guess what?

i just rode my motorcycle to f#@ing florida!

can i get a what what?

seriously, though, this is awesome. i'm so thrilled to be here, i still can't really believe it. not only am i here, but i'm halfway through my trip (which is weird to think about). come to think of it, i still haven't checked the total mileage on my bike yet. i was going to when i got here, but i completely forgot. i'll have to do that at some point.

the day in itself was quick and easy. all the way down I-75 until florida's turnpike (seriously, that's what it's called). about 260 miles, cruising at 75mph most of the way, i knocked it out in about 4 hours flat. cake.

actually, it was surprisingly cold this morning, but not in a bad way. coming through southern georgia, there was mist and fog through the trees as the sun came up (i left early), and it was quite pretty, even from the interstate. i really like riding in the mornings. everything is calm, there's a coolness in the air (even when you're in phoenix and it's 85 degrees) and there's really a zen quality about it. a sunrise after 20 or so miles on the road is one of my favorite things right now.

i'll give my official halftime wrap-up tomorrow, but so far this trip is everything i've wanted it to be. i'm very happy right now, and even though i occasionally get roped into things back home that need doing via email, it's nice to be so completely focused on just one thing. of course, i wish all my friends along the way could enjoy this luxury with me, but i'm honored and extremely thankful to everyone who's putting me up along the way.

so, i am safe and sound in orlando florida for the next two days. this is the furthest away from seattle i will be during the course of the trip (3111 miles straight shot, according to google) and so, from here on out i am essentially heading home, albeit in a roundabout manner. on a side note, i was looking at some travel distances for the next few days and, i have to say, the east coast is small! it's going to be some easy days when i head back out until after cleveland.

until then, i'll be enjoying (read: roasting in) the florida sunshine. in some ways, i'm already itching to get back out there. my butt is enjoying the break, though.

rftc,

scott