A Better Day

Today's Mileage:  423
Loop Mileage:  7024
Quest Total:  12519
State Total:  29
Current Location:  Osmond, Nebraska

Today started in the 30's, but the skies were clearing, and there was no moisture.  As the day went along the weather got progressively better, which made for a much more pleasant ride.  I basically headed straight south to exit South Dakota.  Along the way I went thru Pierre, and crossed the Missouri River.  Was surprised at all the pheasants I saw along the roadways.  It's kind of like they know it's not hunting season, so they were strutting their stuff.  Must admit, neither SD nor Nebraska had any great scenic ways, but it is pretty to see all the fields turning that great early shade of green.  At one gas stop, I couldn't resist getting a picture of the two dinosaurs together.    When I entered Nebraska, I made a left and headed east.  Usually, I am only interested in hwy designations, and don't really pay attention to where I'm at.  Luckily, a sign along the hwy helped me out with that.  Only other point of interest was at the clown doll museum (which I was glad was closed).  I'm a fan of the carved bears, but I thought this clown was a little creepy.  I'd swear his eyes followed me as I moved to take this picture.  Tomorrow it's on to Iowa, and into Algona to spend a couple of days with my Mom.

Remembering The Trace

Today's Mileage:  290
Loop Mileage:  6601
Quest Total:  12096
State Total:  27
Current Location:  Mobridge, South Dakota

I woke up this morning to the sound of rain.  Not a good thing, but one of those things you have to handle.  I had considered going east into North Dakota and then cutting back and heading towards Rapid City, South Dakota so that i could go see "Them Big Faces".  I took a look at the weather on the local TV, and found out that the highest temp for the state of SD would only be in the low 50's with most of the state in the 40's for a high.  In addition, he said it was snowing in the Black Hills.  That cancelled my original idea.  I decided to just head east for awhile and the turn south to cross SD and enter Nebraska.  That sounded good, until I actually started riding.  The rain never did let up, and the temps just seemed to keep dropping (there's actually a freeze warning for tonight.  After five hours of riding, I called it quits and got a rom for the night.  So there is nothing to report.  It just now stopped raining, and there are a few breaks beginning to show in the clouds.  I'm hoping for a better day tomorrow.  So it wasn't a great riding day, but I did keep thinking about when I was riding the Natchez Trace in Miissippi, and the weather was so great.  I told myself that things were just averaging out.  It didn't help, I was still cold, wet, and somewhat miserable

In The Rear View Mirror

Today's Mileage: 458
Loop Mileage:  6311
Quest Total:  11806
State Total:  26
Current Location:  Baker, Montana

Today started cool, but there was sunshine and clear skies.  As i headed east out of Cody, I could see the mountains in all their glory in my rear view mirror.  They looked a lot better that way, than they did when i was crossing them.  As i continued east I passed an airport that had quite a few old transport type aircraft sitting on the field.  I turned in, but everything was fenced in and all the gates required a password.  There was a small museum, but it appears to have been closed for quite some time.  I tried a couple of different roads but couldn't find any way in, so i don't know what that was all about.  Out of Grey Bull, I took scenic highway 14 towards Sheridan.  This road takes you up thru the Big Horn Mountain area.  It was really a great ride, and the scenery was outstanding.  I had never really heard of the area, but it was well worth the trip.  Out of Sheridan, I headed north into Montana.  Had already checked off Montana, but needed to head north so that I can get into North Dakota tomorrow.  I have to admit, that i totally agree with their Big Sky motto.  Pretty sure I wouldn't want to live here, but I do like driving thru the area.  One thing about driving thru these western states, even on the secondary roads, the speed limit is 65-70 MPH, and there are very few towns to slow you down, so you can really cover some territory in a day.
One final comment.  I'm not sure how this tablet decides on how to order the photos.  The order that i attach them in, usually isn't the order in which they show up.  You will have to use your best guess as to which photo belongs with which comment.
Tomorrow:  the Dakotas.

A Day Too Soon

Today's Mileage:  419
Loop Mileage:  5853
Quest Total:  11348
State Total:  27
Current Location:  Cody, Wyoming

Started off south today in much better conditions.  In fact with the sun shining, blue skies,  and warming temperatures the Bitterroots were a great sight.  Naturally, things didn't stay this way. When I turned east and headed for the Tetons, it looked like more of the same from yesterday.  Not wanting to let me down, the weather did get colder, wetter, and then snowed as I headed over the summit.  According to local weather reporters, temps are 20 to 30 degrees below normal.  Made it into Jackson hole, WY. and there appeared to be plenty of people who weren't expecting the cold as they walked around shivering in t-shirts.  Jackson Hole is an interesting looking town, but definitely there for the tourist trade.  Went and rode thru Teton National park.  Unfortunately, clouds were hiding the tops, but the mountains are still pretty impressive. The gal at the gate said although it was a little cold, it was better than yesterday when they had blizzard conditions and the park was closed.  Also told me that if i stayed around it would be nice tomorrow.  From there I headed up to Yellowstone National Park.  I realize that just driving thru both of these parks in one day, doesn't do them justice, but with the weather, I really didn't see too many other people getting out of their cars except to take pictures.  When i checked in at the gate, the attendent told me that even though the weather wasn't being cooperatve, if i stayed around, it would be better tomorrow.  Naturally, hearing this twice, made me feel much better.  Climbed up over the summit in Yellowstone and got snowed on.  The picture of the bike is just prior to the continental divide.  After turning east out of the park, climbing over another summit and getting snowed on again, I headed for Cody.  I'm not sure what this area east of Yellowstone is called, but it was really very pretty.  It was the best riding of the day.  Of course I could be prejudiced, because it was dry and warmer at the lower altitude.

Crossing the Bittertroots

Today's Mileage:  345
Loop Mileage:  5434
Quest Total:  10929
State Total:  26
Current Location:  Salmon, Idaho

I started off east across Idaho today on Hwy 12.  The great thing about this hwy, is that you ride right next to rivers all across the state.  Starting off, you are right next to the Clearwater River.  Judging by the number of fishing boats on the water, this must be a great fishing river.  I asked a guy along the shore what they were fishing for and he replied King Salmon.  As you climb up into the mountains, the river loses it's gentle nature and becomes a white water river.  I pretty much knew my ride today would be wet, by looking at the clouds hanging over, the mountain tops, and I wasn't wrong.it was pretty much a constant drizzle, and you could see that it had snowed earlier at the summit altitude.  Today was definitely the coldest day so far.  I was wearing every piece of cold weather gear I had brought.  Because of the gear, the riding was tolerable, but I'm pretty sure that it I had anything less, I would have had to stop much earlier because of the cold.  Once over the mountains, hwy 12 leads into Missoula Montana.  Just short of Misoula, I turned south and headed back into Idaho.  I did this because I want to cross into Wyoming at the Tetons.  Unfortunately, this meant crossing back over another range of the Bitterroots.  It was the same story as before, with drizzle and increasing cold, only this time it had not only snowed earlier, it started snowing again as I was ascending.  Luckily it was not sticking to the road, but if i had tried to cross much later, I think I probably would have had to turn around.  I'm hoping for a better day tomorrow, not only for riding, but also because I'm hoping for a clear view of the Tetons.  So today wasn't a great day, but there were still parts of it that made it well worth the ride.  Hope every one has a good Memorial Day.

My Oregon Posse

Today's Mileage:  426
Loop Mileage:  5089
Quest Total:  10584
State Total:  24
Current Location:  Lewiston, ldaho

For the first ten days of this trip, I was wondering about bringing all the cold weather gear I had packed.  For the last two days, I've been really glad I brought it.  Today started off in the thirties, and it actually got colder climbing over the summits.  The day ended up in the sixties on the other side of the summits, so i guess it all averged out.  I started out today riding with my cousin ( whom I just met last night, and is the only person I know of who has real skunk pelt mittens) and her friend Jay.  Last night after a couple of drinks, it seemed like a fine idea to join up in the morning.  I'm not sure she felt the same way as it got colder, but it was nice to have somebody lead who could take me on the back roads, that I never would have found on my own.  After a brisk ride thru some great scenery, we parted ways and I continued on without my posse.  After going thru a lot of the state, I think that if you are a serious fly fisherman, Oregon would have to be on your list of places to go.  Seemed like every time I looked for awhile, there was a great looking trout river or stream.  I eventually found my way into the southeast corner of Washington State.  I know that Washington has a lot to offer in the way of mountains and great scenery.  The southeastern part of the state is not generally considered to be part of all that, but I have to say that I was really impressed with the vast rolling green fields of wheat that seemed to stretch forever.  I want to say thanks to my Aunt Wanita and Sue for their hospitality, and to Shelly and Jay for showing me parts of their favorite rides.  Tomorrow it's the crossing of Idaho.

No Go For Snow

<p>Today's Mileage:&nbsp; 408<br>
Loop Mileage:&nbsp; 4663<br>
Quest Total:&nbsp; 10,158<br>
State Total:&nbsp; 23<br>
Current Location:&nbsp; Bend, Oregon</p>
<p>I left today with the goal to get to my Aunt's in Bend, Or.&nbsp; Along the way, I wanted to go thru the National Redwood Forest and go to Crater Lake.&nbsp; I did go thru the forest, and I am still amazed at the redwoods.&nbsp; For a comparison, my bike is just over eight feet long.&nbsp; I then went thru the Rogue River Valley. This was also a great area.&nbsp; I did have to get my rain gear out today, and did get a little wet.&nbsp; I kept thinking&nbsp; how much prettier the valley would be in the sunshine.&nbsp; It started to get cooler as I climbed and got further north.&nbsp; I made the turn for Crater's Lake and started climbing higher.&nbsp; Shortly thereafter, I noticed light snow on the ground.&nbsp; The higher I got the more snow there was, and I was concerned the roads might start to freeze (they had already been plowed earlier).&nbsp; I made it to the entrance and talked to the attendent.&nbsp; As light snow pellets drifted down, she told me that I had to go another seven miles, climb another 1000 feet, and she wasn't sure I would even be able to see the lake due to low cloud cover.&nbsp; That being said, I turned around and headed for Bend.&nbsp; So I didn't get to see Crater's Lake, I got rained on, and the temperatures for most of the day was in the thirties. But I did get to see the trees, and my Aunt and cousin.  It was a great day. I have no idea as to what is causing all the problems in this post.

I Found Them

Today's Mileage:  372
Loop Mileage:  4255
Quest Total:  9750
States Total:  22
Current Location:  Eureka, California

I headed west out of Lodi this morning, and sure enough I eventually hit water.  I'm not crazy about the California traffic, but it wasn't bad once I got to the coast and headed up hwy 1.  It is a pretty drive, but it is also very twisty in places, so you really have to keep more of an eye on the road then you do the view.  Once you choose to go on hwy 1 you're pretty much committed for about 100 miles before you can head back inland, so you don't make very good time, but it is a pretty drive.  Rather than go back eastward from Ft. Bragg, I opted to continue on Hwy 1 to cross over the mountains.  This is where I found all the curves that were never used on the ruler roads.  It was a fun motorcycle ride, with a lot (and I mean a lot) of tight turns, but I don't think I would like the road in a car.  There was a bonus for staying on 1 until the very end.  Just before you get on the main hwy, there were signs to come see the world famous drive thru tree.  I couldn't pass that up, so I made a slight detour and drove my motorcycle thru a massive redwood.  I had planned on riding the Avenue of Giants, but didn't know about this one.  The avenue of giants was really awesome.  Humboldt state park has huge redwoods, pines, maples and other species.  The redwoods are just amazing.  That was it for today.  It's up to Oregon tomorrow.
The last picture is because I think that anyone who takes that much time to trim his tree (the square you see on top is all part of the same tree), deserves to have a picture of it in a blog, so here it is.

I'll Pass

Today's Mileage:  542
Loop Mileage:  3883
Quest Total:  9378
State Total:  22
Current Location:  Lodi, California

I headed west across the high desert country of Nevada.  At one point, I was on the extrateristrial highway.  Immediately following this sign was one stating Low Flying Aircraft.  I thought that meant I should be looking for UFO's, but then I realized that by definition I would not be able to Identify one, so I stopped looking.  The high desert country is mostly free range, and I did see a lot of cattle, so that means that when you buy free range beef, that is the vegetation they are grazing on.  Didn't look all that apealling to me.  Nevada also wins the award for longest ruler roads.  I think some of those roads might still be going straight, but I turned off them, so I'm not really sure.  I then entered california.  I headed towards the Tioga pass which is the eastern entrance of Yosemite National Park.  This pass isn't always open this early, but it is this year, so I was able to ride it. On the way to the pass, I also went by Mono Lake.  Yosemite is a huge park, and I only saw a small part of it.  Coming down out of the Sierra's is a great ride if you like twisty roads.  Lot's of great sighseeing again today.  Tomorrow it is off to the coast.

Oops

Not sure if anyone cares, but I forgot to post this with today's write up.

Today's Mileage:  362
Loop Mileage:  3341
Quest Total:  8836
State Total:  20
Current Location:  Caliente, Nevada

And The Hits Just Keep On Coming

I left Bicknell this morning and headed south from Torrey on hwy 12.  This takes you thru two passes over the mountains(it was a little strange to see the aspens up at the summit just starting to leaf out), and thru the Grand Staircase Escalate National Monument.  From there you proceed on over to Bryce Canyon, then you drop into Red Canyon.  All things considered, it's a pretty nice morning drive.  From that point, I decided to drop on further south so that I could go thru Zion National Park.  I wasn't planning on going there, but without a doubt, if you are anywhere close, you should make the time to see this one.  Only problem, is that the crowds are already a concern.  From there I headed back up north a bit and then turned west and headed into Nevada.  It got pretty hot today, so i think I'll try to get a little earlier start tomorrow, so that I can get thru most of Nevada before it heats up again.

Sensory Overload

Today's Mileage: 479
Loop Mileage: 2979
Quest Total: 8474
State Total: 20
Current Location: Bicknell, Utah

Started heading north today, went thru the petrified forest and the painted desert.  Back tracked a little from the other day, and then cut over to go thru Monument Valley.  All were very cool, and I would not have been one bit surprised to see John Wayne come riding over the horizon.
Then things really got interesting.  I had seen a secondary road that looked good on the map, so i took it.  Shortly after turning on to it I started seeing signs stating 'not recommended for vehicles pulling trailers', 'no trucks'  '10 degree grade etc.  To me this was starting to sound good, but as I proceeded this escarpment that looked like a shear wall started looming in the distance. I thought this looked interesting until the sign stating 'one way gravel road ahead for next three miles. Normally I would not ride on a gravel road, but I decided to give it a try, because I wanted to see how the road got over this wall.  I really think the road might have been a former goat trail the way it clung to the side of the escarpment, but it finally topped out and the road turned back to pavement.  I was glad to be finished, because my engine temp guage had been climbing as steadily as I had, but I have to admit, it was one of the most interesting roads I have been on to date.  I never once got over 10 mph.
The day was far from over though.  The next road was now following the rim of the Fry and White Canyons.  Then I went into Glen Canyon, crossed the Colorado River, skirted Lake Powell and ended up the day by riding thru Capital Reef National Park.  There were just to many great scenes to describe, and at the end of the day, my brain is full.

Solar Eclipse Day

Today was a non travel day.  Was able to spend the day with the Arizona contingent of the family.  Played some golf, ate too much food, and drank some adult beverages.  As an added bonus, we are in a prime location to see today's solar eclipse.  My brother had welding face shields which work great for staring right at the sun (i guess they probably work great for welding too), so i was able to get a good view of most of the eclipse.  It's been a good respite, but I'm back on the road tomorrow.  Will head north and should end up somewhere in Utah tomorrow.  To Tim and Sherry, Travis, Stacey, Keilie, and Colton, and Tobey and Lisa, thanks for everything, and hope to see you all again soon

Canyon de Chelly

Today's Mileage: 302
Loop Mileage: 2500
Quest Mileage: 7995
State Total: 19
Current Location: Show low, Arizona

I decided that I really wanted to see Canyon d e Chelly, so i headed back up north in order to do a loop around the canyon.  I'm glad that I did, because it was worth the trip.  After that,  I headed down towards Show Low to my brother's home.  Since then, I've had a beer or two, and now I'm off to bed.

Shake, Ratle, and ROLL

Today's Mileage: 356
Loop Mileage: 2198
Quest Mileage: 7693
Total States:  18
Current Location:  Gallup, New Mexico

Started off today and went over Wolf's Creek Pass and on into Pagaso Springs (as an aside, when entering a town in most states, they give the population, in Colorado they give the elevation).  The scenery was great.  I've attached some photos, but I've noticed that after attaching and then uploading the photos a lot of quality is lost.  So you might just have to take my word for it that it was pretty awesome.  Then headed for Durango, but got tired of the traffic and decided to break south on a secondary road.  I've done this a lot, and usually it works out okay. It started out okay today, until I hit new mexico.  The road was a bit rougher, and then there were the cattle guards that crossed the roads.  Some weren't to bad, but some were in big dips and invariably the pavement would be broken up around them. Even knowing this, and slowing down, it still checked out the filings in my teeth when i crossed them.  Unfortunately, this was not the worst part of the day.  As I headed south out of Farmington, I ran into the predicted high winds.  I know I've complained about winds before, but I take it all back.  When they say high winds they mean it.  Add the extremely flat terrain to the equation, and it makes for some interesting riding.  There were times when i thought about pulling over to the side of the road, but I wasn't sure that I could hold the bike up if i was standing straight up.  Instead I rode in a constant lean and fought the wind to stay in my lane.  Hope that is the last I see of those type winds.  Well I am off to Arizona tomorrow to stop in and see my brother and his family for a couple of days.

The Land Of Wave

Today's Mileage: 498
Loop Mileage: 1842
Quest Mileage: 7337
Total States: 17

I left this morning and headed north out of Texas.  It was a little windy but not too bad.  Went thru the Oklahoma Panhandle and crossed into Southeastern Colorado.  Found a secondary road and headed west towards Trinidad.  Eastern Colorado has some extreme ruler roads.  A ruler road is when the road engineers need to go from point A to point B.  They slap a ruler down connecting the points, draw a line and never mess with curves.  When you have a road that straight and long, you see oncoming traffic twenty miles out.  You lose them when one of you goes into a dip, but then you see them you lose them you see them you lose them and on and on.  By the time you actually pass them you feel like close friends, so you wave.  And everybody does.
After Trinidad I took the highway of legends up into the mountains.  This is around the Spanish Peaks area and it's very scenic.  From there I went to a lesser known National Park.  The Great Sands Dune National Park.  Interesting spot.  Headed from there into Alamosa, and here I am.  I'm in the mountains, but tomorrow I'll be heading thru the passes and down into New Mexico.