A final day in the Big Apple

 Well, folks I believe that I am ready to come home. This has been an extraordinary experience, filled with all kinds of people, and places, and foods, sights and sounds that will ring through my mind for years. New York city seems the penultimate destination for this odyssey. And an odyssey it has been, I have been tempted by the sirens of my past to fall back into the dark waters of alcohol, or worse. Tempted is not succumbing, though! I had to fight the cyclops of my own on that long, miserable trip through west Texas. Wondering if I had the internal strength to carry on. Circe is there in every pretty face that entices me to stay awhile, not to worry about anybody but myself.
 Between a rock and a hard place, how do I move forward to choose the right path in my own existence. Troubled by my previously failed relationships. My lousy, lazy and even stupid reasoning, as I pulled further and further from my own friends and family. It seems,now, that I had chosen neither the devil nor the deep blue sea that were in front of me. I simply spun in place, choosing not Scylla nor Charybdis. I was waiting for someone or something to make my decisions. I cannot claim the cleverness, nor the royal bearing of Odysseus. No, mine has been a slow mind, dumb even dim-witted as I struggled to find my way home. Or, maybe not my way home, to find my own home in the first place. Whoops, too much information? You should have skipped that part, I tends to ramble, eh?
 My visit with Tasha was great, we went all over the  city. We took the subway from the Park Slope neighborhood in Brooklyn to Manhattan, we wandered through the Chelsea Market and we walked along The High Line Park. This is a neighborhood project that has grown to be a city supported green space. The High Line is a long boardwalk set upon the old elevated train tracks that had long been an abandoned eyesore. Now it is a beautiful, plant filled escape from the grimy city streets just below. We sat up there for a while, listening to the NY orchestra, the bangs and clangs of construction, the horn section constantly blaring out for attention. The constant barking of vendors that make up the chorus. All of this together comprise that orchestra.

Tasha and I on High Line

 The Chelsea is a great mix of small stores, bakeries, butcher shops, art galleries, and who knows what else. We wandered  through, smelling the breads, the meats, and once in a while the unmistakeable Human scent. We chatted with an artist whose gallery wasn't really ready, but he couldn't help but want to discuss all of his work. Explaining where his inspirations came from, even offering half price on anything he had 'cuz we were to be his first customers. Kinda reminded me of Lou Reed, the singer. So very New York in his attitude and presentation.
 Last night we all went up the hill to Prospect Park. It is a great space, covered with trees and lawns. Baseball and soccer fields, running paths and a concert stage, designed by the same man who designed Central Park. We sat and listened to three bands play, Tash and Adam have friends who were in the headliner band. "Dirty Projectors" has a unique rock sound, with almost spooky vocal and melody mixes. Very fun!

                                                                                

Adam and Tasha at the bakery for breakfast

Taken on High Line Park. Empire State in background

A nice break in Manhattan

Looking towards the East River in Chelsea

 










 Today we will probably head to the beach. I will put my pinkies in the Atlantic Ocean once more. I will eat pizza, and then have another slice of pizza to go with this slice of America I'm enjoying. I will get on the road early, heading for home, tomorrow morning. I'm not sure about any of my stops along the way, simply following the sun as far and as long as I can each day. I will try to get some more pics of Tasha and Adam at work from their cameras, and one or two more as I move along. I am a slave to the road, however, and can make no promises. I remain, Red, committed to making a difference in the lives that I am entrusted with. Re-committed to allowing those who trust and cared for me through all of my tribulations and tears to remain in and connected to my life. Until then, the journey continues.
 Someone asked me, before this trip started, if I wouldn't be lonely on the road by myself. I told them that I would enjoy my solitude, always have. I have always believed that I was a loner, happy in my "onlyness" and content within. I find, have found, and look forward to finding even more so in the future that I am not a hermit. Nor do I want to be an only, as I had pursued. To all of my family, and my friends, Thank you for listening to my ramblings, thank you for caring about me when I didn't. Thank you for showing me another way to see the world through a much cleaner, more loving, caring lens. These are the pictures and thoughts that will nourish me along my path...REDSENDS...

NewYork City, skyscrapers and everything

 A Big Yo! to all from New York. I am in Brooklyn, at my daughters place. I arrived here yesterday afternoon for the last of my family visits outside of Oregon. Tasha and Adam are both very busy young emigrates to the big metropolis. Focused on making their name in the best place to do just that.

 But, I want to start with the final part of my Virginia layover, and to thank those who made it such a relaxing and restful time. Bill Lee is one of my oldest and best friends and you proved why, my brother. Our conversations and comfortability were as if we had just seen each other yesterday, not more than ten years ago as it has actually been. The straight talk and advice, the willingness from both to shut up and listen has always been a keystone of our friendship. You knew you didn't have to entertain me. But, somehow every moment was pure theater of the absurd. Thanks for getting me a massage before I got back on the horse. Thanks for allowing me to be a part of the sale of your truck to that young man, Matt, living his dream as a backwater guide. Brilliant! Thanks to your family, as well. Janice, for being such a warm and honest hostess. Thank you for allowing me to stay in your beautiful home. Thanks to Jared for the use of his room. Keep pushing..."the last easy day was yesterday"...don't let up. Caroline is a lovely, driven student who will find that all the hard work does pay off in the long run.

 The drive up from Virginia to Brooklyn was one of the best, so far (mostly). The Chesapeake Bay Bridge on that very dark morning. Only the long line of those yellow arc lights haloed in humid air, were visible. Then simply disappearing into the tunnels, down from the forty foot above the waterline, dropping unnervingly underwater for about half a mile. A sight strange to see, but, even stranger to ride along. The sunrise, lighting up the sky like a wildfire. The rising sun as big as my fist, creeping up over the trees and farms which pervade this part of the country. The old farm houses sit in their somber plainness, still striking, with simple grace. The quaint little towns dot here and there along the way. The road through most of the Virginia, Delaware, and New Jersey countryside is nice and smooth, undulating like the back of a serpent, set me up for a slow lazy ride soaking up the scenery and humidity along the way.

 Toll roads are the norm here. I paid twenty, then twelve, then two twice, then paid another twelve and eleven dollars in these "visitor taxes" on the ride. The twelve dollar toll in New Jersey must have been for a bumper car ride, 'cuz I saw five crashes along the way. Drivers are seemingly uninvolved, just running up onto the slower vehicle in front of them. A drive that should have taken a couple hours turned into stop and go traffic for four. By the way, those record and near record temps still seem to be following me all along.

  The new York City skyscrapers visible from more than forty miles over land that is not flat.The bridges all through the five boroughs. Drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists here are on top of their game, no slack or you are done for. All pretty cool except for the horn blowers, who just seem to blare out randomly to exclaim their own existence. The city is diversity by the power of 100. If there is a culture on this planet not represented here, they are hiding. The people are warm and friendly, quick to help an idiot lost in the wrong borough. I am proof of that. I took the wrong lane going onto a bridge and ended up in Manhattan instead of Brooklyn.  I got lost, and I am always going to be glad for it. I stopped a NYC cop to get directions. As he was helping me another fellow came up and began to offer another "easier" way to get where I wanted to go. While they were arguing which route to take, Tasha called to say the set of the film was moving to another site. The other guy was a film tradesman, a Grip. He quickly recalculated my route and sent me happily on my way. The diversity...how about a delicious deli sandwich served to me by a kindly Korean storekeeper. Good bread makes a better sandwich and there is something to be said for the argument that it's the water here that makes the bread and pizza crust unique. The friendliness and openness are apparent in everyday people doing everyday things. I was talked to by a woman in the car next to me while stopped at a light. Where was I from, where was I going, don't forget to eat at this place or visit that place. A city bus driver on break, asked me about the ride. Wanting to take the ultimate bus man's holiday; he was planning a motorcycle ride through the Poconos on his dual sport motorcycle. "Just wanna drive by myself, where and when I want. Without a schedule" were his words as we chatted. The young families gathered around the film set all wanted to ask where and how and why as I sat and watched Tasha and Adam work. Finally, the neighbor who came by, just now, to offer my motorcycle a safe place off the street in his patio area to avoid, not from being stolen or?.. but as a place where it would not get bumped, something drivers seem to do to establish their own personal space while parking or pulling out.
 Sitting with Adam last night, reminded me that I am changing, not re-inventing myself. I am being refreshed and re-booted by this experience. I started to say that people are friendlier as I travel east. I think that is wrong. I am becoming friendlier and more open. I am thinking about something I read by L.Ron Hubbard (Scientology guy) in high school... "You make your own reality" he said. People will respond to what you send out. Be an ass, and that's what you get back. Be open and honest and friendly and folks will return it.

 So my closing thought today is to you, not for you. I came out into the wilderness to find myself. I didn't need to find myself, I already exist and thrive with all of you there in my place. I will return soon, refreshed and ready to pursue excellence with your permission and the blessing you have always offered. Thanx to all, see you soon...REDSENDS...

Fourth of July Norfolk

Bill Lee and the lovely Janice

 Good morning to all. I spent the evening at the waterfront watching fireworks and people. This has been another good stop for me. Relaxing and enjoying the company of new and old friends. I have been in the Atlantic Ocean again. Water temp is above 70 degrees. I've now been in the Pacific, the Gulf of Mexico and this side too. I must say, Atlantic is so much warmer that I could swim a whole workout without trouble. I didn't, but I could. I got my pool time in at a friend of the family's place, a salt water pool where I spent an  hour swimming and another just basking. Bill and Janice have been so warm and welcoming that I would have already forgotten about my bad KOA experiences if I hadn't gotten an e-mail from the husband inbreeder explaining how it wasn't their fault and how much they were looking forward to seeing me sometime again. Really? Really!?. Nope, not this time!

Blee and the not so lovely Red

The Armed Forces Concert Band

The fireworks show went off very well, unlike the one in San Diego that happened all at once (check out that story). Their were lots of families all around and it's the kids that make this such a fun event. The children all around us were dancing to the concert band and oohs and aahs filled the ears throughout the evening.



The band was good when they stayed with the marching style,but a little less than mediocre when they tried to do contemporary songs. Oh, well.




Before we went to the show last night , we had dinner in a pizza joint that felt so much like so many of the places in Portland, Oregon. The hipster style, the tattooed ladies serving the food, the almost laissez faire attitude of everyone working left me with a feeling I might be with my daughter, Alex, in a cool place she knows. Miss you, Al. The pizza was great, eclectic, and filled the spot. "Cogans" is a good place to go in Norfolk. Just don't expect service to be part of the experience.

Oooh!

Aaah!

Moonrise just after fireworks

I had to buy a new helmet for the ride. The old one lost some of it's screws, kinda like me, on the ride. It has always been a little bit of a painful ride, as it keeps pressure on my ears that becomes almost unbearable as time passes. Also, kinda like me?
I will be leaving on Saturday morning, early, for Brooklyn, NY. My daughter,Tasha, is there living her dreams, and I hope to enjoy her experience vicariously. I miss my family and friends, some of you belong in both categories. Some of you don't, but I'll never tell. To all of my clients and students; I look forward to being in the water doing what I'm here on this planet to do. I am blessed to have found my place and purpose. If you haven't, keep seeking. It is there for all of us to find.

Today I will do a little bit more visiting and a lot more eating and laughing with Blee. I would promise to give you more pictures, but when I'm with this guy, the time is gone before I even know. So, you can probably expect another rambling diatribe filled with mixed messages. But, if you know me, then you look for nothing less.

With all of this in mind, I will close with one single thought. If you do what you love, and you love what you do, then all of the money or acclaim could not make it any better. I do what I love, and I thank so many of you for helping me find my way. I don't need to re-invent myself on this trip. As a great philosopher said "I yam what I yam, and that's all that i yam" (Popeye). That's all folks...REDSENDS...

In Chesapeake Virginia

I arrived in the Norfolk area yesterday morning. I will be staying at my buddy, Blee's house while I'm here. The ride and journey from Houston was interesting, to say the least. I'm sitting in his office on NAS Norfolk right now listening to the sounds I had forgotten. The sights connected to memories that have become "Rememories", as Toni Morrison wrote. The things that take us back to a different time in our lives by hearing or seeing some connective moment.The sailors in here all getting ready for another workday. The sounds of helicopters starting up. The sight of a class of young Rescue Swimmers running as one, chanting their jodies (songs to run by) to stay together and on pace.  Another day our freedom is being protected by my brothers and sisters in arms. Sights and sounds that I didn't know I missed until I was in among the group. Ooraah! I guess I'll never really disconnect my heart or my soul from this world.
But the trip, the trip...I stopped in Meridian Ms at a KOA I had reserved a tent spot at. When I got there, they had lost my reservation, my attempt three days earlier to upgrade to a cabin with AC had confused the idiots so much they just cancelled me. So, I finally got checked in by a very angry inbreeder who wanted me to feel guilty about their mistake. Nope, not this time. Just get me to my space so I can cool off, physically and emotionally. The AC barely works, the WiFi is useless. I can't even check e-mail on my computer. If I had, I'm sure this blog would have been a lot angrier. Now I'm just laughing.
Relaxing (??) in my 80 deg cabin I can finally start to unwind. 9:30 at night I lose my lights, but I've got a lamp with me. No sweat (figuratively), I'll make this work! 9:35, the AC dies and the office is closed (of course). I have to move my sleeping bag onto the porch and not sleep in the 94 lovely degrees. I left at 3am to find nowhere to even drop the key off. What a comedy of errors! KOA has yet to hear the end of this. I left a comment that ran out of space before I was even close to finish ranting. DARN is not the word I want to use here, but public consumption requires my civility. HA!
I had tried for two days to cancel my next stop at another successively poor quality kampground to no avail. Sent a e-mail to the place on the last day, and they charged me $50 to cancel. DARN, again!! Another lesson learned. I'm cancelling all KOA reservations from here forward. Sons of ... well you know.
One good note to announce, that gear I bought works wonderfully. I stayed on the bike for 680 miles in another record heat day. Stayed cool enough to remember what I was doing and where I was going. Something I could not have said earlier in this journey. Heck, I could gone another two hours, but that would have put me only two more hours from Billy's place; too close to quit and too far to keep going So, I stayed at an Econo Lodge in Durham NC. Cheaper, by half, what the KOA was charging. Owned and operated by a very service oriented Hindi family. Hardworking families from the Indian sub continent seem to have taken over the small to medium hotel/motel biz in America and I'm glad for it. Thanx, folks, for making my stay enjoyable and for helping me to laugh at all this.
But don't think I'm not enjoying my trip. I am completely enjoying every moment. Wallowing in my self pity when I can. Smiling and laughing when I have to. I can finally report a non record heat day on this trip since leaving San Diego. However, a big angry storm just passed through knocking down trees and killing power for hundreds of thousands.So the balance remains.
So, how shall I close today? An uplifting thought about overcoming hurdles or making lemonade out of lemons. Nope, not this time. Inbreeders, those proudly professing their ignorance. Those idiots who dare us to challenge their fixed opinions as facts. These people make up the myriad of the human experience and I will remember, maybe not fondly, they have made this trip what I need it to be. EXPERIENCE of all kinds makes us better and stronger. This is what I'm out here for...REDSENDS...
P.S. more pictures to come within the next day or so.