Day 22 -Thurs., 5/29/08 -Moab, UT to Montrose, CO -Ted argued with the GPS (Gypsy Jill) this morning. I have my maps. We took off for the back roads of Utah. It was 72 degrees and sunny.
At the top end of Moab, UT we hung a right onto 128. A sheriff's car pulled in behind us and followed us along the roadway. We were gawking and driving slow. At the first opportunity we pulled over hoping they didn't pull over too. They didn't and passed us by. Whew! We continued along with the Colorado River on our left and red rocks towering above us on the right. Canyon after canyon we passed. Tents and campers were set up along the banks of the Colorado. We saw boats filled with tourists and boatmen working the currents of the river. We saw tourists buses and rented four-wheelers along the way. There were ranches where people could rent horses for a ride. And yet, Ted and I were among only a few on the road. Many times we had the road to ourselves! An interesting thing we saw in this desert/water area was grapevines! Winery's are beginning to be planted and processed. This is a cool area with lots of things to do. It still has a small town feel and Arches is a neat place to go. It may be my favorite place so far.
As we left Arches National Park area behind we contined along 128 into a high desert area. Nothing! Nothing was out there! Well, there were cattle grates. Ted turned right at a "T" and continued through the town of Cisco until the road ended up miraculously at I-70. Ted was still arguing with Gypsy Jill. I think he just wanted to see if she could get us back to the interstate. She did!
From Arches we wanted to go to the Colorado National Monument in Fruita, Colorado. From I-70 we grabbed Hwy. 340 south. When we arrived at the park we rode up and up and up, through two tunnels, and along the side of the mountain, with no guard rails! It was really something. We were blessed to have perfect weather! It had warmed up to the perfect temperature of 75 degrees and sunny. At the top (5,787') the view of the valley was breathtaking. After the visitor's center we opted not to ride through the parks 24 mile loop and we turned around and headed back to 340 where we continued south to Montrose for the night.
Today was a slow dance through beautiful country with perfect weather. The snow peaked Rockies are right outside our window!
Miles - 182
Cattle Grates - 8
Highest gas seen - $4.15
Highest gas paid - $4.06
Highest/lowest temperature - 75/72
Highest elevation - 5,870'
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Arches National Park
Day 21-Wed., 5/28/08 - Salt Lake City to Moab, UT - Jason came down to pick us up first thing in the morning. We all rode our bikes down to a pancake house for breakfast. Jas had to go to work so this was the last we would see him before we headed out. After a sad farewell we all went our separate ways. Thanks, Jason, for a wonderful visit. I love you, Honey.
Ted and I packed up and headed west on I-80 until we hit I-15 and headed south. Traffic was heavy. President Bush was coming to Salt Lake City. That might have been the reason. At Spanish Forks we grabbed UT-6 east. What a great road! There was some construction, but even with that slight nuisance, it was a great road. Sweeping curves and elevation changes, some twisties made this a fun ride. After the mountain passes we settled down into a flat desert terrain and made up miles over the straight road. It was here that Ted and I realized that maybe we should have stopped for gas before we hit this part of the highway. Ted was doing some figuring and he thought we would be safe, but it was a little unnerving for awhile. When we hit I-70 we stopped at the first gas station we came to. By the amount of cars that were there I don't think we were the only ones sweating it.
We stayed on I-70 just a short distance until we headed south on UT-191 toward Moab, UT. Our goal was to make Arches National Park. The OMG quotient was way high on this road! Rocks, some/most were the red sandstone color, were shaped into spires with other rocks teetering on the top of those! Black mineral glazes painted dramatic lines across the raw mountains. Green and yellow scrub grasses jutted out of impossible places. Wild flowers bloomed, amazingly, along the roadway. It was inspiring. The road twisted and curved around these formations. And the whole time the snow covered Rockies loomed in the distance. This place is unworldly. It is one of the most inspiring places I've visited. We stopped at the crowded visitor's center. There we viewed the displays, watched the movie, talked with the ranger, and snooped around the bookstore (I thought Ted was going to buy a book about outlaws). We closed the place down at 6:30.
We called a hotel for a room in Moab and then stopped at Denny's for some supper. The town of Moab is cute. It definately has a tourist element to it, but it is a place you could spend some time in.
Miles - 251
Cattle grates - 0 (maybe we are done with these - please, oh, please!)
Highest elevation - 7,222 (UT-6)
Highest/lowest temperature - 82/62 (72 in SLC, 62 on UT-6, 82 at Green River; clothes on, clothes off)
Highest gas paid - $4.05 (Green River, UT along I-70 right out from the desert)
OMG (Oh My Gosh) - 10 out of 10
Ted and I packed up and headed west on I-80 until we hit I-15 and headed south. Traffic was heavy. President Bush was coming to Salt Lake City. That might have been the reason. At Spanish Forks we grabbed UT-6 east. What a great road! There was some construction, but even with that slight nuisance, it was a great road. Sweeping curves and elevation changes, some twisties made this a fun ride. After the mountain passes we settled down into a flat desert terrain and made up miles over the straight road. It was here that Ted and I realized that maybe we should have stopped for gas before we hit this part of the highway. Ted was doing some figuring and he thought we would be safe, but it was a little unnerving for awhile. When we hit I-70 we stopped at the first gas station we came to. By the amount of cars that were there I don't think we were the only ones sweating it.
We stayed on I-70 just a short distance until we headed south on UT-191 toward Moab, UT. Our goal was to make Arches National Park. The OMG quotient was way high on this road! Rocks, some/most were the red sandstone color, were shaped into spires with other rocks teetering on the top of those! Black mineral glazes painted dramatic lines across the raw mountains. Green and yellow scrub grasses jutted out of impossible places. Wild flowers bloomed, amazingly, along the roadway. It was inspiring. The road twisted and curved around these formations. And the whole time the snow covered Rockies loomed in the distance. This place is unworldly. It is one of the most inspiring places I've visited. We stopped at the crowded visitor's center. There we viewed the displays, watched the movie, talked with the ranger, and snooped around the bookstore (I thought Ted was going to buy a book about outlaws). We closed the place down at 6:30.
We called a hotel for a room in Moab and then stopped at Denny's for some supper. The town of Moab is cute. It definately has a tourist element to it, but it is a place you could spend some time in.
Miles - 251
Cattle grates - 0 (maybe we are done with these - please, oh, please!)
Highest elevation - 7,222 (UT-6)
Highest/lowest temperature - 82/62 (72 in SLC, 62 on UT-6, 82 at Green River; clothes on, clothes off)
Highest gas paid - $4.05 (Green River, UT along I-70 right out from the desert)
OMG (Oh My Gosh) - 10 out of 10
Three Bikes in Salt Lake City
Day 20-Tues., 5/27/08 - Today was the day that we were going to just spend time and hang out with Jason. We woke up to a beautiful day. Jason rode his bike down to the hotel. After a breakfast at Carl Jr. we hopped on the bikes and headed out of the Sugar House district. Jason lead us along the Wasatch Mountains. Snow peaked giants loomed in the distance. We stopped at a scenic restaurant that Jason has worked at before. Brick streets twined up to a English tutor cottage with peacocks and hanging flowers. A swan floated in a little lake nearby. It was something out of a Thomas Kincaid painting! Gorgeous!
From there we continued along the mountain ridge with horse filled fields lining the road. We came to a canyon with signs pointing toward Snowbird Ski Resort. Jason headed his bike toward the canyon and we followed. Soon we were riding along a swollen white water stream until the road began to climb and we left the water behind. The mountains we had seen in the distance before with snow on top became our neighbors to the right and left. The road was dry but the snow was everywhere else. The temperature began to drop also. At the top of the mountain was the ski resort. We took some pictures of the bikes with the snow in the background and then we we into the resort. Jason showed us where he had worked and we also met Greg in the Christy Store. The ski slopes were so steep and massive. When we left the resort and started down the mountain the ride down was fun! We continued along the ridge and stopped to meet Roz, a hang glider friend of Jasons.
Then the three of us jumped on I-15 for a short few exits until we saw the brown signs of the park service. Jason lead us to the Timpanogos Cave National Monument. There we watched the movie and learned about the area and the three caves. It was beautiful up in the mountain.
After we left Timpanogos and started the trek home we stopped by the Yamaha dealer for a short shopping spree, we also stopped at Best Buy for them to look at my laptop, (I'd like to report that Ted and the techie guy were successful at bringing my laptop back from the brink), and then Ted, Jason, and I went to the Paradise for supper. It was like a Panera's in Florida. Soup and sandwich, it tasted good.
By this time it was late and we bid each other a good night with plans for the morning. Jason was a wonderful tour guide. We had a great time!
Miles - 103
U-turns - With Jas? - way too many!
Highest elevation - 8,104 (Snowbird)
Highest/Lowest temperature - 66/52 (Snowbird)
Highest gas we paid - $3.83 (SLC)
Oh My Gosh - numerous
From there we continued along the mountain ridge with horse filled fields lining the road. We came to a canyon with signs pointing toward Snowbird Ski Resort. Jason headed his bike toward the canyon and we followed. Soon we were riding along a swollen white water stream until the road began to climb and we left the water behind. The mountains we had seen in the distance before with snow on top became our neighbors to the right and left. The road was dry but the snow was everywhere else. The temperature began to drop also. At the top of the mountain was the ski resort. We took some pictures of the bikes with the snow in the background and then we we into the resort. Jason showed us where he had worked and we also met Greg in the Christy Store. The ski slopes were so steep and massive. When we left the resort and started down the mountain the ride down was fun! We continued along the ridge and stopped to meet Roz, a hang glider friend of Jasons.
Then the three of us jumped on I-15 for a short few exits until we saw the brown signs of the park service. Jason lead us to the Timpanogos Cave National Monument. There we watched the movie and learned about the area and the three caves. It was beautiful up in the mountain.
After we left Timpanogos and started the trek home we stopped by the Yamaha dealer for a short shopping spree, we also stopped at Best Buy for them to look at my laptop, (I'd like to report that Ted and the techie guy were successful at bringing my laptop back from the brink), and then Ted, Jason, and I went to the Paradise for supper. It was like a Panera's in Florida. Soup and sandwich, it tasted good.
By this time it was late and we bid each other a good night with plans for the morning. Jason was a wonderful tour guide. We had a great time!
Miles - 103
U-turns - With Jas? - way too many!
Highest elevation - 8,104 (Snowbird)
Highest/Lowest temperature - 66/52 (Snowbird)
Highest gas we paid - $3.83 (SLC)
Oh My Gosh - numerous
Sugar House Exit
Day 19-Mon., 5/26/08 - Memorial Day - It was cold! We packed up and gassed up. As we left Payson, it started to rain. It continued to rain for about a half hour as we made our way up I-15 toward Salt Lake City. We took the I-80 exit until we saw the words "Sugar House." This was Jason's exit. We knew that he wouldn't be home. He was at a music festival in Moab. We were planning on meeting him in Salt Lake and we got there before he did. We located his apartment and then found the closest room which ended up being right around the corner - .2 miles! How lucky we felt! After securing a room and unpacking the bikes, Ted and I caught up on napping and correspondence. Jason called a little while later and after a shower he popped around the corner to our place. It was wonderful to see him. It had almost been a year. The last time we had been together was at Eric and Summer's wedding in Oregon. That had been on June 23rd. Today, Jason was smiling as usual. He's such a joy to be around. We all walked over to the Lone Star restaurant for the all-you-can-eat ribs! We talked and talked and got all caught up with each other. Then we walked over to his place. We had a chance to meet Dave and Danielle, and Jenny, and Frankie (the puppy)! Jason let me use his computer and then Ted and I walked home to go to bed. Everyone was tired that night.
Miles - 61
Highest/Lowest temperature - 66/54
Total trip miles - 4,906
Flying J gas in Payson - $3.81
Cattle grates - 0
Miles - 61
Highest/Lowest temperature - 66/54
Total trip miles - 4,906
Flying J gas in Payson - $3.81
Cattle grates - 0
Monday, May 26, 2008
Day 18-Sun., 5/25/08 - Heading north on I-15 from St. George, UT Ted and I decided to see the northern part of Zion National Park. We had gone through the southern part before. The day was cloudy and cold. Rain was forecast but we left when it was still dry. It's amazing how warm it feels when you are not moving. It wasn't long before we were stopping to add layers.
Zion National Park's brown sign came into view and Ted and I left I-15 for a wondrous experience. The beauty is breathtaking! Red rocks, at all angles, shoot into the sky. After stopping at the Kolob Canyon Visitor's Center, and buying a "Utah Rocks" t-shirt, we drove the five miles up and into the canyon. The scenic overlooks were filled with other people hiking and enjoying the magnificent, dramatic rock formations. There were no guardrails and the drop offs were significant! We used the pullouts to do our gawking.
After leaving Zion we continued north up I-15. The traffic was light and virtually no truck traffic. The sky was heavy with rain clouds but we escaped with only a few sprinkles here and there. It continued to get colder. Finally we stopped at a Dairy Queen/gas combo and broke out our newly purchased Gerbing electrically-heated motorcycling jacket. Oh! What comfort! I cranked it up until I was toasty and then leveled it back some. Ted ended up turning his off because it was putting him to sleep - that's never good! We both love the Gerbings and plan on using them without hesitation again.
As the late afternoon approached we were worried about getting a hotel room on this holiday weekend, much like what had happened in Hurricane/St. George area, so we decided to stop and find a place. The mountains that had followed us north were snow covered and cloud shrouded. At the base of some of these mountains we found Payson, UT and pulled off the interstate. The Comfort Inn was right beside a Flying J Travel Center. After checking in and some bike photos we walked over to the Flying J restaurant for a meal.
Today when we think about what stands out in our minds it has to be the rocks at Zion and our electric jackets. The snow covered mountains and grassy plains of Utah make this state unique and beautiful. Salute Utah! (We see Jason tomorrow!)
Miles - 267
U-turns - 3
Cattle Grates - 4 (at interstate entrances and exits!)
Highest gas seen - $4.10
Highest gas paid - $4.10
Highest elevation - 6,838
Highest temp - 55 degrees
Lowest temp - 47 degrees
Zion National Park's brown sign came into view and Ted and I left I-15 for a wondrous experience. The beauty is breathtaking! Red rocks, at all angles, shoot into the sky. After stopping at the Kolob Canyon Visitor's Center, and buying a "Utah Rocks" t-shirt, we drove the five miles up and into the canyon. The scenic overlooks were filled with other people hiking and enjoying the magnificent, dramatic rock formations. There were no guardrails and the drop offs were significant! We used the pullouts to do our gawking.
After leaving Zion we continued north up I-15. The traffic was light and virtually no truck traffic. The sky was heavy with rain clouds but we escaped with only a few sprinkles here and there. It continued to get colder. Finally we stopped at a Dairy Queen/gas combo and broke out our newly purchased Gerbing electrically-heated motorcycling jacket. Oh! What comfort! I cranked it up until I was toasty and then leveled it back some. Ted ended up turning his off because it was putting him to sleep - that's never good! We both love the Gerbings and plan on using them without hesitation again.
As the late afternoon approached we were worried about getting a hotel room on this holiday weekend, much like what had happened in Hurricane/St. George area, so we decided to stop and find a place. The mountains that had followed us north were snow covered and cloud shrouded. At the base of some of these mountains we found Payson, UT and pulled off the interstate. The Comfort Inn was right beside a Flying J Travel Center. After checking in and some bike photos we walked over to the Flying J restaurant for a meal.
Today when we think about what stands out in our minds it has to be the rocks at Zion and our electric jackets. The snow covered mountains and grassy plains of Utah make this state unique and beautiful. Salute Utah! (We see Jason tomorrow!)
Miles - 267
U-turns - 3
Cattle Grates - 4 (at interstate entrances and exits!)
Highest gas seen - $4.10
Highest gas paid - $4.10
Highest elevation - 6,838
Highest temp - 55 degrees
Lowest temp - 47 degrees
Saturday, May 24, 2008
CA, NV, AZ, UT
This morning we left under cloudy skies. As a precaution Ted & I donned our rain suits and covered our bags. It was around 55 degrees in Los Angles area and there was snow in the mountains. This was a holiday weekend and traffic was probably heavier than a normal Saturday, but better than a work day. We climbed into the San Gabriel Mountains north of LA. You could see snow on the peaks but our roads were dry. On the other side it began to rain and continued on and off the rest of the day. Thinking on the positive side, we were prepared, no lightning all day, and there was no wind.
We took I-15 to Barstow and stopped for a cup of coffee. In front of the Burger King we changed gloves and I put on more clothes. The temperature had dropped to 45 degrees. We stayed on 15 to 215 to 515 which moves traffic around Las Vegas. Our goal was the Lake Mead/Alan Bible Visitor's Center in Boulder City, NV which is on 93. (No shows, no gambling, just around Las Vegas! )
We found it with no trouble. We viewed the displays and talked with the rangers. The building of Hoover and Davis dam was fasinating. Backing up the Colorado River buried whole cities and history under Lake Mead and changed the environment while creating Lake Mojave.
After the visitor's center we back tracked to I-15 and continued north. I was expecting to enter Utah, but instead we entered Arizona first. I-15 cuts through the north western corner of Arizona and this is where we found our gem for the day: the Virgin River Gorge! It was an "Oh My Gosh" moment. Speeds were cut to 55 to move traffic through the sweeping curves. I almost couldn't drive it was so gorgeous!
The temperature had warmed up to around 61 degrees. We were tired and trying to make Hurricane, UT for the night. As we rolled into this little town I was looking forward to stopping. We were surprised when we were turned away at the first place because they were filled up, concerned when we were turned away from the second place, and it continued from hotel to hotel throughout town. No Vacancy anywhere! We stopped for gas and Ted called back to the town to St. George, that we had just come through and found a room. We rode back the 15 miles to St. George in the dark to our waiting hotel room. Thank goodness we have a place to lay our heads tonight.
Miles - 462
Total miles - 3,768
U-turns - 5 (mostly looking for a room)
Oh My Gosh - the Virgin River Gorge on I-15 in AZ
We took I-15 to Barstow and stopped for a cup of coffee. In front of the Burger King we changed gloves and I put on more clothes. The temperature had dropped to 45 degrees. We stayed on 15 to 215 to 515 which moves traffic around Las Vegas. Our goal was the Lake Mead/Alan Bible Visitor's Center in Boulder City, NV which is on 93. (No shows, no gambling, just around Las Vegas! )
We found it with no trouble. We viewed the displays and talked with the rangers. The building of Hoover and Davis dam was fasinating. Backing up the Colorado River buried whole cities and history under Lake Mead and changed the environment while creating Lake Mojave.
After the visitor's center we back tracked to I-15 and continued north. I was expecting to enter Utah, but instead we entered Arizona first. I-15 cuts through the north western corner of Arizona and this is where we found our gem for the day: the Virgin River Gorge! It was an "Oh My Gosh" moment. Speeds were cut to 55 to move traffic through the sweeping curves. I almost couldn't drive it was so gorgeous!
The temperature had warmed up to around 61 degrees. We were tired and trying to make Hurricane, UT for the night. As we rolled into this little town I was looking forward to stopping. We were surprised when we were turned away at the first place because they were filled up, concerned when we were turned away from the second place, and it continued from hotel to hotel throughout town. No Vacancy anywhere! We stopped for gas and Ted called back to the town to St. George, that we had just come through and found a room. We rode back the 15 miles to St. George in the dark to our waiting hotel room. Thank goodness we have a place to lay our heads tonight.
Miles - 462
Total miles - 3,768
U-turns - 5 (mostly looking for a room)
Oh My Gosh - the Virgin River Gorge on I-15 in AZ
Friday, May 23, 2008
Thursday, May 22, 2008 - LA
Ted and I decided to stay in LA one more day. The weather forecast was not that good. I did a wash and Ted needed to find a Honda shop. He lost the end cap off his handlebar and we still had not gotten our list of items. He took off to the Honda place and soon I heard thunder. It started raining and Ted got caught in it. The weather here has not been the pleasant sunny southern California weather that we are use to. There was a tornado that touched down south of us.
Ted called some of his high school friends and made arrangements to get together for supper. Lynette came over to pick us up in the rain and took us through LA commuter traffic (wow!) over to her house where Ben was waiting for us. They have a lovely home. Soon we headed to the restaurant to meet with Steve. We had a wonderful time catching up with all that has been happening with our different families. Soon it was time to leave the restaurant and say goodnight to Steve. Ben and Lynette took us back to our hotel. The rain had stopped and was replaced with a cold breeze. We said goodbye to Ben and Lynette under the front portico. It had been a good visit. Thanks Steve, Ben, and Lynette!
We are waiting for a break in the weather. Raining right now! Where is the sun?
Miles - Ted 30/Carolyn 0
U-turns - 0 (Of course, Ted said he waits for me to be along!)
Ted called some of his high school friends and made arrangements to get together for supper. Lynette came over to pick us up in the rain and took us through LA commuter traffic (wow!) over to her house where Ben was waiting for us. They have a lovely home. Soon we headed to the restaurant to meet with Steve. We had a wonderful time catching up with all that has been happening with our different families. Soon it was time to leave the restaurant and say goodnight to Steve. Ben and Lynette took us back to our hotel. The rain had stopped and was replaced with a cold breeze. We said goodbye to Ben and Lynette under the front portico. It had been a good visit. Thanks Steve, Ben, and Lynette!
We are waiting for a break in the weather. Raining right now! Where is the sun?
Miles - Ted 30/Carolyn 0
U-turns - 0 (Of course, Ted said he waits for me to be along!)
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008 - The Mojave & LA
We woke in Bullhead City, AZ. A fine brown dust had settled over our bikes during the night. The air temperature was 88 degrees at 8:30 in the morning as we drove south along Route 95 until we entered California at Needles. It was along this stretch of road that I hit it! I didn't mean to. Ted swerved and missed it, but it hesitated, changed direction for a second and I hit it dead center! Tumbleweed flew all over me and the bike. The crunching sound as it broke into parts and pieces was terrible. Ted smiled as he picked stems off my bike all day.
We had anticipated high temperatures crossing the Mojave Desert. Stocked with our new supply of water and our cooling gear we grabbed I-40 at Needles, CA. (Gas prices were the highest we had seen yet - $4.49! Thank goodness we had purchased gas in Arizona.) The day was sunny and breezy; very pleasant. At Ludlow we took the cooling gear off (75 degrees) and grabbed a burger at a Dairy Queen. We noticed the warm, dry wind was more constant now. At Barstow we stopped at the Mojave National Preserve headquarters and then got gas. The wind gusts were now moving the bikes as they sat on their kickstands. At red lights we had to have both feet firmly planted because of the wind. Getting on I-15 south gave us more traffic to deal with as we all headed toward LA. The radio was reporting a Severe Wind Advisory all afternoon. It was brutal! But, it all stopped as we caught the 210 west into Los Angeles.
We visited with Ted's sister Ruthie, and her husband Les, who live in La Verne. Supper was salads and pizza and we had a wonderful time. They are a great couple. Les said that they have been married 62 years! Thanks, Les and Ruthie! It was a great day!
Miles - 282
Highest elevation - 3,400 ft.
Highest temperature - 89 degrees (still in Bullhead City, AZ)
Highest gas price - $4.49 (Needles, CA)
Cattle grates - 0 (thank goodness!)
U-turns - 2 (both in LA)
We had anticipated high temperatures crossing the Mojave Desert. Stocked with our new supply of water and our cooling gear we grabbed I-40 at Needles, CA. (Gas prices were the highest we had seen yet - $4.49! Thank goodness we had purchased gas in Arizona.) The day was sunny and breezy; very pleasant. At Ludlow we took the cooling gear off (75 degrees) and grabbed a burger at a Dairy Queen. We noticed the warm, dry wind was more constant now. At Barstow we stopped at the Mojave National Preserve headquarters and then got gas. The wind gusts were now moving the bikes as they sat on their kickstands. At red lights we had to have both feet firmly planted because of the wind. Getting on I-15 south gave us more traffic to deal with as we all headed toward LA. The radio was reporting a Severe Wind Advisory all afternoon. It was brutal! But, it all stopped as we caught the 210 west into Los Angeles.
We visited with Ted's sister Ruthie, and her husband Les, who live in La Verne. Supper was salads and pizza and we had a wonderful time. They are a great couple. Les said that they have been married 62 years! Thanks, Les and Ruthie! It was a great day!
Miles - 282
Highest elevation - 3,400 ft.
Highest temperature - 89 degrees (still in Bullhead City, AZ)
Highest gas price - $4.49 (Needles, CA)
Cattle grates - 0 (thank goodness!)
U-turns - 2 (both in LA)
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Tues., 5/20/08 - Kimmie, Lynne, Natalie, & Michelle
We walked out to load the bikes and breathed in the hot, dry Arizona air. We could tell that today was going to be a special day!
I had bought a Butler cup for my bike so I could have a cool drink on our trip west. The trouble was I had to wait for a red light before I could get a drink. While in Mississippi, my brother had rigged a tube for me that went from the Butler's straw and was long enough that I could just grab the end of it and get a drink anytime I wanted while riding. This invention has been great throughout the trip. I've used it everyday, all day, and today I was going to depend on it even more. Thanks, Bill!
After filling up the tanks we jumped on a deserted I-40. This traffic was less than a Sunday morning on Orlando's I-4. Gosh, I love NO traffic! We didn't go far until we saw the sign for Route 66! Today was the day for driving a section of the old famous route. We left the interstate at Exit 139 and after a few photos at a sign marking it a historic site we began our moseying west along this old roadway. We took our time and were accompanied by a train or two as we made our way west. The town of Seligman was more commercialized. It had restaurants and souvenir shops for those traveling through. Route 66 was beautiful. Sometimes going along on land so flat and at other times threading up through passes in the rock.
At Peach Springs we stopped for lunch at the Diamond Creek Restaurant. Peach Springs is the tribal headquarters for the Hualapai Indians. At the Diamond Creek Restuarant we had the opportunity to try "fry bread." Fry bread is a simple dough that is fried and can be eaten as a bread with stews or soups, eaten as a taco covering, or with honey, powdered sugar, or cinnamon sugar as a dessert. When we first entered the restaurant I had wondererd why there was honey on every table. Fry bread is found throughout their menu. Ted and I tried an order as a dessert. Our waitress gave us a fry bread lesson and it was delicious! I'm so glad we had a chance to try this out. This was a great place to stop!
Our destination today was Bullhead City, Arizona which sits along the Colorado River and borders Nevada. Ted's niece, Kim, and her daughters, Lynne, Michelle, and Natalie live here. We were looking forward to a good visit. As we came through Kingman, AZ it was already early afternoon and the wind had begun to pick up. It was around 95 degrees. A friend of mine, Jean, from the Windshifters Women's Motorcycle Club, had sent some neck coolers for Ted and I to use if it got too hot. Thank goodness for this thoughtful act. It was hot today! But it was about to get hotter! We crested the ridge of the mountain and started down toward the Colorado River bottom. As we desended onto the valley floor the temperature contined to rise. When we entered Bullhead City it was 110 degrees! (Once in town my bike thermometer registered 118 degrees, but I don't want to count that as we were sitting at a traffic light.) Ted and I found our hotel and jumped off the bikes into the cool of air conditioning. The bikes performed well in this tremendous heat. This is the hottest we've ever ridden in!
After a shower and a nap, Kim and Natalie picked us up from our hotel. We met Lynne and we all had a great supper at Joe's Crab Shack across the river in Nevada. We ran over to say hello to Michelle who had to work and couldn't join us for supper. We had a great visit and it was so good to have a chance to see and visit with this lovely family. We just don't get a chance to see them often enough. Before long Ted & I had to come back to our hotel and say our good nights.
Another great day. Today was a day of firsts: Route 66, fry bread, highest temp! And it was a day to see loved ones again. Thanks Kimmie, Lynne, Natalie, and Michelle! Until next time.
U-turns - 2
Miles - 171
Highest temperature - 110 degrees (Bullhead City, AZ)
Cattle grates - 3 (OMG!)
I had bought a Butler cup for my bike so I could have a cool drink on our trip west. The trouble was I had to wait for a red light before I could get a drink. While in Mississippi, my brother had rigged a tube for me that went from the Butler's straw and was long enough that I could just grab the end of it and get a drink anytime I wanted while riding. This invention has been great throughout the trip. I've used it everyday, all day, and today I was going to depend on it even more. Thanks, Bill!
After filling up the tanks we jumped on a deserted I-40. This traffic was less than a Sunday morning on Orlando's I-4. Gosh, I love NO traffic! We didn't go far until we saw the sign for Route 66! Today was the day for driving a section of the old famous route. We left the interstate at Exit 139 and after a few photos at a sign marking it a historic site we began our moseying west along this old roadway. We took our time and were accompanied by a train or two as we made our way west. The town of Seligman was more commercialized. It had restaurants and souvenir shops for those traveling through. Route 66 was beautiful. Sometimes going along on land so flat and at other times threading up through passes in the rock.
At Peach Springs we stopped for lunch at the Diamond Creek Restaurant. Peach Springs is the tribal headquarters for the Hualapai Indians. At the Diamond Creek Restuarant we had the opportunity to try "fry bread." Fry bread is a simple dough that is fried and can be eaten as a bread with stews or soups, eaten as a taco covering, or with honey, powdered sugar, or cinnamon sugar as a dessert. When we first entered the restaurant I had wondererd why there was honey on every table. Fry bread is found throughout their menu. Ted and I tried an order as a dessert. Our waitress gave us a fry bread lesson and it was delicious! I'm so glad we had a chance to try this out. This was a great place to stop!
Our destination today was Bullhead City, Arizona which sits along the Colorado River and borders Nevada. Ted's niece, Kim, and her daughters, Lynne, Michelle, and Natalie live here. We were looking forward to a good visit. As we came through Kingman, AZ it was already early afternoon and the wind had begun to pick up. It was around 95 degrees. A friend of mine, Jean, from the Windshifters Women's Motorcycle Club, had sent some neck coolers for Ted and I to use if it got too hot. Thank goodness for this thoughtful act. It was hot today! But it was about to get hotter! We crested the ridge of the mountain and started down toward the Colorado River bottom. As we desended onto the valley floor the temperature contined to rise. When we entered Bullhead City it was 110 degrees! (Once in town my bike thermometer registered 118 degrees, but I don't want to count that as we were sitting at a traffic light.) Ted and I found our hotel and jumped off the bikes into the cool of air conditioning. The bikes performed well in this tremendous heat. This is the hottest we've ever ridden in!
After a shower and a nap, Kim and Natalie picked us up from our hotel. We met Lynne and we all had a great supper at Joe's Crab Shack across the river in Nevada. We ran over to say hello to Michelle who had to work and couldn't join us for supper. We had a great visit and it was so good to have a chance to see and visit with this lovely family. We just don't get a chance to see them often enough. Before long Ted & I had to come back to our hotel and say our good nights.
Another great day. Today was a day of firsts: Route 66, fry bread, highest temp! And it was a day to see loved ones again. Thanks Kimmie, Lynne, Natalie, and Michelle! Until next time.
U-turns - 2
Miles - 171
Highest temperature - 110 degrees (Bullhead City, AZ)
Cattle grates - 3 (OMG!)
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Mon., 5/19/08 - Snow Sighting
Ted and I left Holbrook, AZ around 10:00 Arizona time and jumped on I-40 west. At Exit 204 we headed south to Walnut Canyon National Monument. This is a place from the past. The canyon is deep with vertical cliff walls. As your eyes scan the walls they come to rest on adobe bricks tucked into impossible places. These ancient people lived here for centuries, then disappeared, leaving only these bricks and carvings on the walls. Walnut Canyon marks the existence of this ancient community.
From there we backtracked back up to I-40 and continued west. At Route 89 we headed north until signs turned us toward Sunset Crater National Park. Sunset Crater shows the evidence of the volcano that took place there. Fields of volcanic rock and hills of black ash show the devastation. We were at 7,000 feet elevation and the temperature was in the 70s. The sun was shining and we had Mt. San Francisco watching our every move. Mt. San Francisco was snow covered! What a contrast to the black volcanic rock we were witnessing.
After talking with the park ranger we decided to take the road through the park. It was a wonderful trip as we watched the landscape change as we rode to the valley floor. The temperature change also. We now were around 94 degrees. We soon found ourselves at Wupatki National Monument. At Wupatki vistor center we had the chance to see an adobe dwelling where Native Americans lived and raised sheep in the area. The family's life is well documented with many pictures and stories of the past.
We continued on through the Wupatki park and when we came back on to Route 89 we headed north. We found ourselves in a red dirt region again with the afternoon winds blowing. At Route 64 we turned west and started climbing into the Grand Canyon area. Once in to the park we stopped along with the tour buses and the cars at lookouts to view the canyon. Even with the cars and people, the Grand Canyon is an awesome place. It takes your breath away. Ted and I looked down into the canyon floor and saw the silver thread of the Colorado River snaking it's way south, and at the same time heard the buzz of the helicopter overhead. After leaving the crowds behind we contined down 64 to Williams, Arizona where we planned to stay the night.
We needed to go to a grocery store to replenish our water supply. Ted and I had gone through 24 bottles in about a day and a half. Arizona is a dry place. My nose had begun to bleed. My sinuses were drying out. Once I smiled at something and tasted the blood where my lip split open because of the dry. We were trying to stay hydrated and well greased. At the grocery store we found the items we were looking for and then rode through Williams. Crowds spilled onto sidewalks, music played from restaurant patios, horse drawn carts pulled people around through town, and shops were lit and welcoming. It was a place you wanted to stop and mingle, but Ted and I were hungry and tired. We stopped at a Pizza Hut and then headed onto our hotel for the night, but with the memory of a great day.
U-turns - 3 (on gravel and incline!)
Miles - 302
Highest elevation - 7,500 ft. at the Grand Canyon
Highest tempeature - 94 degrees
Pronghorn antelope - 4
Cattle grates - 5 (OMG!)
From there we backtracked back up to I-40 and continued west. At Route 89 we headed north until signs turned us toward Sunset Crater National Park. Sunset Crater shows the evidence of the volcano that took place there. Fields of volcanic rock and hills of black ash show the devastation. We were at 7,000 feet elevation and the temperature was in the 70s. The sun was shining and we had Mt. San Francisco watching our every move. Mt. San Francisco was snow covered! What a contrast to the black volcanic rock we were witnessing.
After talking with the park ranger we decided to take the road through the park. It was a wonderful trip as we watched the landscape change as we rode to the valley floor. The temperature change also. We now were around 94 degrees. We soon found ourselves at Wupatki National Monument. At Wupatki vistor center we had the chance to see an adobe dwelling where Native Americans lived and raised sheep in the area. The family's life is well documented with many pictures and stories of the past.
We continued on through the Wupatki park and when we came back on to Route 89 we headed north. We found ourselves in a red dirt region again with the afternoon winds blowing. At Route 64 we turned west and started climbing into the Grand Canyon area. Once in to the park we stopped along with the tour buses and the cars at lookouts to view the canyon. Even with the cars and people, the Grand Canyon is an awesome place. It takes your breath away. Ted and I looked down into the canyon floor and saw the silver thread of the Colorado River snaking it's way south, and at the same time heard the buzz of the helicopter overhead. After leaving the crowds behind we contined down 64 to Williams, Arizona where we planned to stay the night.
We needed to go to a grocery store to replenish our water supply. Ted and I had gone through 24 bottles in about a day and a half. Arizona is a dry place. My nose had begun to bleed. My sinuses were drying out. Once I smiled at something and tasted the blood where my lip split open because of the dry. We were trying to stay hydrated and well greased. At the grocery store we found the items we were looking for and then rode through Williams. Crowds spilled onto sidewalks, music played from restaurant patios, horse drawn carts pulled people around through town, and shops were lit and welcoming. It was a place you wanted to stop and mingle, but Ted and I were hungry and tired. We stopped at a Pizza Hut and then headed onto our hotel for the night, but with the memory of a great day.
U-turns - 3 (on gravel and incline!)
Miles - 302
Highest elevation - 7,500 ft. at the Grand Canyon
Highest tempeature - 94 degrees
Pronghorn antelope - 4
Cattle grates - 5 (OMG!)
Monday, May 19, 2008
Sun., May 18, 2008 "Oh My Gosh"
After such low mileage and our "flower sniffing" ways, Ted and I have decided that we better put the" petal to the metal." We left Tucumcari (I like saying that), New Mexico at about 9:00 MST we headed west along I-40. As difficult a day that we had yesterday, today was wonderful. The wind was gone and the sun was out. The temperature was perfect. We booked down the interstate to Cline's Corners on Route 66. There we stopped for a bite to eat. We got through Albuquerque with no problems on a Sunday and kept on crusin' to Exit 85 where we got off to visit the New Mexico Visitor's Center in Grants, NM to get directions.
Back on I-40 to Exit 81 where we took Rt. 53 south. Our focus was to ride through the El Malpais National Monument area. Volcanic remains are evident along the road. Cones rise high in the distance. As we leave that behind and we climb up into ponderosa pines. It's here that we cross the Continental Divide (7982 feet). Miles and miles with only Ted and I on the road. This is heaven!
We leave El Malpais' area behind and look forward to visiting the El Morro National Monument. Even before you get to the visitor's center you see the rock formation in the distance. It is awe inspiring. Here ancient Americans settled. The Spanish came too. They both left their prints upon the area. The rock formation is dramatic. The natural water cauldron made this spot an ideal camping and stopping area for the people who came later. We didn't hike the trail that takes you to the adobe dwelling places, but this is a good place to go back to. We continued on Rt. 53 and stopped in Zuni to get gas. Route 53 is a great road. Beautiful scenery, no traffic, good surface!
We stayed on 53 into Arizona where we picked up 191 north to I-40. Just a few exits and we were off again to view the Painted Desert and the Petrified Forest. We stopped at the Northern Visitor's Center and got lots of info and then headed on the loop. The views were awesome! After the Painted Desert we rode into an area that reminded you of a lunar landscape. Then out again into flat land. A large antelope bounded up onto the roadway in front of Ted. We saw three more as we rode out of the park and grabbed Route 180 north into Holbrook, AZ.
This is a great place to ride! I said, "Oh, my gosh!" a million times today!
U-turns - 2
Miles - 472
Back on I-40 to Exit 81 where we took Rt. 53 south. Our focus was to ride through the El Malpais National Monument area. Volcanic remains are evident along the road. Cones rise high in the distance. As we leave that behind and we climb up into ponderosa pines. It's here that we cross the Continental Divide (7982 feet). Miles and miles with only Ted and I on the road. This is heaven!
We leave El Malpais' area behind and look forward to visiting the El Morro National Monument. Even before you get to the visitor's center you see the rock formation in the distance. It is awe inspiring. Here ancient Americans settled. The Spanish came too. They both left their prints upon the area. The rock formation is dramatic. The natural water cauldron made this spot an ideal camping and stopping area for the people who came later. We didn't hike the trail that takes you to the adobe dwelling places, but this is a good place to go back to. We continued on Rt. 53 and stopped in Zuni to get gas. Route 53 is a great road. Beautiful scenery, no traffic, good surface!
We stayed on 53 into Arizona where we picked up 191 north to I-40. Just a few exits and we were off again to view the Painted Desert and the Petrified Forest. We stopped at the Northern Visitor's Center and got lots of info and then headed on the loop. The views were awesome! After the Painted Desert we rode into an area that reminded you of a lunar landscape. Then out again into flat land. A large antelope bounded up onto the roadway in front of Ted. We saw three more as we rode out of the park and grabbed Route 180 north into Holbrook, AZ.
This is a great place to ride! I said, "Oh, my gosh!" a million times today!
U-turns - 2
Miles - 472
Sat., May 17, 2008 "Wind - Rain - Wind"
Borger, TX slowly disappeared in my rear view mirror as we headed down Rt. 152 toward Fritch, TX. In Fritch we visited the Lake Meredith Aquatic and Wildlife Museum and got the Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument and Lake Meredith National Recreation Area stamps, then headed down Rt. 136 toward Amarillo. The sky continued to get darker and darker the closer we got. We took Rt. 335 around Amarillo and stopped to put on our rain gear. Once we hit I-40 rain would come and go but the the wind was terrible. The trucks along I-40 made it worse.
We stopped at a Dairy Queen in Vega, TX to rest. Vega's population according to the Vega sign is 936 and the Dairy Queen must be the local meeting place. It was a happening place!
We crossed into New Mexico with the wind still doing us battle. We stopped at Tucumcari, NM and called it a day. My arms were toast!
Today was rain, wind, trucks. My ipod is cutting out. Oh heavens, no music!
U-turns - 0
Miles - 167
We stopped at a Dairy Queen in Vega, TX to rest. Vega's population according to the Vega sign is 936 and the Dairy Queen must be the local meeting place. It was a happening place!
We crossed into New Mexico with the wind still doing us battle. We stopped at Tucumcari, NM and called it a day. My arms were toast!
Today was rain, wind, trucks. My ipod is cutting out. Oh heavens, no music!
U-turns - 0
Miles - 167
Fri., May 16, 2008 "Where are the Cars?"
We left Weatherford, OK about 11:00 CST and went down the road to see an air and space museum. There we met some folks in antique automobiles that were traveling from Chicago to California via Route 66. They had stopped at the museum too. There must have been a bunch of them because Ted and I saw old cars stretched out along Route 66 for miles and miles. ( I-40 runs along side Route 66.)
After the museum we stopped for gas and water and headed toward Elk City Honda to do our little shopping errands. Elk City Honda was open but they didn't have any of the items on our list. After that stop we went another two exits on I-40 and swung north along Rt. 6 to 283 to the town of Cheyenne, OK. This is a great town. In the center of town we took a left onto 47 for only about a mile to 47A and the Washita Battlefield National Historic Site. It was here that Custer errorously destroyed Black Kettle's Indian village. Black Kettle was a Cheyenne chief that was promoting peace between the settlers and Indian nation. We talked with Park Rangers Dave, Richard, and Drew, saw the movie, and viewed the displays in the new visitor's center. It was a very enjoyable time. They recommended eating at the Cattle Exchange in Canadian, TX so we hopped on Rt. 33 to Rt. 60. We had delicious steaks and met some more nice people. From here we took Rt. 60 south through Miami (yes, Miami, Oklahoma) and Pampa and onto Rt. 152 into Borger, TX where we spent the night.
Ted and I talked about what the day was like. The first thing was the excellent weather we had all day. (The exception to the excellent weather is the wind in Oklahoma. When you see a sign that reads "Sudden Wind Gusts," believe it! They come out of nowhere and are strong.) The temperatures never went over 75 degrees and stayed there all day. The second thing to note was the beauty of the landscape and sky - RED DIRT! Oh my gosh! Knock your socks off red dirt! But, we decided to call this "Where are the Cars?" day because Ted and I drove alone just about everywhere. No traffic! What a change from home in Orlando. This was a great day!
U-turns - 0
Miles - 225
After the museum we stopped for gas and water and headed toward Elk City Honda to do our little shopping errands. Elk City Honda was open but they didn't have any of the items on our list. After that stop we went another two exits on I-40 and swung north along Rt. 6 to 283 to the town of Cheyenne, OK. This is a great town. In the center of town we took a left onto 47 for only about a mile to 47A and the Washita Battlefield National Historic Site. It was here that Custer errorously destroyed Black Kettle's Indian village. Black Kettle was a Cheyenne chief that was promoting peace between the settlers and Indian nation. We talked with Park Rangers Dave, Richard, and Drew, saw the movie, and viewed the displays in the new visitor's center. It was a very enjoyable time. They recommended eating at the Cattle Exchange in Canadian, TX so we hopped on Rt. 33 to Rt. 60. We had delicious steaks and met some more nice people. From here we took Rt. 60 south through Miami (yes, Miami, Oklahoma) and Pampa and onto Rt. 152 into Borger, TX where we spent the night.
Ted and I talked about what the day was like. The first thing was the excellent weather we had all day. (The exception to the excellent weather is the wind in Oklahoma. When you see a sign that reads "Sudden Wind Gusts," believe it! They come out of nowhere and are strong.) The temperatures never went over 75 degrees and stayed there all day. The second thing to note was the beauty of the landscape and sky - RED DIRT! Oh my gosh! Knock your socks off red dirt! But, we decided to call this "Where are the Cars?" day because Ted and I drove alone just about everywhere. No traffic! What a change from home in Orlando. This was a great day!
U-turns - 0
Miles - 225
Thursday, May 15, 2008 "Dead Armadillo Day"
In preparing for this trip, Kevin and Claire Lang generously gave Ted and me a motorcycle ride journal. I started writing in it every night and it has now become a treasured reference item. If we are trying to remember what day something in particular happened, we pull out the journal to check. One of the prompts is "Points of Interest." Today's interesting feature was the unusual number of roadkill armadillos. Oklahoma must have a high population living along I-40.
We left Russellville, AR around 11:00 CST in a light rain and headed south on Rt. 7 to the Honda dealership to do a little shopping (another cargo net, throttle rocker to replace the one I lost in Mississippi, etc). They were closed so we turned around (u-turn) and got on I-40W. The rain soon changed to heavy dark cloud cover. The temperature stayed at 66 degrees most of the day. After Ft. Smith we rode into Oklahoma. The landscape was beautiful and dramatic with the shapes of the sky clouds.
We stopped in Alma, AR which is just east of Ft. Smith. Alma claims to be the spinach capital of the USA, according to the billboards. The town folk have painted their twin water towers. One water tower is now the "World's Largest Spinach Can." Ted and I pulled into the City Park for the photo op! We waved at two Almaians who stood proudly watching us get just the right angle of their spinach can. Salute, Alma, AR!
Traffic was light and Ted and I made good time. We did get held up at two points. Traffic was stopped and backed up because of a traffic accident. We started moving again once we got clear of the area. The other tie up was because we hit Oklahoma City right at rush hour. Again we sat on I-40 or crawled forward slowly. Thank goodness for the GPS. She got us in the correct lanes to continue through the city.
It had been chilly going the whole day. It was still 66 degrees at 2:30. We had stopped at a rest area to put on more clothes early in the ride. We still had on our orange Frogg Togg rain gear from this morning on top of it all to block the wind. On the other side of Oklahoma City the cloud cover left abruptly. The sun came out and it headed up to 72 degrees quickly. Zippers came down, the window air vent was opened, and the helmet visors came up. We decided to stop for the day in Weatherford, OK. After we got our room and our bikes unloaded we changed into street clothes and headed over to Nina's Ice House for one of the best burgers I've ever eaten on Historic Route 66. With our bellies full and interstate traffic for our background music, we walked back to our hotel commenting on all those armadillos we saw today.
U-turns - 1
Miles - 358
Armadillos (dead) - way too many
We left Russellville, AR around 11:00 CST in a light rain and headed south on Rt. 7 to the Honda dealership to do a little shopping (another cargo net, throttle rocker to replace the one I lost in Mississippi, etc). They were closed so we turned around (u-turn) and got on I-40W. The rain soon changed to heavy dark cloud cover. The temperature stayed at 66 degrees most of the day. After Ft. Smith we rode into Oklahoma. The landscape was beautiful and dramatic with the shapes of the sky clouds.
We stopped in Alma, AR which is just east of Ft. Smith. Alma claims to be the spinach capital of the USA, according to the billboards. The town folk have painted their twin water towers. One water tower is now the "World's Largest Spinach Can." Ted and I pulled into the City Park for the photo op! We waved at two Almaians who stood proudly watching us get just the right angle of their spinach can. Salute, Alma, AR!
Traffic was light and Ted and I made good time. We did get held up at two points. Traffic was stopped and backed up because of a traffic accident. We started moving again once we got clear of the area. The other tie up was because we hit Oklahoma City right at rush hour. Again we sat on I-40 or crawled forward slowly. Thank goodness for the GPS. She got us in the correct lanes to continue through the city.
It had been chilly going the whole day. It was still 66 degrees at 2:30. We had stopped at a rest area to put on more clothes early in the ride. We still had on our orange Frogg Togg rain gear from this morning on top of it all to block the wind. On the other side of Oklahoma City the cloud cover left abruptly. The sun came out and it headed up to 72 degrees quickly. Zippers came down, the window air vent was opened, and the helmet visors came up. We decided to stop for the day in Weatherford, OK. After we got our room and our bikes unloaded we changed into street clothes and headed over to Nina's Ice House for one of the best burgers I've ever eaten on Historic Route 66. With our bellies full and interstate traffic for our background music, we walked back to our hotel commenting on all those armadillos we saw today.
U-turns - 1
Miles - 358
Armadillos (dead) - way too many
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Severe thunderstorms pound the Midwest
Making the decision to go or stay is painstaking! The Weather Channel predicted bad things coming our way. Do we make a run for it and hope for the best? Or, do we stay put and ... what? Watch tv, twiddle our thumbs, watch the Weather Channel some more? Agonizing! Fully clothed in riding gear, rainsuits on top of that, putting bags and gear in and on the bikes in a thunder storm, and hoping for just a break in the weather to high tail it west. It was already late morning. The hotel we were staying in indicated we needed to book for another night because the maids needed to clean the room. The lightning and thunder moved on east, the wind died down, and the rain subsided a bit when Ted and I decided to leave McGehee, Arkansas and see how far we could go before the bad weather forced us to stop.
As we rode northwest up Rt. 65 the rain dried out and heavy cloud cover took it's place. Traffic picked up on I-530 as we got closer to Little Rock. We crossed the Arkansas River and joined I-40 through city traffic. We rode around 200 mile until the rain started again about 5:30. We were right at Russellville and that seemed a fitting place to hang our hat for the night (I-40 & Rt. 7). Bad storms rolled in over night, but the Hampton Inn let us park the bikes under their front roof in case of hail.
We have decided to stay an extra day and let this system move on through the area. Tornadoes came through Arkansas and Oklahoma last week with much damage. We don't want to be on the road if it happens again. We'll stay and look around Russellville and relax today.
Total miles: 200 mi.
As we rode northwest up Rt. 65 the rain dried out and heavy cloud cover took it's place. Traffic picked up on I-530 as we got closer to Little Rock. We crossed the Arkansas River and joined I-40 through city traffic. We rode around 200 mile until the rain started again about 5:30. We were right at Russellville and that seemed a fitting place to hang our hat for the night (I-40 & Rt. 7). Bad storms rolled in over night, but the Hampton Inn let us park the bikes under their front roof in case of hail.
We have decided to stay an extra day and let this system move on through the area. Tornadoes came through Arkansas and Oklahoma last week with much damage. We don't want to be on the road if it happens again. We'll stay and look around Russellville and relax today.
Total miles: 200 mi.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
After a goodbye to my brother and his wife, Ted and I headed to Cottonlandia Museum in Greenwood, MS. It was an interesting museum of the early days of Greenwood, Mississippi, which is located on the banks of the Yazoo River. Learning some of the history of the area and viewing the items on display made this stop worthwhile. After a fill up at the gas station next door we headed south on Route 49 through flat land. Corn grew on both sides of the road and we had to pass "pokey" farm equipment. The weather was cool and sunny.
As we entered Vicksburg we went right to the U.S.S. Cairo Museum. This Union iron clad gun boat was sunk by a Confederate underwater mine on Dec. 12, 1862. It was brought to the surface on Dec. 12, !964 - 102 years later, to the day. What is interesting is the silt from the river bottom protected the structure of the boat. Then Ted and I took the driving tour through the Vicksburg battlefield. We stopped at the visitor center to watch the video too. After riding through the flat land to get to Vicksburg, we were surprised to see the hills.
Then headed due west across the mighty Mississippi River on I-20 into Lousiana but soon changed to a northernly direction on Route 17. Poverty Point State Park closed at 5:00 and we pulled in just a few minutes late. We were fortunate enough to meet Dennis who runs the park. He opened the museum for us and gave us a personalized tour of the Americans that lived here between 1650 and 700 B.C. This site shows the circular mounds on more than 400 acres. He also allowed us to ride our motorcycles back along the park's tram route to view the huge mound of the ancient peoples. Thank you, Dennis!
After Poverty Point we headed north until we found McGhee, Arkansas about 7:30 p.m. Supper was at a little mexican restaurant and then we settled into the Best Western in the heart of the town. Total miles today: 268
As we entered Vicksburg we went right to the U.S.S. Cairo Museum. This Union iron clad gun boat was sunk by a Confederate underwater mine on Dec. 12, 1862. It was brought to the surface on Dec. 12, !964 - 102 years later, to the day. What is interesting is the silt from the river bottom protected the structure of the boat. Then Ted and I took the driving tour through the Vicksburg battlefield. We stopped at the visitor center to watch the video too. After riding through the flat land to get to Vicksburg, we were surprised to see the hills.
Then headed due west across the mighty Mississippi River on I-20 into Lousiana but soon changed to a northernly direction on Route 17. Poverty Point State Park closed at 5:00 and we pulled in just a few minutes late. We were fortunate enough to meet Dennis who runs the park. He opened the museum for us and gave us a personalized tour of the Americans that lived here between 1650 and 700 B.C. This site shows the circular mounds on more than 400 acres. He also allowed us to ride our motorcycles back along the park's tram route to view the huge mound of the ancient peoples. Thank you, Dennis!
After Poverty Point we headed north until we found McGhee, Arkansas about 7:30 p.m. Supper was at a little mexican restaurant and then we settled into the Best Western in the heart of the town. Total miles today: 268
Sunday, May 11, 2008
A Day of Riding and One of Rest
The weatherman said the storm was a-comin! Severe thunderstorms, wind, large hail, tornados! Ted and I took off in the morning from Crestview, Florida headed to north central Mississippi where my brother and family live. We knew we could get there before the storm hit if we were quick and with a bit of luck. We headed west on I-10 until Mobile, Alabama. It was there that I made the wrong turn and ended up beside the battleship Alabama. After a u-turn we headed north up 98 toward Hattiesburg. The sky was overcast and there was lots of traffic. We hit the bump in the road right outside Hattiesburg on 49 heading toward Jackson. Our speed was minimal but we still bottomed out. After a check of the nether regions we continued north. In Jackson we missed our turn and did another u-turn. I-55 out of Jackson was wonderful. Traffic continued to thin out the further we got out of town until we were only a few on the road. Looking for a bathroom/stretch break we took an exit out in the country. This is where I learned two important lessons about Mississippi: (1) a sign announcing a town can consist of two or more houses, and (2) the blacktop is really "browntop" which is the same color as the dirt. It started with Ted needing a stretch and me needing, well, something else. He says we will take the next exit. We did. The town of Goodman consisted of two houses. No gas stations or convenience stores. We continued down the road looking for a place for a u-turn. The GPS suggested that we take a left and showed a little turn around. Ted takes the turn from the "browntop" onto a dirt road that slants at an angle and runs down a hill. When I hit the dirt I'm surprised. The color hasn't changed at all, just the road surface. At the bottom of the hill we make a u-turn and start back up the hill. If I didn't need a bathroom before, I really do now. We find our way back to I-55 a little smarter. We didn't stop until we laid our eyes on the object of our desires. Still no rain, wind, hail, or tornados. We made our way to my brother's place without incident. As we turned off Route 82 to turn into his dirt driveway, I felt like an old hand at this Wing dirt bike riding.
My brother took us to a restaurant Saturday night that served the best catfish I've ever eaten. You'll find this little gem in McCarley, Mississippi. All y'all need to stop in here.
The wings are tucked into the garage for the storm that may be coming. It never came to this area. Thank goodness!
My brother took us to a restaurant Saturday night that served the best catfish I've ever eaten. You'll find this little gem in McCarley, Mississippi. All y'all need to stop in here.
The wings are tucked into the garage for the storm that may be coming. It never came to this area. Thank goodness!
Friday, May 9, 2008
Eglin Air Force Armament Museum
Loading and unloading a bike must be an acquired skill. I know we will get better with practice. This morning we had a complimentary breakfast on Days Inn and then we came back to our room to begin loading. After everything found a place in the numberous travel bags we purchased, we moved out to the bikes to begin to shove and tie down and try to close... Why did we take so much stuff? The guy that rolled in from Ohio on his Harley, had nothing! A clean bike except for the hard bags that came with the bike. If Ted and I had a live chicken to place on top, it would fit right in for our look. We didn't leave Days Inn until 10:40 a.m.
Once we left Perry, FL and headed west on Rt. 98 it was smooth sailing on beautiful roads. We continued on 98 to Wakulla and picked up 267 through the Apalachicola National Forest, and then onto Rt. 20 due west. Ted and I were often alone on the road with speed limits of 65 most of the time. Great little towns that reflected the true old Florida showed up occasionally where we would slow to 45, but in a blink of the eye the town was gone and we found ourselves back in the country. These were 2 lane roads, but with little to no traffic, it wasn't the problem that 2 lane roads normally hold. On Rt. 20, as we approached Niceville, we found ourselves riding along Choctawhatchee Bay with white caps and rough water showing the evidence of the wind that reared its ugly head as we rode out of the forest. Riding along the water was fantastic and beautiful though. We saw the bay bridge, but jumped onto 85 south. About 5 or 6 miles we came to the Eglin Air Force Armament Museum that is adjacent to the base. Ted and I spent around 2 and half hours looking at all the planes and exhibits. We met a fellow biker, Nanita, who had just bought an 82 wing and was looking forward to learning how to ride it. She teaches scuba on base and was a very interesting person. We have arrived at the Central Time Zone, but we are still on Eastern Standard Time. Ted and I decided to call it a day, about 6:30, headed to Crestview up 85 and found a Comfort Inn that is right off of I-10 (which we will be taking in the morning.) Dominoes Pizza was a delivery supper. The plan is to head out early tomorrow-- hopefully. Practice at packing is a necessity. It will be our third try! Today we logged 223.1 for a total of 419.7 mile trip total.
Once we left Perry, FL and headed west on Rt. 98 it was smooth sailing on beautiful roads. We continued on 98 to Wakulla and picked up 267 through the Apalachicola National Forest, and then onto Rt. 20 due west. Ted and I were often alone on the road with speed limits of 65 most of the time. Great little towns that reflected the true old Florida showed up occasionally where we would slow to 45, but in a blink of the eye the town was gone and we found ourselves back in the country. These were 2 lane roads, but with little to no traffic, it wasn't the problem that 2 lane roads normally hold. On Rt. 20, as we approached Niceville, we found ourselves riding along Choctawhatchee Bay with white caps and rough water showing the evidence of the wind that reared its ugly head as we rode out of the forest. Riding along the water was fantastic and beautiful though. We saw the bay bridge, but jumped onto 85 south. About 5 or 6 miles we came to the Eglin Air Force Armament Museum that is adjacent to the base. Ted and I spent around 2 and half hours looking at all the planes and exhibits. We met a fellow biker, Nanita, who had just bought an 82 wing and was looking forward to learning how to ride it. She teaches scuba on base and was a very interesting person. We have arrived at the Central Time Zone, but we are still on Eastern Standard Time. Ted and I decided to call it a day, about 6:30, headed to Crestview up 85 and found a Comfort Inn that is right off of I-10 (which we will be taking in the morning.) Dominoes Pizza was a delivery supper. The plan is to head out early tomorrow-- hopefully. Practice at packing is a necessity. It will be our third try! Today we logged 223.1 for a total of 419.7 mile trip total.
The Adventure Begins
We left home in early afternoon all packed up and setting our sights on a new adventure. We headed northwest ending in Perry, FL at a Days Inn for the night. We had hoped to get to Crawfordsville and stay at a place that our friends Paul & Diane Andberg had stayed on their trip to Biloxi, MS earlier in the year, but we didn't make it that far. This was the perfect destination for our first night on the the road. We went 200 miles for this first day.
The roads were amazing once we got over to the northwest corner of Florida. Our route was 44w to I-75N to 27W to 27A to 98N. Alternate 27 and 98 were wonderful! There were times that Ted and I were the only ones on the road. Beautiful 4 lane roads and no traffic! We really enjoyed the ride.
When we secured our room for the night, we unpacked the bikes (thank goodness our bikes were right outside our room) and washed off the bugs. Then we walked over to a little Italian restaurant right next door and had some of the best salads we've ever had. We fell into bed tired last night, but happy that our adventure has begun.
The roads were amazing once we got over to the northwest corner of Florida. Our route was 44w to I-75N to 27W to 27A to 98N. Alternate 27 and 98 were wonderful! There were times that Ted and I were the only ones on the road. Beautiful 4 lane roads and no traffic! We really enjoyed the ride.
When we secured our room for the night, we unpacked the bikes (thank goodness our bikes were right outside our room) and washed off the bugs. Then we walked over to a little Italian restaurant right next door and had some of the best salads we've ever had. We fell into bed tired last night, but happy that our adventure has begun.
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