#2 East coast/Gkids/NaPstamps

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With new tires and a fast mounting we were almost back on our schedule. Add the fact that we had some-slush-time and this whole episode turned out pretty good.

Leaving North Carolina I'm heading for South Carolina.

Fort Jackson to be precise. Despite the tire problems we've arrived a day early,  and we were very happy to have a rest day.

And then the big day arrived.

Actually "Family Day" is first, the new soldier has to stay on base but gets to visit with their family. Or whoever they choose for the day.

Pictures from Family Day 

Luke missed his family and his family missed him!

Luke standing tall with Beverly and I.

Then he tries to make me look taller.....

He was such a good kid and now he has become a good man!

Tomorrow is the actual graduation. We are so proud of Luke, and also proud of the other Troops in our family;

(Old to young)

    Michael 

(Luke's father)

Will

Jacob

Fenton

Mason 

(and I'm in there somewhere)

Graduation day arrives

Luke and Michael

Luke flies to his next school, Kaybi and family will fly home. Beverly will drive home, meanwhile

 I'll motor south into Fla. To get stamps for the National Parks

And soon,

I'm on my way south to Florida.

And then in Florida I'm cruising along on I believe was i-95 and I passed this guy and his bike a valkyrie sitting on the side of the road. I didn't see him in time to pull over. So I kept going and arguing with myself whether I should turn around and help him or just keep going. Well I knew if I didn't go back and try to help it would bother me all night long so although it was 12 miles I took the next exit returned to the exit behind him and return to the rider. I asked if he was  out of gas and his reply was affirmative so it was easy for me to help we took the gallon off the back of my bike and he was soon on his way. While I was stopped he got some more help from a family member and by then he had plenty of gas to make it to the next gas station.

Those Valkyries are sweet machines but hoo boy are they gas hogs!

A bit later I stopped at a rest stop, I needed to close my eyes for a spell...when I woke up I made a friend.....

Sunday and I'm up and out a little before 8

I kind of wanted to start around 7 but the comp brekkie didn't start until seven.

The day is cloudy and breezy.

While at Everglades NP I thought I had heard 'Something' in the bushes..... So I sat still and tried to see what was creeping around...but it must have been a little kitty or something harmless.....

Meh ..

After I get the three stamps I head north....but a cloudy day turned into a wet and windy day.

I kept riding until I was appropriately soaked - then got a room. The closest grocery store had an incredible deli...

Hopefully tomorrow is better weather!

And wat-d-U-no....

tomorrow was a LOT better! I hit a tiny bit of sprinkles a few minutes after leaving the motel. Other than that ....it was very nice!

Yesterday at my hotel I met two cool guys and some nice conversation. Unfortunately I didn't have my phone with me so no pics of them... :(

Then today I ran into the guy from Pa on this GSA at a rest stop. Another nice conversation, but I also made certain to get a photo...

This trip had a deadline...we were very concerned that we make it it to Luke's graduation. Which we did- no problem. But the deadline made for a rushed feeling.

So I hope to sloooow down for the rest of the trip.....I'll have to remind myself ....."sloooooow dooown Kennnnn.....

I need to make that work,

When I re-entered South Carolina I saw sign for a visitor center...and this is it, but WOW was it hard to find!

Of course, once I did find the Low Country Visitors Center, the young lady was very helpful!

It was really neat seeing the old house

So l'm sort of homeward bound, I have 4 more Nat Parks to visit, and I'll stop in Tennessee to see my old buddy Sean...... I'm looking forward to all of that.

And that is part 2

Thanks for stopping in!

I'll post part III in a few days 

Life is excellent!