After Action Report
R&R 2003
Miles Driven: 8657
Miles Riding: 2744
Hours Sleeping: Not Enough
Lbs.Gained: More Than Enough
TOTAL: PRICELESS
August 25:
We gave the Rooster a rude wake-up call when we departed home at O Dark 30. The first day’s drive logged over one thousand miles and we stopped for the night just west of Little Rock, AK.
August 26:
Arrived in Fort Worth Texas about 2:00 pm and got settled in to a Hotel about four blocks from Bob Taylor’s place. I called Bob to let him know that we had arrived safe and sound and then we headed to his place for much needed refreshment and Pizza. We must have talked four hours. Bob gave us an overview of the menu that he planned for the next days feast and I can tell you that I was hungry just thinking about it.
August 27:
Arrived at Bob’s place and the smell of food was enough to drive you nuts. The man really knows his way around the kitchen. I’m gonna beg him to post the recipes for the smoked Brisket, Glazed Ham, and the Chicken, lets not forget the Baked Beans. The food was to die for and the conversation and friendship were a perfect compliment to the evening. Willie Mehan added a lot to the evening and proved to be just what the Doctor ordered. Lorraine had nothing but good things to say about everyone.
Thanks Bob T. our stay in Fort Worth was memorable.
August 28:
Back in the covered wagon for the next leg heading to San Antonio and a visit with Johnny Hubbs and Karen. Johnny was a door gunner with the Cav. I met Johnny at a VHCMA reunion several years ago. Lorraine and I enjoy his company and he and Karen both ride. We did some riding in the Texas Hill country for a few days and had a great time with Johnny and Karen.
September 1:
Off to Alpine, Texas and a meeting with Roy Daniel. We checked in to a Best Western Hotel and were given room # 119, this was not a request. We hooked up with Roy and a few of his friends (all on motorcycles) and had a great dinner at a local Mexican restaurant.
The next morning we took off on the bikes and toured Big Bend National Park. Roy is a fantastic tour guide and very well versed on the park, the area, and everything else. We logged over two hundred miles on the bikes that day and had a great time. The scenery is fantastic, everything from Desert to mountain Pine Forrest and a stretch that runs along the Rio Grand River. Unfortunately Roy had to get back home so he was not able to stay another day. The next day Lorraine and I rode into the Davis Mountains. Once again we had a great day with many fantastic views, good weather, and good riding.
Did I mention that to this point we have been eating our way across the US.
September 4:
We packed the Bikes into the trailer and headed for Alamogordo, New Mexico. We had no shortage of good riding weather and things to see, also no shortage of good dining. All of the places we have stopped at are packed with History and natural beauty. On this leg we toured White Sands National Monument. The ride is about 8 miles out into the desert and for the entire ride you are surrounded by pure white sand dunes. I will post some photos which will give you some perspective.
September 7:
Packed up the bikes again and headed north to Santa Fe. We actually stayed in Los Alamos. We put quite a few miles on the bikes riding in the mountains to the west of Los Alamos one day and to the north the next. On this leg we backed off on the food. Turns out that we were getting better gas mileage than the bikes.
September 10:
On the road again heading for Taos, New Mexico. This was the only part of our trip that was dampened by rain. You have to understand that it does not rain in Taos but it does in the mountains surrounding it. Our first stop was Angel Fire, New Mexico and my first personal visit to the Angel Fire National Vietnam War Museum. I was speechless for quite some time. Not only is the Memorial fitting and beautiful but it’s location is breathtaking. The town next to Angel Fire is Eagles Nest (Both fitting names) they are located in valleys surrounded by Pine covered mountains at about 8000 ft. above sea level. If you haven’t seen it put it on your list of things to do before it’s too late.
We spent two days touring and eating and this is where my $4.00 coin got me a free beer. Thanks Bob K.
September 13:
By now packing up and driving is becoming a little thin but we are off for Yosemite Park in California. This leg was a 1 ½ day drive. There is not much I can say that will do justice to this place so I will let some photos do the talking.
September 14:
We are on the last touring leg of a coast to coast journey heading for San Francisco. Checked in at the Walnut Creek Marriott and were given room # 596. As many of you recall that is the number of the Croc Gunship that went down on May 6, 1967 with Mike Ebert being the only survivor. Along with touring We were able to spend a lot of quality time with Mike and his family. They are the perfect family, Mike’s son and daughter are great kids and his wife Maddi is a special lady.
Our touring in the San Fran area included riding north on route 1 which is a very scenic ride. South on Route 1 to Monterey, Carmel, and Big Sir. Another day touring the city of San Fran and another taking a boat across the bay to Sausalito. Mike and his wife arranged for a day in Wine Country (Napa) and a visit to a wine tasting hosted by 120 wineries. Our second night in San Fran we went to Mikes house for dinner and I can say that Mike knows his way around the kitchen. I think he would give Bob Taylor a race. Mike’s dad stopped by for dinner and to visit. He is quite a Gentleman. About half way through the evening he took me off to the side looked me in the eye and said Thank You. I will never forget that moment. This concludes a great R&R.
Mike, if you happen to stop by the site and read this Thank You for a great time in San Francisco. Lorraine and I think the world of you and your family.
Good Friends, Good Scenery, Good Luck, Good Food and a much needed treat for the Sole.
September 24:
Back in the saddle for a 2,800 mile drive east.
Tom Gator 851 & Faithful traveling Companion (Wife of soon to be 36 yrs.) Lorraine