Modern Vespa

On a mission today. The hunt for LOVE LIFE.
Preface:
For those that don't recognize this, it is the moto of Steve Fugate from Vero Beach, Florida.
If you have lost a child, then you may understand him. If you haven't, maybe you can still understand him.
He gave his business to his son, Stevie, so he could do like many adventure riders. That is, go see the world.
While on his adventure, law enforcement found him on a hiking trail and told him he needed to go back home.
His son had taken his life. After a time of mourning, his daughter blamed him for not giving his son the same love of life he had.
Later, the daughter passed due to drug overdose.
His mission became clear. He had to prevent as many other people from this heart break as possible.
He walked across the USA with the Love Life sign. He talks to anyone and everyone he can.
His stories are inspiring and uplifting. He is currently on his 9th trek and headed to Oregon.

How I learned of him:
2 years ago I was riding my AK550 and captured this old fart walking toward me with the Love Life sign. I added it to my video. I searched the internet to find out who this character was.

Today's mission:
I saw a post that Steve was walking again. He was passing through Alabama headed to Oregon. I told my friend Tim about Steve and he said he would ride along if I wanted.
We picked a date and place we expected to intercept Steve. Maplesville, Alabama on hwy 82 on Wednesday, May 3, 2023.

The ride:
Filled up with fuel.
I rode about 25 miles to meet Tim in Helena, Alabama at the McDonalds. He was there waiting when I arrived.
I took videos of the trip and will try post some footage later. As we entered Montevallo, we passed the National Cemetery.
I visit there yearly to honor my uncle who's final resting place is there.

Took a photo of the Montevallo city street scene mural.

We continued on through Maplesville onto hwy 82 and headed east. We were pretty sure we'd beat Steve to Maplesville. As we rode, I looked behind every vacant building, every side road, and any place I thought someone might seek shade for rest when walking. After a little over 10 miles, I glanced down a dirt road and there was Steve facing away from the hwy and with his cart behind him. I pointed as I passed, and went up to the next place I could turn around safely.
We returned and found we had interrupted him seeking some bladder relief!!!!!
I took advantage of the opportunity as well. Trees were thick enough to shade one from the hwy traffic.
Ahhhhh, now where was I? Oh yeah, meeting Steve on his mission to spread Love Life.
Tim had his photo first so he'd still have a photo after I broke the camera with my pic.
Steve has some amazing stories of inspiring and being inspired. He loves to talk as much as I do. He is a great person. A bit salty sometimes. A bit funny sometimes. An inspiration always.
He has written a book that is available on Amazon that helps him along the way.
Here is his Facebook page should you care to follow along:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/lovelifegroup/

After a wonderful visit with Steve, we headed back home. Tim showed me more murals in Montevallo that weren't visible from the main road.
Ciela performed wonderfully.
Filled up at the same station I started from in morning.
I rode a total of 175 miles.
Weather was like it had been pre-ordered.
I hope this is a preview to the rest of my rides this season.

The video:

Great story! Loosing anyone close to you is often heartbreaking a renders some affected for the rest of their lives. My wife and I are the last remaining members of our families and know well the difficulties of finding ways to keep on with our lives.