July 13, 2003 - Livingston, TX

Forecast: 93 degrees

Road Condition: Good.  I-10E to Houston, then I-59N to Livingston

Fuel: Super Unleaded $1.69

Miles Traveled: San Antonio, TX to Livingston, TX: 270 (Total: 2,976)

Bike Update: Running good

Road Trip Log Update: We have gone 13 days without rain and now hurricane Claudette is moving in. We have been watching the weather channel and have decided to remain on course and to take what comes. We calculate that we are about 12 hours ahead of the storm, but who can second guess what a hurricane is going to do? The Texas scenery includes oil derricks, wide open spaces and wonderful people. Texans are extremely positive and friendly folks who love were they live. When asked, “How do you stand this heat?” the common response comes with smile and southern drawl, “Oh, you get used to it…” As we approached Houston the sun began to fade and an incredible moon appeared. The night sky was mesmerizing with the largest, most perfect full moon we had ever seen. The colors of the sunset lit the moon from behind giving it the appearance of a huge pink grapefruit with a friendly face. It was unreal. At the next stop, we both looked at each other with wide eyes and began laughing when Tim said, “Did you see the face on that moon!” As we unloaded the saddlebags in Livingston we decided it was laundry day and to do some wash while we got a good nights sleep. We get asked a lot how we can travel for so long with so little room in our bags. Here’s the simple answer: Washing machines and dark colors. Our clothes consist “one to wear, one to spare” for jeans and t-shirts, one long sleeve for cold weather, and 4 socks and 4 underwear. Washday comes every 4 days. We wear dark colors because, …..well it’s dirty out here on the road. Midway through we will ship a box home with “extras” since Tim has to buy a t-shirt at every Harley shop we stop at. We go in for service and Tim will pick up a shirt, wear it, then he’ll ship an old one home with whatever JillMarie can through in the box. Wonderful things “find us” along the way so we carry self-adhesive mailing labels so it’s easier to send. We’d love to ship home our rain gear but we are not going to get over confident!

Our Friend "Spanky Swartzenegger"	Another night ride to beat the heat
Making Friends in Livingston, TX	"Laundry Day"
Click to see July 7-12, 2003	Click to see July 14, 2003