You're a Long Way from Malibu... Dan

[malibu_dan]

Thanks for stopping by. Let me share with you some of my photography, some of my rides, and especially some of the people I've met along the way.

Here are some of my favorite journeys and people cataloged in the posterity of this here thread!

June 2021 Looking for my Keys in Florida ... or "How I Hate F^@%1\& Funerals"

July - 2021 - Day 'trippin' in Gawja

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Older ride reports in other threads:
Ride Report - Charlotte on Charlotte

THERE! I started the ding-dang Ride Report

 

[malibu_dan]

Day One - Looking for my Keys in Florida ... or "How I Hate F^@%1\& Funerals"

I haven't taken a trip where I had to refill the tank multiple times since... fahk, well before the covids. But now I have to go to Florida to bury my last parent. How's this for a cheery start? I told my bride of 35 years I was going a week early for wind therapy. She said, "Really? But you don't do funerals very well, are you sure you want to go alone?" Her confidence was just the inspiration I needed. That, and I had to order a new dry bag.

Oh, and spoiler alert, I cancelled all my reservations for the Keys the night before I left--I can not abide being beholden to any man! Or hotel clerk!

 

[malibu_dan]

Day One - Looking for my Keys in Florida (cont'd)

Winding through the backroads of GA, trying to find my sea legs, or should I say asphalt toes? No, gone are the days of tip toeing on a too-tall for my stubby little legs dual sport, just so I could look kewl. Although there is still one in the stable. In Gawja, you find stuff like this...

And you just have to stop! Oops, not open.

And no trucks allowed!

 

[RICZ]

Glad to make your acquaintance Dan. I too have reservations about making reservations. Unless it's a destination I intend to drop anchor at, I make 'em that day - if I know where I'm laying my head for the night. I have never not had a place to sleep. Sometimes I had to stand by the desk in hopes of a 6:00 no show.
On the serious side, my condolences to you - there's no joy in losing a parent. Providing they were good parents.
What model F3 am I looking at in your photo?
Keep them photos coming.
On 2 wheels, I have ridden the Alps and the mountain roads of northern Georgia. I favor the latter, not only for their velvety lonely backroads, but I also have an affinity for BBQ and hush puppies.

 

[malibu_dan]

Glad to make your acquaintance Dan. I too have reservations about making reservations. Unless it's a destination I intend to drop anchor at, I make 'em that day - if I know where I'm laying my head for the night. I have never not had a place to sleep. Sometimes I had to stand by the desk in hopes of a 6:00 no show.
On the serious side, my condolences to you - there's no joy in losing a parent. Providing they were good parents.
What model F3 am I looking at in your photo?
Keep them photos coming.
On 2 wheels, I have ridden the Alps and the mountain roads of northern Georgia. I favor the latter, not only for their velvety lonely backroads, but I also have an affinity for BBQ and hush puppies.

Thank you, @ricz. I appreciate the thought.

Charlotte is a 2016 F3-S, I bought her as a hold-over in Spring 2017.

 

[malibu_dan]

So, I did get a new dry bag. Revzilla came through for me. My old ones were HUGE, and well, old.

And, fortunately, it kept my ****e dry. That and some trust rok-straps.

So, I decided Friday night I was going on the trip, stayed up until 2am looking for something 'interesting' to shoot. Well, photograph. All I found was a caboose converted into a cabin 50 ft from a railroad track that I could spend the night in. Here, check it out >>>

(credit: owner)

sigh

So, shared my dilemma with my young bride, and she said, "Well, let's make of list of everything you want to see this next year, and I'll make a list and we'll compare". Sounded a bit too much like therapy, but what the heckin's it couldn't be worse than staying in a caboose for an extended stay. So, I made my list.

Everything was up in the mountains, including this from previous trips

(credit: me years ago)

Everything was the wrong direction--Florida is south, dip-****e. So, I told her I was looking for what I needed to connect, to unlock the next chapter in my life. I needed to find the Key. To find the... Key. Heeyyyyy. So, I booked my reservations in the Keys! I had a plan! Plus look how big that old dry bag is!

 

[malibu_dan]

Day One cont'd - Looking for my Keys in Florida

So, the towns gave way to orchards and timber. Peaches and pecans, pecans and peaches. But this was a 1300 miles round-about to a funeral, so it seemed fitting to stop by a church yard cemetery. My last parent, my stepmother, had passed after a short stint in hospice. The cancers had returned, but I think she wanted most to be with my dad again. No, her name wasn't Leonora, lots of graves in the cemetery were right around 1900.

She used to collect angels, hundreds mayhaps? This was fitting.

As I mentioned above, my Spyder's name is Charlotte. While she is a fan of literature, she is also a hella Deadpool fan-girl!

 

[RICZ]

Maybe deaths about that time were from the Spanish flu. Or ceasing to breathe.
I love your light hearted take on things. If you can't laugh (especially at yourself) you're in trouble.
If you find yourself near Birmingham, stop in and visit with the largest personal collection of motorcycles what am at the Barber MC Museum. You will be there all day, so go early. They had to shove me out the door kicking and screaming at half past closing time.

 

[Yabbadabbadoo]

Entertaining thread! Keep it up!

 

[pegasus1300]

Dan thank you very much for your ride reports. These are what makes the forum fun. Again thanks.

 

[malibu_dan]

Day One cont'd - Looking for my Keys in Florida

I discovered The Keys are not the only Keys in Florida. Matter o'fact, although some may argue, there's keys all over the ding-dang place. Between list-therapy and departure, I got lots of advice. "The Keys are soooo commercialized." Talked to a co-worker who's currently renting an Airbnb somewhere in the mid-keys with her family (working remote), "It's soooo crowded, we just hang out here or snorkel". Hmmm, time for a lecture.

A key is a type of island. Key is derived from the Spanish word cayo, meaning small island. The main difference between a key and an island is that a cay is formed on the surface of a coral reef, while a regular island is a piece of sub-continental land that is surrounded by water.

One of my designers at work told me to look at Cedar Keys on the Gulf Coast south of Tallahassee. I only have one night's reservation at a roadside motel. I'll look for something near Cedar Keys or on the keys when I stop for the night. But first, one last stop in Gawja!

This was a flash-back moment for me. The last epic 2-up road trip I took with my bride included a stop at Chehaw and the run-in with a ferocious wild creature. And racing tropical storms. And burning down B-n-B's... but I digress.

(credit: younger me)

Old Ride Report to Florida (also)

Next up, FLORIDA! And a watering hole.

(credit: Brice Shirbach -- I was on back roads and no pretty welcome signs, or I just missed it)

 

[malibu_dan]

Maybe deaths about that time were from the Spanish flu. Or ceasing to breathe.
I love your light hearted take on things. If you can't laugh (especially at yourself) you're in trouble.
If you find yourself near Birmingham, stop in and visit with the largest personal collection of motorcycles what am at the Barber MC Museum. You will be there all day, so go early. They had to shove me out the door kicking and screaming at half past closing time.

Thanks, Ricz. Barber's been on my bucket list for a long time.

Entertaining thread! Keep it up!

Thanks, Yabba

Dan thank you very much for your ride reports. These are what makes the forum fun. Again thanks.

I enjoy it, Pegasus. Photography makes the travel more interesting for me, and makes me slow down. Keeps me from loggin' miles just for the sake of miles--missing out on the journey.

 

[malibu_dan]

Day One cont'd - Looking for my Keys in Florida

Wakulla Springs Lodge, now owned by the State Parks of Florida was built by Edward Ball in the 1930's.

(uncredited)

Interestingly this was also the site of a fascinating archeological find, recovering the nearly complete skeletal remains of a mammut americanum, or American Mastodon, now on display in the Museum of Florida History in Tallahassee.

Read about the dig on the Univ of Florida online papers

Watering hole out back >> including some of the wild-life.

The tale of the tragic death of "Old Joe"

This musta also been the last trip for Lloyd's suitcase as well, wonder how much they paid him for it?

And then a short run to end the day to Perry, Florida. BTW, the run from Wakulla to Perry across US98 was some of the most god-awful roads of the entire trip.

PSA: I am back home in ATL and posting this after the fact, not cruising FL dodging Tropical Storms. Thanks for the well-wishes--y'all in Florida button up and stay safe, cause your weather is crazy!

No water in this watering hole >>

End of Day One

 

[malibu_dan]

Day Two - Looking for my Keys in Florida

Less than a days notice. Florida tourist season in full swing. Not gonna get a room on the keys, I'll just settle for a room with a key.

Then I found this cute little lodge built in the 1920's called Putnam Lodge.

http://putnamlodge.com/history.php

Stories would unfold espousing ghosts and that Al Capone had stayed there. Maybe he was buried under the cement pond in the back. Maybe HE was the ghost!

Now the catch.

It was only 42 mins away... Well, that's a long day on the road.

So, pivot plans--called the lodge and asked if I could check-in early. "Yes" that room is available. Good, then let's drop my new dry bag off and head to Cedar Keys TODAY!

Rolling. You can't tell from this shot, but the roof on the front of this NAPA is caved in. Won't be tooling around in there today. Old Florida.

By the way, lack of leaning aside--it is SOOOOO much easier to go through a drive through on three wheels. Just sayin'

Speaking of "Old Florida", found this 'archeological' site near Perry, FL. I never really thought about archeologists diggin up the 1950's, but hey, let's look around.

Wonder what kind of creatures were sacrificed on this altar?

Apparently the hooligans have more fun with the creek out back...

And finally, after a long road weary making drive, the Putnam! Can I come in?

Next up, Cedar Keys!

 

[malibu_dan]

Day Two cont'd - Looking for my Keys in Florida / Cedar Key

Not quick enough jaunt down what turned out to be the second worst thump, thump, thump road of the trip. You know the kind I'm talking about. Not used to seeing them in Florida. I thought that was a norderner thing. But resilience was rewarded with what was the true start of the trip.

You know how it takes a few days to get into the groove (no pun intended) of a trip. I have to admit I was in a dark headspace. But cut me some frikkin' slack; pandemic and all. Plus, lest I remind of the alternative title for this Ride Report.

I realized about half way through the day that I hadn't talked to anyone outside of "Here's your room key" and "No, I don't want fries with my order." I'll introduce you to my first real conversation of the trip in a little bit.

Cedar Keys is definitely Old Florida. It's a working key, steeped in the clamming industry with their own hatcheries for sustainable farming. They also do a fair amount of trade in oysters. So, when in Rome...

I had some great seafood on this trip. Amazing seafood. This was not it. Steamers was great, but I learned steamed clams are not the cut of my jib. I tipped this gal really well, because I sat there for, I don't know, a couple hours? It was hot out on the tiny little deck, so everyone was sitting inside. She said she didn't mind.

Sorry, I don't recall her name.

My photo vantage point from here was fun.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AM-JKLX8k3oTB41rOpqEGYWJs3eCHTkS-X0yomLlxvt_gxWLSJrirO19NJjhMgVGFR7HBgd_GiOxketUusDvKM4687f16_--MMexNIcMcvALerWbMbqU0tqKz_CWzi_aZBHHN0G4ijsmZK3fUw2IWgCH5PgRIQ=w1576-h1052-no?authuser=0[/[IMG]

My neighbor on the deck.

[IMG]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AM-JKLXFbHm6zUKAf4zytStULLjOMGpvYrzFB6MJd9EzgSb6G0qCY9ZNgU4WvauLVzDSrgAXPpaV92cdLZKbcpgz6Q4OWt1-1qBgcC0pv8gVix8ZWj44Hb_VD-G6_Y0N3hCbfjodFhfFqVC44ZlWdGf4gsjhYQ=w1576-h1052-no?authuser=0

More Cedar Key to follow...

 

[malibu_dan]

Day Two cont'd - Looking for my Keys in Florida / Cedar Key

Kayaks were paddling out to the little island in the background above (or should I say key). And I suddenly heard some excited exclamations; and saw... shark fins? Oh, wait, no.

I asked my server if the dolphins will often jump and splash like that, and she said she had never seen them do it. They often will breech around the kayakers, but this was a first for her as well.

See... the kayakers survived the shark attack >>

Other dangers of key hopping!

More Cedar Key to follow...

 

[malibu_dan]

Day Two cont'd - Looking for my Keys in Florida / Cedar Key

You thought I was kidding about the sharks...

The key has a fun little art district, and a historic hotel built in 1859. Let's walk around a little bit.

Maybe I under sold that, "...one of Florida's most famous Bed and Breakfast Inns."

https://www.islandhotel-cedarkey.com/

When wifey and I visit together, definitely going to book in and stay there!

Live music in the lobby also, well almost >>

Some art is more subjective than others, don't ya' think?

I met Tony near the pier on Cedar Keys carrying an old guitar. Actually, I met Tony's dog first. He was just a chill, laid back surfer kinda dog who was well into his retirement. He knew how to find the tiniest bit of shade, and just wait for Tony to move on to the next bench.

The bench where I met Tony's dog was right across the sidewalk from this office complex >>

In the 45 mins I spent with Tony, I learned more about his story--the venues he'd played, the beaches he'd surfed, and how he'd learned four months ago he had talent as an artist. He thought he could turn that into a way to earn some scratch. I learned about his heart procedure he'd had a couple months ago. I had to quiet the cynical voice in the back of my head trying to tell me he was just trying to play me. Finally, he'd shared all the pictures of his painting... yes, singular, one painting. He hadn't played a note, but I tried to tip his dog for letting me take his picture, he wouldn't hear of it. I hope I didn't offend. He only asked if he could send me a copy of his painting. I won't share it here, because I didn't ask for his permission. Say hello to Tony, my first real connection of the trip. The darkness had started to lift.

 

[Scotts8826]

Enjoying your ride report. Sometimes it's just about getting out and experiencing life. I do hope to travel to the Florida Keys sometime in the next couple of years.

 

[malibu_dan]

Enjoying your ride report. Sometimes it's just about getting out and experiencing life. I do hope to travel to the Florida Keys sometime in the next couple of years.

It was cathartic, Scott. Thank you. I suggest you get out and ride. Be safe, but go explore.

 

[malibu_dan]

Day Two cont'd - Looking for my Keys in Florida

Back to the Putnam. Yes, I took a different road back. The lioness was standing guard by the front entrance.

I'll have to talk to the butler about this...

You'll see more of that girl tomorrow. She has good taste in bikes.

The Putnam Lodge was built in the late 1920's, a little earlier than the Wakulla. Putnam was tied to the lumber industry. For my purposes, in addition to having verily eccentric owners, it was the best eatery in town.

See the ladder in the pic below? That was Al Capone's secret escape route. His car was parked below that tiny balcony in case he had to make a quick escape.

My source for this tidbit, as well as having uncertifiable proof of ghosts? Meet Eveline and David.

She grew up in Europe, and David was a damn yankee--I know because I'm one also. They became my social directors on and off for the rest of the trip, via text! In addition to being fascinated with cemeteries and ghosts, they also were a wealth of information for historical places to visit in Florida--and invited me to join them for a private tour of the Dixie County historical society the next day. I bet I have some pics.

More Putnam >>

And one night shot for the...

End of Day Two