The Plan...

[DDT (12)]

The Plan…

Funny how things work out… We left  the house in Florida six and a half weeks ago fully expecting to wind-up in Kansas riding around with Rams, following a couple of other stops beforehand… and we wound-up in Kingman, AZ, without Rams but hanging with Dirty Dan, Meathead, and Brayden instead. Go figure!

Now, I’ve made much of a thing before about this eclectic, unscripted life I’ve been pursuing, and I gotta tell ya, it has exceeded my wildest, most hopeful expectations by a rather wide margin!  Looking back now, it all made sense at the time, primarily because of limited time available, but also because of budget implications, and… there were those other things too… I also had a family and a home, a responsible job, and all associated obligations. When those limiters were removed, however, I was finally afforded the big chance to hit my stride!

All those decades of planning things down to fine details in advance, following scripts and itineraries, trying to crowd too much activity into too little time, always in a hurry, and all too often feeling very frustrated… Seeing the blur of North America as it blew by while we were taking a few liberties with posted speed limits hurrying to some stretch objective new location… All of that left me desperately wanting to try something entirely different if I ever had the chance.

It has turned into an experiment with untold benefits and rewards, all leading to this often in unanticipated circumstances wanderer becoming happier than he’s ever been in his entire life! Not a day passes without me finding myself at some point shaking my head in disbelief and utter amazement! And naturally with a big ol’ goober grin plastered all over my face!

It really isn’t so much about the lack of planning or avoidance of attention to detail being all that wonderful, because those do create their own sets of issues. It’s much more about simply thinking ‘outside of the box’, of stepping out of old ruts and trying new approaches to things, of not only thinking different thoughts, but of actually thinking about things differently and from different points of view, too.

It’s also about not worrying because I don’t know outcomes in advance; instead, allowing things to unfold around us in their own way at their own pace with so many unexpected surprises and changes to expectations, that I find the stark contrast with what was the norm to be enormously refreshing! All of that is one level of wonderment…

Along the way, doing those things have opened up other aspects to my discoveries. I’d had a taste of it all even during those ‘Blitzkrieg’ days of trekking to far away, exotic places only heard about previously. I began to realize that I was encountering some incredibly insightful experiences with very unfamiliar folks in vastly different circumstances from anything I’d up until then come to perceive as ‘normal’. It challenged my thinking and really opened my eyes!

I also discovered that I now had the time to actually ponder, consider, and explore the things and ideas I’d sadly neglected spending sufficient time on throughout much of my previous life. To challenge the merits of ‘truths’ given to me by others as ‘reality’ and to actually form my own, well-considered ideas about those things. Meathead observed that I’d embarked upon a ‘Vision Quest’… I think he was onto something, but it has been far grander than anything he or I had ever imagined!

So, here I sit with time on my hands because I arrived a day early in Montgomery… again. I come here often because this is where my healthcare providers are… And that’s another thing. When I moved back to Florida from this area, I didn’t even bother to look for new doctors, etc. I like the ones I’ve had here so much, that I just return here whenever I have an appointment or need.

It’s only a four-hundred-mile commute, and the vast majority of the trips are aboard our girl, so… it’s not exactly a hardship! Besides, many of the visits, like this one in fact, are not directly from my Florida base anyway… We’re often actually coming from some other part of the country, and Montgomery is a day’s ride, one-way, closer than having to return to Florida. And then…

I’ve found healthcare professionals to generally fall into one of three broad categories… Those I call ‘Mercenaries’; the egocentric ones who are in it for the money and/or prestige. ‘Scientists’, those who are fascinated by the science itself and pursue careers to further explore those personal interests. Those I call ‘Healers’; the ones who feel a genuine calling to help others and seek to aid folks who are in need… sometimes in dire need.

The folks I visit here clearly fit into that third category, in my view, and I simply don’t want to risk finding a replacement who belongs in one of the other groups… and Florida, Heaven’s waiting room, is full of those in the first two groups… I trust these folks, and quite frankly, I like them too. This arrangement can’t last forever, of course, but for the time being…

I arrived here a day early partly to give myself a little leeway for anything unexpected that might arise that could delay my arrival or threaten my appointment time, and partly because I simply wanted to visit with my buds here if things worked out OK, as they did. Anyway, here I am… making plans of a sort for afterward, too. Go figure! I can’t help but wonder if any of those plans might actually work out as conceived… I doubt it, but there’s always the possibility of a first time, I reckon…

DDT

[John Schmidt]

Bruce, I hope I get a chance to chat a bit on how travel expenses are handled and some tips on places to stay in different areas of the country. I'd like to head west eventually, maybe around mid July. I have a friend in "Albaquirky", NM I haven't seen in a few years, always good for a great hug and a hot meal or two. One of those things where you really have to insist on moving on...even if you don't really want to.  From there maybe heading north into Montana eventually, possibly visiting the spot in the forest where we got married in front of a waterfall...by a Blackfoot Tribal Judge. Great memories...then east to the hovel I now call home. See ya in a month...barring any unforeseen physical or mechanical issues.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

I've pretty much lived on the road the last 34 years working in eight southern states building powerlines . I'm so over that damn suitcase I could puke when I look at it . Today is 176 days until my birthday 11/8 and from that moment on the only time I'll need a suitcase if I'm on a motorcycle trip . Wish I had a " thinker " like you my friend to sit me down as a young man and say " Joe you will be old someday plan for it " I did somewhat but not as good as you did. At this point in my life I'll either make it or not come November 8 my ass is done if I'm eating dog food hope its the top shelf brand if not so be it. 

[Valkorado]

"The folks I visit here clearly fit into that third category, in my view, and I simply don’t want to risk finding a replacement who belongs in one of the other groups…"

Can't argue with that logic.  Hope you get a clean bill o' health and a ticket to ride wherever ALI wants to take you.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Glad to hear you made it back thru the rain ok.  

[Hook#3287]

Love your three group categories theory 

You're the best "no plan planner" I've ever heard off.

You probably wouldn't be a good bank robber.

Your bank robber partner "Bruce, what's the plan to rob the bank?"

You, rolling out a blank bank building plan "The plan is, there is no plan"

[DDT (12)]

John,

I'd be glad to share what I know. Mostly I just follow the 'KISS' principle setting everything possible up on direct pay out of a checking account. I have two, by the way, with different banks, just in case something goes wrong... don't want to become stranded due to inaccessible funds! I also have one of those a national bank with a nationwide/international footprint, just in case I ever need services like notary, cashiers checks, or such like.

I have my snail-mail picked up and looked at... Don't want to have my drivers license or tag put at risk over some revenue camera ticket I didn't know about going unpaid. Also, there are possible jury duty summons or other governmental correspondence (think IRS) I wouldn't want to run afoul of... The rest I'm forced to keep track of and handle as best I can... Direct pay is the best way to go by far, though, then monitor account activity closely online... Even if we have no credit, we still want to keep our credit ratings in good shape because ya never know, so...

As to expenses... that's all over the waterfront and varies widely with personal tastes, the local market, yadda, yadda... A rule of thumb: anywhere touristy is going to be pricy... and 'in season' or weekends are... you know... For budgeting purposes... I don't normally bother... I just pay the freight whatever it is... I do tend to avoid the high-priced areas, though, dine modestly, and no longer frequent bars, etc. I use mid-grade motels... Choice Hotels, Best Western and the like... If a mom and pop looks good, I'll also stay there... No Hiltons or high falutin' digs for this boy, though... and bargain motels often ain't...

No plan or regularity to it, but I sometimes take a notion to hole-up for a few days. Air-B&B is used to find reasonable efficiency or one bedroom apartments to lay around, do laundry, watch some games on the tube, and catch my breath... I've even rented a house or two over the years... I just watch the price, figure to try my hand at cooking some bacon and/or burning a steak or two, and... vegging for a few days.

By far the largest item on my priority list is 'stress avoidance'! I don't fret or sweat the details! I just roll with the flow... if things don't suit me, I move on. If I like a situation, then I linger for a time... I don't need things all planned out and clearly laid out before me... I just wander forth, deal with what I encounter... and everything seems to always work out fine... It's a great life if we don't try to complicate it...

Visiting old and dear friends is always a good idea... Revisiting memorable locations and remembering important events is also great. I suggest, though, you don't make it a point A to point B trip connecting lots of dots... Give simple wandering around some thought... There is so much to find unexpectedly, and the payback in incredible new memories is so huge, trust me, you don't want to miss that!

Good to see you looking down the road and contemplating a major road trip! I'll be glad to chat with you, but in the end you'll find, like the rest of us, you'll just have to get out there and figure most things our for yourself. It ain't that hard, though.... Heck, even I can do it!!!

DDT



Joe,

We all must play the hand before us... Shouldas, couldas, oughtas, are all behind us now... Looking forward and making do with what we have is where we are today, so... Go forward and make some new experiences and love living a new and different life! Be advised, however, you need to prepare yourself to be absolutely blown away at what all you're about to discover!!! I'm looking forward to watching you go and grow 'in the new life'... You're gonna love it so much!!!

DDT



Seth,

So far so good! Clear bill of health for the moment, so I'm going to milk that news for all it's worth! It sure is good be back out here... Gotta put my rememberer to work, though, and conjure up all those lessons already learned... I've also got to remember to pace myself better... I ain't a kid anymore, and my ol' bod has suffered some assaults and traumas the last couple of years... Keep an eye out fer me, ol' bud... I just may show up again along the Black Canyon one of these days...

DDT



Rob,

I did see some rain, even felt one or two drops on my cheek... never got wet, though... I also love it when a plan comes together... on those very rare occasions when I actually have a plan, that is... Enjoyed our time together... Let's do it again sometime!

DDT



Bill,

<Blush>, guilty as charged! For this 'child with a new toy' I can't seem to get enough of encountering all the wonderous things that seem to come my way when I'm not looking for them! It defies logic by all the reasoning of my previous life, but it is so much fun to 'thumb my nose' at convention and color outside the lines! It should be risky and very dangerous to pursue the path I've stumbled upon, but I'm finding the actual experience to be quite the contrary! So far, I'm absolutely loving it!!!

DDT

[Rams]

Bruce,
 I sincerely regret that life got in the way and we weren’t able to go as we planned.   But, the stars finally lined up and I’m my own journey (avoiding certain weather issues) around the states we previously discussed.   Traveled north to Memphis intent to travel further north to cross the Big Muddy in KY.  Mother Nature changed my plans.  Ended up scurrying south to avoid that weather and then west through Louisanna.    North through the the beautiful state of Arkansas then west to Oklahoma.   Then north to KS.   Weather has me boxed in for a day or two but I’ll planning on heading east on some two lane asphalt to Paducah, KY then south back toward Memphis and from there back to Hattiesburg.  This assumes Mother Mother Nature (with her wicked sense of humor) doesn’t  change  my plans and I end up in Phoenix.  
The new to me TRIKE is providing for a wonderful experience.

Rams

[DDT (12)]

Ron,

Hey, really glad you got out after all! Sounds like a pretty good roll, too, with some dipsy-doodles, zigs & zags, rain dodging, etc.! Pretty much my kind of riding, as well... Glad you're liking the trike, too, and I hope y'all can do some serious bonding. I'm in Montgomery now, but looks like I'll be heading towards Big Wolf's lair in the morning... need to see him about a thing...

Ya know, as long as you're already out and all, ya might as well think about just staying out and doing the Hillbilly Highways Ride while you're at it... I'm still on target to make that one myself... Heck, we could even do a little riding together between now and then... Ponder on it some, give it the old sniff test, and let me know how that notion smells to ya...

DDT

[Rams]

Bruce,
Would love to join in on such a fine event but unfortunately, priorities have a way of getting in the way sometimes.    But , I hope to see you in Athens.

Rams

[DDT (12)]

Ron,

Understood... just a thought. Yep, I'm still on target to make Athens, as well... Weather pending, of course...     Naturally, some quirky whim could pop-up and alter my glide-path, but for now anyway... unless something weird happens, I'll see ya there.

DDT

[Bronxboy]

Hey Bruce, are u going to meander to the Hillbilly Ride? If so, me and Bert will be heading that way from North FL. We plan on stopping in Commerce GA for the night on the 26th, then head over to meet up with the Cool Kids in Clinton Tenn on the 27th.

[Oss]

pretty much the opposite of the cool kid here but will see u at IZ

Looking forward to this trip a whole lot

[Reb]

I've pretty much lived on the road the last 34 years working in eight southern states building powerlines . I'm so over that damn suitcase I could puke when I look at it . Today is 176 days until my birthday 11/8 and from that moment on the only time I'll need a suitcase if I'm on a motorcycle trip . Wish I had a " thinker " like you my friend to sit me down as a young man and say " Joe you will be old someday plan for it " I did somewhat but not as good as you did. At this point in my life I'll either make it or not come November 8 my ass is done if I'm eating dog food hope its the top shelf brand if not so be it. 

You were good enough to share those shoulda, woulda , coulda times as guidance to some of us with fewer birthdays. 

[DDT (12)]

Hey Bruce, are u going to meander to the Hillbilly Ride? If so, me and Bert will be heading that way from North FL. We plan on stopping in Commerce GA for the night on the 26th, then head over to meet up with the Cool Kids in Clinton Tenn on the 27th.

Nick,

Yessiree, I do figure to be there. As for the meet-up in Clinton, I don't have a clue about that at the moment. I'm in Cookeville, TN, presently, so if I do see y'all before Marion, it'll be in Clinton, as I don't plan to return to Florida beforehand. I may just wander some all by my lonesome, though, so it may not be until Marion before we actually hook-up. I know you know better than to rely upon me being any particular place at any particular time, so... I'll see y'all when I see ya... but I'd bet on Marion, if I were a betting person...

I like the route y'all have chosen and the overnighter stay you've built in! Should be a really good scoot, and you should arrive in Clinton in plenty of time for the festivities, while not being tuckered out. Enjoy the time with the Cool Kids and the pre-ride ride to the big ride... You're in for a real treat!!! Looking forward to hanging out with you and Bert again really soon...

DDT

[DDT (12)]

pretty much the opposite of the cool kid here but will see u at IZ

Looking forward to this trip a whole lot

Evan,

You're a pretty cool kid in my book! Glad you're going to make it, so I'll look forward to jawing with you some in Athens... See ya there!

DDT

[Rams]

Arrived back in Hattiesburg last evening, discovered a few things about myself and my (new to me) trike.   It was fun (I always enjoy a challenge and an adventure).   I'd do it again next week but, not tomorrow. I held over an extra day due to Wx.   But, watched the forecasts and made a decision to hit the road based on what our Wx experts said.    I set up an appointment in Paducah, KY for yesterday morning.   Unfortunately, the day prior was not as forecasted and I ended up riding with Mother Nature doing her wettest on me through most of Missouri.  It is, what it is.   Some things you do just because you keep your word.  I made that meeting.  

Rams

[DDT (12)]

"Some things you do just because you keep your word."


Ron,

Among the many things I like about you... Glad you had a good ride, adventure, and voyage of discovery! Inescapable, usually, features of any road trip. No matter how long I do this, or where I might go, I still experience those same things myself every time. One of these days we''ll get to do those things together... Be advised, though... I'm a threat to hole-up at any point due to weather surprises! See ya in Athens... most likely... (Notice: I ain't giving my word here!)

DDT

[Rams]

"Some things you do just because you keep your word."


Ron,

Among the many things I like about you... Glad you had a good ride, adventure, and voyage of discovery! Inescapable, usually, features of any road trip. No matter how long I do this, or where I might go, I still experience those same things myself every time. One of these days we''ll get to do those things together... Be advised, though... I'm a threat to hole-up at any point due to weather surprises! See ya in Athens... most likely... (Notice: I ain't giving my word here!)

DDT