Kaha's World

I don't believe I have to say this!!!!!

2010-02-01T08:03:00.002-10:00

THIS IS NOT A COMMERICAL SITE OR BLOG..... PLEASE DO NOT PUT YOUR ADVERTISING HERE!!!
IT'S HARD ENOUGH TRYING TO DO MY OWN CRAP!! WITHOUT YOU TRYING TO SELL SOMETHING...
KAHA

The legends and myths of Hawaii The fables and folk-lore of a strange people By David Kalakaua, Rollin Mallory Daggett

2009-04-20T11:36:00.000-10:00

The legends and myths of Hawaii The fables and folk-lore of a strange people By David Kalakaua, Rollin Mallory Daggett: ""

Merry Christmas

2007-12-24T12:26:00.000-10:00

Get your own at Gizmoz.com

Again, Another Public Service

2007-10-06T10:18:00.000-10:00

I know it's been awhile but I've been busy (writers block!!) and considering I'm not a writer you can see how perplexing this is. Well I was doing some research for the problem we're having with the idiots opposing the Super ferry here in the islands. I found a great article that pretty much covers what I wanted to say.... Oh BTW California , thanks for sending your problems to our island.

Unperplexing Opposition to the Hawaii Superferry
Special from Hawaii Free Press
By Andrew Walden, 3/27/2007 2:37:44 PM

First it is lawsuits blocking the U.S. Navy’s use of sonar during RimPac. Then it is an attempt to prevent the Army from training its new Stryker Brigade on the Big Island. More recently it is efforts to demand that the Hawaii Superferry complete an environmental impact statement prior to launching inter-island ferry operations.

As Pacific Business News editorialized January 12, the Superferry opposition and obstruction, “continues to perplex us as yet another group of politicians, this time senators from Neighbor Islands, make noise….”

One might seek an explanation in the specifics of each dispute. Anti-military efforts use environmental law as thinly disguised leverage to advance an anti-American agenda aimed at militarily weakening the United States.

Stryker Brigades are among the most effective terrorist killing units in Iraq—hence the opposition from those who wish to see America defeated. October 26, while William Alia and David Henkin, the second place 2006 Democrat primary finishers for governor and Lt. Governor, litigated against Navy use of advanced sonar, an ultra-quiet Chinese ‘Song Class’ submarine—the exact type of sub for which the sonar is designed--surfaced undetected five miles from the carrier Kitty Hawk in the middle of RimPac maneuvers. Reasons for opposition to the Superferry are less obvious.

Senator Gary Hooser (D-Kauai) encapsulates the key anti-Superferry in the March 8 Maui News: “It’s possible that the Superferry could launch in service and strike a whale, bring in an invasive species and jam up traffic all in one day. We need stronger measures to ensure things like that won’t happen.”

It is arguments such as this which leave PBN editors “perplexed” and rightly so. Even if Hooser’s speculation became reality, Superferry would still have a better environmental record than those opposing it.

Whale-watching tours, often led by environmentalists, cause as many as 14.2% of all whale strikes according to one NOAA report—yet there is no call to ban whale watching. The barges of Superferry opponent Young Brothers’ are towed 100 yards or so feet behind a tug boat.

This separation of noise from vessel could cause whales to blunder into the barge’s path. Such strikes would almost always go unreported because the barge carries no crew. Yet the same activists who claim that sonar is making whales beach themselves somehow want the public to believe that a silent unmanned barge with a wide bow is less dangerous than a noisy ferry with two narrow catamaran bows, two crewmembers tasked to watch for whales, and a route designed to avoid known whale calving areas.

Young Brothers seemingly has no fear of creating a legal precedent which could be used against it. This makes no sense unless one treats the law as merely a means to an end and gives no importance to legal precedent. Logically precedent would be of no concern to Hooser, a politician who votes to raise taxes even as though his own business failed to pay its state General Excise Tax for 11 years.

Hooser’s second argument is that Superferry would bring in invasive species. Actually both the airlines and barges are far more likely to do so. The Superferry offers a 3- or 4-hour opportunity for onboard inspection and observation during which invasive species could be caught and quarantined or killed.

The fact is that any traffic diverted to the Superferry from planes or barges is less likely to bring invasive species, not more likely. For instance on January 31, a checkered keelback snake was found swimming at the port of Hilo. Missed by the hordes of paper-shufflers who pontificate endlessly about the importance of keeping out invasive species, the snake was killed by an alert port worker armed with a shovel. This isn’t the first time a snake came to Hilo on an unmanned barge or lightly crewed cargo vessel. It is certainly less likely that a snake, a coqui frog, or a mongoose would go undetected by the hundreds of passengers, crew and inspectors on the Superferry.

Hooser’s third argument is that Superferry would cause traffic jams. This should be simple to rectify. If the maiden voyage of the Superferry is from the sister island to Oahu, the Superferry will be reducing the number of cars on the sister island. Traffic congestion is caused by legislators raiding state transportation funds needed to build roads. A secondary cause of traffic congestion is environmentalist opposition to every road-building proposal. The third cause is large numbers of mainland environmentalists moving to “paradise” and bringing their political views with them. It is this third cause of traffic congestion which leads us to Maui Tomorrow, one of the leading anti-Superferry groups.

Unlike other groups who pretend to have local roots, Maui Tomorrow unabashedly seeks support from rich outsiders for whom Maui is just a pretty tropical escape from the stresses of Hollywood or Silicon Valley. Maui Tomorrow leader Roger Sussman, writing in a March 2, 2005 Haleakala Times article, featured on the Maui Tomorrow website, describes his effort to contact and solicit funds from the Beatles’ George Harrison who “had picked gorgeous Maui's North Shore, out of all the attractive places in the world, to have his tropical retreat.”

Sussman then explains: “Alas, I never did find George, but there remains a need for potent, admirable, Maui-loving philanthropists to step forward and contribute in a big way to MT's operating funds. The challenges of keeping things sane, fresh, and beautiful around here continue, and those challenges aren't going to go away as our population increases.

“There are forces at work in the islands which are motivated by greed and undue power. Stopping the forward movement of these forces requires education and litigation, both of which cost money - often fairly large amounts of it - to make them effective.

“There's a great opportunity for public service here with your money, Oprah, or whoever else cares about Maui enough to call this island home, or who visits us here fondly from time to time.”

The real “forces at work in the islands which are motivated by greed and undue power” are rich outsiders for whom Hawaii is just a pretty backdrop for their multi-million dollar tropical retreats.

In 2003, funding in the amount of $200,000 came to the “Blue Water Network” for the “Clean Vessels Initiative, to reduce the environmental impacts of large commercial vessels, cruise ships and fast ferries on the West Coast”. The donors? California-based Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund.

The Goldmans were the trust-fund-babies of the Levi-Strauss blue jean fortune. Unlike other wealthy foundations taken over by leftist infiltration of the boards-of-directors, the Goldmans’ nearly $400 million foundation was created to fund radical causes and is operated by a board now made up of the Goldman trust-fund grand-babies. Besides the environment, another focus of the Goldman Fund is population control. For months, Hawaii Sierra Club activists danced to the Goldmans’ tune, howling about the alleged pollution dangers of cruise ships. Even as massive municipal sewage spills were made the news in Waikiki, Hilo, Maui and Kaneohe, the activists were offering a $250,000 reward to anybody reporting only a cruise ship spill. The award money was never used, they could find no violations.

Why the focus on squeaky-clean cruise ships while so much municipal filth spewed forth? Opposing any and all economic growth is the true goal. A spill from a cruise ship is an argument to reduce or eliminate them. A spill from a sewage treatment plant is an argument to expand or upgrade it. How much of that unspent $250,000 reward went to fund the fight against “fast ferries”?

Most if not all so-called environmental campaigns in Hawaii are not grassroots efforts but are initiated and directed by the funding decisions of rich outside foundations directed by multi-millionaires such as the Goldmans’.

The wealthy foundations are joined by hordes of New-Age Northern California millionaires who, after ruining San Francisco, are hell-bent on bending Hawaii to serve as a “sacred” backdrop for tantric retreats where stressed-out New-Agers can stroke their seventh chakra in front of a half-dozen or so other couples for $1,000 a night.

These are the people who write letters to the editor complaining about smoke from burning cane fields. They are the whiners who infest so-called community meetings intoning the meaningless magic words: ‘organic’, ‘holistic’, and ‘sustainable’. They are pleasure-seekers willing to use political power and money to stop any and all other economic activity which may undermine the ‘sacred’ faux-pristine patina necessary to their psychological and economic well-being.

All economic activity is a threat to their tropical navel-gazing. Their game plan is to assert the primacy of “environmental law” over all other considerations. For them Hawaiian cultural issues are just a useful tool complementing environmental law. If lack of economic opportunity means ice addiction in the subdivisions and locals moving to Las Vegas, so be it.

Anti-Americans form the third group in this unholy alliance. They don’t bathe as regularly as their partners in crime but are always ready to jump in with anything which obstructs national defense or hinders capitalism. They are the servants of the pleasure-seeking millionaires who fund them.

Ironically, efforts to shape the Hawaiian landscape into some kind of New Age utopia are destined to have the opposite effect. Hawaii is the unique creation of its own people. Obstructionism is guaranteed to transform Hawaii into a weather-perfect version of what all the New-Agers are fleeing—California. Activist opposition created the jumbled, crowded development of Waikiki and Kailua-Kona.

One sure way to ensure Hawaii continues to be unique is to promote economic development such as the Superferry and cruise ships, which have less environmental impact than the planes, barges and shoreline resorts they displace. For the claimed goals of the so-called environmentalists to be achieved, they must reduce environmental and zoning restrictions on the small businesses and cease the capricious application of law to suit political agendas.

Only the individual unplanned contributions of entrepreneurs can make up the unique backdrop which the environmentalists are destroying in their alleged effort to save it.

Pacific Business News editors are “perplexed” because the environmentalists’ actions lead in the opposite direction from their stated values.

Just another public service

2007-08-01T20:00:00.000-10:00

In a number of carefully controled trials,
scientists have demonstrated that if
we drink 1 liter (There's that French thing again) of
water a day, at the end of the year we would have
absorbed more then 1 kilo (French) of Escherichia coli
(E. coli) bacteria found in feces.

In other words, we are consuming 1 kilo of Poop.

However, we do not run that risk when drinking
wine (or rum,whiskey, beer, or other liquor) because
alcohol has to go through a purification process of boiling,
filtering and /or fermenting.
Remember:
Water = Poop
Wine = Health

Therefore, it's better to drink wine and talk stupid, then
to drink water and be full of shit.

There's no need to thank me for this valuable information;

I'm doing it as a public service.

Aloha...kaha

The Metric System

2007-07-03T22:08:00.000-10:00

The Good, Bad and the Ugly

France (1786)

(France wants to be the center of the universe, as usual)

When the French Revolution came around, a bunch of French intellectuals (oxymoron) were sitting around “DOING” measurements. These intellectual types aren’t sitting in labs or making things, they’re just drinking wine and looking at measurements.

At the time it was decided that the metre (French spelling) should be one Ten Millionth the measure of the distance from the equator to the North Pole along the Paris meridian. Baa! Baa! Baa!

In order to reinforce their theory on where the center of the universe is located, they made a metal pole called the “Official Meter Rod” (The pole was made with platinum-iridium alloy with two hairline markings indicating the length of the official meter, when the pole is at 0 deg. Celsius) (A lot of wine went into the creation of this pole)

About the time the French adopted the Metric System, sentiment in the US was pro-French and anti Great Britain. (That’s that whole King/Religion/Church of England thing)

It was about this time that Noah Webster wrote his Dictionary which changed American spellings away from British standards (“Colour” became “color”, “Theatre” became “Theater”, etc…) (just a little filler)

The US had the opportunity to adopt the Metric system in the early 1800’s, but failed to do so. (God Bless our Founding Fathers)

The official use of the Metric measures alongside traditional English measures was actually authorized by Congress in 1866, and the US was an original signatory party to the 1875 “Treaty of the Meter”
(Go figure…and WAKE UP!!! If I had to write this you need to stay awake to read it)

In 1959, the US set its own standards based on the Metric system. A yard is officially 0.9144 meters exactly, and an inch is 2.54 centimeters exactly (It’s the American way of life to be different). Congress also passed a law in 1975 to work toward making the metric system the standard system in America. This was amended in 1988 when it was decided that the Government itself must be metric before it can start asking the private sector (us) to follow suit.

Ok, if you are still with me (and I can’t see why) we come to what I like to call the:

“THE METRIC KILLER” (The Decimal Inch)(Snore….)

Manufacturing and some engineering disciplines have abandoned traditional measures as well, but not in favor of metrics. (yeah!)

The better system is called the “Decimal Inch” (If you aren’t already confused!!)

It has been discovered that the smallest distance of separation visible to the unaided eye is 0.01 inches, or 0.26mm (Must be the girls, because the guys see 6 inches as a whole different measuring system)

What this means is that being accurate to within a hundredth of an inch is better than being within a millimeter. Four times better as a matter of fact (mmmmmmmm!!!! More beer on this one)

The only way metrics can be better is if rulers used half and quarter millimeters, but adding fractions defeats the whole purpose of decimal measurements. So now manufacturing and engineering have embraced the decimal inch, a standard inch divided into tenths and hundredths. This has set off a chain reaction, if manufacturing does not have to convert to metrics, why should we?

(Hey Frenchy Frenchman…)

Some reasons to convert to Metrics:

Gas will seem cheaper at .50 a liter.

Being 22 kilos overweight does not sound as bad as 50lbs.

Arizona summers will not seem as hot when it’s only 40c outside.

Imagine all the exciting math you will do converting your favorite recipes to milliliters.

Less fractions to deal with like, “Do I need a five eights socket or nine sixteenths to loosen this nut?

Half a liter is more then a pint, which means “MORE BEER FOR EVERYONE”

People will finally understand about driving “Attoparsecs per Nanocenturies”. (mmmmmmm!!!!...Need more beer on this on)

And lastly it was the French that invented the Metric System and all of this confusion. So the next time you need 1/5 of a liter know that the French made this wonderful system, and if you see a French guy walking around with a very cold rod in his pocket …Slap Him!!!

Aloha…kaha

Another Public service announcement

2007-06-29T21:00:00.000-10:00

Nothing is more frustrating than the feeling that every time I fill-up the tank, I am sending my money to people who are trying to kill me, my family, and my friends.

I thought it might be interesting for you to know which oil companies are the best to buy gas from and which major companies import Middle Eastern oil.

These companies import Middle Eastern oil :
Shell............................ 205,742,000 barrels
Chevron/Texaco......... 144,332,000 barrels
Exxon /Mobil............... 130,082,000 barrels
Marathon/Speedway... 117,740,000 barrels
Amoco............................62,231,000 barrels

Citgo........................from South America , from a Dictator who hates Americans
If you do the math at $30/barrel, these imports amount to over $18 BILLION! (oil is now $55-$60 a barrel)

Here are some large companies that
do not import Middle Eastern oil:

Sunoco...................0 barrels
Conoco..................0 barrels
Sinclair.................0 barrels
BP/Phillips............0 barrels
Hess.......................0 barrels
ARC0....................0 barrels

All of this information is available from the Department of Energy
and each is required to state where they get their oil and how much
they are importing.

Aloha...kaha

2007-06-25T21:18:00.000-10:00

Here are some rules to think about:

Rule 1: Life is not fair - get used to it!

Rule 2: The world won't care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.

Rule 3: You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high school. You won't be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both.

Rule 4: If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss.

Rule 5: Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents called it opportunity.

Rule 6: If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, learn from your mistakes.

Rule 7: Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you thought you were. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parent's generation, try delousing the closet in your own room.

Rule 8: Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life HAS NOT. In some schools, they have abolished failing grades and they'll give you as MANY TIMES as you want to get the right answer. This doesn't bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.

Rule 9: Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you FIND YOURSELF. Do that on your own time.

Rule 10: Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.

Rule 11: Be nice to Nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one.

Aloha…kaha

2007-06-19T22:21:00.000-10:00

Hate monger, racist, Mexican hater, selfish.... blaa, blaa, blaa. I think I've covered most of it. Here's my thoughts on the people crossing our borders. If you come into my country without being asked (that's illegal) then you've broken our laws. I don't care if you are starving to death in your country. The simple fact is you are a criminal and should be deported back to where you came from. (and take your family and your little dog with you) Do it the right way and I'll meet you at the border to welcome you here.

But the illegal aliens help our economy by taking the jobs Americans won't take...(bull!!!!) Google “Del Monte raid in Oregon”; 167 illegal aliens were arrested and the next day hundreds of legal people were signing up for the jobs.

Americans will perform any legal job necessary to support themselves and their families. As an illustration, recently 70 US citizens were dismissed from an Alabama construction site by a foreman who said the dismissal was “because the Mexicans had arrived”. Linda Swopes, who operates Complete Employment Services in Mobile, AL said: “I assure you it is not true that Americans don't want to work. We had been told that 270 jobs might be available, and we could have filled every one of them with men from this area, most of whom lost their jobs because of the hurricane.” The identified Mexican illegal immigrant workers were simply willing to work for less money than were US citizens.

Illegal immigrants to the US cost the country at least $10 billion more than they contribute to the economy. The CIS (Center for Immigration Studies) advises that if amnesty is put into place, these costs to the American economy (and the American taxpayer) will triple. The average illegal immigrant family uses $2,700/year more in services than it pays in taxes. In 2002, this amounted to a $10.4 billion drain on the federal budget. Some of the greatest federal costs included: Medicaid ($2.5 billion); treatment for the uninsured ($2.2 billion); food assistance programs ($1.9 billion); the federal prison and court systems ($1.6 billion); and federal aid to schools ($1.4 billion). In 2006 26 billion dollars went back to Mexico, we are that country's greatest resource, now you know why Mexico won’t stop the border crossings.

From the L.A. Times and Rice University’s Professor Donald Huddle: “Less than 2% of illegal aliens are picking our crops but 29% are on welfare.” And as far back as 1997, according to Huddle, the cost of illegal immigration to the American taxpayer was a net (after subtracting taxes immigrants pay) $69 Billion.

So lets be real here, if it was people coming across the border with guns (which is happening) the public (you and I) would be up in arms (pun!!) but if its families then we become heartless and mean, our own elected idiots are saying the same thing. Some would say we can't deport 12 million people, again bull!!! My country fought a war on two fronts and won, we can do this. Besides if you deport only 1 million the rest will get the idea and leave, but they know (by our past actions) if they wait long enough then we'll give them citizenship.

So this is my position: close the borders first then we'll talk about who is here illegally. Don't promise to close it later, because you (congress) have made promises before and broken all of them(remember the fence). The republicans didn't learn a lesson the last election and I see the democrats haven't either.

If you have a problem with congress passing the current bill (first off “READ IT”) then call your rep., and complain.

If not then teach your kids another language - it will make them popular in our new Banana Republic.

Aloha... kaha

End of the Ride

2007-06-13T21:08:00.000-10:00

After almost 7000 miles, butt and backache's Grabber, Pixie and I have completed “THE RIDE”.

What an experience it was, to do it again I would have to be 20 years younger and in an RV.

The reason for this ride offset the pain of the ride, we have a lot of stories and memories that will be ours forever.

So now what do I do with the blog?, I have given this a lot of thought and figure sense the name of the blog is “Kaha's World” I'll just bore the remaining readers (all two of you ) with whatever comes to my attention. Here's a little insight, I frequently change my mind on things as the world around me changes. (for those of you who have had any interchange with yours truly...duh!!) what this will allow me to do is talk about just about anything.

So thats it in a nut shell, if you no longer follow the blog then thanks for hanging out Grabber and I wish you well. If you just check back periodically you might find something of interest.

Aloha...kaha

Friends

2007-06-09T20:32:00.000-10:00

I originally thought I would write something to thank the people who were responsible for the support of the entire trip. Grabber and I were sitting by the pool at Tom and Deb's house (everyone in California has a pool) when she turned to me and said “you really have nice friends”. After thinking about it, I couldn't come up with a reason why I had such great friends....( not fishing for a compliment here). So now I have to think about what worth I have that would keep these people close for all of those years. I have always considered myself to be a lone wolf, and yet if you think about it as long as you have one friend you are never truly alone. So I guess I'll have ponder this question, but the reality is it can only be answered by my friends.

Here's the original post:

There comes a time in everyone's life when they take stock of the things that are important; sometimes it's early in life (if you are lucky) but most times it's later and you really can't change anything.

Aside from doing the biker thing and having fun (sitting on a HOT motorcycle 12hrs a day), I've had the opportunity to reflect on what I consider important. The normal answer to this would be of course Grabber, the kat, the horse, etc... but I want to take this a little beyond that.

Friends; who are they? and how do we define them? There was a time in my life when I counted my friends on the fingers of one hand; this was based on what they would or could do for me.

I now can still count them on several hands (and perhaps a foot) but base it on what we share and how I can respect and cherish them.

You probably think I've finally gone off the deep end (close, but not really, this is supposed to be about biker stuff) well, I haven't (well, I don't think I have) I use one very basic set of rules when I judge someone to be a friend.

Loyalty: above all else this I value the most, I expect my friends to be loyal no matter what happens, or until I have not been true to them.
Forgiving: Everyone knows I'm not perfect, a good friend will always be forgiving.

That's simple and straight forward, but you will be surprised how people will complicate friendship.

Now, you ask (if you haven't fallen asleep) what the hell is he talking about.

Kat Reilly

James, Lisa and Sloane

Tom and Sara

Tom and Yolie

Klaus and Sherrie

Stu and Roberta

Tom and Deb

Chuck and Dorothy

NOTE: These name are not in any particular order.

These are the people that have taken us to their hearts and have given me their friendship over the years, something that I will always respect and value. They opened their homes and hearts to Grabber, The Hun and I and we will never forget the wonderful treatment given us.

If you didn't make the list, don't worry. I was just referring to the people involved in the run. (so, navy davy don't take offense...you have a t-shirt coming)

So when you have a moment, stop and think about how you judge someone to be a friend and then look over who you consider friends. You might be surprised who really fits the list. I have and I can think of no truer friends than I now have.

Aloha...kaha (two stop)

Auntie Mae

2007-06-07T15:17:00.000-10:00

A few miles outside Montgomery, Alabama on the road to Selma is a old gas station with a small brick house next to it. Grabber, Pixie and I stopped for gas and to rest our okole's (that's butt for the non-Hawaiian) anyway once I finished fueling I noticed an old black women sitting in a rocker on the porch of the small brick house. I waved and said hello, she replied with hello I felt compelled to walk over and talk to her, so Grabber, Pixie and I walked over.

I introduced all of us and she said her name was Maybelle Preston, but everyone just called her Auntie Mae. She said she was eighty five years old, as she put it: The good Lord has blessed me with eighty five years on this old earth”, but looked a lot older.

As we sat there she talked about her life, she had six children two of which had died at an early age.

The four remaining children lived up north one daughter and three boys. As she spoke of her kids you could see her face light up, she spoke of the good life that her children were living. She was very proud of each of them completing college and marrying and having a family. She had worked all of her life as a housekeeper to put her children through school. She talked of her grand kids and how they came to visit every summer. I ask her why she wasn't living with one of them, and she said her place was here. “I've done what my life is suppose to be, and now I'm just waiting here for the good lord to come take me home”.

Grabber, Pixie and I spent the rest of the hour just listening to Auntie Mae, I could have spent the day. She told us she marched along side Dr. Martin Luther King when he made that famous walk from Montgomery to Selma Alabama. She was a living bit of history just sitting right there with us.

Our time was just too short, we had to get riding, we said our goodbyes and rode away thinking we were just a little more blessed then before.

The next time you come across a Kupuna (Elder) stop and talk to them, you might be surprised what they have to say... we were.

Aloha... kaha (two stop)

"Pixie"

2007-06-02T14:53:00.001-10:00

Well, it's official; everyone has a biker name. As you know, Peggy's is “Grabber” and mine is “Two Stop”, then there is Klaus. I have been calling him the ”The Hun”, but now he has earned the biker name of “PIXIE”.

I more than likely won't go into details on how I got my biker name, but will go into great detail on “PIXIE” almost to (Ad nauseam). So how did Pixie get the name? I refer you to the picture below:

In the real biker world, these are not riding boots, and if you look closely at the toes they kind of curl up.... These are the latest in Europe..... BUT you're not in Europe anymore(Dorothy).

He looks like a big genie riding a Harley. I did find two women in a small Texas town that thought they were cute (I rest my case). They remind me of the Arabian nights Genie, but I'll let you people make an input if you think these are real biker boots.

BTW... we are currently in Van Horn ,TX a very small town and if you have nothing else to do with your life and fall out of an plane and land here, go to "chuy's" it's about the best Mexican food on the planet.

Aloha...kaha (two stop)

Just another public service

2007-06-01T13:57:00.000-10:00

Ok, left louisania and ran hard into Texas we are spending the night in Eastland, TX at a Super 8..
I will be posting some longer inputs soon. So far the run has been under overcast skies which makes it easier on all of us... I'm hoping it stays the same....

Aloha...kaha

2007-05-30T11:11:00.000-10:00

Another public service ..... the last few days I haven't had the bandwidth to post the whole post.
or something like that, anyway we're currently in Alabama and trying to figure out how to avoid the coming rain....will keep everyone posted..

Aloha...kaha

Mission accomplished

2007-05-27T17:04:00.001-10:00

Today I fulfilled a promise made 40 years ago and put to rest an old friend...

and several dragons.

The day was somber and the walk to the wall was inspiring. I'm amazed of all the people that were at the wall, they came in all colors and sizes. Mom's, Dad's, Brother's, Sisters all of them with one purpose, to pay respects to the fallen.

People would come up to me and welcome me home with a hug and a smile and thank me for my service. It gives you such a warm feeling knowing that someone really cares.

The “Run for the Wall people (that includes Grabber and I) posed for the regular picture on the steps of the Lincoln memorial and then it was mission complete. I don't know if I will ever see these people again but the camaraderie we shared across the country will be remembered the rest of my life.

MISSION COMPLETE!!!!!!

Well Grabber and I were going to do Rolling Thunder but after spending the afternoon in the hot sun we thought it better to just buy the pins and patches and ride south to our friends James, Lisa.

The choice was a good one, we arrived in the morning and had a great time reminiscing about old times. Did manage to get the bike serviced although James took me to another state to do it....(Ok, maybe not another state but the drive took long enough)

Klaus called and said he would meet us the next day at Tom and Sara's. He did Rolling Thunder with Sherrie so we should get pictures on that event. Klaus has a long day playing catch-up.

The run in the morning should be about 3-4 hours down to the intercoastal where Tom and Sara live.

Will keep you posted.

Aloha...kaha

In What dimension was this taken?

2007-05-24T13:33:00.000-10:00

Well we're not in Kansas any more Dorothy. Matter of fact, I think we're two states over. We left the group and decided to run in front. It makes it a lot less stressful. One of the reasons I haven't posted is there hasn't been anything going on in the states we've passed through.

Having said that I did realize that most of these states have a particular smell to them.

Take Kansas, as you enter through the I-70 highway you get a strong smell of cow dung (Grabber had me clean up this part) and she reminded me that this area of Kansas makes methane. Passing into Missouri it smells like chicken manure and Indiana smells like pig manure. BUT when we got to Kentucky it smells like bluegrass and horses (Grabber wants to move there, except for the snow).

Well, the run today was short and we got to Lewisburg, WV around 11:00am, several hours before the pack. Had lunch and Grabber and I cleaned the bike then took a ride into the country....GREAT RIDE.

Note: “Always stay on the main roads” We pulled off the Freeway for gas and had to drive a ways until we spotted what we thought was a gas station. As I pulled into the drive I could swear I heard banjo's playing. Stopped at the pumps (actually it was one pump) I had Grabber go inside and ask how we pump the gas ( I always send her when I hear banjo's)

She came back and said we should leave, that the people were really weird and they all looked related..

beside Klaus had just taken a leak along side the building because they wouldn't let us use their bathrooms. So having a biker piss on your house is reason enough to leave.

You don't have to tell me twice, on our steady steed did we ride leaving the playing banjo's in the dust.

“Always stay on the main road”

Tomorrow we start for Arlington, VA then into Washington, DC and on to the wall on Sunday, so we get a day down time before Rolling Thunder. We're almost complete, then we just have to ride back to the west coast...

Aloha...kaha

A Public Service Announcement

2007-05-21T16:00:00.000-10:00

This is a quick post to let you know that it will be a few days until the next one....
the reason is last night I only had one small bar on the phone, tonight I only have one room plug and poor phone connection...
I will get back on it as soon as possible...
Aloha...k

A Day in the life of a Biker

2007-05-19T16:54:00.000-10:00

Ok, it's been a few days since the last post but I been busy trying to survive. From a crazed woman hitting me with a red mustang convertible to almost dying in the desert (it was for real) it's been a very trying last few days.

On the upside, I'm alive and well (had the Needles, CA emergency hospital jam three quarts of fluid in my arm) When they say to drink plenty of water they mean plenty of water. I would like to modify that to drink plenty of Gatorade. (electrolytes, for the nurses that are reading this blog)

Here I was driving down the desert road with several hundred other bikers when my vision started to go (a very bright light, ...ok not “that bright light”) I managed to drop out of line and pull over to the side of the road, park the bike and have Grabber (Peggy, in case you forgot) get off before I passed out cold (in this case hot).

Freaked her out because no one stopped, all of the other bikers and road guards just kept going. Thank the Gods that the last chase truck stopped (Jack, the truck driver will always be on our Christmas card list). After that, it was a matter of calling the EMT's and transporting to the hospital. The Doctor and tending nurse were outstanding (more for the card list). Spent a few hours there and went to a hotel for the night in Needles while the rest of the pack went on to Williams for the night. The next day Grabber and I made the run to catch up with the rest of the group.(it was a very long 400 mile day)

We've had a few bikers go down, but they all are alive and not too seriously hurt. Let me explain just how they make this run...they form up in platoons consisting of forty or more bikes depending on the amount of people in the run at that time. Now, they form up two abreast and you are expected to stay in that formation during the whole speed regime. (thats 75 -80mph) they have the two second rule, which means the guy in front has to be two seconds behind the person in front of them. THIS IS CRAZY!!!!!!

I'm surprised they don't have more people killed. I've elected to ride out of the pack and in the back, seems safer and a lot less stressful.

We are now in Limon. CO. for the night and then on to Kansas.... when we were rolling in it started to rain and huge lighting strikes...time to head for cover.

It has been truly amazing the reaction from people; when we ride through towns, they line the road waving American flags, they come up to us and thank us for what we're doing and for the sacrifice we've made for the country. These are people who have sons and daughters serving or that have family members who have given their lives for the country. This is a very emotional trip..... (GOD BLESS AMERICA)

These are the people that will save us from those who would do this country harm.

A lot to think about.....

Aloha...kaha

The Bikers cometh

2007-05-15T16:53:00.000-10:00

Well, we're off and running. Thanks to Tom and Yolie Miller who kept us in their loving arms for two days (alright ...wait a minute we're BIKERS, cut that cutie, sing kumbaya stuff!! yick/yak). Anyway, we left San Diego in overcast skies and 58 deg. (Grabber and I were ready to come home). The first 60 miles was very Seattle like gloom and doom mixed with a sprinkle of mist just to let us know we're not in control of the weather. Fearless leader Klaus was directing us north to LA. Now I thought we were just going up I-15 (I was at the riders meeting- breakfast at Dennys) so we were a little shocked when Fearless Leader left the freeway for hwy 215. For those of you who don't have a clue what freeways we're talking about, the main issue is Klaus was lost and we didn't figure it out for 20 miles. It was shortly after my asking him “HEY!!!” (you have to yell loudly motorcycle to motorcycle) where are you going....needless to say we finally mutinied and I lead us to freedom (using the GPS!!!!)..

Our arrival in LA was really cool!!! I had picked what I thought was a hotel away from everyone, as we turned the corner there before our eyes was 200-300 bikers just standing around looking bikerish...

REALLY COOL!!! So we got checked in and found our camp site (room 202) and settled in for the night, after eating BBQ that was served for us very deserving riders. We start the run for real tomorrow and I'm already tired..... there are guys here that are older than dirt, so I guess I can't complain. Well, early to bed and up at the crack of dawn so we can continue to entertain you with this blog .....

Aloha...kaha

2007-05-15T16:45:00.000-10:00

For the love of a GPS

Well, we got here...San Diego. Grabber, I and Klaus managed to up grade to 1^st class (for mileage not cash). The problem with that it's not like your daddy's first class. The airlines in their pursuit of the all mighty dollar made the spacing between the seats just about the same as the cattle car in the back of the plane... so what do I get for my upgrade?? a small glass of champagne, a bag of nuts and a smile. I shouldn't bad mouth it too much; we got the greatest little hand-held DVD players to watch movies.

Once again taking away the opportunity to practice my social skills (ya, like I really have any)

But the trip went well and upon arrival we rented a car and headed to our first overnight place before we pick up the bikes. This gets me to my original thoughts...”GPSs” I have a hand held (GARMIN..product placement here) and so when the girl behind the counter (rental car) asked if I needed a map I naturally said “no thank you, I HAVE A GPS” Grabber being the smart one asked for written directions to the freeway. As it would happen, in order to use my GPS properly one needs to download the detailed map of the area one is driving in. I even called my host for the night and told him we were on our way...” do you need directions??” to which I replied “NO I HAVE A GPS”.

Now back to that no map of the area in the GPS thing. If you don't have the local map, the unit only uses the standard map that comes with the unit...(I swear it wasn't in the directions) so when the unit directs you to a destination it can only do it in a general way. After we managed to make it to I-5 we headed for the border...BUT have no fear because “I HAVE A GPS”. The damn thing told us to take the next exit...see guys, it's working...5 miles later we're driving down the frontage road (thats the road that was built before the freeway) and into a scary part of town (well, what the hell, we're bikers)

Well, we continued on the frontage road until the dead end, at which time I threw in the towel (m) and called Tom and asked for directions. Tomorrow we get to go back the same way and pick up the bikes

but this time I downloaded the proper maps...although Grabber won't let me live down the techno thing. I have reassured her that everything will be ok because: I HAVE A GPS”

Aloha...kaha

2007-05-09T21:15:00.000-10:00

Well... It's official Peggy has a “biker name”, I want to thank all that participated and want to let everyone know that each entry was painstakingly reviewed and discussed. As it should be, she picked a name with a history and a story. So what is the name you ask?????

"GRABBER"

A fitter name will never grace the asphalt of bikerdom, the story of this name will be told far and beyond. This truly is how legends are born. (Ok so I got carried away, but its still a cool name)

Note: those of you who have a problem keeping your mind clean (dave) the story is very cute.

If there is enough interest for the story I will ask her to put it to print (for the unenlightened posted it to the blog).

To date things are ready to go , we fly out Sunday the 13^th and start the adventure. Again, I will try to keep everyone posted as to what we are up to and take pictures. I still haven't been able to get around the video problems but will be taking videos the entire trip and will put them together for a future feature project. (whatever the hell that means...)

Aloha...k

Pack-Out

2007-04-24T10:27:00.000-10:00

What a great term… I first learned this term while in the Navy, Household pack-out, Squadron pack-out, Barracks pack-out. So you would think I pretty much have a handle on this…. Mmmmmm!!!!!!

The good people at “run for the wall” were thoughtful enough to have a suggested list of things people should take on the ride. A list of 50 items including “ 1 motorcycle” ( I think this was here for humor…or I hope so ) anyway I went through the list and checked off the things that were important (motorcycle) to the things I didn’t think were needed (underwear, after all we are bikers!!!)

First off when putting things together for a trip it’s important to separate items from what is actually needed (motorcycle, again) from what would be nice (blankets, pillows, pots and pans etc…). So I have gathered together all the things I will need to survive on the open road of America, keeping in mind the theme “camping” (the reality… days Inn)

Once again the wisdom of my bride prevails in an other wise chaotic mind, and I quote: “After a day of riding 400 miles on the back of a motorcycle, you (she has a way of making it sound personal) want me to sleep on the ground???” need I continue with the rest of that conversation….

So all I need to pack-out is the Credit card….(and of course the motorcycle)

On another note, we need to give Peggy a cool “Biker Name” something clean, but that reflects the nature of the bride and the trip… So all of the people that read this blog (both of you) think about it and make a suggestion. The person with the winning name will receive a Harley T-shirt from one of the many states we pass through. Pretty Cool…huh!!

Aloha…Kaha

How to Be a Biker

2007-04-09T22:44:00.000-10:00

Ok try this for a while, I know it won't win any awards but it is a little entertaining.

It's a little long in tooth but its something to read until I can post.

I'm still trying to get video to load....so standby....

A Sarcastic & Satirical Poem by Todd8080

Bikers are a subculture, you might have heard folks say.

But how’s a man to join this clan? Must he ride every day?

Is there a special set of rules that helps define the rider?

And how long is this journey to becoming an insider?

Does one just go and buy a bike to claim their rightful place?

To get there will you need long hair and whiskers on your face?

Well, take heart, it’s your lucky day. I’m here to set you straight.

Just play it smart and act the part, then you won’t have to wait.

No dues to pay (unless you count the fortune you’ll be spending).

No greasy hands or club demands, it’s all done with pretending.

See, preparation’s paramount to taking on this role.

Without the right appearance you’re just one more rich asshole.

The “just-got-out-of-prison” look is what you must achieve,

So cultivate it carefully and you’ll make folks believe.

Naturally you’ll have to get yourself some Motor Clothes®.

The whole ensemble’s pricey, though, as every biker knows.

But that Official Uniform will suit you fine, you’ll see

(It’s sure to underscore your individuality).

Some new tattoos will show the world that you’re bad to the bone.

The tribal ones are popular, though which tribe is unknown.

Regrettably they hurt a bit; your skin will bleed and swell.

If that won’t do there’s fake ones, too, and they’ll work just as well.

Wearing helmets is for squares, so they should not be used.

Are you pro-choice? Have you no choice? Admit it, you’re confused.

Don’t bother thinking for yourself, mimic what others do.

Within a week you’ll go from geek to hardcore biker, too.

If all this seems like too much effort just to play a part,

Pretend it’s year ‘round Halloween and you’re a kid at heart.

And what about the bike itself? Is pristine paint taboo?

It’s true that chrome won’t get you home, but neither will bird doo.

Adorn your scoot with skulls and flames so there can be no doubt:

You scoff at death with every breath, it’s what you’re all about.

A bunch of Maltese crosses is another way to go.

What do they signify? Who cares, they’re only there for show.

The bike is just a prop you see, stage dressing in your play.

In full attire you’ll inspire all eyes to look your way.

I’m sure you’ve heard loud pipes are cool; they’re proof that you are tough.

Who cares if neighbors’ kids can’t sleep, too much is not enough!

Don’t bother learning riding skills ‘cause you were born to ride.

Cars can’t ignore your mighty roar, they all will move aside.

One thing that’s very crucial is to have a wide rear tire.

It won’t improve performance, but then that’s not your desire.

Again, it’s all about the look; fat rubber implies power.

They’ll never know your bike won’t go a hundred miles an hour.

Avoid the highway at all costs, the boulevard’s your spot.

More folks will see you, long to be you, riding skills or not.

Mostly you’ll just park the bike and pose in public view.

The hoi polloi can eye your toy while idolizing you.

Of course you’ll need a trailer that can haul your iron steed,

Paint on the side that “Live to Ride” is your official creed.

And don’t forget to drink a lot, it’s part of the mystique.

It makes you seem more interesting, rebellious and unique.

Along with that comes attitude, the nastier the better.

No one can know a faux Brando was once a frail bed wetter.

Be sure to work on language skills, particularly curse words.

A well-placed “sh*t” or “f*ck” is nice, or maybe you know worse words.

All men are “bro”, all women “bitch” – this may take some rehearsing.

But then who can remember names with all that drunken cursing?

Brag about your bike, call it “your latest acquisition”.

Mention you own three to further bolster your position.

Status symbols don’t come cheap, you’ve earned the right to boast.

The most authentic biker is the one who spends the most.

Toss around some gearhead terms like “spark advance” or “VOES”.

So what if it’s all Greek to you, odds are no one else knows.

Just one last thing I must impart on how you should behave:

If in our travels we should pass, please don’t forget to wave.

Oh, I’m not saying I’ll wave back, but then I’m not a bro.

I’ve just been riding all my life, so hell, what do I know?

Aloha...kaha

Mid-life crisis or not

2007-04-02T20:59:00.000-10:00

Almost every Sunday Peggy and I go riding with our gang..(actually, they let us ride with them)

We do this because we felt it would be really cool to ride the open road with 30 or 40 other bikers.

(People have a tendency to get out of the way when you roar by)

When I was younger and riding, the guys I shared the open road with were the ratpack of the biker world, the bad boys of our time. We were the wannabe outlaw gang, ransack, and pillage a town type of bikers. We went to all the movies (billy jack, easy rider, wild bunch etc...) we would scowl at the people in their cars as we rode by, all-in-all we were a pretty pathetic bunch.

All of us held jobs during the week so our pillaging had to take place on the weekends and only with the wifes and or girl friends permission.

So where am I going with this, fast forward 30 to 40 years, No longer do we want to pillage.

(not only is it hard on the lower back, but I'm not certain what it is)

BUT the ride is still like the call of the wild (metaphor!!)

If you take away the bad boy stuff, what you have over the years hasn't changed. The freedom of the open road, the wind in your face and bugs in your teeth.(God, it's great to be a biker!!)

Back to that mid-life crisis thing. My friend Bob Bitchin told me life's journey is about experiences, we are the sum total of all of the scars acquired along the way. (BTW, thats his real biker name)

I feel very good about myself to date, there are things I would change if I could but then I have to wonder after the incredible journey I've had through life to change anything would change who I'm today.....wow pretty existential (where's a metaphor when you need one)

It's taken a long time to learn “honor”, and to try and be a better person. I've found It's because of the people that influenced and shaped my future, from cousin Phil who had a major impact on me (and never gave up) when I was younger and even today I hold him up as a roll model. To Peggy who to this day I don't understand why she took a chance on me. (Thank you, Thank you)

So you see, as we sit around the campfire of life(m) and reflect on how we got here, think about all the people who had an effect on making you who you are today.

So am I going through a mid-life crisis???....

Peggy would argue that one has to grow up first... I think I agree, Honey can I go ride my bike now ?

Aloha...kaha

metaphor

2007-03-31T19:28:00.000-10:00

Metaphor: 1. a. A figure of speech in which a term is transferred from the object it ordinarily designates to an object it may designate only by implicit comparison or analogy.

(What in the HELL does that mean??)

I originally wanted to make this blog a series of motorcycle metaphors, but I quickly realized I 'm not a word smith (M) or clever enough to think up that many metaphors.

Or my attention “to grasp a concept” (Dead Metaphor) would die like a road hog in deep despair.

(I think this is a mixed metaphor) (See, this is why I don't do this...I'm confused)

And at this writing I can only think of one I had heard a while back:

“No matter what your parents tell you, It's ok to rev your own engine as high as you want, and you won't burnout your headlight.”

I'll let you figure that one out.

One of the best motorcycle metaphors was Mark Harmon in the movie “Summer School”.

(Buy the DVD, I'm too old to remember the whole thing)

Or if you have any other motorcycle metaphors ??. (There's that asking for comments thing again)

Aloha...kaha

Why do we ride

2007-03-30T18:34:00.000-10:00

Why do we ride motorcycles, what compels a guy or girl to straddle a 1800cc 500 to 800lb machine powering down the road at 80mph with the ground so close you can reach out and touch it. So many other people can say this better than I, but here are some thoughts.

Riding is about passion, about making the adrenaline flow, about pleasure, about awakened and heightened sensation.

Riding is that moment of sphincter-clenching fear and excitement when you scream through a tight corner, leaned over further than you thought you could, then pop out into the straight with a grin.

Riding is that feeling in the morning when you open the garage and there it is in all its chrome and plastic glory, and you just have to smile even though you’ve seen it a thousand mornings before.

Riding is about the heads that turn to look as you pass by.

Riding is about beauty. Every motorcycle is a work of art, some breath-taking in their sheer elegance.

Riding is about fashion - the way men and women look in leather (This is a biggie for the woman in my life), the lean look of a sports bike rider in a full body suit, the rebellious look of a cruiser owner all dressed in black. It's about a crafted stylishness that's at once casual and formal. Riders form their own tribes, identified by their dress code as much as their vehicles. How you look is part of why we ride.

Riding is about the envious glances from coworkers as they exit their dull cars and watch as you park and climb off your bike.

If you've never ridden, you can't comprehend.

But once you try it, you're hooked for life.

Sit in your mini-van and try to tell me that your heart beats a little faster when you turn the engine on.

Driving is about - well, driving. It’s about getting from here to there in the least time with the least inconvenience.

It’s about idling in bumper-to-bumper commuter jams, engine overheating, tempers flaring, kids screaming.

Driving has all the passion of watching paint dry.

But riding ......... is very cool!!

"..A straight line is the most BORING distance between two points. "

Aloha...kaha

Dilemma

2007-03-29T21:42:00.000-10:00

This WAS Peggy's bike, she wanted to sell it because she owns too many horses....

Dilemma: 1. a. A situation that requires a choice between two evenly balanced alternatives.

I did some work for a friend of mine and was payed by check. This friend is on her way to becoming a very famous author (check the first blog for the shameless plug). Here's the dilemma do I cash the check (because the money would be great) or do I save it for the future when her signature will sell on ebay for a lot more. Could this be a plot by her to ensure I don't cash it at all?? The answer to this lies in her nature.

Consider this; She's an author and makes things up, you need a great imagination in order to be successful in the writing game. Mmmmmm! I guess that answers my question...very clever Pat....

On another note, my bride (look to the right) suggested I request comments after each post to kind of get everyone involved in the blog. So being the Geek guy that I'm, I checked the traffic to the site (This is truly a GEEK thing) and found it would be far easier if I just called the two people and ask them to make comments.

Aloha... kaha

Camping

2007-03-28T20:26:00.000-10:00

There comes a time in everyones life when they wakeup and find they are a lot older then they think.
Body parts move or sag, and others just ache. Motrin becomes a gift from the Gods.

The group of riders we are traveling with from Hawaii thought it would be great to camp out along the way, which is what they have been doing for years.

I gave this a lot of thought, went out and purchased the camping equipment (That would fit on the bike) and then made hotel reservations for the trip across. (What are they thinking...)

I again shamelessly used my bride as an excuse for not camping unless its absolutely the last option.

For those of you who don't know, Peggy has been a camper all her life, she even out camps me (the survivalist) but to all who will listen, I 'm making the hotel reservations for her so she can get a good nights rest before the next days journey. (Pretty good huh??)

So now it becomes a matter of taking only the things needed and what will fit in a very small space.
We have one day of camping (going there) and possibly more on the way back. (Depending on how many Motel six's there are in our area)

This goes back to the opening statement about growing older and sometimes wiser. After all day on a motorcycle I think a soft bed and a hot shower is a blessing. (And I need more blessing's)

Aloha... kaha

Stops along the way

2007-03-27T21:30:00.000-10:00

A picture of our riding partners, don't look at the helmets.

Well my day has been made, a world famous author (Shameless plug) http://www.patriciawoodauthor.com has left a very encouraging post about my blog.

The problem with someone of her talent, is now I have to watch my spell checking and use of the English language, remember I use GEEK speak mostly.

This morning it was suggested (by my bride) I should post the minor dilemma's leading up to the trip, the scheduling, reservations etc... in thinking about it I wouldn't want to force anyones blood pressure up due to the brainless twit's one finds in the hospitality business.(This comment excludes all of my friends in the hospitality business)

What I thought was, to post the schedule of stops across the country, maybe if our stops are close enough some of you will come out and say “howdy” (Not a word I usually use, remember the GEEK speak thing). So lets try that:

May 15 Ontario, CA

May 16 Williams, AZ

May 17 Gallup, NM

May 18 Angle Fire, NM

May 19 Limon, CO

May 20 Salina, KS

May 21 Wentzville, MO

May 22 Corydon, IN

May 23 Hurricane, WV

May 24 Lewisburg, WV

May 25/26 Arlington, VA

May 27 Washington, DC

For those who really want more in depth information here is the link:

http://www.rftw.org we will be taking the Central route.

All for now.....

Aloha... kaha

My First Day

2007-03-26T22:16:00.000-10:00

Well some of you will think after a few written lines "What in the HELL is he doing" the man can't write and more then likely shouldn't have a blog. And you would be right, I'm starting this blog for only one reason.

In May of this year (2007) my bride (Peggy) and I will be shipping our Harley Davision motorcycle to San Diego, CA from Hawaii. Yea! so what!! Keep reading...

We will be joining 500 other bikes in a RUN from California to Washington DC in honor of our troops and the forgotten Vets. This is a big deal!!!

This is not about the WAR or George Bush, but about the men and women who give us the freedom we enjoy in this country.

This ride will be across heartland America and ends with a run to the Vets Memorial along with over 500,000 other bikes. Now to why this blog, if you haven't guessed by now I'm a little challenged in the writing department, so what I plan on doing is posting video's of each days travels.
I realize most don't have high speed downloading but I'll try and make the day shots as short as possible and still enjoyable.
After the ten day run to DC we'll still film the run back... now we get into the "what I did on my summer vacation" boredom.... again I'll try to make it interesting.
I will have to up load to Google then link from this posting to the vid.

Ok, so thats it.... I will sent this blog address to everyone I can think of that might be interested and you folks can comment (nicely!!!) on what you think....or if you have any questions.

Check back periodically and I'll post up dates until the trip starts on May 13th

Aloha...kaha