Hi There.. behind a couple of posts...I do keep more regular posts on Facebook... sooo please if you would like to see all my posts on the trip feel free to "friend" me.( I'll keep repeating this.. :) I prefer the ease and interaction on Facebook... Seems like im talking to outer space here.....:)) Anyway... Great ride from Oaxaca to the pacific coastal town of Puerto Escondido. I was here 30 yrs ago and the main st was all pot holes and dirt. When it rained you were lucky to get your car or in our case your truck up the hill to get out of town. There use to be a few places to rent rooms but we and dozens of surfers camped on the beach. However, things have changed and there are many hotels ( thankfully with a 3 story max) restaurants, shops and beach bars. Although there has been major development P. Escondido still remains a very laid back and charming beach town.. Many surfers still come  here do to the famous " Mexican pipeline" which refers to the powerful and large surf .

Oaxaca city sits between 3 valleys surrounded by high mountains . It is famous for its colonial architect   its cathedrals and vibrant art scene ...Like most Mexican cities, life surrounding the Zocalas ( central squares ) are full of side walk cafes, musicians, food venders , local arts and crafts and as in this case protesters camped on one side outside the governors doors... The drive from Pueblo to Oaxaca was a beautifully paved road that wound around the mountains.. perfect for motos with wide sweeping views. I am impressed with the mexican drivers and many of the cops wave that are on their bikes and many women ( even the old ones) lean out their windows and give me the thumbs up !!

Today I got my oil and filter changed...It makes a girl feel GOOD when the BMW mechanic team treats her bike like a Queen...:))

Hi....I am now in the beautiful and friendly town of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. I have traveled 3 thousand miles from Maine and crossed over into Mexico from the border town of Eagle Pass , Texas. Yes, I was nervous about crossing into the northern border towns. I was told that their were still daily shootings and that I was crazy to cross as the cartel would love my bike and would shoot me in a minute and dump my body down the closest well.....WELL,  i did find a more positive opinion which told me that the shootings had stopped 3 weeks ago and that there was a big increase in the military presence. I crossed first thing in the morning and got away from the border town as fast as i could. The military were every where in full combat gear with machine guns. Check points were every 60 miles or so with 40- 100 men all ready for something to happen ?? The check points had a main stopping area maned by at least 10-20  guards all wearing black masks cover their faces and also men stationed at 4 other spot behind sandbag barricades ... It was a little intimadating but all actually went very well. It took me 3 days crossing the cool desert before arriving in San Miguel De Allende. Ill just post pics now..

The shake down has begun..

Left the beautiful state of Maine where the Mountains meet the Sea on Tuesday , Oct 23rd. I thought i had the bag situation down, but had to down size, repack and reconfigure 3 times. The bike is still very heavy and i very well may get rid of camping gear at some point. Staying in hotels in South American and Africa are cheap enough...I have tools, books , maps, and misc. that I dont need on a daily basis in the aluminum panniers. I highly recommend all waterproof heavy duty expedition bags. I have saddle bags from Wolfman that I have separated and placed perfectly on top of the panniers and a medium duffle from Ortlieb. ...   My back pack is also totally waterproof with a roll down top as well from Bags- Connection .. My favorite motorcycle gear and parts company is http://www.touratech-usa.com

I am now in Virginia and about 1200 miles down the road. I have been taking it easy as i am still experiencing pain from my recent appendectomy and getting use to riding a bike fully loaded riding longer hours. The beauty of riding solo is that there is no one to complain too. Heading for rain today and those of you on the east coast shall be hearing from storm Sandy..Have fun and take pics for me..xo

Finally Ready..

Hi..

I think I'm ready... but will i ever truly be ? Have maps, guides and tools... Cameras, laptop , ipad and GPS..Camping gear, first aid and riding protective gear... Yahoo. Leaving tomorrow heading south in a line for New Orleans, to Texas and crossing the border to Mexico. I am going to try and figure out how to connect these post to Face book as I prefer the interaction on FB. However, I know some of you are not on FB and wish not to be so I will keep this going as much as possible.  Anyone else, feel free to FB me and follow there... Thanks for stopping by... XO