Mole Man- American Pickers-1

There is a new TV show on the History Channel called American Pickers. Two guys in a van scout the countryside for old barns, garages, houses etc.-the more cluttered-the better. They recently visited a "WOW" house in western Pennsylvania. I had to see this place!
My high school friend Bill knew Ronald-the owner. He was the guy that wore the hoodie and had tunnels under his 28 room "house". Last week we did the tour-almost four hours-and it was unbelievable.
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American Pickers=The Mole Man Ron-2

Google the Mole Man and you find the internet is buzzing. He's on blogs, facebook, twitter, etc.
Some folks project him as scary, weird, etc. I found him delightful (I know what some of you are thinking). He is quite knowledgeable about construction-humorous and enjoys giving tours of his "house".
Ron's House consists of many camouflaged entrances-then to narrow passageways.
He doesn't own a car and hauls all lumber and memorabilia home on the back of a small motorcycle.

American Pickers-Ron the Mole Man 3

W e toured Ron's House for almost four hours I foolishly entered the house with a clean, pressed shirt and Bermuda shorts! I exited a "mole man" with a skinned shin. But, it was the BEST! As in the Movie, "Romey and Michelle", It was the "Funest"!

Semi Wild Hogs-Beginning of Road Trip

Websters defines "Wanderlust" as strong or inconquerable longing or impulse toward wandering. I have it- BIG TIME! I love to roam-and do it frequently. So, with two good friends we set out for a good old boys road trip-no reservations, no definite itinerary, sleeping bags and tents and some sport touring motorcycles.
I always put a sign on my bike-it's amazing how many people wave and give a thumbs up. It wouldn't be a normal start without a rain storm. My friend Bruce claims there is no such thing as bad weather-just bad gear. We were prepared.

We try and avoid chain restaurants but if you just want to make time-McDonald's fills the bill. Mickey D's in the morning is great for two reasons-excellent coffee plus the "locals". It is the new General Store where regulars congregate-politics are discussed, jokes are told and BS flies. They are fun!

Semi Wild Hogs- Deals Gap- The Dragon

The second day of the trip was reserved for "Dragon Slaying". Deal's Gap, known as "The Dragon" is a mecca for motorcyclists. It is located on the North Carolina- Tenn. border-a public road in the heart of the mountains. It has over 118 curves in eleven miles and bikers from all over Amercia come to "slay the Dragon-racing up and down and through the curves. Sometimes the Dragon "slays" them.
At the base of Deal's Gap there is a motel/restaurnat that caters to bikers. There, they have a "Tree of Shame" where everyone that was "slain" nails a piece of their crushed bike on the tree. Every inch of tree space holds a bent fender or wheel, smashed gas tank plus assorted other bike parts. We rode the Dragon-at a sane pace!

Semi Wild Hogs- Alabama and Fighting Roosters

Several years I was in a small bar in Alabama and mentioned that I was curious about Cock Fighting. It wasn't long until I was introduced to JW-a really neat guy who raises fighting chickens. For our mutual edification, it is not illegal to raise the birds-just fight them. A visit with JW is a "hoot"! He is the greatest-his dress, his drawl, and especially his stories-an afternoon with him is one nice time!

Semi Wild Hogs Road Trip-Pell City Alabama

Onward to the Heart of Dixie-Alabama. I believe most Yankees have a distorted view of "Bama"! Visit Lake Logan Martin and you'll change your tune! This is a beautiful area-magnificent homes, huge lake, friendly people and some neat Southern Bars! My favorite is DJ's formerly the "Checkered Flag"-I visit there every chance I get. What is more fun than a "buzzed" group standing, and raising their glasses singing Lee Greenwood's, "I'm Proud to be an American"! PS The ticket is fake- I know the officer!!!

Semi wild Hogs Road Trip . Alabama

Alabama is Happening! They have many automobile production plants (Mercedes, Honda, etc) plus one of the best motorcycle museums in the country-Barber Motor-sports. Bruce knew one of the employees and we had a guided tour behind the scenes- the Restoration area and warehouse of unrestored bikes This place is awesome-check it out next time you are in the Birmingham area.

Road Trip Kentucky Catfish,Corvettes, Old Friends

Factory tours are great! One of my favorite TV shows is "How It's Made". What's better than visiting the actual assembly plant-making Corvettes. It's a "WOW" and makes you want to run out and buy a new Vette.

One summer I attended Western University in Bowling Green-spent many evenings at a "road house" drinking pitchers of beer and eating catfish and hush puppies. It was there that I met a wonderful friend-Kentucky Jim. He is the only person that makes my name (Bill) into a two syllable word-Be-ell. I never pass through Ky without visiting him. Guess what we ate? No, not catfish-crappie .

We're about home-2450 miles and I have an empty pack. If you read my blog, you know I am a big fan of "NR'S" (never return) clothes. You wear-em, toss-em and you ride, canoe, or walk home with an empty pack. I leave a "Trail of Tears" (torn, worn, clothes)!