Cuba Sunday Evening

Another full day.  We completed our 3rd and final water filtration system today at a church in a poor area of Havana. We thought we would have to wait until tomorrow because they had a bad infestation of fleas but we were able to work in an area without fleas, which was nice.

We then took a short tour in the bus and along the Malecon at the waterfront.  We saw a informal car show with cars from the 1950s. Gwynn, Ted, Susie and I broke from the group and had dinner by ourselves.

Cuba is very poor and the buildings are in disrepair.  The Cubans keep everything clean but everything is old, worn and poorly maintained.  A doctor earns about $100 per month.

Pictures tell it better than words.

Cuba - Sunday

Where to start. We are in Havana getting ready to have breakfast and then head out to our 3rd water project. Internet is very sporadic and limited. We are staying in a convent and the breakfast bell just rang.

I'm  going to post pictures.

People have been very friendly, appreciative and generous. We have been able see areas that tourists usually don't see.

Cuba!

Sooz and I will soon head to Miami to fly to Cuba beginning a new adventure of service and fun.  We fly out of Miami on Friday, May 25, 2018 and return Tuesday, May 29, 2018.  My brother Ted and his girlfriend Gwynn will be traveling with us.

Rick and Cordella Miessau from West Palm Beach, FL are organizing this trip.  I used to work with both of them at the South Florida Water Management District.  Rick, and some associates, started a nonprofit organization with a mission to provide clean drinking water to people in need.  His organization is Clean Drinking Water Team, Inc.  Details about their organization and our trip can be found at their website: www.cleandrinkingwaterteam.org.

It's a quick trip, without motorcycles and should be a blast.  I will update this blog daily during our trip so come back.

Terry

Wolfman Luggage Recognition and Appreciation

I wanted to take a minute and thank Wolfman Luggage for sponsoring our latest ride to Newfoundland by providing us with a new Large Rolie Bag in bright yellow.  We are big Wolfman Luggage fans already having purchased large dry bags and tank bag that you can see in our previous posts.  One of the ways we used the Large Rolie Bag was as an overnight bag when we took the ferry from North Sydney, Nova Scotia to Argentia, Newfoundland.  It worked great because we were able to bring the Rolie Bag to our cabin instead of the larger and heavier dry bags.  We also used it for carrying food and trinkets we picked up during our day rides.  Another nice aspect of the Rolie Bag is that it easily strapped onto our dry bags as you can see in the pictures below.  And, all of their luggage is made in the USA.  Please pay particular attention to our talented, stylish and beautiful model below pointing out how the Large Rolie Bag is attached to the large dry bag on The Mighty GS.  #WolfmanLuggage   Facebook    Twitter

July 22, 2017 Orangeburg, SC to Gainesville, FL, 321 miles

Got an early start (6:00 am on the road) and was home at 11:00 am.  Nice, easy ride on interstates, cool and "quiet" morning air with minimal traffic.

Total miles on this trip: 6,180.

July 21, 2017 Virginia to Orangeburg, SC, 321 miles

Brutal heat compounded by traffic jams in 100 degree heat and full sun.  The bike and I came close to overheating so I stopped about every 75 miles to cool off. I have a system of soaking my shirt and a cloth around my neck and regulating the air flow through my jacket.  As long as I'm moving it's bearable.  When I stop, it's not.

I have also downloaded a lot of podcasts and listen to those which helps take my mind off the heat.

This is my last night on the road for this trip. I'm looking forward to getting home after a great trip.

July 20, 2017, 435 miles

Lots of riding and lots of heat.  I am writing this late at night.  I can't remember where I was last night and think I am in western VA tonight.

Today was consistently in mid 90s with full sun and lots of traffic.  Made more stops to cool off and traffic stopped 3 times for construction so it was a long day.  I'm going to take 2 days to get home from here which will get me home Saturday.

The headlight bulb burnt out today. I carry extras so I replaced it in the hotel parking lot tonight.  Also added about a 1/4 of a quart of oil. Tire pressure is good.