The bikes are safely back in my messy garage, a couple of days earlier than we had planned. The weather forecast was looking bleak – major storms starting the day we were supposed to travel home and continuing the proposed day of arrival.

Mrs Henry and I talked it over. We decided it was in my best interest mentally to tough it out and head for the ranch even though we were 200 miles from home. We would need to face another 90+ degree day and crazy interstate traffic to actually make it work.

There were only gas stops and necessary breaks allowed. We ended up hitting the homestead about 2:30 PM. That allowed plenty of time to unload the bikes, order our favorite pizza, open some adult beverages, and start the process of normal daily life.

This trip was shorter than some we’ve done. It was really wearing on me. The total mileage was just about 900 miles. Between the heat and the rain, I was pretty rung out. I’m not sure if either of us have another long motorcycle trip in our hearts.

Jana did a fantastic job on her bike. I am so proud of her for toughing out this ride. It included some technical riding in the West Virginia mountains and some grueling, hot interstate miles across Ohio and Indiana. In spite of all that, she maintained her sense of humor which is reflected in her Facebook posts. If you could see her posts, side-by-side with my posts, you would understand the difference in our points of view. Her posts were fun – mine, not so much.

We did talk about the next vacation. I want to go back to Montana. She agreed but this time, the bikes will go in the trailer and we will ride in air-conditioned comfort in the pickup. That will be a tale for next summer probably. If you’ve followed along this far, Thank you.

For now, the Rambling is over. It is time for coffee on the deck here at the Rambling Ranch.