So the trip comes to an end. Two great weeks and 3000 miles of riding with no particular destination or schedule. This was somehow a very relaxing 2 weeks. Dave is way too easy to travel with, I hope I was the same (except my lack of navigational prowess..).

High point: The Amish hands down. Their work ethic, the increased control they have over their lives, and the simplicity of their lives (maybe seemingly) is inspirational. Their rules are a little wacky (no bikes, no inflatable tires, etc) but they seem to have a good handle on quality of life. Someone has to remember how to work the land without fossil fuels (well kinda).

Low point: Without question Floyds barber shop being closed the one day I was in Mayberry. The psychological scars will be long in healing.

Best stop: The motorcycle museum. The guy running that place is living out his passionate pursuit (and there were 350 restored motorcycles in one building).

Best road: Hands down the Blue Ridge Parkway. Skyline Drive is much the same but the 35 mph speed limit is tough on a motorcycle. This is a smooth road through undeveloped woods sprinkled with panoramic views on both sides of the road (just to balance the neck muscles).

Technology: Motels with no wi-fi, or trying to charge extra for wi-fi was annoying. McDonalds has free wi-fi in every store and $1.00 coffee (just stay away from the cherry pies). Having the netbook was great for googling what we saw that day, getting the weather, or planning the next day (actually planning today) with Google Maps.

Fun people we met: The Kiwis who were travelling around for 6 weeks on beemers added some perspective on our own country. The woman at the motel in Kentucky was a hoot. The guy with "f--k you" tatooed on his neck was enthusiastic.

Motels: The worst was a 13 way tie. The nicest was Blakeslee. Dave has an uncanny way of picking motels. He is gifted that way.

Stuff: Camp stuff didn't work out. As the Kiwi's said, you end up paying almost the same for a campground with hot water as a cheap motel, and no ants. Clothes were about right (one to wash, one to wear). The bike jackets and pants worked great. The Frog Toggs are fantastic. Dave had visibility issues with rain and my hands got soaked without waterproof gloves. The motorcycles performed flawlessly and after 2 weeks my beemer felt like an extension of my body.

Anyway, a great trip. This has been a much needed 2 weeks for me after a long year without a break. There is indeed something magical in riding a motorcycle. Being out in the elements makes it more genuine for some reason. Travelling helps you put home in perspective, how some things are different and yet some are the same. Travelling away from the tourist attractions, getting lost, gives you a snapshot of how normal people live, and when you show up in their small isolated towns, people are interested in you. My faith in people is always restored after a trip and 99.9 percent of the people you meet are good people who would help you out if you needed it.

I am sure Dave is already thinking about the next trip. So am I.