A lot has happened in that time.
I arrived in Lakeland, Florida in February 2011, visited with family and friends and dealt with some health issues. I started working out at Gold's Gym, and I eventually lost 30 pounds and hopefully gained some muscle as well.
My Dad passed away in October after a thankfully short bout with pancreatic cancer.
I purchased a 1999 32' Rexhall Aerbus motorhome, a 2005 Honda CRV, and a 2008 Kawasaki KLR650 motorcycle.
After months of modifications and re-modifications, I was finally ready to hit the road on May 17, 2012.
My first destination was the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, but along the way I had to have the hydraulic pump motor replaced in Milledgeville, GA. Fortunately a friendly mobile RV repairman named Jube was able to replace the old motor with a used one that he had on hand.
While I was in Milledgeville I took a day to drive along some scenic highways where I stopped to hike, bike and kayak. Very nice after dealing with the pump motor issues.
Back on the road to the Smokies and the surrounding area.
I found out that the Tail of the Dragon, a wonderful, winding road that seemed to be made for motorcycles was nearby, so I've ridden it a few times on the motorcycle.
I'll have to add some video later on, when I learn how to edit them.
Fortunately I did not add any pieces to the Tree of Shame. These are just a few of the motorcycle parts that have been added after wrecks that have occurred on the Dragon.
While taking a drive through the Smokies I came across a few animals. The first was a black bear,
and then a curious deer right along side the road. I think she was looking for hand-outs.
I also found a few streams along the trails I hiked in the area.
It's been awhile since I've been out this way, so I am enjoying the area for a couple of weeks before making my way back out West with my RV group, the WINs.
More pictures to follow.
