Is someone trying to tell me something?

I was lusting over a 2006 Harley Davidson Street Glide. I loved this bike at the time. I gave it one more day of thought to make sure it was the right decision. I knew there was a risk the bike would sell if I didn’t buy it that day. It sold the next day.

I went to see a 1999 Kawasaki Vulcan Nomad. I was lukewarm on this bike. The seller called me a few days later and told me “It wasn’t a good fit” because I don’t have a garage. Are you ______ kidding me? (The bike was her husband’s. He died. She wants the bike to go to someone who will garage it. Blah, blah, blah. Obviously, she is very emotionally attached to the bike.)

I went to see a 2006 Harley Davidson Road Glide. I was GA-GA over this bike. As I was looking at the bike, the seller told me a guy was coming with $18,000 cash later that day. I was second in line if this guy didn’t come through. The bike sold.

I can’t seem to buy a motorcycle lately. The itch I’m feeling around buying something is strong. Most days, I feel like I should be at a support group meeting (Motorcyclists Anonymous) saying, “Hi. My name is Greg. It’s been 26 days since my last motorcycle.”

Some might say God/Spirit/The Universe is trying to tell me something. Seriously, Big Guy, you can just tell me outright. I can take it. That is…unless it’s something like “Greg, you’re never to own a motorcycle again.” If that’s the case, just keep leading me along slowly. I will need to ease into that over the next 25 years.

Others might say, “Things happen for a reason. Keep looking.” That’s one theory. Just roll with it. However, I’m a thinker. I’m contemplative. I (over)think things through. I want to derive some meaning from these happenings. What’s the reason?? I need to know.

That’s where my head goes. It’s a scary place. I’ll let you know how things progress. I DID ride a motorcycle last night. A guy in Dover is selling his 2005 Harely Davidson Road King Classic for a very attractive price ($13,000). It’s a great bike. However, I’m not in lust with it…like I was with the two other Harleys. Maybe that’s a good thing.

In the meantime, (when I haven’t been looking for a motorcycle) NOT having a motorcycle has freed up some time to go to Newport, RI with a friend and kayak in Portsmouth with another friend. I think this was the whole idea in the first place. Hmmmm.

Here are some pics from those adventures…

Sunset in Newport

Another version of sunset in Newport

Kayaking in Little Harbour (Portsmouth)

Kids jumping off the 1A (Lafayette Ave) bridge in Portsmouth

The ant sculpture in downtown Portsmouth

North Church in downtown Portsmouth

Boston’s Big Apple

Before I set off for my OR and VA travels, I took a more local sojourn to the new Apple Store in Boston. A friend lives very close to the highly-anticipated store, so I combined a visit with a trip into the heart of Mac Nation. One word - WOWZERS!

Did you know this is the largest Apple Store in the world? Someone knew what the hell they were doing when designing this store. I think I read that Steve Jobs designed the glass spiral staircase himself…or he’s patenting it…or something like that.

This is the aforementioned glass spiral staircase from above

People looking out from the 3rd floor (where there’s a “Genius Bar”)

First floor…MacBooks, iMacs and the like. Second Floor…iPods, iPhones and sundries. Third floor…training classes and Genius Bar. If you’re even slightly open to the idea of owning a Mac, it’s a wicked cool store. It got me thinking about switching (again).

It’s nice to know there’s a big-ass Apple Store at my disposal if I ever choose to go that route. I just can’t bring myself to do it. I recently had the chance to buy a MacBook at 10% under my employer’s cost (that’s a deal). My emotional cost of switching is too high Someday.

Peace to you and yours,
Gregory

Virginia and DC pics

I travel for business. Along the way, I usually find some time to explore the area and see some of the local highlights. This makes the business trips less mundane and taps into my explorer/adventurer energy. There’s nothing I like more than seeing what an area has to offer, whether it’s natural beauty, local food or something altogether different.

Here are the pics of my Virginia and Washington DC escapades.

I drove on the Blue Ridge Parkway, slid over into DC, walked around Alexandria and rented a Segway X2 to tour Richmond. With my camoflauge helmet, green shorts, black shirt, white legs and black sandals, I apparently looked official. Three people asked me about directions, tours, and how to get around the State Capital (of Virginia).

I didn’t mess with any of them. I humbly quoted Bill Bryson’s book title saying, “I’m a stranger here myself.” Of course, it swelled my head a little bit…atop my Segway…thinking I was looking mighty Park Ranger-ish or some other shade of official Yes, I had someone take a pic of me on the Segway.

Riding the Segway was fun. I rode one around the Segway-branded store a few days earlier in Richmond. I knew I had the time to go for a spin on Saturday before my flight left. I got the hang of it pretty quickly. They say people who ski or surf pick it up SUPER quickly. I do neither, so it must be intuitive. Thanks to Dean Kamen for the fun.

Peace,
Greg

Modern Art Moment: Vacation Through the Lens of a Cell Phone Camera

I forgot my digital camera. I realized this while on the plane to Oregon. Upon landing, I didn’t want to buy a spur-of-the-moment camera on a whim. I’m looking to upgrade my digicam and I want to put some real thought and research into the purchase.

Out of this oversight, a modern art project was born — “My Vacation Through the Lens of a Palm Treo 700p.” I know it’s a catchy name. It rolls right off the tongue. What can I say? I’m gifted What I didn’t take in quality, I made up in quantity. I posted over 400 pictures to my Flickr account tonight. I’m not kidding. What can I say? I got cam phone happy.

Obviously, there are some issues with the pics. First, the camera on my phone is a 1.3 megapixel rig with a constant resolution. Meh. Second, lighting conditions made for great variations in the quality of the pics. Some came out pretty OK, while others are tweaked both high and low on the light meter scale. Third, there was no zoom. All variations in distance are from me getting closer or farther away from the subjects. I’m sure there are other technical factors at play, but I’m not going there.

A few other notes. I don’t believe I will make notations on the pics as to where they were taken. In some cases, I actually know. In others, I was just pointing and shooting at scenic places. Another note is that all sense of scale and perspective is lost on most of the Redwood National Parks pics. The trees are HUGE! Without a person in the shot or some other placeholder (aka, Mr. Met or Hula Monkey from Noelle’s site), all sense of scale is lost. Again, the trees are massively HUGE!

Here’s the link to my Flickr pics from Oregon and California.

Enjoy and be well!
Greg

Oregon Update

Good day (evening), peeps!

This post is being published from The Crazy Norwegian’s Fish and Chips in Port Orford, Oregon. We’re going to have a brief visit together as it’s a SUNNY DAY today. Why is this a big deal? Well, today is the first time I’ve seen the sun for more than a few minutes since I arrived in Oregon.

It’s been rainy and drab the past two days, but this hasn’t held me back. I’ve been going about my business of packing in as much traveling as possible in a few short days. Let me simply say that a trip down the Oregon coast could last about a month. There’s soooo much to see.

CliffsNotes version of the highlights - Cannon Beach, Haystack Rock at low tide, Views from Astoria Column park, Rogue Public House in Astoria, Rogue Chipotle Ale, Ecola Park - Viewpoint and Indian Beach, Warren House Pub in Cannon Beach, Warren House’s Duckdive Pale Ale, Views from Cape Meares, Wildlife sightings at Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, Yachats River House and Wine Bar, Cape Perpetua, an almost-sunset at Oregon Dunes, views from Umpuqua Lighthouse, views from Shore Acres State Park, Crazy Norwegian’s.

I’m hoping to see the moon tonight. I haven’t seen it since Monday night in North Carolina and I miss it. Maybe I have missed it…due to it’s cycle.

Regardless, I’m off to the south. (I’m not making the time I would like to make. Too much beauty…a blessing and a curse )

Redwood Forest National Park or Bust! (I wonder what “Bust” looks like, anyway)

Peace and love,
Gregory

BOS to PDX AA 1A

‘Twas a beeeauuutiful day in Boston today. I had lunch with a friend near Copley Square and was exposed to the Boston Public Library’s lovely inner courtyard. It’s most awesome and you would never know it’s in there. Shhh. Don’t tell everyone

My flight to Portland was most excellent. I flew first class from Boston to Portland - a direct flight - on Alaska Airlines in seat 1A. Needless to say, first class is very nice: lots of room, free drinks (I consciously stepped off the wagon on my flight), great food, free movie player (they use one called DigEplayer), etc. There were some beautiful views from the window seat.

Now, I sit in Laurelwood Public House in Portland before I head out to Cannon Beach. I’m enjoying a Workhorse IPA and some garlic fries. Hey! It’s vacation

My watch says it’s midnight, but I know I’m running a good three hours fast. There was sunlight just a scant 30 minutes ago. What was it doing being light out at 11:30PM?

In a few minutes, I’m going to make the drive out to Cannon Beach. With it being dark and all, the scenic views will begin tomorrow. Tonight, I’m hoping for a good moon (given last night was the full moon).

Peace and love,
Greg

Postscript

PS - I did not buy a motorcycle, and the Harley I was considering went to someone else. I could have bought it on Thursday night, but chose to give myself more time (knowing full well it could sell at any time). We’ll see what the future brings. I went to the ocean on Saturday night without a motorcycle. It was still gorgeous. The moon was brilliant.

On the bus

I’m typing this on my phone while I’m riding the C&J Trailways bus to Logan Airport in Boston. This morning, I’m off to North Carolina for two quick days of business travel. Thank you, [computer manufacturer partner].

I fly back to Boston on Tuesday night. I’m staying the night in Boston with a friend who is picking me up at the airport. Thank you, [friend in Boston].

On Wednesday, I shag my ass back to Logan to fly to Oregon. I’m heading out to enjoy the Oregon coast. I said I would, so I’m on it.

I’ll stay two nights on Cannon Beach, then shoot down the coast towards California. If I make it to Redwood National Park in Cali, I’ll be stunned. However, it’s still on my radar screen.

The two nights on Cannon Beach are courtesy of a Christmas gift. Thank you, [Christmas gift givers]. I booked the flight using SkyMiles. I suppose I can thank myself and Delta.

I get back from Oregon on Memorial Day. I have one full day in New England, then I’m off for Virginia on business. Whew.

I’ll see you when I see you

Much love,
Gregory

You heard it here first

For the first time in nearly five years, I do not own a motorcycle. My buyer came and picked up the bike tonight…three days earlier than we originally discussed.

(I’m letting this sink in. I’m breathing through it. Let’s not panic, Greg. Remember what you keep writing about attachment.)

The 2006 Harley Davidson Street Glide is all up in my grill. I can’t stop thinking about it. The itch is very strong. I feel a scratch (which will require significant “scratch”) coming.

In the words of Homer Simpson, “Shut up brain or I’ll poke you with a Q-Tip.”

Zoinks!
G

Fast and furious

Things can happen rather quickly for me these days.

(1) I posted the motorcycle on craigslist and had two buyers battling it out for the bike. The bike will has a “sold” tag on it as of today. I faxed over a bill of sale to the first guy. I did not like calling the second guy to tell him he didn’t get the bike.

(2) I went to the bank yesterday and paid $13 for an expedited title. I owed some money on the motorcycle and paid it off to get the title. I was SHOCKED to see the title at my door this morning via UPS delivery. It was less than 24 hours. I’m VERY impressed.

(3) Yesterday, I booked a trip to Portland, OR for Memorial Day weekend. I’m taking a few days off next week to head west and enjoy the Oregon coast. If I get overly ambitious or lose a marble or two, I might make it to Redwood National Forest in California. That’s pretty damn ambitious.

[I'm travelling solo. If anyone is interested in joining me, meet me in Portland, OR at 7PM on May 21st ]

(4) I had good intentions of not buying another motorcycle for a while…until…I saw and sat on another Harley Davidson Street Glide today. It’s a 2006 black cherry beauty with Rinehart pipes and other goodies. It may have to come home with me. Can you see the writing on the wall?

Jinkies!
G