I'm changing my name to Theodore Impetus Maximus Moto Yeaster. Or Tim for short. Just kidding, but now you know what goes through my head when I'm not busy thinking about world politics, the hunger crisis, and WHAT THE HELL AM I GOING TO DO WITH MY LIFE (!?!?!?!?).
So. It's been a little while since the last time I've written anything here, been plenty busy with the farming season. Still though; I feel a nagging anxiety to be on the move. I don't know why there is always a draw to the "other side of the fence", I do know a diversified diet is a healthy one. And with that "Phil-osophy" in mind I recently purchased a vintage 1978 Honda CX500 and have been taking weekend trips to find some greener grass.
These pictures are from the fourth of July holiday. With a bosom full of patriotism and a machine built to flaunt freedom I rolled to our nations capitol to celebrate Independence. I ended up taking the Blue Ridge Parkway through most of Virginia. At the north end of the parkway is Shenandoah National Park. With a mere ten dollar fee I gained access to one of the more famous and stunningly beautiful ridgeway roads in the country. The park's history and efforts toward preservation have kept the land wild and full of life. I saw no less than three black bears while I moto'd through. The count was at four. Closer inspection revealed I had confused a dazed, dingy, hairy, and grumpy thru-hiker for a beast. I'm sure in certain circles they are one in the same. The Appalachian Trail parallels the parkway and crosses the road a few times in the park. 
When I got to Washington D.C. the city was booming and bustling with the holiday crowd. I strolled among the oaks planted around the national mall, gave Michelle Obama some gardening tips, witnessed a parade, and sat awestruck by exploding balls of light in the sky. The traffic after the fireworks was fun with the right perspective. I chatted with a few folks about my ride and laughed at everyone else's increasing frustration level. What do you expect when four million people all try to leave at the same time? I finally made it out of the gridlock an hour and a half later.
This latest installment in my travelogue I consider a success. I made it home tired and a bit sunburnt; but overall, safe. It's good to know how my thirty two year old bike will hold up on a 1,400 mile jaunt. I think my next one will be toward Michigan to ride along the lake and the Canadian border. Until then, Cheers!
