When we left home, there was a hurricane stirring on the Florida Atlantic coast. Not really a concern, since it was mid-state and predicted to go back into the Atlantic, and we were going to visit the pan-handle, Panama City Beach. As we traveled, intending on making it a leisurely two day trip, Brother called and advised the hurricane Hermine had altered course & was due to cross the pan-handle area soon. We rode straight thru, encountering only light rain. Hermine came ashore to the east of Panama City Beach the next evening, so we were spared the torrential rain & winds, but the weather did curtail riding. Brother's hospitality included chauffering us around to see the sites, and eat at his restaurant, MUY WAYNEO'S. Truly fine Tex-Mex cuisine.
Only managed one pic while in the area, sunset as Hermine was coming ashore to the east.
We needed to be in Maggie Valley, NC on Monday to meet friends for the TOI Reunion, see the bikes of the Geico Hot Bike Tour, and several days of riding the Blue Ridge Mtns. So we left the comfort of Brothers home, in rain suits, headed north. Finally ran out of the rain about 70 miles south of Atlanta, GA.
After Florida, the weather here was just perfect for riding. Cool mornings, hot afternoons. A couple of pics of bikes at the Hot Bike Tour, courtesy of friend Zammy.
Of course, every biker wants to ride the 'Tail of the Dragon" while in the area. Below are pics from Deal's Gap at the top, NC, side of the Dragon.
Of course, we had to ride part of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Very beautiful, twisty ride with lots of pull-outs for photo opportunities. Perhaps one day we can ride the entire length of the BRP.
Some of the riding buddies:
All good things must end, so we left Maggie Valley on 9/10 headed for Nashville TN and the beginning of the Natchez Trace. The Trace was a nice ride but not challenging. Few pics :
Wild turkeys, kinda blurry but we had to be quick.. at 50 mph
After the Trace, we pointed the trike back north, to meet friends with the ATR on 9/14 in Eureka Springs, Ar. Lot's of good riding in the Ozark Mtns.
On Thu we rode to the Original Bass Pro Shop in Springfield, MO. We toured the HUGE store, which also contains the NRA National Sporting Arms Museum.
On the ride back, we detoured to the Cliff House Inn for a great meal & vista
On Friday, we did some sight-seeing, and went to "the Cave" Restaurant for lunch.
Stan's shortcut across the mountain
waiting to load on a ferry, crossing a lake to get back to ES
Our last day, Saturday, we had a pizza supper and.... ICE CREAM, home made to boot!!
All good things must come to an end, on Sunday we made an early start for home, arriving late, slightly stove up, but willing to go again. (Soon as we get some more money!!)
No comments:
Post a Comment