Alternative Lifestyles?

What are Alternative Lifestyles?

I was in an Uber to the local car rental spot down here in Marathon and the guy picked me up in a brand new Tesla.  I only mention it because he turned on the auto pilot and never touched the steering wheel, brakes, or gas peddle.  (gas peddle?  speed lever?)  he was showing ME the large computer screen and how it all worked while the car drove us to the rental location.  The car sped up and slowed down as traffic went willy nilly all around us.  

 My idea of an auto pilot is the van driven by a dog.

They got to Publix as i was leaving and i started asking questions about the bikes.  "My sister Jane in the Netherlands bought an E bike recently."  I've seen lots of 'powered' bikes the last year.  some are gas powered with tiny tanks and small motors, others are battery with a throttle like a tiny motorcycle.  These Giant brand bikes require YOU to peddle.  But they have 3 different riding modes: economical, normal, sport.  Garry asked me if i would like to ride it?  Heck yes!  Can I?  i took it out on the street and went through the 3 modes.  Then in the Sport mode i down shifted through 5 gears and was going 18mph.  I tried to use the same peddle power that i use on my bike to go about 5mph and was actually going 18mph.  i didnt try to reach my top speed.  18mph was flying!  When you put it into Sport Mode and dropped down some gears and kicked the peddles it felt like a horse taking off under you.  I have no idea how the darn thing works, but it sure does!  

Electric left, my $60 model right with $5 Home Depot crate & drink holder!

 Garry and Jacque living on their power boat and riding their sleek groovy Ebikes

The other day while out riding MY bike i ran into three motor homes.  An old school bus and a new Mercedes conversion van.  The school bus started in Maumelle Arkansas, went west and north to seattle and then south and east to Marathon...

Furloughed Firefighter from NC - out of work during 'shut down'

The Mini Cooper wooden model airstream super mini from Maine.

 this is not a great view, but you can imagine your legs going up under the 'kitchen'

 kitchen

I was very impressed with the 'look' of the little woody, but dont think I would, could fit in it.  (I didnt ask if i could crawl in for a nap)  Funny to think of what is "normal" for each of us.  I've lived on Prodigal for over ten years and it seems pretty normal to me.  I've had people ask me questions that allow me to realize how strange it is for land lubbers.  "Do you eat out all the time, or can you cook on the boat?"  "Do you have a refrigerator?"  "Where do you go to the bathroom?"  (I have 2 bathrooms aboard)  I didnt think to ask any of these other folks where they went to the bathroom...

Wherever YOU are today, I hope you have a place to go to the bathroom!    -Skip