Author: D. Brent Miller

Writer, photographer, fly fisher and motorcyclist. Mostly retired.
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Kicking more tires, riding season is upon us

It has to be the springtime atmosphere. I was out on the motorcycle on Saturday, and riding is on my mind, which of course has me thinking and looking … AGAIN. I’ve spent too much time looking and dreaming. Of course, that may be the fun of it, or it could be obsessive compulsive disorder or maybe adult attention deficit disorder. Whatever.

Triumph Tiger 800 XC

The last time I told my wife I was going to buy a new helmet, I came home with a Trek 7300. “Honey, look! I bought a new helmet and they threw in a bicycle!” To this day, I don’t think she believed all of that story. Not that there is a hint or relationship between buying a new helmet and a new bike, but I just ordered a new motorcycle helmet. My main and rational excuse: the old one leaks around the face shield in the rain. I’ve wanted a white helmet for some time, so white it is, and I’ve said repeatedly for the past two years, my next bike is going to be white. It’s a fashion statement.

Here’s a bike in white: Triumph Tiger 800 XC. Is this just California Dreaming? It’s like the girl next door. You’ve been around her for a while, and just now noticing her.

See you on the highway.

Brent

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Shall we gather at the river?

[audio:Fly_tying_at_the_VA.MP3]

When we help others, we sometimes help ourselves.

For more information about Project Healing Waters, visit their web site.

See you on the highway.

Brent

The Back Story

There is more to this personal essay, and it’s how it came about. I reviewed a documentary film last year called the Welcome, and I was haunted by the film–not in a bad way, but in a way to do something. It was like that voice in the bottom of my heart and soul that kept saying, “Well, Brent. What are you going to do now?” And, that voice would not leave me alone.

The premise of the film is about finding a way to welcome home the warriors–our veterans. I kept thinking about how I would use the motivation of this film to do something. I should do something. I am a veteran myself, a Vietnam Veteran. I should be helping my veteran brothers and sisters. It’s time to get involved somehow.

When I learned our fly fishing club, Buckeye United Fly Fishers, was involved with veterans programs, I investigated and joined the cause. That’s how I became involved with Project Healing Waters. It’s an incredible program. I don’t know if I would have been involved had I not seen that film. If you get the chance, you should see it too. You will be moved. –B.

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I am an Indie Traveler

I love to travel. My favorite books are travel essays. It’s easier to learn about places and people through travel. Travel brings insight and understanding.

It was an easy decision for me when I learned about the Indie Traveler Manifesto. I decided to sign the manifesto and to support the idea of travel.

manifestocolor

Granted, travel is different for everyone. Some travel for recreation. some to visit families. Some to see art or experience history or culture. Whether you are traveling in only your state, or region, the United States of America or the Americas, or the world, you can turn your travels into meaningful travel.

Are you an Indie Traveler?

See you on the highway.

Brent