I forgot my camera! Here I am in a rather picturesque place – where I could have driven up to the top of Pike’s Peak for the best view in miles… so, what do I do? I leave my camera at home… It’s sitting on my kitchen counter. I’m quite disappointed. There was a beautiful sunset last night and I would love to have captured the way the clouds played around the peak… But, alas… ‘Tis not to be.
Argh!
Much to my chagrin, they have made me the lead for this project. I’m not sure how it happened – in fact, it kinda snuck up on me. All that is left to me is to do my best and hope all works out well. So: while I’m at high elevations here in Colorado Springs panting with every other step in the thin air, I am learning the burden of responsibility. What is that burden you might ask? Tasks. Lists. Timetables. Juggling. It’s organization and time management. In fact, I probably shouldn’t even be typing this because I could certainly use my time better elsewhere! But, I did need to write it down and I so love to share…
While I’m here I will try to see friends and maybe even visit my sister in Wyoming. Too bad I forgot the camera – I coulda taken cool pictures from Pike’s Peak.
Laura and I are now headed for home after being in the Portland, OR area for about 11 days. We have become addicted to the fresh air and beautiful trees. I’m hoping this project becomes longer term – not only will I earn tons of miles, but I will have Laura come out for long periods of time and we’ll go out on hikes and many other out door activities… Things you can’t do in Houston in the summer.
I have some pictures posted now in my Oregon folder, but there will be more to come, so I’ll let you know when that happens.
Off to catch the plane now.
Hasta la vista!
I had mistakenly left off two airports I’ve been to: Little Rock, AR and New Orleans, LA. Can’t believe I left them out. Now, there are 71. I will add another next week: Tempe, wherever that is. But, I don’t really even know if Tempe has its own airport… Guess I need to research it.
I have posted a list of all the airports I have transited through. It’s quite scary since I know I’ve been to some of them many, many times. I’ve been to, as of today, 69 airports total. You can find this information on my ::: airports i’ve seen ::: page if you’re interested.
You know, riding in the rain is not fun. I got my first full-exposure on Tuesday this week. I came back from Austin and all was well and beautiful – until I reached Sealy. The roads got wet there – the rain had just passed through and my legs were starting to get wet from the tire spray. But it wasn’t bad. Then, I got into town and near Katy, the rain started. Rather, I caught up with the rain. Driving in traffic where cars and trucks are kicking up spray while rain falls on top of you and blocks your view as well… well, let’s just say it’s not the most fun time I’ve had.
I thought about stopping but the last thing I wanted to do was wait around until it got dark (which was fast approaching) and then try it again while it still rained. So, I pushed through. Hands numb, legs stiff and wet, feet submerged in water past my ankles inside my boots, I pressed on. Once I got within 1 mile from home, the rain stopped and a rainbow came out. Ironic? Nah. Training experience. I thought I could handle rain and I was right. It just is not an experience I relish or wish to repeat any time soon.
If any of you non-bikers are out there and you see a motorcycle riding in the rain, please be nice. Do not change into his lane in front of him – give him plenty of space! Don’t forget about your rear-wheel water spray! It makes seeing things very hard!
I rode the bike all the way to Austin yesterday. I was not quite prepared for how numb my butt would get. It took me longer to get to Austin than it usually does, but I had to keep stopping to stretch my legs. I have to ride back Tuesday – no matter if it rains or not. I really hope it does not…
Laura and I rode to Fayetteville, TX on Saturday – kind of a trial run. It is about the half-way point between Houston and Austin. That is a nice drive – once you get off I-10, that is. I don’t like the Interstates on a motorcycle. Too many big trucks. They generate a level of aerodynamic turbulence that is intolerable for a person who follows too closely – or gets passed.
I am definitely beginning to like Oregon. Beaverton is a cool suburbial city with some great restaurants – I love the Thai food especially as well as the sushi. The weather has even improved to the point that there aren’t even any more clouds. It’s cool and bright and I’m lovin’ it! I even saw snow covered mountains on both sides of the airplane on my way in.
Only one problem: I have not been feeling good this week. I have had some allergy or cold or something. It’s given me a sore throat and a cough and generally made me tired. I haven’t even been able to work out at all this week. I’m trying to make sure I get some rest, though.
On the bright (sort of) side, my laptop has a new keyboard and it’s a pleasure to type again. My keys and mouse buttons had started to stick on the old one and I called warranty services and they shipped me a new one – in one day, no less! Maybe I’ll be able to work on some more pictures for the web site… Of course, I only have one picture that I’ve taken here… I haven’t gone anywhere or done anything… I haven’t even seen anything outside of the valley that the highway lies in. I’ll be really glad when Laura comes up here with me – not only for her presence, but for the fact that we will be doing stuff and hanging out on the weekend and taking pictures… I love pictures…
I’m now in Beaverton, Oregon – a small community outside of Portland. It’s dark, cold, wet, rainy… and I have a headache. Why? Probably because for me, it’s almost 1:00am and I got lost coming here. Thanks to my friend Bill, though, I have survived my navigation malfunction and have arrived at my hotel. Thank you Bill!
From what little countryside I did see from the air before the sun went down, this place is GREEN. Lots of trees and grass – I guess that’s what you get if you have rain all the time. Of course, I hear it’s not always rainy… but I’ve only seen it rainy. Of course, this is the first time I’ve been here, so my experience is a bit limited. I hope the rest of the week brings some sun. Otherwise, how am I to get great pictures?
2012-01-08 23:28:58
Mike has on his site a map of all the states he has visited so I thought I’d post my travel map. The states in red are states I’ve been to [43 so far, 44 if you count DC].
I guess I travel too much. I’m not counting the states I just drove through. Here’s a map of the world countries I’ve been to:
[Country Map Service No Longer Available]
Here’s a detail of Europe:
I know, you’re tired of looking at all the places I’ve been to, but you aren’t the only one! I really DO travel too much…
::: jeffphillips.org ::: 