CHARLESTON, SC

I am taking a day off today. I made Charleston and Gunny's about 6:30 last night. They actually picked my up enroute and we went to the local Hooter for dinner. We met a couple of their friends at there and had a good evening. It was a good end to a very good day of riding. I left Elisebeth City, NC yesterday AM. I got a late start (9:00) and did some touring on US 17 and NC 37. I followed that to 64 and then took 32 down to Hwy 92. 92 took me back to US 17. It was a nice ride though rural NC. I had my D 70 out and tried shooting some picture on the run. I haven't looked at them yet, but will later today. It was nice rural riding. Even got stuck behind some big farm equipment. Just like back home. The rural roads down here are numbers so were very similar to our county roads. Once I got back on 17 I rode that all the way to Charleston.

Toward noon, the traffic started to get pretty heavy and I put the camera away. It was time to make some miles and stay alert so that I could avoid those cages out there trying to get away for the weekend and run me over in the process. One advantage of riding a big bike pulling a trailer and heavily loaded is that it is hard to miss seeing me. I had time to enjoy the country as I passed thorough it. I was amazed at all of the timber in NC. I could see where they had clear cut some pieces of land but was very aware of all of the trees that were still growing. There were large crop land and then large chunks of heavy woodland. The temp was in the 80's which was cool compared to the last few day. With the forest land I was in and out of the shade which made for some cooler riding. Again, when I am on the scoot, I am part of the enviroment and therefore, any little change in temp and dampness is immediately felt. The oders of the back water, salt flats and greenery was very interesting and for the most part pleasant. Again, an advantage of being on the bike.

I followed 17 threw the rest of NC and into SC. I called Gunny in late afternoon to let him know I was still on my way and to get a suggestion on how to get around Mertle Beach. He made a good suggestion. At that point I thought that I would get in around 5:30. So much for plans. The northern SC coast area is well developed and everybody seemed to be headed someplace. Traffic was heavy and on a couple of occasions very backed up. There was all developments and no trees. Then it got hot on the tarmac. Once I got passed the beach traffic, it was good road and easy travel. When I came into Charleston, traffic was light for me because everyone was trying to get out of town. I took myselt as far as I could toward Gunny's house till memory failed and I pulled into a parking lot and called. He and Patty met me at the parking lot and then away we went to Hooters and a good evening of friends and fellowship.

Thats all for now but will come back later today and bring up to speed on days 1,2, & 3. Milo