Author Topic: We're retired - 1st trip report (Read 2930 times)

kballowe · « **on:** June 17, 2021, 04:31:50 PM »

We both retired in early May, and then headed south.

Day one was a late start, and a brief stop in Sweet Home Alabama, at an excellent restaurant with two-for-one margaritas.

We made beach-fall early the next day. Temps around 80 degrees and (mostly) blue skies

We had to take the long way around, as the main bridge is currently missing a section - due to a hurricane and cargo ship incident.

A bit of beach time and lunch with fried oyster hoagies and three-dollar margaritas.

And, what would a Gulf Coast vacation be without a trip to the infamous Flora-Bama ? I remember when this place was a tin shack on the beach.... back in the 70's when I was training in Pensacola.

Iron Cross Junction · « **Reply #1 on:** June 17, 2021, 04:52:56 PM »

Congrats.

Looks as if you all are even better than I am.

Enjoy it; you've earned it.

Bill

kballowe · « **Reply #2 on:** June 17, 2021, 05:04:57 PM »

Now where was I ?

OK, so we left Pensacola and headed north and east to the Smokey Mountains.

We rode around, visiting some of the local dams.

Interesting to note that we found a lot of these green lizards at all of the dam sites. The Wife kept calling them DAM lizards - but I think that was because a couple of them were sorta chasing her. I need to learn how to work the video button on my android phone.

Of course, we rode the Dragon and Cherahola Skyway, Moonshine 28, etc.

Guzzi Gal · « **Reply #3 on:** June 17, 2021, 05:14:01 PM »

Thanks. I needed to look at some nice pics and dream. Enjoy!

Wildguzzi.com · « **Reply #3 on:** June 17, 2021, 05:14:01 PM »

Ncdan · « **Reply #4 on:** June 17, 2021, 05:14:23 PM »

Yea, come to NC and couldn’t be bothered to come and stay with us for a couple days🤔😂

bad Chad · « **Reply #5 on:** June 17, 2021, 05:31:55 PM »

Your other half has you beat from about all angels. Great to hear/see. Enjoy.

twowheeladdict · « **Reply #6 on:** June 17, 2021, 05:39:10 PM »

LowRyter · « **Reply #7 on:** June 17, 2021, 05:44:14 PM »

congrats!

TimmyTheHog · « **Reply #8 on:** June 17, 2021, 05:51:34 PM »

Woot ENJOY!!!

ozarquebus · « **Reply #9 on:** June 17, 2021, 06:32:18 PM »

Thanks for the great shots! Is that the correct bike?

kballowe · « **Reply #10 on:** June 17, 2021, 06:39:28 PM »

Quote from: ozarquebus on June 17, 2021, 06:32:18 PM

Thanks for the great shots! Is that the correct bike?

???
It's the one we rode. That's a 2014 Yamaha VStar 1300.

kballowe · « **Reply #11 on:** June 17, 2021, 07:16:59 PM »

(continued)

We came home for a few days and went out for a ride, and the bike wouldn't start. The battery was only seven years old !
We got going and then the low fuel light came on. Got home and discovered that the rear tire was at the wear bars, and it was due for an oil change. CRAP !

We got out another bike, gave it the once-over, and then we were off to South Dakota, Wyoming, etc.

A stop at the Corn Place in Mitchell, SD

Here's a boy, walking his pet dinosaur - just east of Wall, SD.

A trip thru the Badlands

A side trip to Wall Drug

Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore, Sturgis, Crazy Horse

And then.... off for another ride

elvisboy77 · « **Reply #12 on:** June 17, 2021, 07:47:20 PM »

Thank you for posting this, great story and pics

aproud1 · « **Reply #13 on:** June 17, 2021, 07:54:58 PM »

Looks like a lot of fun. Congrats on the retirement.

A little concerned... you guys seem to be behind on margaritas?

ozarquebus · « **Reply #14 on:** June 17, 2021, 08:02:57 PM »

kballowe, it looks like a fine bike for the ride, I was confused and thought you had a different bike not realizing you may have more than one.

kballowe · « **Reply #15 on:** June 17, 2021, 08:13:01 PM »

Quote from: ozarquebus on June 17, 2021, 08:02:57 PM

kballowe, it looks like a fine bike for the ride, I was confused and thought you had a different bike not realizing you may have more than one.

Ah. I can see where that might be confusing.

Our inventory changes, from time to time.

We have a motorcycle-friendly place here.
Sometimes, there's a line to get in,

Huzo · « **Reply #16 on:** June 17, 2021, 08:17:09 PM »

Quote from: Guzzi Gal on June 17, 2021, 05:14:01 PM

Thanks. I needed to look at some nice pics and dream. Enjoy!

It’s coming towards you faster than you probably think GG.
Be ready to go when your youngest says...
“Mom, can I sleep over at “Mary Joe’s...” (or whatever, no innuendo implied..)
“Yes dear, I’ll take you after school on Friday and pick you up after supper on Sunday...”. ( Unless you want Monday off school...

)

kingoffleece · « **Reply #17 on:** June 17, 2021, 08:33:20 PM »

Wonderful. Enjoy!

bottler · « **Reply #18 on:** June 17, 2021, 08:55:48 PM »

Great story and pictures. Those margaritas look good!

JL Rich · « **Reply #19 on:** June 17, 2021, 09:15:17 PM »

Living the life, nice.

Gliderjohn · « **Reply #20 on:** June 17, 2021, 09:41:38 PM »

Lookin good! Retirement isn't a bad gig. Enjoy.
GliderJohn

Muzz · « **Reply #21 on:** June 18, 2021, 03:57:54 AM »

Retirement seems to be agreeing with you.

I know it's the best job I ever had.

tazio · « **Reply #22 on:** June 18, 2021, 06:34:40 AM »

Is there anything better than a good trip report?
Thank you!!!

nwguy · « **Reply #23 on:** June 18, 2021, 10:38:27 AM »

Congratulations! Looks like you're having a fine time.

jwinwi · « **Reply #24 on:** June 18, 2021, 10:43:14 AM »

Congratulations Kevin! Thanks for the report and pics.

ozarquebus · « **Reply #25 on:** June 18, 2021, 11:23:27 AM »

I especially like the shot of the saddle-broke jackaloupe. Floorboards are a must to have on them.

Guzzi Gal · « **Reply #26 on:** June 18, 2021, 01:40:41 PM »

Quote from: Huzo on June 17, 2021, 08:17:09 PM

It’s coming towards you faster than you probably think GG.
Be ready to go when your youngest says...
“Mom, can I sleep over at “Mary Joe’s...” (or whatever, no innuendo implied..)
“Yes dear, I’ll take you after school on Friday and pick you up after supper on Sunday...”. ( Unless you want Monday off school... )

HA! My parents wouldn't see me for a week at a time, or longer, during the summer. I had a pony and friends with ponies. We would trot off into the redwoods and oaks, not to be seen 'til the food ran out. Two of my three have never had a sleepover, and the one that has hardly remembers it.

We go for day trips instead of multi-day ones.

bodine99 · « **Reply #27 on:** June 18, 2021, 02:34:14 PM »

Great pixs & story

Have you folks ever been to Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggies Vally N.C.??

kballowe · « **Reply #28 on:** June 25, 2021, 09:36:44 AM »

Quote from: bodine99 on June 18, 2021, 02:34:14 PM

Great pixs & story
Have you folks ever been to Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggies Vally N.C.??

Yes, we have - and it's pretty cool !

TN Mark · « **Reply #29 on:** June 25, 2021, 11:23:24 AM »

What a wonderful and encouraging thread, thank you for sharing!

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Author Topic: We're retired - 1st trip report (Read 2930 times)

Wildguzzi.com

elvisboy77

jwinwi