Liz: DAY 19 (Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2002) Got another e-mail message from Jim this morning around 9:30 (10:30EST) saying that he was heading out by himself to go to the zoo to see some local birds.. Jim also signed the Guest Book, saying the "messages on the Guest Book are greedily devoured and appreciated." (I want to thank you all for your continued show of support, too. The positive feedback helps me a lot.) Still no word about the part for Morris' bike. Jim mentioned the ride Dave led him on through San Jose after dark, in the rain last night. He made mention, too, of a few things about a farting contest which continues every night. According to Jim... so far, Morris is the undisputed champ. (One night, a truck passed by with a straight pipe "jake brake". Dave and Jim both thought it was Morris.) Hope to get news about GATOR this evening. T-Shirt George told me that Gator's hernia surgery was on yesterday's schedule. Will do my best to keep you informed. Jim sent what he says is his last e-mail from the slooooooooooooooow computer there at the hotel in San Jose. They're leaving in the morning to get Morris' moto fixed. +++++Got the part today!++++ They'll leave from the shop, heading back toward home. Plan to spend tomorrow night in Liberia, Costa Rica, near the border back into Nicaragua. Jim spent all day looking for bicycle shorts. None to be found. Tried to buy control-top pantie hose in the finest department store at a nice mall in San Jose. The female store clerk called security and had him thrown out! No telling what she thought he was trying to tell her by his communications and gestures... El grande what??? Was planning to go to an ace bandage for a truss, but found later, back at the hotel, that Morris had a pair of biker type shorts Jim could wear. Also said the doctor must have been wrong with his diagnosis this past Saturday. The pills are not helping... he's going back to Advil. Ruth was able to get another call through to Dave tonight at 8:00. Bob Teish had called Dave earlier. I talked to Jim at about 8:30. Got all kinds of info -- some of which contradicts the other. Anyway, here are more tidbits: - Plans are to be packed up and leaving the hotel early in the morning (Wednesday) to get over to the bike shop for Morris to have repairs made on the Kawasaki. -Jim said that once they leave the shop, they will make a stop at some small town of interest in the area, if time permits, then head northward toward Nicaragua... possibly as far as Liberia, a Costa Rican town near the Nicaraguan border. Said they hoped to make it across Nicaragua and Honduras and on into El Salvador the second day (Thursday). He will keep in contact through e-mails as often as possible. - Ruth said Dave told Melena that if they got away from the bike show early tomorrow, he and Morris may head southward to drive down to Panama. - (Does this mean that Jim will be heading in one direction and Dave and Morris will be heading in the other? We'd like for them to all travel together.) Jim: DAY 19 (Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2002) Dave and Morris didn't seem interested in going to the zoo so I called a taxi and set off on my own. Zoo was neat. Had some animals I had never seen in a live state, just pix and movies. The part for Morris' bike came while I was out and he & Dave were planning to head out to the moto shop in the a.m., get the hub replaced and head toward home. Great. I was getting itchy sitting around. Took a taxi to the large, very modern mall on the outskirts of town to try and find some bicycle shorts. Three stores later I came to the conclusion that fat people don't ride bycicles -- no size 38-40 -- only for wasp waisted young folks. There was a large fancy department store in the mall, similar to Macy's or Rich's, and I remembered Qball's suggestion to get a couple of pairs of pantie hose and cut the legs out. As it was an emergency repair to get me back home, it sounded like a plan. I found the Women's Department and a nice looking young saleslady. Tried to ask her in my piss poor Spanish and sign language for a pair of "Extra Grande" pantie hose. Must have made some wrong gesture or used the wrong word 'cause she called an armed guard and he threw me out of the store!!! They must have thought I was some kind of pervert. Imagine that!!!!!! Liz: DAY 20 (Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2002) [Thursday, Jan. 10, 3:00pm: Sorry this update is delayed. My internet provider was out, unexpectedly, for the past 24 hours. Just got straightened out! It's been another one of those days! Liz] Wednesday: Good news. I called and talked to both Sonya and Gator tonight. Gator had "out patient" surgery on Monday. He left the hospital with pain pills in hand. Said he's still taking them, but feels much better today than he did Monday or Tuesday. Will be a week or more before he can drive the truck; will be few weeks before he can get back on his bike. Thinks he will be ready for bike week when it roles around. I got a call (9:30pm) from Jim. Left a number for me to try to call him back, but I couldn't call, as the number was from a pay phone which was "not authorized to receive International calls." Jim called back later -- another pre-paid 3 minute call. He, Dave and Morris had a good ride for most of the day. Stopped at a couple of bike shops. Mid-day, they met a very nice fellow at one of the shops who them to lunch. Later in the day, Jim had a short, or something and lost his headlight. They were running a bit later than they expected because of the time taken at the stops. Getting closer to tonight's destination (Liberia, Costa Rica), Jim said Dave and Morris took off ahead of him -- and he never caught up with them He was on his own. For the last 94 kilometers, Jim was a lone rider (in the dark, with no headlight). It wasn't a fun ride. When Jim got to the motel, Dave and Morris had already checked in and were on their way across the street to get a bite to eat. Jim did speak with Dave briefly, then checked in by himself. Plans to ride on his own again tomorrow. Ruth didn't hear from Dave tonight. Will let you know when she does hear something. Jim: DAY 20 (Wednesday, Jan 9, 2002) My battery was very weak this morning. Didn't want to turn the engine over at all. Finally got the bike cranked and loaded and we all set off for the moto shop near San Jose. Found the shop and met the owner, his wife and their three teenage kids -- two boys, Jeff and Alec and a girl, Melavira. The boys raced motocross and were supposed to be very good. They hit it off with Morris immediately and called their coach, a USA expatriate who was an old motocross rider. They got Morris' front wheel off and began the hub replacement. I was busy unloading Little Red so I could get to the battery and see what was amiss. Turned out that it was low on water. Topped it off and put it on the charger and at the same time disconnected the headlight (no small task), so the charging system might get it back up to snuff on the ride north. Told Dave if it got dark on us I would have to ride between him and Morris to the motel. All repairs complete, we followed Jeff and Alec's coach out to the local motocross track for a demo ride by the boys. It was a Costa Rican national track and was super (see pix). Dave and I ate fruit and watched from above while Morris had a good time down on the track with the boys. We were invited back to their house for lunch. Great food and very gracious folks. Super nice people. Lunch over, we said our thanks and goodbys and took off up the road to a small tourist town that Morris wanted to stop at to get some souvenirs. Dave stayed outside and ate a can of beanie weenies while we shopped. Off again, we were trying to get to the overnight spot Dave had picked, the same spot Morris had broken down at on the way down -- Liberia, Costa Rica, where I had seen them stopped at the Burger King. As we had messed around for the better part of the day, having fun in the sun, and enjoying ourselves immensely, the day had gotten away and it was nearing dusk. Dave and Morris had ridden on ahead of me and I came upon Dave waiting on the side of the road for me. He pulled out alongside of me and said " Hurry up, it's gonna get dark" and took off. The last I saw of him on the road was when he passed on a hill ahead of me. Not my style at all. With no headlight, a bad tire, a weak charging system, and old eyes that ain't worth a shit at night anymore, I wound up by myself on the side of the road, holding a flashlight in my teeth, trying to put my headlight back together in the dark so I could make the last 94 kilometers (58 miles) to the motel at Liberia. I promise you, I was in no fit mood when I finally arrived and saw Dave and Morris, their bikes behind a locked gate at the motel, walking across the street to eat supper. Made my decision to ride on alone from that point easy. You really need to pick your traveling companions carefully. To clear up a misquote -- I told Dave he was "too dangerous for me", not that he was crazy. Was able to buy a calling card at the local filling station for 1000.00 colones (about $3.00 US). Got two of them and talked them dry with Liz. Got back to the room for a shower and some much needed rest. Undressed and pulled the shower curtain back to turn on the water and there were at least twenty five 1"-1 1/2" roaches running around on the shower floor. Barf -- this was the GOOD motel Dave was bragging on? A roach palace for sure. I need a drink. Closed and zipped all my stuff up as tight as possible. Was afraid to turn off the light and give the roaches free roam. I won't make the same mistake tomorrow!!! Forgot to mention that we ran through a spot on the road today where a truck's load (it was carrying cement in bags) had shifted and spilled all over the road. Breathed enough cement dust (thick) to block up the plumbing better than a whole pound of cheese. Liz: DAY 21 (Thursday, Jan. 10, 2002) Got two brief e-mails, and later a third, from Jim this evening. He sent a phone number, said he was going to grab some supper and asked me to call him later. Tried three times at 10:00 to get a call through, but the SAM'S calling card wouldn't permit a call to Jim's location. (Our phone book, on the page w/info on International Calling, said to contact the Long Distance Carrier for countries to which they provide service. Guess the SAM'S card doesn't allow service to Honduras. I was sooooooo disappointed that the call didn't get through to Jim.) Jim did say, earlier in his e-mail, that he'd had a good day. With him being able to send e-mail tonight, I'm guessing he's in Choluteca, Honduras. It's the only major city on the route through Honduras. No other details tonight. No word from Ruth about Dave and Morris' day. Jim: DAY 21 (Thursday, Jan. 10, 2002 Sat down with Dave and Morris for a cup of coffee. Not much conversation, so I said so long and hit the road. Got through the Nicaragua border ok, minus some money of course. The roads were super compared with rest of Central America. Made good time to the Honduras border . Cost me to get my ass out of Nicaraga(minor) and into Honduras(major) -- a bunch of thieves and crooked officals. Made it on in to Choulteca to the (expensive) good motel. Had a great meal, langosta and fish with a baked potato and salad, and a good night's sleep. Think I'm going to need it for what's ahead. Liz: DAY 22 (Friday, Jan. 11, 2002) TGIF! Today marks the start of the FOURTH WEEK of this journey. Didn't hear a word today from Jim, Dave or Morris. Hope all is well! (Looking at the map, if all went smoothly today, Jim should be near the Guatemalan border. Just guessing.) Jim: DAY 22 (Friday, Jan. 11, 2002 Early a.m. and the wind is blowing something fierce. Trees are whipping around. Not going to be a fun day. Count my blessings, the wind won't affect me with my heavy bike and full fairing as much as it will Dave and Morris on those little unprotected bikes. Will try riding without shorts today. Worked out pretty good yesterday, was more comfortable. Need to find a bank to cash some more travlers checks today. Know it's going to cost me big time to get through El Salvador. At the Honduras/El Salvador border there was only one person to process the cars, trucks, busses and motos through. This would take a long time and a lot of money. The border was filthy, a real shithole. Masses of people were milling around. I dared not leave the moto, so was dependent on the kids to run my papers through. Waited around so long that I didn't really care what it cost. I just wanted out of there. Got to the border with four $20.00 bills in my pocket; left with not a dime. Was four solid hours of hell. Four German girls saw what was happining to me and came over to help. They could speak Spanish, as well as English, and told the crooked little bastards to piss off. Said I had payed enough and I was going to call the Policia if I didn't get my papers -- now. The papers were reluctantly turned over. I told the girls thanks and beat a hasty trail out of there. If I ever go back to Honduras or El Salvador I hope someone kicks my ass. Bad roads to San Miguel, 30 klicks or so. Good from there to La Libertad, my stopping point for the night. Proud to have a cold water shower to wash off the sunscreen, diesel smoke and dirt. Good motel, huge room with AC and -- suprise -- a cold water shower. (See pix page.) 124 klicks from here to the Guatamalan border. Ought to make it by 9:00am or so. Discoverd tonight that Star-Kist tuna in the foil packets is MUCH better than tuna in a can. Liz: DAY 23 (Saturday, Jan. 12, 2002) Our camera didn't quite capture tonight's sunset's glory, but I just had to give it a try. Looking southwestward from here, I just can't help thinking about our travelers. It's comforting to know they're heading for these hills. Seems a long time since we heard from "the fellas". No news is good news. That's what they say. From South of the Border, we await their hola(s). Let you know when we hear... another day. Will post any new news ASAP. Jim: DAY 23 (Saturday, Jan. 12, 2002) Left out this morning a 5:00 am. Had to wake the motel dude up to unlock the gate and let me out. Kinda pissed him off. Too bad, so sad. Made the border before 8:00am. Expect to spend several hours here and at the border going into Mexico if all goes well. Made it. In Huixtla, Mexico and am happy as a hog wallering in kaka. Seems as if I am almost home. Strange ain't it? But I am so glad to have all the other countries behind me and only one more border to cross -- into the good old USA. In the same hot sheet motel I sayed at on the way down -- $22.00 a night and clean!!! Still only a cold water shower, but am grateful just the same. Motel owner's wife made me supper for 50 pesos, was liver cooked with various veggies. Not bad if you were as hungry as I was. Must find a bank to get some pesos to pay the tolls. I'm not going to ride the free (Libre) roads. My front end can't stand much more pounding. Liz: DAY 24 (Sunday, Jan. 13, 2002) Checked the guest Book this evening to find a message from Dave and Morris(Mo): They made it back into Mexico today. They were in Chiapas, the southern most state in Mexico, at 2:35pm when they were at the computer. Said Guatemala was beautiful on the North Central Exit. -- They're taking a different route home so they can see some other parts of Mexico. Mentoned that Jim left on his own from northern Costa Rica. Dave said the last thing Jim sid to him was that he was crazy and added, "that's why Ruth loves me." Dave and Morris should be back in the US in about five days. Dave signed out with: LOVE THIS SHIT. CRAZY DAVE Got a call from Ruth about 7:30 tonight. Dave had just called her. They had a quick conversation (another 3 minute call). Ruth said they had a poor conection - that her voice echoed every time she spoke. Dave told Ruth most of the same things he'd shared today on the Guest Book. Also said that he and Morris think Jim is riding ahead of them, but were not sure. (Jumped when the phone rang.) More news! Jim called here close to 10:00pm. He's settled in for the night at a motel in Vera Cruz, Mexico. Had a long ride today, from down bear the border of Guatemala. Planning to reach Tampico, Mexico tomorrow. Jim will try to reach an internet cafe along the way. Really felt great to hear from all of our fellows today. Glad to know they are all safe. Jim DAY 24 (Monday, Jan.13, 2002) Broke out at daylight with my sights set on Juchitan, Mexico. Good roads, auto pista most of the way to Juchitan. Made good time. Like a horse smelling the barn, I'm headed home. Nothing to eat all day, no time to waste. Already seen the dirt and trash here, don't even need to look. Just feel the need to keep trucking. Made it to just north of Veracruz, Mexico. Some good roads, some bad roads. Slowed me down some. Liz: DAY 25 (Monday, Jan. 14, 2002) Jim's back in the USA. he woke up early and left Vera Cruz, Mexico at 6:30am. Had a cool start this morning, but was comfortable in just a long-sleeved shirt in the desert tis afternoon. Said the temperature fell quickly again after dark. He made it through Customs at Matamoros, Mexico at 9:30pm, came back over the US border (back into Brownsville, TX), stopped by Wal-Mart for a phone card before checking in at the Pecan Tree Motel and called me from his room at 10:00pm. Said something about trouble with Immigration (they call it Migration) at the crossing at Matamoros -- no stamp or something -- he'll have to fill you in on that. Jim's looking forward to getting his bike unpacked for the night and getting a hot shower. He will probably do laundry and rest a bit tomorrow. He will be back on the road again by Wednesday. Didn't get any news from Dave or Morris today and Ruth didn't call. Will share any news as soon as I get it. Jim: DAY 25 (Monday, Jan 14, 2002) Loaded up and on the road by daylight -- smelling the USA. Weather has cooled off as I have made my way north. Not uncomfortable, just good riding. Roads from here to Tampico are shitty, so the going will be a little slow. Tampico to Matamoros as I remember are not that great, but ok if you are careful with your speed and pay attention to what you are doing. Been a long day. Broke my own rule not to travel after dark, but was bound to make the border today. Last hour and a half were bad. Poorly marked roads and glaring lights made things touch and go. The Mexican goverment does not print their border town road signs in Spanish and English as does the USA so they are hard to follow for a gringo with no Spanish. Made it to the crossing and turned in my moto sticker and tried to get an exit stamp on my passport. The lone official said that I owed 145.00 pesos and I would have to wait until the next day when the bank opened to pay it. --NOT-- He ask me if I planed to come back to Mexico any time soon, all in poor broken English. When I said no he ask me why I didn't just go on across the border and not worry about it. Sounded like a plan to me. In the USA and my insurance is in effect again -- YAHOO. First stop was at Wal-Mart to get a calling card so I could touch bases with Liz. Back to the Pecan Tree Motel and a HOT shower. What a relief to be back in the USA. No more borders. My next long trip will be to where everybody speaks English. Liz: DAY 26 (Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2002) 'Bout 7:00 this evening, Jim called and caught me in the shower. Oops! He called back 15-20 minutes later and we talked for quite a while. He spent the day in Brownsville, TX. Got more film developed and bought a few items at Wal-Mart. He also took time to collect some boxes and pack some things he won't be needing on the wy home. Took it all to the USPS and mailed it to me (some dirty clothes, camping gear, cassette tapes from the recorder, film, and more). Was a little costly to mail the biggest box, but will be well worth it to be able to ride back to NC with a lighter load. At the motel, Jim had a bit of trouble with the woman"who's in charge of things" concerning the stuff Jim, Dave and Morris had left in storage there about three weks ago on there way through. When Jim asked if he could get his things, she wanted to take it ALL. He explained that he needed only his stuff and that Dave and Morris would need their things for their trip back, too. She kept insisting that he get it All. Finally, the woman's daughter got her to understand and she let Jim have his things, leaving Dave's and Mo's in storage. Tomorrow morning Jim will start the long ride toward I-10. Waiting to hear from Dave and Morris! Will let you know something ASAP. Jim: DAY 26 (Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2002) A day to rest and get my shit together. Decided to mail a bunch of stuff home, tired of carring such a load around. The bike will be an easier ride minus 60lbs or so. Easier to get my leg over also, won't have to wedge myself between the tank bag and the camping equipment. Got a box from a mailing place and packed up my tent,sleeping bag, cot, fleece bag liner,extra towels and dirty clothes, my tripod, ground cloth, etc. and took it to the post office. It was a relief to be rid of one worry. Slamed on the brakes when I saw a bar-b-que joint. I think I slobbered on myself before I could get in the door. Good old USA. Ready to break for North Carolina in the morning. Liz: DAY 27 (Wednesday, Jan. 16 ,2002) Talked to Ruth this afternoon. She got a call from Dave last night - another short, but costly call she said. Dave and Morris made about 300 miles Tuesday and stoppped for the night about 100 miles north of Vera Cruz, Mexico. Said they've seen some pretty country and been able to do some shopping for souveneirs. Dave told Ruth that between the two of them, he and Morris are having about 10 close calls a day on the road. They should reach the US this Thursday, coming in at Brownsville, TX. Mentioned that the weather'll determine how many days it'll be before he and Mo get back home. Jim called this afternoon. He had a REAL early start this morning. Woke up with tummy problems at 4:30am, took two Imodium tablets a bit later and, since he was wide awake, decided to go ahead and hit the road. He called at 5:50pm from Hebert Cycles' (BMW) service shop in Baton Rouge, LA where he was having his oil changed. While we were talking, the mechanic told Jim that he could change the oil, but that he wouldn't be able to clean the oil filter. Jim told me it would be okay and he could clean it himself when he gets back home. Sounded like he was feeling okay this afternoon. He will take I-12 (the short route over Lake Pontchartrain -- avoiding New Orleans altogether) back across to I-10 to find a place to rest for the night. Jim called again at 8:00. He's in "downtown" Slidell, LA at a $28.00 per night motel (at the eastern intersection og I-12 & I-10, about 15 miles from the Mississippi state line). He was using the only available phone... the outside pay phone. Eating in tonight - a bagel and fish steaks in the can. The owner of the motel said it would cost Jim 50 cents to get ice out of the machine, but Jim, having doubts about the quality of the ice, decided to spend the money on a cold Coca-Cola from the drink machine instead. (That's a smart fellow!) Having traveled 760 miles today, Jim's going to try to sleep in a bit in the morning. Plans to break the drive back home, taking two days for the ride. Jim: DAY 27 (Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2002) Woke up early with the trots, too much bar-b-que??? Might as well ride, can't sleep. Up Hwy. 77 toward Houston. Stopped in Baton Rouge to get my oil changed at Hebert Cycles. Made it into downtown Slidell, La. to a piss poor but welcome motel. (737 miles today) Liz: DAY 28 (Thursday, Jan. 17, 2002) Had a message from Ruth on my answering machine when I got home from work this afternoon. She said that Dave called her last night at 10:30. He and Morris had a good day of traveling yesterday. They drove about 600 miles and made it back to the US! Not sure when they'll reach home, but from what Dave said, Ruth thinks they'll be back either Saturday or Sunday.. JIM JUST DROVE IN (this afternoon at 5:45)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! More later....... Liz Jim's trip from Slidell, LA to the house -- 582 miles (in under nine hours) -- was broken only by stops for gas. He had a smooth run. (Was great to hear his BMW's "beep-beep" when he drove in the driveway. Hey! He did remember the way back! So-ooooooo glad Jim's home -- safe and sound.) Jim: DAY 28 (Thursday, Jan. 17, 2002) HOME --- after 28 days it time for a hot shower a good meal and to catch up on a little homework. 582 miles today in 8 3/4 hrs. 66 1/2 mph average -- not bad for an old man on a 22 year old bike. Liz: DAY 29 (Friday, Jan. 18, 2002) Haven't heard anything from Dave and Morris or from Ruth as of 7:30 tonight. At last word, they were expecting to be home by Sunday. They may be back sooner. Jim's glad to be home. Loves having the hot shower, his own bed, and truely CLEAN clothes. Was glad to eat again with real silverware at supper last night. Jim talked to GATOR tonight. He sounds chipper. Drove his truck to see the doctor. Will still be a while before he gets back on the Harley. Liz: DAY 30 (Saturday, Jan. 19, 2002) When I called Ruth this morning, she said she was just about to call me... Dave called last night. He and Morris' first day out of Brownsville, TX (Thursday) took them to Iowa, LA, just east of Lake Charles, LA. On the trip that day, a tractor trailer truck, pulling off the Interstate, almost hit Dave. Said Morris had a close call on Friday's ride... don't know the details. They spent the night (Friday) in Shorter, AL, about twenty miles east of Montgomery. Dave plans to stop on the way back through the Atlanta area. The chain on his bike is worn out and he needs to replace it. Ruth expects them to be home around 5:00 this afternoon. Ruth asked about Jim and mentioned the last couple of days of his ride. Said they were surprised he'd made such good time and was back home by Thursday. There was no surprise about it really. Jim had a good, steady ride and good weather all the way from Brownsville, TX. He covered lots of miles each day, taking no unnecessary chances. The photos Jim mailed home from Brownsville arrived with yesterday's afternoon mail. He's working on them... getting them organized and labeled. He will work later on putting them into the computer and posting them on the web. He wants to get the negatives of the photos that Morris took, too, so we can get copies made. Said Dave's camera wasn't working. We will both be working on this page to add Jim's "THE REST OF THE STORY" and will be making a new page to display photos taken along the trail... Will be interesting to see it once everything's complete. It's 10:30pm and there's been no word from Georgia. Hope Dave and Morris decided to wait out the heavy rains that came through the Atlanta area and the North GA corridore this afternoon. Will share any news ASAP. Liz: Sunday, Jan. 20, 2002 Dave signed the Guest Book this morning! Said he and Mo made it back Saturday (yesterday) around 1:30 in the afternoon. (As we expected, they ran into the rain!) The last three hours of their ride was cold and wet. Said, "Pera Veta Central America. We loved the trip." (Glad Dave and Morris made it home safely, too!) Liz: Saturday, Jan. 26, 2002 We've been busy this week working on THE TRIP log, which has extented to web two pages (over 60 pages on the printer). You've probably noticed the changes... smaller type, photos being removed temporarily and later added back in, ... Also, Jim's adding THE REST OF THE STORY, his memories of the trip (which come back to him more and more each day from looking at his photos, listening to the tapes he made on the recorder and talking about his experiences). Jim has new details to share every day. I've been listening to the tapes, too. It's quite interesting to hear the day-to-day story of this trip. The background noises on the tape tell a lot, too, with the sounds of traffic passing by, kids playing, Latin American music and many, many birds. Neat! Wish we could share those sounds here. Jim has set up a link to a photo page for pics from this trip. (It's still "under construction!!!!) Will take some time to get the photos cropped, saved on our computer and moved to the web. We've tried to get in touch with Morris to get his negatives so that we can include his photos, too. Hopefully we will hear from him soon. We will try to get everything completed ASAP! Liz: Sunday, Feb. 3, 2002 Our computer problems continued this week. Jim had to take our tower in and leave it at the shop for a few days. The hard drive had to be completely wiped. Windows and all our other software had to be reinstalled. Once we got the tower back (Thursday), and got the computer, printer, scanner, etc.... set back up, our internet provider was down. That lasted for the next 24+ hours. Still having trouble with a couple of things, but nothing, thank goodness, that affects our being able to work on the web page. Jim worked yesterday and this morning finishing THE REST OF THE STORY and the Darien Photos page. (Think we're finally done, but will proof it at least one more time.) |
PAGE 2 THE TRIP |
Liz: DAY 19 (Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2002) Got another e-mail message from Jim this morning around 9:30 (10:30EST) saying that he was heading out by himself to go to the zoo to see some local birds.. Jim also signed the Guest Book, saying the "messages on the Guest Book are greedily devoured and appreciated." (I want to thank you all for your continued show of support, too. The positive feedback helps me a lot.) Still no word about the part for Morris' bike. Jim mentioned the ride Dave led him on through San Jose after dark, in the rain last night. He made mention, too, of a few things about a farting contest which continues every night. According to Jim... so far, Morris is the undisputed champ. (One night, a truck passed by with a straight pipe "jake brake". Dave and Jim both thought it was Morris.) Hope to get news about GATOR this evening. T-Shirt George told me that Gator's hernia surgery was on yesterday's schedule. Will do my best to keep you informed. Jim sent what he says is his last e-mail from the slooooooooooooooow computer there at the hotel in San Jose. They're leaving in the morning to get Morris' moto fixed. +++++Got the part today!++++ They'll leave from the shop, heading back toward home. Plan to spend tomorrow night in Liberia, Costa Rica, near the border back into Nicaragua. Jim spent all day looking for bicycle shorts. None to be found. Tried to buy control-top pantie hose in the finest department store at a nice mall in San Jose. The female store clerk called security and had him thrown out! No telling what she thought he was trying to tell her by his communications and gestures... El grande what??? Was planning to go to an ace bandage for a truss, but found later, back at the hotel, that Morris had a pair of biker type shorts Jim could wear. Also said the doctor must have been wrong with his diagnosis this past Saturday. The pills are not helping... he's going back to Advil. Ruth was able to get another call through to Dave tonight at 8:00. Bob Teish had called Dave earlier. I talked to Jim at about 8:30. Got all kinds of info -- some of which contradicts the other. Anyway, here are more tidbits: - Plans are to be packed up and leaving the hotel early in the morning (Wednesday) to get over to the bike shop for Morris to have repairs made on the Kawasaki. -Jim said that once they leave the shop, they will make a stop at some small town of interest in the area, if time permits, then head northward toward Nicaragua... possibly as far as Liberia, a Costa Rican town near the Nicaraguan border. Said they hoped to make it across Nicaragua and Honduras and on into El Salvador the second day (Thursday). He will keep in contact through e-mails as often as possible. - Ruth said Dave told Melena that if they got away from the bike show early tomorrow, he and Morris may head southward to drive down to Panama. - (Does this mean that Jim will be heading in one direction and Dave and Morris will be heading in the other? We'd like for them to all travel together.) Jim: DAY 19 (Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2002) Dave and Morris didn't seem interested in going to the zoo so I called a taxi and set off on my own. Zoo was neat. Had some animals I had never seen in a live state, just pix and movies. The part for Morris' bike came while I was out and he & Dave were planning to head out to the moto shop in the a.m., get the hub replaced and head toward home. Great. I was getting itchy sitting around. Took a taxi to the large, very modern mall on the outskirts of town to try and find some bicycle shorts. Three stores later I came to the conclusion that fat people don't ride bycicles -- no size 38-40 -- only for wasp waisted young folks. There was a large fancy department store in the mall, similar to Macy's or Rich's, and I remembered Qball's suggestion to get a couple of pairs of pantie hose and cut the legs out. As it was an emergency repair to get me back home, it sounded like a plan. I found the Women's Department and a nice looking young saleslady. Tried to ask her in my piss poor Spanish and sign language for a pair of "Extra Grande" pantie hose. Must have made some wrong gesture or used the wrong word 'cause she called an armed guard and he threw me out of the store!!! They must have thought I was some kind of pervert. Imagine that!!!!!! Liz: DAY 20 (Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2002) [Thursday, Jan. 10, 3:00pm: Sorry this update is delayed. My internet provider was out, unexpectedly, for the past 24 hours. Just got straightened out! It's been another one of those days! Liz] Wednesday: Good news. I called and talked to both Sonya and Gator tonight. Gator had "out patient" surgery on Monday. He left the hospital with pain pills in hand. Said he's still taking them, but feels much better today than he did Monday or Tuesday. Will be a week or more before he can drive the truck; will be few weeks before he can get back on his bike. Thinks he will be ready for bike week when it roles around. I got a call (9:30pm) from Jim. Left a number for me to try to call him back, but I couldn't call, as the number was from a pay phone which was "not authorized to receive International calls." Jim called back later -- another pre-paid 3 minute call. He, Dave and Morris had a good ride for most of the day. Stopped at a couple of bike shops. Mid-day, they met a very nice fellow at one of the shops who them to lunch. Later in the day, Jim had a short, or something and lost his headlight. They were running a bit later than they expected because of the time taken at the stops. Getting closer to tonight's destination (Liberia, Costa Rica), Jim said Dave and Morris took off ahead of him -- and he never caught up with them He was on his own. For the last 94 kilometers, Jim was a lone rider (in the dark, with no headlight). It wasn't a fun ride. When Jim got to the motel, Dave and Morris had already checked in and were on their way across the street to get a bite to eat. Jim did speak with Dave briefly, then checked in by himself. Plans to ride on his own again tomorrow. Ruth didn't hear from Dave tonight. Will let you know when she does hear something. Jim: DAY 20 (Wednesday, Jan 9, 2002) My battery was very weak this morning. Didn't want to turn the engine over at all. Finally got the bike cranked and loaded and we all set off for the moto shop near San Jose. Found the shop and met the owner, his wife and their three teenage kids -- two boys, Jeff and Alec and a girl, Melavira. The boys raced motocross and were supposed to be very good. They hit it off with Morris immediately and called their coach, a USA expatriate who was an old motocross rider. They got Morris' front wheel off and began the hub replacement. I was busy unloading Little Red so I could get to the battery and see what was amiss. Turned out that it was low on water. Topped it off and put it on the charger and at the same time disconnected the headlight (no small task), so the charging system might get it back up to snuff on the ride north. Told Dave if it got dark on us I would have to ride between him and Morris to the motel. All repairs complete, we followed Jeff and Alec's coach out to the local motocross track for a demo ride by the boys. It was a Costa Rican national track and was super (see pix). Dave and I ate fruit and watched from above while Morris had a good time down on the track with the boys. We were invited back to their house for lunch. Great food and very gracious folks. Super nice people. Lunch over, we said our thanks and goodbys and took off up the road to a small tourist town that Morris wanted to stop at to get some souvenirs. Dave stayed outside and ate a can of beanie weenies while we shopped. Off again, we were trying to get to the overnight spot Dave had picked, the same spot Morris had broken down at on the way down -- Liberia, Costa Rica, where I had seen them stopped at the Burger King. As we had messed around for the better part of the day, having fun in the sun, and enjoying ourselves immensely, the day had gotten away and it was nearing dusk. Dave and Morris had ridden on ahead of me and I came upon Dave waiting on the side of the road for me. He pulled out alongside of me and said " Hurry up, it's gonna get dark" and took off. The last I saw of him on the road was when he passed on a hill ahead of me. Not my style at all. With no headlight, a bad tire, a weak charging system, and old eyes that ain't worth a shit at night anymore, I wound up by myself on the side of the road, holding a flashlight in my teeth, trying to put my headlight back together in the dark so I could make the last 94 kilometers (58 miles) to the motel at Liberia. I promise you, I was in no fit mood when I finally arrived and saw Dave and Morris, their bikes behind a locked gate at the motel, walking across the street to eat supper. Made my decision to ride on alone from that point easy. You really need to pick your traveling companions carefully. To clear up a misquote -- I told Dave he was "too dangerous for me", not that he was crazy. Was able to buy a calling card at the local filling station for 1000.00 colones (about $3.00 US). Got two of them and talked them dry with Liz. Got back to the room for a shower and some much needed rest. Undressed and pulled the shower curtain back to turn on the water and there were at least twenty five 1"-1 1/2" roaches running around on the shower floor. Barf -- this was the GOOD motel Dave was bragging on? A roach palace for sure. I need a drink. Closed and zipped all my stuff up as tight as possible. Was afraid to turn off the light and give the roaches free roam. I won't make the same mistake tomorrow!!! Forgot to mention that we ran through a spot on the road today where a truck's load (it was carrying cement in bags) had shifted and spilled all over the road. Breathed enough cement dust (thick) to block up the plumbing better than a whole pound of cheese. Liz: DAY 21 (Thursday, Jan. 10, 2002) Got two brief e-mails, and later a third, from Jim this evening. He sent a phone number, said he was going to grab some supper and asked me to call him later. Tried three times at 10:00 to get a call through, but the SAM'S calling card wouldn't permit a call to Jim's location. (Our phone book, on the page w/info on International Calling, said to contact the Long Distance Carrier for countries to which they provide service. Guess the SAM'S card doesn't allow service to Honduras. I was sooooooo disappointed that the call didn't get through to Jim.) Jim did say, earlier in his e-mail, that he'd had a good day. With him being able to send e-mail tonight, I'm guessing he's in Choluteca, Honduras. It's the only major city on the route through Honduras. No other details tonight. No word from Ruth about Dave and Morris' day. Jim: DAY 21 (Thursday, Jan. 10, 2002 Sat down with Dave and Morris for a cup of coffee. Not much conversation, so I said so long and hit the road. Got through the Nicaragua border ok, minus some money of course. The roads were super compared with rest of Central America. Made good time to the Honduras border . Cost me to get my ass out of Nicaraga(minor) and into Honduras(major) -- a bunch of thieves and crooked officals. Made it on in to Choulteca to the (expensive) good motel. Had a great meal, langosta and fish with a baked potato and salad, and a good night's sleep. Think I'm going to need it for what's ahead. Liz: DAY 22 (Friday, Jan. 11, 2002) TGIF! Today marks the start of the FOURTH WEEK of this journey. Didn't hear a word today from Jim, Dave or Morris. Hope all is well! (Looking at the map, if all went smoothly today, Jim should be near the Guatemalan border. Just guessing.) Jim: DAY 22 (Friday, Jan. 11, 2002 Early a.m. and the wind is blowing something fierce. Trees are whipping around. Not going to be a fun day. Count my blessings, the wind won't affect me with my heavy bike and full fairing as much as it will Dave and Morris on those little unprotected bikes. Will try riding without shorts today. Worked out pretty good yesterday, was more comfortable. Need to find a bank to cash some more travlers checks today. Know it's going to cost me big time to get through El Salvador. At the Honduras/El Salvador border there was only one person to process the cars, trucks, busses and motos through. This would take a long time and a lot of money. The border was filthy, a real shithole. Masses of people were milling around. I dared not leave the moto, so was dependent on the kids to run my papers through. Waited around so long that I didn't really care what it cost. I just wanted out of there. Got to the border with four $20.00 bills in my pocket; left with not a dime. Was four solid hours of hell. Four German girls saw what was happining to me and came over to help. They could speak Spanish, as well as English, and told the crooked little bastards to piss off. Said I had payed enough and I was going to call the Policia if I didn't get my papers -- now. The papers were reluctantly turned over. I told the girls thanks and beat a hasty trail out of there. If I ever go back to Honduras or El Salvador I hope someone kicks my ass. Bad roads to San Miguel, 30 klicks or so. Good from there to La Libertad, my stopping point for the night. Proud to have a cold water shower to wash off the sunscreen, diesel smoke and dirt. Good motel, huge room with AC and -- suprise -- a cold water shower. (See pix page.) 124 klicks from here to the Guatamalan border. Ought to make it by 9:00am or so. Discoverd tonight that Star-Kist tuna in the foil packets is MUCH better than tuna in a can. Liz: DAY 23 (Saturday, Jan. 12, 2002) Our camera didn't quite capture tonight's sunset's glory, but I just had to give it a try. Looking southwestward from here, I just can't help thinking about our travelers. It's comforting to know they're heading for these hills. Seems a long time since we heard from "the fellas". No news is good news. That's what they say. From South of the Border, we await their hola(s). Let you know when we hear... another day. Will post any new news ASAP. Jim: DAY 23 (Saturday, Jan. 12, 2002) Left out this morning a 5:00 am. Had to wake the motel dude up to unlock the gate and let me out. Kinda pissed him off. Too bad, so sad. Made the border before 8:00am. Expect to spend several hours here and at the border going into Mexico if all goes well. Made it. In Huixtla, Mexico and am happy as a hog wallering in kaka. Seems as if I am almost home. Strange ain't it? But I am so glad to have all the other countries behind me and only one more border to cross -- into the good old USA. In the same hot sheet motel I sayed at on the way down -- $22.00 a night and clean!!! Still only a cold water shower, but am grateful just the same. Motel owner's wife made me supper for 50 pesos, was liver cooked with various veggies. Not bad if you were as hungry as I was. Must find a bank to get some pesos to pay the tolls. I'm not going to ride the free (Libre) roads. My front end can't stand much more pounding. Liz: DAY 24 (Sunday, Jan. 13, 2002) Checked the guest Book this evening to find a message from Dave and Morris(Mo): They made it back into Mexico today. They were in Chiapas, the southern most state in Mexico, at 2:35pm when they were at the computer. Said Guatemala was beautiful on the North Central Exit. -- They're taking a different route home so they can see some other parts of Mexico. Mentoned that Jim left on his own from northern Costa Rica. Dave said the last thing Jim sid to him was that he was crazy and added, "that's why Ruth loves me." Dave and Morris should be back in the US in about five days. Dave signed out with: LOVE THIS SHIT. CRAZY DAVE Got a call from Ruth about 7:30 tonight. Dave had just called her. They had a quick conversation (another 3 minute call). Ruth said they had a poor conection - that her voice echoed every time she spoke. Dave told Ruth most of the same things he'd shared today on the Guest Book. Also said that he and Morris think Jim is riding ahead of them, but were not sure. (Jumped when the phone rang.) More news! Jim called here close to 10:00pm. He's settled in for the night at a motel in Vera Cruz, Mexico. Had a long ride today, from down bear the border of Guatemala. Planning to reach Tampico, Mexico tomorrow. Jim will try to reach an internet cafe along the way. Really felt great to hear from all of our fellows today. Glad to know they are all safe. Jim DAY 24 (Monday, Jan.13, 2002) Broke out at daylight with my sights set on Juchitan, Mexico. Good roads, auto pista most of the way to Juchitan. Made good time. Like a horse smelling the barn, I'm headed home. Nothing to eat all day, no time to waste. Already seen the dirt and trash here, don't even need to look. Just feel the need to keep trucking. Made it to just north of Veracruz, Mexico. Some good roads, some bad roads. Slowed me down some. Liz: DAY 25 (Monday, Jan. 14, 2002) Jim's back in the USA. he woke up early and left Vera Cruz, Mexico at 6:30am. Had a cool start this morning, but was comfortable in just a long-sleeved shirt in the desert tis afternoon. Said the temperature fell quickly again after dark. He made it through Customs at Matamoros, Mexico at 9:30pm, came back over the US border (back into Brownsville, TX), stopped by Wal-Mart for a phone card before checking in at the Pecan Tree Motel and called me from his room at 10:00pm. Said something about trouble with Immigration (they call it Migration) at the crossing at Matamoros -- no stamp or something -- he'll have to fill you in on that. Jim's looking forward to getting his bike unpacked for the night and getting a hot shower. He will probably do laundry and rest a bit tomorrow. He will be back on the road again by Wednesday. Didn't get any news from Dave or Morris today and Ruth didn't call. Will share any news as soon as I get it. Jim: DAY 25 (Monday, Jan 14, 2002) Loaded up and on the road by daylight -- smelling the USA. Weather has cooled off as I have made my way north. Not uncomfortable, just good riding. Roads from here to Tampico are shitty, so the going will be a little slow. Tampico to Matamoros as I remember are not that great, but ok if you are careful with your speed and pay attention to what you are doing. Been a long day. Broke my own rule not to travel after dark, but was bound to make the border today. Last hour and a half were bad. Poorly marked roads and glaring lights made things touch and go. The Mexican goverment does not print their border town road signs in Spanish and English as does the USA so they are hard to follow for a gringo with no Spanish. Made it to the crossing and turned in my moto sticker and tried to get an exit stamp on my passport. The lone official said that I owed 145.00 pesos and I would have to wait until the next day when the bank opened to pay it. --NOT-- He ask me if I planed to come back to Mexico any time soon, all in poor broken English. When I said no he ask me why I didn't just go on across the border and not worry about it. Sounded like a plan to me. In the USA and my insurance is in effect again -- YAHOO. First stop was at Wal-Mart to get a calling card so I could touch bases with Liz. Back to the Pecan Tree Motel and a HOT shower. What a relief to be back in the USA. No more borders. My next long trip will be to where everybody speaks English. Liz: DAY 26 (Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2002) 'Bout 7:00 this evening, Jim called and caught me in the shower. Oops! He called back 15-20 minutes later and we talked for quite a while. He spent the day in Brownsville, TX. Got more film developed and bought a few items at Wal-Mart. He also took time to collect some boxes and pack some things he won't be needing on the wy home. Took it all to the USPS and mailed it to me (some dirty clothes, camping gear, cassette tapes from the recorder, film, and more). Was a little costly to mail the biggest box, but will be well worth it to be able to ride back to NC with a lighter load. At the motel, Jim had a bit of trouble with the woman"who's in charge of things" concerning the stuff Jim, Dave and Morris had left in storage there about three weks ago on there way through. When Jim asked if he could get his things, she wanted to take it ALL. He explained that he needed only his stuff and that Dave and Morris would need their things for their trip back, too. She kept insisting that he get it All. Finally, the woman's daughter got her to understand and she let Jim have his things, leaving Dave's and Mo's in storage. Tomorrow morning Jim will start the long ride toward I-10. Waiting to hear from Dave and Morris! Will let you know something ASAP. Jim: DAY 26 (Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2002) A day to rest and get my shit together. Decided to mail a bunch of stuff home, tired of carring such a load around. The bike will be an easier ride minus 60lbs or so. Easier to get my leg over also, won't have to wedge myself between the tank bag and the camping equipment. Got a box from a mailing place and packed up my tent,sleeping bag, cot, fleece bag liner,extra towels and dirty clothes, my tripod, ground cloth, etc. and took it to the post office. It was a relief to be rid of one worry. Slamed on the brakes when I saw a bar-b-que joint. I think I slobbered on myself before I could get in the door. Good old USA. Ready to break for North Carolina in the morning. Liz: DAY 27 (Wednesday, Jan. 16 ,2002) Talked to Ruth this afternoon. She got a call from Dave last night - another short, but costly call she said. Dave and Morris made about 300 miles Tuesday and stoppped for the night about 100 miles north of Vera Cruz, Mexico. Said they've seen some pretty country and been able to do some shopping for souveneirs. Dave told Ruth that between the two of them, he and Morris are having about 10 close calls a day on the road. They should reach the US this Thursday, coming in at Brownsville, TX. Mentioned that the weather'll determine how many days it'll be before he and Mo get back home. Jim called this afternoon. He had a REAL early start this morning. Woke up with tummy problems at 4:30am, took two Imodium tablets a bit later and, since he was wide awake, decided to go ahead and hit the road. He called at 5:50pm from Hebert Cycles' (BMW) service shop in Baton Rouge, LA where he was having his oil changed. While we were talking, the mechanic told Jim that he could change the oil, but that he wouldn't be able to clean the oil filter. Jim told me it would be okay and he could clean it himself when he gets back home. Sounded like he was feeling okay this afternoon. He will take I-12 (the short route over Lake Pontchartrain -- avoiding New Orleans altogether) back across to I-10 to find a place to rest for the night. Jim called again at 8:00. He's in "downtown" Slidell, LA at a $28.00 per night motel (at the eastern intersection og I-12 & I-10, about 15 miles from the Mississippi state line). He was using the only available phone... the outside pay phone. Eating in tonight - a bagel and fish steaks in the can. The owner of the motel said it would cost Jim 50 cents to get ice out of the machine, but Jim, having doubts about the quality of the ice, decided to spend the money on a cold Coca-Cola from the drink machine instead. (That's a smart fellow!) Having traveled 760 miles today, Jim's going to try to sleep in a bit in the morning. Plans to break the drive back home, taking two days for the ride. Jim: DAY 27 (Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2002) Woke up early with the trots, too much bar-b-que??? Might as well ride, can't sleep. Up Hwy. 77 toward Houston. Stopped in Baton Rouge to get my oil changed at Hebert Cycles. Made it into downtown Slidell, La. to a piss poor but welcome motel. (737 miles today) Liz: DAY 28 (Thursday, Jan. 17, 2002) Had a message from Ruth on my answering machine when I got home from work this afternoon. She said that Dave called her last night at 10:30. He and Morris had a good day of traveling yesterday. They drove about 600 miles and made it back to the US! Not sure when they'll reach home, but from what Dave said, Ruth thinks they'll be back either Saturday or Sunday.. JIM JUST DROVE IN (this afternoon at 5:45)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! More later....... Liz Jim's trip from Slidell, LA to the house -- 582 miles (in under nine hours) -- was broken only by stops for gas. He had a smooth run. (Was great to hear his BMW's "beep-beep" when he drove in the driveway. Hey! He did remember the way back! So-ooooooo glad Jim's home -- safe and sound.) Jim: DAY 28 (Thursday, Jan. 17, 2002) HOME --- after 28 days it time for a hot shower a good meal and to catch up on a little homework. 582 miles today in 8 3/4 hrs. 66 1/2 mph average -- not bad for an old man on a 22 year old bike. Liz: DAY 29 (Friday, Jan. 18, 2002) Haven't heard anything from Dave and Morris or from Ruth as of 7:30 tonight. At last word, they were expecting to be home by Sunday. They may be back sooner. Jim's glad to be home. Loves having the hot shower, his own bed, and truely CLEAN clothes. Was glad to eat again with real silverware at supper last night. Jim talked to GATOR tonight. He sounds chipper. Drove his truck to see the doctor. Will still be a while before he gets back on the Harley. Liz: DAY 30 (Saturday, Jan. 19, 2002) When I called Ruth this morning, she said she was just about to call me... Dave called last night. He and Morris' first day out of Brownsville, TX (Thursday) took them to Iowa, LA, just east of Lake Charles, LA. On the trip that day, a tractor trailer truck, pulling off the Interstate, almost hit Dave. Said Morris had a close call on Friday's ride... don't know the details. They spent the night (Friday) in Shorter, AL, about twenty miles east of Montgomery. Dave plans to stop on the way back through the Atlanta area. The chain on his bike is worn out and he needs to replace it. Ruth expects them to be home around 5:00 this afternoon. Ruth asked about Jim and mentioned the last couple of days of his ride. Said they were surprised he'd made such good time and was back home by Thursday. There was no surprise about it really. Jim had a good, steady ride and good weather all the way from Brownsville, TX. He covered lots of miles each day, taking no unnecessary chances. The photos Jim mailed home from Brownsville arrived with yesterday's afternoon mail. He's working on them... getting them organized and labeled. He will work later on putting them into the computer and posting them on the web. He wants to get the negatives of the photos that Morris took, too, so we can get copies made. Said Dave's camera wasn't working. We will both be working on this page to add Jim's "THE REST OF THE STORY" and will be making a new page to display photos taken along the trail... Will be interesting to see it once everything's complete. It's 10:30pm and there's been no word from Georgia. Hope Dave and Morris decided to wait out the heavy rains that came through the Atlanta area and the North GA corridore this afternoon. Will share any news ASAP. Liz: Sunday, Jan. 20, 2002 Dave signed the Guest Book this morning! Said he and Mo made it back Saturday (yesterday) around 1:30 in the afternoon. (As we expected, they ran into the rain!) The last three hours of their ride was cold and wet. Said, "Pera Veta Central America. We loved the trip." (Glad Dave and Morris made it home safely, too!) Liz: Saturday, Jan. 26, 2002 We've been busy this week working on THE TRIP log, which has extented to web two pages (over 60 pages on the printer). You've probably noticed the changes... smaller type, photos being removed temporarily and later added back in, ... Also, Jim's adding THE REST OF THE STORY, his memories of the trip (which come back to him more and more each day from looking at his photos, listening to the tapes he made on the recorder and talking about his experiences). Jim has new details to share every day. I've been listening to the tapes, too. It's quite interesting to hear the day-to-day story of this trip. The background noises on the tape tell a lot, too, with the sounds of traffic passing by, kids playing, Latin American music and many, many birds. Neat! Wish we could share those sounds here. Jim has set up a link to a photo page for pics from this trip. (It's still "under construction!!!!) Will take some time to get the photos cropped, saved on our computer and moved to the web. We've tried to get in touch with Morris to get his negatives so that we can include his photos, too. Hopefully we will hear from him soon. We will try to get everything completed ASAP! Liz: Sunday, Feb. 3, 2002 Our computer problems continued this week. Jim had to take our tower in and leave it at the shop for a few days. The hard drive had to be completely wiped. Windows and all our other software had to be reinstalled. Once we got the tower back (Thursday), and got the computer, printer, scanner, etc.... set back up, our internet provider was down. That lasted for the next 24+ hours. Still having trouble with a couple of things, but nothing, thank goodness, that affects our being able to work on the web page. Jim worked yesterday and this morning finishing THE REST OF THE STORY and the Darien Photos page. (Think we're finally done, but will proof it at least one more time.) |
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