Trip Epilogue

As I head out into the Florida rising sun to head back north, I find myself pensive and thoughtful. Being here in Florida among friends was exactly what I needed this week. In some ways, it became also what I was trying to avoid - even amongst the old friendships and good times were peppered stark and ever so harsh reminders of what I no longer have but still treasure so dearly.

I am at a crossroads - having been yanked unceremoniously from a happy dream and placed roughly at an intersection by unseen hands. Instead of choosing a path, I have been trying to climb back into a womb that I never knew, knowing what I need and want but dependent on others unable or unwilling to be a part of it. Story of my life.

The time will come when more unseen hands will let me know in no uncertain terms that I must choose a direction and get moving, but for now I sit at the branch in the road, looking forlornly back the way I came, knowing that path is the only one I cannot travel.

Today my choice is predetermined. My path takes me true north. Not to home, but towards home, and into the future.

In dreams you have no choices: either there are no decisions to be made, or they were made for you long before the dream ever began.

- Neil Gaiman

Day 9 - Last Day of Vacation

I didn't do squat today except sleep in and read. It was nice. Brian took us out to dinner in Titusville (over by where they launch the shuttle) at an authentic Florida eatery, where we dined on various different kinds of shellfish. We then drove through a nature preserve as the sun set, and saw a wild boar and various raccoons and 'possums. It was beautiful - the wildlife here is really something else, and Brian's knowledge of it makes for a really interesting tour.

Tomorrow morning early I head out, trying to hit my halfway point of Fayetteville, NC before I get too tired to push on. I should be home by Saturday night.

I want to thank Brian for hosting me, showing me a great time and driving everywhere, and to Mark for letting me use his bed while we was house-sitting. I had an incredible time, and really don't want to head home. I will certainly be back, whether to live or just visit remains to be seen...

Day 8 - Ladies Night

No way am I driving home tomorrow. Tonight, Brian and I went out tot the Ale House to celebrate what was to be my final night here, and it happened to be Ladies Night (ladies drink for free). There, we consumed copious amounts of alcohol and chatted with everyone we could, while I somehow refrained from stroking anyone's hair inappropriately. It was a great and mostly harmless time, but there's no way I will be in any shape for a 9 hour ride tomorrow. Mostly because Patti was there, bringing with her the inevitable shots of vodka.

So I plan on sleeping in (poor Brian has to get up early for work) and maybe chilling by the pool and writing a bit, perhaps heading out Friday morning.

I don't think that either Brian and I want to see me actually head back north any time soom, but I have to - if not just to plan or my inevitable permanent return.

Day 8 - The Gator Whisperer

After waking up quite late Brian took me out to Gatorland, where he used to work as an alligator wrestler. He was a wealth (a virtual cornucopia) of interesting information about reptiles, the Florida ecosystems, and the park itself - it was a fascinating trip. I never thought I'd have the capacity to learn so much in the condition I found myself in this morning.

Possibly the coolest moment of the trip was when Brian summoned about 10 alligators over to the bridge we were standing on by making a clucking noise - apparently despite their small brains they have been trained to eat.

Now we're just chilling at the apartment playing GTA, resting up for tonight's final outing before I head home tomorrow.

Day 7 - Ow, My Balls

Vague, hazy recollections of last night:

Awesome steak dinner at Cheesecake Factory with some gay martinis and mohitos...

Getting kicked out of the Blue Martini before we even got in because we were "under dressed"...

Sampling vodka shots at Gina's with Patti the bartender (this is where it gets fuzzy)...

Having fun watching the game with two UCF co-eds at the Ale House...

More vodka shots from Patti when she got to the Ale House...

Celtics win woo-hoo!

Talking Hunter Thompson with some bald dude...

Trying unsuccessfully to get Patti to dance with me...

Deep thoughts with Brian on the patio over a cigar...

Day 6 - I'm a Cheeseburger in Paradise

Not much to report about yesterday, I simply relaxed - read my book, sunned by the pool (now I'm even more spotty shades of red and white despite my best efforts to sun evenly), and ran a few errands. I hooked up the boys with a new wireless router which will significantly improve their Internet scene here in the apartment, and then I sat out on the patio and wrote during the afternoon thunderstorm. I was napping when Brian got home from work, and then we went out to the Ale House for a subdued dinner, came back and fell asleep watching Blades of Glory.

Boring to you perhaps, but paradise for me.

Today: more of the same. I love vacation.

Day 5 - The Pictures

Here are some pictures from our awesome Epcot visit. It's a wonder we don't look more shitfaced...

Drinking in England:



Chillin' in Africa:



Two brothers:



Obligatory Homo-eroticism:


Waiting for the fireworks:


The crew:

Day 5 - Epcot

Today Brian and Jenny were so kind as to entertain me all day. We started out with a great breakfast at some place called the Double J (or something like that - all I know is that it was like 700 exits down the highway like everything else around here). After a quick shower we headed out to Epcot, and spent the rest of the day there - drinking in several of the "countries", having a great sushi dinner in "Japan"; finishing off watching the fireworks display over the lake.

I haven't laughed as hard as I did today in a long time, in fact probably since the last time Brian and I were hanging out drinking. We both managed to reach our buzz peak at the same time (much to Jenny's chagrin) during some American history presentation (which we found wildly funny once we amended it with our own soundtrack ala MST3K). Then on the way out of the park Brian (who we will heretofore refer to as "Juan" for legal reasons) appropriated a wheelchair which I ("Pedro") promptly sat in, and amid much hilarity (shared by both us and other patrons leaving the park) proceeded to push me to the car - navigating the traffic cones like an obstacle course. Of course the wheelchair, not designed for such shenanigans, blew a tire - which didn't stop us from limping the rest of the way to the car, ending with a spectacular curb crash during which I dismounted perfectly.

We had talked earlier about attending "Industry Night" at the House of Blues, but decided against it because, frankly, we're just too old. As much as I would have loved to dance with some beautiful babies, I'm actually glad we quit while we were ahead - because it was a perfect day.

I know that not every weeekend would be like this one if I lived down here, but it was beautiful to spend time with good friends having good clean (sort of) fun.

I've decided to not head home tomorrow, instead I'm going to play it by ear and see how the wind blows. Tomorrow I might take advantage of the pool and / or gym at Brian's apartment complex, and just keep vactioning. I haven't heard anything about the house or jobs back home, and though I have tickets for a show in Boston on Wednesday I have no solid plans to go with anyone so I think I'll just hang here for a few more days.

Thanks to Brian and Jenny for such a wonderful day - it was a great time.

Day 4 - Chillin' in the Heat

After sleeping off most of my hangover, I ventured out into the Florida sun to explore the area, trying to find a grocery store and someplace to get a quick lunch. I quickly learned how spread out everything around here is, even to the point of confusing my GPS system. Back home, as you get closer to civilization things start to build up and peak, usually centered around a shopping center. Here, you have marsh or ponds, and then on the next "block" you might have a shopping center, then a row of apartment houses, then more marsh or ponds. There's not much rhyme or reason to the layout, or at least not one that I have yet been able to discern.

After lunch I went out to the pool to try to even out my sunburn. Alternating between lying out in the sun and dipping in the pool was a wonderful way to spend the afternoon, but I must have put too much sunblock on because I'm still alternating shades of white and red.

The 4 of us went out to dinner at a mexican restaurant, and then decided to retire early, having really pushed it too hard the previous night.

It was a nice, relaxing day in paradise.

Day 3 - Sushi, Yacht Clubs, and Sports Bars

Last night Brian, Jenny, Mark and I hit the town. We had a really nice sushi dinner where Brian and I sampled some different fruity martinis, and then headed out to a bar called "Gina's" which was a trip into the surreal to say the least. The band was weird enough - an 80's cover band with a pregnant lead singer - but the clientele was a bizarro mix of geriatrics and twenty-somethings in summer dresses or khakis, all looking like they just popped off the yacht for a few drinks and some dancing. I had a little trouble insinuating myself into the vibe there, the heavy-on-the-alcohol libations (served up by a friendly bartender) helping only a little.

From there we sped over to the Ale House for some more (probably unnecessary) drinks, and then headed home to crash out for the night.

There was talk about heading downtown to some clubs tonight, or maybe over to Epcot, but either way I'm sure it'll be a good time - Brian's a wonderful host and it's just really comforting right now to be here hanging out with him.

I'm off to the pool as soon as my headache dies down a bit...

Day 3 - Into America's Penis

13 has always been my lucky number, and today, on Friday the 13th, I made my way into Florida. The trip was entirely uneventful, hot and dry, more humid as I made my way West from Daytona Beach. Thunderstorms brewed over Orlando as I approached, but they burned off before I actually arrived.

I met up with Brian at his work and 5, followed him to his apartment to take a shower, and now we await Mark to go out to dinner.

Gonna run so we can hang out and talk - will post more tomorrow from poolside!

Day 2 - Fire and Sun

Of all of the states I've ridden through so far (Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina, I have to say that I like Delaware and South Carolina the best. To be fair, most of them I only saw from major highways, which is no way to see a state, and Delaware bribed me with free gas on the side of the road, and North Carolina was on fire when I went through, but really I like it here. A lot. I could see myself living here in South Carolina, maybe retiring in some little brick ranch by the side of the highway, riding my old beat up harley into town to the local bar.

There are touristy areas and poor rural areas, but there's a sort of dignity to both that you don't often find many places. I like that.

Shortly after leaving the Richmond area this morning I ran into a smoky smog, settled over everything. It got thicker and thicker as I approached the North Carolina border, to the point where visbility wass reduced to a few hundred feet and my eyes and nose stung. Apparently there are wildfires in North Carolina, a bit inland from Rte 95. Just over the border I headed east to the shore, and was able to escape the smoke, which made it much more comfortable to ride.

The North Carolina shore was boring, but soon after getting into South Carolina things picked up. It's just a really nice state - beautiful to look at, palm trees mixed with evergreens, and everyone seems to really take pride in their land, even if their houses are falling down (in a weird way).

I detoured to see the USS Carolina, and then detoured again to drive through Myrtle Beach instead of around it, as I'd never been. Looks like a great beach vacation destination - I'll have to plan a vacation there sometime.

Around 7 I got to my hotel in Charleston. I walked into the lobby just as a wedding reception was arriving, and I think I gave the bride's mother a heart attack, walking in covered with brake dust and tattoos, sunburned, with a bandana and sunglasses on. The receptionist put me in the room furthest away from the lobby - I'd have to call a taxi to eat in the in-house restaurant.

I'm going to head out to find some nightlife, having showered the filth of the road (and the smoke smell) off.

Tomorrow, Orlando!

Day 1 - Into Tobacco Country

I couldn't have asked for better weather for this trip. In stark contrast to my last motorcycle trip (through Washington and Oregon) the day started out with bright blue skies and 74 degree weather. By 1 PM, as I entered New Jersey, the temperature had climbed to a dry and therefore comfortable 92. It was beautiful out today, and my spirits were quite high as I made my way south.

I made great time getting out of Connecticut, crossing the New York border just 2 hours after leaving the house. I intended to circumvent NYC and avoid the Cross Bronx Expressway, but somewhere around Yonkers my GPS unit led me astray and I ended up cutting through the Bronx and crossing the Hudson on the GW anyway. Once in New Jersey though I was able to get back up to cruising highway speeds and breezed by the miles of oderous landfills marking the New York border side of the state - New York's dumping ground.

At a rest stop in Jersey I ran into a guy who was riding a 650 dirt bike to florida, and he paid for my water at the rest stop. That was very cool, and I would have offered to ride with him for a bit but he was wearing a bicycle helmet instead of a motorcycle helmet which just screamed "special needs" to me so I foraged ahead on my own. We ran into each other at two other stops later in the day (fortunately I saw him before he saw me both times). Weird that we would stop at the same places.

Just after crossing into Delaware I ran out of gas. This is a terrifying thing on a motorcycle; one minute you're screaming along in the left lane, the other you are coasting to the shoulder, playing Frogger to avoid the cars you passed not minutes before. My onboard computer said I had a quarter tank left and could go another 138 miles, but the engine wasn't starting. I've run out of gas before, so I recognized the symptoms immediately and didn't panic. I called AAA and as soon as I hung up the phone a Delware Roadside Assistance truck pulled up and gave me some free gas. FREE GAS. I rode on fumes up to the next rest stop some 4 miles away and filled the tank. It took 5 gallons - which means that either 2 gallons are going unused somehow, or both I and my onboard computer were misinformed when we were told that it had a 7 gallon tank. I'll look into that when I get home, but for now I won't let the tank get below the halfway mark which means refueling more than I had planned.

I finally got to Richmond about two hours later than I had intended (running out of gas cost me about an hour, and I got going about an hour later than I had planned) and pulled off the highway to find the Days Inn I was planning on staying at only to be greeted by desolation. Apparently, all of Richmond (except the historic district, I would later find out) is a giant, empty ghetto. I drove around for an hour looking for a suitable hotel to stay at and found none (the Mariott, despite being in the heart of the ghetto was nice, but they wanted 250$ a night!) so I got back on the highway and headed further south.

I ended up about 4 miles south of the Phillip Morris tobacco company headquarters in a little town called... oh, who cares what it's called - It's a strip mall, basically, anchored by a Hooters on one side and an Applebees on the other. I'm staying at a Country Inn and Suites which cost about twice as much as I wanted to spend but I figured I deserved it after the day I put in.

I walked out to a Pizzeria Uno, hoping to find beer, food, and a cute southern Belle who wanted to rub my sore back, and found only the first two. Culture shock: around here not only can you smoke in bars and restaurants, but EVERYONE smokes. EVERYONE. It's like they never got the memo.

I enjoyed my burger (despite the stale bread and overcooked meat) and Guiness and headed back to the hotel. I bought a Smirnoff Ice at a gas station (love that feature) and am going to sneak outside and smoke a cigar, because in a weird twist of fate, I'm staying at the only non-smoking hotel in the county.

Here's what I learned today:

• Sunblock must be applied more than just once at the start of your day, otherwise you WILL end up with a sunburned nose.


• According to my GPS system, driving really fast doesn't even begin to make up for time lost in bumper to bumper traffic.


• I love Southern girls. They are just like Midwestern girls except skinny with wonderful hair, and when they talk it sounds like molasses being poured into honey.
  
• People in the South use the word "ain't" without the slightest hint of irony.


• I'm glad I didn't decide to stay at the Days Inn which is next door to the Country Inn, because there are a group of Good Ole Boys outside whooping and hollerin', which would be prohibitive to sleeping.
  

That's it for today. Cigar then bed and tomorrow I strike out for somewhere on the Atlantic coast about 400 miles south of here (I'd be more specific but I'm too tired to look at a map).

Orlando Trip - June 2008

This Wednesday I'm heading south on the BMW to reunite once again with my boy Brian (my man, 50 grand, BRY-AN) in Orlando Florida, possibly the next place I will call home. I am leaving on Wednesday June 11th, scheduled to return on Wednesday June 18th (but we'll see what happens along the way).

The plan is to spend 3 days on the road (I could probably make it in 2, but being that I'm currently not employed I figure "what's the rush?"), arriving on Friday and leaving for home again on Monday. The weekend days between travelling will likely be spent indulging in activities that include drinking, hanging out at bars, drinking, eating fine food, drinking, and carousing with unsavoury women (my personal favorite).

I'll try to post daily, and hopefully will include photos of the trip along the way.

With any luck, I'll have better weather than my last trip...