I've had the fortune of spending time with family throughout the southeast over the past few weeks. My sister's house and all the associated animals were a real joy to have around for my all too short stay. Seeing my nephew grow up so fast is just another reminder to have fun and be alive, inquisitive and absorbing. Working closer toward "home", I find myself approaching familiar places, roads and spaces of the southeast. Spring is delightfully approaching in blooming redbuds, daffodils and forsythia. Dad and I visited the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History in Kennesaw. The exhibits were well done and illustrated much of the equipment, life and movement of lines throughout the Civil War. An important piece of history lay in the museum, a Steam locomotive by the name of The General. It was involved in "The Great Locomotive Chase", a fascinating piece of early war history when a band of under-cover union soldiers boarded then stole the locomotive from Big Shanty, just outside Kennesaw. The concept of stealing a locomotive just seems so preposterous and I admire their tenacity and courage. Pursued by William Fuller and his men, The General eventually ran out of wood and water, losing steam pressure and stranding them before reaching their destination of Chattanooga, Tennessee. The men were all caught and executed. They were posthumously awarded some of the earliest Medals of Honor. Growing closer to the Virginia area and the familiar territory will only be a rest stop and time to rebuild La Tortuga. Come June, I plan to head north toward Canada's northeastern provinces to ride the Trans-Labrador Hwy and spend a more extensive visit on the island of Newfoundland. Nova Scotia is indeed beautiful that time of year. To imagine the variety of landscapes, roads and sunsets still to behold is a comforting thought, that is travel, adventure and life.
4 Comments
T & D
3/27/2015 10:35:22 am
Great photos Mike...
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pnoman (Mike)
4/3/2015 04:37:14 am
Mike - Did I see your photo on the cover of an Aerostich catalog (Rider magazine - May 2015 - Page 117)? Looks like you and the Ruckus up at Prudhoe Bay last summer!
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Mike
4/4/2015 12:37:50 am
You sure did. They featured me on the cover of their winter magazine. I guess it wound up in the Rider Magazine too. Very neat :) Good eye my friend. Hoping the winter hasn't been too bad on you. I'll be out at Laurel Fork this spring if you happen to make it by.
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Naz Simon
11/1/2015 07:36:57 am
I met you in Labrador City you were leaving to pick up a satellite phone for your trip to Goose Bay, been looking at your photos, you have some good ones there. Was hoping to run into you somewhere on the west coast of Newfoundland, I did meet you you were leaving Burgeo as I was entering the town.. Good Luck.
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Mike SaundersIn May 2014 I quit my job to ride a Honda Ruckus over 69'000 mi and counting. Wild camping most nights and cooking most of my own meals, I keep the costs low and the landscape changing. Archives
April 2018
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