The Nomadic Life

[Too Tall]

Thanks for the transmission tip, I'll put that on my to do list. We just got back from Folly Beach, SC and logged 1200 miles. Love the truck. It will take some getting used to those giant fenders. Next up is adjusting the WDH since the truck hitch sits 4 1/4 higher than the Tundra!!!

Just for giggles I'm interested in an RV video that GM sells. The thing plugs into weatherproof coax outlets on my trucks bumper and integrates with the truck camera system to create a "invisible" trailer view. At the very least it seems like a good system for a solid rear view that does not depend on Bluetooth. The downside is that I'll have to snake the cable thru the trailer behind cabinets etc. and pop a small hole for the mount just about the trailer license plate. Will make a lovely project ;)

[PaMtbRider]

I will be interested in how the video camera install goes. Take your time and do a good job so it's easier when we do mine.

[bigbill]

Thanks for the transmission tip, I'll put that on my to do list. We just got back from Folly Beach, SC and logged 1200 miles. Love the truck. It will take some getting used to those giant fenders. Next up is adjusting the WDH since the truck hitch sits 4 1/4 higher than the Tundra!!!

Just for giggles I'm interested in an RV video that GM sells. The thing plugs into weatherproof coax outlets on my trucks bumper and integrates with the truck camera system to create a "invisible" trailer view. At the very least it seems like a good system for a solid rear view that does not depend on Bluetooth. The downside is that I'll have to snake the cable thru the trailer behind cabinets etc. and pop a small hole for the mount just about the trailer license plate. Will make a lovely project ;)

In 1996, I got married at Folly Beach at a beach rental a few blocks north of the pier. My ex lives about an hour away in Beaufort. My son could end up at NAS Beaufort flying F-35s. I was stationed in the Charleston area from 1992 to 1996 and one of my favorite rides was from James Island to Folly Beach. There's so much more traffic now.

Since my F-250 is a work truck, I used my smart phone for navigation but I've been considering an RV Garmin that can have a Bluetooth camera on the back of the trailer. I know there are apps for my phone for RV travel, but sometimes cell signals are sparse out west.

[Too Tall]

We rode the tandem from Folly to James Island and were not in love with the traffic. Was able to find a side road for most of the return trip.
Hmmm Beaufort...a good friend just moved there. No way right?

[bigbill]

We rode the tandem from Folly to James Island and were not in love with the traffic. Was able to find a side road for most of the return trip.
Hmmm Beaufort...a good friend just moved there. No way right?

The "sort of bike lane" heading to Folly was established in the mid-90s. Before that, we tempted fate and rode in a fast pace line knowing that whoever took the first pull after Grimball road was pulling all the way to Folly. One of the guys on the team managed an RV park just across the causeway but it's gone, replaced by condos. My Navy roommate on my last ship was a Backman and his family used to operate shrimp boats out of Folly Beach.

[ides1056]

At dinner tonight in a ryokan after a 21 mile day- I had no idea what I was getting into when I started- the man next to me said he was 76 years old. He walked Shikoku last year solo, again this year. Carrying about 12 pounds of gear. That is living.

[Too Tall]

At dinner tonight in a ryokan after a 21 mile day- I had no idea what I was getting into when I started- the man next to me said he was 76 years old. He walked Shikoku last year solo, again this year. Carrying about 12 pounds of gear. That is living.

That is impressive and immersive which is true to your intent. Go man go.

[bigbill]

I prepped the trailer this afternoon. Over the winter the trailer got a new freshwater tank and I had left it empty for the winter. Today I filled the tank and as soon as it indicated 1/3, I started the pump and started venting the system starting with the kitchen and finishing with the outdoor shower which is the most remote. Once the shower stopped spitting air, the freshwater pump was purring like a kitten. I checked tire pressure and all the tires were 70-72 psi so I inflated up to 80 per the manufacturer sticker. Tomorrow we're moving the trailer to the barn where the horses are boarded and my wife will live in the trailer until the college semester ends in May. We are both driving to Wyoming on Friday-Saturday in two Uhaul trucks with our 2018 Escape and 1967 Mustang on trailers. The route is a game day decision due to weather. We had planned to drive I-15 to SLC before getting on I-80, but Cedar City has snow in the forecast. So we looked at our normal route via Flagstaff, Monument Valley to I-70, but I think the snow will be worse in Flagstaff.

I think TooTall know the score; South Pass is best avoided with rental trucks. No matter the route, we'll likely go to Rawlins and take 287 north.

[Too Tall]

Be safe man. Those U-Haul trailers are usually a good tow so there is that.

[PaMtbRider]

Drive safe. Take your time and sit still for a day if necessary.
Tell us more about the 67 Mustang. Many years ago as a young sargent stationed at Ft Ord California I had a 67 Mustang GT fastback with a 390. I wish I had that car today.

[bigbill]

Drive safe. Take your time and sit still for a day if necessary.
Tell us more about the 67 Mustang. Many years ago as a young sargent stationed at Ft Ord California I had a 67 Mustang GT fastback with a 390. I wish I had that car today.

It's a Sports Sprint with a 289ci V8, factory air, and automatic. I bought it from the original owner in 1983. It had an engine rebuild about a year before I bought it. The timing cover cracked, dumped the oil, and seized the engine. The auto shop class at my high school pulled and rebuilt the engine as their project. At the time, I had no idea that would be my motor. When I get it to Wyoming, I'll work on the front suspension and steering to tighten it up. Parts are easy to get these days. With a VIN, I could order the parts to build a new mustang.

[ides1056]

Two mountaintop temples today. Feels like temp around 30. At the bottom of the hill as I am figuring out where the route goes, two cyclists show up with the bread-box vans you see everywhere here, the rear lid up on both and a roller set up for motor pacing. The guy on the track bike has tree trunks for legs, the other is a road biker. Both are dragging car tires behind them. Never seen that before. Another data point that tells you it ain’t Kansas: several dozen bikes left at a train stop, not one of them locked.

[Too Tall]

Two mountaintop temples today. Feels like temp around 30. At the bottom of the hill as I am figuring out where the route goes, two cyclists show up with the bread-box vans you see everywhere here, the rear lid up on both and a roller set up for motor pacing. The guy on the track bike has tree trunks for legs, the other is a road biker. Both are dragging car tires behind them. Never seen that before. Another data point that tells you it ain’t Kansas: several dozen bikes left at a train stop, not one of them locked.

Fun report. I'm enamored with many aspects of Japan culture. Their passion for food, beauty and fairness are admired.

Dan/Bill - I bought a 67 1/2 mustang from the orig. owner after High School. It had a top end re-do and only needed bias tires ;) Hoo boy L1 and a six pack, I was golden. After I had my fun it went to a dad who gave the car a total make over to give to his daughter for her sweet 16.

[ides1056]

I have spent the past several days walking south along the Pacific coast of Shikoku- think Big Sur without towns or people, the road winding into the distance. Alone with nature. Rained all day and I loved it. Walking nineteen miles at a pop gives a great buzz. Stayed last night in a surf shack- Bolinas circa 1970. I asked my host if I could help and she handed me her two month old. I sang to her and she stopped crying. Did the dishes. Pronounced a gentleman. People here live way more simply than back home, but they have enough and seem happy with that. I am loving this.

[ides1056]

I am halfway now: Eihme province. New boots make for happy feet. The walk along the south coast from Ashizuri to Otsuki was second only to the birthday of my children for the best day in my life. I mailed a package home today, and it was an amusing experience that took an hour. I was reminded of the robot who cleans up after WALL·E in the Pixar film. My pack is lighter now despite the addition of an inflatable pad and a bivouac sack. There are a few remote temples in the offing and no accommodations, so I am going full Henro and camping where permitted. Gratefully there is no rain in the forecast.

[Too Tall]

I am halfway now: Eihme province. New boots make for happy feet. The walk along the south coast from Ashizuri to Otsuki was second only to the birthday of my children for the best day in my life. I mailed a package home today, and it was an amusing experience that took an hour. I was reminded of the robot who cleans up after WALL·E in the Pixar film. My pack is lighter now despite the addition of an inflatable pad and a bivouac sack. There are a few remote temples in the offing and no accommodations, so I am going full Henro and camping where permitted. Gratefully there is no rain in the forecast.

VS hero status achieved my friend. We love these reports. Next time say a few words about local food and shelter.

[bigbill]

I found out about a bucket list item I didn't know existed until today. This Saturday, the road between West Yellowstone and Mammoth Springs opens up to cyclists for about two weeks. The only vehicles will be official park and contractors. I'll likely drive the six hours to West Yellowstone on Wednesday and stay Wed-Thurs night and hopefully get a good experience on Thursday and Friday on my bike. I'll take the open because it has 32mm Specialized Roubaix tubeless. They handle the occasional patch of gravel. I'll keep the bike in hotel room so the Orange Seal won't freeze at night. It looks like upper 40s and low 50s with teens at night. Time to zip tie the bear spray to the camelbak.

[72gmc]

I am halfway now: Eihme province. New boots make for happy feet. The walk along the south coast from Ashizuri to Otsuki was second only to the birthday of my children for the best day in my life. I mailed a package home today, and it was an amusing experience that took an hour. I was reminded of the robot who cleans up after WALL·E in the Pixar film. My pack is lighter now despite the addition of an inflatable pad and a bivouac sack. There are a few remote temples in the offing and no accommodations, so I am going full Henro and camping where permitted. Gratefully there is no rain in the forecast.

I’m so glad I found your reports! My wife and I can’t wait to go back to Japan. We are so glad we went to Hiroshima while there—the museum, the peace park, the people, it was so much more affecting and the people so much more welcoming than I could have imagined. Enjoy every step!

[ides1056]

In Saijo City now after a 30K day. I was loaned a bicycle to ride to a convenience store to pick up dinner. Felt so good despite being altogether ill- fitting. I will complete the route by the 26th and then the take a train to Imabari and rent a bike for a week or so to ride the Shimanami no Kaido over the Seto sea and to just took around and give my feet a rest. The route guide says the 88 is 1200K in total. I am at 1100 with two weeks to go- not efficient but it’s been fun to deviate. The first two prefectures were easy to navigate, but Ehime has me a bit flummoxed. Next time. At this point I am making a bee line for the finish. I could lighten my pack by quite a bit if I sent my camping gear ahead, but I keep it just in case. Was thinking to climb and camp on Ichizuri, the tallest mountain on the island, but rain is forecast so I will wait till after I finish and see what looks like the best course to follow. I will have almost a month before returning home. I’ve met many intrepid people, and more travel in Asia is in my future: Taiwan before China invades, Vietnam, Cambodia- pipe dreams, yes, but after this I feel confident I can manage travel with only a backpack and good waking shoes.

[ides1056]

A few days ago I walked to one of the so-called minor temples, Senryu-ji. Imagine walking over the steepest imaginable path, say Bishops Pass in the Sierras, but the way is 400 years old, the stone stairs spiral down precipitously and carved stone figures line the way. Azaleas. Trees ten feet in diameter. Waterfalls, one of which runs under the main temple building which is set on a huge vaulted platform. Inside it’s another century and planet- a French friend said he was reminded of Rivendell. The guest book one is asked to add one’s information to shows that no one has visited for three days- it’s that far off the beaten track. I just stood in awe before the inner sanctuary, a Buddhist version of heaven, lit three candles and listened to the silence.
I have run out of superlatives. Shikoku just astounds. I will complete the 88 in a few days’ time, then backtrack by train to Imabari and rent a bike for a week or two. Riding the Shimanami no Kaedo across the Seto sea is on my agenda, and I will spend a few days on Ichizuchi, the tallest mountain in Western Japan.
I forgot to mention the Shinto Fire ceremony I happened to witness at Koryu-ji, where people walk over hot coals. Not a day goes by that I don’t count my blessings.

Bedtime. I am fading after another 30 kilometer day.