April 22, 2014, one year into my journey! It's been a fantastic adventure!

April 23, 2013 - April 22, 2014
Odometer starting miles: 20,673

Countries Traveled: 16 (including the USA)
Border crossings: 18
Miles traveled: 27,746
Odometer: 48,419
Highest Altitude: 15,957' (Chimborazo)

Moto issues:
- Punctured rear tire, Colombia
- Engine drive shaft seal leak, Colombia
- Crank shaft seal leak, Colombia
(Things happen, I still love Colombia!)

Health:
- Right ear infection, Nicaragua (rode into Granada and the owner
of the hostel called her doctor who made a house call)

Some of my favorite memories were my travels through northern South America and then taking the boats up the Amazon.

Taken on the morning of April 22, 2104 in Canoa:
From April 23, 2014

Two stories, pre-blog:

April 24, 2013,

The fist place I wanted to visit on this journey was the Remington Arms Factory / Museum in Illion, NY. I spent the evening in Utica, NY and arrived at museum at opening time on the 24th. The main entrance was closed however there was a sign directing people to enter via a side door, I'm happy! Entered the building and and walked up to the glass enclosed counter where a security guard, a young heavy set, well more fat really, guy was sitting. We exchanged good mornings and then I told him I wanted to visit the museum. His response, it's closed for renovations and has been for months, it should be open sometime this summer. Me, excuse me, are you serious? Guard, yes, it will be very nice when it opens again though. Me, please tell me you're kidding, your website doesn't mention anything about the museum being closed. Guard, yes I know, I'm not sure why that hasn't been updated. During this conversation, another guard, about my age had walked into the area and sat down. I told the young guard, I own many Remington products and have just rode my motorcycle from Northern Vermont, in the cold and rain, just to see this friggin museum. They way I figure it, you owe me. I want to see Remington World. The young guard just looked bewildered and said there was nothing he could do, the older one started to chuckle. Me, fine then, I'm going to a local sporting goods store, purchase a BB gun pistol and come back here and shoot you in the ass. Young guard, no response, just a confused and worried look not knowing if I was serious and if he'd just been threatened.
I didn't get to see the museum however, myself and one of the guards had a good laugh.

April 25, 2013,

I woke up early and started the days ride in Altoona, PA. It was cold, 34 deg. and other than stopping for food and gas the plan was to ride straight for Athens, OH. Riding west on Hwy 30, a couple miles from Stoystown, PA I saw a sign for the United 93 National Memorial. I stopped at the turn off just to take a look around and get a feel for the place, I hadn't realized I would be passing by this spot, everything seemed so still and quiet. Other than the sign you'd wouldn't know this was where such a horrible act of terror occurred. The road out to the memorial site twists through the rural farmland never hinting at what will be at the end . When I arrived at the Memorial I didn't see a single person or hear any sounds, I remember looking at the the motorcycle clock, 09:11.

Since my last post I've been mostly in Banos holding up on weather. I did some local riding and then made a trip out to the coast. Been getting rained on most everyday. I'm now back in Quito, I had a couple things sent to me from the USA and should have them in a day or two and then I'll head south to Peru. Ecuador is a great place and I've enjoyed the people and my time here however I'm ready to move on.

Late afternoon, 6pm, on 04 April 2014 Mt Tungurahua (near Banos) erupted sending ash 10k into the sky:
From April 23, 2014

From April 23, 2014

From April 23, 2014

From April 23, 2014

From April 23, 2014

At one point he feel asleep and feel off. I slide another piece of wood over so he could lay down:
From April 23, 2014

From April 23, 2014

End of the Line, The Traveling Wilburys

Life is Good!

From July 17, 2013