I hope it doesn’t wear off. I don’t have a fun backup.

Sorry for the lapse in providing you morning material. I’ve been a slacker. Glad you made it through Irma ok.

I’ve been collecting riding experiences and generating raw material — just haven’t been motivated to do anything with it. I feel those clouds moving away. So perhaps you’ll see some more from me soon.

The publishing time that I try to keep is at 5am. MailChimp tells me that’s the best time of day to release content by email. That’s makes it available for breakfast!

…internal memory card. Love that.

And you’re right, what we bring away from an experience is important. The best laid plans can’t always account for that.

I feel I’m following you down the same road Karl. Went on a 150 mile ride last week and I was wondering why I was so sore. That was 8 hours in the saddle wandering around. I don’t have any big rides like yours to compare it to but I can definitely see how the physical realities of life change things. And so far, each change has left me with something just as good. And at time even better!

Yep. The need to escape has greatly reduced. But the need to replenish the soul remains…

You’re in Colorado. What are you smoking?

Ok, I checked. It is weird. I love that song Dom. Now it’s been tainted. For those that don’t know what we’re talking about….

VESPARADO, why don’t you come to your senses?
You been out ridin’ scooters for so long now
Oh, you’re a hard one
I know that you got your reasons
These things that are pleasin’ you
Can hurt you somehow

Don’t you draw the queen of diamonds, boy
She’ll beat you if she’s able
You know the queen of hearts is always your best bet

Now it seems to me, some fine things
Have been laid upon your table
But you only want the ones that you can’t get

VESPARADO, oh, you ain’t gettin’ no younger
Your pain and your hunger, they’re drivin’ you home
And freedom, oh freedom well, that’s just some people talkin’
Your prison is walking through this world all alone

Don’t your feet get cold in the winter time?
The sky won’t snow and the sun won’t shine
It’s hard to tell the night time from the day
You’re losin’ all your highs and lows
Ain’t it funny how the feeling goes away?

VESPARADO, why don’t you come to your senses?
Come down from your scooter, open the gate
It may be rainin’, but there’s a rainbow above you
You better let somebody love you (let somebody love you)
You better let somebody love you before it’s too late

I’ve come to realize how many forces are out there trying to manipulate me into parting with my time and money for an illusion. Took a long, long time to see it. Even longer to do something about it.

Good call. Ascending. The words we use are always loaded with meaning and purpose. Might as well be positive.

Thanks for sharing the comments about Sir Edmund Hillary. His definition of adventure definitely throws open the door to all of us to have an adventure without the need to have something “grand” and expensive.

I love the Fuji X-Pro1. It’s fun to use and the images seem excellent (technically). I’ve not made any prints yet but expect them to be fine as well. I’ve settled in on a little kit — the X-Pro1 body, 35mm F1.4, and the 18mm F2, all gathered together in a military green Domke F‑803 RuggedWear Messenger Bag. There’s a Moleskine journal in one of the pockets and an extra battery in the other. I’m all set.

I’ll be sharing some of the work here at some point. In my latest “Finding My Way” post — all the non-Vespa images were made with the Fuji.

And thanks for your kind words about the things I share. I appreciate them.

Kim has the G16. I continue to use the G15. For riding, my go to cameras are the Canon G15 (for routine work) and the Nikon D3300 for anything I want better quality. The Fuji X-Pro1, much like the Leica M6 before it, isn’t really suited for the riding work I do. It follows along on the kind of documentation I do when I’m out in the world without the Vespa.

The Sirui carbon fiber tripod rides along in the topcase. It is a quality tool. And expensive as you say. But in practice, a dream to use as tripods go.

Those photographic transitions you describe seem to rear their heads from time to time. Just a chronic issue for anyone who takes making images seriously. But I’ve found there’s always a sunny day at the other side. Just takes time.

I was looking at Can-Am Spyders last week. One had a long seat where you might be able to sit way back and accommodate your height. And the ones with CVT transmission would eliminate any troubles with shifters. Interesting machine.

Maybe there is something moto in your future!

Belated best wishes for your 70th birthday. And congratulations on another two-wheeled riding option. How big an assist does it provide? I’ve never investigated them much so I don’t know what to expect. I assume it’s lighter than the gas powered bikes (and quieter!).

Keep squealing Yippee!