February 8, Sunday We were all four loading the bikes around 9:00 am and on the road to the Everglades by 9:30. I led the way down the coast, running mostly through the towns which gradually merged into a stop and go situation. Finally I cut east to a major thoroughfare, joined the Tamiami trail, US 41, along the Everglades to Florida City. Originally we were going to stop for lunch at Everglade City, but as we approached, we couldn't help but notice the hundreds of Harley Davidsons in the area. It turns out there was a big seafood festival, which is traditionally atttended by thousands of bikers. We continued on to a little eatery just east of the turn off towards Everglade City. West of Florida City / Homestead, we stopped at the Rogers Here ... read more

February 4, Wednesday Chilly morning, temps in the low 30’s but came up by noon. Jerry and Judy decided to accompany us on our trek to Key West, we left around 12:05 and took the LONG way around Panama City Beach. We reached St George’s Island about sundown and took refuge from the cold in the Buccaneer Inn. Reasonably nice kitchenette room. The Inn is right on the beach, but beach facing rooms were $30 more. We ate pizza at a nearby joint, pretty good actually, then all headed for bed and some TV/reading. Very cold night, temps in the high 20’s. This is Florida??? February 5, Thursday Up late again due to cold temps. we suited up and were finally ready to go around 12:35. Beautiful ride along the gulf shore, stopped for coffee just ... read more

February 1 Sunday Up none too early, had some coffee at Shoney's. I took Bear alone for a test ride, as this was the first chance I had to try him out fully loaded. He still rode very stable, so I went back to Motel 6, picked up Deb and away down Interstate 65 we went on the way to Key West. I had hopes of making Montgomery AL, but we settled for Birmingham as it approached sundown. We had taken Wayne Garrison's advice and picked up a hotel/motel discount coupon magazine at the TN/AL border. Deb found a deal at La Quinta, exit 94 just north of Birmingham for $49 plus tax. Beautiful place, hot tub outside, and German and Canadian wheel chair rugby players in attendance for a tournament. We went across the road ... read more