Wandering Retirees

Long day on the road. We covered 355 miles in about 7 hours to Knoxville, Tennessee. Had something of a late start after trying to find a solution to securing an extra bag to the top of our rear storage compartment. Ended up tying it off using a “Rube Goldberg” concoction of straps. It worked – the bag stayed with us. But getting it off for the night was a chore and a half. The cool look we try to convey was spoiled some by the sweating, grunting and flurry of naughty words. (A violation of procedures on all three counts.) Clearly this will be a work in progress. Otherwise the bike (Trixy) performed flawlessly. 
Did I mention it was a long day? We stopped several times for fuel, refreshment, and (surprise) conversation with a number of friendly and inquisitive folks. The people we met in western Virginia and Tennessee are so polite and solicitous. Willing to ooh and ahh at our story and share of their own travels. Getting a coffee involves a whole host of pleasantries and salutations from the moment you place your order till the barista places the welcome cup in your hand. I note that, being from Jersey, it’s a challenge to maintain focus on the niceties when caffeine is at stake. Clearly I require cultural reprogramming, or decompression or something to adjust to the more relaxed social mores.

We’re staying in Knoxville an extra day due to coming inclement weather. So Friday is our next travel day, probably heading to Arkansas. For the moment, we are gorging on tasty victuals picked up from the Kroger’s nearby. 

Signing off for now. The chips are calling.