If you recall, recently I removed my OEM backup camera from the tailgate that has been in storage and installed it on the back door of my Four Wheel Camper. I forgot how nice it was to see what was in back of you while backing up in the forest with a camper on the rear of your vehicle!
This was an interesting section of the trail which cut trough a working forest where Southern Yellow Pine was being harvested and replanted. It was lunch time and there was a helicopter performing aerial spraying so I took time to eat and enjoy the aerial ballet. Not too far from here was a washed out bridge that had a really rough go around that I considered attempting. Since I was short on time and not interested in complicating things - I checked my map and found a proper go-around that only delayed me ten minutes. With the initial go around, the risk was moderate, the payoff was mild. I set my pride aside and made the correct choice, I opted for the proper go-around and continued on with only a ten minute delay and no damage.
Oh how I wish this picture was able to accurately capture this beautiful morning. When I awoke it appeared that each blade of grass was frozen into a crystal but when I realized it was above fifty degrees Fahrenheit, I smiled since it was just a heavy dew. It was a quiet field of wet grass shimmering in the morning sun. A new day had begun and I was nearing the end. I was in the southern section now which is mostly flat farmlands and sandy farm roads. The small farm towns reminded me of my travels throughout the flyover states in the mid-west.
One danger during high-noon on sandy backroads like this is being unable to identify washed out sections of the road. There were a few times that I would be moving along at 35 mph and unexpectedly come upon a washed out section hidden in the shadows. And again, traveling in a southerly direction made this even more difficult. One of the advantages of traveling at night with powerful lighting up front is being able to clearly identify the texture of the road ahead.
Down south cotton fields are common. And so are fire ants! Since I was driving into the sun most of the time I stopped occasionally to clean my windows. While finishing up my passenger window I noticed my feel were beginning to feel funny and sting. After a few more seconds I looked down and noticed I was standing atop a fire ant mound in sandals. It was not as funny at the time but looking back,
what was I thinking!
Just in case you didn't know, cotton is a heliotropic plant which displays a solar tracking ability.
God created an amazing world for us to enjoy - sometimes we just need to slow our lives down to enjoy the beauty He created.
The Georgia Adventure Trail was completed in three long days where I was able to cover 678 miles in over 22 hours of actual drive time with an average speed of 30 mph. That was too fast compared to my normal pace but I had a hard deadline to meet since I was supporting my son racing at Daytona International Speedway.
It was an even bigger day for him though since he was planning to propose to his girlfriend, Kelsie. My son, Chet III, is a strong young man who enjoys loading himself up with heavy lifts, struggling, and then enjoying the success. Like I have always told him, "the good would not feel so good unless that bad hurt so bad." He along decided to schedule his proposal on the same weekend as his championship race. He coordinated with Daytona and AMA/ASRA to make this all happen. Bravo Zulu son and thank God that Kelsie said yes!
My son took one first and two second places this race weekend but he won big in many other ways. His long term commitment and self-discipline resulted in him winning four regional championships and taking second overall in two others. The list is long but I can summarize it by saying that he competed in Supersport and Superbike events in multiple classes across several regions.
His biggest win is Kelsie though - the girl is an absolute angel and I am not quite sure how she is able to put up with him, lol.
Far too may people never actually live life - we just follow a path others have designated, we play by their rules, and expect some glorious retirement where we will be rewarded for all of our pain and suffering along the way. The sad thing is, some of us never make it that far, and many that do, are unable to enjoy retirement as we had planned. I jumped our of helicopters without a parachute, I roadraced motorcycles, I quite the highest paying job I ever had and began driving around the country on dirt roads and disappearing into the mountains. I can truly say I have lived life and it appears my son has chosen the same path.
“There’s a lie that all drivers tell themselves. Death is something that happens to other people, and that’s how you find the courage to get in the car in the first place. The closer you are to death the more alive you feel. But more powerful than fear itself, is the will to win.” ~ James Hunt
A short video capturing this most beautiful moment - I wish you both a happy and wonderful life!
