Hey, guys. Sometimes the work computer system has unexpected fits of paranoia -- usually the Bike Forums site is fine, but yesterday, I kept getting flashing messages of impending doom every time I tried to access it. Today -- at least for the moment -- it seems all good.

So, I was going over my leave situation, and my other recreational plans for the year, and my conclusion is that I should be able to take 3 or 4 weekdays off for a tour (I have off on weekends), with a few one-sies or half-days left over to do a couple of one-nighters also. I'll toss in May 13 (my birthday! ) as a potential start date. Sunday May 10 is Mother's Day (and no amount of marital equity is getting you boys out of that one! ) Or maybe May 5-ish? I have a possible conflict on Saturday, 2 May, but I could probably work around it, although the further we get back toward April, the more uncertain the weather will be.

I went camping/hiking in Shenandoah National Park for the first time last year, and I have to say, I'm not too keen on the idea of riding the Blue Ridge Parkway as my first loaded tour. It's beautiful as can be, but Lordy, that's a narrow road, and full of drivers who are gawking out their side windows!

For some reason, I also think incorporating a ferry ride is a cool idea. I've never been to Smith or Tangier Islands (and they're not gonna be around forever!) Or maybe something shorter -- Atlantic Cycling used to do a ride out of St. Michaels (I think -- maybe Easton?) that incorporated a trip on the Oxford-Bellevue (again, I think!) ferry.

I like Southern Maryland, too, so those suggestions would also be fine with me.

NoRacer, I am sooo tempted by a July 4th ride to O.C., and because the 4th is a Saturday this year, we get the 3rd off as a holiday. I may have to work, though -- I think some other people in the office might be taking leave around that time. Have to ponder that further.