Our winter in Florida had finally come to an end, and we packed up the camper and made our way back home to Gypsy’s Retreat on beautiful Lake Eufaula in Alabama. The days were stretching longer now, and each morning the sun rose almost perfectly across the water from our porch. I loved getting outside early with a cup of coffee to watch the oranges, pinks, and purples slowly ignite the sky as the sun crested over the Georgia shoreline. Those quiet mornings at home always seemed to remind us why we loved this lifestyle so much — adventure balanced with the comfort of family, friends, and familiar places.
Back home there was plenty to do before our busy summer riding season in Europe. The boat needed a little attention, and there were the usual projects around the house that somehow wait patiently until you return. At the same time, life around us was growing even more enjoyable. Our friends Mark and Gina had recently bought a house nearby, which meant more evenings shared around tables, more rides together, and more reasons to stay connected as a little extended family on the lake.
One Saturday, Melanie and I joined Gina at a local crawfish festival while Mark was away in India riding with another friend. Not long after, I jumped into a ride with the long-distance riding community called the Grand Tour of Georgia. The challenge was to track down several historic churches scattered throughout the state. Melanie and I rode out together and managed to visit three churches that were fairly close together. It turned into a beautiful 500-mile day — exactly the kind of ride that reminds you why motorcycles become such a part of your life. More importantly, it was a reassuring test run for both of us and the bikes. Everything felt right. The summer adventure was officially becoming real.
Next came Horizons Unlimited Virginia, which I wrote about in the previous post. By the time we returned home, only a few final preparations remained. I took the boat out for a couple of hours on Lake Eufaula just to make sure everything was running properly. Soon after, our good friends Doug, Polly, Mark, Gina, Melanie, and I all pointed our motorcycles toward a local hamburger joint for one of those simple rides that always end up meaning more than the destination itself. From there we wandered over to Blue Springs State Park. The crystal-clear spring water looked almost impossibly refreshing under the warm Alabama sun, and before leaving we all promised we would come back someday for a picnic when everyone was in town together again.
A few days later we headed north to Chattanooga to spend time with family. Our son Dallas, his wife Jess, and our grandson Caleb welcomed us for a fun-filled weekend of cards, conversations, downtown wandering, and enjoying Derby Day together. Those visits always ground us a little before another long stretch on the road. No matter how much we love exploring the world, family remains the anchor point that gives the journeys meaning.
As departure day drew closer, we squeezed in one more family visit. Our other son Rick, his wife Kelly, and our granddaughter Lucy met us halfway between our homes for a beer and a few hours together. It was a three-and-a-half-hour drive for all of us, but absolutely worth it. We laughed, caught up on life, and played a hilariously ruthless version of Uno called Killer Edition that seemed to bring out everyone’s competitive side.
Now we sit packed and ready, counting down the hours until departure. Most of our riding gear and supplies are still stored in the UK from our last trip, yet somehow we still managed to pack too much again. Some things will end up stashed away, some given away, and some carried far longer than necessary. But that seems to be part of the adventure too. No matter how experienced you become, you always think you need more than you really do. In the end, the things we remember most are never the things we packed, but the people we shared the road with along the way.
Cheers and see you in the UK,
2WANDRRs
2WANDRRs 
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