it's about time I did something I've wanted to do for years. I'll be 70 in September and that long-distance solo motorcycle trip I've thought about for years is about to happen.

I finally got to the point of being retired, having a very understanding wife and with most of my friends split on "Go for it" or "You are nuts!? Which ever side you fall, I'm ready to leave Tampa for the Midwest and my old home town of Alexis, Illinois where I spent a lot of my youth on my Grandfather's and Uncle's farms. When I left there in 1960, I never looked back (something I'm sorry for now) as I went off to the Air Force planning to return when my hitch was up. I never made it back as that hitch lasted over 23 years followed by a career in photojournalism in Florida lasting another 25 years. Can't wait to seeing my cousin Judy after a few decades. After the midwest it's on to Fort Worth/Dallas area to see my three Daughters and my Brother.

I plan on taking some back roads that might lead to nowhere but that's why U-turns were invented. Whatever I do or find, I'll report back.