Moses Lake, Wa. to Blaine, Wa. and return 616 miles
It was a beautiful morning, clear skies and bright sunlight. Hard to get going though. Interstate all the way because we wanted to get the ride finished. It was a nice ride, heavy traffic heading east and heavier than I expected going west. Harvest of potatoes in the basin is in full swing and the apple harvest has started. Some fog in the Ellensburg area and going up the east side of the pass. Once on top the sun was out and blue skies which were to remain for the rest of the day. We found out too late to make alternative roads that at Everett, I-5 was cut down to one lane and so that caused about an hour delay. Once in Blaine, got fuel filled out the ride forms and ate at Big Dan,s diner an official tour stop. We also spent some time at the arch and peace park. Then home, arriving a little bit after dark to a nice meal and companionship of our spouses.
This will not be my last blog as I will write some on my thoughts and overall impressions of the trip.
There will be pictures, I had problems getting them off the card into the computer, but I think that the problem has been solved.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
day 21
Alturas, Ca. to Moses Lake, Wa. 548 miles
Home at last, but tomorrow we need to go up to Blaine, another 270 miles and back home to complete the final checkpoint. A very cool morning as the temperature was 34 when we first got up. But as the sun came up, it rapidly warmed up, but we did wear our jackets all day, the first time that was done since the first part of the ride. We saw more animals today than any other day, 10 deer on and on both sides of the road when we went to breakfast. Two more deer along the roadside, a field of about 25 sandhill cranes, a number of hawke, and a small herd of antelope. 395 through Oregon has a lot of contrasts, from desert to mountain to pasture and wheat country. We enjoyed the scenery very much. No metropolitan areas to slow us down, but the speed limits in Oregon must be the lowest in the west. We still made good time, getting home about 6:30. It was great to see our wives for the first time in 3 weeks, Francie and Kris had prepared a nice dinner for us and then a shower and off to bed to get ready for tomorrows ride.
Home at last, but tomorrow we need to go up to Blaine, another 270 miles and back home to complete the final checkpoint. A very cool morning as the temperature was 34 when we first got up. But as the sun came up, it rapidly warmed up, but we did wear our jackets all day, the first time that was done since the first part of the ride. We saw more animals today than any other day, 10 deer on and on both sides of the road when we went to breakfast. Two more deer along the roadside, a field of about 25 sandhill cranes, a number of hawke, and a small herd of antelope. 395 through Oregon has a lot of contrasts, from desert to mountain to pasture and wheat country. We enjoyed the scenery very much. No metropolitan areas to slow us down, but the speed limits in Oregon must be the lowest in the west. We still made good time, getting home about 6:30. It was great to see our wives for the first time in 3 weeks, Francie and Kris had prepared a nice dinner for us and then a shower and off to bed to get ready for tomorrows ride.
day 20
Relands, Ca to Alturas, Ca. 663 miles
Out of Redlands and out of the valley, to highway 395 and heading North towards home. The ride through the Mojave was its usual visual ride with many of rock formations, lava flows, and desert vegetation with Joshua trees and various types of cactus. A lot of traffic at times and a lot of motorcycles as people were going to Street Vibrations in Reno, the 4th largest motorcycling gathering in the world. We had lunch at Whiskey Jacks in Bishop, always a worthwhile stop. The area around Mono Lake and beyond, spectacular as usual. We hit Carson City and Reno at rush hour which put us begind, and we were traveling after dark from Susanville to Alturas, so did not get to see that part of the country well, but the full moon did help. We arrived tired, but with reservations that had been set up by Francie, and then a meal at a Basque restaraunt, were ready for our last nights sleep on the road. We awoke to frost on the bikes, and all the bugs from last night frozen to the windshields. Ah, the northwest.
Out of Redlands and out of the valley, to highway 395 and heading North towards home. The ride through the Mojave was its usual visual ride with many of rock formations, lava flows, and desert vegetation with Joshua trees and various types of cactus. A lot of traffic at times and a lot of motorcycles as people were going to Street Vibrations in Reno, the 4th largest motorcycling gathering in the world. We had lunch at Whiskey Jacks in Bishop, always a worthwhile stop. The area around Mono Lake and beyond, spectacular as usual. We hit Carson City and Reno at rush hour which put us begind, and we were traveling after dark from Susanville to Alturas, so did not get to see that part of the country well, but the full moon did help. We arrived tired, but with reservations that had been set up by Francie, and then a meal at a Basque restaraunt, were ready for our last nights sleep on the road. We awoke to frost on the bikes, and all the bugs from last night frozen to the windshields. Ah, the northwest.
day 19
Tuscon, Arizona to San Yisidro to Redlands, California 604 miles
We got up early to get through Tuscon before the rush hour then had breakfast, then freeway all the way to San Yisidro. We went through a lot of desert, a big sand dune area, and saw lots of desert vegetation and then the irrigated farm lands. We went through a large Suguaro cactus area. They are interesting and we really wonder how some of them are still standing. The weather was milder, no rain , and we actually had to wear our jackets some. It is good to be back in the west. San Yisidro was interesting, but we got our third checkpoint and only one more to go. We had to fight the traffic up to Redlands and missed one of our turns, but with Francie's help were able to get back on track and arrived in fairly decent time to see the Couperous family. It was good to see them again, a friendship that has lasted since active duty time in the Navy. We had a very relaxing evening and then a good sleep.
We got up early to get through Tuscon before the rush hour then had breakfast, then freeway all the way to San Yisidro. We went through a lot of desert, a big sand dune area, and saw lots of desert vegetation and then the irrigated farm lands. We went through a large Suguaro cactus area. They are interesting and we really wonder how some of them are still standing. The weather was milder, no rain , and we actually had to wear our jackets some. It is good to be back in the west. San Yisidro was interesting, but we got our third checkpoint and only one more to go. We had to fight the traffic up to Redlands and missed one of our turns, but with Francie's help were able to get back on track and arrived in fairly decent time to see the Couperous family. It was good to see them again, a friendship that has lasted since active duty time in the Navy. We had a very relaxing evening and then a good sleep.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
day 18
Ozona, Texas to Tuscon Arizona 691 miles
We gained an hour by going into the mountain time zone. Still a long, hard, hot day. The speed limits helped us make time, and the weather was not quite as hot until mid-afternoon, but drier. We moved from ranch and farm area to frank desert. A lot of foliage is beginning to look familiar to us desert dwellers. A lot of fantastic rock formations, and I had forgotten how many old volcanic cones were in this area. At a stop for fuel in Kent, Texas, we saw a pickup pulling a stock trailer with a bull, steer, and horse in the trailer. The two cowboys talking were both wearing spurs, not a common sight for us. We had some drizzle in the morning, but hardly had the pavement wet. In the afternoon, it was fun to watch the thunderheads gather, move, and disperse. A shower really felt good at the end of the day.
We gained an hour by going into the mountain time zone. Still a long, hard, hot day. The speed limits helped us make time, and the weather was not quite as hot until mid-afternoon, but drier. We moved from ranch and farm area to frank desert. A lot of foliage is beginning to look familiar to us desert dwellers. A lot of fantastic rock formations, and I had forgotten how many old volcanic cones were in this area. At a stop for fuel in Kent, Texas, we saw a pickup pulling a stock trailer with a bull, steer, and horse in the trailer. The two cowboys talking were both wearing spurs, not a common sight for us. We had some drizzle in the morning, but hardly had the pavement wet. In the afternoon, it was fun to watch the thunderheads gather, move, and disperse. A shower really felt good at the end of the day.
day 17
Lafayette, Louisiana to Ozona, Texas
644 miles, all of it freeway. It is sort of discouraging to spend most of a day in a state at freeway speeds and still only be at mile post 385. The Texas welcome center was a very nice one. It was at Blue Elbow swamp and there was a walkway built out over the swamp that you could use to see more or the swamp. As we went into the area, there was a road kill Armadillo, the only one that we have seen. On the road we were finally able to go 75 miles an hour legally. Houston and San Antonio were both interesting to get through, we almost had to come to a complete stop in Houston because of a car breakdown and then the wrecker that picked it up was being towed by a pickup to get it off of the freeway. In San Antonio, one interchange would have been very easy to get off on the wrong freeway. East Texas was hills, swamp, and trees. The hill country west of San Antonio was interesting and fun to watch go by, closer to our destination we then got into cattle country with scrub oaks and grass. It was easy to imagine collecting cattle in that area and chasing rustlers and Indians amongst all of the trees. Ozuna is in oil and cattle country. The first well was drilled there in 1924 and is still in production. We ate supper at a small restaurant there and they had KC steak on the menu. We couldn't pass that up. The motel was roomy with good beds and we both got a good nights sleep.
644 miles, all of it freeway. It is sort of discouraging to spend most of a day in a state at freeway speeds and still only be at mile post 385. The Texas welcome center was a very nice one. It was at Blue Elbow swamp and there was a walkway built out over the swamp that you could use to see more or the swamp. As we went into the area, there was a road kill Armadillo, the only one that we have seen. On the road we were finally able to go 75 miles an hour legally. Houston and San Antonio were both interesting to get through, we almost had to come to a complete stop in Houston because of a car breakdown and then the wrecker that picked it up was being towed by a pickup to get it off of the freeway. In San Antonio, one interchange would have been very easy to get off on the wrong freeway. East Texas was hills, swamp, and trees. The hill country west of San Antonio was interesting and fun to watch go by, closer to our destination we then got into cattle country with scrub oaks and grass. It was easy to imagine collecting cattle in that area and chasing rustlers and Indians amongst all of the trees. Ozuna is in oil and cattle country. The first well was drilled there in 1924 and is still in production. We ate supper at a small restaurant there and they had KC steak on the menu. We couldn't pass that up. The motel was roomy with good beds and we both got a good nights sleep.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
day 16
Live Oak , Florida to Layfette, Louisiana
616 miles, sore bottoms,and weariness from the long ride and heat. We were all interstate except for a foray into Long Beach and area to see what had been done since Katrina. The church looks good, were unable to go inside, but the outside has been well taken care of. There is a lot of land for sale in the 4 blocks next to the beach. A lot of people have not been able to rebuild, a combination of funds, or being unable to meet new building codes. The trees appear to have pretty much recovered, particularly the oak trees. Not many businesses have returned to that area either. Traffic was heavy but not too bad. Terrain appeared to be either slighly rolling small hills or timber of swamp. When we crossed the Mississippi, it was a little wider that it was in Minnesota when we were near the headwaters. Layfayette appears to be an oasis in the midst of swamp. We have an adequate motel room at a Red Roof Inn, should be able to get a good sleep tonight.
616 miles, sore bottoms,and weariness from the long ride and heat. We were all interstate except for a foray into Long Beach and area to see what had been done since Katrina. The church looks good, were unable to go inside, but the outside has been well taken care of. There is a lot of land for sale in the 4 blocks next to the beach. A lot of people have not been able to rebuild, a combination of funds, or being unable to meet new building codes. The trees appear to have pretty much recovered, particularly the oak trees. Not many businesses have returned to that area either. Traffic was heavy but not too bad. Terrain appeared to be either slighly rolling small hills or timber of swamp. When we crossed the Mississippi, it was a little wider that it was in Minnesota when we were near the headwaters. Layfayette appears to be an oasis in the midst of swamp. We have an adequate motel room at a Red Roof Inn, should be able to get a good sleep tonight.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
day 15
Florida City to Live Oak Florida 507 miles
We started out by going through the everglades, it is a very interesting eco-system. Saw an alligator, a very big turtle, some deer and a lot of hawks. The grasslands and scrub pine are very interesting. Did not see any of the snakes that are here. I did talk to a maintenance person at one of the rest stops and she said the she had recently seen rattlesnakes, cottonmouth water mocassins coral snakes, and even more recently a black bear. We stopped in Punta Gorda briefly to see Dr Springer a retired ENT physician who had praciticed for awhile in Moses Lake We had a brief but nice visit then on the road again. We were back to I-75 up the west side of Florida. There were even some hills. The had trees and pasture on them. Not much for hills, but it was a change from the swamp that is most of Florida. Made it to I-10 then the heat and humidity told us that we had had enough for the day.
We started out by going through the everglades, it is a very interesting eco-system. Saw an alligator, a very big turtle, some deer and a lot of hawks. The grasslands and scrub pine are very interesting. Did not see any of the snakes that are here. I did talk to a maintenance person at one of the rest stops and she said the she had recently seen rattlesnakes, cottonmouth water mocassins coral snakes, and even more recently a black bear. We stopped in Punta Gorda briefly to see Dr Springer a retired ENT physician who had praciticed for awhile in Moses Lake We had a brief but nice visit then on the road again. We were back to I-75 up the west side of Florida. There were even some hills. The had trees and pasture on them. Not much for hills, but it was a change from the swamp that is most of Florida. Made it to I-10 then the heat and humidity told us that we had had enough for the day.
day 14
Homestead Florida to Key West to Florida City
Still in south Florida, traffic bad and not easy to make any time. To add to all else, there was a motorcycle rally starting in Key West for the weekend. We literaly saw thousands of bikes most were Harleys. It was sponsored by the largest Harley dealer in Dade county and it was used as some type of fund raiser. It was a mess to get around in Key West and we had our checkpoints there and then to mail the map with mileage, etc back to the sponsor. Two checkpoints down and two to go. The time will go a bit faster now. By the time we were in and out of the keys, we were tired, and stopped just south of Homestead. The Keys were pretty and very enjoyable, the scenery was fantastic, with various colors of the Atlantic and the Gulf. Some bridges that were engineering marvels. All of the electric and phone posts were concrete. If you are ever in south Florida, the trip is worth it but allow plenty of time.
Still in south Florida, traffic bad and not easy to make any time. To add to all else, there was a motorcycle rally starting in Key West for the weekend. We literaly saw thousands of bikes most were Harleys. It was sponsored by the largest Harley dealer in Dade county and it was used as some type of fund raiser. It was a mess to get around in Key West and we had our checkpoints there and then to mail the map with mileage, etc back to the sponsor. Two checkpoints down and two to go. The time will go a bit faster now. By the time we were in and out of the keys, we were tired, and stopped just south of Homestead. The Keys were pretty and very enjoyable, the scenery was fantastic, with various colors of the Atlantic and the Gulf. Some bridges that were engineering marvels. All of the electric and phone posts were concrete. If you are ever in south Florida, the trip is worth it but allow plenty of time.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
day 13
Brunswick Ga to just south of Miami, Fl.
All of the time was spent on I-95 until it ran out into 1 We saw a lot of swamp, orange groves, and some other farm work. A lot of bridges, the travel was good until we were about 40 miles north of Miami. We spent the next 2.5 hours in traffic, finally getting south of town and finding a Motel. We did stop at Daytona Beach, saw the Atlantic, and Paul even road his bike on the beach. We had one very severe thunderstorm that played a havoc for about 15 minutes and then it was gone. We are tired but ready to get to our next checkpoint in the morning.
All of the time was spent on I-95 until it ran out into 1 We saw a lot of swamp, orange groves, and some other farm work. A lot of bridges, the travel was good until we were about 40 miles north of Miami. We spent the next 2.5 hours in traffic, finally getting south of town and finding a Motel. We did stop at Daytona Beach, saw the Atlantic, and Paul even road his bike on the beach. We had one very severe thunderstorm that played a havoc for about 15 minutes and then it was gone. We are tired but ready to get to our next checkpoint in the morning.
day 12
Robinsinville, North Carolina to Brunswick, Ga
Ah the infamous Tail of the Dragon which starts at Deal's Gap. We couldn't figure out why that particular stretch got that designation as it is all crooked. We got a good start and were some of the first bikes out there. No one caught up with me as I carefully meandered my way through the turns. There were a couple really pusning it on crotch rockets goin the other way, but everyone stayed in their lane. At the end of the stretch of highway 129, you start getting into power dams that are part of the Tennesee Valley Authority. Scenery remained pretty, but trees not turning yet. You end up in Tennesee, so we went down to Atlanta area, picking up I 75 just north of Atlanta. Then on to I 16 east and we cut south on 2lane roads to Brunswick. We saw a lot of pine plantations, A Rayonier mill, pecan plantations and lots of swamp. The day all in all went very well and 513 miles covered.
Ah the infamous Tail of the Dragon which starts at Deal's Gap. We couldn't figure out why that particular stretch got that designation as it is all crooked. We got a good start and were some of the first bikes out there. No one caught up with me as I carefully meandered my way through the turns. There were a couple really pusning it on crotch rockets goin the other way, but everyone stayed in their lane. At the end of the stretch of highway 129, you start getting into power dams that are part of the Tennesee Valley Authority. Scenery remained pretty, but trees not turning yet. You end up in Tennesee, so we went down to Atlanta area, picking up I 75 just north of Atlanta. Then on to I 16 east and we cut south on 2lane roads to Brunswick. We saw a lot of pine plantations, A Rayonier mill, pecan plantations and lots of swamp. The day all in all went very well and 513 miles covered.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
day 11
Roanoke, Va to Robinsonville North Carolina
200 more miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway. It continued to be one of the highlights of the trip. Beautiful mountain valleys with views of the great smokey mountains. We had to get off at Asheville for more fuel and decided that we would not do the final stretch of the parkway. So it was off on other roads to find Deal's Gap and the Tail of the Dragon stretch of road. When we got to Robinsonville, it was late enough that we decided to stay there and do the really crooked stretch of the road first thing in the morning. We stayed at the Phillips Motel there, an approved place for bikers. I would say of the motels in town, at least half if not two thirds of the guests were riding motorcycles. Animal wise, I did see a very nice 4 point buck at the side of the road in the parkway.
200 more miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway. It continued to be one of the highlights of the trip. Beautiful mountain valleys with views of the great smokey mountains. We had to get off at Asheville for more fuel and decided that we would not do the final stretch of the parkway. So it was off on other roads to find Deal's Gap and the Tail of the Dragon stretch of road. When we got to Robinsonville, it was late enough that we decided to stay there and do the really crooked stretch of the road first thing in the morning. We stayed at the Phillips Motel there, an approved place for bikers. I would say of the motels in town, at least half if not two thirds of the guests were riding motorcycles. Animal wise, I did see a very nice 4 point buck at the side of the road in the parkway.
day 10
Hersey, Pa to Roanoke, Va.
Got up to clouds and a little bit of fog, but that soon burned off, and it started getting warmer that day. We went through Gettysburg and spent some time touring the various battlefield sites. I am always amazed at what the soldiers on both sides went through at that time. Then it was cross country or at least not on Interstate to the beginning of the Blue Ridge parkway. We went the first 110 miles or so and ended up at Roanoke, Va. At the beginning of the parkway I was making a backhanded left turn into a view spot and did not turn short enough, the front tire jumping a curb and spilling the bike I of course gracefully flew of and went rolling down and embankment into some stickers, fortunately no poison oak or ivy. The right mirror was knocked off and one of the three attachements broken, but not anything that couldn't be fixed with duct tape. A few scratches and sore spots on me but nothing that ibuprophen at bed time wouldn't fix. The parkway is beautiful and well worth the effort to see. You seem like you are in a different world. We saw some deer and a lot of beautiful scenery, with endless veiws at nearly every corner.
Got up to clouds and a little bit of fog, but that soon burned off, and it started getting warmer that day. We went through Gettysburg and spent some time touring the various battlefield sites. I am always amazed at what the soldiers on both sides went through at that time. Then it was cross country or at least not on Interstate to the beginning of the Blue Ridge parkway. We went the first 110 miles or so and ended up at Roanoke, Va. At the beginning of the parkway I was making a backhanded left turn into a view spot and did not turn short enough, the front tire jumping a curb and spilling the bike I of course gracefully flew of and went rolling down and embankment into some stickers, fortunately no poison oak or ivy. The right mirror was knocked off and one of the three attachements broken, but not anything that couldn't be fixed with duct tape. A few scratches and sore spots on me but nothing that ibuprophen at bed time wouldn't fix. The parkway is beautiful and well worth the effort to see. You seem like you are in a different world. We saw some deer and a lot of beautiful scenery, with endless veiws at nearly every corner.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
day 9
Hi, Wells Maine to Hersey, Pa.
513 miles, most of it freeway and fighting east coast traffic. The drivers here are interesting to say the least. You never are sure where a care would appear. The speed limits are just suggestions and not paid a lot of attention to. This es particularly true of Conneticut and New York. The scenery was good, hills covered with primarily hard wood trees. Most of the time was spent on interstate. We came back west of all of the big cities on the east coasr, had enough traffic as it was. Weather was overcast with some drizzle in places. Did not impair progress any today.
513 miles, most of it freeway and fighting east coast traffic. The drivers here are interesting to say the least. You never are sure where a care would appear. The speed limits are just suggestions and not paid a lot of attention to. This es particularly true of Conneticut and New York. The scenery was good, hills covered with primarily hard wood trees. Most of the time was spent on interstate. We came back west of all of the big cities on the east coasr, had enough traffic as it was. Weather was overcast with some drizzle in places. Did not impair progress any today.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
day 8
Sherman Maine to Wells Main (in the Portsmouth area)
Up in good time and then on the road, driving for about an hour before breakfast. A good breakfast in a resort area on one of the many lakes in this part of Maine. After seein the road, we are very happy that we did not push on the night before. It was on highway ll, and is called Moose alley. We did not see any on our trip. On to Madawaska, Maine, where we did the check in for the first checkpoint. They have developed and are developing a beautiful park for the Four Corners Ride. After getting all of that taken care of, we headed back to the interstate and started the official miles. Once we got back to I-95 the miles slipped by and we almost made it out of Maine. We are about 3 blocks from the Atlantic tonight. It was after dark when we got here, so will will wait until morning to see the ocean. We are both sore and tired but nothing that a little sleep and Ibuprophen won't handle.
Up in good time and then on the road, driving for about an hour before breakfast. A good breakfast in a resort area on one of the many lakes in this part of Maine. After seein the road, we are very happy that we did not push on the night before. It was on highway ll, and is called Moose alley. We did not see any on our trip. On to Madawaska, Maine, where we did the check in for the first checkpoint. They have developed and are developing a beautiful park for the Four Corners Ride. After getting all of that taken care of, we headed back to the interstate and started the official miles. Once we got back to I-95 the miles slipped by and we almost made it out of Maine. We are about 3 blocks from the Atlantic tonight. It was after dark when we got here, so will will wait until morning to see the ocean. We are both sore and tired but nothing that a little sleep and Ibuprophen won't handle.
Friday, September 10, 2010
7day
Day 7 515 miles
Indian Lake, New York to Sherman, Maine. Weatherwise, the day was cloudy and overcast with occasional misting. Did not slow us down much and we did even see the sun a couple of times. The riding was slow due to traffic and a lot of construction, and tiring. We are about 2.5 hours away from the start of the ride. We will do our check in at the various points and then start heading south. The scenery was great, mostly woods with some interspersed farm fields. A lot of interesting houses in the many towns that we went through. We picked up highway 2 again in Vermont and then across New Hampshire into main the on I-95 to our present location. We went by the birthplace of the US Navy in New York. I don't remember the name of the place. In many places there were church steeples on the hillside sticking up above the trees. We went by one church that had just celebrated their 225 year anniversary. Many old brick factories and other buildings. A long time in the saddle and tiring. We had hoped to get to Madawaska today but felt it would be safer to stop and then get a good start in the morning, also the route we are taking is known as moose alley.
Indian Lake, New York to Sherman, Maine. Weatherwise, the day was cloudy and overcast with occasional misting. Did not slow us down much and we did even see the sun a couple of times. The riding was slow due to traffic and a lot of construction, and tiring. We are about 2.5 hours away from the start of the ride. We will do our check in at the various points and then start heading south. The scenery was great, mostly woods with some interspersed farm fields. A lot of interesting houses in the many towns that we went through. We picked up highway 2 again in Vermont and then across New Hampshire into main the on I-95 to our present location. We went by the birthplace of the US Navy in New York. I don't remember the name of the place. In many places there were church steeples on the hillside sticking up above the trees. We went by one church that had just celebrated their 225 year anniversary. Many old brick factories and other buildings. A long time in the saddle and tiring. We had hoped to get to Madawaska today but felt it would be safer to stop and then get a good start in the morning, also the route we are taking is known as moose alley.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
day 5
Paul and I split up on this day, he to get a new front tire, and I stopped to see nephew Reed. I got misdirected on getting to Reed's place, but did finally get there. We had a nice visit and then it was on to I-90 to continue. We then met up in Mentor, Ohio, just north of Cleavland. Weather was not bad, overcast, and early in the day an occasional shower, the wind was blowing most of the time. Temperature was find got clear up to 70. A lot of farmland, primarily corn and soybeans. There are some potatoes grow there also, but we were not in that part of Michigan. Not much differen in Northern Ohio. 531 miles
Day four
Ashland,Wisconsin to Mancelona, Michigan. 470 miles
A very interesting day to say the least. It was not long until we were in Michigan, I had forgotten some of my geography and forgotten that in extended across some of the top of Wisconsin. A lot of stretches of road going between pine trees and mildly up and down. We had rain all day and then as we got closer to Lake Michigan, it was accompanied by high winds. Not very fun riding. We had the opportunity to go across the Mackinaw bridge in 45 mph side winds and heavy rain. It was not an experience we are interested in repeating. Then on to Walter and Lori's home and were able to enjoy some time with them and there daughter Hanna. Hanna is growing up and becoming quite a young woman. There oldest daughter was just taken off to college. How time flies.
A very interesting day to say the least. It was not long until we were in Michigan, I had forgotten some of my geography and forgotten that in extended across some of the top of Wisconsin. A lot of stretches of road going between pine trees and mildly up and down. We had rain all day and then as we got closer to Lake Michigan, it was accompanied by high winds. Not very fun riding. We had the opportunity to go across the Mackinaw bridge in 45 mph side winds and heavy rain. It was not an experience we are interested in repeating. Then on to Walter and Lori's home and were able to enjoy some time with them and there daughter Hanna. Hanna is growing up and becoming quite a young woman. There oldest daughter was just taken off to college. How time flies.
day 3
Minot Nouth Dakota to Ashland Wisconsin
I have finally gotten an internet connection. I would like to thank Francie and Tim for keeping all of you updated. I have had trouble getting on to the internet, and not enough time to find another location.
North Dakota is very flat and a lot more lakes and water than I realized. Wheat harvest is rapidly going on during storms . We saw one place that is evidently raising elk, so add another wild animal to our list. As you get to the eastern aspect more and more trees.
Minnesota has alot of lakes, but I guess that all of you knew that already. The hardwood trees are just barely starting to turn and adding color to the trees. The Mississippi River is not very wide at this part of it's course. At Duluth we saw the first of the Great Lakes, Lake Superior. It was dark because of storm clouds and at Superior,Wisconsin it started raining and raining hard. It had let up some by the time we got to Ashland. 573 miles
I have finally gotten an internet connection. I would like to thank Francie and Tim for keeping all of you updated. I have had trouble getting on to the internet, and not enough time to find another location.
North Dakota is very flat and a lot more lakes and water than I realized. Wheat harvest is rapidly going on during storms . We saw one place that is evidently raising elk, so add another wild animal to our list. As you get to the eastern aspect more and more trees.
Minnesota has alot of lakes, but I guess that all of you knew that already. The hardwood trees are just barely starting to turn and adding color to the trees. The Mississippi River is not very wide at this part of it's course. At Duluth we saw the first of the Great Lakes, Lake Superior. It was dark because of storm clouds and at Superior,Wisconsin it started raining and raining hard. It had let up some by the time we got to Ashland. 573 miles
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
day 4
Rain, rain and hard wind! We traveled from Ashland to Mancelona, continuing to follow Hwy 2 and a planned eight hour drive which lasted twelve hours. It was cool and pretty good traveling until Iron Mountain, where we stopped for lunch. But from them on it was miserable. We’d looked forward to crossing the Mackinaw Bridge. But sadly the wind was blowing 45 mph and it was raining hard. Paul reports he was more frightened than he’d ever been on his bike. He’s worn out the front tire and he had to be careful to not ride on the metal grate. 20 mph was maximum speed, worrying that we would slip or blow over. As we turned south to go to Mancelona, we missed a turn and continued following Lake Michigan further than we should have and added more miles than we’d figured. It was good to finally get to Walter and Lori’s home. Paul will go to the Ann Arbor area to a BMW dealership to purchase and have a new tire put on and I’ll go to Hillsdale and visit our nephew Reed and my oldest brother’s widow, Marilyn. Paul and I will meet up in Ohio and continue on.
Monday, September 6, 2010
day 3
Minot to Ashland, WI. About 540 mile day. Lots of trees, soy bean country, wind and rain, especially around Duluth. Francie made reservations for us at a nice little 1950’s motel. It was clean and had nice beds and not so expensive. Then found a great little restaurant where the prices were really reasonable. Enjoyed dinner and breakfast there.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
day 1
There will be no pictures until I get to a better internet connection. 577 miles the first day, Moses Lake to Spokane then highway 2 to Sandpoint, Idaho, 200 to Montana 56 and then back to 2. On through Kalispell and then going to the sun highway. What a ride. I had forgotten how the west side of the road hangs on the side of the rocks. There were the usual sheep in the parking lot of Logan Pass, we had also seen deer and an eagle on 200. When we got to 89,it was open range and just at dusk with both horses and cows right along the roadside. We spent the night in Shelby, and were supposed to have wireless, but I could not get connected there.
Friday, September 3, 2010
preparation
The last night at home for awhile. Formaly quit full time work the 31st of August and have spent the last 3 days getting the bikes ready to go. One day each for full services and then today getting both of my tires replaced. I had initially thought that I would be able to get another 3,000 miles on the back tire, but was told more like 1,ooo. I didn't want tire failure in North Dakota. We are both all packed and ready to leave in the morning. We both are hoping for a good nights sleep. The weather looks okay for tomorrow, maybe some winds in the morning.
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