tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61095063952641671992024-03-13T12:28:48.810-04:00Motorcycles, Photography, Rants and RavesI enjoy riding motorcycles and photography is almost an obsession. So I figured combining ride reports with pictures and an occasional detour here and there would make for a decent blog. Time will tell...Ralph Southerlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06471486553979674599noreply@blogger.comBlogger96125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6109506395264167199.post-43316756266619194612011-02-12T15:39:00.001-05:002011-02-12T15:39:38.127-05:00Officer Down Ride<p><strong><font size="4">April 16th 2011</font></strong></p> <p><strong><font size="4">Wilmington, NC</font></strong></p> <p> </p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="352"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a title="http://officerdownride.org/" href="http://officerdownride.org/">http://officerdownride.org/</a> <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TVbv7ryoB4I/AAAAAAAADpw/SDlx6Y6BJ_A/s1600-h/image%5B2%5D.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TVbv8K0g1RI/AAAAAAAADp0/kq847kAryxY/image_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="154" height="167" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"> <br />Debbie and I rode in this in 2009 and had an absolute blast. Like last time, we plan to make a long weekend of it and hang out in Wrightsville Beach.  We plan to leave New Bern around 10:30 or so on the 15th (Friday) and grab lunch in Jacksonville, then head on to Wrightsville Beach.  Just let us know if anyone wants to ride down together. <br /> <br /><a href="mailto:thesoutherlands@embarqmail.com">thesoutherlands@embarqmail.com</a> <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350">Here’s the link to our entry in 2009: <br /> <br /><a title="http://ralphps.blogspot.com/2009/04/officer-down-ride-wilmington-nc.html" href="http://ralphps.blogspot.com/2009/04/officer-down-ride-wilmington-nc.html">http://ralphps.blogspot.com/2009/04/officer-down-ride-wilmington-nc.html</a> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TVbwAmex2II/AAAAAAAADp4/_DDQBCCMaeQ/s1600-h/image%5B6%5D.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TVbwCc9Na-I/AAAAAAAADp8/p8542MmQKUU/image_thumb%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="212" /></a> <br />This years route map. <br /> <br /><a title="http://rideplanner.harley-davidson.com/rideplanner/road.jsp?roadId=370392&locale=en_US" href="http://rideplanner.harley-davidson.com/rideplanner/road.jsp?roadId=370392&locale=en_US">http://rideplanner.harley-davidson.com/rideplanner/road.jsp?roadId=370392&locale=en_US</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"> <br /> <h4><a href="http://officerdownride.org/2011/01/18/2011-ride/">2011 Ride</a></h4> <p>The 6th Annual Officer Down Ride is a dice ride to benefit the Officer Down Fund. It will take place on Saturday, April 16, 2011. Registration begins at 9 am and small groups will be leaving every 15 minutes.</p> <p>This year’s ride will begin at Carolina Coast Harley-Davidson®/Buell®, 6620 Market Street in Wilmington, and end at Beach House Harley-Davidson®, 4919 Ocean Highway in Shallotte. The <a href="http://rideplanner.harley-davidson.com/rideplanner/road.jsp?roadId=370392&locale=en_US">route</a> is posted on the Harley-Davidson® Ride Planner.</p> <p>Festivities for participants will include:</p> <ul> <li>Dice ride </li> <li>BBQ lunch by <a href="http://www.captnbills.com/catering.php">Musser’s</a> </li> <li>Music </li> <li>Special guest speaker <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=119811">Trot Nixon</a> </li> <li>Trivia game </li> <li>50/50 </li> <li>“No Class” Bike Show: a viewer’s choice winner-take-all bike show. There are no classes and no judges; we’ll place a bucket in front of each bike, and the bike that raises the most cash wins. (So tell all your friends!) All proceeds go to the Officer Down Fund. </li> <li>Custom event hat </li> <li>Patches and past years’ merchandise available for purchase </li> </ul> <p>There is a $30 donation per bike. This will include the ride and dice game, lunch, entry to the trivia game and “No Class” Bike Show, and a custom event hat. Passengers may donate $10 to ride along and eat lunch only, or $30 to eat, participate in games, and receive their hat.</p> <p> </p> <ul> <li> <h5>Links</h5> <ul> <li><a href="http://carolinacoasthd.com/default.asp?sid=cchd">Carolina Coast Harley-Davidson®/Buell®</a> </li> <li><a href="http://www.beachhousehd.com/">Beach House Harley-Davidson®</a> </li> <li><a href="http://www.nccommunityfoundation.org/">North Carolina Community Foundation</a> </li> <li><a href="http://www.coastal-bev.com/">Coastal Beverage</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p align="center"> <br /> <br /><strong><font size="3">We hope to see you there!!</font></strong></p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> Ralph Southerlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06471486553979674599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6109506395264167199.post-61289137194450213972010-12-14T15:43:00.001-05:002010-12-14T15:43:57.173-05:00Motorcycle Mentor<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="416"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="414">We have a rider email list now of around 30 and those 30 regularly communicate with a bunch of other riders. Now there’s a lot of experience, advice and opinions in that group.  With all those years of 2-wheel experience why not help out some of the new riders and older riders with new questions? <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="414"><a href="http://motorcyclementor.com/"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TQfW8etKZdI/AAAAAAAADpg/ZT5N1RpTDA8/image%5B3%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="66" /></a> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Head on over to: <br /><a title="http://motorcyclementor.com/" href="http://motorcyclementor.com/">http://motorcyclementor.com/</a> <br /> <br /> <br />David has a new site based on a great idea. Your experience may very well help someone in need of advice. <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="414"> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> Ralph Southerlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06471486553979674599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6109506395264167199.post-59502762746156272022010-11-29T20:35:00.001-05:002010-11-29T20:35:31.014-05:0018th Annual Toy Run to Kennedy Children’s Home<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="400"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRTb4tj2pI/AAAAAAAADlY/cgNYaQm308A/s1600-h/image%5B3%5D.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRTctSK67I/AAAAAAAADlg/hC4bReJhBTo/image_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />We finally had the opportunity to participate in this event and we are so glad that we did. <br /> <br /><b> <br /></b> <br /> <br />A donation of $10.00 cash, gift card or a toy was the registration. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRTfHpU7mI/AAAAAAAADlk/IznC7mI2U9E/s1600-h/image%5B6%5D.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRTfw2xJII/AAAAAAAADlo/djwa0fe0fdU/image_thumb%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />Santa Clause himself was in attendance  to make certain everyone was acting nice. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRTh06zHjI/AAAAAAAADls/pUXUAxLvIgc/s1600-h/image%5B9%5D.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRTih0i8II/AAAAAAAADlw/gdKkiTq8PyY/image_thumb%5B3%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />There were over 575 bikes on hand to make the trek to Kinston.  It was a bit cool, around 52 for a high, but it appeared that most everyone dressed for the weather. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRTlBwWKbI/AAAAAAAADl0/8gizxxRw6XQ/s1600-h/image%5B12%5D.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRTmg07iwI/AAAAAAAADl4/M6bRXtdIiuc/image_thumb%5B4%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />We saw Rudolph’s bike but I guess Santa was giving him a break since Santa was in the lead. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRTpMOeaoI/AAAAAAAADl8/UdNU-GgvyAM/s1600-h/image%5B15%5D.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRTpwQKH-I/AAAAAAAADmA/56ERgSGNorA/image_thumb%5B5%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />This bike was built by the elves in a very special workshop. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRTr7E5N-I/AAAAAAAADmE/hyauJBUqntM/s1600-h/image%5B18%5D.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRTsjQ_EzI/AAAAAAAADmI/hmCa7EbTDp8/image_thumb%5B6%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />..and we’re off! <br /> <br />The first bikes left promptly at 12:00 and just 4 or 5 minutes later we pull out with about 75 bikes trailing us. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRTucWe8XI/AAAAAAAADmM/H_PT-id5JCg/s1600-h/image%5B21%5D.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRTvJQfI2I/AAAAAAAADmQ/R3GDugP_zyU/image_thumb%5B7%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="127" /></a> <br />Just as we clear the Pembroke exit in New Bern the group starts to come together. <br /> <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRTwu13SHI/AAAAAAAADmU/KofTmpQvkrs/s1600-h/image%5B24%5D.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRTxRieOBI/AAAAAAAADmc/9QocC6QTwis/image_thumb%5B8%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="112" /></a>  <br />All the riders fell naturally in the staggered formation.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRTzJPJZBI/AAAAAAAADmg/wRqkA0KU8WU/s1600-h/image%5B27%5D.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRTzvwyaEI/AAAAAAAADmk/FUB7JA3hsQs/image_thumb%5B9%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="89" /></a> <br />Local law enforcement made sure that we had a clear path to Kinston. <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRT1K4h6sI/AAAAAAAADmo/gOacMJCCjcA/s1600-h/image%5B30%5D.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRT1tQGUZI/AAAAAAAADms/iVLs9NpoTvo/image_thumb%5B10%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="102" /></a> <br />At each overpass on Highway 70 we we’re greeted with waves and shouts. <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRT3i9GAHI/AAAAAAAADmw/-VlV_wG-Ftk/s1600-h/image%5B33%5D.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRT4C9uqmI/AAAAAAAADm0/-IyYHjpTRUU/image_thumb%5B11%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="166" /></a> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRT7btjv9I/AAAAAAAADm4/Bf0RTFx1Y5E/s1600-h/image%5B40%5D.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRT75hibEI/AAAAAAAADm8/Ku1Vl4carYQ/image_thumb%5B14%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="91" /></a> <br />It’s hard to do justice to the line with a photo but there is at least a mile of bikes in front of us. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRT9jmhaNI/AAAAAAAADnA/3nAtgrxCgLE/s1600-h/image%5B36%5D.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRT-VhoiHI/AAAAAAAADnE/6jtvvfsldww/image_thumb%5B12%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="116" /></a> <br />The long line starts to bunch up just prior to arrival. <br /> <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRUAbrA9iI/AAAAAAAADnM/fQA4aWFm46o/s1600-h/image%5B43%5D.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRUBFN8LvI/AAAAAAAADnQ/Z5DeTUQTTwc/image_thumb%5B15%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="127" /></a> <br />Here we do the slow crawl as everyone finds a parking spot. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRUDn2EGZI/AAAAAAAADnU/XvrGuIavxKA/s1600-h/image%5B46%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRUETg-q2I/AAAAAAAADnY/a_QX_CbuXf0/image_thumb%5B16%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />The grounds are quite large and there was no issue with parking.  The fall leaves made an attractive backdrop as we parked and began to warm up from the slight chill. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRUGjImdVI/AAAAAAAADnc/M92uUz4Ceb8/s1600-h/image%5B49%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRUHUHNN-I/AAAAAAAADnk/r6zL5AAPtGM/image_thumb%5B17%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />And yes, Santa greeted and thanked each and everyone in line for lunch.  I have always known he was real! <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRUJywT4uI/AAAAAAAADno/FCpPsdaj1i0/s1600-h/image%5B52%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRUKtkBZBI/AAAAAAAADns/OQjJXEZaG4I/image_thumb%5B18%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />Santa delivered the toys while we rode to the destination. <br /> <br />The toys were a small part of what was collected overall. <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRUM1W46HI/AAAAAAAADnw/OL9si6VmG8o/s1600-h/image%5B55%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRUNbcXPwI/AAAAAAAADn0/8ttV3ZdMXA8/image_thumb%5B19%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />The local HOG chapter raised $5000.00 for the home. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRUP872JGI/AAAAAAAADn4/O0BMFJaXfyM/s1600-h/image%5B58%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRUQVxdr8I/AAAAAAAADn8/BlDqRo9cbPI/image_thumb%5B20%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a>  <br />The 50-50 drawing was over $800.00 to the lucky ticket holder.  Sadly this was not the winning ticket. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />There were over 80 prizes donated by area businesses. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400">It was a 100 mile trip for us in wonderful weather and one of the top causes we have ridden for to date.  The Kennedy Home is in need of donations mainly due to funding cuts from state and federal sources.  You don’t have to ride to donate but it makes it more fun! <br /> <br /><a title="http://www.bchfamily.org/helping/service/107/120/122" href="http://www.bchfamily.org/helping/service/107/120/122">http://www.bchfamily.org/helping/service/107/120/122</a> <br /> <br /></td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p> </p> <p><strong><font size="4">Parting Shots</font></strong></p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="400"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRUS8aG1TI/AAAAAAAADoA/kumx6Be6KXw/s1600-h/image%5B61%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRUTlZnOkI/AAAAAAAADoE/9qWNQ6nURKs/image_thumb%5B21%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRUWATDdII/AAAAAAAADoI/jor6VpIiaqA/s1600-h/image%5B64%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRUW36JXWI/AAAAAAAADoM/fDsvBtJIUS4/image_thumb%5B22%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRUZvwgStI/AAAAAAAADoQ/dx6X10fUFCM/s1600-h/image%5B67%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRUadayDQI/AAAAAAAADoU/-D1WGx6jbDM/image_thumb%5B23%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRUdPrlyKI/AAAAAAAADoY/57boN7i1byg/s1600-h/image%5B70%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRUd-8WiAI/AAAAAAAADog/scygnnJ50ek/image_thumb%5B24%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRUg6VJCcI/AAAAAAAADok/ph5sU3DOOdk/s1600-h/image%5B73%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRUhoMzCWI/AAAAAAAADoo/ZaTDcYD5-ZA/image_thumb%5B25%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRUnPPfzLI/AAAAAAAADos/iEh7YLaaLDg/s1600-h/image%5B76%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRUnwSIG1I/AAAAAAAADow/rrXU6X-PWnc/image_thumb%5B26%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRUqDfDX9I/AAAAAAAADo0/JdyJY3Uv2MA/s1600-h/image%5B79%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRUq1o5MEI/AAAAAAAADo4/GvaXrb5e9jQ/image_thumb%5B27%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRUtM40RlI/AAAAAAAADo8/4ZM4HqxTsy0/s1600-h/image%5B82%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRUt1TdzMI/AAAAAAAADpA/70Iu41grwQk/image_thumb%5B28%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRUwweBc2I/AAAAAAAADpE/7KVlOy4HkDM/s1600-h/image%5B85%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRUxgPBG1I/AAAAAAAADpI/UPBhi8SWbpY/image_thumb%5B29%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRUz0DkRaI/AAAAAAAADpM/X0qxzAJcwwE/s1600-h/image%5B88%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRU0j4sEmI/AAAAAAAADpQ/ajjFfKxmoo0/image_thumb%5B30%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRU3gu4PBI/AAAAAAAADpY/HNyHZqCM_dg/s1600-h/image%5B91%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TPRU4TCX-cI/AAAAAAAADpc/FLTGWp2uIfQ/image_thumb%5B31%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> Ralph Southerlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06471486553979674599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6109506395264167199.post-2132968561975024302010-10-08T11:50:00.001-04:002010-10-08T11:50:45.825-04:00Coastal Women's Shelter Ride<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="350"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK89TdZs7TI/AAAAAAAADhw/UabWQvgVS4c/s1600-h/DSCF31512.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF3151" border="0" alt="DSCF3151" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK89Tn56qAI/AAAAAAAADh0/zPuOobPRdic/DSCF3151_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a>  <br /> <p>Coastal Women's Shelter's mission is to provide support, education and alternatives to individuals and their families whose lives have been disrupted by the devastating effects of domestic violence.   <a title="http://www.coastalwomensshelter.org/" href="http://www.coastalwomensshelter.org/">http://www.coastalwomensshelter.org/</a></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK89UWzaAXI/AAAAAAAADh4/qBchwk6gzRs/s1600-h/DSCF31452.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF3145" border="0" alt="DSCF3145" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK89U6-BFLI/AAAAAAAADh8/QCt0_wqLRqo/DSCF3145_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a>  <br />Registration started at 9:00.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK89W0adMWI/AAAAAAAADiA/IIVMGKpQ_1A/s1600-h/DSCF31662.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF3166" border="0" alt="DSCF3166" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK89XJ0WRQI/AAAAAAAADiE/kAuGW-vgVbQ/DSCF3166_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />Kick stands up was promptly at 10:00.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK89X8lu7TI/AAAAAAAADiI/es3CDc5FvOk/s1600-h/DSCF31692.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF3169" border="0" alt="DSCF3169" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK89YY6TgSI/AAAAAAAADiM/JkKEYyo6hew/DSCF3169_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a>  <br />All makes of bikes turned out for the ride.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK89Y4sH8dI/AAAAAAAADiQ/XBVGLRjLRUQ/s1600-h/DSCF31702.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF3170" border="0" alt="DSCF3170" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK89Zb_My3I/AAAAAAAADiU/hMHzq4WqFXw/DSCF3170_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />Departure from the CWS office was aided by the New Bern Police Department.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK89Z9lC1PI/AAAAAAAADiY/ZBlf0lwN66M/s1600-h/DSCF31732.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF3173" border="0" alt="DSCF3173" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK89ar_LhkI/AAAAAAAADic/qvL8O7o6ZUM/DSCF3173_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a>  <br />The first leg of our journey ran down 55 East then left on Olympia Road</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK89bHt59PI/AAAAAAAADig/wEM5JosB3W8/s1600-h/DSCF31782.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF3178" border="0" alt="DSCF3178" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK89b4-O-QI/AAAAAAAADik/YhSTn70e7xg/DSCF3178_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br /> <br />On down Aurora Road to 306…</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK89cttaCGI/AAAAAAAADio/Z8A-ysaoGMs/s1600-h/DSCF31852.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF3185" border="0" alt="DSCF3185" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK89c6e6ZZI/AAAAAAAADis/2llKrLBVRYI/DSCF3185_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />..first stop at Bojangles in Grantsboro.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK89dsQeBJI/AAAAAAAADiw/eIZMcg4LGNY/s1600-h/DSCF32042.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF3204" border="0" alt="DSCF3204" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK89d9WtYaI/AAAAAAAADi0/2gZlocJKHLM/DSCF3204_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />The entrance to the Minnesott Beach, Cherry Branch Ferry. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><a title="http://www.ncdot.org/ferry/" href="http://www.ncdot.org/ferry/">http://www.ncdot.org/ferry/</a> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK89elClzvI/AAAAAAAADi4/INBqGRvR-Hg/s1600-h/DSCF32132.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF3213" border="0" alt="DSCF3213" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK89e-fqPNI/AAAAAAAADi8/hyr-0KvzA9g/DSCF3213_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />With twenty five bikes in attendance, we line up to board the ferry.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK89fouP0HI/AAAAAAAADjA/XDnRL878-sQ/s1600-h/DSCF32312.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF3231" border="0" alt="DSCF3231" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK89ge9xzII/AAAAAAAADjE/8D8CGE--Cwo/DSCF3231_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />The NC Ferry Division always makes it easy for a group of bikes.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK89gwGUvSI/AAAAAAAADjI/3L07BIVfXKU/s1600-h/DSCF3271%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCF3271" border="0" alt="DSCF3271" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK89hOJUZRI/AAAAAAAADjM/dRwT06Ow1rg/DSCF3271_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />Once again we had a police escort, this time through Havelock.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK89h9gpoXI/AAAAAAAADjQ/oaRQPYMuwBo/s1600-h/DSCF3289%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCF3289" border="0" alt="DSCF3289" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK89iUSKIKI/AAAAAAAADjU/BIWQAxybD3E/DSCF3289_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />The meal at the end of the ride was catered by Smithfield’s Chicken and Bar-B-Q <br /> <br /> <br /><a title="http://scnbnc.com/" href="http://scnbnc.com/">http://scnbnc.com/</a> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK89jHTaI4I/AAAAAAAADjY/yC--J6A_yQQ/s1600-h/DSCF3286%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCF3286" border="0" alt="DSCF3286" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK89jf8OmzI/AAAAAAAADjc/3chykDMqXJE/DSCF3286_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />The facilities at New Bern’s Creekside Park are quite nice. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><a title="http://www.cravencounty.com/parks/creekside.cfm" href="http://www.cravencounty.com/parks/creekside.cfm">http://www.cravencounty.com/parks/creekside.cfm</a> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK89k_czHbI/AAAAAAAADjg/1lRqJ2jzCwA/s1600-h/DSCF3296%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCF3296" border="0" alt="DSCF3296" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK89lKZ0zSI/AAAAAAAADjk/E9QvVe_HS70/DSCF3296_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />Many thanks from our group of riders to the Blue Knights members who planned the route and assisted at all the intersections to aid in our safe passage. <br /> <br /><a title="http://www.blueknights.org/" href="http://www.blueknights.org/">http://www.blueknights.org/</a> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK89mqzX0sI/AAAAAAAADjo/MdGHsYRyxnU/s1600-h/image%5B2%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK89nGfOFjI/AAAAAAAADjs/OsCookjJm3I/image_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="236" height="244" /></a> <br /> <br />81 miles through some some rural North Carolina back roads.</td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p> </p> <p><strong></strong></p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="350"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><strong>Parting Shots</strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK89n8ur4GI/AAAAAAAADjw/-xOrrNym6SI/s1600-h/DSCF3149%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCF3149" border="0" alt="DSCF3149" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK89o-6Pd5I/AAAAAAAADj0/rIgmkk3lMug/DSCF3149_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK89pcd23-I/AAAAAAAADj4/xbGi_Jtp2iI/s1600-h/DSCF3158%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCF3158" border="0" alt="DSCF3158" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK89pz8S4AI/AAAAAAAADj8/vLMxsEax4Ps/DSCF3158_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK89qZlwuLI/AAAAAAAADkA/9tASLoXKTvQ/s1600-h/DSCF3155%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCF3155" border="0" alt="DSCF3155" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK89q15udVI/AAAAAAAADkE/vlgrdiremxg/DSCF3155_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK89rSTElkI/AAAAAAAADkI/JgX3iwEzz8w/s1600-h/DSCF3160%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCF3160" border="0" alt="DSCF3160" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK89rgXuHHI/AAAAAAAADkM/ihaZU2iNJhw/DSCF3160_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK89sFvXmVI/AAAAAAAADkQ/FFOFqKcdw5A/s1600-h/DSCF3254%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCF3254" border="0" alt="DSCF3254" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK89t_hoZtI/AAAAAAAADkU/6_psxZmO6sY/DSCF3254_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK89uqh5MTI/AAAAAAAADkY/2wZp9DFu45I/s1600-h/DSCF3164%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCF3164" border="0" alt="DSCF3164" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK89uyKc_pI/AAAAAAAADkc/wDLW5nyebpw/DSCF3164_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK89vmV8P7I/AAAAAAAADkg/wYNteT2Jv0o/s1600-h/DSCF3283%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCF3283" border="0" alt="DSCF3283" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK89vyqQFYI/AAAAAAAADkk/HnZqjL6rnqk/DSCF3283_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK89wTezyuI/AAAAAAAADko/QJy8Lj3weA4/s1600-h/DSCF3251%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCF3251" border="0" alt="DSCF3251" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK89wo-E6EI/AAAAAAAADks/SVprj6S-zIM/DSCF3251_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK89xGdPt6I/AAAAAAAADkw/SpBls8iEGXs/s1600-h/DSCF3240%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCF3240" border="0" alt="DSCF3240" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK89xVYMz6I/AAAAAAAADk0/nv5el9Hu9Y8/DSCF3240_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK89yPrhpKI/AAAAAAAADk4/eMKyfVS4tmg/s1600-h/DSCF3222%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCF3222" border="0" alt="DSCF3222" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK89yflid4I/AAAAAAAADk8/XHxioFr1e7w/DSCF3222_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK89y1XxzoI/AAAAAAAADlA/LA73NbK1nb4/s1600-h/DSCF3266%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCF3266" border="0" alt="DSCF3266" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK89zAZetSI/AAAAAAAADlE/F4N_s0_CCLE/DSCF3266_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK89z3fJiII/AAAAAAAADlI/0QMQVIQxP-E/s1600-h/DSCF3249%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCF3249" border="0" alt="DSCF3249" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK890IsCXKI/AAAAAAAADlM/Kx2yj3AXJTg/DSCF3249_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK8906k9opI/AAAAAAAADlQ/HWegWyv9r8w/s1600-h/DSCF3219%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCF3219" border="0" alt="DSCF3219" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TK891LdZBlI/AAAAAAAADlU/Oi3WJkwDees/DSCF3219_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> Ralph Southerlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06471486553979674599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6109506395264167199.post-5608639926606953682010-09-05T16:58:00.001-04:002010-09-05T16:58:23.182-04:00Calabash, NC<p> </p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="350"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350">TJ came up with the Calabash trip idea several weeks ago.  Calabash has quite an interesting history. <a title="http://www.townofcalabashnc.com/" href="http://www.townofcalabashnc.com/">http://www.townofcalabashnc.com/</a> <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350">The official start was at TJ’s just outside of Trenton.  Debbie and I met with Mike K at around 7:30 and we arrived just in time for the kickstand-up time of 8:00. <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TIQDH8pzISI/AAAAAAAADeg/B7FTaG2qlKQ/s1600-h/image%5B3%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TIQDIa6GXNI/AAAAAAAADek/sm7haqxyLBc/image_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="235" /></a> Our trip would take us through Beulaville, Chinquapin, Harrells, Clarkton and Longwood on the way down.  A very good back road trip. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TIQDKtuge6I/AAAAAAAADeo/9_CJN5QgY6Q/s1600-h/image%5B6%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TIQDLehu47I/AAAAAAAADes/ZebhX-RySfg/image_thumb%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> We started out with 6 or 7 bikes and we met up in Richlands for 4 or 5 other riders. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TIQDOBghrOI/AAAAAAAADew/z-iy5DzZyqI/s1600-h/image%5B9%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TIQDOynQicI/AAAAAAAADe0/cU9MHgNH9jg/image_thumb%5B3%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />By the time we stopped in Wallace for breakfast we totaled 14 bikes. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TIQDRKS8IGI/AAAAAAAADe4/P8wcjXymakM/s1600-h/image%5B12%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TIQDR9gAU7I/AAAAAAAADe8/zsE1srCUcKU/image_thumb%5B4%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />Around 10:00 we headed south on Highway 41. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TIQDT0-aQ2I/AAAAAAAADfA/RzASpXSOfww/s1600-h/image%5B15%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TIQDUpREuGI/AAAAAAAADfE/mhLJceg4FFs/image_thumb%5B5%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />With temperatures in the mid 70’s and a beautiful sky we motor on. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TIQDW2mOHjI/AAAAAAAADfI/oPzt0uFMmYk/s1600-h/image%5B18%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TIQDXmUhsuI/AAAAAAAADfM/45Z8if9IYXE/image_thumb%5B6%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />Between Wallace and Harrells. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TIQDZdGmx6I/AAAAAAAADfQ/2LAnWeLZS6g/s1600-h/image%5B21%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TIQDaIZzauI/AAAAAAAADfU/w9uDsfyOHU4/image_thumb%5B7%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />Arriving in Elizabethtown, NC. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TIQDcM7WIhI/AAAAAAAADfY/zNUlbscHD1Y/s1600-h/image%5B24%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TIQDc74Mi7I/AAAAAAAADfg/R_Ucn2KrYls/image_thumb%5B8%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TIQDhgEQAbI/AAAAAAAADfk/4DLdFlxtFVE/s1600-h/image%5B78%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TIQDiiwH_LI/AAAAAAAADfo/PoNspd9Qyjo/image_thumb%5B30%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />Tim cruising along on his Honda Shadow. <br />He’s also wondering why we are riding in the left lane. <br /> <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TIQDoQvW3hI/AAAAAAAADfs/af0m7tnSzZw/s1600-h/image%5B79%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TIQDpSA-OaI/AAAAAAAADfw/5TmZZwiDFtc/image_thumb%5B31%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />Seth looking very content on his Yamaha cruiser. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TIQDr5CVJ_I/AAAAAAAADf0/7N_oJAHEMKk/s1600-h/image%5B33%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TIQDsezEd1I/AAAAAAAADf4/TNd_QGYBTfE/image_thumb%5B11%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> <br />Pam supplied a backward shot of part of the group.  This is not as easy as it sounds. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TIQDuhL70_I/AAAAAAAADf8/yri9L2676wI/s1600-h/image%5B36%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TIQDve4q4UI/AAAAAAAADgA/zVa2gvc6MI0/image_thumb%5B12%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a>  A final adjustment on some communication equipment. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TIQDxoouEjI/AAAAAAAADgI/Avb70OCVINw/s1600-h/image%5B39%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TIQDyaaB0JI/AAAAAAAADgM/8cikAvoLnEw/image_thumb%5B13%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />We did have several close calls with rain during the trip but nothing that didn’t dry out in a few minutes. <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TIQD0bq0ABI/AAAAAAAADgQ/HFO4JSx6I24/s1600-h/image%5B42%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TIQD1kVGLkI/AAAAAAAADgU/2Gz5NU4VUA0/image_thumb%5B14%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />Ella’s in Calabash was our lunch destination. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><a title="http://www.ellasofcalabash.com/" href="http://www.ellasofcalabash.com/">http://www.ellasofcalabash.com/ <br /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TIQD37uyK2I/AAAAAAAADgY/4lmnHehafKM/s1600-h/image%5B45%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TIQD4t-tWsI/AAAAAAAADgc/zjOl6yJ1arI/image_thumb%5B15%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a>  <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TIQD7F0fqmI/AAAAAAAADgg/Lz73_lrm2vU/s1600-h/image%5B54%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TIQD7z-wZ2I/AAAAAAAADgk/SZ3P813ygug/image_thumb%5B18%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TIQD9d26ERI/AAAAAAAADgo/A_7lhRxKxRg/s1600-h/image%5B48%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TIQD-AolrmI/AAAAAAAADgs/5dju7C-CK-k/image_thumb%5B16%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="204" /></a> A few of our group had to return to Wallace to retrieve a wallet.  A few rainstorms were in their path on the return trip to Calabash and they altered their destination but they had a great time after all. <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TIQD-fLvxCI/AAAAAAAADgw/PtQl-c9uHak/s1600-h/image%5B58%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TIQD-v_rALI/AAAAAAAADg0/jg93uMeRHok/image_thumb%5B20%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="129" height="128" /></a> <br />Our return was on 17 and we ran the bypass around Wilmington with our final stop in Hampstead.  Some of the riders would drop off in Jacksonville and Pollocksville while Debbie and I continued on to New Bern. <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TIQD_Ni01UI/AAAAAAAADg4/Dgn4fog5MbQ/s1600-h/image%5B57%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TIQD_VW6jXI/AAAAAAAADg8/8EXmJpirLVY/image_thumb%5B19%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="65" /></a> <br />For us it was 340 miles of very enjoyable company, food and the outdoors of eastern North Carolina.  We met several new riders and finally was able to ride with some friends from Jacksonville that I work with on occasion. <br /> <br />We have finally assembled an email list for future rides since our growing riders list covers a large area of eastern North Carolina.  It should make it easier to plan rides in the future. <br /></td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="350"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><strong><font size="4">PARTING SHOTS</font></strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TIQEFfw3O6I/AAAAAAAADhA/m9M-68L8JP8/s1600-h/image%5B77%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TIQEGfKJ-VI/AAAAAAAADhI/wWBPcsIjb5I/image_thumb%5B29%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TIQEM3UXI4I/AAAAAAAADhM/9BPlI6VmWW0/s1600-h/image%5B76%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TIQEN7hhCTI/AAAAAAAADhQ/pNLjJIg-pHw/image_thumb%5B28%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TIQETt3YusI/AAAAAAAADhU/9WeXmaR7dOE/s1600-h/image%5B75%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TIQEUgraSAI/AAAAAAAADhY/wmbgVuwGyic/image_thumb%5B27%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TIQEae8h6AI/AAAAAAAADhc/Bbzz9Y8NcDY/s1600-h/image%5B74%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TIQEbZ8bTlI/AAAAAAAADhk/4D6EUG43BaE/image_thumb%5B26%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> Ralph Southerlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06471486553979674599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6109506395264167199.post-68865109169877165932010-06-13T17:10:00.001-04:002010-06-13T17:17:40.379-04:00Swansboro, NC Kayak Trip<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="350"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350">We wanted to try some salt water fishing along with our kayak adventure.  I have always enjoyed my trips to Swansboro so we decided to make that our destination. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TBVIkj_mA_I/AAAAAAAADcc/6jgkwT0Qx44/s1600-h/image%5B3%5D.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TBVIljvNWXI/AAAAAAAADcg/7TJ0QoWrVk0/image_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="232" /></a> <br />There is a Wildlife launching ramp on the southeast side of the bridge (adjacent to Barrier Island Kayaks).  Just left of the ramp itself is a great kayak launching slot right at the waters edge.  You would be advised to wear some form of footwear since there are oyster shells and the like. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TBVInhgtKcI/AAAAAAAADck/CYsr4Mu7U08/s1600-h/image%5B25%5D.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TBVIoiU2jCI/AAAAAAAADcs/ETuaV22b908/image_thumb%5B11%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />We picked up our kayak two weeks ago. It is a Wilderness Systems Pamlico 135T.  </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TBVIqnfrD-I/AAAAAAAADcw/qKxMNsZe5qY/s1600-h/image%5B10%5D.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TBVIrZqBijI/AAAAAAAADc0/syzmby6mF3k/image_thumb%5B4%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />It was a short paddle over to one of the many islands.  There were a good number of kayaks in the area. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TBVItyoc0PI/AAAAAAAADc4/DHp76xaLkYE/s1600-h/image%5B14%5D.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TBVIufonNLI/AAAAAAAADc8/uMZVl06ct9c/image_thumb%5B6%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />The 135T quickly converts to a solo so I paddled across the channel to an adjacent island to try the fishing.  Debbie was more interested in the sun at the time. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TBVIwwSGXSI/AAAAAAAADdA/SlRzLUHL3ys/s1600-h/image%5B21%5D.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TBVIyU1Vb_I/AAAAAAAADdE/WNfgnjPqdR8/image_thumb%5B9%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />The fishing was a great deal of fun.  I caught over a dozen in a short time, ranging from pin fish to hog fish to spots.  Debbie says she will have her salt water license before we return. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TBVI3Ro9x9I/AAAAAAAADdI/ixoITOV6ZXY/s1600-h/image%5B26%5D.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TBVI4yu2vQI/AAAAAAAADdM/7PC7gVa7WS8/image_thumb%5B12%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />This could be some exotic destination in a foreign land.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TBVI61wWEkI/AAAAAAAADdQ/WDEIkYoupqw/s1600-h/image%5B24%5D.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TBVI8QGKeEI/AAAAAAAADdU/ZF-XtDDNmI4/image_thumb%5B10%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TBVI-TuQY6I/AAAAAAAADdY/ahiI0mdGIgw/s1600-h/image%5B36%5D.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TBVI_FSohhI/AAAAAAAADdg/dj5beHZ2q4o/image_thumb%5B16%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TBVJBPasR7I/AAAAAAAADdk/MMqjk4pmGd8/s1600-h/image%5B32%5D.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TBVJCJUutVI/AAAAAAAADdo/fxF3Ta9GVdk/image_thumb%5B14%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TBVJE0NEXKI/AAAAAAAADds/vmGc1IZvPTE/s1600-h/image%5B37%5D.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TBVJG-wOc0I/AAAAAAAADd0/KUaPiGYzwEA/image_thumb%5B17%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TBVJJQw1GxI/AAAAAAAADd4/k4xte9bCSrk/s1600-h/image%5B40%5D.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TBVJKd8uMHI/AAAAAAAADd8/3D9NacprMKQ/image_thumb%5B18%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TBVJODvV4RI/AAAAAAAADeQ/R1X_qKB96iY/s1600-h/image%5B48%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TBVJPUi_SbI/AAAAAAAADeY/XmAIOYKSvjo/image_thumb%5B22%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TBVJRGtS0MI/AAAAAAAADeI/REjzvXGZqVc/s1600-h/image%5B47%5D.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TBVJSwwzUSI/AAAAAAAADeM/rv19Q_wI4A0/image_thumb%5B21%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"> <br />This was a really good destination. Perfect weather, good fishing and awesome scenery.  We will definitely be going back soon.</td> </tr> </tbody></table> Ralph Southerlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06471486553979674599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6109506395264167199.post-44124490181188129322010-06-03T10:33:00.001-04:002010-06-03T19:34:31.384-04:00Manteo Trip Is A Success<p> </p> <p> </p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="350"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350">We started receiving calls, emails and Facebook messages pertaining to the weather forecast toward the end of the week.  I’ll have to give Skip Waters his due, after his Friday evening forecast I was fairly confident our Saturday ride would turn out OK.   I actually felt more secure when I checked the radar early Saturday morning. <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TAe7vtmHIzI/AAAAAAAADY8/sHCYJMoQy8w/s1600-h/image4.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TAe7wHfvaVI/AAAAAAAADZA/0EedknUpJsg/image_thumb2%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="76" /></a> <br />As planned we met at just before 8:00 in Bridgeton, grabbed some gas and quick cup of coffee as we discussed the weather situation.  Upper 60’s with overcast conditions and a slight hint of drizzle.  A quick check of radar and we were off with seven bikes headed to Manteo, NC. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TAe70at5PNI/AAAAAAAADZE/hQwAIfcMNi4/s1600-h/image9.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TAe71WzyJEI/AAAAAAAADZM/amFzbSEO1IU/image_thumb5.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />The State is building a four lane project for <strike>H</strike>ighway 17 between Vanceboro and Washington and there are plastic barrels separating traffic lanes.  After seeing wind blow one in the path of a Corvette on Highway 264 a few weeks ago, I was understandably a bit anxious. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TAe75-rR7RI/AAAAAAAADZQ/MIpYvqgqpt8/s1600-h/image14.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TAe766IIPYI/AAAAAAAADZU/lqTfv1sbuok/image_thumb8.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />As we roll in to Washington, and this is the Original Washington, we ride across the bridge with the metal grating that causes that front wheel shimmy.  Debbie really hates that. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TAe78a1HPXI/AAAAAAAADZY/nbvTbMp-nkU/s1600-h/image19.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TAe78wybS0I/AAAAAAAADZc/I9c1i5dAukU/image_thumb11.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="177" /></a>  <br />We actually roll through Washington and never stop at a light.  That’s the first time I have ever had that happen especially with seven bikes.  So it’s on to Highway 264 with a stop in Belhaven, NC.  We decided to bypass Pantego by turning on Seed Tick Neck Road and hitting highway 99.  I have included a map shot as proof that the name is legitimate. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TAe8BPo5GTI/AAAAAAAADZg/puGqn89d6s0/s1600-h/image24.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TAe8B06buvI/AAAAAAAADZk/C2ANJDrShKk/image_thumb14.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />Arriving in Belhaven via the bridge is  much more impressive than by 264.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TAe8HQ1iJyI/AAAAAAAADZo/xPFHDEjd7V8/s1600-h/image28.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TAe8IVYmLmI/AAAAAAAADZw/ujxn_oBfcXI/image_thumb16.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TAe8Kib7DoI/AAAAAAAADZ0/EwFHjd-cHek/s1600-h/image32.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TAe8LrXEGzI/AAAAAAAADZ4/oEuLzxQa-Z8/image_thumb18.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />About 9:15 we roll in to Belhaven to make a stop at Hardees.  A coffee break and for some a late breakfast. <br /> <br />There were a few minutes of rain drops and with a quick look at the NOAA radar via Verizon we decided to move on. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TAe8NvHrIDI/AAAAAAAADZ8/IKgBS7v0nJo/s1600-h/image36.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TAe8OSgWxgI/AAAAAAAADaA/0rb8kkt7oow/image_thumb20.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />As you travel between Belhaven and Engelhard you will ride over the Intracoastal Waterway on the high rise bridge.  You also pass near the Swan Quarter ferry terminal. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TAe8QpUB6hI/AAAAAAAADaI/tMNbu0XA0gA/s1600-h/image40.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TAe8RWDQPgI/AAAAAAAADaM/YxzFL1FxYSk/image_thumb22.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />Between Rose Bay and Engelhard there is an area of road that has a natural tunnel of trees for a few miles.  I have always been impressed by this display.  <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TAe8Tdoua6I/AAAAAAAADaQ/-dWkrCBjuvQ/s1600-h/image44.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TAe8UGb4NJI/AAAAAAAADaU/9wVR_0phHkA/image_thumb24.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a>  <br />Water level is never far from your mind when you live in this corner of our state.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TAe8WAUwPZI/AAAAAAAADaY/hVr04wWM8qc/s1600-h/image48.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TAe8WsEV2YI/AAAAAAAADac/5mPPdVVaItg/image_thumb26.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />We arrive in Engelhard around 10:30 and we only briefly ran through a small shower.  Leather jackets still felt good since the temperature had not risen due to the overcast conditions. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TAe8YoUFicI/AAAAAAAADag/l6MLigFo7iE/s1600-h/image52.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TAe8ZWgbWmI/AAAAAAAADak/YJKavlGHTyw/image_thumb28.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />The bridge at Engelhard, NC. <br /> <br /> <br />Looks like we just missed the festival! <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><a title="http://www.engelhardseafoodfestival.com/" href="http://www.engelhardseafoodfestival.com/">http://www.engelhardseafoodfestival.com/</a> <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TAe8fVGuzsI/AAAAAAAADao/hlWtWBbVTEc/s1600-h/image57.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TAe8gQ5c_HI/AAAAAAAADaw/A8LXwWIkr0Q/image_thumb31.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="169" /></a> <br />Farming is a BIG industry in this part of our state as this satellite photo indicates.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TAe8iO0KNbI/AAAAAAAADa0/QqXcUrZvnI4/s1600-h/image61.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TAe8imnbiKI/AAAAAAAADa4/8r33NP-4k3M/image_thumb33.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a>  <br />Now for the uninitiated,  the ride from Engelhard to Stumpy Point may cause some concern. Several long straight stretches and no houses, no people and rarely do you encounter a car or truck.  <br /> <br /> <p>“No phone, no lights no motor cars, <br />Not a single luxury, <br />Like Robinson Crusoe, <br />As primitive as can be. “</p> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TAe8llUskOI/AAAAAAAADa8/tTM9Q4oZkfg/s1600-h/image69.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TAe8mZPszgI/AAAAAAAADbA/JejQEoBc_m8/image_thumb37.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="181" /></a> <br />And don’t think you can hop American Express to the Hyde County Airport. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TAe8ol11bBI/AAAAAAAADbE/Dbapaqh674Y/s1600-h/image73.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TAe8pocGKwI/AAAAAAAADbI/vk3-mZ4pu84/image_thumb39.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />True rural coastal Carolina with boats and crab pots roadside in Stumpy Point.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TAe8rOoEzzI/AAAAAAAADbM/Ng8Pyk8suA4/s1600-h/image77.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TAe8rwECApI/AAAAAAAADbQ/bD04mnNDQ5M/image_thumb41.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />About 10 miles north of Stumpy Point, near Manns Harbor, we hit the Virginia Dare Memorial Bridge.  Manteo is just beyond!</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TAe8t3YAESI/AAAAAAAADbU/hwD7G8CGcVM/s1600-h/image88.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TAe8uuRe8CI/AAAAAAAADbY/73wLnxzgqnU/image_thumb48.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a>  <br />Pam and TJ ride up to take a live shot. <br /> <br />I start talking to TJ and miss my turn at the next light.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TAe8w3g2j7I/AAAAAAAADbc/9Pxkt82d5dA/s1600-h/image87.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TAe8x6FHCWI/AAAAAAAADbg/ax2UBQ4swd8/image_thumb47.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />We finally arrive at Darrell’s Seafood in Manteo around 12:00. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><a title="http://www.darrellsseafood.com/" href="http://www.darrellsseafood.com/">http://www.darrellsseafood.com/</a> <br /> <br />I quite enjoyed my meal and the clam chowder. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TAe82klbbYI/AAAAAAAADbk/SvAVUd4DnXg/s1600-h/image93.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TAe83r_enlI/AAAAAAAADbs/HtimyH2J0w0/image_thumb51.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />We bid farewell to Manteo’s tree lined drive as we leave via the Manns Harbor bridge.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TAe85jG6LZI/AAAAAAAADbw/zKKOfTlzAYA/s1600-h/image97.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TAe86HRCVZI/AAAAAAAADb0/l0mliUBgXPg/image_thumb53.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />While we never made it to Hatteras there is a reasonable facsimile on the mainland side of the bridge.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TAe8-go7KWI/AAAAAAAADb8/Bv3cRo_G2dw/s1600-h/image102.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TAe9APtKGwI/AAAAAAAADcA/x0RdlYImotA/image_thumb56.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />A view from the bridge near Columbia. <br /> <br />Due to the newer Highway 64 in the Columbia area not being quite accurate on my GPS I went by my planned stop and ended up taking the Roper exit……. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TAe9B9H6ByI/AAAAAAAADcE/lbgl0DREuFo/s1600-h/image106.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TAe9Cx_qB3I/AAAAAAAADcI/zWpaMAq1GX8/image_thumb58.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />Debbie made sure to take a picture for posterity and as a reminder of the error of my ways.  Oh well, a stop and fuel for some worked out OK.  We were only 10 miles or so from our scheduled stop at the gun shop and the peanut/gift shop. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TAe9EahKTCI/AAAAAAAADcM/3zORtVZksgk/s1600-h/image110.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TAe9FEWbLNI/AAAAAAAADcQ/L-xEJMDJ5Nk/image_thumb60.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a>  <br /> <br /><a title="http://mackeyslanding.com/" href="http://mackeyslanding.com/">http://mackeyslanding.com/</a> <br /> <br /><strong>The Worlds largest gun shop.</strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TAe9HmSgI8I/AAAAAAAADcU/kuebbxN17jo/s1600-h/image13.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/TAe9IRYMKII/AAAAAAAADcY/KIMDtR4qnug/image_thumb2.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> <a title="http://shop.mfpnuts.com/index.php" href="http://shop.mfpnuts.com/index.php"> <br />Mackey’s Ferry Peanuts <br /> <br />http://shop.mfpnuts.com/index.php <br /></a> <br />My favorite? <br />Blister fried. <br /> <br />They had something very unusual and quite delicious, a muscadine grape flavored slushy.  The muscadine is a NC native grape and most of us that grew up here are very familiar with it. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350">We were at the peanut shop for a while and the sky became very dark and threatening.  We had earlier passed through a couple of brief showers that had not even caused a slow down in speed.  Through Plymouth the bikes were kicking up rooster tails in narrow wispy lines. <br /> <br />We decided to head back to miss what appeared to be a storm closing in.  Once again we narrowly missed the major rain and passed through the extreme fringe.  The jackets came off in Manteo and stayed off the remainder of our journey.  We came back on the new Washington/Chocowinity bypass and that saved a good 10-15 minutes of travel. <br /> <br />Our final stop was at the rest area on 17 just south of Vanceboro just to say our goodbyes to fellow riders. <br /> <br />Considering the earlier threat of weather this ride turned out exceptionally well.  Even with brief showers the only thing wet was my glasses and face and they dried in a couple of minutes.  We had the welcome experience of meeting some new riders and adding them to our ride list and TJ had a thrill of a lifetime…stopping at  Hardees twice in one day. <br /> <br />As soon as I collect the pictures the other riders captured I’ll post the best of the lot.  Backseat photography is definitely catching on. <br /> <br /> <br /></td> </tr> </tbody></table> Ralph Southerlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06471486553979674599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6109506395264167199.post-77636642442872110462010-05-17T20:21:00.008-04:002010-05-17T20:26:37.548-04:00Manteo Trip Update<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S_HeNHmt9PI/AAAAAAAADY0/d_njlzfY2FE/s1600/ride+map.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 251px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S_HeNHmt9PI/AAAAAAAADY0/d_njlzfY2FE/s400/ride+map.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472399339192972530" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Day Trip to Manteo<br /><br /><br />Weather permitting we are still on for Saturday May 29th.<br /><br />I have attempted to break the ride into the requested lengths for rest stops.<br /><br />At the present time there will be between 5 and 10 bikes.<br /><br /><br />My suggested meeting place is the Fuel Market in Bridgeton across the highway from Hardees. 400 D Street, take Hwy. 17 North out of New Bern across the high rise bridge, after you go under the first overpass it’s the first gas station on your right.<br /><br /><br />Meet at 8:00 AM on Saturday<br />• First stop Belhaven, 60 miles, 1.1 hour travel.<br />• Second stop Engelhard, 48 miles, 55 minutes travel.<br />• Third stop Manteo, 48 miles, 55 minutes travel.<br /><br />http://www.darrellsseafood.com/<br /><br />Darrells Seafood has been recommended by a friend of mine for our lunch stop. If anyone familiar with the area has a better recommendation please send it out to us.<br /><br />Return Trip<br />• Manteo to Columbia/Creswell area, 45 miles around, 45 minutes travel<br />• Columbia to Mackeys Ferry Peanuts and Mackeys Ferry Gunshop, 40 miles, 45 minutes travel.<br />• Mackeys Ferry to Bridgeton, 60 miles, 1hour 10 minutes travel. We can make a stop in Washington if desired.<br /><br /><br />If anyone has an idea to improve the trip I’m open for suggestions.<br />And don’t forget to invite your riding friends!!Ralph Southerlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06471486553979674599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6109506395264167199.post-33811708981077363372010-04-26T19:56:00.003-04:002010-04-27T19:53:03.779-04:00Day Ride To Manteo, NC<table width="350" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"> <p>Debbie and I want to plan a bike trip to Manteo in the next few weeks. Leave New Bern at 8:00 and travel through Washington to Hwy 264, Pantego, Englehard, Stumpy Point and Manns Harbor. With a stop along the way, or two if needed, we can be in Manteo between 12:00 and 1:00, have lunch and head back on Hwy 64.</p> <p>There is the NC Aquarium in Manteo and of course the gun shop at Mackey’s Ferry if that can be added to the itinerary. </p> <p>Looks like about 3 hours down(155 miles) and 2.5 hours back(135 miles)</p> <p>I’ve made the trip many times in years past by car and the ride up is through some really back country with interesting views.</p> <p>Just to get started, how does Saturday, May 29<sup>th</sup> work?</p><p>Please leave comment below.<br /></p> <p> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=6109506395264167199&postID=3381170898107736337"></a> </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S9YoQ9gkCQI/AAAAAAAADYY/wlhm1ny7aa0/s1600-h/Manteo%20Ride%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border: 0px none; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" title="Manteo Ride" alt="Manteo Ride" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S9YoRIFRVAI/AAAAAAAADYc/c_WRDuHjzk0/Manteo%20Ride_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" height="177" /></a></td> </tr> </tbody></table>Ralph Southerlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06471486553979674599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6109506395264167199.post-18791522551955577512010-04-23T22:35:00.001-04:002010-04-23T22:35:18.251-04:00Geocaching<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="350"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350">What brought this on you ask?  Debbie mentioned this some time back and after using the small handheld GPS on our kayak trip we decided to give it a try. <br /> <br />from <a href="http://www.wikipedia.com">www.wikipedia.com</a>  : <br /> <br /><b>Geocaching</b> is an outdoor activity in which the participants use a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_Positioning_System">Global Positioning System</a> (GPS) <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GPS_receiver">receiver</a> or other <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navigation">navigational</a> techniques to hide and seek containers (called "geocaches" or "caches") anywhere in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World">world</a>. A typical cache is a small <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waterproof">waterproof</a> container (usually a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tupperware#Product_lines">tupperware</a> or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ammo_box">ammo box</a>) containing a logbook. Larger containers can also contain items for trading, usually toys or trinkets of little value. Geocaching is most often described as a, "game of high-tech hide and seek," sharing many aspects with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orienteering">orienteering</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treasure_hunt_%28game%29">treasure-hunting</a>, and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waymarking">waymarking</a>. <br /> <br /><a href="http://www.geocaching.com">www.geocaching.com</a> <br /> <br />We set up a free account at the above site and downloaded five waypoints to our GPS. There are hundreds of cache sites in our area.  We located the five sites we transferred to the GPS in an hour and a half.  The one at Union Point eluded our efforts on the first try so we returned once we sharpened our skills. <br /> <br />Each location included a list of when the cache was first hidden and each subsequent find.  It was really interesting to see who found the site previously. <br /> <br />Sorry for the picture quality but all we had available was Debbie’s cell phone camera.  At least we had that! <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S9JYtGjXIGI/AAAAAAAADXg/z2WnpBVmhX4/s1600-h/image%5B2%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S9JYtxVvvaI/AAAAAAAADXk/DRxEfUgvH5I/image_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="201" /></a> <br /> <br />Map of our overall trip.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S9JYvytvpUI/AAAAAAAADXo/cPjoNkpGIvk/s1600-h/image%5B5%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S9JYwtAjNSI/AAAAAAAADXs/BaCqFOpbQHI/image_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="211" /></a> <br /> <br /> <br />Close up of the cache area.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S9JYxbrCATI/AAAAAAAADXw/_p64akL13_M/s1600-h/image%5B8%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S9JYx8VHUHI/AAAAAAAADX0/9DzXS4oOWa8/image_thumb%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> <br /> <br />When you’re in eastern NC NASCAR is bound to show up.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S9JYzOx60JI/AAAAAAAADX4/h-WqBWq_jXg/s1600-h/image%5B11%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S9JYz-Rl3HI/AAAAAAAADX8/1LtYIJZk4mg/image_thumb%5B3%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S9JY1Ln9CuI/AAAAAAAADYA/k1hgd0mhbI0/s1600-h/image%5B14%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S9JY2H1uDqI/AAAAAAAADYE/dlk7M03hW0g/image_thumb%5B4%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S9JY23kzbPI/AAAAAAAADYI/ZUmR93XHB58/s1600-h/image%5B20%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S9JY3eKOfmI/AAAAAAAADYM/4Iot8V6v47Q/image_thumb%5B6%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S9JY4nNJ8dI/AAAAAAAADYQ/qDCBTLPAScA/s1600-h/image%5B23%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S9JY5TSAluI/AAAAAAAADYU/hslcMCgBuuw/image_thumb%5B7%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"> <br />This is actually more difficult than we first imagined.  Some of these folks are are quite creative in their hiding methods.  Hint: not everything is at ground level and some things are hidden in plain sight. <br /> <br />All of these were in the easy range both for location and terrain.  We’re ready to go one level up. Next time maybe we can combine the Harley in the outing. <br /> <br /></td> </tr> </tbody></table> Ralph Southerlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06471486553979674599noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6109506395264167199.post-72734582957044131892010-04-19T18:53:00.001-04:002010-04-19T18:58:22.463-04:00A Kayak Trip?<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="350"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350">Debbie and I have been talking about a kayak for weeks.  Every since we moved in October we have access to the lake near our house.  Being the way I am I spent quite a lot of time stalking message boards, manufacturer web sites, local outfitter shops and the like to determine what type of kayak suited us best.  We settled on a Wilderness Systems Pamlico 135T.  And as luck would have it Pirate Queen Paddling in Beaufort and Atlantic Beach rented the very one we are interested in. <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zejpeodFI/AAAAAAAADVI/U1fsTl9450A/s1600-h/image2.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zekRk9DFI/AAAAAAAADVM/XrbhJgLF47g/image_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="88" /></a> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><a title="http://www.piratequeenpaddling.com/" href="http://www.piratequeenpaddling.com/">http://www.piratequeenpaddling.com/</a> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350">Tom met us at 10:00 in Beaufort with the kayak, PFD’s and paddles. He furnished a map of the area and gave us a run down on the kayak, gear and assisted with the proper adjustment of the PFD’s. <br /> <br />It was a bit cool and windy but Tom said the wind would be slowing and it would warm to the mid 60’s. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zelK7itfI/AAAAAAAADVQ/ff_B0VrJe88/s1600-h/TripMap3.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="Trip Map" border="0" alt="Trip Map" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zelrpJ_qI/AAAAAAAADVU/IXNEYkuJdvA/TripMap_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="208" /></a> <br /> <br />We have a hand held GPS and carried it along to track our speed and location.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zemPTyLGI/AAAAAAAADVY/KzHqIc1dQo8/s1600-h/DSC015172.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSC01517" border="0" alt="DSC01517" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zemsmkHzI/AAAAAAAADVc/78iqDAO4r-s/DSC01517_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br /> <br />With our small pocket camera, GPS and drybag we were in good shape.  A few bottles of water and some cereal bars would ward off hunger at least until we could get to El’s Drive Inn! <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zenJBWmOI/AAAAAAAADVg/jkQMzOg93rQ/s1600-h/DSC015732.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSC01573" border="0" alt="DSC01573" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zenaHAosI/AAAAAAAADVk/DFu-WiYZFns/DSC01573_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> We leave the launch site and head under the Gallants Channel bridge on the way to the Beaufort water front and on to Carrot Island. <br /> <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zenkliGSI/AAAAAAAADVo/tnkH0cKYpJw/s1600-h/DSC015312.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSC01531" border="0" alt="DSC01531" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zeoHBalEI/AAAAAAAADVs/DQj8oYI34QM/DSC01531_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zeoahCocI/AAAAAAAADVw/BO8DyTdbocc/s1600-h/DSC015502.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSC01550" border="0" alt="DSC01550" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zeo2nMkQI/AAAAAAAADV0/tpRzXbe8A10/DSC01550_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />Nearing one of the many shallow creeks on Carrot Island</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zepSa3PfI/AAAAAAAADV4/xctJ27refrw/s1600-h/DSC015462.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSC01546" border="0" alt="DSC01546" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zeplgGCxI/AAAAAAAADV8/ETL4H2YEsuQ/DSC01546_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />You can get really close to wildlife from a kayak.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zerANPnII/AAAAAAAADWA/_NEp8er60fA/s1600-h/image5.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zermnNrYI/AAAAAAAADWE/x9ln2LhE7hw/image_thumb1.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="97" /></a> <br /> <br />We were within a 25 feet of feeding bottle nosed dolphin in the channel.  You could clearly hear them breathe. <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zesGvIBrI/AAAAAAAADWI/3j1BOImruoc/s1600-h/DSC015212.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSC01521" border="0" alt="DSC01521" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zesVe5w_I/AAAAAAAADWM/yQ5McRA3JpQ/DSC01521_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br /> <br />I really need some sun on these legs.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zes6uPFSI/AAAAAAAADWQ/KNkUc-sW21E/s1600-h/DSC015562.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSC01556" border="0" alt="DSC01556" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zetWNqvMI/AAAAAAAADWU/n9sC2DbEjM0/DSC01556_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br /> <br />A high point on Carrot Island <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zetkSO5nI/AAAAAAAADWY/ZgtKht3tkfE/s1600-h/DSC015592.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSC01559" border="0" alt="DSC01559" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zeuJNcXvI/AAAAAAAADWc/z0Cznq5M_IQ/DSC01559_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />Peaceful and a view as well.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zeuf3JMFI/AAAAAAAADWg/MGal0iBSfg8/s1600-h/DSC015662.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSC01566" border="0" alt="DSC01566" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zeuzu7C3I/AAAAAAAADWk/afGBB_qpCDc/DSC01566_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />After a couple of stops along Carrot Island we decided to stretch our legs on the Beaufort water front.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zevR-Ve7I/AAAAAAAADWo/cy-JCEy3Lu0/s1600-h/DSC015702.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSC01570" border="0" alt="DSC01570" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zevqulO3I/AAAAAAAADWs/hNqMgnK6ef0/DSC01570_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />A convenient access point near the post office allows you to walk the water front. </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"> <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zewI5rpVI/AAAAAAAADWw/oaXCfaOyomI/s1600-h/DSC015822.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSC01582" border="0" alt="DSC01582" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zeway-0cI/AAAAAAAADW0/LFQPphkZl7w/DSC01582_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> I was concerned about a rudder for the kayak, seems to me to track quite well without it.  I also discovered that the 13.5 foot length will work well in the bed of our Dodge Ram.  The kayak easily converts to a single and handles very well.  At least as far as this beginner is concerned. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350">We made it back to the launch point by 1:15 in order to have the kayak picked up at 2:00.  There were some muscles worked out that the gym didn’t know about and we were a bit tired.  We traveled just over four miles and thoroughly enjoyed every minute.  Enough so that after we had lunch at El’s we went the the Atlantic Station (just west of Atlantic Beach) store and ordered a bright yellow kayak.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="350"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><strong><font size="4">Parting Shots</font></strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zewzdZdPI/AAAAAAAADW4/2u7CkVsl88M/s1600-h/Dsc01574alt2.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="Dsc01574alt" border="0" alt="Dsc01574alt" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zextedxmI/AAAAAAAADXA/JKcbUCc7cGU/Dsc01574alt_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zeyDTexYI/AAAAAAAADXE/sO_C-99cjHs/s1600-h/DSC015842.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSC01584" border="0" alt="DSC01584" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zeyrXniWI/AAAAAAAADXI/8JyuGeQrNtg/DSC01584_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zezE0crII/AAAAAAAADXM/wFCazhaLSqs/s1600-h/DSC015633.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSC01563" border="0" alt="DSC01563" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zez3Vug8I/AAAAAAAADXQ/Q2mYnkV-v_w/DSC01563_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8ze0t1rOSI/AAAAAAAADXU/0gx3iXGRdcI/s1600-h/DSC015583.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSC01558" border="0" alt="DSC01558" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8ze00wh1oI/AAAAAAAADXY/HNOQMp2QmFM/DSC01558_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> Ralph Southerlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06471486553979674599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6109506395264167199.post-80719483111146157352010-04-19T18:41:00.001-04:002010-04-19T18:44:07.950-04:00Fourth Annual Relay For Life Charity Ride. Stonewall, NC<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="350"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350">We missed this one last year but rode in ‘08 <br /> <br />We started out by meeting Mike K. and his wife, Kathy at the Handy Mart on Hwy 55 and then headed to Bayboro for breakfast at Charlie’s. We met Mike’s mom and dad and his dad paid for breakfast.  Off to a good start I’d say! <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zbgnbUu0I/AAAAAAAADRU/6eq1s3LByEc/s1600-h/DSCF24663.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF2466" border="0" alt="DSCF2466" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zbhFB3-JI/AAAAAAAADRY/pJKGCaJn2xg/DSCF2466_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a>Stonewall United Methodist Church <br /> <br />We lined up at around 9:15 ready for the 10:00 launch.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zbiKcBr7I/AAAAAAAADRc/syFM2s3P0nw/s1600-h/DSCF24683.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF2468" border="0" alt="DSCF2468" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zbielv6YI/AAAAAAAADRg/B2l3SLdG5QI/DSCF2468_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> <br /> <br />Before the end of the day there were to be approximately 110 bikes.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zbjTl_DxI/AAAAAAAADRk/HomHGZZTl2M/s1600-h/DSCF24614.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF2461" border="0" alt="DSCF2461" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zbjvIQQII/AAAAAAAADRo/ZrxIvgkbvd8/DSCF2461_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Chad and Ashley smile for the camera. This young lady is the future bride of Chad and Lynn’s son, Lucas.  Lucas is currently in Afghanistan helping to keep us all free at home.    <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zbkhBHVzI/AAAAAAAADRs/zMmHbrFAxhQ/s1600-h/DSCF24743.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF2474" border="0" alt="DSCF2474" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zblAlQkxI/AAAAAAAADRw/0CGokMIJ-hQ/DSCF2474_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> <br /> <br />Lynn and Linda. <br />Whatever these two are cooking up, I want no part of it!</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zbl9UwC_I/AAAAAAAADR0/tBUL2GXhpIU/s1600-h/DSCF24863.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF2486" border="0" alt="DSCF2486" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zbmMceIOI/AAAAAAAADR4/Sv9cBvcdE30/DSCF2486_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a>  <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Kathy and Mike.(left) <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />He’s one of those guys that everybody knows and always has a story.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zbmp26QZI/AAAAAAAADR8/dc3UIw73o8Y/s1600-h/DSCF25002.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF2500" border="0" alt="DSCF2500" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zbnNzztNI/AAAAAAAADSA/6t8xX8JDSSE/DSCF2500_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a>  <br />Riding through rural Pamlico County.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zbnewtstI/AAAAAAAADSE/y4VK_b5D91M/s1600-h/DSCF25152.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF2515" border="0" alt="DSCF2515" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zbn7bYlDI/AAAAAAAADSI/Srrzf9Vu82M/DSCF2515_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />The view from the bridge at Oriental.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zboukTC_I/AAAAAAAADSM/duXfHqsZWYc/s1600-h/DSCF25172.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF2517" border="0" alt="DSCF2517" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zboyCxS8I/AAAAAAAADSQ/P0T6SL4Y5x4/DSCF2517_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zbplnGm7I/AAAAAAAADSU/LaF1tM2zrNE/s1600-h/DSCF25262.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF2526" border="0" alt="DSCF2526" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zbp1iDk0I/AAAAAAAADSY/Swtq9hvyz6s/DSCF2526_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />Pulling in to  Bethany Christian Church. <br /> <br />The Pamlico Sheriff and NC Highway Patrol did a great job of blocking traffic and adding that extra layer of safety.  That is most important with a large group of bikes.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zbqt1COTI/AAAAAAAADSc/Hq0c4zUfw9U/s1600-h/DSCF25322.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF2532" border="0" alt="DSCF2532" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zbq1rkUJI/AAAAAAAADSg/FL3tofJFK34/DSCF2532_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zbs8-X6WI/AAAAAAAADSk/iAV7Om8s3wU/s1600-h/image13.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zbtobTcsI/AAAAAAAADSo/8onb64qW7Ec/image_thumb5.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="102" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zbvgklbBI/AAAAAAAADSs/VvV4L6gQ6gc/s1600-h/image17.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zbweDCvWI/AAAAAAAADSw/WPbqmId0ABE/image_thumb7.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="58" /></a> <br />The folks at the church certainly enjoyed our arrival and we certainly enjoyed the water, soft drinks and snacks. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zbw1-WBpI/AAAAAAAADS0/fDTxdt1tHW4/s1600-h/DSCF25502.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF2550" border="0" alt="DSCF2550" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zbyJGzcvI/AAAAAAAADS4/06ClQ1UQKU0/DSCF2550_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />Near Kennels Beach as we travel to Goose Creek Island Community Center, in a round about way.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zbyjkhU9I/AAAAAAAADS8/Y1uKNETvcuE/s1600-h/DSCF25572.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF2557" border="0" alt="DSCF2557" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zbzNp_P4I/AAAAAAAADTA/yy17LaTUq24/DSCF2557_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br /> <br />On Hwy 55 between Bayboro and Bridgeton.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zbzquyK2I/AAAAAAAADTE/4boZHD9lltY/s1600-h/DSCF25665.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF2566" border="0" alt="DSCF2566" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zbzxzk9iI/AAAAAAAADTI/p1HHU6SkZZk/DSCF2566_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br /> <br />The view from the bridge at Hobucken. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Hobucken not Hoboken.  I use a Southern spell check! <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zb0ehDIJI/AAAAAAAADTM/7__FIGqc6EQ/s1600-h/DSCF25712.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF2571" border="0" alt="DSCF2571" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zb1O4fPNI/AAAAAAAADTQ/rlgLUDy5bbk/DSCF2571_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br /> <br />The three musketeers as they arrive at Goose Creek.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zb1cfgHlI/AAAAAAAADTU/pM6qMtd4npY/s1600-h/DSCF25722.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF2572" border="0" alt="DSCF2572" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zb1-dYG9I/AAAAAAAADTc/p_UEUwTB6e4/DSCF2572_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />Inside the Community center.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zb3eYct1I/AAAAAAAADTg/Mgy4Z-ofVxU/s1600-h/DSCF25853.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF2585" border="0" alt="DSCF2585" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zb3_i2KUI/AAAAAAAADTk/HlQ4j8tjAaY/DSCF2585_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />Mirror, mirror..</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zb5SunkKI/AAAAAAAADTo/8jXIn7qEhiY/s1600-h/image20.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zb5_4GlrI/AAAAAAAADTs/yFjC2YdFG8M/image_thumb8.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="97" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zb6WkUGlI/AAAAAAAADTw/iBklwIHdcUg/s1600-h/DSCF25972.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF2597" border="0" alt="DSCF2597" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zb6yFMMgI/AAAAAAAADT0/oNP8ofVVfBM/DSCF2597_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />A little shade, a little water and everyone is looking at the bikes.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"> <img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF2601" border="0" alt="DSCF2601" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zb7KmVB4I/AAAAAAAADT4/H_RkuA4hyzo/DSCF2601_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /> <br /> <br />A good meal a the end of the ride.  Eastern Carolina Barbeque with all the fixin’s.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zb7ijoBbI/AAAAAAAADT8/mFAZA8UNpiY/s1600-h/DSCF26002.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF2600" border="0" alt="DSCF2600" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zb8JnB-sI/AAAAAAAADUA/9wrnyaLzjsI/DSCF2600_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br />Doug Carrey wraps up the event with the prize drawings. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Doug said Pamlico County is one of the top ten contributors, per capita, in the nation. With Doug himself being a cancer survivor, I know it makes him proud. <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350">I noticed several things on this trip.  The majority of the people we passed stopped what they were doing and waved.  Some were taking pictures and videos and many motorists, on either side of the road, pulled onto the shoulder.  A few, or at least the few I saw, became frustrated and hit the steering wheel of their car.  To those few, I present the following vanity plate. <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zb-YLkcEI/AAAAAAAADUE/goyVTRd9SgM/s1600-h/image2.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zb_cLo8oI/AAAAAAAADUI/I0YwI-2XId8/image_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a>  <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Maybe the irritated ones were unaware of the cause for which we rode.  The folks in attendance were obviously happy and content, it was a wonderful sunny day and there was a great lunch at the end of our journey. <br /> <br /><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zb_slVDKI/AAAAAAAADUM/OfcgbICJkiE/image21.png?imgmax=800" width="240" height="115" /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />We seem to be very lucky with the weather cooperating as it does with the rides we participate in.  This was no exception. <br /> <br />Thanks to all the good folks at Stonewall United Methodist Church,  Bethany Christian Church and the Goose Creek Island Community Center for their help and support. <br /> <br />For us it was 165 miles door to door and another memorable ride in the digital scrapbook. <br /> <br /></td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="350"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><strong><font size="4">Parting Shots</font></strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zcAA-1q-I/AAAAAAAADUQ/Wda9JOXigQ0/s1600-h/DSCF25412.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF2541" border="0" alt="DSCF2541" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zcApfNsgI/AAAAAAAADUU/4yxI6glMJfQ/DSCF2541_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zcBO9cTXI/AAAAAAAADUY/nCveHlViDoo/s1600-h/DSCF25752.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF2575" border="0" alt="DSCF2575" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zcBbsxtsI/AAAAAAAADUc/EAjGlni9-5s/DSCF2575_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zcCNay51I/AAAAAAAADUg/ZhNrrNgig2o/s1600-h/DSCF25882.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF2588" border="0" alt="DSCF2588" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zcCRMuhQI/AAAAAAAADUk/-BbpyWiePps/DSCF2588_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zcDEDle1I/AAAAAAAADUo/6Q2BzCMr8yg/s1600-h/DSCF25922.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF2592" border="0" alt="DSCF2592" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zcDrIWxqI/AAAAAAAADUs/pQrfwJYBXlw/DSCF2592_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zcEoa33fI/AAAAAAAADUw/q0uCQH93Tys/s1600-h/DSCF25952.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF2595" border="0" alt="DSCF2595" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zcEyz7AgI/AAAAAAAADU0/-bKJp7PgRes/DSCF2595_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zcFS-4MTI/AAAAAAAADU4/oP-3IYOSDu4/s1600-h/DSCF24965.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF2496" border="0" alt="DSCF2496" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zcF9Jj5-I/AAAAAAAADU8/a1E_mC83syc/DSCF2496_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zcHMNGcMI/AAAAAAAADVA/AFMzx0hnrU8/s1600-h/DSCF25983.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF2598" border="0" alt="DSCF2598" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S8zcHrz0p5I/AAAAAAAADVE/Sq_UQ3ZwEwE/DSCF2598_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a>  <br />And yea, I’m entitled to put a picture of our bike on here every now and again!</td> </tr> </tbody></table> Ralph Southerlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06471486553979674599noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6109506395264167199.post-32347288190512165282010-04-09T19:39:00.001-04:002010-04-09T19:40:36.292-04:004th Annual Relay For Life Charity Ride, Stonewall, NC<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="422"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="420"><strong>The 4th Annual Relay For Life Charity Ride in honor of Cancer Survivor, Doug Carey and all other survivors is Saturday, April 17th at Stonewall United Methodist Church...Hwy. 55 in Stonewall. Registration starts at 8:30am and the ride starts at 10am...rain or shine! It's just $25 per bike and that includes lunch and door prizes! All motorcycles welcome! For more information call Doug Carey at 229-1968 or Jeffrey Midyette at 745-3732!</strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="420"> <br /><strong>We rode this in 08 and had a great time! See link below.  <br /> <br />This is one you don’t want to miss.  Hope to see you there.</strong><a title="http://ralphps.blogspot.com/2008/04/2nd-annual-relay-for-life-charity-ride.html" href="http://ralphps.blogspot.com/2008/04/2nd-annual-relay-for-life-charity-ride.html"> <br /> <br />http://ralphps.blogspot.com/2008/04/2nd-annual-relay-for-life-charity-ride.html</a> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="420"> <br />Go to <a href="http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/">http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/</a>  to learn more about this organization.</td> </tr> </tbody></table> Ralph Southerlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06471486553979674599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6109506395264167199.post-56425321770422498682010-04-03T22:27:00.002-04:002010-04-07T20:39:47.359-04:00Second Annual Save Marshallberg Harbor Motorcycle Ride<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="352"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><strong>We participated in this ride last year with 73 other bikes and were really looking forward to it again. <br /> <br />We set out from home at 8:30 on Saturday, made a quick gas stop, and met up with TJ, his wife Pam, their friend Tony and Jack and Cookie at the New Bern Harley shop.  Chad and Lynn were not in attendance since they had a project at home to complete. Concrete work? Sheesh… <br /> <br />The fog was fairly thick and it was a little cool starting out but the forecast was for 80 degrees and sunny.  At around 9:00 we headed for Beaufort via Havelock and Hwy 101.  By the time we were near Havelock we saw the vivid Carolina Blue sky breakout with full sunshine.  It was a sign of an excellent day in the works. But boy was the pollen in high quantity! <br /> <br /> </strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7vJLJ6Ni_I/AAAAAAAADIM/6YiwTT2l9z8/s1600-h/DSCF2146%5B1%5D.jpg"><strong><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF2146" border="0" alt="DSCF2146" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7vJLq5IHvI/AAAAAAAADIQ/qniTtZ__SPs/DSCF2146_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></strong></a><strong> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />We arrived at the Cubbies parking lot just before 10:00.  Plenty of time to register, grab some breakfast, browse the lot and be ready to head out at 11:00. <br /> <br /></strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7vJMe6qQFI/AAAAAAAADIU/enDupcJxVwg/s1600-h/DSCF21476.jpg"><strong><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF2147" border="0" alt="DSCF2147" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7vJMoLiNWI/AAAAAAAADIY/orHtXvj-FUk/DSCF2147_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></strong></a><strong>  <br />Inside Cubbies….</strong> <br /> <br /><strong>…and they have great food.  Our thanks to Cubbies for supporting the ride and allowing the use of the space for registration. <br /> <br /></strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7vJNTtxm8I/AAAAAAAADIc/Tigh4wkOTG4/s1600-h/DSCF21495.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF2149" border="0" alt="DSCF2149" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7vJNshJCMI/AAAAAAAADIg/0A8Ke4Fz9c0/DSCF2149_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <strong>Max, the ride organizer and the organizer of last year’s ride, makes last minute preparations with a Carteret County Sheriff Deputy. <br /> <br /> <br /></strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7vJPZv3pYI/AAAAAAAADOY/ROdSEfJmUDs/s1600-h/image1%5B2%5D.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7vJP1AFarI/AAAAAAAADOc/XG5YSuO5Eyk/image1_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="62" /></a>  <br /><strong>Just prior to the ride starting I heard there were 150 bikes. <br /> <br /></strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"> <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7vJRcuT1DI/AAAAAAAADIs/A1g-i5jPS0Q/s1600-h/image6%5B1%5D.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7vJSN87P-I/AAAAAAAADIw/m0wrkqtjB9E/image6_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="244" /></a> <br /><strong>The ride itself covers about 100 miles.  We were to log just over 200 miles for the day. Point D is close to where we and Jack and Cookie live so we had an extra round trip. TJ and company came in from Trenton so they probably had an extra 30 miles above the 200.  <br /> <br /></strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7vJUU1XXgI/AAAAAAAADI0/7ATcMzPz1sU/s1600-h/image%5B3%5D.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7vJVSLWVhI/AAAAAAAADI8/KzzAQ84m9ZY/image_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br /><strong>TJ and Pam beside their ‘06 Honda VTX 1300R. Quite impressive custom painted graphics. <br /> <br /> <br /></strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7vJbobnblI/AAAAAAAADJA/39IAe4_WA7c/s1600-h/image%5B8%5D.png"><strong><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7vJdUWPmmI/AAAAAAAADJE/yrn_nMD2Dh0/image_thumb%5B4%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></strong></a><strong>  <br /> <br /> <br />Chrome, steel and leather.</strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7vJjfc3kpI/AAAAAAAADJI/1wAKte19_5I/s1600-h/image%5B13%5D.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7vJktaXhlI/AAAAAAAADJM/AzULlWzh2C0/image_thumb%5B7%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br /> <br /> <br /><strong>Can I borrow some Windex?</strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7vJmSiyFtI/AAAAAAAADJQ/65mAPY_JpRE/s1600-h/image%5B18%5D.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7vJnOPLPWI/AAAAAAAADJU/u9DlU61Beyo/image_thumb%5B10%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="125" /></a> <br /><strong> <br />Like last year we have a police escort from Beaufort to the Craven County line. Carteret County Sheriff hands us over to Craven County Sheriff and once in Havelock the Havelock PD blocks the intersections for us. Pretty sweet.  You can tell Max has done his homework! <br /></strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7zPppkK3VI/AAAAAAAADJc/Qz0LIz9Ld6g/s1600-h/image%5B22%5D.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7zPqc4KH2I/AAAAAAAADJg/aCLVJJkXPd0/image_thumb%5B12%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br /><strong>It was fitting that Officer Owen of New Bern PD lead us to our first stop just east of New Bern.  He understands the two wheel mentality. <br /> <br />I guess that means he accepts crazy people! <br /> <br /></strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7zPsmOA5MI/AAAAAAAADJk/0bLdewGHh5c/s1600-h/image%5B26%5D.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7zPtofixqI/AAAAAAAADJo/LWOwuVAyXns/image_thumb%5B14%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br /> <strong>This is the graphic on TJ’s bike. Looks just like him.  <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />That’s pay back for the Harley joke! <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /></strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7zPwL3xd8I/AAAAAAAADJw/Wh81Z5w3deI/s1600-h/image%5B34%5D.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7zPxDc6WlI/AAAAAAAADJ0/ohB8wLMA12M/image_thumb%5B18%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br /><strong>After a short stop it’s time to head to DC.  That’s Down in the County to locals, when traveling to Pamlico County. <br /> <br /> <br /></strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7zPzd1tyXI/AAAAAAAADJ4/fYojXSwYM2I/s1600-h/image%5B35%5D.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7zP0DxbNVI/AAAAAAAADJ8/XaHHbxctrWk/image_thumb%5B19%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="182" /></a> <br /><strong>Testing out the four lane into Pamlico County.</strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7zP1kSUbAI/AAAAAAAADKA/TdC_eJSEwN0/s1600-h/DSCF2274%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF2274" border="0" alt="DSCF2274" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7zP2K05aJI/AAAAAAAADKE/kMHxNCoApV4/DSCF2274_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a>  <br /> <br /><strong>The group arrives at the Minnesott-Cherry Branch ferry. <br /> <br />12254 NC 306 Arapahoe, NC 28510 <br /> <br /><a title="http://www.ncdot.org/travel/ferryroutes/default.html#" href="http://www.ncdot.org/travel/ferryroutes/default.html#">http://www.ncdot.org/travel/ferryroutes/default.html#</a></strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7zP20BfdlI/AAAAAAAADKI/UuLh6MYKu2g/s1600-h/DSCF2276%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF2276" border="0" alt="DSCF2276" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7zP3ZzwuLI/AAAAAAAADKM/m1UuDyOC0Hg/DSCF2276_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a>  <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7zP4Sa6prI/AAAAAAAADKQ/YDTEARjSzg0/s1600-h/DSCF2281%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF2281" border="0" alt="DSCF2281" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7zP40N4HBI/AAAAAAAADKU/7O1UctlGL6U/DSCF2281_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7zP53PcbNI/AAAAAAAADKY/oWkdqOiofr8/s1600-h/DSCF2328%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF2328" border="0" alt="DSCF2328" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7zP6X19BMI/AAAAAAAADKc/pqmMVOuAlAQ/DSCF2328_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br /><strong>More than a single ferry could carry, we went across the Neuse River in two groups.</strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7zP7Apvc4I/AAAAAAAADKg/tkkTSwPwBtU/s1600-h/DSCF2327%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF2327" border="0" alt="DSCF2327" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7zP7rrV_KI/AAAAAAAADKk/Kyb2TunlOi4/DSCF2327_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7zP80jvV5I/AAAAAAAADOk/zs8HMwROCUs/s1600-h/image%5B40%5D.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7zP9bNkySI/AAAAAAAADOs/9WS-MtUeSxQ/image_thumb%5B22%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="73" /></a> <strong>As part of group one we wait at the local fire department for the second group to arrive and head down Hwy 101 to Beaufort. <br /> <br /></strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7zP96ifS7I/AAAAAAAADKw/laL-sjSr4zE/s1600-h/DSCF2373%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF2373" border="0" alt="DSCF2373" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7zP-c9Z9EI/AAAAAAAADK0/hxlaPRqld-M/DSCF2373_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a>   <br /><strong> <br />On the North River bridge on Hwy 70 in Carteret County. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /></strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7zP-4hZ1PI/AAAAAAAADK4/bn8PuSiGNJI/s1600-h/DSCF2376%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF2376" border="0" alt="DSCF2376" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7zP_bxsJ3I/AAAAAAAADK8/_2fWKbqqDsY/DSCF2376_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br /><strong>It was nearing 3:00 and there was a lot of rumbling, not from the bikes as much as my stomach. <br /> <br /> <br />Parking in the Post Office lot in Marshallberg. <br /> <br /></strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7zP_4W8U3I/AAAAAAAADLA/wMELEhn9z4k/s1600-h/DSCF2383%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF2383" border="0" alt="DSCF2383" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7zQAJrkbDI/AAAAAAAADLE/DC8IMSEhoKs/DSCF2383_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br /><strong>Fried shrimp, and plenty of them, beans, slaw, hushpuppies and a brownie.  Now these shrimp were very lightly breaded, dusted actually, and that is the way to enjoy them. <br /> <br /></strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7zQAh5crDI/AAAAAAAADLI/nl_hwMR9V98/s1600-h/DSCF2388%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF2388" border="0" alt="DSCF2388" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7zQBIvfgmI/AAAAAAAADLM/8NYflYKkCbQ/DSCF2388_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br /><strong>Way too full or in Down East terms, I believe I’ve run aground! <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /></strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7zQCDcyg0I/AAAAAAAADLU/5EFBZTctkIU/s1600-h/DSCF2391%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF2391" border="0" alt="DSCF2391" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7zQCWSE6VI/AAAAAAAADLY/8RBe1qRwFfI/DSCF2391_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br /><strong>Lots of prizes and gift certificates were donated, due in large part to the efforts of Max. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /></strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="350"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7zQDE5-gYI/AAAAAAAADLc/vLmmrgqFTgI/s1600-h/DSCF2411%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF2411" border="0" alt="DSCF2411" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7zQDUWSH8I/AAAAAAAADLg/vcV9wNIeKio/DSCF2411_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <br /><strong>Things were wrapped up by 5:00 or so and our band of travelers head back to New Bern.  Another great ride with great weather and the opportunity to meet and ride with some new friends. <br /> <br />Even if TJ does ride a Honda….. <br /> <br /> <br /></strong></td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p> </p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="364"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="362"><strong><font size="4">Parting Shots</font></strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="362"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="362"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S70lvpPRY4I/AAAAAAAADQ4/sjR98CnR3Ao/s1600-h/DSCF2296%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCF2296" border="0" alt="DSCF2296" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7zQFEGXPaI/AAAAAAAADQ8/sqtiidmJM8I/DSCF2296_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="362"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7zQGMBSOlI/AAAAAAAADRA/jdUYGERvPWE/s1600-h/DSCF2297%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSCF2297" border="0" alt="DSCF2297" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7zQG_pyd4I/AAAAAAAADRE/QrmMZcCm-Ec/DSCF2297_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="362"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7zQH0bZ2BI/AAAAAAAADMs/qVIaiiJRwhs/s1600-h/DSCF2320%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF2320" border="0" alt="DSCF2320" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7zQIpwYznI/AAAAAAAADMw/XxzYPDhG6BY/DSCF2320_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="362"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7zQJzdtgmI/AAAAAAAADL8/C5UgQsPvJOM/s1600-h/DSCF2361%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF2361" border="0" alt="DSCF2361" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7zQKM7orGI/AAAAAAAADMA/uQQMqaDDVes/DSCF2361_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="362"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7zQKwtcHmI/AAAAAAAADM0/tnogB9DWq4U/s1600-h/DSCF2399%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF2399" border="0" alt="DSCF2399" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7zQLaHG6sI/AAAAAAAADM4/FFYci3ML3vM/DSCF2399_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="362"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7zQMBocENI/AAAAAAAADMM/RWNygJlHj5Q/s1600-h/DSCF2386%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF2386" border="0" alt="DSCF2386" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7zQMYBEkcI/AAAAAAAADMQ/Lo-KzATDPS4/DSCF2386_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="362"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7zQM8e8cRI/AAAAAAAADM8/x061uLtQH2o/s1600-h/DSCF2379%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF2379" border="0" alt="DSCF2379" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7zQNU5M2cI/AAAAAAAADNA/zgoJE-whffA/DSCF2379_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="362"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7zQOtbLQMI/AAAAAAAADMc/4uUId6gT214/s1600-h/DSCF2305%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSCF2305" border="0" alt="DSCF2305" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/S7zQOyRI76I/AAAAAAAADMg/O7JQtUNXfkc/DSCF2305_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> Ralph Southerlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06471486553979674599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6109506395264167199.post-27433240493740110692009-04-17T10:52:00.001-04:002009-04-17T13:58:29.450-04:00Officer Down Ride, Wilmington, NC<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="400" border="0"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400">Mike mentioned something about this event several months back and Debbie and I decided to make it a long weekend around the ride.  We frequently checked the extended weather forecast for the week and it started to appear that it just might work out. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiUxs_fmQI/AAAAAAAADAo/3RPq6EaqXck/s1600-h/image3.png"><img title="image" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="167" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiUyDEZlqI/AAAAAAAADAs/zPngKM991J8/image_thumb1.png?imgmax=800" width="154" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br />The Officer Down Ride helps raise awareness of Police officers and Firefighters who have been injured in the line of duty. <br /> <br /><a title="http://officerdownride.org" href="http://officerdownride.org">http://officerdownride.org</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"> <br />Since the ride started in Wilmington I thought the Summer Sands in Wrightsville Beach would be just the place for our weekend stay.  I have stayed there on numerous occasions but it has always been for business.  I called Don, who also rides a motorcycle, and made reservations. A big plus for the motorcycle traveler is the covered parking and the location is wonderful with most everything within walking distance. <br /> <br /><a title="http://www.summersandssuites.com/" href="http://www.summersandssuites.com/">http://www.summersandssuites.com/</a> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400">Trip start time: 11:00AM Friday. <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiU1kK9gqI/AAAAAAAADAw/j6vvwb3GSE8/s1600-h/image7.png"><img title="image" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiU2hxxzbI/AAAAAAAADA4/ACcXM7-w9v4/image_thumb3%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="right" border="0" /></a> <br />Travelling on 17 South from New Bern you first encounter Pollocksville and you need to be aware of the posted speed limit.  There is a good view of the Trent River as you ride across the bridge. As we passed through I saw several bikes at the Trent Restaurant.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiU5VoJtqI/AAAAAAAADA8/KMJRsM1_xag/s1600-h/image14.png"> <br /><img title="image" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiU6FS31jI/AAAAAAAADBA/FdQ9cMX7uJ4/image_thumb6.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="right" border="0" /></a> The next town is Maysville and again there is a posted limit to be observed. Once out of town a few miles you are on the new four lane to Jacksonville.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiU8l-IQ2I/AAAAAAAADBE/aX0n36DHBxc/s1600-h/image15.png"><img title="image" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiU9Y6RKuI/AAAAAAAADBI/XcXvDKq3ClE/image_thumb7%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br />Debbie decided on Cracker Barrel for lunch and I’ll have to say it was a good choice.  Since we skipped breakfast we were both a bit hungry.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiU97wnuMI/AAAAAAAADBM/p4CRRQe2drk/s1600-h/image20.png"><img title="image" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="153" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiU-qHKqvI/AAAAAAAADBQ/vmEGVeFP0LQ/image_thumb10.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="right" border="0" /></a> We stopped at New River HD and Debbie picked up a pair of sunglasses and then we continued on toward Wrightsville Beach.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiVBCagabI/AAAAAAAADBU/03LoC2YkA5s/s1600-h/image24.png"><img title="image" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="136" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiVB6Y6azI/AAAAAAAADBY/x4vqcIUuYCA/image_thumb12.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br />About half way between Jacksonville and Dixon we noticed a NCHP car heading north.  Just a minute after that a sport bike blew past us heading south.  A minute later and the HP blew past us and had said sport bike on the road side.  What a way to start the holiday weekend.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiVE6g6l2I/AAAAAAAADBc/CbD7jIuELk0/s1600-h/image28.png"><img title="image" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="175" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiVF-apLWI/AAAAAAAADBg/Co_PibT-t6E/image_thumb14.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="right" border="0" /></a> <br />We hit Wrightsville Beach about 2:30.  The weather had been wonderful the whole trip down with temperatures in the mid to upper 70’s.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiVIXpM2yI/AAAAAAAADBk/heupfx1vW24/s1600-h/image32.png"><img title="image" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiVJXsEjtI/AAAAAAAADBo/SoUFfOMbIeo/image_thumb16%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br />We carried the bags to the room and got settled in.  Speaking of bags, we used the T-Bags Dakota model for the trip.  The bag is awesome and perfectly mounts to the the Ultra Classic’s luggage rack. <br /> <br /><a title="http://www.tbags.com/detail.aspx?ID=77&SelectedCat=4" href="http://www.tbags.com/detail.aspx?ID=77&SelectedCat=4">http://www.tbags.com/detail.aspx?ID=77&SelectedCat=4</a> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiVMjU2bXI/AAAAAAAADBs/mrSPYhxjtis/s1600-h/image36.png"><img title="image" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiVNXGVeqI/AAAAAAAADB0/7oPT26mvGTc/image_thumb18.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="right" border="0" /></a> <br />Just a few hundred feet away lies the beach access path.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiVPlSKb_I/AAAAAAAADB4/UT7iABzJZog/s1600-h/image40%5B1%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiVQRuU3NI/AAAAAAAADB8/j1xxPwqoqjY/image_thumb20.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiVTNlqvHI/AAAAAAAADCA/onQ_8GbPrqg/s1600-h/image44.png"><img title="image" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiVTh47rPI/AAAAAAAADCE/eh6SOUSLLBk/image_thumb22.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="right" border="0" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400">Mike called and the crew would meet us at the Summer Sands in the morning at 10:45.  We headed over to Tower 7 for some very good tacos. <br /> <p><b>Tower 7</b> <br />4 N. Lumina Ave <br />Wrightsville Beach, NC <br />910.256.8585</p> <p></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><strong>Around Wrightsville Beach <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiVWwTA1GI/AAAAAAAADCI/BMNs8FDz6NY/s1600-h/image47.png"><img title="image" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiVX1OEDkI/AAAAAAAADCM/B9KEP-fuqdU/image_thumb23.png?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0" /></a>  <br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiVa6_mWPI/AAAAAAAADCQ/JC05sjGUSrw/s1600-h/image51.png"><img title="image" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiVbp4fYXI/AAAAAAAADCU/nsx5GIY5eo0/image_thumb25.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="right" border="0" /></a> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiVefwjC5I/AAAAAAAADCY/rQ3fAcxGt1I/s1600-h/image54.png"><img title="image" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiVfkCjCVI/AAAAAAAADCc/mwHlikc0unY/image_thumb26.png?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0" /></a> <br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiVhw9WmMI/AAAAAAAADCg/PCq11tSnlWw/s1600-h/image58%5B1%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiVigXHU8I/AAAAAAAADCk/nhqn1h8zsBY/image_thumb28.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="right" border="0" /></a> </strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiVlp8kmNI/AAAAAAAADCo/2jh0HNRkSNU/s1600-h/image62.png"> <br /><img title="image" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiVmoLAQRI/AAAAAAAADCw/jD7HMLtHWs0/image_thumb30%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a>7:00AM came around and the alarm sounded.  We got ready and headed over to the the highly recommended Causeway Cafe.  Unbelievable breakfast for both of us.  I had the country ham omelet  and Debbie had eggs over light with hash browns.  If you’re in the area stop by and enjoy some really good food with fast, courteous service.  Free coffee on the porch if you need to wait. <br /> <p>114 Causeway Dr <br />Wrightsville Beach, NC</p> <p></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiVpO2-iRI/AAAAAAAADC0/vS0-0EDdKfA/s1600-h/image66.png"><img title="image" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiVp5lxDJI/AAAAAAAADC4/dx83YVVpfzA/image_thumb32%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br />Off to Carolina Coast HD to start the line up with Mike, Holli, Brett and Justin.  Brett recently acquired a BMW and Justin now owns a Nightster.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiVs9N5XCI/AAAAAAAADC8/6Bojl3_9BbQ/s1600-h/image4%5B1%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiVt0aQ2uI/AAAAAAAADDA/N9zUwPFXRSg/image_thumb1%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="right" border="0" /></a> <br /> <br />We arrived and one group was on the way out and the next was lining up.  Time for us to sign up!</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiVwgi6mSI/AAAAAAAADDE/j_kfEWa1Z18/s1600-h/image8%5B1%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiVxRBVEVI/AAAAAAAADDI/APBHEfsOiQw/image_thumb3.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br />Paperwork in-hand we line up and with a police escort we head to Leland, our first stop.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiVzk2lpsI/AAAAAAAADDM/zijL3j9Ik4s/s1600-h/image16.png"><img title="image" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="112" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiV0BK00kI/AAAAAAAADDQ/oaLCM25N394/image_thumb7.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="right" border="0" /></a>  <br />We had an escort most of the way so we blew through red lights and stop signs.  About 5 miles into the first leg an idiot in a car runs up in the left lane and attempts to break in to the line.  They even cruise through the red lights. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiV2U5XIYI/AAAAAAAADDU/GzqdxakBvFs/s1600-h/image17.png"><img title="image" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="150" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiV3ZYouRI/AAAAAAAADDY/RY51os8Gs50/image_thumb8.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"> <img title="image" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiV3yJl-EI/AAAAAAAADDc/XF4LP7WvFHI/image_thumb13.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="right" border="0" /> <br /> <br />Here is the group at <a href="http://www.lelandfirerescue.com/">Leland Fire and Rescue</a>. <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiV6_1AYXI/AAAAAAAADDg/oqBYp2Krdn4/s1600-h/image33.png"><img title="image" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiV7hqDOQI/AAAAAAAADDk/ysyV6KPc8GM/image_thumb16.png?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0" /></a> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiV-IC3PzI/AAAAAAAADDo/Pdn-n3SDEgY/s1600-h/image34.png"><img title="image" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="145" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiV-8noK2I/AAAAAAAADDw/61ugpHUznus/image_thumb17.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="right" border="0" /></a> <br />We’ve been on a lot of poker runs but this was our first dice run.  After the stops the one with the highest total wins.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiWBkG-sBI/AAAAAAAADD0/I27hsGitN9E/s1600-h/image53.png"><img title="image" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="167" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiWCrUmxhI/AAAAAAAADD4/cOlEyQFJ7Mc/image_thumb28%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a>  <br />I had wondered how many miles would be on main highways.  Not to worry, the majority of the run was on the winding back roads away from the main flow of traffic.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiWFkUNyLI/AAAAAAAADD8/Zc5_6FUZyP8/s1600-h/image54%5B1%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiWGS6vRkI/AAAAAAAADEA/HQhTbZchwDk/image_thumb29.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="right" border="0" /></a> <br />The group turns in to the parking lot at Acme-Delco-Riegelwood Fire and Rescue.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiWJJN14SI/AAAAAAAADEE/Yg7CIpiirKc/s1600-h/image55%5B1%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="95" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiWJqvlSgI/AAAAAAAADEI/yktRfD9qfqY/image_thumb30.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiWMXgCI-I/AAAAAAAADEM/Opwu5u6DnMM/s1600-h/image56.png"><img title="image" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiWNaB3w3I/AAAAAAAADEQ/ZiiP4_lSOqg/image_thumb31.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="right" border="0" /></a>  <br /> <br />Roll the dice, jot down the total and get the official signature.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiWPSO1ocI/AAAAAAAADEU/yxstsw2cPUo/s1600-h/image57.png"><img title="image" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="88" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiWP6uMELI/AAAAAAAADEY/DGc1tB1bMB8/image_thumb32.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a>  <br />We mount up and head to the Brunswick County Government Complex. <br /> <br /><a title="http://www.brunsco.net/" href="http://www.brunsco.net/">http://www.brunsco.net/</a> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiWTdIRtsI/AAAAAAAADEc/9RAojbG-3Tg/s1600-h/image61.png"><img title="image" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiWUAroRDI/AAAAAAAADEg/Rw0RoSYeDcA/image_thumb34.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="right" border="0" /></a> <br />This is the last stop before we arrive at Beach House Harley Davidson in Shallotte.  It’s near 12:30 by now and I hear quite a few mentions of food and drink.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiWXBfxLUI/AAAAAAAADEk/dGvNOsk6A2Y/s1600-h/image68.png"><img title="image" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiWX5zOzxI/AAAAAAAADEs/5cizbLBuHhQ/image_thumb37.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br />Since the food is on everyone's mind this stop went fairly quickly.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiWaeFSOnI/AAAAAAAADEw/hjVnXH_fm8o/s1600-h/image69.png"><img title="image" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="116" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiWbE_9WjI/AAAAAAAADE0/vY7lixgOU6Y/image_thumb38.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="right" border="0" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiWdlmFOqI/AAAAAAAADE4/zgipD-_KGck/s1600-h/image70%5B1%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiWesRHrSI/AAAAAAAADE8/9yN_yjaW8wY/image70_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a>  <br />I browsed the Beach House web site but the site can’t do justice to the real thing. <br /> <br /><a title="http://www.beachhousehd.com/Default.asp" href="http://www.beachhousehd.com/Default.asp">http://www.beachhousehd.com/Default.asp</a> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiWg8YPvxI/AAAAAAAADFA/nlRd3eSlTIU/s1600-h/image%5B4%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="115" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiWhvdinhI/AAAAAAAADFE/3k6eyUl1KEo/image_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="right" border="0" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiWkT0JCmI/AAAAAAAADFI/wPo8AgSsVMQ/s1600-h/image%5B8%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiWlXhQ-tI/AAAAAAAADFM/ptIh_PrzsXY/image_thumb%5B3%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br />I don’t know how many groups were in the ride but I do know where they ended up. </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiWoJNpWYI/AAAAAAAADFQ/UvGsAuI5JAM/s1600-h/image%5B12%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiWpMzYB_I/AAAAAAAADFU/6Cg0miX0GoA/image_thumb%5B5%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="right" border="0" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiWsZoaKSI/AAAAAAAADFY/-eBRL4rDfqg/s1600-h/image%5B16%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiWtPoR0CI/AAAAAAAADFc/DuO4jN_abxU/image_thumb%5B7%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiWwJSMCoI/AAAAAAAADFg/VmgdMIyJnk0/s1600-h/image%5B20%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiWw0_RTiI/AAAAAAAADFo/03rbE8__J6A/image_thumb%5B9%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="right" border="0" /></a> <br />Plenty of food….</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiWzqakVRI/AAAAAAAADFs/omOdf6p7Ozk/s1600-h/image%5B24%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="123" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiW0TwljmI/AAAAAAAADFw/cHbQ1MqloWk/image_thumb%5B11%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br />…and live entertainment.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"> <br />The ride is over and we start to make our way back to the bikes.  Mike suggests we go back to Wilmington by way of Southport and the ferry.  Sounds good to us! <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiW11W8EBI/AAAAAAAADF0/_N6Xd1NME2I/s1600-h/image%5B28%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="96" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiW2bQ0KzI/AAAAAAAADF4/gOwVmVTdd7M/image_thumb%5B13%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="right" border="0" /></a> <br />We didn’t quite make the 2:30 ferry so we gas up and check out Southport.  The weather really cooperated on this trip.  A minor threat of rain in the morning never developed and the temperatures were great, in the lower 70’s.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiW4aCNOzI/AAAAAAAADF8/yHos4AlfSBM/s1600-h/image%5B32%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="136" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiW5LoPkWI/AAAAAAAADGA/moIrGTnuIFY/image_thumb%5B15%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br />Southport has a nice waterfront park with a great view.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiW7-76RcI/AAAAAAAADGE/wJBXoSr5qPc/s1600-h/image%5B36%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="132" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiW8lqeiyI/AAAAAAAADGI/XYV5z1_EWtA/image_thumb%5B17%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="right" border="0" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiW_R4xGnI/AAAAAAAADGM/vlA1pzaZCi4/s1600-h/image%5B40%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiXAOhrRJI/AAAAAAAADGQ/zkZH14_l6LI/image_thumb%5B19%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a>  <br />A quick ride from the waterfront and we arrive at the ferry.  We had a short wait since at first it appeared that the ferry was full.  Not to worry. We drove on the ferry for the trip to Fort Fisher.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiXCrJ-kVI/AAAAAAAADGU/X1s54RNCKqQ/s1600-h/image%5B44%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiXDqUK2jI/AAAAAAAADGY/GpA3ZFEtPKg/image_thumb%5B21%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="right" border="0" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiXGW4o_wI/AAAAAAAADGc/ABT7PEijy7U/s1600-h/image%5B48%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiXHForx8I/AAAAAAAADGg/2nnAqtiIGTo/image_thumb%5B23%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiXJIhlczI/AAAAAAAADGk/6KPxxB0wteo/s1600-h/image%5B52%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiXJ58gTgI/AAAAAAAADGs/2oagL-b73T8/image_thumb%5B25%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="right" border="0" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400">It was close to 5:00 by the time we returned to Summer Sands. For us, door to door, back to Wrightsville Beach we racked up 142 miles. Sadly we knew the long weekend was almost over and we had to ride back to New Bern tomorrow. Sunday morning came and it’s Easter.  Debbie and I attended service at Port City Community Church in Wilmington.  I thought riding a bike to church may be unique.  Not so.  There were a dozen or more lined up when we arrived.  It was a good service and I was most impressed with both the people and the level of talent that was evident especially during the video productions.  <br /> <br />We grabbed lunch at O’Charley’s and left for New Bern at 12:45.  We made a quick stop in Jacksonville, believe it or not, so we could warm up.  A bit cold around the ears after an hour of riding on highway 17 North.  Not quite as warm as Saturday. <br /> <br />For us it was an overdue vacation and one that was very enjoyable.  We got a chance to ride for a good cause with our friends down south and spend some time in Wrightsville Beach away from the daily distractions.  The complete trip was one of 355 miles and as usual it came with a flawless performance from the Ultra.  <br /> <br />Where to next….? <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><font size="3"><strong>PARTING SHOTS <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiXNQEBnyI/AAAAAAAADGw/OZ7JF0h7xNE/s1600-h/image%5B55%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiXOV-wD2I/AAAAAAAADG0/qU9w_fIVLPs/image_thumb%5B26%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0" /></a> </strong></font></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiXRkyudBI/AAAAAAAADG4/9d0_SLAbGwE/s1600-h/image%5B58%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="213" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiXTfZGSPI/AAAAAAAADG8/PD0CoxjvfJw/image_thumb%5B27%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiXWTwZN3I/AAAAAAAADHA/-rA8vidlCwM/s1600-h/image%5B61%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="170" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiXXDmVP8I/AAAAAAAADHE/JDSVhO0De_E/image_thumb%5B28%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiXZv_l4YI/AAAAAAAADHI/csHde1CTwdc/s1600-h/image%5B73%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiXabnpJKI/AAAAAAAADHM/1Femm6i6bN0/image_thumb%5B32%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiXdaZevfI/AAAAAAAADHQ/IdK-LbH3oSE/s1600-h/image%5B64%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiXeecsonI/AAAAAAAADHU/-XSSvCt6PRo/image_thumb%5B29%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiXf-EGlYI/AAAAAAAADHY/y26HufZEKvw/s1600-h/image%5B76%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="244" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiXgjpU61I/AAAAAAAADHc/pcm3NKqTCfo/image_thumb%5B33%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="189" border="0" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiXihycodI/AAAAAAAADHg/G--62qN1Pfs/s1600-h/image%5B67%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiXj3folFI/AAAAAAAADHo/WOrfYtlkrXA/image_thumb%5B30%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiXmWsTDFI/AAAAAAAADHs/G9PzNEoC2ZQ/s1600-h/image%5B70%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiXnRlwtWI/AAAAAAAADHw/_BM6tukb8zg/image_thumb%5B31%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiXqgnZkHI/AAAAAAAADH0/iyI6Dxz4EWs/s1600-h/image%5B79%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SeiXraD1QQI/AAAAAAAADH4/s5WaP6ds1r4/image_thumb%5B34%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0" /></a> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> Ralph Southerlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06471486553979674599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6109506395264167199.post-41295788645426559832009-04-05T16:45:00.002-04:002009-04-06T20:23:31.227-04:00Marshallberg: Save The Harbor Motorcycle Rally<p> </p> <table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" width="500"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="500"><strong>Marshallberg, NC <br /> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SdkYZILjsJI/AAAAAAAAC6Q/M0MvSb9LRwA/s1600-h/image14.png"><img title="image" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SdkYaTRvB-I/AAAAAAAAC6U/c2lOJmUAPTc/image_thumb8.png?imgmax=800" border="0" height="110" width="244" /></a> <br /></strong></td> </tr> </tbody></table> <table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" width="400"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398"> <blockquote> <p><strong><em><span style="font-family:Arial Black;font-size:180%;">The Daily News</span> <br /> <br />Progress invades community, threatens way of life. <br /></em></strong></p> </blockquote> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398">That could be the headline but maybe replace Progress with Greed. Either way it’s a classic story of the little guys being trampled on with total disregard for rights and privileges granted by the United States of America. Sound familiar? In this case the folks in Marshallberg are refusing to accept the change and outright theft of their way of life. A way of life that goes back many generations and actually threatens what you may have on your dinner plate when you enjoy a seafood meal in the real Down East. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398"> <p> </p> <p>There was a ride organized in order to raise money to assist the good folks in the Marshallberg area. A ride organized and orchestrated in such a manner it impressed most everyone in attendance. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo0mFHQBaI/AAAAAAAAC6o/av2Z7mivWXo/s1600-h/image7%5B1%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border: 0px none ; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo0m6X31qI/AAAAAAAAC6s/d5QP04503FE/image7_thumb.png?imgmax=800" border="0" height="196" width="244" /></a></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>Max is awesome!</strong></span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></strong></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SdkYbuM87TI/AAAAAAAAC6Y/b1U552udbQ4/s1600-h/image6.png"><img title="image" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SdkYcSeO8JI/AAAAAAAAC6c/CCHk81gmfpw/image_thumb4.png?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" height="92" width="184" /></a> <br /> <br />Debbie and I left home at 8:30 Saturday morning and after a stop at Bojangles in James City for a quick breakfast we were in route to Beaufort by 9:15 or so. Line up started at 9:00 with bikes out at 11:00. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SdkYfZK17rI/AAAAAAAAC6g/TeuJPqhFwUw/s1600-h/image%5B6%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SdkYgCzB5hI/AAAAAAAAC6k/fZhyGw5QiSU/image_thumb%5B3%5D.png?imgmax=800" align="right" border="0" height="184" width="244" /></a> <br />We arrived at the parking lot at Cubbies Restaurant in Beaufort a little after 10:00. I had wondered on the ride down if the attendance would be good for such a cause in eastern Carteret County. I had no reason to be concerned since by the time we were to leave there were about 75 bikes and about 100 in attendance since there were quite a few 2 up bikes. Registration took place inside Cubbies. They opened very early to accommodate the riders and event workers. Someone was eating chili fries at 10:15 AM! <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398"> <br />As usual we checked out the bikes and chatted with some riders. There was a real mix of bikes in this group from dirt bikes to cruisers including most makes I could think of.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo0qJZ7zpI/AAAAAAAAC6w/YMM7iqV-22U/s1600-h/image15.png"><img title="image" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo0rQIXp0I/AAAAAAAAC60/0vOvdMf-DyE/image_thumb8.png?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" height="184" width="244" /></a> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />This young man seemed right at home on this bike and seemed anxious for the event to begin. </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398"> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo0t6_uzCI/AAAAAAAAC64/tIGcVsQJ39o/s1600-h/image19.png"><img title="image" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo0u60CIyI/AAAAAAAAC68/0JqWsXma6HE/image_thumb10.png?imgmax=800" align="right" border="0" height="111" width="244" /></a> We had a police escort as we left Beaufort and Beaufort PD handed us off to a Carteret County Sheriff Deputy as we ran down 101.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo0yFRKp4I/AAAAAAAAC7A/qBv-52O-Luc/s1600-h/image23.png"><img title="image" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo0zWyZpaI/AAAAAAAAC7E/IOJ2T3ijGrU/image_thumb12.png?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" height="184" width="244" /></a> <br />The weather was fantastic. As we ran down highway 101 it was near 65, clear skies and light wind. </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo02czHglI/AAAAAAAAC7I/Btcr6EPb6oU/s1600-h/image27.png"><img title="image" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo03eIfQ7I/AAAAAAAAC7M/RFw2NVKvvdI/image_thumb14.png?imgmax=800" align="right" border="0" height="184" width="244" /></a> <br /> <br />We cross over the Intracoastal Waterway between Beaufort and Havelock.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo06ItRTMI/AAAAAAAAC7Q/Ov8qTPdk-W0/s1600-h/image31.png"><img title="image" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo06zPOW-I/AAAAAAAAC7U/-_oKzDHuvsA/image_thumb16.png?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" height="167" width="244" /></a> <br />This shot is about a mile from the Craven/Carteret line on 101 and the county line is where we were handed off to a Craven County Sheriff Deputy. This was slick in operation. Craven gets in front of Carteret and Carteret pulls off just past the line. The riders never slowed more than the 45MPH zone at the transfer point. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo09n32PeI/AAAAAAAAC7Y/G1weZZRPOaI/s1600-h/image4.png"><img title="image" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo0-RV1WZI/AAAAAAAAC7c/ne66tyor3Yk/image_thumb1.png?imgmax=800" align="right" border="0" height="161" width="244" /></a> <br />We cruised through Havelock, red lights and all, since Havelock PD gave us safe passage through all the intersections. </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo1ArYqamI/AAAAAAAAC7g/KcFtfAD9KqA/s1600-h/image8.png"><img title="image" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo1BUpEgbI/AAAAAAAAC7k/cvvYvdqFCpM/image_thumb3.png?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" height="119" width="244" /></a> <br />We took the back way through town and reentered on 70 West just outside town. 15 miles to New Bern. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo1DnwXDkI/AAAAAAAAC7o/8AlFY-a6yOw/s1600-h/image12%5B1%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo1EU6g3bI/AAAAAAAAC7s/1JVVsWKFvRQ/image_thumb5%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" align="right" border="0" height="123" width="244" /></a> We exit 70 and turn on to 55 east. Just past the bridge mid point the group was separated due to the merge lanes on the bridge. Not to worry, a stop was only a mile away at the Handy Mart just east of Bridgeton. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo1IFBPewI/AAAAAAAAC70/YXJ3N6JZ-84/s1600-h/image16.png"><img title="image" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo1I9aO0nI/AAAAAAAAC74/x8JzM3k_Jho/image_thumb7.png?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" height="184" width="244" /></a> <br />All lined up. This stop allowed a bathroom break and a snack. Lunch was still a ways off.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo1LztH4LI/AAAAAAAAC78/rLyWc6haKu0/s1600-h/image20.png"><img title="image" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo1NJsrn_I/AAAAAAAAC8A/0Hyo_Ap125g/image_thumb9.png?imgmax=800" align="right" border="0" height="184" width="244" /></a> <br />Max was on top of the event the whole time. His planning proved to be excellent and made the ride very enjoyable. <br /> <br />Next stop: the ferry.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo1PxAsg8I/AAAAAAAAC8E/JE6Q24Frkzw/s1600-h/image24.png"><img title="image" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo1RDvcgEI/AAAAAAAAC8I/avHVMW0FHRw/image_thumb11.png?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" height="184" width="244" /></a> <br />On down 55 east and right on to highway 306 in Grantsboro. We were going to make the 1:15 ferry to Cherry Branch.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo1Tv1q5SI/AAAAAAAAC8M/EUMhN5kQrco/s1600-h/image28%5B1%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo1UyIkdTI/AAAAAAAAC8Q/2qL5Yl5_POI/image_thumb13.png?imgmax=800" align="right" border="0" height="131" width="244" /></a> <br />Max even had a chase vehicle with trailer in case there were any mechanical issues. See upper left of this picture.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo1XMxtIBI/AAAAAAAAC8U/K8qmyLHe2RE/s1600-h/image32.png"><img title="image" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo1YG2pA5I/AAAAAAAAC8Y/7Ic6J7Drt_0/image_thumb15.png?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" height="134" width="244" /></a> <br />The entire group including the chase vehicle made it on the ferry.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398"> <table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" width="396"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="394"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo1Z1iRjeI/AAAAAAAAC8c/SaE_p8CxpzA/s1600-h/image36.png"><img title="image" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo1agpqMdI/AAAAAAAAC8g/4AI9ZQ4m764/image_thumb17.png?imgmax=800" align="right" border="0" height="244" width="174" /></a> <br /> <br />It was quite a sight. Even the ferry crew was interested enough to take a few pictures.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="394"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo1deSqXTI/AAAAAAAAC8k/YV_d4G0CaDQ/s1600-h/image40.png"><img title="image" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo1eYy_SvI/AAAAAAAAC8s/B-hmSW8z7a0/image_thumb19.png?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" height="176" width="244" /></a> <br />We ride off the ferry and take 101 back to Beaufort and then back on 70 East. Here we are crossing North River.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="394"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo1gpIXrsI/AAAAAAAAC8w/gHrJ5tUgyzo/s1600-h/image%5B13%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border: 0px none ; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo1hA-Fg5I/AAAAAAAAC80/V0mDpUQWfdM/image_thumb%5B6%5D.png?imgmax=800" align="right" border="0" height="116" width="244" /></a> <br />And yes we have arrived.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="394"> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo1i-7tGbI/AAAAAAAAC84/47JZXHR2cbY/s1600-h/image%5B17%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border: 0px none ; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo1jmOzTfI/AAAAAAAAC88/7rxl7GN7svI/image_thumb%5B8%5D.png?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" height="98" width="244" /></a> <br />Where is everyone. Oh yeah, the shrimp dinner! They were faster from the bikes to the food than when they were riding.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="394"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo1maltU-I/AAAAAAAAC9A/QEn9Otg-zJA/s1600-h/image%5B21%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border: 0px none ; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo1ndNpnvI/AAAAAAAAC9E/oLoSOmXvBe4/image_thumb%5B10%5D.png?imgmax=800" align="right" border="0" height="184" width="244" /></a> <br />There was fresh fried shrimp, baked beans, cole slaw and hush puppies. <br /> <br />And of course sweet tea.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="394"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo1qM7PulI/AAAAAAAAC9I/tPIgVIoS1L0/s1600-h/image%5B29%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border: 0px none ; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo1q1zmNSI/AAAAAAAAC9M/ZCBo6Sr3N48/image_thumb%5B14%5D.png?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" height="184" width="244" /></a> <br /> <br />There was also Cake.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="394"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo1t4_oBfI/AAAAAAAAC9Q/hgFTMCgLj2A/s1600-h/image%5B28%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border: 0px none ; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo1vd1IjQI/AAAAAAAAC9U/W3mRaE6fu9I/image_thumb%5B13%5D.png?imgmax=800" align="right" border="0" height="184" width="244" /></a> <br /> <br />Two of them actually.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="394"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo1yV-LPYI/AAAAAAAAC9Y/W0HzYGbybZA/s1600-h/image%5B34%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border: 0px none ; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo10ILYqOI/AAAAAAAAC9c/2ZSpqm__YI4/image_thumb%5B17%5D.png?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" height="184" width="244" /></a> <br />Here Max, the Master of Ceremonies calls the winning tickets for the raffle prizes. There were a lot of prizes. </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="394"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo130_gxzI/AAAAAAAAC9g/XOxtSylWjx0/s1600-h/image%5B38%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border: 0px none ; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo14iOwizI/AAAAAAAAC9o/kQKgD4y837Q/image_thumb%5B19%5D.png?imgmax=800" align="right" border="0" height="107" width="244" /></a> <br />Debbie and I won two free games at the Strike Zone in New Bern. The 50/50 drawing was over $150.00. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="394"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo17jd1uhI/AAAAAAAAC9s/GGvylbybZoQ/s1600-h/image%5B42%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border: 0px none ; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo18TDgUtI/AAAAAAAAC9w/l6anOEAu-bc/image_thumb%5B21%5D.png?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" height="184" width="244" /></a> <br /> <br /> <br />With the 4:00 sun to the west it is as if diamonds cascade across the harbor. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Sadly, the ride is over so we make our way back home by way of the short cut through Merrimon and Laurel roads. <br /></td> </tr> </tbody></table> <table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" width="400"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo1-2uH2SI/AAAAAAAAC90/77FFsMTeWg8/s1600-h/image%5B46%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border: 0px none ; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo1__pmUfI/AAAAAAAAC94/e1unSWpzANg/image_thumb%5B23%5D.png?imgmax=800" align="right" border="0" height="180" width="244" /></a> <br />Probably the best ride we have participated in because of planning and the food. Met some great new friends and enjoyed the weather. For us it was 195 miles since we live only a mile or so from location B. Almost like two round trips to Beaufort plus a little. Of course there was a rider who rode down from Baltimore the night before. Now that’s dedication. And it got him a free t-shirt. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>Parting Shots</strong></span></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo2DCwN2oI/AAAAAAAAC98/Gu0jzPSZWNI/s1600-h/image%5B54%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border: 0px none ; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo2Dx6LboI/AAAAAAAAC-A/wgGD0VGEot4/image_thumb%5B27%5D.png?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" height="184" width="244" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo2HJbdPJI/AAAAAAAAC-E/8VQ80tjjT04/s1600-h/image%5B53%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border: 0px none ; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo2InoZoHI/AAAAAAAAC-I/jxp_FwVCT0g/image_thumb%5B26%5D.png?imgmax=800" align="right" border="0" height="184" width="244" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo2LV1kV8I/AAAAAAAAC-M/RloeNnlvVSU/s1600-h/image%5B58%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border: 0px none ; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo2MTTvU_I/AAAAAAAAC-Q/cEt2FW8P3jY/image_thumb%5B29%5D.png?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" height="184" width="244" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo2PPouNKI/AAAAAAAAC-U/gPW7wpGCeY4/s1600-h/image%5B62%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border: 0px none ; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo2QA44qoI/AAAAAAAAC-Y/jr5CwJZK3-M/image_thumb%5B31%5D.png?imgmax=800" align="right" border="0" height="184" width="244" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo2SYKqmJI/AAAAAAAAC-c/GzuM9UfXFRw/s1600-h/image%5B66%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border: 0px none ; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo2TUfmMVI/AAAAAAAAC-k/xWdOqojMbf8/image_thumb%5B33%5D.png?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" height="144" width="244" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo2V9hqonI/AAAAAAAAC-o/DfzyJyDRNMo/s1600-h/image%5B70%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border: 0px none ; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo2WXXsrrI/AAAAAAAAC-s/whpcO6OD2fU/image_thumb%5B35%5D.png?imgmax=800" align="right" border="0" height="184" width="244" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo2aKHC7yI/AAAAAAAAC-w/wUWlhZn7q88/s1600-h/image%5B74%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border: 0px none ; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo2cS_lpxI/AAAAAAAAC-0/OpvEWW1Y-BM/image_thumb%5B37%5D.png?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" height="184" width="244" /></a> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo2fsG5zjI/AAAAAAAAC-4/Gv0r-izDHbY/s1600-h/image%5B78%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border: 0px none ; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo2hJUwwaI/AAAAAAAAC-8/c6sf49oWITA/image_thumb%5B39%5D.png?imgmax=800" align="right" border="0" height="184" width="244" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo2kJleYYI/AAAAAAAAC_A/N9JPDT-chlI/s1600-h/image%5B108%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border: 0px none ; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo2lGd34UI/AAAAAAAAC_E/0G7F15rK-64/image_thumb%5B53%5D.png?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" height="184" width="244" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398"> <br /> <br /> <br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>Faces in the crowd <br /></strong></span> <br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo2oO4rmOI/AAAAAAAAC_I/YtB29VlIawc/s1600-h/image%5B81%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border: 0px none ; display: inline;" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo2pMAyn5I/AAAAAAAAC_M/rFa4omzluek/image_thumb%5B40%5D.png?imgmax=800" border="0" height="184" width="244" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo2seR608I/AAAAAAAAC_Q/C5qXs9tCawI/s1600-h/image%5B85%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border: 0px none ; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo2tEpezVI/AAAAAAAAC_Y/nNS-dQ6LrhA/image_thumb%5B42%5D.png?imgmax=800" align="right" border="0" height="184" width="244" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo2wVDeVvI/AAAAAAAAC_c/p1vu6BqEuDM/s1600-h/image%5B88%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border: 0px none ; display: inline;" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo2xaq8jEI/AAAAAAAAC_g/8hfPvmhHpI4/image_thumb%5B43%5D.png?imgmax=800" border="0" height="184" width="244" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo21EHbvwI/AAAAAAAAC_k/FWXOrdOIEOw/s1600-h/image%5B93%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border: 0px none ; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo22xLODHI/AAAAAAAAC_o/T2JM6NbuR_Q/image_thumb%5B46%5D.png?imgmax=800" align="right" border="0" height="184" width="244" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo25eTsZJI/AAAAAAAAC_s/n45voN2JdI4/s1600-h/image%5B97%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border: 0px none ; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo27HxbNFI/AAAAAAAAC_w/HVBy_-QFbL0/image_thumb%5B48%5D.png?imgmax=800" align="left" border="0" height="184" width="244" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo2-Jm4CrI/AAAAAAAAC_0/0S6ykCpf-UA/s1600-h/image%5B101%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border: 0px none ; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo2_G_KNYI/AAAAAAAAC_4/lZ6xiPrxEkg/image_thumb%5B50%5D.png?imgmax=800" align="right" border="0" height="184" width="244" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo3CKgiz_I/AAAAAAAAC_8/Vyuu8Jzi_ts/s1600-h/image%5B104%5D.png"><img title="image" style="border: 0px none ; display: inline;" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/Sdo3DGvq0HI/AAAAAAAADAA/mvw6pon-M9w/image_thumb%5B51%5D.png?imgmax=800" border="0" height="184" width="244" /></a> </td> </tr> </tbody></table>Ralph Southerlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06471486553979674599noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6109506395264167199.post-24400155247123613482009-02-15T20:40:00.001-05:002009-02-15T20:40:16.147-05:00Almost Gone, Completely Forgotten<p> </p> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="400" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398"> <p>Michael, over at <a href="http://www.losterariders.com">www.losterariders.com</a> , has some great shots of old buildings and it got me to thinking of what I have seen in our rural part of the state of North Carolina.</p> <p>You don't need to ride far to see the results of progress, well maybe progress isn't the word I'm looking for here.</p> <p>While at Michael's site I just couldn't keep from wondering, when I see the abandoned structure, just what happened right at the end. </p> <p>At one point the lights were on, perhaps children were running and shouting and happy. A dog was curled up at his master's feet in front of a warm crackling fire, paws twitching with dreams of the days adventures. A young husband and wife were discussing their dreams and ambitions while the aroma of delicious food wafted from the kitchen. There was no TV, no Internet. A few bare bulbs for light and barely running water. Home cooking was all you knew and the kids were in by dark. </p> <p>But how did it end? What caused the structure to be set adrift in the tide of humanity? A picture truly is worth a thousand words.</p> <p> </p></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SZjD61spVHI/AAAAAAAAC4o/oSnRKWie4TI/s1600-h/Dscf9017alt%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="Dscf9017alt" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SZjD7g6VeVI/AAAAAAAAC4s/rc74pqY7CR8/Dscf9017alt_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0"><br></a>The sun still shines through the back window. (Near Scotland Neck, NC)<br><br><br><br><br></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SZjD8Web5CI/AAAAAAAAC4w/lgEeGB6DrZE/s1600-h/Dscf9015alt%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="Dscf9015alt" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SZjD9Cb9n8I/AAAAAAAAC40/zyfWU7dHwkA/Dscf9015alt_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="right" border="0"></a> <br><br>Someone's comfortable chair still remains. (Near Scotland Neck, NC)<br><br><br><br></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SZjD99FSt7I/AAAAAAAAC44/QmX-QtMs_eE/s1600-h/Dscf9021alt%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="Dscf9021alt" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SZjD-YmMQ-I/AAAAAAAAC48/fdvvqTR0tQ4/Dscf9021alt_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0"></a> <br>The smell of fried chicken on a Sunday afternoon.<br>(Near Scotland Neck, NC)<br><br><br><br><br></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SZjD_DTFBgI/AAAAAAAAC5A/Ri0ykJmY7IA/s1600-h/DSCF9032%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF9032" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SZjD_cf-pDI/AAAAAAAAC5E/DpTthmBNNww/DSCF9032_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="right" border="0"></a> <br>There's room for one more horse.<br>(Statesville, NC)</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398"> </td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398"> </td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398"> </td></tr></tbody></table> Ralph Southerlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06471486553979674599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6109506395264167199.post-56306687568624087942009-02-14T17:41:00.001-05:002009-02-15T15:38:40.050-05:00Mid Winter Ride<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="400" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398"> <p>Looking back I see it's been a while since my last entry. The holidays were part, as well as some not so good weekend weather. I'll try not to let that happen again.</p> <p> </p></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SZdH0DGiNVI/AAAAAAAAC00/SWXbwul_ijA/s1600-h/image%5B3%5D.png"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="164" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SZdH1-cxKOI/AAAAAAAAC04/clJ58xughyo/image_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0"></a> After lunch on Sunday, seeing the mercury rise to near 70, we decide to break the winter doldrums. Jeans and a mid weight leather jacket seemed appropriate along with my normal light weight leather gloves. With Debbie dressed in a similar fashion we head west, across the Neuse River.<br><br></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398"> We started off at 1:00PM to Lawson's Creek in New <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SZdH3JScDHI/AAAAAAAAC08/_pMTtnYgBYw/s1600-h/image%5B8%5D%5B2%5D.png"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="183" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SZdH38PvSpI/AAAAAAAAC1A/-A6NrmIsAhQ/image%5B8%5D_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="right" border="0"></a>Bern. The ride over the high rise was interesting due to the winds gusting to 25 mph at times. Yes, even the Ultra suffers from wind effect. Actually she suffers more than the Sportster did due in part to the large area offered by the saddle bags, fairing and windshield.<br><br></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398"> <p>At Lawson's Creek we note quite a few bass <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SZdH9LFvZVI/AAAAAAAAC1E/5zdkMKYl4P8/s1600-h/image%5B4%5D%5B1%5D.png"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SZdH-HteV1I/AAAAAAAAC1I/If80zWUN4aE/image%5B4%5D_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0"></a>fishermen had launched and the Coast Guard had launched their inflatable at the ramp. We circled the park then headed downtown.</p> <p> </p></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398">At the corner of Middle and Broad we parked in order to take some photos of the new art work on exhibit. <br> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="398" border="1"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SZh9OnBpsdI/AAAAAAAAC30/2ACz6j6weNE/s1600-h/DSCF8995%5B1%5D.jpg"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SZdIFj_HjhI/AAAAAAAAC3I/LAE6HaZzzDg/s1600-h/DSCF9012%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF9012" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SZdIGod80yI/AAAAAAAAC3Q/YL36PvERUx0/DSCF9012_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0"></a></a></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SZdIKIhpBeI/AAAAAAAAC3Y/3P-Nul2APkw/s1600-h/DSCF8998%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF8998" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SZdIK3uQj4I/AAAAAAAAC3c/k7I-jo-1o6Y/DSCF8998_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="right" border="0"></a></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SZdIPrreJPI/AAAAAAAAC3g/RZSo56QcruY/s1600-h/DSCF9001%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF9001" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SZdIQPUXxhI/AAAAAAAAC3k/m2TIw4gYSLI/DSCF9001_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0"></a> </td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SZh9OnBpsdI/AAAAAAAAC30/2ACz6j6weNE/s1600-h/DSCF8995%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF8995" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SZdIU9OPDvI/AAAAAAAAC34/MIpr903OeFI/DSCF8995_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="right" border="0"></a></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SZh9OnBpsdI/AAAAAAAAC30/2ACz6j6weNE/s1600-h/DSCF8995%5B1%5D.jpg"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SZdIaFhmxkI/AAAAAAAAC4A/zrDgbwuKGvM/s1600-h/DSCF9006%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF9006" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SZdIasdxd_I/AAAAAAAAC4I/abWc7BO0Hvo/DSCF9006_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0"></a></a></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SZdIeotJj7I/AAAAAAAAC4U/qX0nrWLk_9I/s1600-h/DSCF9013%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF9013" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SZdIe8jsCGI/AAAAAAAAC4g/TDCVshDZCQk/DSCF9013_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="right" border="0"></a> </td></tr></tbody></table><br>If memory serves me correctly, JC Penny's stood here some 35 years ago. Debbie says it was the only place in New Bern at the time to get Girl Scout accessories. Of course then there was no Mall and both Penny's and Belk's were downtown as were McClellans, Kress, Africana Mens Shop, The Surplus Store and Hawk's Radio and TV. Remember the RCA Victor Dog? The Sound of His Master's Voice.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SZdIfHkiCXI/AAAAAAAAC2I/VTNu5189s4I/s1600-h/image%5B16%5D.png"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="68" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SZdIgjpgvVI/AAAAAAAAC2M/zuRR9f7U7z8/image_thumb%5B6%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0"></a> <br><br><br><br><br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SZdIhdB1XgI/AAAAAAAAC2Q/JekFjA_MUJU/s1600-h/image%5B22%5D.png"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="213" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SZdIiPiR3VI/AAAAAAAAC2U/MgnFiXArco0/image_thumb%5B8%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="223" align="left" border="0"></a> <br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398"> <p>Next, we're off to Union Point to see who's browsing the area. We find quite a group of folks, both young and old, enjoying the unseasonably warm temperatures. We cruise on through town down Broad Street and what a sight Broad Street is with everything all torn up in anticipation of completion of the revitalization of the area. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SZdIiuIgUgI/AAAAAAAAC2Y/jKBDQt9XAGI/s1600-h/image%5B39%5D.png"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="213" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SZdIjrKn0wI/AAAAAAAAC2c/yDHk6qMrokk/image_thumb%5B15%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="224" align="right" border="0"></a> And of course there is the 300 year celebration of New Bern in 2010. I just don't see how the plans will easily accommodate the traffic downtown once the bridge is complete. We circle through Glenburnie Park and note the Dog Park and Disc Golf Course are very active.</p> <p> </p></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398">That was enough for in-town touring so we set out down Old US 70 to Cove City. I can remember when this stretch of two lane highway was the main road, to and from New Bern for travelers from the west, in the early 70's. Now it's a quiet, fairly straight stretch of road mostly used by local residents. <br><br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SZdIkOLOIgI/AAAAAAAAC2g/QiTZyYc20sI/s1600-h/image%5B35%5D.png"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="213" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SZdIkc7t3qI/AAAAAAAAC2k/Fi7-sPJPQaM/image_thumb%5B13%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="153" align="right" border="0"></a> One <u><em>could</em></u> be tempted to exceed the speed limit on such a long straight stretch. Once in Cove City we take a left on 1001 or Trenton Road and ride over Hwy 70 Bypass and on in to Trenton to stop at the C Mart for a bottle of water.<br><br></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398">Back to the center of Trenton at the courthouse intersection and pick up Hwy 58 to Pollocksville. I was anticipating some photos of Brock's Mill Pond but due in part to lack of rain fall there was a mere trickle of water over the dam.<br> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SZdIo2mJ8oI/AAAAAAAAC2o/cX27mDjdNKw/s1600-h/image%5B31%5D.png"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="176" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SZdIpiBLsRI/AAAAAAAAC2s/_ywLJByzB8M/image_thumb%5B11%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0"></a> <br><br><br>The last time we rode this strip of asphalt we witnessed a rather large black bear and two cubs crossing the highway just south of Trenton. Hwy 58 is a very nice, wide stretch of highway between these two points.<br><br></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398">In Pollocksville we take a right and ride 1004 or Island Creek Road to James City. This is one of my favorite local roads to ride. The traffic is light, the road slightly winding as you pass through an almost complete canopy of trees in places. However there are the near miss and rare direct encounter stories of bike and deer. This is after all a remote stretch of road in the northern boundaries of the Croatan National Forest. There is a nature walk about halfway between Pollocksville and James City that is quite nice. A great place for a cool weather stroll.<br><br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SZdIqQkTEKI/AAAAAAAAC2w/6Vco1K7IyQk/s1600-h/image%5B25%5D.png"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="134" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SZdIq26NXtI/AAAAAAAAC20/wWaJ4NiEeOE/image_thumb%5B9%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0"></a> <br><br><br><br><br><br><br><a href="http://ncnatural.com/NCUSFS/Croatan/" target="_blank">LINK</a><br><br></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="398"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SZdIrpfw0fI/AAAAAAAAC24/k1dhnHunNHU/s1600-h/image2.png"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="178" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_ZHSxsiDhv5c/SZdIsTOiUCI/AAAAAAAAC28/RRVt9j9jdQc/image_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0"></a><br>A very successful and enjoyable 60 mile cruise. This was one day that the weather was absolutely perfect for a light jacket. It sure makes me think of spring that is just around the corner.</td></tr></tbody></table> Ralph Southerlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06471486553979674599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6109506395264167199.post-7569630122240484352008-10-11T16:34:00.001-04:002008-10-11T16:35:11.175-04:00Long Weekend at Ocracoke, NC<p>Ocracoke is Debbie's favorite destination, period.  You have to stay in Ocracoke to appreciate all it has to offer.  Just a ride through, which takes 5 minutes or less, doesn't let you in on all the little secrets it has to offer.</p> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="400" border="0"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPENZs2M1VI/AAAAAAAACqw/LmzB-JPKPr4/s1600-h/DSCF86053.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF8605" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPENZ3Gdb4I/AAAAAAAACq0/-soSGakGoDI/DSCF8605_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> My birthday was on October 7th and that was the one that caused me to turn 50.  <br />My birthday present was to spend a long weekend at Ocracoke and make that excursion on two wheels.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"> <br />Originally we were to have Debbie and me along with three other couples to spend the weekend at the Beach House Bed and Breakfast and see what the area had to offer.  Things changed a few weeks out and not even Chad and Lynn were able to join us.  So it was Mike, Holli, Debbie and me. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400">Mike and Holli left Wilmington on an Electra Glide Classic late  <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPENbDVbbkI/AAAAAAAACq4/JTZlG71Mp7c/s1600-h/image3.png"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="227" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPENbvpG5SI/AAAAAAAACq8/GBWJycUxJcI/image_thumb1.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="right" border="0" /></a>Thursday afternoon and rode to New Bern.  We met up at 7:30 Friday morning so we could gas up and head to Cedar Island to catch the 10:30 ferry to Ocracoke.  It started out at 48 degrees and by the time we hit the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intracoastal_Waterway">Intracoastal Waterway</a> bridge on Hwy 101it was time to stop for a brief warm up.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"> <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPENcRwYrzI/AAAAAAAACrA/ouPFnXNPOd0/s1600-h/image7.png"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="121" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPENclnHbGI/AAAAAAAACrE/j30lVah2cF8/image_thumb3.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> To those of you not familiar with the area, a ride in the Real Down East can be an interesting experience.  Hwy 70 ends just before Cedar Island and you begin to ride Hwy 12. The ferry route is actually a continuation of Hwy 12.  The area is large, open and sporadically populated with small communities along a winding two lane road and quite a wonderful area for a two wheel day trip.<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intracoastal_Waterway"></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"> <br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPENc9KxqcI/AAAAAAAACrI/xyO_1cvlUrA/s1600-h/DSCF85713.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF8571" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPENdaaXWRI/AAAAAAAACrM/9Hcw5djGA58/DSCF8571_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="right" border="0" /></a> The temperature had warmed to the upper 60's by 9:30 when we reached the ferry landing.  There was a light fog over the Pamlico Sound and the water was as calm as a bath tub.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPENdwTKbPI/AAAAAAAACrQ/heMDW4sLwPs/s1600-h/DSCF85903.jpg"> <br /><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF8590" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPENeXn3QAI/AAAAAAAACrU/DpLcGrP1jrY/DSCF8590_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br />With the bikes secure we settled back for the two hour ride to Ocracoke.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPENehd2tBI/AAAAAAAACrY/jFLb16UKj4M/s1600-h/DSCF85983.jpg"> <br /><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF8598" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPENe85dZ9I/AAAAAAAACrc/gAbuZabh2Ic/DSCF8598_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="right" border="0" /></a> <br /> <br />One of the many ferries that cross Pamlico Sound several times a day.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPENfhxCBBI/AAAAAAAACrg/LA1iA3dGUHA/s1600-h/DSCF86393.jpg"> <br /><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF8639" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPENf2VzhuI/AAAAAAAACrk/-q73EPOGI0Q/DSCF8639_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br />Around 1:00 we arrive at the <br /><a href="http://www.ocracokebeachhouse.com/">Beach House</a>. <br /> <br />We stayed here before and we'll stay here again.  Carol and Warren are great and have wonderful insight into what to see and where to eat.  They always let us park the bikes next to the house, away from the road and the breakfast is always good. Breakfast is usually at 8:30 but Warren is always ready with coffee at 8:00.  It's a good time to catch up and find out what we have missed.  Between the two of them there is always a great story. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPENgmFAbYI/AAAAAAAACro/R04f-w8Xvf0/s1600-h/DSCF86213.jpg"> <br /><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF8621" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPENg6L1uSI/AAAAAAAACrs/8ltn6cnYrso/DSCF8621_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="right" border="0" /></a> <br />We take off on foot to check out the sites. A trip to Ocrackoke without grabbing a burger a Smacnalley's would be lacking.  So we grabbed something to eat and the girls decided that we wanted to rent scooters next door.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400">  <br />Yep I said scooters.  You can rent 'em at Wheely Fun which happens to be adjacent to Smacnalley's which is all part of <a href="http://www.theanchorageinn.com/">the Anchorage Inn and Marina</a> . <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPENiDwz-xI/AAAAAAAACrw/jXfYVL98ABo/s1600-h/image%5B12%5D.png"> <br /><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="157" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPENi_DwhxI/AAAAAAAACr4/6g54-IYqjCk/image_thumb%5B5%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> So here I am listening to the recitation of how to operate this 50cc power house while wearing a Harley shirt and holding a "cute" flame theme helmet.  That aside, we really had a lot of fun and after about an hour had seen about all of the paved area in Ocracoke.  </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPENjUqySAI/AAAAAAAACr8/qnUXuxH3FUc/s1600-h/DSCF8616%5B3%5D.jpg"> <br /><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF8616" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPENjm9lkHI/AAAAAAAACsA/fGCnzruQqVM/DSCF8616_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="right" border="0" /></a> The populated area of Ocracoke is geographically small and the whole place is all about being laid back and relaxing.  The Beach House is almost at the east end of town but it's still convenient to walk most everywhere.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPENkPap-zI/AAAAAAAACsE/22n8hdJBzBU/s1600-h/DSCF8631%5B3%5D.jpg"> <br /><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF8631" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPENkd-xIUI/AAAAAAAACsI/JADBFXYBCpQ/DSCF8631_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a>  <br />Relaxing on the front porch is what it's all about.  Looks like Mike may be in agreement.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"> <br />Naturally if one is in Ocracoke for any amount of time then it is recommended to visit <a href="http://www.howardspub.com/ordereze/Default.aspx" target="_blank">Howard's Pub</a>.  It is conveniently located about 100 yards from the Beach House.  They were quite busy at 7:30 Friday night. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPENk9xnnsI/AAAAAAAACsM/gT-VI2LWkVE/s1600-h/DSC00481%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="DSC00481" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPENlMUmdEI/AAAAAAAACsQ/-3swzVTixQo/DSC00481_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="right" border="0" /></a> Saturday morning we head to the Hatteras Ferry to begin our journey to the Elizabethan Gardens and Aquarium in Manteo.  One thing you need to remember while in Ocracoke is that all that you do will depend on the ferries and their schedules. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPENlr02bGI/AAAAAAAACsU/M_6tdalg6CA/s1600-h/DSCF8655%5B3%5D.jpg"> <br /><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF8655" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPENmAAeZEI/AAAAAAAACsY/1DAHwenSslE/DSCF8655_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br />We met a couple of BMW riders on the way to a rally in Virginia and one of the guys offered to take our group picture.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPENmp-dUuI/AAAAAAAACsc/WbgBMIr8-SU/s1600-h/DSC00519%5B4%5D.jpg"> <br /><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="DSC00519" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPENmwY3fcI/AAAAAAAACsg/p_mcceAPYkY/DSC00519_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="right" border="0" /></a> Electra Glide in Blue with Mike and Holli just outside of Manteo. <br /> <br />We stopped for lunch at <a href="http://www.lonecedarcafe.com/" target="_blank">Basnight's Lone Cedar Cafe</a>. We had some really great food and I highly recommend the She Crab Soup. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPENnrCMNpI/AAAAAAAACsk/5WN42IViwCo/s1600-h/DSCF8658%5B3%5D.jpg" target="_blank"> <br /><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF8658" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPENoBMCvNI/AAAAAAAACso/m4hVSu9FjvQ/DSCF8658_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /> Elizabethan Gardens</a>  <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPENpel0QrI/AAAAAAAACss/hEeqOlYqtN0/s1600-h/DSC00538%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="DSC00538" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPENpvpKl3I/AAAAAAAACsw/kCZE2VXcSSI/DSC00538_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="right" border="0" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPENqrE5p9I/AAAAAAAACs0/fAtHOq1Dc0k/s1600-h/DSC00547%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="DSC00547" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPENq3Ax8CI/AAAAAAAACs4/wQJ9-pWdJ9k/DSC00547_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br /> <br /> <br />Statue of Virginia Dare</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPENrg1ZXCI/AAAAAAAACs8/X_bwCAoLGk0/s1600-h/DSCF8673%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF8673" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPENrz-GDgI/AAAAAAAACtA/NK-jREqb6VM/DSCF8673_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="right" border="0" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPENsdNvfaI/AAAAAAAACtE/qFfvstruD94/s1600-h/Dsc00542%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="244" alt="Dsc00542" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPENsyGTaUI/AAAAAAAACtI/ag9RD61x1w4/Dsc00542_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" align="left" border="0" /></a>  <br /> <br /> <br />Her Royal Majesty Queen Elizabeth</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://www.ncaquariums.com/ri/riindex.htm" target="_blank"> <br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPENtaTH2_I/AAAAAAAACtM/TGcLF2iqF_M/s1600-h/DSCF8688%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF8688" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPENtpojoiI/AAAAAAAACtQ/WTHhhOiCqoc/DSCF8688_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="right" border="0" /></a> <br />Aquarium at Roanoke Island</a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPENuFIEDDI/AAAAAAAACtU/PMQoXy7ubNk/s1600-h/DSCF8697%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF8697" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPENuxsMoCI/AAAAAAAACtY/M9EPA2hhvxo/DSCF8697_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPENvWJ64JI/AAAAAAAACtc/Ikev1ZZYPTU/s1600-h/DSCF8698%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF8698" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPENv4dO1uI/AAAAAAAACtg/_tSvzT5piiE/DSCF8698_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="right" border="0" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPENwpntMEI/AAAAAAAACtk/ZLVa0vzJ3h4/s1600-h/DSC00576%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="DSC00576" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPENw0o_MGI/AAAAAAAACto/iIRPTlDUk70/DSC00576_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPENxqhoigI/AAAAAAAACts/cYfQxu06TgY/s1600-h/image%5B16%5D.png"> <br /><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="202" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPENyB40orI/AAAAAAAACtw/f7XAC0ubnAY/image_thumb%5B7%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="right" border="0" /></a> To go from Ocracoke to Manteo and back with a couple of stops along the way will take most of your day.  It's only about 80 miles one way but the speed limit is under 50 mph for a good portion of the ride.  There is some very good scenery as you navigate the sliver of land that's called the Outer Banks or OBX. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"> <br />With the days ride behind us we decide to have pizza at Jason's which is right across the street.  We all agreed we chose a good spot.   <a href="http://www.ocracokeguide.com/jasons/" target="_blank">Jason's Restaurant</a> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"> <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPENyVhAPtI/AAAAAAAACt0/QUQSXjbw9Rg/s1600-h/DSCF8758%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF8758" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPENy-vZ7dI/AAAAAAAACt4/H1gztzwfBeI/DSCF8758_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> Due to lack of planning, and I'll never let that happen again, (meaning no reservation) the ferry is full at 10:30 on Sunday.  After some discussion (we actually discovered this Friday in Ocracoke) we decide on the 7:00 AM ferry which means we have to get up at 5:15 or so to be in line at 6:30.  Debbie was not impressed even after I told her we would see the sunrise.  We had tried our best to be quiet going up and down the stairs when we were loading the bikes. About 20 after 6:00 we cranked the Harleys. I'm afraid we woke up all the guests. We missed the 8:30 breakfast but Carol had thoughtfully prepared some lemon/poppy seed muffins for the trip.  7:00 and we bid a fond farewell to our weekend getaway.  We arrived in New Bern about 12:00 after a breakfast stop in Morehead.  The rest of the gang made it to Wilmington about 1:30 or so. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"> <br />Once again we had a great time.  The weather could not have been better if we had ordered it so.  Sunny with highs near 75 and lows at 65 made for perfect riding and sightseeing and we added 400 miles to the Ultra.  The mosquitos were a bit active in places on Ocracoke  and Cedar Island due to the recent wet weather but with a little bug spray it was minimal aggravation. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"> <br /><strong> <br />PARTING SHOTS</strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPENzn_OykI/AAAAAAAACt8/NjebYN8eGXI/s1600-h/DSC00572%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="DSC00572" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPENzxwIRtI/AAAAAAAACuA/M2lPlz2ptPE/DSC00572_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPEN0W27VKI/AAAAAAAACuE/j62huHzY3fg/s1600-h/DSCF8642%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF8642" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPEN0xQm9XI/AAAAAAAACuI/IZbGJ4mCwac/DSCF8642_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="right" border="0" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPEN1EYTRPI/AAAAAAAACuM/jU-Q26NBn-g/s1600-h/DSCF8786%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF8786" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPEN1Z55KdI/AAAAAAAACuQ/_8eyyWqUwx0/DSCF8786_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPEN15hveJI/AAAAAAAACuU/ZM97j4hZWRw/s1600-h/DSCF8802%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF8802" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPEN2e9YQfI/AAAAAAAACuY/yF8YvG9mxdQ/DSCF8802_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="right" border="0" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPEN2x41PbI/AAAAAAAACuc/r-XOcIf70zU/s1600-h/DSC00531%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="DSC00531" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SPEN3VqquoI/AAAAAAAACug/hPgEADB1_T0/DSC00531_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> Ralph Southerlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06471486553979674599noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6109506395264167199.post-42998465441138894862008-10-08T19:54:00.001-04:002008-10-09T14:13:11.438-04:00Maggie Valley and the Tail of the Dragon  <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="400" border="0"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1HwSXw4pI/AAAAAAAACmA/SGCd9gIylN0/s1600-h/image4.png"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="168" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1Hw2hQC1I/AAAAAAAACmE/-BBG_3lr9f0/image_thumb2.png?imgmax=800" width="164" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br />Pull up a chair and let me tell you a tale of the tail of the dragon. Or at least I will in a few moments.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1HxjT5N_I/AAAAAAAACmI/z6mvhAPnSZ0/s1600-h/DSCF07183.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF0718" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1Hx5bSf5I/AAAAAAAACmM/YsykNqXi6HE/DSCF0718_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br />We planned this trip for quite some time and went to quite a bit of effort to make sure that things went smoothly. Chad modified my Lowe's trailer to safely haul the Ultra and did a great job. I got Jack to drop by and give me his input of the best way to tie down an Ultra since he also owns one. I purchased the appropriate ratchet straps and soft ties and felt good about trailering our bike. I used the frame tubing just forward of the gas tank so the straps cleared the lowers and the passenger footboard brackets for the rear. <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1HyeUIIXI/AAAAAAAACmQ/pGONtlNSUxc/s1600-h/DSCF07165.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF0716" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1HzBFQN0I/AAAAAAAACmU/Q7I5kizGqu0/DSCF0716_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a>After loading everything we owned on Wednesday evening we hitched up to the Yukon and pulled out at 7:30 Thursday morning, time to grab a quick breakfast at the drive through and meet at the Mall parking lot by 8:00. <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400">A little after 8:00 and we were under way with Jack and Cookie with their Ultra, John and Jeanie with their Gold Wing and Herb and Sarah with their newly acquired Classic.  A small caravan of trailers from the coast in route to the  mountains of North Carolina.  Chad and Lynn had gotten restless in the wee hours and were about an hour ahead of us.  Ray and Pat were already in the mountains as they had ridden their bikes up a few days earlier. <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400">We had a fairly uneventful trip and we were approaching Waynesville about mid afternoon. Uneventful except for the Yukon's appetite for fuel.   <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"> <p>I've been to this area several times in the past year but the view kind of sneaks up on you and I always think, WOW what a view.  Maybe it's because I'm from the flat lands of Carolina and I'm impressed by the dune at Kill Devil Hills or maybe because it actually is a striking view.</p> <p></p> <p></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1HzuhxA3I/AAAAAAAACmY/u8vK1dHSJYU/s1600-h/DSCF07233.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF0723" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1H0MtuYyI/AAAAAAAACmc/uofgMXDXKcI/DSCF0723_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br />It's 5:30, the bikes are covered and we are ready for a cold beverage! <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1H0qR2DUI/AAAAAAAACmg/YCHzYaXaBB0/s1600-h/DSCF85023.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF8502" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1H074nC-I/AAAAAAAACmk/dtix2DqH6JQ/DSCF8502_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br />Looks like the girls are ahead of us.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1H1oH-kXI/AAAAAAAACmo/8P2csSl35J8/s1600-h/DSCF8512%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF8512" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1H14ewvQI/AAAAAAAACms/jJ7oUIWweMU/DSCF8512_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br /> <br /> <br />With this stream just 25 feet from the back porch of the cabin it made for a very appealing back yard.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"> <br /> <br />Pat and Ray made it to the cabin just before dark.  Ray had a serious issue with a back tire that had covered only a few hundred miles:  the steel cords were showing. That was going to require a trip to Ghost Town Harley.  They also received the news that their youngest son had just undergone surgery for appendicitis. Since he rides and knew they were on bikes a good distance away he waited until the surgery was over to call.  He was in good spirits and the surgery went well.  Needless to say there was quite a bit of airtime used in telephone calls back and forth. <br /> <br />Since we had such great surroundings we decided hot dogs and the fire would complement each other quite well.  After the journey from New Bern, all the excitement and a tasty meal it was getting late. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1H2S3qzHI/AAAAAAAACmw/zbc4kgD9Sik/s1600-h/DSC00152%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSC00152" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1H2mRWz4I/AAAAAAAACm0/ZwsRdurs158/DSC00152_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br />The next morning we get an early start and head down to Maggie Valley.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1H3feTSgI/AAAAAAAACm4/aTi1CYm8yv4/s1600-h/DSC00176%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSC00176" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1H3qkYzgI/AAAAAAAACm8/a_gA_QCHoDg/DSC00176_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a>We stopped at the HOG rally that was in the Valley.  To be truthful, there wasn't much to it.  Almost everyone was disappointed especially since it was $10.00 a head.  The local shops were much more interesting. <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1H4ZB9lBI/AAAAAAAACnA/uYWDnJRv0Uw/s1600-h/DSC00171%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSC00171" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1H4gmqLvI/AAAAAAAACnE/Jq9MbEL3hdM/DSC00171_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br />But the Wheels Through Time museum, that was another story....</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1H5Ycqa3I/AAAAAAAACnI/28zjmeFCeVw/s1600-h/DSC00206%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSC00206" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1H6v6cjCI/AAAAAAAACnM/qrEEbNsKoh0/DSC00206_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1H7XYsIXI/AAAAAAAACnQ/BP8KabObt8o/s1600-h/DSCF0740%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF0740" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1H7jzaA_I/AAAAAAAACnU/fWq9StM7e8U/DSCF0740_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1H8HfjekI/AAAAAAAACnc/7ZMrClqBoLU/s1600-h/DSCF0745%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF0745" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1H8qimyJI/AAAAAAAACng/pgUs3JQVL7E/DSCF0745_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1H9f0lw6I/AAAAAAAACnk/r5ZcAPuzZ8I/s1600-h/DSCF0763%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF0763" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1H9m-OvyI/AAAAAAAACno/dr__anjJ_Lg/DSCF0763_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400">By the time we had made the rounds, eaten lunch and been rejoined by Pat and Ray there was just enough time for a quick ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1H-defPzI/AAAAAAAACns/Nma7NHdDU3Q/s1600-h/DSCF0777%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF0777" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1H-q_WRBI/AAAAAAAACnw/C2KhWOL0o1I/DSCF0777_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1H_G-iNEI/AAAAAAAACn0/iXgKbQwqtJg/s1600-h/DSCF0778%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF0778" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1H_jptm9I/AAAAAAAACn4/PnQboW1c_QQ/DSCF0778_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1H_0DALwI/AAAAAAAACn8/ze0jWJwJ1Q4/s1600-h/DSCF0780%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF0780" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1IAJGKDGI/AAAAAAAACoA/HDVWMJwTJGA/DSCF0780_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1IAgM1TfI/AAAAAAAACoE/uLP8QFPpIVM/s1600-h/DSC00399%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSC00399" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1IBGiiS9I/AAAAAAAACoI/IsVhCJNWfzM/DSC00399_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1IBvFb5QI/AAAAAAAACoM/kBFlIsE1S3U/s1600-h/DSCF0770%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF0770" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1IB2OfJrI/AAAAAAAACoQ/P8NoOaPWn_8/DSCF0770_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400">The Parkway was great.  We got off the Parkway at Lake Logan Road (Hwy 215) and headed north toward Waynesville.  Lake Logan Road is impressive in its own right, it's an out of the way road, with quite a few impressive curves. We stopped in Waynesville to buy some steaks for the big birthday dinner for Chad and Lynn.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1ICaoHcwI/AAAAAAAACoU/0bnxor198DA/s1600-h/DSCF0789%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF0789" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1ICuQ12WI/AAAAAAAACoY/ac4kC01r9WY/DSCF0789_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br />Chad was the outdoor Chef for the evening and had three charcoal grills going so all the steaks would be cooked and ready at about the same time.  <br /> <br />Here Chad samples the special steak marinade. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1IDOjJ-6I/AAAAAAAACoc/yF5pLHe-AAk/s1600-h/DSC00310%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSC00310" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1IDYH-MCI/AAAAAAAACog/B0Oe_7VaZDU/DSC00310_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br />It seems that myself, Jeannie, Jack, Lynn, Chad and Linda all had birthdays within a few weeks of each other.  <br /> <br />Pretty cool cake.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1IENsxF_I/AAAAAAAACok/3_PAQ-7fWvg/s1600-h/DSC00307%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSC00307" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1IEa1Rh-I/AAAAAAAACoo/IewZBZWEqsY/DSC00307_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a>There was plenty of food with steaks, twice baked potatoes and salad and of course a few after dinner drinks. <br /> <br />Tomorrow we ride the Dragon! <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1IEyVyaRI/AAAAAAAACos/VqMHYgaW0JA/s1600-h/DSCF0790%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF0790" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1IFN2p8VI/AAAAAAAACow/ZlrIiB2OCxE/DSCF0790_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br />We meet in the Valley and gas up for the all day ride we have planned.  There was quite a group of our friends from New Bern.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1IFjK3X0I/AAAAAAAACo0/HtOCiK5eSHU/s1600-h/DSC00317%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSC00317" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1IF4B2D9I/AAAAAAAACo4/9PaBkBnqMxs/DSC00317_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br /> <br />We did one stop on the way to Deals Gap. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1IGfIvw-I/AAAAAAAACo8/LxvWeJPlzcA/s1600-h/DSC00315%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSC00315" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1IGoQMQoI/AAAAAAAACpA/erYT6GoBRhI/DSC00315_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br /> <br />Here's Jeff waiting to get moving. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1IHPt4kqI/AAAAAAAACpE/VOzEBZdqhj0/s1600-h/DSC00347%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSC00347" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1IHrYxG6I/AAAAAAAACpI/gfut7e99WUg/DSC00347_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br />The ride to Deals Gap was enjoyable but I must admit there are some interesting turns on Hwy 28. <br /> <br />This was our first view of the Resort at Deals Gap.  Intersection of 129 and 28. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1II3BDtGI/AAAAAAAACpM/A6YqpY_72HM/s1600-h/DSCF0801%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF0801" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1IJRiJFZI/AAAAAAAACpQ/j0Q6WqaVwkM/DSCF0801_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br />Yes there was quite a crowd.  Everything from sportbikes to Cobras and everything in between. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400">Well let's see, 318 curves in 11 miles with a speed limit of 30 mph so we should run it in about 30 minutes. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1IKA2BTYI/AAAAAAAACpU/fLPOAmE7rl0/s1600-h/DSC00370%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSC00370" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1IKcadp3I/AAAAAAAACpY/1loWG-wLQ_g/DSC00370_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br />You do have to be alert for bikes and cars crossing the double yellow lines.  If you ride too slow you will get passed. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1ILESOC5I/AAAAAAAACpc/Dig601rSJP8/s1600-h/DSC00365%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSC00365" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1ILbsDx0I/AAAAAAAACpg/QfT9GnasSO8/DSC00365_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> We don't have many pictures of the Dragon since Debbie videoed most of the ride.  I don't believe I would want a camera to my eye while on the back of the Ultra on this road. </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1IMNjoFMI/AAAAAAAACpk/INfqcTaEk7s/s1600-h/DSC00372%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSC00372" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1IM48bPCI/AAAAAAAACps/e9b43hpfw0Q/DSC00372_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> I had been concentrating on the road and not noticing much else.  Debbie noted the total absence of guard rails on the shoulder and it's a hell of a long way down on some of the turns.  Could be a while until you're found. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1INZY-R1I/AAAAAAAACpw/NL8Lv2GBaJY/s1600-h/DSC00378%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSC00378" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1INlpsGlI/AAAAAAAACp0/ITHqPJgy_Xk/DSC00378_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br />And it's over as suddenly as it started, from crazy curves to a beautiful straight stretch along side of Fontana Lake. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400">My honest opinion?  If I never do it again it will be too soon.  It may just be that I had an off day.  You know, one of those days when your balance and fluidity is just not at 100 %.  I guess my main concern was the fact that on some curves you can't see 35 feet into the turn so if someone's down or stopped...  And I was a little unnerved about cars and bikes suddenly appearing around curves and not always in their lane.  Adding to that we were 2 up on a Ultra Classic and the Ultra just ain't a Sportster.  We polished the kickstand on several turns but that was about it.  <br /> <br />Lynn astride her Sporster had a blast as did Chad on the Street Bob. <br /> <br />There was one accident on the Dragon we passed, as the rider was pushing his Street Bob up to the road and one at the Lake end which required an ambulance.  As I told Lynn "I slayed the Dragon so the bitch is dead and I'll never have to do it again." <br /> <br />Been there, done that and yes I bought a shirt. <br /> <br />But you know there will be another day..... <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1IOMBFdZI/AAAAAAAACp4/jGk_6ey2n8w/s1600-h/DSCF0816%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF0816" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1IOdu4ZHI/AAAAAAAACp8/zyandJDS3Wo/DSCF0816_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br />We had lunch and gassed up at the new <strong>Tallassee Store</strong> located on US 129 just 6.5 miles north of the Dragon and 3 miles north of the Foothills Parkway.  </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1IPNhha5I/AAAAAAAACqA/gbQCkt-fdes/s1600-h/DSCF0813%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF0813" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1IPRhPGhI/AAAAAAAACqE/HBDwSmr99OM/DSCF0813_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a>  <br />Bike group shot! <br /> <br />I wonder if it would help if we put a Harley sticker on John's Gold Wing?</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400">  <br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1IP3ERLAI/AAAAAAAACqI/MSoHptuy-7U/s1600-h/DSC00400%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSC00400" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1IQN6fqwI/AAAAAAAACqM/ncYXx8e4JDk/DSC00400_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br />We then rode on the Foothills Parkway toward Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains Parkway. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1IQu_tjBI/AAAAAAAACqQ/LBDj6JkFFL0/s1600-h/DSCF0826%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF0826" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1IREK-dbI/AAAAAAAACqU/eOz-hezafkE/DSCF0826_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a>  <br />Along the way we broke off from the group to take a break and some pictures. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1IR27I-YI/AAAAAAAACqY/uovm18viaJM/s1600-h/DSC00392%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSC00392" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1ISKCFVPI/AAAAAAAACqc/_OsWHTqZJUo/DSC00392_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br />Jeff met up with us shortly and we made our way down the Parkway into Cherokee and then back to Maggie Valley. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1ISxLMQSI/AAAAAAAACqg/ggzyiZgk2CY/s1600-h/DSC00412%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSC00412" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1ITEHL0dI/AAAAAAAACqk/vC5QjDGzV9Q/DSC00412_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br /> <br />I was ready for a beer after this day so instead of going to the cabin and firing up the Yukon we made do with a cargo net.  All bags were full but we still managed two six packs and a bag of ice. <br /> <br />You might be a redneck... <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400">That was quite a day trip and  we had a great lasagna supper planned.  After a lot of discussion about the day's events and reviews of the pictures and videos we loaded the bikes on the trailers and decided to call it a day.  We all knew we had to pack up and head east in the morning.  It was a great evening that ended a great long weekend in the mountains. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1ITiUEXFI/AAAAAAAACqo/MaovETfd7-s/s1600-h/DSCF0834%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF0834" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SO1IT02U-WI/AAAAAAAACqs/bMtYE39UovA/DSCF0834_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a>  <br />We all left around 9:00 or so in a light drizzle.  Pat and Ray left shortly thereafter on their bikes and luckily the weather improved quickly as they rode east.  Debbie and I dropped off the keys at the real estate office and picked up some local apples.  About two hours into our return to New Bern Lynn calls and says the Land Cruiser has a problem.  About twenty minutes later we pull up behind them on I40.  Chad has determined that there has been a complete transmission failure.  Jack had stopped behind us and between the two of us loaded the gear that Chad and Lynn had in the truck.  After the bikes have been taken off the trailer, the Land Cruiser and trailer loaded on a wrecker, Lynn and Chad head to New Bern on their bikes.   By the way, sitting on 40 is a pretty scary thing.  75 mph is faster than you think .  Other than that is was a casual but lengthy drive back to New Bern.  </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"> <br />We rode quite a few miles, racked up quite a few smiles and added a lot of memories to the digital scrapbook.  The scenery was diverse and fantastic and the best part was sharing the experiences with good friends on two wheels.  I could go back tomorrow. <br /></td> </tr> </tbody></table> Ralph Southerlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06471486553979674599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6109506395264167199.post-25896949452863443882008-08-28T11:05:00.001-04:002008-08-28T11:05:48.160-04:00Destination: CSS Neuse<p>Saturday August 16, 2008</p> <p>With mostly cloudy and a 40% chance of precipitation in the forecast it didn't appear that it was to be such a good day for a road trip.  But today is special since it is our 24th wedding anniversary.</p> <p>By 10:00 the sun peeks out and we see stretches of that Carolina blue overhead.  We mount up and head to Country Biscuit for a much anticipated but delayed breakfast. In the parking lot a couple from out of town asks: "Is the breakfast any good here?"  Well the Country Biscuit is owned and operated by the Ipock's. I grew up with Jeff who manages the restaurant and I have enjoyed every meal I ever had from there for the past, soon to be, 30 years.  So naturally my reply was "You won't be disappointed."  Most of the time when someone from this area refers to out of town we mean from farther up North.  Debbie and I wondered if they had ever had cheese biscuits or hush puppies or grits.  "I'm really not that hungry so let me have just one grit."  Just kidding!  With our hunger satisfied we discuss where to head next.</p> <p>We decide to head over to New Bern Harley Davidson and and pick out some anniversary gifts to ourselves. Good luck was in the cards and I picked up a great leather jacket for half off while Debbie acquired a light weight jacket and shirt.  We figured these items will come in handy for our mountain trip in a few weeks.</p> <p>We decide to head over to Hollywood Video and return the movies we rented and see what was on the newly released list.</p> <p>It was about 12:00, we were done with our errands and with no destination in mind. Debbie thought of the CSS Neuse in Kinston.  One location has a full sized model while the other location has the actual remnants of the CSS Neuse on display.  The <em>Confederate States Ship Neuse</em> was one of the early iron clad gunboats utilized during the Civil War.  Sounds good to me so off we go to Kinston via the bypass route on highway 70.</p> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="400" border="0"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SLa-FHqt5mI/AAAAAAAABzw/SLK9jRG9mWo/s1600-h/DSCF83813.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF8381" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SLa-Fj3eH-I/AAAAAAAABz0/NHUjwc7sEQ0/DSCF8381_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> The site which contains the model was closed so we missed the interior tour.  Our son says it's a pretty cool tour.  Nonetheless the outside is most impressive and much larger than we envisioned. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SLa-GeLLGRI/AAAAAAAABz4/LlcECkJMA7U/s1600-h/DSCF83883.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF8388" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SLa-Gxh62gI/AAAAAAAABz8/azt-_m31u8k/DSCF8388_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br />We head over to the CSS Neuse historic site.  Looks like there is quite a bit to see in this fairly large park.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SLa-Hqf7pbI/AAAAAAAAB0A/oV80mcr59dQ/s1600-h/DSCF83903.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF8390" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SLa-IM_ut5I/AAAAAAAAB0E/VgnjpnkqyXI/DSCF8390_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br /> <br />A fellow two wheeler had a modified Triumph Tiger 750. </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SLa-IuJgK1I/AAAAAAAAB0I/-dxns6NpE3A/s1600-h/DSCF84003.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF8400" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SLa-JFwIkAI/AAAAAAAAB0M/FQK5hSZqmQg/DSCF8400_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br /> <br />A reenactment was in progress on the grounds.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SLa-Jhhg6pI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/UgI7cUlzSJw/s1600-h/DSCF84022.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF8402" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SLa-ojiqs4I/AAAAAAAAB0Y/KwphZe_AMpM/DSCF8402_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0" /></a>  </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SLa-pHe490I/AAAAAAAAB0c/B7auHfZmSP0/s1600-h/DSCF8397%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF8397" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SLa-pfpHkQI/AAAAAAAAB0g/uY3Fgwiaj_c/DSCF8397_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br /> <br />Here are the actual remains of the CSS Neuse.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SLa-qCIGuhI/AAAAAAAAB0k/WS4CYIqEOwg/s1600-h/DSCF8407%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF8407" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SLa-qiWOmfI/AAAAAAAAB0o/1ptz7U99Mxg/DSCF8407_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> If you wander down to the river you see this gigantic concrete shelter.  The CSS Neuse was located here at one time but the flooding caused by hurricane Floyd caused the relocation to the current site. <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SLa-rB0NlvI/AAAAAAAAB0s/5L9CsB43upY/s1600-h/DSCF8410%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF8410" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SLa-rfVvlUI/AAAAAAAAB0w/arBufNWMHiA/DSCF8410_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br /> <br />I wasn't expecting this type of view on this outing but it's a definite plus. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SLa-r8ryijI/AAAAAAAAB00/Qq4ERyV6vP8/s1600-h/DSCF8421%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF8421" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SLa-scM1fII/AAAAAAAAB04/AlnkL2L4gbg/DSCF8421_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0" /></a> <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SLa-uch7ceI/AAAAAAAAB08/1k0IgSWdqek/s1600-h/image%5B9%5D.png"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="133" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SLa-uzvI_bI/AAAAAAAAB1A/96RyVQbge5k/image_thumb%5B3%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0" /></a> <br />We took a leisurely ride back to New Bern on Highway 55 through Fort Barnwell,Perfection and Jasper.  A fairly short run of about 80 miles but we did run some errands and saved gas. <br /> <br />For a day that we thought would be a bad ride day this one turned out quite well. <br /> <br />Site Links: <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SLa-vbC64TI/AAAAAAAAB1E/GRX-Xh8Qp_o/s1600-h/image%5B2%5D.png"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="63" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SLa-vzRVLPI/AAAAAAAAB1I/e59TBkcML38/image_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0" /></a> <br /><a title="http://www.nchistoricsites.org/neuse/neuse.htm" href="http://www.nchistoricsites.org/neuse/neuse.htm">http://www.nchistoricsites.org/neuse/neuse.htm</a> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SLa-xJ5YpOI/AAAAAAAAB1M/kmFMeparmBE/s1600-h/image%5B6%5D.png"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="110" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SLa-y_eTbHI/AAAAAAAAB1Q/I1WZRA1Mchc/image_thumb%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="110" border="0" /></a> <br /><a title="http://www.cssneuseii.com/" href="http://www.cssneuseii.com/">http://www.cssneuseii.com/</a> <br /> <br /></td> </tr> </tbody></table> Ralph Southerlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06471486553979674599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6109506395264167199.post-51756163805333646262008-08-04T18:03:00.001-04:002008-08-04T18:03:34.621-04:00Mountains of North Carolina<p> </p> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="400" border="0"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400">All the plans are complete: we are going to Maggie Valley in late September.  Our trip will coincide with the big rally but we don't intend to spend much time at the event. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400">But we do plan to ride to Gatlinburg via the Smoky Mountain Park, try our hand at the Tail of the Dragon and visit the Wheels Through Time Museum. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400">Looks like there may be eight of us on this trip.  <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SJd8VVksAEI/AAAAAAAABys/DUFp3hDMDCo/s1600-h/image%5B15%5D.png"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="164" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SJd8WPzh1-I/AAAAAAAAByw/sIftJsdloXY/image_thumb%5B5%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> Mike K is one of the guys in our extended riding family.  The following pictures are from a recent ride on the Dragon.  I believe his Yamaha Warrior has a better lean angle than the Ultra.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SJd8ZpTd3TI/AAAAAAAABy0/JHfrip6gkmA/s1600-h/image%5B16%5D.png"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="164" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SJd8bVXvPvI/AAAAAAAABy4/J58no2tut8w/image_thumb%5B6%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SJd8fX01vII/AAAAAAAABy8/EEB5oYByDOM/s1600-h/image%5B8%5D.png"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="164" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SJd8gcGvR6I/AAAAAAAABzA/PwG1nNmYGmI/image_thumb%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SJd8kQ4OTII/AAAAAAAABzE/Nl5wRi1ZOvs/s1600-h/image%5B17%5D.png"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="164" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SJd8lbp53YI/AAAAAAAABzM/5b6a1-yCbzg/image_thumb%5B7%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br />You would think he had more sense than to try to clean his side walls like this.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SJd8o2VCqiI/AAAAAAAABzQ/H3vn3y5pW84/s1600-h/image%5B18%5D.png"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="164" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SJd8qQQs_UI/AAAAAAAABzU/1pq31pXOSfk/image_thumb%5B8%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"> <br />Check out more of Mike's pictures at <br /><a title="http://www.msnusers.com/DragonPics/shoebox.msnw?Page=1" href="http://www.msnusers.com/DragonPics/shoebox.msnw?Page=1">http://www.msnusers.com/DragonPics/shoebox.msnw?Page=1</a> <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SJd8rEuOyVI/AAAAAAAABzY/1f4GJT_5FG4/s1600-h/image%5B21%5D.png"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="71" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SJd8ry-OWII/AAAAAAAABzc/PsCbfP2_UUk/image_thumb%5B9%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0" /></a> <a title="http://tailofthedragon.com/" href="http://tailofthedragon.com/">http://tailofthedragon.com/</a>  <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SJd8sXjjZ8I/AAAAAAAABzg/64GlVjLOF7s/s1600-h/image%5B24%5D.png"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="107" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SJd8sgelj_I/AAAAAAAABzk/6WdpGkifUO4/image_thumb%5B10%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0" /></a> <br /><a title="http://www.wheelsthroughtime.com/" href="http://www.wheelsthroughtime.com/">http://www.wheelsthroughtime.com/</a> <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SJd8tNYEwHI/AAAAAAAABzo/owtF5ZZh8dc/s1600-h/image%5B27%5D.png"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="75" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SJd8thj0qnI/AAAAAAAABzs/2dB50xHtKXQ/image_thumb%5B11%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0" /></a> <br /><a title="http://www.nps.gov/grsm/" href="http://www.nps.gov/grsm/">http://www.nps.gov/grsm/</a></td> </tr> </tbody></table> Ralph Southerlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06471486553979674599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6109506395264167199.post-49112703837741956112008-08-04T12:52:00.001-04:002008-08-04T12:52:21.631-04:00How About Lowland, NC?<p> </p> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="400" border="0"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400">We hadn't planned on riding but it seemed like a good idea early Saturday morning.  We fixed BLT's for breakfast with some really fresh ripe tomatoes.  Probably one of the best BLT's I have had in years. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SJczi6adlGI/AAAAAAAABw8/8S-TMfGEYFw/s1600-h/ridemap3.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="154" alt="ride map" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SJczjMQDVKI/AAAAAAAABxA/2n_NxlLkJ9U/ridemap_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a></p> <p>I don't believe we have ever been to Lowland, NC proper but we had it planned for today.  I set the route up for the GPS and it came up to 82 miles round trip.  </p> <p>Now that's 82 miles through some very rural country.  Lowland is only 3 feet above sea level so I guess the name says a lot.</p> <p></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400">So off we go to DC or Down in the County, Pamlico County, NC to be precise, destination Lowland and other points east.  <p>We are to ride through places like Olympia, Alliance, Maribel, Hobucken, Aurora and Cayton. </p> The weather forecast is for mid 90's with the normal high humidity.  Even higher humidity since we were to be at the shore of the Pamlico River in less than an hour. <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SJczjwI4wbI/AAAAAAAABxE/ticglKmSfAE/s1600-h/Dscf0564%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="Dscf0564" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SJczkFuuYyI/AAAAAAAABxI/leqHdwyH-jg/Dscf0564_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>Just east of Bayboro we stopped for a few pictures creek side.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SJczk1vd7hI/AAAAAAAABxM/pkZb5GqY_I0/s1600-h/DSCF0568%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF0568" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SJczlGcsd0I/AAAAAAAABxQ/C7RB48Q-CS4/DSCF0568_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br /> <br />We weren't the only ones enjoying the view. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SJczl5TfzDI/AAAAAAAABxU/HkCwb6gTsqc/s1600-h/DSCF0594%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF0594" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SJczmQ1IxpI/AAAAAAAABxY/aTuz-KB7iPM/DSCF0594_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br />If you happen to be in Lowland and need to mail a letter just run over to the local post office.  It's right on the main road, you can't miss it. <br /> <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SJczm0e0ODI/AAAAAAAABxc/qLWc0y8ICf4/s1600-h/DSCF0586%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF0586" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SJcznCZEmzI/AAAAAAAABxg/e9IsQJSiwGU/DSCF0586_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br />Just past Lowland, and at the end of Fulford Point Road, we stop to take in the scenery along the banks of Goose Creek and the Pamlico River. <br /> <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SJczn6GZbQI/AAAAAAAABxk/-9Pvm2k36SU/s1600-h/DSCF0574%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF0574" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SJczoAwydLI/AAAAAAAABxo/uwTN7gm54Yw/DSCF0574_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a>  <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Looking north toward the Pamlico River. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SJczozSJT3I/AAAAAAAABxs/kp17FZiLaPY/s1600-h/DSCF0580%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF0580" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SJczpHvx--I/AAAAAAAABxw/bBVeoM-eoRg/DSCF0580_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SJczptc0jgI/AAAAAAAABx0/oatn5WktMqQ/s1600-h/DSCF0589%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF0589" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SJczqBKItbI/AAAAAAAABx4/i9xTg-gW0-k/DSCF0589_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br />One of the best things about the area is the total lack of traffic once you run north and east of Bayboro. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SJczrFeeZSI/AAAAAAAABx8/kcmb0CPXgdc/s1600-h/DSCF0601%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF0601" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SJczrZ0xnnI/AAAAAAAAByA/R3GcBb-1cXk/DSCF0601_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br />We didn't pack water or food for this short trip so we decided to stop at the Hobucken Marina which is located just off Jones Bay. <br /> <br />NC128 and Lowland Road. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SJczsV8Jd0I/AAAAAAAAByE/IrJFVeQ4cnU/s1600-h/DSCF0605%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF0605" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SJcztB2G2ZI/AAAAAAAAByI/RLMUgvbt7P0/DSCF0605_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br />The view from the high rise bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway is always a pleasant surprise.  The Coast Guard Station is to the left. <br /> <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SJcztZEBZXI/AAAAAAAAByM/RL8FnxM1zLU/s1600-h/DSCF0610%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF0610" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SJcztrjeUyI/AAAAAAAAByQ/RisTivPVnCQ/DSCF0610_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br />And yes, we have plenty of wide open spaces left. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SJczuoknhrI/AAAAAAAAByU/Hsaod0s1zFw/s1600-h/DSCF0617%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF0617" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SJczvFi-ftI/AAAAAAAAByY/bgrMM23p_58/DSCF0617_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br />On through Aurora, NC and on to the Tunstall Swamp road.  This place reminded me of what the dinosaurs might have seen. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SJczv1raYAI/AAAAAAAAByc/6mUU1Qx8lN4/s1600-h/DSCF0626%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF0626" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SJczwWypgCI/AAAAAAAAByg/XouHoo5TN_Q/DSCF0626_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0" /></a> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SJczw9HoC4I/AAAAAAAAByk/MRJBFXD8248/s1600-h/DSCF0629%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF0629" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SJczxDD1e1I/AAAAAAAAByo/NC66B91RGyE/DSCF0629_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br />A little closer to home and we begin to see signs of civilization. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400">We had a great leisurely ride and boy did it warm up quickly.  In a few places we stopped for pictures the 96 inch motor reminded us that it was summer time in Eastern NC.  I can verify that the saddle shields do a good job of keeping the heat away from the rider but the humidity made it almost unbearable at stops.  I've lived here all my life and believe me when I say you don't get used to it, you just learn to tolerate it.  <br /> <br />Sunny and 95 for the day with average humidity at 80%</td> </tr> </tbody></table> Ralph Southerlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06471486553979674599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6109506395264167199.post-81465097770869101582008-07-27T18:07:00.001-04:002008-07-27T18:17:01.547-04:00Wallace and the Duplin Winery<p> </p> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="400" border="0"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"> <p>What started off as a last minute Saturday morning decision certainly turned out quite well.</p> <p>I wanted to put a few miles on the Ultra and run the back roads.  Well here in eastern NC we have a great deal of back roads and as the interstate system and the local highways are having lanes added that frees up the secondary roads.  I searched Google maps for a bit Friday night and decided Highway 41 looked promising.  I have always liked 41 because of the way it winds through some very interesting countryside.  </p> <p></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"> <p>I ran across a restaurant called the Mad Boar, <a title="http://www.madboar.com/" href="http://www.madboar.com/">http://www.madboar.com/</a>,  on the web that was in the area and the country buffet at The Country Kitchen Cafe, <a href="http://www.dougandpaulette.com">www.dougandpaulette.com</a> . </p> <p>Sometimes food is the reason for the destination.</p> <p>I called Chad and Lynn late Friday evening and mentioned Wallace. To be honest there was not a lot of excitement about a trip down 41 to Wallace.  Lynn said "Wallace? What's in Wallace?"  Both Chad and I are familiar with Wallace and the surrounding area since we had spent quite a few years traveling through the area with our earlier jobs.  We decided to call in the morning and set up the ride if the weather was good.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SIzw4apkhfI/AAAAAAAABuQ/0CBpiIcLPxg/DSCF05342.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF0534" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SIzw4kLnsNI/AAAAAAAABuU/HFooE-xd16s/DSCF0534_thumb.jpg" width="244" border="0" /></a> </p> <p></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400">With Wallace, NC as the destination and thoughts of the country buffet in town we headed the machines toward Trenton to pick up 41. Towns one will encounter along 41 are the likes of Trenton, Comfort, Hargetts Crossroad, Beulaville, and Chinquapin. All small towns or just a crossroad with the possibility of a gas station or used car lot. Farmland?  Oh yeah, there is plenty of farmland along the way and some nice scenery.  The road condition is actually very good along this route.  I do remember a stretch for a few miles that was a bit rough but I don't remember the exact location. Besides the road, the weather was great.  Low 70's in the morning and approaching 90 or so later in the day with a wonderful Carolina blue sky. <br /> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SIzw5fbq74I/AAAAAAAABuY/FBw86thhgSM/100_13261.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="100_1326" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SIzw5ujNTDI/AAAAAAAABuc/-qqKij8zfg8/100_1326_thumb1.jpg" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a>The run to Wallace was about an hour and a half and we arrived at about 12:00 or so.  That was kind of planned you see. There is an impressive new development just before I40 and that is where we blew past the Mad Boar restaurant.  Just in to Wallace proper we pulled in to a convenience store parking lot.  With a brief discussion we decided to check out the Mad Boar.  <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400">We all enjoyed our lunch a great deal.  The menu was quite varied and I would definitely like to return.  We sampled the Salmon, Meatloaf, Southwest Chicken and London Broil. Good food, good price. While we were enjoying lunch Lynn mentioned the Duplin County Winery to our server.  We discovered that the Winery was only minutes away. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SIzw6E5rwsI/AAAAAAAABug/2ANFkNUEK0U/100_13293.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="100_1329" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SIzw6qGvabI/AAAAAAAABuk/9rZumRg-qIU/100_1329_thumb1.jpg" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>A quick ride on I40 and we were at the Rose Hill exit.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SIzxZ5nBsHI/AAAAAAAABuo/42R9asLnK2Y/100_13393.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="100_1339" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SIzxaLqqzQI/AAAAAAAABus/YjKnVOhVewM/100_1339_thumb1.jpg" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Some of the vineyards are visible from the Rose Hill exit. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SIzxbXaf5nI/AAAAAAAABuw/m5qZFZh810c/DSCF05364.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF0536" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SIzxbn7bMWI/AAAAAAAABu0/iGG_xLCzQEc/DSCF0536_thumb2.jpg" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>With the Sportster, Street Bob and Ultra all lined up it was evident that we were not the only visitors on two wheels.</p> <p> </p> <p></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SIzxcemfUdI/AAAAAAAABu4/9bGwlVbvkpA/DSCF05393.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF0539" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SIzxc1S8TKI/AAAAAAAABu8/cQ0NCLnbMHE/DSCF0539_thumb1.jpg" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br />I'm a beer kind of guy so I didn't think much of a winery.  I was in for a pleasant surprise. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SIzxds8EHPI/AAAAAAAABvA/yV1QSxnaCgA/DSCF05423.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF0542" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SIzxd7qm_vI/AAAAAAAABvE/dTVZdCva8ug/DSCF0542_thumb1.jpg" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br /> <br />A wine tasting you say? Why certainly old chap, it's a must you know, pip pip and all that. <br /> <br />The wine tasting was actually a lot of fun and very educational.  I can now  determine the sweetness of a wine by the way it streams down the inside of the glass. Can you? <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SIzxeleG-II/AAAAAAAABvI/F7OXHKx6LvQ/DSCF054314.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF0543" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SIzxfUEA49I/AAAAAAAABvM/RQT0mbD3_OY/DSCF0543_thumb12.jpg" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a>  <br />Wonderful items inside.....</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SIzxg3WtFJI/AAAAAAAABvQ/Mp29hBoYUEM/DSCF05483.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF0548" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SIzxhkhKe1I/AAAAAAAABvU/VT7OC_p_n3U/DSCF0548_thumb1.jpg" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a>  <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SIzxiStyukI/AAAAAAAABvY/BLBCYvM6rUI/DSCF05523.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF0552" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SIzxiz7Y7uI/AAAAAAAABvg/rpi94U3zXpg/DSCF0552_thumb1.jpg" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br />and wonderful views outside....</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SIzxjY4frJI/AAAAAAAABvk/LknwcUQZ39w/DSCF05533.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF0553" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SIzxj3ZW0kI/AAAAAAAABvo/QlFfmrNXQBM/DSCF0553_thumb1.jpg" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SIzxkkA8TjI/AAAAAAAABvs/SF96GBCbDkI/DSCF05593.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF0559" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SIzxk2v0tII/AAAAAAAABvw/xLgIQAzDQS8/DSCF0559_thumb1.jpg" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br />Lynn and Chad are all smiles at the winery entrance.  Are they happy about the wine tasting or the ride back astride a Harley?</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SIzxl74OXYI/AAAAAAAABv0/WCPIxO64UPI/RD13.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="198" alt="RD1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SIzxmSKmV_I/AAAAAAAABv4/edJ1L9oa-4w/RD1_thumb1.jpg" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> <br />Debbie and I pose for a similar picture with Chad at the shutter.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><strong>I see a return trip for the vineyard tour and to sample some of the food from the Bistro.  This is a place you don't want to miss if you're in the area.  It's worth the drive even if you're not in the area.  Check 'em out online. <a title="http://duplinwinery.com/" href="http://duplinwinery.com/">http://duplinwinery.com/</a></strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"> <br /> <br /><strong>Parting Shots</strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SIzxmwPwMTI/AAAAAAAABv8/eCdAq0Fj9bU/100_13422.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="100_1342" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SIzxnPUmHbI/AAAAAAAABwA/PPAAp8HASFI/100_1342_thumb.jpg" width="244" border="0" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SIzxnqMcRdI/AAAAAAAABwE/VJj7KnFrWn0/100_13482.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="100_1348" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SIzxn3xcT1I/AAAAAAAABwI/fcZcqGF9RTQ/100_1348_thumb.jpg" width="244" border="0" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SIzxoSZPBAI/AAAAAAAABwM/Pad_ss0SlxY/DSCF05312.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF0531" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SIzxoszk3cI/AAAAAAAABwQ/UIBsSYYji5M/DSCF0531_thumb.jpg" width="244" border="0" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SIzxpHg_9HI/AAAAAAAABwU/9T5rqJx7ABw/DSCF05472.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF0547" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SIzxpTQ6F8I/AAAAAAAABwY/qriGOpylyrg/DSCF0547_thumb.jpg" width="244" border="0" /></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SIzxqGvwmoI/AAAAAAAABwc/dgg-y61z2xk/DSCF05562.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF0556" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SIzxqVMU6AI/AAAAAAAABwg/LT4krbutC9c/DSCF0556_thumb.jpg" width="244" border="0" /></a> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> Ralph Southerlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06471486553979674599noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6109506395264167199.post-67029609091149893932008-06-23T11:53:00.001-04:002008-06-25T19:24:37.397-04:00Cee Bailey's SSC Windshield<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="400" border="0"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400">I don't believe I have ever done a product review on the blog before.  Oh sure I've mentioned some equipment I've added and done some minor installation instructions but not a complete review, until now. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400">When we bought the Ultra it had the standard height windshield, which I assumed was the right one for me to use. I even got used to looking through the windshield which of course is not the correct setup.  A year and a half later I find a much better alternative. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400">It all started with a search for a better windshield.  Not just a replacement but something that had better performance.  Performance you ask?  From a windshield?  Why not?  In this day and time every item we touch is the resultant output from a design and engineering team of some sort.  As usual I did my research via the Internet utilizing my favorite resources such as <a href="http://www.v-twinforum.com">www.v-twinforum.com</a> and <a href="http://www.hdforums.com">www.hdforums.com</a>. On several occasions I ran across the mention of a new windshield design by Cee Bailey's referred to as SSC. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400">Over at <a href="http://www.ceebaileys.com">www.ceebaileys.com</a> I find they are an aircraft plastics manufacturer and produce windshields for most any model bike.  I also discover that there is a special model windshield, referred to as SSC, for the FLHT line.  SSC...Super Step Contour,  sounds pretty cool and looks mildly radical.  Quite a departure from traditional windshields and it had me interested. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400">With the standard Harley windshield in place my line of sight was about an inch and a half, or so, below the top of the windshield.   Even with that height in front of me I always had mild to moderate buffeting at faster speeds and Debbie almost always had some buffeting at all speeds.  My goal was to find a solution so I could see over the windshield and minimize or eliminate buffeting at normal speeds of say sixty five or less.  And of course something that looks good is a plus. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400">Basic physics dictates that when air is forced aloft it will immediately begin to fall back.  Since the windshield forced air up over my helmet it made sense that it would fall behind me.  It did and that is where Debbie sits. With the factory windshield on the Ultra the passenger buffeting was actually worse than on the Sportster with no windshield. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SF_HBDktMWI/AAAAAAAABtg/vRIGTY5Vti8/s1600-h/DSCF8285%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF8285" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SF_HBo_AkUI/AAAAAAAABtk/_Om62XCFN04/DSCF8285_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> The Cee Bailey solution places the windshield closer to the rider and forces the air up while using a height less than that required by a standard design windshield.  It accomplishes this and uses the factory mount with no modifications. <br />It looks like a fairly normal, low, tinted wind screen from the front seen here installed on our 07 Ultra. <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SF_HCoJjh9I/AAAAAAAABto/y2VBxmro7RI/s1600-h/DSCF8287%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF8287" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SF_HDYJJt7I/AAAAAAAABts/Rv0jYJaoaLA/DSCF8287_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> When viewed from the back you still have the same thought: How does this thing work when it's like all the rest?</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"> <br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SF_HEhwAsWI/AAAAAAAABtw/laNp-aFTMT8/s1600-h/DSCF8286%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-top-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="DSCF8286" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/thesoutherlands/SF_HFJtOtzI/AAAAAAAABt0/nPQK1DRPOtk/DSCF8286_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" /></a> Now you start to see how it works!  <br /> <br />It took about 5 minutes to remove the factory model and install the SSC and we immediately went out for a test ride.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="400"> <br />We rode at several different speeds up to about 80 or so.  Debbie had no buffeting up to 65, very minimal buffeting after that and much more stable airflow at all speeds.  From my perspective seeing over the top is a huge plus and there is an increase in airflow around my helmet but without buffeting up to about 65.  After 65 the airflow is still better than with the factory windshield in place. Oddly enough it is quieter riding at speeds below 55.  I'm not sure how that happens but there is a noticeable difference. Part of that may be less turbulence around and just above my helmet.  I also like the way the SSC tends to enhance and extend the flowing lines of the fairing. <br /> <br />This is probably one of the best items we have added to the bike and we are both very pleased with the performance and appearance.  When you can add a fantastic enhancement for just over $100.00 it makes good sense.  Considering the factory standard windshield is $114.95 it makes for a great upgrade or replacement of a damaged windshield.  While not everyone will like the design we certainly do and it's one more thing to help stand out from the crowd. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <p>MP HDSSC12"           1.000      1.000       0.000    $105.00       $105.00           FLHT SSC W/S 12" TALL <br />                                                                   ------------ <br />                                                      Net Invoice:      $105.00 </p> <p>                                                          Freight:       $12.75 <br />                                                        Sales Tax:        $0.00 <br />                                                                   ------------ <br />                                                            Total:      $117.75</p> <p> </p> <p></p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> Ralph Southerlandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06471486553979674599noreply@blogger.com2