 |
| Point State Park Pittsburgh, PA June 14, 2024 |
Riding out of Pittsburgh along the river was beautiful and also a testament to the steel city.
We will depart West Newton in a few minutes to hit the trail again full and ready for the remainder of the day. The weather is awesome.
Bob Doan, West Newton. PA
It is early and we are hoping get 60 miles done before the afternoon thunderstorms.
More later.
— Bob Doan, Pittsburgh, PA
 |
| Luke Catching Flying Seafood Ellicott City, MD June 12, 2024 |
I have to admit, I am still getting used to the oppressive traffic in the Baltimore area. I had forgotten how bad traffic is on the main roads from about 3:30 PM to after 7 PM. I have been about 15 minutes late for everything I have attempted during those times. Last night was no exception.
We had a wonderful time at the restaurant, once we arrived. The family had good fun at the table and there was so much to discuss--especially for those of us heading out on the GAP ride tomorrow.
Of course the meal ended with the tossing of shrimp and people trying to catch it in their mouths. I do not think anyone caught the shrimp. That was lucky for me because the chef forgot I'm allergic to and I got caught in the moment of trying to catch the airborne shellfish until the cry at the table brought me to reality and I allowed the seafood to bounce off my face.
It was truly a fun evening with family.
 |
| 3D Printer Printing Glen Burnie, MD June 10, 2024 |
I brought the non-functional printer with me as we journeyed north and Monday night, shortly after Chris and I returned to Maryland, Patrick gave the printer about 30 minutes of his time and then, miraculously, the printer printed its first, possibly ever, project.
Amazing1
For my part, I was close to the fix, but not having Patrick's depth of knowledge the obvious problem was unseen by me. Now I get to take the printer back to Florida and hopefully will start making projects.
I am still preparing for the upcoming bike event as we depart for the GAP ride on Thursday afternoon! I may do an easy 8-11 mile ride today just to stay in shape.
-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD
An amazing thing happened on the road yesterday. My truck turned in its best MPG ever! It hit 20.8 MPG as we were struggling in Virginia I-95 traffic. I am lucky that my smart glasses can take an image without my eyes leaving the road. The previous best was something in the 19 MPG range. I have no idea why a truck with over 91,000 miles suddenly got a bit more efficient, but I'm happy about it.
The drive yesterday, while shorter than the day before, seemed longer. Maybe it was the crazy traffic we encountered from about Richmond, VA, to our destination.
I am happy to report that my bike arrived without any problems. I took it for a short spin around the neighborhood to do a basic check, but I'm hopeful of a longer ride later today or tomorrow just to do a complete check and keep myself in shape for the upcoming GAP ride.
It is going to be a busy few days.
-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD
 |
| Ground Floor Room Fayetteville, NC June 9, 2024 |
An obstructed view with the air conditioning unit and a view of the parking lot. I've had better, but I think never worse. We are in a first floor suite, but it is convenient since we are traveling with Finn. And, it turns out, we don't leave the shades open because people can see into the room.
Finn in the Hotel
Fayetteville, NC
June 9, 2024
Finn has adapted to the room quite well, as long as we are with him. He woke me about 5 AM with the need to go outside, which I dutifully did and at least he made the interruption of my sleep worthwhile. He came back to the room and went to sleep--I was not so lucky; drifting off only briefly.
We are heading to breakfast soon and then it is back on the road for the most grueling 5 hours of the trip. It would be a great drive, if only we could somehow avoid the Richmond to Washington drive on I-95. It is sure to be fraught with traffic and stops. Hopefully the morning rush will be mostly over once we get to Richmond.
-- Bob Doan, Fayetteville, NC
 |
| On the Road I-95 in Florida June 9, 2024 |
Finns finally settled and we just completed our first rest stop so maybe he will sleep for a while. He was funny this morning making sure that we were not leaving without him.
Well, a long day ahead and despite the thunderstorm forecast, it is clear now. I put my bike in the truck bed rather than have it hanging on the rack in back to protect it from the elements.
And the road goes on
Bob Doan, Edgewater, Fl
 |
| Dinner at Cooper's Hawk Palm Beach Gardens, FL June 6, 2024 |
Before Friday even began we enjoyed a great meal, and some wine, at Cooper's Hawk on Thursday evening. It was one of those spur-of-the-moment decisions and we had a great time for a couple hours of wine tasting and then eating a very nice meal.
And then Friday arrived.
 |
| Chris Checking Out a Hat Tequesta, FL June 6, 2024 |
I will plan on blogging from the road to advise of the actual conditions. I guess my bike, which will be on the bike rack on the back of the truck, is going to get wet! It probably will not be the last time it gets wet as rain is forecast during the GAP ride.
-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL
#travel #biking #GAP #GreatAlleghenyPassage #CoopersHawk
 |
| US-1 Bridge Construction Loxahatchee River, Jupiter, FL June 6, 2024 |
The water, as it was just after high tide, was crystal clear. Truly. We could see the bottom at 15 feet depth. That is something that does not often happen here.
The bridge construction was exciting as they have started placing the beams for the second span. We may actually have a US-1 highway bridge over the Loxahatchee River by November! That would certainly ease the wintertime traffic congestion. We saw additional beams on a barge waiting to be emplaced. 
On the Beach
Tequesta, FL
June 6, 2024
After passing through the bridge construction area we turned around and headed back north to a fairly secluded, accessible only by boat, beach up the ICW. There is one very popular beach, but I chose to head a bit further north to an area where boat access is easy, but most boater choose not to land because it is a narrow strip of beach that, since the tide was going out, I knew would get larger as we enjoyed ourselves. I had to adjust the boat on the beach after an hour or so as the receding tide meant that it was becoming a bit too beached for my liking. Turns out, that was a good choice. We were able to get underway after enjoying lunch and a few hours in the sun without having to resort to extreme measures to reflect the boat. 
Osprey in a Tree
Jupiter Island, FL
June 6, 2024
As it was just after noon, we motored north to Bridge Road in Hobe Sound to enjoy the wild areas that can only be observed from the water. We happened upon a pair of Ospreys in a tree who did not seem to mind ur presence. I was able to get a fairly good image of one of them, but the other flew off before I could frame a shot of both of them.
It was a very enjoyable morning and we returned to the marina about 1:30 PM after four hours of boating and beaching.
-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL
#boating #ICW #osprey #US1bridgejupiter
 |
| Shooting into the Sun Carlin Park, Jupiter, FL June 3, 2024 |
The bike worked to perfection, except for a small click in one of the gears. I may take it back in tomorrow to have the click checked if it doesn't go away during my ride.
Now, however, my big project is that I am beginning to pack the panniers for the ride and trying to decide which items should go where. It is not easy since I have never attempted a ride with the complexity and length of the GAP. I know that I will forget something, probably something important.
Today, however, is a boat day! We will cruise the intracoastal and get some beach time. I haven't yet decided exactly which beach to beach the boat at, but given that the tide will be high, but receding, there should be a couple of nice beaches from which to choose.
Should be a nice Thursday.
-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL
Posts
All Comments
