where are you, eric liu?

20-mph self-portrait

2008-10-08T22:04:00.005-07:00

20-mph self-portrait
Originally uploaded by bastchild

Mountain sheep

2008-10-08T22:04:00.003-07:00

Mountain sheep
Originally uploaded by bastchild

Badlands

2008-10-08T22:04:00.001-07:00

Badlands
Originally uploaded by bastchild

Badlands National Park

2008-10-08T22:03:00.001-07:00

Badlands National Park
Originally uploaded by bastchild

I swung through the Badlands on route-240 to see the layers volcanic sediment that makes it so famous.

Helmet self-portrait

2008-10-08T22:02:00.005-07:00

Helmet self-portrait
Originally uploaded by bastchild

Windy plains

2008-10-08T22:02:00.003-07:00

Windy plains
Originally uploaded by bastchild

South Dakota rest stop

2008-10-08T22:02:00.001-07:00

South Dakota rest stop
Originally uploaded by bastchild

It was a windy trip through the plains of South Dakota. I managed to ride leaning to the left. A trucker told me to take a secondary road, but I didn't, and the wind eventually calmed down.

Shredded pants

2008-10-08T22:01:00.003-07:00

Shredded pants
Originally uploaded by bastchild

Super 8 Motel in Worthington, MN

2008-10-08T22:01:00.001-07:00

Super 8 Motel in Worthington, MN
Originally uploaded by bastchild

After 510 miles, I stopped in Worthington, Minnesota, 60 miles east of Sioux Falls, South Dakota at 1030pm. I checked into the Super 8 Motel because it had free wifi. All the food places were closed by the time I checked in, so I went to the glorious Super Walmart and bought some frozen food. The rain pants I bought at the Walmart in St. Louis were shredded from the wind. It was cold riding, so I wore my thermals, three jackets, rain pants, and knit cap. That was all I had, but it was still cold.

Somewhere in Minnesota

2008-10-08T22:00:00.003-07:00

Somewhere in Minnesota
Originally uploaded by bastchild

I entered Minnesota by crossing the mighty Mississippi River and noted that I would be running low on gas. With no gas stations in sight, I headed toward a small town off Interstate-90 called Rushford. A red BMW motorcycle stopped to see if I was okay. He recommended taking a different route back to the Interstate (rt 16 to 52), so I had a nice windy detour through a small canyon cut by a river as the sun was setting. It was the highlight of the day.

Amusement parks

2008-10-08T22:00:00.001-07:00

Amusement parks
Originally uploaded by bastchild

The area around the Wisconsin Dells is plagued by tacky amusement parks and sights like "Ripley's Believe it or Not!". It is quite impressive in the number of places that surround the Dells. They must get many visitors in the summers. It was pretty dead when I was visiting.

Wisconsin Dells

2008-10-08T21:59:00.003-07:00

Wisconsin Dells
Originally uploaded by bastchild

You can't see much from here, but you can take a boat tour to view the dells.

Wisconsin Dells

2008-10-08T21:59:00.001-07:00

Wisconsin Dells
Originally uploaded by bastchild

Robert had to work the next day, and I had to travel. I got a late start and headed west toward Badlands National Park in South Dakota. It was more than 800 miles away, so I didn't expect to make it there in one day. I left after noon and stopped at the Wisconsin Dells to take a peek of the limestone gorge.

Dinner with Lois & Ken

2008-10-08T21:58:00.005-07:00

Dinner with Lois & Ken
Originally uploaded by bastchild

Lois is out of frame on the left. Lois is Robert's mother. She cooked us a wonderful meal.

Michael running

2008-10-08T21:58:00.003-07:00

Michael running
Originally uploaded by bastchild

Touchdown dance

2008-10-08T21:58:00.001-07:00

Touchdown dance
Originally uploaded by bastchild

Whassup doc?

2008-10-08T21:57:00.003-07:00

Whassup doc?
Originally uploaded by bastchild

Picking tomatos

2008-10-08T21:57:00.001-07:00

Picking tomatos
Originally uploaded by bastchild

We picked Michael up from his first grade class and went to his grandmother's for dinner. She had him pick some vegetables from the garden.

Keshena, WI

2008-10-08T21:56:00.003-07:00

Keshena, WI
Originally uploaded by bastchild

A small town in the Menominee Indian Reservation.

Route 55

2008-10-08T21:56:00.001-07:00

Route 55
Originally uploaded by bastchild

We took route 55 down from Lakewood. It follows the Wolf River. We passed a group of Harleys lead by a BMW. I resisted the urge to wave.

Small-mouth bass

2008-10-08T21:55:00.001-07:00

Small-mouth bass
Originally uploaded by bastchild

Crossing the stream

2008-10-08T21:54:00.005-07:00

Crossing the stream
Originally uploaded by bastchild

I lost one of the lures the day before, so today I returned with Tevas and shorts to retrieve it. The water wasn't too cold, nor was the current very strong.

$25 mountain bike

2008-10-08T21:54:00.003-07:00

$25 mountain bike
Originally uploaded by bastchild

We went to Lakewood to rent a mountain bike. They let me use a brand new Diamondback without a deposit, credit card, or identification. I, of course, returned it the next day.
We went mountain biking along dirt roads near Cathedral Pines. Then we came back for lunch (gas station broasted chicken with wheat bread) and more fishing.

Fall colors

2008-10-08T21:54:00.001-07:00

Fall colors
Originally uploaded by bastchild

Close to the car

2008-10-08T21:53:00.003-07:00

Close to the car
Originally uploaded by bastchild

Freshly broken limbs

2008-10-08T21:53:00.001-07:00

Freshly broken limbs
Originally uploaded by bastchild

If a tree falls in the forest...

2008-10-08T21:52:00.005-07:00

If a tree falls in the forest...
Originally uploaded by bastchild

Shortly after I fell asleep, I heard the rustling of leaves followed by a large cracking and more rustling. The next morning, I asked Robert if he heard it (no, but he had heard my snoring!). I went to investigate and found this tree that had fallen over next to the road.

Firewatcher

2008-10-08T21:52:00.003-07:00

Firewatcher
Originally uploaded by bastchild

Tin can stove

2008-10-08T21:52:00.001-07:00

Tin can stove
Originally uploaded by bastchild

Coke can stove

2008-10-08T21:51:00.003-07:00

Coke can stove
Originally uploaded by bastchild

Adam made three lightweight alcohol backpacking stoves for me when we went skiing this year. I finally tested them out on this trip. This is the soda can stove. They work brilliantly and are cheap to make. The fuel is denatured alcohol from the paint section of your local hardware store. It boils water within five minutes.

Fishing with Me

2008-10-08T21:51:00.001-07:00

Fishing with Me
Originally uploaded by bastchild

That be a small small-mouthed bass.

Peshtigo River

2008-10-08T21:50:00.003-07:00

Peshtigo River
Originally uploaded by bastchild

Camplife

2008-10-08T21:50:00.001-07:00

Camplife
Originally uploaded by bastchild

We were the only ones here, other than Ken the owner. The camp right along the river with nice tables and fire rings. There are showers and toilets, and a group area with a volleyball net, and even cabins. There's a rope course, and they offer raftng trips and atv rentals. It's a fun place especially at only $4.50 a person a night.

Wildman Ranch

2008-10-08T21:49:00.005-07:00

Wildman Ranch
Originally uploaded by bastchild

Robert and I headed off into the hills, Athelstane, Wisconsin, for some fishing, camping, mountain biking, and Brokeback Mountain. Yeah, right.

Vincent

2008-10-08T21:49:00.003-07:00

Vincent
Originally uploaded by bastchild

"Old Faithful". This used to be Robert's dog, but now it is clearly Sarah's. So much for "man's best friend".

Sarah and Robert

2008-10-08T21:49:00.001-07:00

Sarah and Robert
Originally uploaded by bastchild

Dinner with Sarah & Robert

2008-10-08T21:48:00.003-07:00

Dinner with Sarah & Robert
Originally uploaded by bastchild

(Vincent and Pepper at their feet.) On Sunday, when Adam and his family headed off to church at 1030am, I hit the road -- 399 miles to Waukesha, Wisconsin. I had bought thermal underwear, a knit cap, and rain pants in St. Louis, and pretty much wore all of this on this trip. I had pretty good weather, except for a few patches of rain, when I stopped at a gas station restaurant in Mendota, Illinois. I didn't get to Waukesha until 8pm.

Carnival fun

2008-10-08T21:48:00.001-07:00

Carnival fun
Originally uploaded by bastchild

Bouncy ball

2008-10-08T21:47:00.003-07:00

Bouncy ball
Originally uploaded by bastchild

You get six balls, and try to get them in slots. The total should be either less than 11 or more than 31. The ball is rubber and very bouncy and the table is not level. The sign should read " Lose BIG" because the prizes SUCK.

Catholic carnival

2008-10-08T21:47:00.001-07:00

Catholic carnival
Originally uploaded by bastchild

We walked to the Catholic school and spent a few hours at a carnival. The boys occupied themselves with the games of chance.

Nolan playing soccer

2008-10-08T21:46:00.003-07:00

Nolan playing soccer
Originally uploaded by bastchild

Hunter's soccer skills

2008-10-08T21:46:00.001-07:00

Hunter's soccer skills
Originally uploaded by bastchild

Hunter is the smallest player, but here he takes on the opposing team's best player. His team lost by only one point, but Hunter made one of the goals.

Hunter's soccer skills

2008-10-08T21:45:00.005-07:00

Hunter's soccer skills
Originally uploaded by bastchild

Agony of defeat

2008-10-08T21:45:00.003-07:00

Agony of defeat
Originally uploaded by bastchild

Saturday is soccer day, and we went to two games to watch the boys play. Hunter is in a select club that plays year 'round and requires a tryout. Nolan plays on the recreational league.

Fish tacos

2008-10-08T21:45:00.001-07:00

Fish tacos
Originally uploaded by bastchild

Yum.

Adam cooking fish tacos

2008-10-08T21:44:00.005-07:00

Adam cooking fish tacos
Originally uploaded by bastchild

He made excellent fish tacos in Salt Lake City for the ski trip, and he did the same again.

Hospitality center

2008-10-08T21:44:00.003-07:00

Hospitality center
Originally uploaded by bastchild

Of course, you get to have free beer here. I rode my bike, so I had root beer and pretzels.

Cans of Busch light

2008-10-08T21:44:00.001-07:00

Cans of Busch light
Originally uploaded by bastchild

These were empty cans. The floor by the filling station was saturated in wasted beer -- a shame!

Vats of beer

2008-10-08T21:43:00.003-07:00

Vats of beer
Originally uploaded by bastchild

Yes, that's all beer. There are many of these vats at the plant. There was a crazy statistic like if you had to drink all the beer in one vat, you would have to drink a 24-pk every night for the next 140 years. Or something like that. Once again, I may be wrong.

Beer pipes

2008-10-08T21:43:00.001-07:00

Beer pipes
Originally uploaded by bastchild

Alpha beer is beer before it has gone through beechwood aging. Chip beer has gone through that process already. I may have this wrong, as I am not a beer expert.

Anheuser-Busch brewery

2008-09-19T14:32:00.000-07:00

Anheuser-Busch brewery
Originally uploaded by bastchild

St. Louis is the worldwide headquarters of the Anheuser-Busch company. I took the free brewery tour.

Missouri River

2008-09-18T14:31:00.000-07:00

Missouri River
Originally uploaded by bastchild

We went on a bike ride on the Katy Trail, a rail trail along the Missouri River. We started at St. Charles and went to Defiance 20 miles away. The parking lot in St. Charles was flooded.

Marty

2008-09-17T14:31:00.001-07:00

Marty
Originally uploaded by bastchild

Also known as Moto-x and Mojo.

Nolan and Hunter

2008-09-17T14:31:00.000-07:00

Nolan and Hunter
Originally uploaded by bastchild

Guestroom

2008-09-16T14:31:00.000-07:00

Guestroom
Originally uploaded by bastchild

I found Adam and Rebecca's place around 830pm. It was getting colder out -- 61F I saw on a bank sign. It was dark, but they brought me in, fed me, and gave me a warm bed. Ah...

Me in St. Louis

2008-09-16T14:30:00.000-07:00

Me in St. Louis
Originally uploaded by bastchild

Missouri river rising

2008-09-16T14:27:00.000-07:00

Missouri river rising
Originally uploaded by bastchild

It was cold all day, and I wore three jackets and still got cold in the evening. I made it to St. Louis around 7pm. I went to the riverside road, but it was closed off for being flooded. That's a stop sign underwater. Hurricane Ike came through and dumped a bunch of water early in the week.

Nashville, TN

2008-09-16T14:26:00.000-07:00

Nashville, TN
Originally uploaded by bastchild

The next day Dave had to work, so I headed off early.
This was my longest day in the saddle -- I drove 622 miles to St. Louis, Missouri. Around halfway was Nashville, Tennessee. I left at 7am, and got here around 1pm.
Note the "free" parking, just at the end of a metered space.

"Fishing"

2008-09-15T14:25:00.001-07:00

"Fishing"
Originally uploaded by bastchild

Kennedy

2008-09-15T14:25:00.000-07:00

Kennedy
Originally uploaded by bastchild

Carvel's ice cream

2008-09-15T14:24:00.002-07:00

Carvel's ice cream
Originally uploaded by bastchild

Ian

2008-09-15T14:24:00.001-07:00

Ian
Originally uploaded by bastchild

Carne asada rolled tacos

2008-09-15T14:24:00.000-07:00

Carne asada rolled tacos
Originally uploaded by bastchild

This is my standard meal at Mexican restaurants. I reminds me of the 3 rolled tacos for $1 in Tijuana, but not nearly as good, of course.

Dave at El Sombrero

2008-09-15T14:23:00.000-07:00

Dave at El Sombrero
Originally uploaded by bastchild

Dave didn't have to go to work until early evening so we went to buy some stuff for the bike, i.e. a new 12v power adapter from Advanced Auto Parts, and some clip-on sunglasses for my glasses that blew off at 70 mph four days ago.
We stopped for lunch here before picking up the kids.

Dave and Chris' guest room

2008-09-15T14:22:00.000-07:00

Dave and Chris' guest room
Originally uploaded by bastchild

Sunday had good weather and Monday was predicted to be rainy across the region, so I took off for Gainesville, GA to see my friend Dave from medical school. It was 382 miles. It was great weather all the way there, but I didn't leave until 130pm, and I arrived around 8pm. After two hours on the bike, I realized my phone wasn't charging, and the 12v power adapter had corroded from all the rain from the previous days, so I had to navigate old school (with sea charts and a sextant).

Rob and Allison

2008-09-14T14:22:00.001-07:00

Rob and Allison
Originally uploaded by bastchild

Rob took the bike around the neighborhood too.

On the lawnmower

2008-09-14T14:22:00.000-07:00

On the lawnmower
Originally uploaded by bastchild

I took a spin on their lawnmower. Like Rob says, it's fun for about a minute, then it's just a chore.

Wilmington, NC

2008-09-13T14:20:00.000-07:00

Wilmington, NC
Originally uploaded by bastchild

From Fort Fisher, it was a short drive to Wilmington, NC. There was a cute downtown area and riverwalk.

Fort Fisher

2008-09-13T14:19:00.002-07:00

Fort Fisher
Originally uploaded by bastchild

This was a Confederate sand fort that protected Wilmington, the largest town in North Carolina (at the time), just 30 minutes to the north. Apparently sand forts held up better against exploding shells than the wood or mortar forts.

Shark tooth fossil

2008-09-13T14:19:00.001-07:00

Shark tooth fossil
Originally uploaded by bastchild

There was a fossil pit next to the parking lot a the aquarium, so we went digging for fossils. We ended up finding around 25 fossilized teeth. Having never done this before, I was pretty pleased with myself.

Aquarium

2008-09-13T14:19:00.000-07:00

Aquarium
Originally uploaded by bastchild

These scuba divers held a question and answer session.

Aquarium

2008-09-13T14:18:00.002-07:00

Aquarium
Originally uploaded by bastchild

Loggerhead turtle

2008-09-13T14:18:00.001-07:00

Loggerhead turtle
Originally uploaded by bastchild

Aboard the ferry

2008-09-13T14:18:00.000-07:00

Aboard the ferry
Originally uploaded by bastchild

It was a quick 30 minute ride to the Ft. Fisher.

Me and Rob

2008-09-13T14:17:00.001-07:00

Me and Rob
Originally uploaded by bastchild

Ferry to Ft. Fisher

2008-09-13T14:17:00.000-07:00

Ferry to Ft. Fisher
Originally uploaded by bastchild

The next day we drove to Southport, North Carolina and took the ferry to Fort Fisher, a Civil War Confederate Fort and to visit the Aquarium. It was $5 for the ferry but free for motorcycles (I sat in the car).

Dinner with the family

2008-09-12T14:17:00.000-07:00

Dinner with the family
Originally uploaded by bastchild

Allison, Rob, Jonas, and Luke

Myrtle Beach

2008-09-12T14:16:00.000-07:00

Myrtle Beach
Originally uploaded by bastchild

The beach is nice here and the water is around 85 F. The Gulf Stream warms the water. There are many condos skyrises along the beach, and loads of restaurants and stores in town.

Rob and Allison

2008-09-12T14:15:00.001-07:00

Rob and Allison
Originally uploaded by bastchild

I stopped in Myrtle Beach, SC, only 45 minutes from Georgetown, and stayed with my friends from my Biloxi days. We went to get lunch at a New York Pizzeria. I had a salad. Distance travelled: 43 miles.

Bay View Inn

2008-09-12T14:15:00.000-07:00

Bay View Inn
Originally uploaded by bastchild

The next morning was clear so took care of some bike maintenance, checking the oil, and resetting the computer, and lubing the chain. By the time I was finished, a dark cloud loomed and I got back on the bike. Sure enough, 15 minutes later I went through a short shower, but long enough to soak my boots again. Will they ever dry?

Bay View Inn

2008-09-11T14:14:00.001-07:00

Bay View Inn
Originally uploaded by bastchild

Around 730pm, the rain lightened and I got back on my bike to look for a place to stay up north. I decided to avoid the interstate because of the rain, and bypassed Hilton Head which was under a rain cloud. I lucked out with only a few spells of rain, and drove for the next 3.5 hours to Georgetown, SC. I found the first motel in town ($45) and checked in. Distance travelled: 401 miles.

Savannah College of Art and Design

2008-09-11T14:14:00.000-07:00

Savannah College of Art and Design
Originally uploaded by bastchild

That's my bike parked to the far right under the awning. It's on the sidewalk next to the bicycles. I pretty much will avoid paying for parking whilst I ride my bike. After my trip to Miami, I realized that a motorcycle can get away with free parking if you park between parking meters on the white line.

Downtown Savannah

2008-09-11T14:13:00.001-07:00

Downtown Savannah
Originally uploaded by bastchild

Savannah riverwalk

2008-09-11T14:13:00.000-07:00

Savannah riverwalk
Originally uploaded by bastchild

Old cotton warehouses by the river are now converted into trendy restaurants and bars.

Vinnie Van Gogo Pizzeria

2008-09-11T14:12:00.001-07:00

Vinnie Van Gogo Pizzeria
Originally uploaded by bastchild

It started to rain again, so I stopped for a pizza here with a pink lemonade. I called up my brother Kevin for weather and travel advice for the rest of the day. It was early, around 2pm when I arrived in Savannah, so it was too early to call it quits. Kevin and I were decided where the rain clouds were headed and when I would have a good weather window.

Downtown Savannah

2008-09-11T14:12:00.000-07:00

Downtown Savannah
Originally uploaded by bastchild

Savannah has a beautiful downtown area with many shops and restaurants and garden squares.

Locking my helmet and jacket

2008-09-11T14:11:00.002-07:00

Locking my helmet and jacket
Originally uploaded by bastchild

I found an outdoor outfitter and bought a pacsafe mesh. I wanted the 120 L size, but they only had the 65-L size. It was a pricey $70 that I spent, not feeling comfortable having all my gear just bungeed to the bike. I placed the mesh on the gear just as a visual deterrent. I never used it again. What a waste. I have found that for the most part, people don't mess with motorcycles.

Sidewalk parking

2008-09-11T14:11:00.001-07:00

Sidewalk parking
Originally uploaded by bastchild

The rest of the afternoon, I took Interstate-90 and crossed the state line into Georgia, heading toward Savannah. As I approached Savannah, it began to rain and continued to rain all afternoon. After a quick visit to the Visitor's Center, I headed downtown, and parked on the sidewalk next to the other bicycles.

Ferdinanda Beach

2008-09-11T14:11:00.000-07:00

Ferdinanda Beach
Originally uploaded by bastchild

From Jacksonville, I headed to Amelia Island, Florida about 30 minutes north. I stopped here at Ferdinanda Beach and had a couple granola bars.

Jacksonville

2008-09-11T14:10:00.001-07:00

Jacksonville
Originally uploaded by bastchild

From Starke, I took the Interstate to Jacksonville, Florida, about 90 minutes away. I stopped down by the riverside area and then promptly left when I realized there was nothing to see there on a Thursday morning.

Next morning

2008-09-11T14:10:00.000-07:00

Next morning
Originally uploaded by bastchild

It was overcast and humid, but not raining -- a promising day for the road.

Five dollar meal

2008-09-10T14:09:00.002-07:00

Five dollar meal
Originally uploaded by bastchild

A medium drink, a side order (I had a salad), three mini burgers, and two mini chili hot dogs. How can you beat that?

Seafoam green walls

2008-09-10T14:09:00.001-07:00

Seafoam green walls
Originally uploaded by bastchild

The floor was very dirty -- after a few steps my feet would be black. Oh well. At least I could dry out my clothes and supplies and warm up. It was an early end to my first day. It continued to rain most of the evening until 9pm, when I decided to go out and find some food. The only thing open was Krystal, so I had my first meal there.

Deluxe Inn

2008-09-10T14:09:00.000-07:00

Deluxe Inn
Originally uploaded by bastchild

Around 5pm, I was cold, wet, tired, and had to use to restroom. I didn't have the GPS to guide me as it had been raining and my pda phone isn't waterproof, so I decided to stop at this cheap-looking motel in Starke, Florida. It was only $35/night. Distance travelled: 180 miles -- pathetic.

Abandoned gas station

2008-09-10T14:08:00.002-07:00

Abandoned gas station
Originally uploaded by bastchild

I spent an hour under cover, waiting for the rain to stop, in Ocala, Florida. It never did, so I rode for the next couple hours under light rain.

Hard rain

2008-09-10T14:08:00.001-07:00

Hard rain
Originally uploaded by bastchild

It wasn't long after I rode off that the rain from Hurricane Ike down south affected my trip. I had been driving on Interstate-75 when a heavy downpour unleashed. I then decided to take local highway 301, where gas stations could provide more frequent cover.

Rolling out

2008-09-10T14:08:00.000-07:00

Rolling out
Originally uploaded by bastchild

Cheap GPS receiver mount

2008-09-10T14:07:00.001-07:00

Cheap GPS receiver mount
Originally uploaded by bastchild

I installed a $50 motorcycle mount for my pda phone, a 12v power plug to my battery, and duct taped a ziplock bag to my crossbar for the GPS bluetooth receiver. Nice.

Bike with gear

2008-09-10T14:07:00.000-07:00

Bike with gear
Originally uploaded by bastchild

How did I end up with this much stuff? All I wanted was a backpack, but then I decided to bring some camping gear (sleeping pad, sleeping bag, bivy tent, bivy sack, cook set, stove) and some motorcycle maintenance supplies (brake fluid, chain lube, oil, tools). There are expensive luggage options for motorcycles, which can be up to $1000, but I installed a tail rack so I could bungee cord a milk crate to it. I also bungee corded the backpack to the milk crate. It's stable, but also has some give.

Heading off again

2008-09-10T14:06:00.000-07:00

Heading off again
Originally uploaded by bastchild

It's been just over two years since I returned to the States from my 'round-the-world trip, and it's time for me to head out again. In the last three months I bought a motorcycle, took a safety course, obtained my license, and put in my 90-day notice at the job. After a week of goodbye meals at work and a drunken night out with friends, I loaded up my "farkled" bike and headed out on the road. The plan -- to make it to San Diego before my October 14th return flight back to Tampa (I have to actually pack up and move out with my truck by November 5th and go to Haiti for a medical mission October 17th).