t’s been a busy summer. After returning from Morocco in March We immediately returned to the gym. Every year we realize how important staying fit is. Five days a week, while we’re home, Melanie will head to the pool. On the way she drops me off at a free-weight gym. I don’t know if that’s the best thing for me, but I love the feeling of heavy weights.
We made it back to the US just past my birthday. Landing in Orlando we spent a couple of days with my son Rick and his family. Heading to Tampa was a great day for some beer, BBQ and outdoor games with the family.
Arriving back to Gypsyβs Retreat we were greeted with some more dead pine trees. Giving my tree guy a call you sold in for more chaos and a large bonfire. It wasn’t so bad. It gave us an even wider view of the lake and the beautiful sunrises. As the days at Gypsyβs Retreat settled into a rhythm, we found ourselves drawn to the natural beauty around us. Early mornings became a ritual of sipping coffee on the deck, watching the sun slowly ascend over the shimmering lake. The call of birds and gentle rustling of leaves made it easy to let go of the bustle of traveling, embracing the serenity of home.
My other son Dallas was vacationing for five days with his family in New Orleans. He had invited us along and we had a wonderful time Checking out the Old Town in waterfront. There is a wonderful old coffee shop in town. The name of this place is Cafe du Monde. This iconic New Orleans cafe is known for its cafe au laits, chicory coffee and beignets since 1862. The beignets are coated with a pile of powdered sugar. Taking a breath just before taking a bite is the wrong thing to do. As you inhale a fine dust powdered sugar your immediate reaction is to cough. Of course, then the powdered sugar flies everywhere. As we sat there drinking our Chicory coffee, five street musicians set up just in front of us and played some jazz music for us for tips.
In early April we had the privilege of hosting our friend Nigel Grace from the UK. We met Sir Nigel several years ago at Horizons Unlimited Virginia. This was during one of his many rides across the USA. He stayed with us for a night at the house and signed our travelers wall. A couple of other friends, Mark and Gina Marie also made their way down to say hi. Nigel was on his way once again to HU Virginia, where we would catch up with him again.
Shortly after Nigel left, we packed up our camper and motorcycle and headed towards Virginia. We spent a few days camped and riding around the North Carolina Virginia mountains. Spring is always beautiful in this area and this time it sure didn’t disappoint. We all descended upon Horizons Unlimited in Appomattox, Virginia. To us, Horizons Unlimited is a gathering of our tribe. These are people that gather for three or four days to see old friends and make new friends. We all listen to stories from the road and far off adventures to exotic and foreign places.
My best friends live within these walls of motorcycle travel and adventure. Traveling by motorcycle sometimes just seeps slowly into your being. Sometimes It becomes an escape. Something you may be running from or running towards. Sometimes the idea hits you like a ton of bricks. How many people stay encapsuled and their little bubble. Sometimes it’s contentment that keeps them there, other times it’s fear. Adventure is about pushing through that fragile bubble and extending the boundaries into your fear level. It’s the unknown that drive so many of us. Changing our views on people and cultures in those far-flung exotic lands that most only read about. They say you can never go home. When you go home it seems everything has changed around you. But you must realize that everything at home has remained the same. You are the one that has changed, hopefully for the better. Next time you go off on a ride remember to bring back your stories also. Someone want to hear your stories, many may now. Try to be the positive change in the world that is needed so badly right now.
That’s about it for now. The next blog I will talk about my upcoming travels. After that I will finish up the summer and jump into my next ride.
Cheers and big hugs,
2WANDRRs
2WANDRRs 
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