more sporadic entries pertaining life as it develops are found here...
Traveling the Americas It is so nice, we do it twice. Project: Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, and back Completed: Phase 1 Los Angeles - Alaska - Los Angeles on 1800 Goldwing GW1800 motorcycle Phase 2 Los Angeles - Panama - Los Angeles on BMW 1150GS Adventure motorcycle Phase 3 - South America - Might just have to wait a little longer, as we sqeeze in other trips and responsibilities On the last day of our Alaska Trip, when I turned the heavy Goldwing into my driveway after 8500 miles, I felt a great sense of accomplishment and relief... This was not the weekend trip to Big Bear. I could have easily kissed the ground right then, just as the pope does, in appreciation of having returned safely. It always feels good to come home in one piece. There are no guaranties for a safe return. And when I imagine how many risks I had taken in leaving, I find it always worth while to give the return a moment of Zen... read it all here Ready to leave for Panama	- - - We proudly present: The Central America Pictures. 780 of them, comments will follow. Try the Slide Show feature! Click Here for Slide Show - - -   Young and old: Everybody likes our trusty steed Vacation, Heiner Style! Eating out, Heiner Style. Laguna Beach Sightseeing, Heiner Style. July 18, NEW Pictures: MOTHER AND HEINER DO SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, MAY 2004 About Paul: Paul has enjoyed traveling all his life. But due to other responsibilities his experience had been restricted to countries in Europe, parts of Northern Africa and the USA. As life is short and time is limited, Paul decided to focus more on exploring the new, rather than returning to the known. Paul has been riding motorized two wheel vehicles since 1974, and admittedly cannot part with his affection, even if he tried. Long distance travel and excursions have become more exciting than just running up and down the same hills with sparks flying of various parts of the bike. OK, he still loves speed. But there is more to be enjoyed. Exploring the unknown and travelling to foreign places you might have seen in pictures, or read about in books, is a powerful and exciting experience. And meeting people from other cultures and ethnic backgrounds makes traveling even more wonderful und fulfilling. Now in his forties, Paul developed a greater awareness for the need to balance his work life responsibilities and his desire to experience the rewarding treasures of other cultures and nature. This balance act is not an easy task. We have been trained to focus on accumulating material goods in a career driven environment and society, where the "be all you can be" is often measured in possessions and power. As one is usually absorbed in the tasks of everyday routines, it takes an effort to distance oneself to gain a better perspective and a more fulfilling outlook on life.
When Paul spends too much time typing away on the computer, pulp fiction gets woven in with reality. The following is an excerpt from the ALASKA Journal:
NEWS From Canada:	Heroic tourist stops traffic for 20 plus minutes and avoids deadly collisions
	Imagine a potentially deadly construction site. Paul immediately recognizes the dangerous situation and knows that only action will save lives. Out comes the stop sign and he officially and authoritatively blocks all traffic for the next 20 minutes or so. Sometimes, he knows, longer IS better in the name of safety. During this life threatening procedure, Paul was merely assisted by a very shy, introverted Canadian woman wearing a goofy hat and vest which both matched his orange Goldwing to the T. These people with funny orange plastic hats are strangely attracted to Paul. First Fred the 'Beemer Doc', now a Canadian in drag. But Paul stays in control. After having explained the seriousness of the situation to the helpless woman, he takes the remaining 18 minutes to clarify that he simply can't stay forever managing traffic in Canada. He has yet another 5000 miles ahead of him to finish his quest for Alaska. She agrees nodding hesitantly, and Paul patiently teaches her how to hold the sign correctly by turning it around facing the waiting travelers with the ORANGE face of the sign that reads 'SLOW'. When Paul mentions that orange matches his bike favorably, the woman instinctively understands, grabs the sign from Pauls strong arms and turns it to 'SLOW'. And yet again traffic in Canada moves safely. Thanks to our true hero in black leather tights. Paul jumps on his bike and the rest is history as his quest will be completed without further delays. ...Or so he hopes. I have received praise for my bravery, need I say this is a hoax?
Many thanks to this funny and outgoing Canadian Flagger for letting me mess with an official traffic sign while we pose for the picture. I really stopped all of this traffic. And you thought I was kidding. Shame on you!   Paul