Harleys and hammocks by Greg

We did a bit of running around yesterdsay thanks to by brother. The motorcycle needed a new battery. The original that was still in it was so badly drained from sitting for the past 8 months it wouldn’t even take a charge. The Harley store in Mesa is called Chester’s. I love that name. My mother’s twin sister’s husband’s father was named Chester. (Does that make him my great uncle?) As a kid I used to watch him and my uncle play cribbage the way it is supposed to be played, with lots of bad mouthing and banter back and forth. At the time I thought they were being pretty rude to each other.

The bike started up with no problems. It sure sounded good to hear it running again. When I bought it I had the factory exhaust replaced with Hooker Header True Dual pipes. That’s another name I love. The True Dual part means that each cylinder on the engine has a dedicated exhaust pipe and they do not merge into one. It makes the sound of it the most Harley of all Harley sounds. If you stand behind it you can hear the “potato, potato” sound from each cylinder seperately. Way cool. I managed to get the bike upright with my bad leg so I can now ride it, which I intend to do today. Probably won’t go far on it but it will be awfully nice to get it on the road again.

We also bought a hammock stand so I can use my hammock again. There just aren’t very many trees in this part of Arizona. Hanging it from a couple of saguoro cacti just isn’t practical. I am beginning to feel like I can be comfortable again.

Today I’ll be packing up for the flight to Portland tomorrow. From there we (my brother and sister-in-law, Von is staying here with Bentley) will rent a car and drive to Eugene for the night, then down to Reedsport. I doubt I will have any time to stop into Salem so forgive me if I don’t get a chance to see anyone.

Yesterday was very windy and cold until mid-afternoon. Then it warmed up nicely. I thought it was cold until I looked up Salem weather. High in the low forties. Glad to be here. Sorry you’re there!!!

No new photos but will try to take some of me on the bike and in the hammock just to make you even more jealous.

I also saw it was 22 in Iraq. Aaron, I hope you stay warm and safe.

In spite of all the dreary news we are having a good time of it. Life goes on. It will be good to see Jimmy and Kim tomorrow.

Greg