I wanted to title today's entry "Sweet Home Colorado" but, really, the theme of the day was riding in the storm.
When we looked out the window this morning, the first thing we saw was the steady rain. Terrific. Looking at our respective weather apps, we decided to hunker down and push the limits of the hotel check out time. The hotel desk staff was gracious enough about the delay. They let us keep our bikes under the awning after we packed them, even though we asked for a late check out and hung out in our room for another hour. When the rain slowed down, we took a chance on heading out.
About 10 miles south of town, we could see we were heading into worse weather, so we turned back (again) with the intention of topping off the tanks, and waiting a little longer for the storm to move even further south. One more time, we headed back into Laramie. After we got out of the storm, we could see the blue(-ish) sky behind the rain.
While we waited, I added one more layer to my ensemble -- my gaters (because my feet were getting cold). By this time I could hardly move to get on the bike, but I was as warm as I could be riding a motorcycle, in the rain, at about 50-degrees (ambient temp, not with a 55-mph wind chill attached). Oh, and I had stuffed a pocket warmer in each sleeve to help keep my hands warm.
We hung out at the gas station putting on extra clothes, checking the oil, cleaning our glasses, and generally wasting time for as long as we dared, then pointed the bikes back to the south. Our intention was to pull over regularly to let traffic pass and to make sure everything was OK with each other. First stop, Tie Siding, WY.
Riding at a speed barely safe enough for US Hwy 287, the ride to Tie Siding was slow and cautious. We have ridden Hwy 287 many times, and it's not always a friendly stretch of highway. The winds can be unpredictable and wicked. Today it was wet.
Feeling like we were inching home, we stopped at the rest area north of Virginia Dale -- again to let traffic pass and to use the facilities (our good fortune that it was open). We agreed to check about stopping at The Forks in Livermore, but by the time we got there, we were ready to press on. A quick check at Ted's Place let me know that we were on the same wavelength -- stop at Vern's Place for food before heading to our cars.
We both felt a sense of accomplishment at completing the long ride. Not just for having ridden that long and that many miles, but for arriving home safe with no major mishaps. There is a lot that I didn't put in this blog, mostly because I didn't want everyone to worry. We had more than one close call, but we chose to let the good times define our journey.
We have stories to tell and more adventures to experience.
Mileage today: 67.1
Jae's trip total: 4703.6
Donna's trip total: 4698.8(?)
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Day 26: One More Night
This morning we slept in a little. Yesterday was a pretty stressful ride, and I don't think either of us slept very well last night. We anticipated the chill and dressed accordingly, I even put my silkies on. True to our expectations, the morning was cold and damp. We had to wipe the bikes down before we loaded them.
After breakfast at Buckaroo's and a latte at Get Real Coffee in Green River, WY, we turned the bikes toward home. The wind was a factor again today, as were the trucks. At least the truck drivers were being good to us, even if Mother Nature wasn't so much.
Once again, we managed to dodge rain most of the day, but got caught in a pretty nasty downpour between Rawlins and Laramie. By that time, I had bought a couple of pocket warmers and put them in my sleeves. The warmers made a huge difference and kept me from getting chilled again. We stopped in Laramie to gas the bikes, warm up, and grab a bite to eat.
We got back on the highway and headed south on US Hwy 287 -- we were 60 miles from home! And looking at what could have been a series downpours between us and Fort Collins.
Pulling over, we decided that we had had enough of the cold and rain for one day. Turning the bikes back north, we found a motel for the night, we can finish the last few miles tomorrow. When the weather is supposed to warm up and the moisture dry up a little -- and when we are fresh from a good nights' sleep.
Mileage today: 266.4
Jae's trip total: 4636.5
Donna's trip total: 4629.8
After breakfast at Buckaroo's and a latte at Get Real Coffee in Green River, WY, we turned the bikes toward home. The wind was a factor again today, as were the trucks. At least the truck drivers were being good to us, even if Mother Nature wasn't so much.
Once again, we managed to dodge rain most of the day, but got caught in a pretty nasty downpour between Rawlins and Laramie. By that time, I had bought a couple of pocket warmers and put them in my sleeves. The warmers made a huge difference and kept me from getting chilled again. We stopped in Laramie to gas the bikes, warm up, and grab a bite to eat.
We got back on the highway and headed south on US Hwy 287 -- we were 60 miles from home! And looking at what could have been a series downpours between us and Fort Collins.
Pulling over, we decided that we had had enough of the cold and rain for one day. Turning the bikes back north, we found a motel for the night, we can finish the last few miles tomorrow. When the weather is supposed to warm up and the moisture dry up a little -- and when we are fresh from a good nights' sleep.
Mileage today: 266.4
Jae's trip total: 4636.5
Donna's trip total: 4629.8
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Day 25: A Mixed Bag
The morning started early. We managed to get the bikes packed, get checked out of our motel, eat breakfast, and get on the highway by 9:00-ish (that must be a record for us). We knew we had a long day of riding ahead of us, with iffy weather conditions to boot.
The ride started nice enough with little to no wind and relatively light traffic (we were on I-80 after all). By the second pass of the day, when a trucker blew by me riding the rumble strip in the left lane, we should have guessed that trucks would be an issue today.
I wanted to get a picture of the Bonneville Salt Flats as we came around the corner, but I couldn't find a safe place to pull over and take a picture. By the time we found a place to safely pull over, the impact was gone. The highway over the salt flats is so straight and so boring that the state of Utah has signs posted about drowsy driving. In fact, we saw one drowsy driving sign that said to pull over and rest on the (extra-wide) shoulder because the nearest exit was 15 miles ahead.
We kept up a good pace until we reached Salt Lake City, when the truck traffic (along with the usual Tuesday SLC traffic) picked up. I led us through the city like I knew what I was doing. I wanted to find a scenic overlook to take a picture of the Great Salt Lake, but we never did find one. Instead, we saw this looking back the way we had just come.
We had just passed through Park City, UT, and a pretty bad rain storm. It had freaked me out to the point that I pulled over at a truck parking area in the middle of it. I couldn't see and it was hard for me to follow the road. After that, Donna took the lead.
By then, the trucks had multiplied like freaking rabbits. We would pass them going up the hills, they would pass us going down. We kept a pretty steady speed, keeping pretty much to the speed limit -- less when the winds were at their worst. After the little rain shower that we had ridden through, the air temperatures stayed low and I got chilled. I pulled us over a couple of times to add clothes.
Donna guided us the rest of the way to Green River, WY, our layover for the night. Tomorrow is our last day on the road. We ride home and this incredible adventure comes to an end.
Mileage today: 364.7
Jae's trip total: 4370.1
Donna's trip total: 4363.2
The ride started nice enough with little to no wind and relatively light traffic (we were on I-80 after all). By the second pass of the day, when a trucker blew by me riding the rumble strip in the left lane, we should have guessed that trucks would be an issue today.
I wanted to get a picture of the Bonneville Salt Flats as we came around the corner, but I couldn't find a safe place to pull over and take a picture. By the time we found a place to safely pull over, the impact was gone. The highway over the salt flats is so straight and so boring that the state of Utah has signs posted about drowsy driving. In fact, we saw one drowsy driving sign that said to pull over and rest on the (extra-wide) shoulder because the nearest exit was 15 miles ahead.
We kept up a good pace until we reached Salt Lake City, when the truck traffic (along with the usual Tuesday SLC traffic) picked up. I led us through the city like I knew what I was doing. I wanted to find a scenic overlook to take a picture of the Great Salt Lake, but we never did find one. Instead, we saw this looking back the way we had just come.
We had just passed through Park City, UT, and a pretty bad rain storm. It had freaked me out to the point that I pulled over at a truck parking area in the middle of it. I couldn't see and it was hard for me to follow the road. After that, Donna took the lead.
By then, the trucks had multiplied like freaking rabbits. We would pass them going up the hills, they would pass us going down. We kept a pretty steady speed, keeping pretty much to the speed limit -- less when the winds were at their worst. After the little rain shower that we had ridden through, the air temperatures stayed low and I got chilled. I pulled us over a couple of times to add clothes.
Donna guided us the rest of the way to Green River, WY, our layover for the night. Tomorrow is our last day on the road. We ride home and this incredible adventure comes to an end.
Mileage today: 364.7
Jae's trip total: 4370.1
Donna's trip total: 4363.2
Monday, August 25, 2014
Day 24: Dodging Raindrops
A motorcycle ride on the interstate can go one of two ways: It can be a white-knuckled ordeal, or it can be a very zen-like experience. In other words, don't think, feel. Today was the latter. Despite the wind.
We watched The Weather Channel as we packed this morning, and knew that the possibility existed that we would run into some rain at some point during the day. The morning part of the ride was windy as heck. And of course it was a head wind -- for the most part. Once in a while a gust would try to knock us around as the road or the wind shifted, but mostly it was tough to keep our speed up.
After midday, we rode through a fairly calm stretch. The only wind was that made by the passing traffic. Even though we are riding the interstate, neither of us has a desire to go that fast. Besides, why rush back to reality? It'll be here soon enough.
We set our sights on Wells, NV, for tonight's destination, a distance (according to Google Maps) of 339 miles. An ambitious day considering the last two weeks. We were checked out of our hotel, had breakfast, and the bikes were loaded by around 9:30-ish.
The temperatures were pleasant in the early part of the day. As we approached Winnemucca, NV, the rain clouds that had been on the horizon began to let us know they were present. We caught a few raindrops on our way into town, but nothing serious. By the time we had gassed up the bikes and took a few minutes to stretch and change gloves, the rain had stopped.
The sun didn't really come back out the rest of the day, and we saw evidence of showers that had passed before we arrived at a particular stretch of highway. The day stayed cool after we left Winnemucca, and the wind picked back up -- this time it pushed us along with just a slight nudge once in a while.
About 3 miles from our destination, the rain started again. We slowed down and took a few extra minutes to reach the motel. While I checked in, the rain slowed, but didn't really stop. I got the room key and we moved the bikes. By the time we got the bikes moved, the rain had all but stopped. We quickly unloaded the bikes while the rain held off a few minutes.
After we got the bikes unpacked, we looked back the way we had come. Like they say, timing is everything, and we timed this one just right -- again.
Mileage today: 358.9
Jae's trip total: 4005.4
Donna's trip total: 3998.1
We watched The Weather Channel as we packed this morning, and knew that the possibility existed that we would run into some rain at some point during the day. The morning part of the ride was windy as heck. And of course it was a head wind -- for the most part. Once in a while a gust would try to knock us around as the road or the wind shifted, but mostly it was tough to keep our speed up.
After midday, we rode through a fairly calm stretch. The only wind was that made by the passing traffic. Even though we are riding the interstate, neither of us has a desire to go that fast. Besides, why rush back to reality? It'll be here soon enough.
We set our sights on Wells, NV, for tonight's destination, a distance (according to Google Maps) of 339 miles. An ambitious day considering the last two weeks. We were checked out of our hotel, had breakfast, and the bikes were loaded by around 9:30-ish.
The temperatures were pleasant in the early part of the day. As we approached Winnemucca, NV, the rain clouds that had been on the horizon began to let us know they were present. We caught a few raindrops on our way into town, but nothing serious. By the time we had gassed up the bikes and took a few minutes to stretch and change gloves, the rain had stopped.
The sun didn't really come back out the rest of the day, and we saw evidence of showers that had passed before we arrived at a particular stretch of highway. The day stayed cool after we left Winnemucca, and the wind picked back up -- this time it pushed us along with just a slight nudge once in a while.
About 3 miles from our destination, the rain started again. We slowed down and took a few extra minutes to reach the motel. While I checked in, the rain slowed, but didn't really stop. I got the room key and we moved the bikes. By the time we got the bikes moved, the rain had all but stopped. We quickly unloaded the bikes while the rain held off a few minutes.
After we got the bikes unpacked, we looked back the way we had come. Like they say, timing is everything, and we timed this one just right -- again.
Mileage today: 358.9
Jae's trip total: 4005.4
Donna's trip total: 3998.1
Sunday, August 24, 2014
Day 23: Homeward Bound
Today we started toward home -- slowly, but we started. We were planning to meet my brother Jim for brunch then head east to Reno. We decided on Reno because we always like a good casino and we knew we would be getting a late start.
And it was a late start indeed. Jim arrived just as we got checked out of our hotel -- about 11-ish. We asked about a place to eat and were directed to a nearby Mexican restaurant. Donna and I followed Jim and we got a table, then waited for Jim's wife Kiki to join us. We sat and talked and caught up on life, much like the evening before with my sister and her family. After we ate, we said our goodbyes.
Donna and I fumbled our way through Roseville and found a gas station and the interstate and took to the road once more. We drove out of the city traffic and were soon climbing the northern Sierra Nevada mountains toward Donner Pass.
Before we knew it, we were at the Donner Lake vista point, so we pulled over to take a picture and let some of the traffic roll by. The interstate was pretty busy at that point, so we decided to let some of the trucks get ahead of us. We weren't in that much of a hurry to get to Reno.
After we passed into Nevada, the road surface turned to crap. The surface of the right lane had been stripped, and we hit the area with no warning about the road conditions. The left lane had been paved over but there was about a half-inch difference in lane height. It was a white-knuckle ride for a while.
We arrived at our hotel (El Dorado Reno) about 4:30-ish and unloaded the bikes again. This time we had help from the bell desk getting the stuff up to our room. Easy-peasy. We will call the bell desk in the morning to have them take everything down while we get checked out and bring the bikes over from the parking lot across the street. Did I mention that when we called for reservations, they comped us the room? I love the gambling towns.
The nice thing about staying at a casino is how self-contained they are. We don't have to order delivery or get back on the bikes to go find dinner or have a drink. Everything we need is conveniently located three floors below. Once we got settled into our room and pulled a beer and a wine out of our travel cooler, we went down to the casino to play the slots and forage for food. We decided on the buffet for dinner, and as usual didn't disappoint.
We wandered around the casino for a while, winning a little on this machine, losing a little on that one. I pretty much broke even. When I left the casino and came back up to the room, Donna was winning a little on a video roulette machine. When she came back up to the room, she had doubled what she started with, so we call that a win.
Tomorrow we get on the interstate and ride to Wells, NV. It should be a rather uneventful ride.
Mileage today: 123.5
Jae's trip total: 3646.5
Donna's trip total: 3638.9
And it was a late start indeed. Jim arrived just as we got checked out of our hotel -- about 11-ish. We asked about a place to eat and were directed to a nearby Mexican restaurant. Donna and I followed Jim and we got a table, then waited for Jim's wife Kiki to join us. We sat and talked and caught up on life, much like the evening before with my sister and her family. After we ate, we said our goodbyes.
Donna and I fumbled our way through Roseville and found a gas station and the interstate and took to the road once more. We drove out of the city traffic and were soon climbing the northern Sierra Nevada mountains toward Donner Pass.
Before we knew it, we were at the Donner Lake vista point, so we pulled over to take a picture and let some of the traffic roll by. The interstate was pretty busy at that point, so we decided to let some of the trucks get ahead of us. We weren't in that much of a hurry to get to Reno.
After we passed into Nevada, the road surface turned to crap. The surface of the right lane had been stripped, and we hit the area with no warning about the road conditions. The left lane had been paved over but there was about a half-inch difference in lane height. It was a white-knuckle ride for a while.
We arrived at our hotel (El Dorado Reno) about 4:30-ish and unloaded the bikes again. This time we had help from the bell desk getting the stuff up to our room. Easy-peasy. We will call the bell desk in the morning to have them take everything down while we get checked out and bring the bikes over from the parking lot across the street. Did I mention that when we called for reservations, they comped us the room? I love the gambling towns.
The nice thing about staying at a casino is how self-contained they are. We don't have to order delivery or get back on the bikes to go find dinner or have a drink. Everything we need is conveniently located three floors below. Once we got settled into our room and pulled a beer and a wine out of our travel cooler, we went down to the casino to play the slots and forage for food. We decided on the buffet for dinner, and as usual didn't disappoint.
We wandered around the casino for a while, winning a little on this machine, losing a little on that one. I pretty much broke even. When I left the casino and came back up to the room, Donna was winning a little on a video roulette machine. When she came back up to the room, she had doubled what she started with, so we call that a win.
Tomorrow we get on the interstate and ride to Wells, NV. It should be a rather uneventful ride.
Mileage today: 123.5
Jae's trip total: 3646.5
Donna's trip total: 3638.9
Day 22: On the Road Again
Today we started toward home. We rode from Willits, CA, to Roseville, CA, along CA Hwy 20 and CA Hwy 65.
The day started with a low back tire on my bike. Now, I just got a new back tire in Sturgis, so this was a little upsetting. We limped the bike the 2 miles into Willits and the nearest gas station to fill the tire with air. Donna checked the tire after I filled it and, sure enough, there was a metal object in the tire. After stopping at one of the only tire shops in town, we found out that the nearest motorcycle tire would be in Ukiah -- about 25 miles south of where we were.
Since we hadn't eaten dinner the night before, we stopped at the Lumberjack Restaurant for breakfast again and started the search for motorcycle shops in Ukiah.
The first place I called had a tire that would fit my bike. After we finished breakfast, we checked my tire pressure again to be sure it was holding pressure, then headed for Ukiah. We took it slow and easy, not wanting to be going too fast in case the tire started losing pressure. Luckily, the tire held the pressure and we made it to Motorsports of Ukiah safely.
Well, I didn't have a nail in my tire, but I did have the end of a very sharp wood screw in it. I added the piece to my fetish bag. Luckily, my tire has a tube and I didn't have to replace the entire tire, just the tube, so it cost me less than I anticipated.
After the tire was fixed, we took off east on CA Hwy 20. We went around Lake Mendocino and over the Russian River. Neither had much water in them, evidence of the drought in the area. The wind had picked up and the temperature had gone up considerably by the time we reached Clear Lake. We pulled over at Davis Rest Stop to find a warning about the water.
We could see the algae mats all over the lake. A few days before, we had heard that the lake had a distinctive odor and was polluted. We could see the pollution, but the wind must have kept the aroma to a minimum.
The wind made riding around the lake a bit of a challenge. For the most part, the wind was behind us, but we would get some wind gusts from the lake that would try to push us around. The traffic had also started to pick up. And some of those drivers had no problem tailgating the bikes. We used the turnouts often, but not often enough for one moron. He almost got into a head-on collision right next to me when he tried to pass us in a no-passing zone -- and we were less than 2 miles from a passing lane.
After a long and hot ride through the drought stricken areas, we made it safely to our hotel in Roseville with only one major delay. We were held up for about 30 to 45 minutes because of an accident about 10 miles east of Williams, CA.
My sister, Robyn, and her family (Scott, Alex, and Joe) drove up to have dinner with us. It was nice to sit down to a nice meal and talk.
Tomorrow my brother Jim and his wife Kiki are coming up to have brunch. After brunch, Donna and I head to Reno for the night as we make our way east toward home.
Mileage today: 186.7
Jae's trip total: 3523.0
Donna's trip total: 3515.2
The day started with a low back tire on my bike. Now, I just got a new back tire in Sturgis, so this was a little upsetting. We limped the bike the 2 miles into Willits and the nearest gas station to fill the tire with air. Donna checked the tire after I filled it and, sure enough, there was a metal object in the tire. After stopping at one of the only tire shops in town, we found out that the nearest motorcycle tire would be in Ukiah -- about 25 miles south of where we were.
Since we hadn't eaten dinner the night before, we stopped at the Lumberjack Restaurant for breakfast again and started the search for motorcycle shops in Ukiah.
The first place I called had a tire that would fit my bike. After we finished breakfast, we checked my tire pressure again to be sure it was holding pressure, then headed for Ukiah. We took it slow and easy, not wanting to be going too fast in case the tire started losing pressure. Luckily, the tire held the pressure and we made it to Motorsports of Ukiah safely.
Well, I didn't have a nail in my tire, but I did have the end of a very sharp wood screw in it. I added the piece to my fetish bag. Luckily, my tire has a tube and I didn't have to replace the entire tire, just the tube, so it cost me less than I anticipated.
After the tire was fixed, we took off east on CA Hwy 20. We went around Lake Mendocino and over the Russian River. Neither had much water in them, evidence of the drought in the area. The wind had picked up and the temperature had gone up considerably by the time we reached Clear Lake. We pulled over at Davis Rest Stop to find a warning about the water.
We could see the algae mats all over the lake. A few days before, we had heard that the lake had a distinctive odor and was polluted. We could see the pollution, but the wind must have kept the aroma to a minimum.
The wind made riding around the lake a bit of a challenge. For the most part, the wind was behind us, but we would get some wind gusts from the lake that would try to push us around. The traffic had also started to pick up. And some of those drivers had no problem tailgating the bikes. We used the turnouts often, but not often enough for one moron. He almost got into a head-on collision right next to me when he tried to pass us in a no-passing zone -- and we were less than 2 miles from a passing lane.
After a long and hot ride through the drought stricken areas, we made it safely to our hotel in Roseville with only one major delay. We were held up for about 30 to 45 minutes because of an accident about 10 miles east of Williams, CA.
My sister, Robyn, and her family (Scott, Alex, and Joe) drove up to have dinner with us. It was nice to sit down to a nice meal and talk.
Tomorrow my brother Jim and his wife Kiki are coming up to have brunch. After brunch, Donna and I head to Reno for the night as we make our way east toward home.
Mileage today: 186.7
Jae's trip total: 3523.0
Donna's trip total: 3515.2
Friday, August 22, 2014
Day 21: Tiptoe Through the Dahlias
I woke up this morning to the soft sound of my phone ringing. It was across the room, so I ignored it. But since I was expecting to hear from my cousin, Chelene, I figured I better get up and check for the message. No message, so I called her back. She and her son, Sebastian, were on their way from Pope Valley (near Lake Berryessa) to Willets, a drive of about 1-1/2 hours or so.
We were almost ready to go when they arrived, around 9:45-ish. We sat at the campsite and talked for a while (which was quite a hassle, you have to pay for EVERYthing in this KOA, including visitors). We decided to pile into Chelene's truck so we could catch up, then went to breakfast at the Lumberjack restaurant. We stopped and picked up some ice for our little travel cooler, then off to the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens we went.
The drive from Willits to Fort Bragg to the botanical gardens was beautiful and slow. While the coast is only about 30 miles from where we are staying, the drive took almost an hour. It would have been a challenging ride on the motorcycles.
The day was perfect. Little wind and no fog on the coast, quite a change from the chilly days we spent riding down from Port Orchard, WA.
When we got to the gardens, we wandered the 47-acre site out to the cliff house and back. We probably walked a mile and a half this afternoon. It felt good to get out and take a nature hike.
We walked out to the beach, catching up and smelling the various flowers.
When we finally got through the gardens, we treated ourselves to an ice cream before the drive back to the KOA. We chatted a little more before Chelene and Sebastian had to head home. It was a good visit. I'm glad we were able to spend the time with family that I haven't seen in a very long time.
Mileage today: 0.0
Jae's trip total: 3336.3
Donna's trip total: 3328.7
We were almost ready to go when they arrived, around 9:45-ish. We sat at the campsite and talked for a while (which was quite a hassle, you have to pay for EVERYthing in this KOA, including visitors). We decided to pile into Chelene's truck so we could catch up, then went to breakfast at the Lumberjack restaurant. We stopped and picked up some ice for our little travel cooler, then off to the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens we went.
The drive from Willits to Fort Bragg to the botanical gardens was beautiful and slow. While the coast is only about 30 miles from where we are staying, the drive took almost an hour. It would have been a challenging ride on the motorcycles.
The day was perfect. Little wind and no fog on the coast, quite a change from the chilly days we spent riding down from Port Orchard, WA.
When we got to the gardens, we wandered the 47-acre site out to the cliff house and back. We probably walked a mile and a half this afternoon. It felt good to get out and take a nature hike.
We walked out to the beach, catching up and smelling the various flowers.
When we finally got through the gardens, we treated ourselves to an ice cream before the drive back to the KOA. We chatted a little more before Chelene and Sebastian had to head home. It was a good visit. I'm glad we were able to spend the time with family that I haven't seen in a very long time.
Mileage today: 0.0
Jae's trip total: 3336.3
Donna's trip total: 3328.7
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Day 20: More Redwoods
Today started like most other travel days, we packed the bikes and took to the road. We had had a preview of the road ahead, so knew what to expect as far as road conditions. The road surfaces were in poor shape in some places, and better in others.
The theme of the day was again the California Redwoods. The day started along the coast. And again the marine layer kept the temperatures cool until we turned inland in Eureka.
We decided to stop for a quick bite in Eureka at a local place, AA Bar and Grill. There, we met Jessica, the bartender. She was kind enough to get us an order of wings, a side of Sweet Potato Fries, and some town tales. The wings were excellent, as were the fries.
We have ridden US Hwy 101 through several states now and one thing California has that is different from Oregon and Washington is "Freeway" status. Here in CA, the highway turns into "Freeway" for miles at a time. It kind of takes away from the ambiance of the ride, but does wonders at keeping the idiots off our tailpipes -- for the most part.
Despite the intermittent "Freeway", we spent the day winding through some of the most beautiful forests we have seen. The trees towered over the roadways, offering welcome shade to the day that had become much warmer now that we had turned inland.
An interesting weather fact that I learned is that the hot air inland from the coast causes the marine layer to build up, which is why the coast is chilly and foggy when the inland temperatures soar.
As we neared our destination for the day, we took a slight detour and visited the drive-through tree.
It is also called the Chandelier Tree because of the smaller trees growing from some of the limbs.
This picture sums up the awe-inspiring feeling that is the redwoods.
About an hour and a half later, we pulled into one of the swankiest KOAs that we have ever been in. This place has it all. Some of the Kampers here in the park actually have their own private hot tubs. As I sit here blogging this day, I am listening to movie night in the area across from our kamping kabin (I think it's How To Train Your Dragon II), which is on the other side of the miniature golf course.
We will get a chance to explore the new digs a little more tomorrow. The plan for tomorrow is to visit with my cousin, Chelene, who I haven't seen in so many years I've lost count.
Mileage today: 248.0
Jae's trip total: 3336.3
Donna's trip total: 3328.7
The theme of the day was again the California Redwoods. The day started along the coast. And again the marine layer kept the temperatures cool until we turned inland in Eureka.
We decided to stop for a quick bite in Eureka at a local place, AA Bar and Grill. There, we met Jessica, the bartender. She was kind enough to get us an order of wings, a side of Sweet Potato Fries, and some town tales. The wings were excellent, as were the fries.
We have ridden US Hwy 101 through several states now and one thing California has that is different from Oregon and Washington is "Freeway" status. Here in CA, the highway turns into "Freeway" for miles at a time. It kind of takes away from the ambiance of the ride, but does wonders at keeping the idiots off our tailpipes -- for the most part.
Despite the intermittent "Freeway", we spent the day winding through some of the most beautiful forests we have seen. The trees towered over the roadways, offering welcome shade to the day that had become much warmer now that we had turned inland.
An interesting weather fact that I learned is that the hot air inland from the coast causes the marine layer to build up, which is why the coast is chilly and foggy when the inland temperatures soar.
As we neared our destination for the day, we took a slight detour and visited the drive-through tree.
It is also called the Chandelier Tree because of the smaller trees growing from some of the limbs.
This picture sums up the awe-inspiring feeling that is the redwoods.
About an hour and a half later, we pulled into one of the swankiest KOAs that we have ever been in. This place has it all. Some of the Kampers here in the park actually have their own private hot tubs. As I sit here blogging this day, I am listening to movie night in the area across from our kamping kabin (I think it's How To Train Your Dragon II), which is on the other side of the miniature golf course.
We will get a chance to explore the new digs a little more tomorrow. The plan for tomorrow is to visit with my cousin, Chelene, who I haven't seen in so many years I've lost count.
Mileage today: 248.0
Jae's trip total: 3336.3
Donna's trip total: 3328.7
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Day 19: The California Redwoods
The day started like most others on this trip. We got up, putzed around for a bit, then went for coffee and breakfast. It was pretty chilly and foggy again this morning, so we made sure to dress for the conditions.
We found a coffee stand on our way into Crescent City and had breakfast at The Apple Peddler. After breakfast we rode the 20 miles or so to the Trees of Mystery. It was a walking tour that was capped off with a gondola ride to view the canopy of the redwood forest.
The first tree you come to is the Family Tree. Called that because of the 12 smaller trees that grow from its horizontal branches.
There are so many amazing things to see in this area, that it's hard to know what to talk about. To be honest, pictures cannot capture the majesty of the redwood forest.
We continued along the path toward the SkyTrail gondola. Along the way we saw one of the coolest trees -- the Cathedral Tree. It is seven trees in one, and people actually get married there.
By the time we reached the landing for the gondola, we saw the Brotherhood Tree. The Brotherhood Tree is "dedicated to the Brotherhood of Man, all races, creeds & colors."
The gondola ride had some amazing views, unfortunately the pictures didn't turn out as amazing as we would have liked. The windows in the gondola reflected a lot of light. We were able to see just a little sliver of ocean from the observation deck, and even that was hard to see because of the layer of fog that sat a mile or so off the coast.
We decided to take the gondola back down instead of the hiking trail. The sign said it was steep and recommended for experienced hikers. When we reached the gondola landing, we hiked down to the Gift Shop and got an ice cream before riding back to Crescent City.
By that time, the temperature had climbed to a whopping 69-degs, so I was able to forego the heavy gloves for lighter ones. The rise in temperature had also burned away some of the fog. On the way back to Crescent City, we pulled over and enjoyed the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks below.
Tomorrow, we leave for Willits, CA. Willits is further inland, so it should warm up. (Famous last words.)
Mileage today: 45.3
Jae's trip total: 3088.3
Donna's trip total: 3088.4
We found a coffee stand on our way into Crescent City and had breakfast at The Apple Peddler. After breakfast we rode the 20 miles or so to the Trees of Mystery. It was a walking tour that was capped off with a gondola ride to view the canopy of the redwood forest.
The first tree you come to is the Family Tree. Called that because of the 12 smaller trees that grow from its horizontal branches.
There are so many amazing things to see in this area, that it's hard to know what to talk about. To be honest, pictures cannot capture the majesty of the redwood forest.
We continued along the path toward the SkyTrail gondola. Along the way we saw one of the coolest trees -- the Cathedral Tree. It is seven trees in one, and people actually get married there.
By the time we reached the landing for the gondola, we saw the Brotherhood Tree. The Brotherhood Tree is "dedicated to the Brotherhood of Man, all races, creeds & colors."
The gondola ride had some amazing views, unfortunately the pictures didn't turn out as amazing as we would have liked. The windows in the gondola reflected a lot of light. We were able to see just a little sliver of ocean from the observation deck, and even that was hard to see because of the layer of fog that sat a mile or so off the coast.
We decided to take the gondola back down instead of the hiking trail. The sign said it was steep and recommended for experienced hikers. When we reached the gondola landing, we hiked down to the Gift Shop and got an ice cream before riding back to Crescent City.
By that time, the temperature had climbed to a whopping 69-degs, so I was able to forego the heavy gloves for lighter ones. The rise in temperature had also burned away some of the fog. On the way back to Crescent City, we pulled over and enjoyed the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks below.
Tomorrow, we leave for Willits, CA. Willits is further inland, so it should warm up. (Famous last words.)
Mileage today: 45.3
Jae's trip total: 3088.3
Donna's trip total: 3088.4
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Day 18: Redirected
Today was another one of those days that little got done. The morning started with an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast right here in the kampground. (Eat your heart out, Lin.) Then we checked out the area around our kabin. We found this living behind us.
We took off around 11:30 or so to take a short ride along the Smith River. The plan was to ride north on US 101 and take CA 197 down to US 199, back over to US 101, into Crescent City (for a few necessities), then back to the kamping kabin. We got within sight of CA 197, and were turned back to US 199. Apparently, a fatal accident had occurred on that bridge, so the road was closed to traffic and everyone was being re-routed.
We turned back and decided to get the shopping done because we were right there in Crescent City. Neither of us had had a coffee yet, either, so in search of a coffee stand we went. Now, in Oregon and Washington, you couldn't go a block without running into a coffee wagon. Here in Crescent City, California, we saw all of three coffee stands (and one was a Starbucks). Granted it was only one little corner of Crescent City, but the change in coffee wagon density was noticeable.
While we were at it, we figured we might as well have lunch. Mexican food was on our minds, so we found a little place just off Washington Drive. The food was OK, but nothing to write home about.
Then off to Safeway we went. Good thing we ate before we went. We picked up a few odds and ends that we needed, and while we were there talked with a local named Debbie. Our new friend told us about the 72-day motorcycle trip she and her husband had taken a few years earlier. She said they logged close to 15,000 miles in that trip.
By the time we finished our shopping and such, it was closing in on 4 PM. We decided to go back to the kampground and get the laundry done before the next wave of kampers rolled in. We got it done and have our bags repacked (again).
Tomorrow we are going to the Trees of Mystery and SkyTrail to do the tourist thing. We should get some great pictures there.
Mileage today: 24.4
Jae's trip total: 3043.0
Donna's trip total: 3043.2
We took off around 11:30 or so to take a short ride along the Smith River. The plan was to ride north on US 101 and take CA 197 down to US 199, back over to US 101, into Crescent City (for a few necessities), then back to the kamping kabin. We got within sight of CA 197, and were turned back to US 199. Apparently, a fatal accident had occurred on that bridge, so the road was closed to traffic and everyone was being re-routed.
We turned back and decided to get the shopping done because we were right there in Crescent City. Neither of us had had a coffee yet, either, so in search of a coffee stand we went. Now, in Oregon and Washington, you couldn't go a block without running into a coffee wagon. Here in Crescent City, California, we saw all of three coffee stands (and one was a Starbucks). Granted it was only one little corner of Crescent City, but the change in coffee wagon density was noticeable.
While we were at it, we figured we might as well have lunch. Mexican food was on our minds, so we found a little place just off Washington Drive. The food was OK, but nothing to write home about.
Then off to Safeway we went. Good thing we ate before we went. We picked up a few odds and ends that we needed, and while we were there talked with a local named Debbie. Our new friend told us about the 72-day motorcycle trip she and her husband had taken a few years earlier. She said they logged close to 15,000 miles in that trip.
By the time we finished our shopping and such, it was closing in on 4 PM. We decided to go back to the kampground and get the laundry done before the next wave of kampers rolled in. We got it done and have our bags repacked (again).
Tomorrow we are going to the Trees of Mystery and SkyTrail to do the tourist thing. We should get some great pictures there.
Mileage today: 24.4
Jae's trip total: 3043.0
Donna's trip total: 3043.2
Monday, August 18, 2014
Day 17: A Leisurely Ride Down the Coast
We had planned to start the day with breakfast at Nonnie's Charleston, but it was closed when we rode by. Alas, breakfast and coffee had to wait until we had one of the most gorgeous rides of the day.
Our new friend, Carrie (from The Portside Charleston), recommended we ride Seven Devils Road to get to US Hwy 101. I turned onto the road, which came up sooner than expected. A light fog hung in the air, the sound of the bikes swallowed by the mist. For the longest time, we were the only vehicles on the road. When I did see a vehicle behind us, I pulled over to let them pass so we could enjoy the solitude of the road. What an awesome way to start the day.
When we finally turned onto US Hwy 101, the traffic was light. We had expected the temperatures to be a bit lower today, at least according to the weather guys, so we (at least I) dressed accordingly. We weren't expecting as much wind today as yesterday, but we were expecting the temperatures to be a few degrees cooler. I added a layer of silk under the rest of my clothes, and it made a difference.
We stopped in a little town called Bandon, OR, for breakfast at The Station Restaurant, and found a very rare sight nearby. When was the last time you saw one of these?
After we left Bandon, the road took us inland a bit. I pulled us over at the first viewpoint on the right, partly to let the traffic behind us go by, and partly to get pictures of the coast and the fog.
A bonus of picking that spot: We got to see whales in the little bay. I tried to get pictures of them, but it was hard to get focused on them and get the shot before they were gone.
We stayed and watched them for about 15 minutes before we finally headed south again. We stopped a few more times along the way, partly so we wouldn't get cold, and partly to stretch our legs, have a drink, and hit the little room. Sometimes we just stopped to take a picture.
We arrived at our resting spot for the night about an hour before the rain started. It gave us enough time to get the bikes unloaded and our stuff in the cabin. We did not, however, have time to go into town for dinner.
We will be in this cabin for three nights. We haven't quite decided whether we are going to the Redwoods or back to Brookings tomorrow. Stay tuned!
Mileage today: 133.6
Jae's trip total: 3018.6
Donna's trip total: 3019.1
Our new friend, Carrie (from The Portside Charleston), recommended we ride Seven Devils Road to get to US Hwy 101. I turned onto the road, which came up sooner than expected. A light fog hung in the air, the sound of the bikes swallowed by the mist. For the longest time, we were the only vehicles on the road. When I did see a vehicle behind us, I pulled over to let them pass so we could enjoy the solitude of the road. What an awesome way to start the day.
When we finally turned onto US Hwy 101, the traffic was light. We had expected the temperatures to be a bit lower today, at least according to the weather guys, so we (at least I) dressed accordingly. We weren't expecting as much wind today as yesterday, but we were expecting the temperatures to be a few degrees cooler. I added a layer of silk under the rest of my clothes, and it made a difference.
We stopped in a little town called Bandon, OR, for breakfast at The Station Restaurant, and found a very rare sight nearby. When was the last time you saw one of these?
After we left Bandon, the road took us inland a bit. I pulled us over at the first viewpoint on the right, partly to let the traffic behind us go by, and partly to get pictures of the coast and the fog.
A bonus of picking that spot: We got to see whales in the little bay. I tried to get pictures of them, but it was hard to get focused on them and get the shot before they were gone.
We stayed and watched them for about 15 minutes before we finally headed south again. We stopped a few more times along the way, partly so we wouldn't get cold, and partly to stretch our legs, have a drink, and hit the little room. Sometimes we just stopped to take a picture.
We arrived at our resting spot for the night about an hour before the rain started. It gave us enough time to get the bikes unloaded and our stuff in the cabin. We did not, however, have time to go into town for dinner.
We will be in this cabin for three nights. We haven't quite decided whether we are going to the Redwoods or back to Brookings tomorrow. Stay tuned!
Mileage today: 133.6
Jae's trip total: 3018.6
Donna's trip total: 3019.1
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Day 16: Dressed for Chill
I knew there was a reason I brought my heavy riding coat with me. I've been carting my TourMaster jacket (and the liner) with me for more than 2,500 miles. Today I found out why.
We left Lincoln City at about 10:30 this morning. Fog hung in the air as we took to US Hwy 101 once again. Traffic was thicker than we had seen the previous days. Maybe because more people were out for Sunday drives.
We were both pretty bundled up.
As long as we didn't have any air gaps, we were warm enough. But it was pretty chilly all day today. The fog clung to the coast all day. We stopped at one of the scenic viewpoints and took a picture of the fog and the road we had just ridden.
We stopped in Newport, Oregon for lunch and a view.
The ride today was challenging in a lot of ways. First, was the condition of road itself. The road surface was pitted and uneven in a lot of places. In some areas, the roads were patched. The road crews had laid parallel strips of asphalt where tire tracks had worn down the road, leaving a rut down the center of the lane. Lovely.
Second was the wind. It was relentless. For the most part, it came out of the north and pushed us along. Sometimes gusts from the sea tried to push us around. Finally, we faced the twisting and winding road that is US Hwy 101. Add to that, a fear of heights.
A lot of the road today was right on the coast, complete with sheer cliffs on the sea side. We rode over a lot of bridges today, too. The winds were even more unpredictable over the bridges.
We passed the Oregon Sand Dunes, but didn't get close enough to really see the dunes. We did see a little of them, though.
We reached our destination (Capt John's Motel) in Charleston, OR about 5:30-ish. From our motel room window, we saw a steak and seafood restaurant that was walking distance from where we are staying -- The Portside Charleston. We had an awesome meal and a great wait staff (hi Carrie!).
Tomorrow looks to be a lot like today. We head to Crescent City, CA, from here. Can't wait to see what the road ahead brings us.
Mileage today: 139.8
Jae's trip total: 2885.0
Donna's trip total: 2886.7
We left Lincoln City at about 10:30 this morning. Fog hung in the air as we took to US Hwy 101 once again. Traffic was thicker than we had seen the previous days. Maybe because more people were out for Sunday drives.
We were both pretty bundled up.
We stopped in Newport, Oregon for lunch and a view.
The ride today was challenging in a lot of ways. First, was the condition of road itself. The road surface was pitted and uneven in a lot of places. In some areas, the roads were patched. The road crews had laid parallel strips of asphalt where tire tracks had worn down the road, leaving a rut down the center of the lane. Lovely.
Second was the wind. It was relentless. For the most part, it came out of the north and pushed us along. Sometimes gusts from the sea tried to push us around. Finally, we faced the twisting and winding road that is US Hwy 101. Add to that, a fear of heights.
A lot of the road today was right on the coast, complete with sheer cliffs on the sea side. We rode over a lot of bridges today, too. The winds were even more unpredictable over the bridges.
We passed the Oregon Sand Dunes, but didn't get close enough to really see the dunes. We did see a little of them, though.
We reached our destination (Capt John's Motel) in Charleston, OR about 5:30-ish. From our motel room window, we saw a steak and seafood restaurant that was walking distance from where we are staying -- The Portside Charleston. We had an awesome meal and a great wait staff (hi Carrie!).
Tomorrow looks to be a lot like today. We head to Crescent City, CA, from here. Can't wait to see what the road ahead brings us.
Mileage today: 139.8
Jae's trip total: 2885.0
Donna's trip total: 2886.7
Saturday, August 16, 2014
Day 15: An Afternoon at the Beach
We rode back up the coast to Tillamook today to meet up with Marsha and Kristi who live in Portland, OR.
They met us at the Blue Heron French Cheese Company where Kristi and I went for the wine tasting, and Marsha and Donna found us a table. The wines were tasty, with the Honeywood Blackberry Mead being my personal favorite. Kristi liked the Borges Tawney Porto. The Porto was good, but potent!
When Kristi and I joined Marsh and Donna, they were drinking beer -- Fat Tire of all beers! Kristi had brought a menu, so we ordered lunch. We were in Tillamook, Oregon, so we had Tillamook cheese, of course. After lunch, we piled into Kristi's car and took a drive out to the beach.
After we walked and talked on the beach for a while, we drove around to meet Kristi and Marsha's friend Nancy. By the time we got back to the Blue Heron French Cheese Company (where we left the bikes), it was getting late, so we put on our riding gear and said our goodbyes.
The ride back to Lincoln City was pleasant, with practically no wind and very little traffic. As we rode through the trees, we could see clouds crown the crests of the coastal mountains. For the most part, we were able to float through the curves and not feel as though the traffic behind us was pushing us down the road.
We arrived back at our hotel before dark and settled in for the night. Tomorrow we head for Coos Bay and Captain John's Motel. This should be good.
Mileage today: 92.4
Jae's trip total: 2745.2
Donna's trip total: 2748.2
They met us at the Blue Heron French Cheese Company where Kristi and I went for the wine tasting, and Marsha and Donna found us a table. The wines were tasty, with the Honeywood Blackberry Mead being my personal favorite. Kristi liked the Borges Tawney Porto. The Porto was good, but potent!
When Kristi and I joined Marsh and Donna, they were drinking beer -- Fat Tire of all beers! Kristi had brought a menu, so we ordered lunch. We were in Tillamook, Oregon, so we had Tillamook cheese, of course. After lunch, we piled into Kristi's car and took a drive out to the beach.
The ride back to Lincoln City was pleasant, with practically no wind and very little traffic. As we rode through the trees, we could see clouds crown the crests of the coastal mountains. For the most part, we were able to float through the curves and not feel as though the traffic behind us was pushing us down the road.
We arrived back at our hotel before dark and settled in for the night. Tomorrow we head for Coos Bay and Captain John's Motel. This should be good.
Mileage today: 92.4
Jae's trip total: 2745.2
Donna's trip total: 2748.2
Friday, August 15, 2014
Day 14: A Chilly Day
The day started wet.
We packed the bikes in a misty drizzle this morning. The first hour and a half or so, we rode on wet roads. By the time we got south of Shelton, WA, we had ridden out of the mist but the cloud cover stayed. For the rest of the day.
We reached Astoria, OR, about 2:30-ish and crossed a very long bridge. Someone at the rest area north of the bridge told Donna that the bridge is 3 miles long.
Thankfully, there was very little wind. However, there was some bridge work going on at the end of that very long bridge. And the end of that bridge had a very sharp incline. As we approached the construction zone, the flagger turned her sign from Slow to Stop. So we shut off the bikes (on a 20-something degree climb) and waited for about 10 or 15 minutes while traffic going the other way had their turn.
Every time a car or truck passed us going the other way, the bridge panel we were parked on would move. That was a little disconcerting, considering that we were on a bridge that had taken us at least 100 feet above the water. After we got over the bridges near Astoria, we rode through some beautiful areas right along the coast.
We passed through Tillamook, OR, on our way to Lincoln City, our stop for this night. We will be going back to Tillamook tomorrow when we meet up with our friends from Portland.
The temps were in the low 60s in the morning and the upper 60s this afternoon. Overall, I found the ride comfortable, albeit on the cool side -- as long as I didn't have any air gaps in my jacket.
Mileage today: 267.4
Jae's trip total: 2652.8
Donna's trip total: 2656.4
We packed the bikes in a misty drizzle this morning. The first hour and a half or so, we rode on wet roads. By the time we got south of Shelton, WA, we had ridden out of the mist but the cloud cover stayed. For the rest of the day.
We reached Astoria, OR, about 2:30-ish and crossed a very long bridge. Someone at the rest area north of the bridge told Donna that the bridge is 3 miles long.
Thankfully, there was very little wind. However, there was some bridge work going on at the end of that very long bridge. And the end of that bridge had a very sharp incline. As we approached the construction zone, the flagger turned her sign from Slow to Stop. So we shut off the bikes (on a 20-something degree climb) and waited for about 10 or 15 minutes while traffic going the other way had their turn.
Every time a car or truck passed us going the other way, the bridge panel we were parked on would move. That was a little disconcerting, considering that we were on a bridge that had taken us at least 100 feet above the water. After we got over the bridges near Astoria, we rode through some beautiful areas right along the coast.
We passed through Tillamook, OR, on our way to Lincoln City, our stop for this night. We will be going back to Tillamook tomorrow when we meet up with our friends from Portland.
The temps were in the low 60s in the morning and the upper 60s this afternoon. Overall, I found the ride comfortable, albeit on the cool side -- as long as I didn't have any air gaps in my jacket.
Mileage today: 267.4
Jae's trip total: 2652.8
Donna's trip total: 2656.4
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Day 13: Slow and Easy Day
Today we didn't do much of anything. Donna went to the grocery store this morning to pick up some road snacks and extra bottled water, I stayed at the hotel and took care of laundry. I had a chance to watch the ferrys and other boats cross the sound.
We could hear the seals across the sound but couldn't see them. I watched the birds as they dove for fish and clams. At one point, I saw a small jet of water pop up out of the sand, I figured it was a clam.
This evening, Mona and Thom picked us up at the hotel and we went to dinner at Amy's on the Bay, a local restaurant that specializes in local seafood. It was OK, the company was better.
After dinner, Mona and Thom gave us a tour of the area. We got to see places on the peninsula that we would not have seen otherwise -- like the Seattle skyline.
We leave Port Orchard and Washington tomorrow. Our next destination is Lincoln City, OR. We plan to stay there for a couple of nights and spend a day with our friend Kristi in Portland before we head further down the coast.
Mileage today: 0.0
Jae's total mileage: 2385.4
Donna's total mileage: 2389.3
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Day 12: A Walk Down Memory Lane
We didn't get much riding in today, less than a mile. Instead, we took the foot ferry from Port Orchard across the bay into Bremerton. With the sky looking like rain, we decided to tour the USS Turner Joy (DD-951), which is administered by the Bremerton Historic Ships Association.
The day started a bit later because we slept in. It felt good to not have to scramble to get our bags packed back on the bikes. We rode into the tourist-y area of Port Orchard just before lunch, grabbed a latte at the Coffee Oasis, and had sandwiches at the Back Alley Cafe. After we ate, we moved the bikes off the main road into a 4-hour parking lot and caught the ferry to the Navy pier in Bremerton.
Touring the USS Turner Joy brought back memories of my Navy days. The steel decks, steep ladders, and tight passageways had me remembering the "good old days" (which probably weren't as good as I think they were). The best part of the tour was watching the E-6's scrape paint under the watchful eye of the E-7's.
Now, anyone who has every been on a Navy ship knows that E-6's don't scrape paint, that job is left to the E-2's and E-3's. But, it seems that all personnel on the USS Turner Joy were E-6 and above, so...
After we returned to Port Orchard, our friend Mona picked us up and drove us to her place. Her husband, Thom, gave us the $0.25 tour of their place. I thought this tree was so cool looking. It's called a monkey pine tree.
After the tour we had our first home-cooked meal in a couple of weeks -- Mexican Lasagna (sorry Chris and Vieve). It was delicious. After a great dinner and great conversation, they drove us back to our hotel.
We got back to our room before dark and were greeted by some of the long-term hotel residents. They were surprised that the bikes were in the parking lot instead of out on the road.
Mileage today: 0.9
Jae's trip total: 2385.4
Donna's trip total: 2385.2
The day started a bit later because we slept in. It felt good to not have to scramble to get our bags packed back on the bikes. We rode into the tourist-y area of Port Orchard just before lunch, grabbed a latte at the Coffee Oasis, and had sandwiches at the Back Alley Cafe. After we ate, we moved the bikes off the main road into a 4-hour parking lot and caught the ferry to the Navy pier in Bremerton.
Touring the USS Turner Joy brought back memories of my Navy days. The steel decks, steep ladders, and tight passageways had me remembering the "good old days" (which probably weren't as good as I think they were). The best part of the tour was watching the E-6's scrape paint under the watchful eye of the E-7's.
Now, anyone who has every been on a Navy ship knows that E-6's don't scrape paint, that job is left to the E-2's and E-3's. But, it seems that all personnel on the USS Turner Joy were E-6 and above, so...
After we returned to Port Orchard, our friend Mona picked us up and drove us to her place. Her husband, Thom, gave us the $0.25 tour of their place. I thought this tree was so cool looking. It's called a monkey pine tree.
After the tour we had our first home-cooked meal in a couple of weeks -- Mexican Lasagna (sorry Chris and Vieve). It was delicious. After a great dinner and great conversation, they drove us back to our hotel.
We got back to our room before dark and were greeted by some of the long-term hotel residents. They were surprised that the bikes were in the parking lot instead of out on the road.
Mileage today: 0.9
Jae's trip total: 2385.4
Donna's trip total: 2385.2
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Day 11: What a Difference a Day Makes
Yesterday we thought w e would melt on the way into Yakima, today we almost couldn't dress warm enough at times. We rode though the Gifford Pinchot National Forest on US 12 and caught an awesome view of Mount Rainier.
What a great way to spend our 20th anniversary!
Mileage today: 246.1
Jae's trip total: 2384.5
Donna's trip total: 2384.2
The ride up over White Pass into Packwood was absolutely gorgeous. We stopped in several places as we went over the pass through the National Forest. It reminded us a lot of some of the places we saw in Yellowstone NP a few years ago.
We caught a little weather outside of Packwood, so we had to add clothes. That was a good thing, because a few miles later, it started to rain. While it didn't rain as hard as it had in the Black Hills, riding in rain is still the pits.
When we reached I-5 (at around 4:30-ish), we decided to hit the highway and make a beeline to our hotel in Port Orchard, WA. I missed the sign to Port Orchard and ended up across the bay in Bremerton. <sigh>
OK, pull over and check the (phone) map to see how to get where we need to be. Turn around and go back to the correct road. We found the hotel, right on the waters' edge. We arrived in time to watch the sun set from our hotel room.
Mileage today: 246.1
Jae's trip total: 2384.5
Donna's trip total: 2384.2
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