Dudley and Jennifer's 10,000 Mile Journey Blog

[StarTraveler649]

Great finally meeting you guys ! Had a great time !

However, Jennifer, if you ever...and I mean ever...say the word "crayfish" anywhere in south Louisiana, we will never let you back in !!! :lecturef_smilie:

Seriously, hope you guys have a fun and safe trip on the second half !!

 

[Capt John]

Dudley & Jennifer,

It was great meeting y'all today. I'm glad it worked out with Forrest and the signing of your banner. Thanks again for working around our schedule of helping Forrest with his ryde home. I know y'all had to push it to make that meeting.

I'm glad y'all stopped early today in Evergreen. Get you some much deserved rest and hopefully you can find some fireworks to view tonight.

 

[Dudley]

Happy 4th of July, 2009

Well, finally getting a chance to post. Got some new pictures posted and also set up an album just for Oaklawn Manor in Franklin, LA. Yesterday morning we left Franklin, LA about 6 AM and traveled north to Monroe, LA, via US-90, I-49, and US-165. After visiting with my grand and great-granddaughters, we went to Vicksburg and Jackson, MS via I-20 East. At Jackson we traveled south on US-49 to Hattisburg, MS, where we spent a very short night (470 miles of muggy heat for the day). We had planned on meeting Bill and other ryders at noon today to sign the banner in Pensacola, FL. When Bill found out about Forrest yesterday afternoon, our meeting plans changed. We got a room at 9 PM and were up at 4 Am, on the road by 5 AM and at the DQ for the meet before 9 AM. Everyone, including Forrest, was there by 9 AM. We signed the banner, took pictures, and kicked tires for about an hour. We then proceeded north on US-29 out of Pensacola, FL to I-65 north and stopped at 130 PM in Evergreen, AL for an early rest and have time to post on here and put some pictures in our albums. The Run Forrest Run is yet another exmple of how SpyderLovers Ryders are brothers and sisters. Jennifer and I feel blessed to be part of all this. It is good to know that help is not far away if ever one needs help.
Our plans for tomorrow: travel I-65 north to Birmingham, then take I-59 towards Chattanooga, TN. This will probably be another lazy day and hopefully we can get some nice pictures.

 

[Dudley]

Jennifer's Post July 4, 2009

Happy Birthday America!! A beautiful, varied and inspiring place. Aside from that, man it has some looong, hooooooot, greeeeeen, boring, exciting and interesting places.
After a week off lollygagging Dudley and I hit the road again yesterday. Left early, nice ride, great visit but boy I have to relearn how this all works. Saw corn fields, cotton, cane, Magnolias, oaks, Dogwoods, Mimosa, kudzu, cows, horses, bumps in the road....and darn it didn't even dawn on me to take any pictures. I mean, I wear the camera strap around my neck! Oh well. Late getting in so no write ups.

Today was up and rolling. Met up with Bill, Steven, Randy and Forrest-I know, that's not their names but hey. Nice to see other riders again. Backdrop of Pensacola Bay was great for picture taking; awesome sight actually. Very hurried visit so really didn't talk to the guys much. Had some questions from people coming in to gas up and take pictures of the water.

The ride getting to the meeting place was interesting and I remembered to take pictures, but the wind didn't help me and most of them came out blurry, bummer. Take my word for it, was enough to make a person rubberneck.

Oh, if ya'll get tired of food pictures those are for our son. He is in Iraq and they only get 1 hot meal daily (which they prepare) and have to fend for themselves the other eats. The guys are hungry so they can at least dream about mine. If any of you wish to send a care package or a hello or a card or....feel free, sure ya'll support those in your own families, but will make a plug for mine and his buddies. Here is the address: SSG STELLY, Aaron M (1st line) C TRP 2-13, CAV 4-1 AD (2nd line) FOB GarryOwen (3rd line) ATTN: JSS Chilat (4th line) APO-AE 09331 is the final line. Thank you all bunches. They have microwaves now so...no pork or porn.

If we ever mentioned stuff on the last weeks write ups that we couldn't post pictures of and you wish to see, let us know. Seems like so long ago I don't remember what they were. Alvin, how do I get the pictures of our signing the banner with you guys?

Ride safe all, I am getting spacey so it's time to depart. Later.

 

[FANG]

Jennifer and Dudley it was great meeting you yesterday morning. Thank you so much for changing your plans to accommodate us for our run to get Forrest home. It was an honor signing your banner and I wish you Gods Speed on your journey

 

[Dudley]

7-05 Report

We left Evergreen, AL about 8 AM, a nice 78F with a light cloud cover. We ran I-65 North until we got to Birmingham, AL where we took the I-459 loop to I-24 East. After getting on the loop, I called Twodog to ask about the weather and was told it was raining where we were supposed to meet, so we gave our Frog Toggs their first test. We caught just a few drops (that was OK, no complaints). We met Twodog185 and his wife at the BP at Exit 148. They signed the banner, pictures were taken, and we kicked a lot of tire. We finally had to leave and rode on until we got to Exit 174 and the Ramada Inn where will will spend the night. 320 miles for the day, 3600 miles into trip. Took a few pictures which will be posted as soon as we come back from a much needed walk to work on the kinks.

 

[Dudley]

Jennifer's Take July 5, 2009

Lazy day. Left at 8AM from Evergreen, AL to go and meet with John and Sherry outside of Birmingham(?) exit 148 anyway. Lovely ride, cool for most of the way. Again lots of green and trees and long stretches of road as far as the eyes can see-at least until the road made another curve. Remembered to try for pictures but I was fighting the winds.
Looked like rain in the distance so we donned our Froggs. Turned out we didn't need them but at least they were warm! I complain about the heat but the humidity on this side of the nation is very chilling.
Met John and Sherry (I can't remember screen names) at the gas station for the signing-yep even have pictures. Stood around chatting and comparing likes and dislikes with the spyder and ways of improving or modifying.
After we parted ways Dudley and I were kind of dragging. Stopped to eat (not mentioning food as much now) and decided it was way too early to stop again; then we changed time zones again-I'll never catch up! Settled down now outside of Chattanooga, TN and hope to do Look Out Mtn and things around here tomorrow. Presently thundering and there are large, dark clouds overhead.

 

[Dudley]

Whewre r the pix???

Hey Folks!!!

I am not familiar with this style of site. Where can I find the pix???

Love you both,
B safe!!
~Suzanne
ray:

 

[Twodog185]

Meet and Sign...was great to meet you folks. I wish I could take off and cruise the countrside like you're doing. I'll be posting the pictures tonight.

I hope the rest of the trip north went OK, and that you get the chance to see the area around Cherokee National Forest before meeting up with Lamont.

Thanks for calling...

John & Sherry

 

[Dudley]

Picture Location

Suzanne if dad answered already oh well. Click on his name there on the post and it will take you to his profile. Album pics over on the right hand side bar; even the user cp at top left of page. Love you. Your daughter and grand are beautiful.

 

[Dudley]

7-06 Run

Shortly after I posted last night, the thunder started and it rained really steady for quite a while. We left the motel about 845 AM and took a scenic drive to Lookout Mountain and Ruby Falls. We left Chattanooga, TN , heading out on I-75 north until Cleveland, where we took TN-40 to Ocoee, then US-411 north until we got to Maryville, TN. There took US-321 to Greeneville, TN (US-321 took us into Smoky Mountains National Park) where we took US-11E through Mosheim, TN until we reached I-81 north at Bull's Gap, TN. And that's where we are for the night. The ride, barely 200 miles, took us all day but it was worth it. Some of the sights were just breath-taking. We took over 100 pictures until the camera battery was about drained out.
Hopefully tomorrow we can meet Lamont and BajaRon. We'll see what happens. If not tomorrow, the next day.

 

[Smylinacha]

Have fun you guys!

 

[Dudley]

Jennifer's July 6, 2009 view

Interesting clouds/fog this morning. Slow start moving this morning; no rush, just wasting time. Meandered up to Lookout mountain and its surroundings. So many signs we kind of wandered around feeling lost. Lovely photos; I only put a few here so don't panic. Had so few to share since we didn't make it to the lookout that I uploaded some old ones of Dudley/myself from decades ago.
Lots of green, kudzu and curves. Great houses and flowers and walls. Didn't see too many people or movement on our way up toward the Ruby Falls area. Beautiful ride.
Onward toward Greeneville, TN to meet Lamonster and others we hope in a day or so. Along the way we passed (out of order I think) Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg; the tourist areas because man the people and all the attractions for people to spend their money enjoying. Went through quite a few small communities, all worth mentioning but I can't remember the names. Was wearing raingear so didn't have paper and pen. It didn't rain though, yippeee!! Lots of apple and pear trees, mules, horses, kudzu galore, a few dead animals. Too bad the camera gave out because there were shops with wonderful wood carving and chain saw carvings and, and.....too much.
We settled in Bull's Gap, TN. Time to eat; breakfast was long ago. Went to Tony's BBQ for downhome cooking. Dudley had hamburger steak with fries and green beans and Texas toast. I had the fried catfish (it was exquisite), baked potato and salad. YUM says it all.
Has been a tough day, didn't ride many miles, but they felt hard and my body is tired.

 

[Dudley]

Meeting up with Lamonster today. Stayed at Crazy 8 Motel (Super 8) at Bulls Gap last night. :lecturef_smilie: About 3 Am some truck driver next door came in and turned his TV on and woke us up, then made a phone call and talked loud enough for us to here all his end of the conversation, then after the call he started gagging like he was barfing. If anyone ever stays at Bulls Gap, take the Best Western next door. A few dollars more will buy a lot better and cleaner place. Tony's Restaurant, behind the Crazy 8 was excellent. Real country atmosphere and good home tasting cooking. Jennifer's fried catfish was excellent and my hamburger steak was just like I like it. So far we have dodged all the heavy rains...hope that lasts for a long time.

 

[ataDude]

Keep 'em coming, Dudley and Jennifer. I am enjoying your posts!
.

 

[Dudley]

7-07 Report

Well, today was a good and relaxing one. The weather was perfect! Went and met and visited Lamont and his wife, and their son. BajaRon came over and we met him also. Jennifer and I signed the SpyderLovers banner. Ron and Lamont signed the WestCoastSpyder banner. Pictures were taken. Spent quite some time kicking tires. Lamont couldn't find anything wrong with our Spyder...that's good. He told us about a few things of historical significance and we went and see them: Davy Crockett's birthplace on the Nolichucky River, Andrew Johnson's house, Andrew Johnson National Cemetery, Canon Ball Church. Thanks a bunch Lamont. Greeneville, TN has a lot of history. Would have been nice to be here for much longer to do a good area tour.
Tomorrow we head north once again on I-81. We have a banner signing and picture taking in Abingdon, VA, then on again. We plan on being near DC for the night, to be able to go to DC the next morning. All I am interested in is the Tomb of the Unknown, the White House, the Capital, Arlington Cemetery, and The Wall. Anything else pops up, we will take it's picture. Then we will head out again. We plan on Gettysburg and Valley Forge also, sometime after DC.

 

[DynamoBT]

Hey you've almost made it coast to coast!!! Really covering some territory. Hope you enjoy your visit to DC!!

 

[Dudley]

Jennifer's View July 7, 2009

Good start to the day; we changed hotels and it was very uplifting to my spirits.
Rode out to meet Lamont and his wife and Baja Ron for howdies and banner signing. Beautiful views, I could live here. Not sure how long, but could give it a shot. Rolling hills, rural at its best. Had everything I have been trying to take pictures of: crumbling barns, buildings being eaten up by time, massive structures, green and rolling hills, flowers, trees .....wonderful and peaceful.
Oh, I'm supposed to talk about meeting THE MAN. Great guys, enjoyed my visit with Lamonts wife (not sure if I should say her name so..). I don't do the kick tire thing because I am not a driver so have little to share or compare or complain or praise. Got to visit the vegetation and see some beautiful colors, quilts and agates; THANK you so much wife for giving me of your time-truly one of the highlights of the trip.
Moving along. Lamont had to go to town so Dudley and I kind of followed him; finally caught him at the red light, lol. Pointed out the church with the cannon ball in the wall and told us how to get to the Crockett park; he had to go and try to catch up on stuff after being away for so long. Before we went to those places we visited the Andrew Johnson Nat'l Cemetery. This was awesome and another beautiful tribute to those who have given their all for this freedom we at times take so lightly. THANK YOU all then and now who have sacrificed.
After this we did the Davy Crockett and church viewing. Lots of churches in the area so bear with me when you see them. I am trying to be a little more conservative and not flood the album.
Today was great but very tiring. Finding it more taxing on the body to view, get down, get back up, go, repeat....easier to long distance, but fun and necessary none the less.
Heading out tomorrow for other parts. Looked at the map and seems like we have a lot more ground to cover. Oh well, someone has to do it so why not us?

 

[BajaRon]

Well, today was a good and relaxing one. The weather was perfect! Went and met and visited Lamont and his wife, and their son. BajaRon came over and we met him also. Jennifer and I signed the SpyderLovers banner. Ron and Lamont signed the WestCoastSpyder banner. Pictures were taken. Spent quite some time kicking tires. Lamont couldn't find anything wrong with our Spyder...that's good. He told us about a few things of historical significance and we went and see them: Davy Crockett's birthplace on the Nolichucky River, Andrew Johnson's house, Andrew Johnson National Cemetery, Canon Ball Church. Thanks a bunch Lamont. Greeneville, TN has a lot of history. Would have been nice to be here for much longer to do a good area tour.
Tomorrow we head north once again on I-81. We have a banner signing and picture taking in Abingdon, VA, then on again. We plan on being near DC for the night, to be able to go to DC the next morning. All I am interested in is the Tomb of the Unknown, the White House, the Capital, Arlington Cemetery, and The Wall. Anything else pops up, we will take it's picture. Then we will head out again. We plan on Gettysburg and Valley Forge also, sometime after DC.

Great to meet both of you. It's always interesting to meet the person behind the post(s).

Thanks for the help on the Parking Brake. Works great!

Enjoyed signing the banner. You should have no problem filling that up with great memories.

Have a safe trip!

 

[Lamonster]

It was great to spend some time with both of you. :doorag: Sorry that I wasn't a great host but I was still pretty wiped out from the trip and had a lot of stuff to catch up on. Next time I'll take you on some good rides around here if you can keep up.

Lighting was bad on this one.