community where children run around and parents sit out on the front porch greeting strangers as they walk by.

Seaside’s homes range from the simple whimsical to three-story mansions.Within walking distance of the community is Florida route 30-A.  On 30-A, in Seaside, is a cornucopia of food trucks that the community lines up to have dinner and enjoy the community spirit.

Seaside, Florida was truly impressive and if you ever get the opportunity to visit, I assure you of a great vacation location.

SANDESTIN

Sandestin is a nice resort community in Miramar Beach, Florida.  Sandestin and neighboring Santa Rosa Beach have some decent restaurants, beautiful beaches and a are a community where the streets roll-up at 9 PM.  Seriously, if you are out past 9 – 10 PM, do not count on any commercial transportation because many Uber and Lyft drivers are retirees and have gone to bed (a glimpse of my future? — NOT)

My evening started at Johnny McTighe’s Irish Pub, where else?  A great dive bar where the kids are invited as well.  Albeit, in another room, but the kids are hanging out while Mom and Dad, in the words of Billy Joel, slowly get stoned.  Really a fun Tavern with great bumper stickers – worth the visit.

Johnny McTighe’s Tavern

A Great Dive Bar

Don’t forget the Kids at McTighe’s

Don’t forget the Kids at McTighe’s

And let us not forget the Bumper Stickers.

After leaving Johnny’s Mctighe’s, I was off to the Growler Garage as I heard that they served beer, wine, and motorcycles are on exhibit – they do, just not past 8 PM.  They were closed for adult beverages, but the door was open for Motorcycle viewing.

Growler Garage is owned by Mitch Omar, an artist of rebuilt motorcycles and the owner of O’s Custom Paints (ww.ospaint.com).  Mitch focuses on the custom hand painting of all makes and models of motorcycles.  O’s Custom Paints is the exclusive custom painter/designer for the “Elvis Presley Harley Davidson Series” (I didn’t even know they had one).

And, Beautiful custom Bikes.

Following an interesting conversation with Mitch at Growler and as the Growler Garage was closed, I wandered across the street to La Playa – A mixed age bar with a three-piece band.

OBSERVATIONS

As my adventure draws me East, I feel an evolution of the people and culture from Louisiana to Mississippi, to Alabama to Florida.

In Louisiana, at least in Thibodaux and Breaux Bridge, I was surprised at how open and welcoming the people are.  However, in North Western Florida (Sandestin, Miramar Beach, etc), I find the folks a bit jaded.  I don’t say this as a negative but as an observation.

When I passed small town and villages in Louisiana, the people were genuinely interested in my travels.  They simply do not get a lot of “strangers” in their community, so I was an anomaly.  A new ingredient.  Something to check out.

In North Western Florida, as this is a huge vacation destination, the NW Florida community is not impressed with “strange visitors”.  They are used to transients (vacationer) passing through.  This has made it more difficult for me to strike up interesting conversations and interactions.

But, I will continue to try as I make my way to John and Denise Kuendig’s house in Ormond Beach.  In the meantime, I’m off to Apalachicola, Florida.  Apalachicola harvests over 90% of the oysters sold in Florida and 10% of the nationwide supply.  Guess there are more oysters in my future.

Keep Wheeling!

I have spent the past three days in Alabama and crossing into Florida exploring the coast and I must admit, it is getting harder and harder to find the fun dive bars.  However, not to fret, because I did.

After leaving Vicksburg, I made the ride to Ocean Springs, Alabama and then onto Fairhope, Alabama.  A quick note on Ocean Springs — if you book yourself into a motel in Ocean Springs, Alabama that is listed for $59/night and when you pull in the sign says “Extended Stay for as low as $55/night,” you may have overrated the motel.  I slept on top of the covers.

Leaving Ocean Springs, the options were to ride through Mobile and down the East Coast of Mobile Bay to Fairhope or to extend the ride a bit and go to Dauphin Island and then take a ferry from Dauphin Island to Fort Morgan and then onto my destination of Fairhope, Alabama.   I decided on the Fairy. Ocean Springs can be missed so I will focus on Dauphin Island as it was a memorable adventure and Fairhope as it is a beautiful town. It has a beautiful waterfront park and truly one of the best oyster bars I have visited.  However, going to the Fairhope beach is not exactly like visiting Todd’s Point in Greenwich, CT.

On the Fairhope Municipal Pier, I found an Oyster Meca called Shux

Having found Shux, I will say that in an earlier blog I sang the praise of visitor centers.  Now, I will sing the praise of bartenders who are willing to give you the straight scoop.  At Shux, I met Mel who was a bartender who knew her stuff and she directed me to “The Mag” – the Magnolia Bar and Grill for some Karaoke.  Never one to miss an opportunity to sing, off I went.

Before I left Fairhope, I had the privilege, thanks to my Sister Inlaw, Cynthia Bell and Brother Inlaw, Jimmy Bell to tour the Mobile–Tensaw River Delta.  The Mobile–Tensaw River Delta is the largest river delta and wetland in Alabama. It encompasses approximately 260,000 acres in a 40-by-10-mile area and is the second largest delta in the Contiguous United States.

If you are interested in what a Delta is…

Saying goodbye to Fairhope, I was off to Gulf Breeze, Florida.  But not before I had the opportunity to make a 10AM stop at the famous Flora-Bama Bar and Oyster Bar.  A bar situated directly on the Florida / Alabama state line.  One can buy Florida Lottery tickets on one side of the bar and not on the other side (Alabama does not have a lottery as it would be gambling)

Tomorrow I am off to Seaside Florida which is where they shot “The Truman Show” starring Jim Carry.  It maybe a bit staid.

Keep Wheeling!

PEK

Yesterday was a long day of riding as I had to get to the Indian Dealership in Hattiesburg, MS for a rear suspension alignment – not my rear end, the Indian Motorcycle’s thank you very much.  The amount of stuff I was carrying was too heavy or as my daughter, Emma informed me, “Dad, you have too much junk in your trunk”.

Even though it was a long ride, one credo of riding is to avoid highways and interstates and look for county roads and byways and the more turns the better.  These roads are more fun and you find interesting sites and adventures.  As these roads are not well mapped or monitored, sometimes you win and sometimes you lose.

And another win, like riding the Natchez Trace Parkway, this was De Soto National Park in Mississippi.  I miss pronounce it in the video – or maybe it is just my Northeast accent.

Even though it was over 7 hours of riding it was a great day, great sites and adventures.

Returning to the Gulf Coast.  This time in Alabama and Florida.

Keep Wheeling!

Mississippi in general and Natchez and Vicksburg, MS specifically, drew me to their rich Southern Civil War History.  I spent a half day in Natchez and one and a half days in Vicksburg.

Consider for a moment if the United Confederate States had won the war.  The Southern border of the United States would be the Confederacy.  The United States, as we know it now, would not exist and in her place would be two countries.  The USA would be half the country she is today, both geographically and geopolitically.  This would not have been good and would have changed the history of the world.

I for one am pleased it turned out the way it did and all the people I spoke to in both Louisiana and Mississipi, today, agree.  They are first Americans and second Southerners.

My short visit to Natchez consisted primarily of a visit to Longwood Mansion.  Longwood is a fascinating story.  Originally planned to be a 40,000 sq ft (yes, 40K) antebellum octogonal home, the project was never completed.

In 1859, cotton planter Dr. Haller Nutt commissioned the building of Longwood.  Sixty to seventy-five Amish builders from Pennsylvania were hired to construct this opulent home for his family.  The builders completed the entire exterior of Longwood from 1859 to 1861 when the Civil War began.  When war broke out, the Pennsylvania builders left, leaving the structure far from completed.  Of the thirty-two rooms planned, only nine were completed in the basement.  Dr. Nutt died in 1864 and the family, due to the war, was left without the finances to complete the project.

With my completion of the Longwood, Mansion tour, I was off to find an adult beverage which led me to King’s Tavern.  The King’s Tavern building was built in 1769, making it the oldest structure in Natchez.  Unfortunately, it was closed.

Looks Old

Not to be denied, I found my way “Under the Hill”.  Under the Hill refers to the area along the Mississippi River, below the hill that Natchez is built on.  And, what would I find there, but the “Under the Hill” Tavern on Silver Steet, where I met my newest, best friend, Dave, a retired Captain in the Natchez Police Force.

But, the Under the Hill area and Silver Street was not just about the Tavern.  It turns out that at one point, prior to 1940’s, Silver Street, where the tavern is today, was not on the banks of the Mississippi, but five blocks back from the water.  In the 1940’s, the government decided to change the flow of the river and submerged five blocks of Natchez, and a horse racing track under the river.  This was to form two lakes.

From Natchez, I rode to Vicksburg, much faster than Ulysses S. Grant, on the extraordinary Natchez Trace Parkway.  This magnificent National Park Service Parkway has no commercial structures, advertising or trucks.  It is pristine.

Now, I return to the Civil War.

The most influential battle of the war, in my opinion, was the Battle of Vicksburg (which was more of a siege than a battle).  The reason being that Vicksburg allowed the Confederate States to control the Mississippi River.  With control of the River, the North could not move troops, ammunition, and commerce from the north to the south which hampered the North’s ability to wage war and hurt the economy.  Abraham Lincoln said, “The Key to the war is Vicksburg and we cannot win until that key is in our pocket.”

But before the Siege of Vicksburg could begin, the Northern troops needed to get there.  The Confederate army made their stand at a place called Champion Hill, about 45 miles east of Vicksburg, in a battle that became known as the Battle of Champion Hill.  This was the most bloody battle of the Vicksburg campaign and possibly the turning point of the war.

Champion Hill was, and to this day, owned by the Champion Family.  I was lucky enough to score a private tour of the Champion Hill battlefield from Sid Champion, the great, great grandson of Sid Champion, the owner of the Champion House site and most of the property where the battle was waged

The Federals won the battle and the Confederate Troops barely escaped back to Vicksburg.  The Union Army, under General Ulysses S Grant, cut the city off from reinforcements, ammunition, and food for what turned out to be a six-week siege.  Facing hunger and starvation for the Confederate troops and the civilians of Vicksburg, the Confederate General, Lt. Gen. John C. Pemberton, surrendered Vicksburg on July 4th, 1863

Following the Battle of Champion Hill tour and a tour of the Vicksburg National Military Park, I visited the County Courthouse Museum where I was enlightened about the South’s embrace of the Civil War and their belief that it should not be forgotten.  As Sid informed me, the Civil War today is about “Heritage, not Hate”.

An interesting note is that the President of the Confederacy, Jefferson Davis, never repented his involvement in the war and is celebrated in the Museum with a full room tribute.

In Vicksburg, MS, and I assume the rest of the deep South as well, they celebrate the heritage that is their history.  I am not saying whether this is right or wrong, I am just saying that this is the reason that the South defends the Stars and Bars.

One topic that consistently brought out the anger of Dave, Sid, and others I spoke to was the effort today to bury the history by taking down flags and statues that support their heritage.  To them, it is not hate, but their history.  I had one gentleman explain that “the war was an honorable battle, not to claim what was not theirs, but to defend what they felt was their State rights, much like the Revolutionary War.”

Today, I have a greater understanding of the South’s position and, may I add, a greater respect for their opinion.  Not about slavery, of course.  And, nobody I spoke to was defending slavery.  In fact, the Southern areas that I visited appear to be more integrated and diverse than some areas in the Northeast.  Today, in the minds of the people I spoke to, the effort is to maintain the history.

This is the type of dialogue we need to encourage.

Leaving Mississippi and heading for the Gulf Coast of Alabama.

Keep Wheeling!

I continue to be so impressed by the kindness and hospitality shown me by the folks in Louisiana. And, not to mention, Crawfish and Alligators.
Yesterday, I rode my bike from Thibodaux to Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. The ride was extremely challenging as, at times, the rain was torrential. The worst of the rain hit me on the elevated, four-lane, I-10 Interstate.  I-10 is an architectural wonder as an 18.2-mile bridge across the Atchafalaya River and its accompanying swamp. Literally built on stilts across a snake and alligator-infested swamp area.
Towards the end of my time on I-10, I saw a sign for a Visitors Center.  Allow me to digress and comment on Visitor Centers.  We so often see signs for Visitor Centers and I am sure that the majority of readers, and I, ignore them. But, to a tired and weary traveler, in an unfamiliar area, these visitor centers are invaluable.
I walked into the center and met a woman behind the counter named Marilee Thibodeaux.  We struck up a conversation and when I informed her that I was, 1) traveling to Breaux Bridge and 2) hoping to find Crawfish and Zydeco music, she did not hesitate but to invite me to the Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival Poster Unveiling celebration.
A celebration that consisted of Zydeco Music and a celebration of Crawfish.  She also saved me valuable minutes, in bad weather, by giving me proper directions to my Bayou Cabin Bed and Breakfast. I took her up on her offer and, her directions.

First, allow me to share pictures of the Bayou Cabin Bed and Breakfast. To say the least, the B&B is rustic and eclectic, not for everyone, but so much fun.

After checking in, I was off to the Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival Poster Unveiling

Unfortunately, I had to leave early as the next day I was scheduled for a Champagne’s Cajun Swamp Tour – a display of 50 or more impressive alligators and other animals.

Following the swamp tour, I was off to experience Breaux Bridge Crawfish at “Crazy Bout Crawfish”

A fast-paced, fun 2 days with Crawfish Festivals, Alligators, and Crawfish.  Tomorrow I am off to explore the Civil War monuments in Natchez, MS, and Vicksburg, MS.

Keep Wheeling

As stated in an earlier blog, one of the pillars of my trip was to meet new people and gain new perspectives.

Thibodaux was the epitome of this pillar.  It exemplified the importance and fun of community and family.

Honestly writing, Thibodaux, I thought, was merely a stopover on my way to Breaux Bridge, Louisiana.  I left Grand Isle, Louisiana this morning and made a beeline to Thibodaux as the weather was rainy and I was hoping to avoid getting caught in a downpour.  I arrived in Thibodaux at 11:30 AM, checked into the Carmel Inn and Suites, a very nice accommodation and headed out to explore Thibodaux.

I walked to town and into a tavern called the Red Goose Saloon where I sat down to watch the Duke Rhode Island NCAA Men’s Basketball game.  Catherine, having attended Duke, gave me every reason to root for Duke (Duke won the game).  I sat at the bar for about an hour, by myself, nursing a couple of beers, or maybe more.

After about an hour, a gentleman walked into the tavern, spends a few minutes and then goes to the front door of the bar and opens it to the street.  He comes back and tells me that the tavern needed some fresh air.  I agree, thinking that it was not my place to make that decision.  He then tells me it is OK for him to leave the door open because he owns the bar and it is at this point that I meet Tommy Toups.  The day changed immediately for the better.

Tommy was a most gracious host, introducing me to his friends and family, including his wife Wendy, his brother Buddy, and Buddy’s wife Sheila, Tim, who had just returned from Daytona Bike Week and AJ, another relative of the Toups family.

Today, being St. Patricks Day was a special celebration in Thibodaux with events on the Bayou, bands, and dancing.  First, Tommy invited me to watch the Cardboard Boat Races.

People lined the shore to catch the action.

Next on the agenda was musical bands that brought everybody out into the street.

It was easy to get loose at the Red Goose Saloon in Thibodaux.

One sad note is that Thibodaux is the home of Nicholls State University.  The Colonels Women’s Basketball Team made the NCAA DI Tournament this year but lost to the Mississippi State Bulldogs.  But, the town overcame the disappointment and still managed to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day.

Final note, the Red Goose was founded in the 1930’s as the Red Goose Shoe Store by Tommy’s family.  Later, the family decided that there was more profit in Adult Beverages than in shoes and the Red Goose became a tavern.  Today, Tommy and his family own the Red Goose Tavern, and it is truly a family affair.  I encourage anybody who visits Thibodaux to visit the Red Goose Tavern as it is a special place.

It was an honor being invited not only into the Toups’ celebration but invited to be part of the Thibodaux community.  I had a great day and it will be a memory I will never forget.

Tomorrow I am off to Breaux Bridge, Louisiana where on Monday I am going on a swamp tour.  Speak on Monday.

Keep Wheeling.

The Motorcycle Adventure started this morning after saying goodbye to Catherine at the New Orleans airport.  We spent three very nice days in New Orleans exploring the WWII Museum, an incredible experience, and equally powerful, the Evergreen Plantation, and enjoying great dinners.

Let me first say, I am so appreciative that Catherine supports my dreams and adventures.  Catherine, thank you and I love you.

My ride begins by exploring the Bayou Region, La Fourche Parish, and Grand Isle.  I started this morning from St Rose Louisiana’s Indian Motorcycle of New Orleans Dealership.

I rode south on 310 to 90 West when I found a Louisiana Tourist center that I decided would be a good place to stop and confirm my route.  Lucky I did as the route that I had selected, I was told, was nowhere as interesting as riding to Grand Isle on Louisiana Highway 1.

Louisiana Highway 1 (LA 1) is 431.88 miles (695.04 km), it is the longest numbered highway of any class in Louisiana. It runs diagonally across the state, connecting the oil and gas fields near the island of Grand Isle with the northwest corner of the state, north of Shreveport.  The section of Highway One I rode ran along Bayou Lafourche providing an opportunity to see the Louisiana Fishing fleet and Houseboat Living.

I also found that there are numerous drawbridges that link the east and west side of the Bayou.  Unlike back north, drawbridges are hoisted on large lifts.

The houseboats are elaborate and prove that the South has not forgotten their Confederate heritage.

Grand Isle is a very low lying barrier island on the Gulf Coast and due to this fact, all the building and homes are built on very large stilts to accommodate frequent flooding from hurricanes and storms.  Tonight I am staying at the Cajun Holiday Motel in a “high rise” cabin.  My cabin is the middle brown one – note my motorcycle under the cabin – out of the elements.

And this is a view from my back porch.

The recommended restaurant for dinner this evening was the Lighthouse where I was looking forward to meeting some of the locals and finding out what draws them to Grand Isle.  Unfortunately, I found the restaurant completely empty.

The restaurant was empty because the weathermen had forecast rain for the weekend, including today, thereby convincing tourists not to visit.  We underestimate the economic impact of the weather forecast.  In today’s case, they got it wrong.  It did not rain today and the weather was acceptable with clouds and sun.  Tony, the owner of the Lighthouse, was hoping that with no rain today and tonight, some tourists would venture down to the shore and provide some financial relief for his business this weekend.

Never the less, the tourists will miss out this weekend on an interesting Blackened Fish Platter that represents the abundance of species found off the Louisiana Gulf Coast.  The platter consisted of soft shell crab, stuffed crab, shrimp, oysters, striped bass, and frogs legs.  Served with a garlic butter sauce and fresh, just made tartar sauce.  It was outstanding.

Tomorrow I wheel north, back up Highway 1 to Thibodaux.  Keep Wheeling.

“This blog was written two days ago, Friday, March 2, just as the nor’easter hit and caused a blackout that lasted over 35 hours.”

My motorcycle adventure began today with a rather shaky start.  Keyboard Motorcycle Trucking Co. picked up my Indian Roadmaster, for shipment to New Orleans where I start my ride March 16th right on time, and that was good.  However, today is one of the worst weather days Riverside CT has had in months.

I have obsessed about this day for weeks, in a good way, so I was all over the weather situation and had the sense to move the pick-up location to an underpass where we could all stay out of the rain.  I dropped my Indian off last night, in good weather, covered it and added caution tape so no one would hit it.

I went to bed last evening with the well being of my Indian on my mind.

I woke up this morning, as forecast, to a truly horrendous day.  A hard nor’easter had moved in bringing winds up to 60 mph, rain, flooding, and sleet.

Now to wait for the Keyboard 18-wheeler to show up, and it did with the very capable Melvin at the wheel.