The accidential tourist or "we zig instead of zag."

I work two jobs, one is my regular "9 - 5" job from Monday to Friday and is the majority of my income.  The other one is a part time job that I've maintained for myself since 2008 or so.  I own my own small distribution company which delivers magazines and other products to various locations. 

What that means is that I very rarely have a free weekend.  This was one of those rare free weekends and since it fell on the Easter holiday, a lot of the places and things that I wanted to show Scooter Bob would be closed.  The weatherman also kept trying to convince me of heavy rain showers but they seemed to be off in the distance, I decided to take my chances and head towards the beaches.

I headed towards Tampa and Clearwater but then thought of something that might be interesting, so I veered to the left instead of the right.  Only to find this closed due to the holiday.   I was on a road that would lead to one of the beaches nearby...but traffic was particularly heavy.  It's freaking hot sitting in traffic.

"Hey Rob!  What is Palm Harbor?"  Scooter Bob called from his box.

"Just a small town I've never been to.  It might be fun to check out." I yell back, as we zig, or is it zag, towards this new destination.

"Rob, lets get a drink."  As I pull over into the Two Lions Winery and Palm Harbor Brewery.  The place is empty but it was just opening up and I try a few small samples of their beer.   I have to be honest, while decent I've had much better beers.  Their wine however is wonderful and I can't help but tuck a bottle of Sangria next to Scooter Bob as we head out the door about an hour later.

The bartender, Christie, loved the story of Scooter Bob and told me that one of the owners had just died, and how creating a traveling mascot for him may be in order.  So Kevin Zylstrt know that you were loved and that this little motorcycle brought a little joy to your staff.

I knew that Palm Harbor was not far from Dunedin, another small town that I understood to be famous for it's art, it's various breweries and Honeymoon Island.   Plus it was a place that I have never been to, so I pointed Kimmie's wheels in that direction but first I decided I needed to grab a bite to eat.  While I had not had much to drink, I am not going to risk a ticket or worse.

Scooter Bob insisted we stop and eat here.

A couple of fish taco's later and we were on the way south again.  I'm looking for two craft beer places, I don't know how Bob felt about beer but I enjoy a good libation and heard nothing but good things about the Dunedin Brewery and it's nearby friendly competitor the 7th Sun Brewery.

I was in no hurry to get there however and stopped in the small downtown area to have a look around.  There were more than a few art galleries and other interesting places to pop my head into, but sadly it being Easter Sunday they were all closed.

Over all it was not a bad day, I stopped at Dunedin Brewery and ended up passing on 7th Sun.  Another time, another trip.  For now I was happy and pointed my wheels back towards home....which was an adventure in itself but that is another story for another time.   I'm safe, happy and wishing everyone a wonderful and joyful Easter Holiday (even if you don't celebrate it).

Bob chats with a local

Bob checks out the fishing pier

A Dog that serves as a bike rack

The sink at the brewery

Just a fountain in the center of town.

Not sure if they are breaking in or escaping

We Know Wright! "Child of the sun"

The water dome, which at various time during the day, literally becomes a dome of water

Earlier this morning I packed Scooter Bob tight in his travel box, jumped on Kimmie and hotfooted it into Lakeland, Florida.   The more I learn about this town the more I think I need to spend a few hours exploring it, but the weather didn't look like it was going to hold and I technically had to show up for work today...sometime at least.

I had hoped to get a few pictures of Bob with the historic Swans, direct descendants of the very swans that once belonged to Richard the Lion Heart, of Lakeland.  Perhaps a few pictures of him enjoying  the Tigers Spring Training.  Even take him over to the wonder that is Florida Polytechnic. 

Bob meets the man himself.  

However with the nasty weather closing in and my requirements to actually make a living we decided to spend most of our time at Florida Southern University wandering about the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wrights work.  A collection he called his "Child of the sun."

I have a background in engineering and the sciences in general, so I can appreciate exactly what Wright was trying to do.  All his trademarks are here, the buildings use a lot of natural light and the Cathedral in general I'm certain is absolutely glorious during certain times of the day.  Water, also an element found in a lot of Wright's work makes an appearance here as well.

Inside the Annie Pfeiffer Chapel

 The campus itself is small but that that means that you can walk easily from site to site.  Their are a total of 18 structures on site and each one has its own unique feel and personality and the last one was completed in 2013.  Sadly the only one that was open to the public today was the Pfieffer Chapel.  Many of the buildings are sadly in various states of disrepair and their is an ongoing effort to restore them.

I was also surprised to learn that a few of the buildings were completed well after Wrights death.  During the Second World War, the students often labored under Wrights direction to complete the work on his buildings.  

Bob!  Get down from there!

 The Esplanades are covered walkways covering just over a mile and are timed in copper with a natural Green patina (see photo) and they often connect the buildings.  The supports are said to suggest the various orange trees which covered the campus at one time.  Wright could have made them all the same, but each section is a little different and some allow the flow of natural light in vie various skylights. 

At one time this was rated as the most beautiful college campus in America and I can understand way.  This is simply a lovely peaceful place and I for one have every intention of returning.

Just a interesting water feature on campus

The Esplanades

The steps are rounded giving an appearance of flowing lava

Back of the E. T. Roux library

Inside the Pfeiffer Chapel 

Pfeiffer Chapel from afar

Someone was promised a rose garden

You can see more here on my Facebook page.

Scooter Bob loves a Parade!

3/13/2016 - It's been a busy week.   My bike suffered a breakdown and because of other issues I've not been been as vigilant with Scooter Bob as I should have been.  In fact, today would have been a perfect day to run him down to visit the Manatee's at the Big Bend Power plant or get him kissed by a mermaid.  Next weekend I will be running around all day Sunday afternoon and helping Sue with the annual "Side Door Cafe" project.

Instead I spent some time working on our kitchen remodel and laying around the house in my pajamas catching up on my reading and tv watching.  You need a day off to do nothing now and again.

Scooter Bob nice and snug for the parade

What we were able to do was to get him involved in a parade yesterday.  The town where I live, Zephyrhills, was founded in 1910 as Abbot Station and was a planned community to serve Civil War Veterans.  Today it's more known for Zephyrhills water and being a town full of snowbirds.

Every March though they have a Founders day parade, which was held on March 12, 2016 this year.  This is the first time that I was asked...volunteered...recruited....drafted into taking part in it.

Linda K, who was organizing the group originally wanted me to do something again to Easy Rider, since she thought that "Scooter Bob" was a living breathing person that was visiting me.  She did however love the idea of a little wooden scooter traveling the world and promised that Scooter Bob would get a shout at as our little golf cart passed the reviewing stand.

In Memory of Bob Leong, Motorcyclist, blogger and world traveler.

I don't know if Bob would have enjoyed being associated with Sesame Street characters, the theme of the parade was "the 1960's" and Sesame Street has been educating children since 1969.  From what I understand though, he was a gentle soul and this may have pleased him.  

Overall the wait to actually get into the parade was longer then our particular participation in the parade.  I did hear a few people call out their support for PBS (and I tossed candy in the direction that support came from) but I didn't hear anyone say anything about Scooter Bob.  

I probably should have got a few pictures of him by some of the older cars they had in the parade.  I know he had a particular love of a particular model of car.  However for a variety of reasons I didn't.  That's Okay though, I'm sure there are more than enough pictures of Bob by older trucks and cars.  Still though, I get the feeling that Scooter Bob would not of minded a few pics of him checking out couple of older vehicles.

So for a least a week or so Scooter Bob is going to relax around my house and play with my two cats.  Other adventures are on the way Bob...life is to short not to have them right my friend?

Scooter Bob on the mean streets Part Deux

Scooter Bob has been patient with me so far.   He didn't even complain when I jumped in the car and strapped him in.

I know he rather ride Kimmie down but where I wanted to go it be easier to take the car and park it rather than deal with the straps, jacket, his box and a few other things.

Earlier this week I promised him we would ride around the bay and show him a UFO.  I've ridden Kimmie on Bayshore Blvd in Tampa before.   I think almost everybody in the city has driven this stretch of road at one time or another.   It's a lovely road with the Hillsborough river and the bay on one side of the road, historic and beautiful homes on the other.  It can be bumpy and nasty in parts but what city street isn't?

The city is invaded by Jose Gaspar and his Pirates once a year and Bayshore is the street the crew of the various ships in his fleet parade down.

Bob reading up on the legend of Jose Gaspar

It's best to stay far away from Pirates

Scooter Bob and I started to walk up Bayshore, it's a popular place with joggers and bikers since the road not only has a good view of the bay and the city but a lot of distance between the road and the traffic to make walking and other things safe.  Their is some dispute on the issue but it is supposedly the longest continuous concrete walkway in America.

This is one of the "go to" places I have when I bring people to Tampa.  It's always a lovely day in the city and the view really is wonderful when you're on a bike.  I'm sure Bob would have a smile ear to ear riding it.   As would anyone.

Scooter Bob checks out the road and the city in the distance.

Wistfully looking at the water.

We crossed the street and started walking back to where I parked the car.  Scooter Bob seemed to be enjoying some of the million dollar plus houses and their views of the bay and the city.   A lot of those houses dated back to the 1800's.

I love and respect the past, and in a lot of ways I wish others shared my love of the past.  Sadly I live in a state where someone where tear down a lovely historic 1830's home and rebuild it by putting in a modern all glass monstrosity.  

Spanish Colonial from the 1850's

There was still one more place I wanted to stop.  This is not on my "Go To" list because frankly its part of an "adult entertainment" establishment.   However the UFO on top of the club is one of the last examples of Futuro buildings.   Futuro was a "fad" in the field of Architecture in the late 1960's.   UFO's and space travel were all the craze so it's no wonder that some people would try to make a UFO home.  

Tampa had at least two of these homes within city limits at one time but one was destroyed by the city and the second one....well that ended up being the VIP lounge I understand.  

I'm including it here however because it is so rare and unusual it deserves recognition.  The fad of the Futuro home was exactly that.  A fad and they quickly passed into history.  Still though it's an interesting and unusual story.  Plus how often does one claim to see a UFO in broad daylight?

Bob and I headed home.  Our next stop would be on the back of Kimmie and a bit out in the country.  But sadly this would be at least a week before our next adventure.   Say tuned as they would say.

Scooter Bob and I hit the mean streets

Always helpful, Scooter Bob checks out my new kitchen tiles.

"Rob?"

"Yes, Scooter Bob?"

"You know that these tiles are heavy right?   Given the fact that I'm really beat up and broken from traveling all over the world I'm surprised you're putting me to work.  Plus I'm a wooden scooter, no arms...makes moving these things difficult.  NOT that I don't appreciate your hospitality and all."

"But?"

"I wanna get out and ride, raise a little hell."

"Scooter Bob I thought you were a quiet introvert!  Ok, we'll go.   Just remember to put on all your gear.  ATTGATT or nothing my friend!"

"WOOHOO!!!!"

ATGATT for Bob is bubblewrap and packing peanuts wherever he goes

I decide to take Scooter Bob in and around Tampa some.  I would show him some of the more interesting sights in my hometown of Zephyrhills and then take a gentle tack towards Tampa.  It's about a 40 minute ride into "the Big Guava" depending on traffic and the route I take.   I figured it be good for us to ride Bayshore Boulevard for a bit.   That has some fantastic views of the city and the water as well as some lovely historic homes.  Maybe depending on the time we stop in Ybor City and introduce him to a friend or two of mine.   If time permitted I might show him some other things.  I never really know where Kimmie will take me....er, us.

"STOP!" Scooter Bob yelled in my ear as I screeched to a stop.  He was off the bike in a flash and standing at a door.

"So what's this?  Where does it lead?"

"Zephyrhills is fill of little tiny doors Scooter Bob.  Some are more decorative than others.  No one knows who does them or why they are there.   Some times they show up, Sometimes they don't.  People will sometimes leave little notes or clues to where the next one is hidden."

"Cool, a mystery."

"So anyway Bob I know you have a love of old machines and cars.  I'm thinking about showing you something else.  This place is full of antique farm equipment and such.  I think the owner makes art out of of it.  It's on the way to Tampa so we'll stop and check it out.  I've never stopped there before so it might be fun."

A few moments later our intrepid pair arrives.

"Oh darn it's closed  I suppose I could jump the fence!"

"You know you're more of a daredevil than I thought Scooter Bob...and no, your not jumping the fence.  Get down off of that!"

It would not take us long to get into Tampa directly.   I thought I would take a leisurely ride up Bayshore Blvd and show him the famed Onion domes of the University of Tampa.

"Very cool Rob."

"At one time Scooter Bob that used to be the Plant Hotel, named after Henry B Plant a railroad magnate, and dates back to 1891.  He almost singlehandedly made Florida what it is today.  During the Spanish American war this served at Teddy Roosevelt's and the rough riders headquarters.  A variety of writers and celebrities stayed there as well."

"How do you know so much about history?"

"I love to read and have a great respect for the past....their is also a historical marker behind you."

"Oh.   You were saying something about a ride up Bayshore Blvd which overlooks the water and the city?  And something about a UFO?"

"Sadly Bob that needs to wait for a few days.   I'm afraid were out of time right now."

"Bummer, but I'm looking forward to what you got planned.   I'm just worried that you'll get me in trouble with my wife.  I heard you and Bill talking about having a mermaid kiss me."

"All in do time my friend."

Meeting up and passing the torch.

I have to admit that I'm a little nervous as I sit and wait at my home for the arrival of Scooter Bob.

I've been following David Masse's Life on Two Wheels blog for a while and David has put a lot of miles under his wheels as he traveled and toured.  Bill Leuthold is a legend in some circles as he done several Iron Butt challenges, and has been in at least two Scooter Cannonballs.  Ken Wilson has been keeping a blog for years and is another serious rider with various accomplishments to his name.  The man helped build a school for God's sake.  Jim Mandel I'm afraid I didn't know but I did know that if was riding with this group then he must be very accomplished indeed.

Sadly however I would not be able to ride with them.  I had some prior commitments (See the Great Kitchen Remodel) and would be working later in the day. 

Me?  I'm famous for trying to add a blender to the back of my bike and sell smoothies. 

Myself, Scooter Bob, Bill and Venessa

Sadly it didn't pan out that way.  David's gear got shipped elsewhere (see his post about thathere).  I'm not sure what happened to Ken and Jim but Bill did stop by for a few minutes and we handed off Scooter Bob. 

I had thought about where I wanted to take Scooter Bob before, but a lot of other riders have taken him to places I can only dream of.  My world seems very small right now, but let us shake those negative thoughts from my head.

In no particular order I was thinking of showing him the following:

• The largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright's work in the south.
• Mermaids
• A big bell tower
• City roads
• Big Lizards
• A city of Ghosts
• A city of Freaks
• A UFO
• The best beach in America
• Bea and my favorite bee's.
• A castle in a swamp

It really just depends on the weather, the time I have and a few other things.  I'm a big fan of a local program that takes "Trips on a tankful" in and around Florida as well as an avid reader of Florida Backroads e-zine.    What I'm hoping is something odd and unusual will catch my eye.  I also had every intention to reaching out to my local scooting community for their suggestions as well.

This is going to be fun.  This, I think, is what I needed.   To get out and explore again.  Hopefully have Scooter Bob around will rekindle my desire to ride again, much like the Equinox to Equinox rally did a few years ago (and where I finished a very respectable 13th).

Scooter Delivery

I had handed ScooterBob off to Ken Wilson last week when we were on a big ride in Port St. Joe and Cedar Key.  He was to have him for a short visit, then we were all to deliver him to his next host, Robert Wilson.

It turned out that Ken couldn't ride and David got caught in a Chicago hurricane of airline scheduling and had to cancel his trip.

But I was there and made the delivery to Robert's house on Saturday.

It was a pleasure to have the little guy, but he needed a new host.  Robert has some plans in store for the visit.

Scooter Bob's short visit.

Scooter Bob came to visit me last week for a few days.  He was so busy that I did not even get to get a picture before he moved on down the road on his adventure.  David was supposed to pick him up, but he failed to show and though Bob was disappointed he was happy that his good friend Bill came to save the day. Bob and I visited a few places but he hid in the bag around all the Harley guys, and he might have been a little hung over.
I waved goodbye as Bill and Bob left to go visit Scooter Bob's next friend.

Some places Scooter Bob visited.......

Big Red was fueled and pointed out the door for David to take Scooter Bob on his next adventure. Sadly the airlines stiff armed poor David.

Valentine Oyster Tour

This past weekend, Ken Wilson (Lostboater) arranged a new Oyster Tour.  It included me, Jim Mandle (ADKJim) and Gary Kinney (Captain Gary).

I met Jim in Perry on Saturday morning, from where we rode to Lynn's Quality Oysters in Eastpoint, where Ken and Gary awaited our arrival.

Four scooters in front of Lynn's Quality Oysters.  Ken and Jim in photo.

These are the wonderful raw oysters served inside.  Apalachicola Bay is currently closed, so these came from Texas

There, we had some raw oysters and steamed shrimp to hold us for the ride to Port St. Joe.

Gary, Jim and Ken in Port St. Joe

Scooter Bob at the hotel parking lot.

Scooter Bob with Ken's helmet

After getting settled in Port St. Joe, I wanted to ride up to Mexico Beach, where we found a great spot for a few photos of the little wooden scooter.

Scooter Bob at Mexico Beach

And another facing forward

Me, Scooter Bob's humble host.

On Sunday, the four of us headed to Cedar Key in what turned out to be a nearly 300 mile ride after several side trips and stops.

At St Joseph Peninsula State Park

We checked in to the hotel and had dinner at Tony's, famous for its chowder.  Gary had fun with the server and everyone was entertained.

This morning, I handed Scooter Bob off to Ken, his new handler.  Ken hasn't been on the list yet, but will be a fine host.

Ken at the Port St. Joe hotel Tiki Bar.