WHERE ARE KITTY AND KEN?
We are home, arrived Friday June 11, 2010 at 11:45am in North Conway, 83 days (29 on motorcycle), 31 States, 13,553 miles(5053 on motorcycle).
The weather driving home was great and we drove straight across the country and only hit bad weather the last night on the road while we were checking into the hotel in a downpour. There were severe weather warnings with a tornado watch at that time but we didn't have any problems.
What can I say, the trip was phenomenal. We would do it all over again. We had fantastic rides both in the car and on the motorcycle. The National Parks were magnificent with Arches and Bryce topping the list but I haven't see all of them yet. The rides on the motorcycle were spectacular; the Teton Mountains, Redwood Trees, California and Oregon coast, plains, farmlands, Red rocks, and every type and color of rocks. We had sun, rain, hail, snow and of course lots of wind. The temperatures went from 37 degrees to 100(our last day in Sedona). We went from sea level to 10,000 feet.
We tried to name our favorite motorcycle ride and there were just too many; our trip from Moab to Cedar City on the Scenic Byways (Rt 24, 12, 89 and 14 in Utah) was awesome. Wyoming to Colorado through Rabbit Ears Pass into Steamboat Springs just breathtaking, Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park all were majestic and grand.
Everyone was friendly and helpful throughout the whole country. Some of our favorite people were the older woman traveling alone on her Harley motorcycle pulling a pop up camping tent trailer, dressed to the nines in her leather fringe heading to Alaska. And the guys who towed our motorcycle into Laramie especially Charlie who had moved to Laramie and was opening a Ranch for troubled teen girls.
It was amazing to me how many people travel on motorcycles and pull trailers with their motorcycles. Now we need to plan another trip to see all that we didn't get to see.
Ken was the best driver and he was totally remarkable at how well he handled the motorcycle especially in some adverse conditions.
We are blessed and fortunate to have been able to take this trip and we thank God for keeping us safe. We also thank Bonnie for staying with us on a daily basis and following our routes with comments. Thanks to all who followed us and commented.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
June 9, 2010
Wednesday evening June, 9th, Kitty and Ken are in Virginia.
Soooooooooooooooo sorry for those who are our daily followers. I'm getting emails and phone calls on why haven't I posted since June 3rd., especially since I said I would be back on June 7th.
We have been on the road since Sunday morning heading back to New Hampshire.
We had a wonderful visit staying in Sedona with my daughter, Michelle, son-in-law, Bill, his son, Matt and my grandson, Neil. We were wined and dined and it was so grand to have home cooked meals after so many days on the road eating in restaurants. We relaxed, rested, put the motorcycle in the trailer and just enjoyed our visit. I played golf with Neil two mornings at a great par3 course, Canyon Mesa Country Club right near their house. He also had me at the driving range on Saturday morning. Friday night we did take everyone out to dinner at a local restaurant as a Thank You for their superb hospitality. On Saturdays night we celebrated Neil's eleventh birthday. The weather was great but hot, it got up to 100 degrees on Saturday.
Saturday we packed the car as we were off on the road at 5:00am on Sunday morning for the trip home. It was 96 degrees, clear and sunny. We drove up I-17 to Flagstaff where we picked up Route 40 and stayed on Route 40 across the country. We were concerned about Tornado season but after checking weather reports there didn't seem to be any major storms on the radar. Driving on Route 40 provides various views: desert in Arizona and New Mexico, flat farm land in Texas, hilly country and trees in Arkansas and Tennessee. It is amazing how many wind farms you see. Farmers must lease much of their farms for wind turbines. Much of the Route 40 follows the old Route 66 and there are many places where there are historic Rt 66 sites. East of Amarillo we saw something we hadn't seen before was a Safety Rest Area built into the ground, probably as a protection from tornadoes.
Sunday night we stayed in Tucumcari, New Mexico. As soon as we left Arizona we lost an hour since Arizona does not observe day light saving.
Monday we stayed in Van Buren, Arkansas again loosing an hour going through Texas. Tuesday we stayed in Mt. Juliet, just outside Nashville, Tennessee. We discussed sightseeing but decided that after 79 days of travel that we would go directly home. So far we have lucked out again on the weather as today was the first time we have hit rain and that was only for a couple of hours. It was overcast all day and we left Route 40 and started north on Route 81. Tonight we are staying in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
And now we are finally on Eastern Day Light Saving Time and it feels good to be back in the East seeing rolling mountains of green.
Soooooooooooooooo sorry for those who are our daily followers. I'm getting emails and phone calls on why haven't I posted since June 3rd., especially since I said I would be back on June 7th.
We have been on the road since Sunday morning heading back to New Hampshire.
We had a wonderful visit staying in Sedona with my daughter, Michelle, son-in-law, Bill, his son, Matt and my grandson, Neil. We were wined and dined and it was so grand to have home cooked meals after so many days on the road eating in restaurants. We relaxed, rested, put the motorcycle in the trailer and just enjoyed our visit. I played golf with Neil two mornings at a great par3 course, Canyon Mesa Country Club right near their house. He also had me at the driving range on Saturday morning. Friday night we did take everyone out to dinner at a local restaurant as a Thank You for their superb hospitality. On Saturdays night we celebrated Neil's eleventh birthday. The weather was great but hot, it got up to 100 degrees on Saturday.
Saturday we packed the car as we were off on the road at 5:00am on Sunday morning for the trip home. It was 96 degrees, clear and sunny. We drove up I-17 to Flagstaff where we picked up Route 40 and stayed on Route 40 across the country. We were concerned about Tornado season but after checking weather reports there didn't seem to be any major storms on the radar. Driving on Route 40 provides various views: desert in Arizona and New Mexico, flat farm land in Texas, hilly country and trees in Arkansas and Tennessee. It is amazing how many wind farms you see. Farmers must lease much of their farms for wind turbines. Much of the Route 40 follows the old Route 66 and there are many places where there are historic Rt 66 sites. East of Amarillo we saw something we hadn't seen before was a Safety Rest Area built into the ground, probably as a protection from tornadoes.
Sunday night we stayed in Tucumcari, New Mexico. As soon as we left Arizona we lost an hour since Arizona does not observe day light saving.
Monday we stayed in Van Buren, Arkansas again loosing an hour going through Texas. Tuesday we stayed in Mt. Juliet, just outside Nashville, Tennessee. We discussed sightseeing but decided that after 79 days of travel that we would go directly home. So far we have lucked out again on the weather as today was the first time we have hit rain and that was only for a couple of hours. It was overcast all day and we left Route 40 and started north on Route 81. Tonight we are staying in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
And now we are finally on Eastern Day Light Saving Time and it feels good to be back in the East seeing rolling mountains of green.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
June 1, 2010
SAFE AND SOUND IN SEDONA.
With mixed feelings today, Tuesday, we complete the Third Chapter, the motorcycle chapter, of our adventure. Our last day on the motorcycle a 225 mile drive from Kanab, Utah down to Sedona, Arizona traveling Route 89 all the way.
29 Days on the motorcycle 5058 miles traveled through 8 states visiting 15 National Parks, Forests and Historic Sites.
We left Kanab early, at 7:30, to try and avoid weather predicted high winds. It started out calm, and overcast about 48 degrees but after a couple of hours it did get warmer with sun and wind. After stopping in Page, AZ for breakfast, we started out again with gusting winds. We took another break in Cameron, continuing the ride into Flagstaff, we fought winds all the way. Lunch in Flagstaff then we took 89A through Oak Creek Canyon where the winds were a lot calmer, and a much more spectacular ride than the highway. It was just a grand ride through Oak Creek Canyon, which is so beautiful, and a relief to see the Red Rocks knowing we were now in Sedona. We will spend a few days here at my daughters, visiting, quality time with my grandson, resting, and being wined and dined by Michelle and Bill.
Stayed tuned we will be back on the road with the motorcycle in the trailer heading home, and on the blog, on Monday, June 7Th. to finish the final 4Th chapter.
With mixed feelings today, Tuesday, we complete the Third Chapter, the motorcycle chapter, of our adventure. Our last day on the motorcycle a 225 mile drive from Kanab, Utah down to Sedona, Arizona traveling Route 89 all the way.
29 Days on the motorcycle 5058 miles traveled through 8 states visiting 15 National Parks, Forests and Historic Sites.
We left Kanab early, at 7:30, to try and avoid weather predicted high winds. It started out calm, and overcast about 48 degrees but after a couple of hours it did get warmer with sun and wind. After stopping in Page, AZ for breakfast, we started out again with gusting winds. We took another break in Cameron, continuing the ride into Flagstaff, we fought winds all the way. Lunch in Flagstaff then we took 89A through Oak Creek Canyon where the winds were a lot calmer, and a much more spectacular ride than the highway. It was just a grand ride through Oak Creek Canyon, which is so beautiful, and a relief to see the Red Rocks knowing we were now in Sedona. We will spend a few days here at my daughters, visiting, quality time with my grandson, resting, and being wined and dined by Michelle and Bill.
Stayed tuned we will be back on the road with the motorcycle in the trailer heading home, and on the blog, on Monday, June 7Th. to finish the final 4Th chapter.
Monday, May 31, 2010
May 31, 2010
Bryce Canyon is Magnificent. We thought Arches was the highlight of our trip now it is a toss up with Bryce. Again we were so blessed to have a perfect weather day for our visit to Bryce.
We had a 75 mile ride up to Bryce and it was was beautiful ride going through Red Canyon. We took the shuttle into Bryce up to the end at Bryce Point. It is just majestic and you can't describe the views and the Rim Trails all around. We made the next stop at Inspiration Point then walk the Rim Trail from there to Sunset Point. Then we walked to the Lodge for lunch. There are 50 miles of hiking trails down into the canyon. We could see people walking the many trails some of which encounter the Hoodoos. The Hoodoos are pillars of rock, usually of fantastic shape, left by erosion. Hoodo-to cast a spell.
We are so blessed in this country to have all these remarkable, magnificent national treasures to visit. Everywhere we went there were many International tours from just about every country. I was amazed at the number of campers, RVs, Motorhomes and motorcycles everywhere we went. Even European travelers on rented motorcycles.
Well tomorrow is our last day on the motorcycle. It has been an unbelievable journey.
We had a 75 mile ride up to Bryce and it was was beautiful ride going through Red Canyon. We took the shuttle into Bryce up to the end at Bryce Point. It is just majestic and you can't describe the views and the Rim Trails all around. We made the next stop at Inspiration Point then walk the Rim Trail from there to Sunset Point. Then we walked to the Lodge for lunch. There are 50 miles of hiking trails down into the canyon. We could see people walking the many trails some of which encounter the Hoodoos. The Hoodoos are pillars of rock, usually of fantastic shape, left by erosion. Hoodo-to cast a spell.
We are so blessed in this country to have all these remarkable, magnificent national treasures to visit. Everywhere we went there were many International tours from just about every country. I was amazed at the number of campers, RVs, Motorhomes and motorcycles everywhere we went. Even European travelers on rented motorcycles.
Well tomorrow is our last day on the motorcycle. It has been an unbelievable journey.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
May 30, 2010
Zion National Park Day.
Sunday, Memorial Day Weekend, perfect weather, arrived at Zion at about 10:00am, perfect timing jumped on the shuttle taking us into the canyon. Finally we are down in a canyon looking up instead of looking down from a motorcycle. With not a cloud in the sky the shuttle took us up to the end and we walked the mile long Riverside Walkway up to the Narrows. The Narrows was not open for walking into because of the high water level in the river. The views were breathtaking and I couldn't take enough pictures. The shuttle made many stops and you could get on and off as you wished. We stopped at the Zion Lodge for something to eat and I had my favorite ice cream and chips. We stopped at the Visitor Center and Museum. Now we have to ride out.
On entering the Park we came into the South Entrance coming from Springdale along the Virgin River. On leaving the park we went out the only other entrance, the East, which takes you Route 9 to Route 89 and let me tell you it was another "OMG" ride out. The road takes you up the canyon wall with 6 switch backs climbing all the way till you reach a mile long tunnel through the mountain. Again Ken was outstanding driving up and around those curves. The tunnel has restrictions on large vehicles. Seven years ago when Ken had his camper the tunnel had to be closed for just his camper because of its height and he had to pay extra money to go through. Otherwise two cars can go through at the same time.
We were now on Zion-Mount Carmel Highway with breathtaking views and we went through another smaller tunnel and we were up over 6,000 feet, no snow. Down Route 89 to Kanab for the night, dinner at Houston's Trail End restaurant.
Zion has many hiking trails and is famous for rock climbing. I was most impressed with Angels Landing Trail via West End Trail which climbs up many switch backs then to the top of the rim. Of course I didn't do it but bought a poster of it.
FACTOID: Zion opened in 1919 and is one of more than 380 parks in the National Park System. We are blessed to have so many National Treasures to visit.
Sunday, Memorial Day Weekend, perfect weather, arrived at Zion at about 10:00am, perfect timing jumped on the shuttle taking us into the canyon. Finally we are down in a canyon looking up instead of looking down from a motorcycle. With not a cloud in the sky the shuttle took us up to the end and we walked the mile long Riverside Walkway up to the Narrows. The Narrows was not open for walking into because of the high water level in the river. The views were breathtaking and I couldn't take enough pictures. The shuttle made many stops and you could get on and off as you wished. We stopped at the Zion Lodge for something to eat and I had my favorite ice cream and chips. We stopped at the Visitor Center and Museum. Now we have to ride out.
On entering the Park we came into the South Entrance coming from Springdale along the Virgin River. On leaving the park we went out the only other entrance, the East, which takes you Route 9 to Route 89 and let me tell you it was another "OMG" ride out. The road takes you up the canyon wall with 6 switch backs climbing all the way till you reach a mile long tunnel through the mountain. Again Ken was outstanding driving up and around those curves. The tunnel has restrictions on large vehicles. Seven years ago when Ken had his camper the tunnel had to be closed for just his camper because of its height and he had to pay extra money to go through. Otherwise two cars can go through at the same time.
We were now on Zion-Mount Carmel Highway with breathtaking views and we went through another smaller tunnel and we were up over 6,000 feet, no snow. Down Route 89 to Kanab for the night, dinner at Houston's Trail End restaurant.
Zion has many hiking trails and is famous for rock climbing. I was most impressed with Angels Landing Trail via West End Trail which climbs up many switch backs then to the top of the rim. Of course I didn't do it but bought a poster of it.
FACTOID: Zion opened in 1919 and is one of more than 380 parks in the National Park System. We are blessed to have so many National Treasures to visit.
May 29, 2010
Scenic Byways today, Saturday, traveling from Moab to Cedar City, Utah.
I forgot to describe the town of Moab for those of you who haven't been there. It is a funky little town, not as pretty as some of the towns we have been in but a tourist destination especially for all forms of transportation. It has been called the bicycling capitol of the world; street, mountain, motor, trail bikes and every kind of off road four-wheel drive; jeep, ATVs, dune buggies as well as river boats. The Colorado River flows through town and you can raft, kayak, or take jet boat tours. It can be very dusty being a desert and lots of wind. You also see every make and model of campers, RVs and motorhomes. It has lots of shops and we especially liked two shops that sold Native American pottery, carvings etc.
Leaving Moab at 6:30am after hitting McDonald's for it's dollar menu, it was clear, crisp, sunny and 61 degrees traveling on Route 191 to I-70. The Scenic Byways started on Route 24 through the San Rafael Reef. We stopped in Hanksville for a late breakfast then continued on to Route 12 South. This took us through the beautiful Capitol Reef National Park and into Dixie National Forest. Route 12 reached an elevation of 9600 feet. Snow again.
TIP FOR TRAVELERS: A map showing elevations would have been helpful to us as we had no idea how high we were going on some routes. Especially for us on a motorcycle knowing you were going higher we could be sure to dress properly, the higher elevations were much colder and had snow. And most important I would have been warned of the drop off.
On Route 12 we encountered yet another "OMG" road. There was a drop off on both sides of the road. My fear of heights did not diminish. I don't think I could drive a car over this stretch of road let alone ride on the back of a motorcycle. The only way I can describe it is take a brick on its side and picture two lanes of cars driving across the brick and the drop off on each side would be thousands of feet straight down with no guard rail. Ken was a saint, I don't know how he kept control of the motorcycle while I was screaming, "Oh My God" on the back. He tried keeping as close to the center line as he could for me.
When we could we stopped so I could stop shaking and we could look at the view from behind a solid wall. Route 12 then took us through a couple of small towns where we got a snack and then we went rode through Red Canyon and the road took you through two tunnels cut through the red rock. We did drive by the entrance to Bryce Canyon but it was too late in the day to stop and we will be back Monday to see Bryce. We drove on Route 89 for a short distance then made a pit stop at the junction of Route 14. Now our trip continues up and over Route 14 to Cedar City. Again this route took us up to 10,000 feet and more snow but the ride down was easier then other roads of that height.
Arrived at Cedar City for early dinner and bed.
I forgot to describe the town of Moab for those of you who haven't been there. It is a funky little town, not as pretty as some of the towns we have been in but a tourist destination especially for all forms of transportation. It has been called the bicycling capitol of the world; street, mountain, motor, trail bikes and every kind of off road four-wheel drive; jeep, ATVs, dune buggies as well as river boats. The Colorado River flows through town and you can raft, kayak, or take jet boat tours. It can be very dusty being a desert and lots of wind. You also see every make and model of campers, RVs and motorhomes. It has lots of shops and we especially liked two shops that sold Native American pottery, carvings etc.
Leaving Moab at 6:30am after hitting McDonald's for it's dollar menu, it was clear, crisp, sunny and 61 degrees traveling on Route 191 to I-70. The Scenic Byways started on Route 24 through the San Rafael Reef. We stopped in Hanksville for a late breakfast then continued on to Route 12 South. This took us through the beautiful Capitol Reef National Park and into Dixie National Forest. Route 12 reached an elevation of 9600 feet. Snow again.
TIP FOR TRAVELERS: A map showing elevations would have been helpful to us as we had no idea how high we were going on some routes. Especially for us on a motorcycle knowing you were going higher we could be sure to dress properly, the higher elevations were much colder and had snow. And most important I would have been warned of the drop off.
On Route 12 we encountered yet another "OMG" road. There was a drop off on both sides of the road. My fear of heights did not diminish. I don't think I could drive a car over this stretch of road let alone ride on the back of a motorcycle. The only way I can describe it is take a brick on its side and picture two lanes of cars driving across the brick and the drop off on each side would be thousands of feet straight down with no guard rail. Ken was a saint, I don't know how he kept control of the motorcycle while I was screaming, "Oh My God" on the back. He tried keeping as close to the center line as he could for me.
When we could we stopped so I could stop shaking and we could look at the view from behind a solid wall. Route 12 then took us through a couple of small towns where we got a snack and then we went rode through Red Canyon and the road took you through two tunnels cut through the red rock. We did drive by the entrance to Bryce Canyon but it was too late in the day to stop and we will be back Monday to see Bryce. We drove on Route 89 for a short distance then made a pit stop at the junction of Route 14. Now our trip continues up and over Route 14 to Cedar City. Again this route took us up to 10,000 feet and more snow but the ride down was easier then other roads of that height.
Arrived at Cedar City for early dinner and bed.
Friday, May 28, 2010
May 28, 2010
May 27, Thursday we spent the day exploring Moab downtown shops and restaurants. The winds were still very gusty.
Friday we went on a four hour jet boat tour down the Colorado River into Dead Horse State Park and Canyonlands National Park. It was great seeing the canyons from down in the river. Lots of movies are filmed in the area and Thelma and Louise's drive off the cliff was also filmed there and the guide pointed out the cliff where it was filmed.
We also stopped and were shown the petrified forest where trees had turned to rocks.
FACTOID: Arches National Park has 2000 different arches formed from the red rocks.
We are back on the road very early tomorrow traveling Route 191 to Rts. 70, 24, 12, 89 to 14 riding about 325 miles to our next stop in Cedar City where we plan to see Zion and Bryce National Parks. Coming close now to the end of the motorcycle journey, just a few more days before we will be back in Sedona. (4175 motorcycle miles to date).
Friday we went on a four hour jet boat tour down the Colorado River into Dead Horse State Park and Canyonlands National Park. It was great seeing the canyons from down in the river. Lots of movies are filmed in the area and Thelma and Louise's drive off the cliff was also filmed there and the guide pointed out the cliff where it was filmed.
We also stopped and were shown the petrified forest where trees had turned to rocks.
FACTOID: Arches National Park has 2000 different arches formed from the red rocks.
We are back on the road very early tomorrow traveling Route 191 to Rts. 70, 24, 12, 89 to 14 riding about 325 miles to our next stop in Cedar City where we plan to see Zion and Bryce National Parks. Coming close now to the end of the motorcycle journey, just a few more days before we will be back in Sedona. (4175 motorcycle miles to date).
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
May 26, 2010
Arches National Park is a must see. The highlight of our trip so far, just phenomenal. The road up into Arches is a climbing hairpin road with views back down into the valley and huge red cliffs of varied shapes. The pictures just don't do it justice you have to see it to fully appreciate it, just miles and miles of breathtaking views. You could spend days here exploring.
We also went to Canyonlands National Park and it reminds you of the Grand Canyon with the Colorado river running through it as well. Again you just can't see it all in one day. We rented a jeep for our visit to the Parks today for a change of pace and gave the motorcycle a rest.
Flexibility is the operative word. The weather reports for the next two days have extreme wind gust warnings for the areas we were heading next (Bryce and Zion National Parks) so we made reservations to stay another two nights here in Moab, not a bad place to have to stay. Weather looks better in two days.
We also went to Canyonlands National Park and it reminds you of the Grand Canyon with the Colorado river running through it as well. Again you just can't see it all in one day. We rented a jeep for our visit to the Parks today for a change of pace and gave the motorcycle a rest.
Flexibility is the operative word. The weather reports for the next two days have extreme wind gust warnings for the areas we were heading next (Bryce and Zion National Parks) so we made reservations to stay another two nights here in Moab, not a bad place to have to stay. Weather looks better in two days.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
May 25, 2010
Steamboat Springs, Colorado is just a fantastic place and Ken and I both said we could live there. The views are spectacular looking up at the snow covered ski trails, mountains all around, the river going right through town and miles of bike trails. I remember a great day skiing here with Linda over 15 years ago.
Ken and I planned to stay 2 nights but stayed for 3 nights because of bad weather. On
Sunday we had a wonderful day to explore. The day was clear, sunny with no wind in the 70's. We were able to relax after such a tough travel day the day before. We walked around downtown, shopped and had a great lunch at The shack Cafe, a local restaurant that has been there over 20 years. Ken bought us gifts which he had shipped home.
Monday was the day we were scheduled to leave and the weather report was terrible with heavy wind gusts and a storm so we stayed and we were so glad we did as some places got wind gusts up to 65 miles an hour and the news reports had 18 wheelers blown over on the highway. In the morning there was a mini blizzard with the snow blowing sideways. But by early afternoon the snow stopped and Ken went out to brush the snow off the motorcycle. The roads were clear so we went to get something to eat.
Today, Tuesday we left Steamboat at 9:00am, clear with not a cloud in the sky, a crisp, sunny morning with no wind about 45 degrees. The ride on route 40 through Craig and route 13 to Rifle was such a pleasure and just the kind of ride we love on two lane country roads, with wonderful landscape views. We stopped in Rifle for lunch before getting on Interstate 70 which would take us into Utah. Interstate rides are not as much fun as the speed goes up to 75 and the trucks and cars passing you stir up wind. After getting into Utah we took route 191 in Moab. The weather was good all the way and the views into Moab are just breathtaking. We will stay here two nights and visit Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park.
Ken and I planned to stay 2 nights but stayed for 3 nights because of bad weather. On
Sunday we had a wonderful day to explore. The day was clear, sunny with no wind in the 70's. We were able to relax after such a tough travel day the day before. We walked around downtown, shopped and had a great lunch at The shack Cafe, a local restaurant that has been there over 20 years. Ken bought us gifts which he had shipped home.
Monday was the day we were scheduled to leave and the weather report was terrible with heavy wind gusts and a storm so we stayed and we were so glad we did as some places got wind gusts up to 65 miles an hour and the news reports had 18 wheelers blown over on the highway. In the morning there was a mini blizzard with the snow blowing sideways. But by early afternoon the snow stopped and Ken went out to brush the snow off the motorcycle. The roads were clear so we went to get something to eat.
Today, Tuesday we left Steamboat at 9:00am, clear with not a cloud in the sky, a crisp, sunny morning with no wind about 45 degrees. The ride on route 40 through Craig and route 13 to Rifle was such a pleasure and just the kind of ride we love on two lane country roads, with wonderful landscape views. We stopped in Rifle for lunch before getting on Interstate 70 which would take us into Utah. Interstate rides are not as much fun as the speed goes up to 75 and the trucks and cars passing you stir up wind. After getting into Utah we took route 191 in Moab. The weather was good all the way and the views into Moab are just breathtaking. We will stay here two nights and visit Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
May 22, 2010
No tornadoes!
We left Scottsbluff, Nebraska on Rt 71 in fog, at 8:00am 59 degrees. Rode out of the fog quickly and it was clear and partly cloudy with some wind. The morning ride was nice viewing the large sandstone bluffs with many varied shapes, some looked like castles, forts and just unusual shapes. After traveling 145 miles, now on Rt I-80, a large interstate with lots of 18 wheelers the wind got heaver. The winds increased tremendously leaving Cheyenne, WY. and after 25 miles, west of Cheyenne, and fighting severe winds the highway posted a flashing sign warning of 50 plus wind gusts, I had enough as I was sure we were going to be blown off the road and said to Ken lets get off. The only exit was in Buford, WY the Buford Trading Post and here we called for a tow into Laramie. Buford is a small town with population of 1. It used to be 2 but the father died. The tow guys were great. They dropped us off at McDonald's on route 230 for the next leg for the day.
Rt 230 was still windy along the prairies but as we got into the mountains and forests the wind was less and we started seeing more snow. Arriving in Colorado we stopped in the town of Walden for a late lunch at the Moose Cafe. We were now ready for today's final 60 miles into Steamboat Springs which was a beautiful ride. We rode through Rabbit Ear Pass which was like a winter wonderland and there were snowmobiles out and the temp dropped to 39 degrees. But as we came out of the pass and started our descend into Steamboat the views were breathtaking looking down at the village it looked like a village in Switzerland. We arrived at 6:00pm and were very happy to put our feet on the ground.
One of the tow truck fellows, Charlie, was telling us how he moved from Phoenix to Laramie, WY to start a Ranch for girls in peril and they could be unwed mothers. I was very impressed. GOOD LUCK CHARLIE.
Sandy from the Fort Laramie American Grill restaurant corrected me as there are 5 restaurants in Fort Laramie but he feels his is still the best.
And I forgot to tell you about seeing my first real cowboy, a man on his horse with his dog herding cattle. It was quite a site.
We are staying here in Steamboat for a couple of nights then heading to Utah.
We left Scottsbluff, Nebraska on Rt 71 in fog, at 8:00am 59 degrees. Rode out of the fog quickly and it was clear and partly cloudy with some wind. The morning ride was nice viewing the large sandstone bluffs with many varied shapes, some looked like castles, forts and just unusual shapes. After traveling 145 miles, now on Rt I-80, a large interstate with lots of 18 wheelers the wind got heaver. The winds increased tremendously leaving Cheyenne, WY. and after 25 miles, west of Cheyenne, and fighting severe winds the highway posted a flashing sign warning of 50 plus wind gusts, I had enough as I was sure we were going to be blown off the road and said to Ken lets get off. The only exit was in Buford, WY the Buford Trading Post and here we called for a tow into Laramie. Buford is a small town with population of 1. It used to be 2 but the father died. The tow guys were great. They dropped us off at McDonald's on route 230 for the next leg for the day.
Rt 230 was still windy along the prairies but as we got into the mountains and forests the wind was less and we started seeing more snow. Arriving in Colorado we stopped in the town of Walden for a late lunch at the Moose Cafe. We were now ready for today's final 60 miles into Steamboat Springs which was a beautiful ride. We rode through Rabbit Ear Pass which was like a winter wonderland and there were snowmobiles out and the temp dropped to 39 degrees. But as we came out of the pass and started our descend into Steamboat the views were breathtaking looking down at the village it looked like a village in Switzerland. We arrived at 6:00pm and were very happy to put our feet on the ground.
One of the tow truck fellows, Charlie, was telling us how he moved from Phoenix to Laramie, WY to start a Ranch for girls in peril and they could be unwed mothers. I was very impressed. GOOD LUCK CHARLIE.
Sandy from the Fort Laramie American Grill restaurant corrected me as there are 5 restaurants in Fort Laramie but he feels his is still the best.
And I forgot to tell you about seeing my first real cowboy, a man on his horse with his dog herding cattle. It was quite a site.
We are staying here in Steamboat for a couple of nights then heading to Utah.
Friday, May 21, 2010
May 21, 2010
Tonight we are on Tornado watch. The weather channel showed a small tornado in a location we traveled through this morning in Wyoming. We didn't even have rain when we came through. We are spending the night in Scottsbluff, Nebraska.
Leaving Casper/Evansville,WY, we did have on our rain gear as we had a small rain shower as we were leaving at 9:00am with temp in 40's but we drove out of the rain and cloudy weather traveling on Rt 15 South then Rt 26. We stopped in Guernsey and visited the Oregon Trail Ruts site where the wagon train wheels wore ruts over the sandstone ledges, it was amazing how deep the ruts were. We saw our first rattlesnake here.
Then we visited Fort Laramie National Historic Site. Now if you ever go to Fort Laramie you must eat at FLAG (Fort Laramie American Grill). Lunch was great and the owners: Donna and Sandy Jankewicz are originally from South Boston. And Sandy loves to talk to the patrons. Then again it is the only restaurant in Fort Laramie, population 205 and we met 6 of the residents in the restaurant having lunch.
FACTOID: We learned at lunch that Wyoming coal is cleaner as it has no sulfuric acid
because it was never in salt water only fresh water. Hundreds of coal trains go through the area.
Leaving Casper/Evansville,WY, we did have on our rain gear as we had a small rain shower as we were leaving at 9:00am with temp in 40's but we drove out of the rain and cloudy weather traveling on Rt 15 South then Rt 26. We stopped in Guernsey and visited the Oregon Trail Ruts site where the wagon train wheels wore ruts over the sandstone ledges, it was amazing how deep the ruts were. We saw our first rattlesnake here.
Then we visited Fort Laramie National Historic Site. Now if you ever go to Fort Laramie you must eat at FLAG (Fort Laramie American Grill). Lunch was great and the owners: Donna and Sandy Jankewicz are originally from South Boston. And Sandy loves to talk to the patrons. Then again it is the only restaurant in Fort Laramie, population 205 and we met 6 of the residents in the restaurant having lunch.
FACTOID: We learned at lunch that Wyoming coal is cleaner as it has no sulfuric acid
because it was never in salt water only fresh water. Hundreds of coal trains go through the area.
May 20,2010
The weather is dictating our direction of our trip, since there is snow predicted for the mountains. We had hoped to go to Cody, Wyoming but weather reports were for rain and snow so we headed more south. Travelled Rt 26/287 through Debois then to Casper,doing about 310 miles. It started out quite cold in 40's, little rain in Jackson, then over Moran Pass with total snow covered landscape. As we rode down into the valley we lost the snow and it got warmer. The landscape and views constantly change from Cattle and Horse ranches to varied colored mountains from greens, browns, reds and yellows. The route took us through the Shoshone Reservation and we visited the Shoshone Trading Post store and museum. We traveled along the Wind River and found out why it was called the wind river valley. We had about 100 miles of gusty winds across the prairie.
We did stop and visit Independence Rock where the Oregon Trail passed and travelers wrote their names on it. It was a major point of travel for the wagon trains on the Oregon Trail and you could see where there were still ruts in the ground from the wagons.
FACTS: we have been on the road 63 days and 18 days on the motorcycle. To date we have traveled 3174 miles on the motorcycle.
FACTOID: "OPEN RANGE" is not an oven door left open.
We did stop and visit Independence Rock where the Oregon Trail passed and travelers wrote their names on it. It was a major point of travel for the wagon trains on the Oregon Trail and you could see where there were still ruts in the ground from the wagons.
FACTS: we have been on the road 63 days and 18 days on the motorcycle. To date we have traveled 3174 miles on the motorcycle.
FACTOID: "OPEN RANGE" is not an oven door left open.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
May 19, 2010
Today, I'm recapping the last 3 days staying here in Jackson Hole. Ken ordered a new headset for the intercom and it arrived today from Conway, NH so we will be back on the road tomorrow. We have enjoyed our 5 day stay; Yellowstone, walking the town, shopping, catching up on laundry, haircut for Kitty and finding a great lunch spot at Betty's Rock Cafe. We also found the best shop we have ever seen for all kinds Indian pottery and Ken sent a couple home.
We took a ride up to Teton National Park stopped at the wonderful Visitor's Center and museum, visited the Chapel of the Transfiguration a little, very old log cabin chapel that you can sit and look out a picture window behind the altar and have a fantastic view the Teton mountains.
Then we started up to Jenny Lake but then a rain and hail storm hit(the black clouds looked like we were getting a tornado)and we headed back to town, not before we got hit in the face with the hail. By the time we got back to Jackson Hole the storm was over.
At the Visitor's Center we copied down a quotation that I really loved as it sums up our feel regarding our adventure.
"You must search for the loveliness of America; it is not obvious; it is scattered; but when you find it, it touches you and binds you to it like a great secret oath taken in silence." by Struthers Burt, Jackson Hole Dude Rancher, 1934
FACTOID: The silvery, gray-green bushes covering the landscape is Sagebrush and the only thing that eats it is the Pronghorn Antelope. When you break or rub the leaves it gives of a pungent odor which is why no other animal eats it.
We took a ride up to Teton National Park stopped at the wonderful Visitor's Center and museum, visited the Chapel of the Transfiguration a little, very old log cabin chapel that you can sit and look out a picture window behind the altar and have a fantastic view the Teton mountains.
Then we started up to Jenny Lake but then a rain and hail storm hit(the black clouds looked like we were getting a tornado)and we headed back to town, not before we got hit in the face with the hail. By the time we got back to Jackson Hole the storm was over.
At the Visitor's Center we copied down a quotation that I really loved as it sums up our feel regarding our adventure.
"You must search for the loveliness of America; it is not obvious; it is scattered; but when you find it, it touches you and binds you to it like a great secret oath taken in silence." by Struthers Burt, Jackson Hole Dude Rancher, 1934
FACTOID: The silvery, gray-green bushes covering the landscape is Sagebrush and the only thing that eats it is the Pronghorn Antelope. When you break or rub the leaves it gives of a pungent odor which is why no other animal eats it.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
May 16, 2010
We are staying in Jackson Hole for a few day and today headed back up to Yellowstone. We took a different route (Moose Junction) through Grand Teton National Park and saw a Moose sitting right on the edge of the road. We stopped at the Jackson Lake Dam. We wanted to visit the Jackson Lake Lodge but it was not open yet as we found out most of the lodges are not opening till the end of May. The ride was a little chilly in the 50's, all the snow still on the ground didn't help.
Our goal was Canyon Village but turned out it was a little too far if we were going to get back to the hotel at a decent hour. We got a later start today and we had to stop as see if we could get a new head set for Ken as his stopped working and now we can't communicate while riding (maybe he just put me on mute). The motorcycle rental shop didn't have headsets so we will try to get a new one mailed out.
We did stop for lunch at Lake Village and met some real nice people while eating. Hopefully we will make it back up to Yellowstone to see what they call the "Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone". Only the the lower and upper falls at Canyon Village were open the rest of the road up to the Northeast Entrance is still closed.
FACTOID: Congress established Yellowstone as the world's first national park in 1872.
Our goal was Canyon Village but turned out it was a little too far if we were going to get back to the hotel at a decent hour. We got a later start today and we had to stop as see if we could get a new head set for Ken as his stopped working and now we can't communicate while riding (maybe he just put me on mute). The motorcycle rental shop didn't have headsets so we will try to get a new one mailed out.
We did stop for lunch at Lake Village and met some real nice people while eating. Hopefully we will make it back up to Yellowstone to see what they call the "Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone". Only the the lower and upper falls at Canyon Village were open the rest of the road up to the Northeast Entrance is still closed.
FACTOID: Congress established Yellowstone as the world's first national park in 1872.
May 15, 2010
Leaving Idaho Falls we traveled on Rt26 picking up Rt 26/89 in Alpine, Wyoming. We had a beautiful, sunny morning traveling to Jackson Hole, through the Swan Valley, along the Palisades Reservoir and the Snake River again looking at snow covered mountains.
Arriving in Jackson Hole we checked into the hotel early (11:30am) and rode up to Yellowstone National Park south entrance riding through Grand Teton National Park.
Views were phenomenal of the Teton Mountain Range. We had clear, unobstructed views with blue sky and small, white, puffy clouds as we rode along the Snake River. It was 103 miles up into Old Faithful. Not all the roads were open and all of Yellowstone was snow covered. The South entrance had just opened the day before and some roads are still under repair and we had to ride several miles on gravel. But the rest of the pavements were dry and there were banks of snow along the sides of the road. We stopped at West Thumb Geyser Basin and walked the walkways viewing the hot springs, boiling geysers, fumaroles and mudpots.
"Old Faithful" didn't disappoint she made her grand appearance after we had lunch and walked the walkways all around viewing several smaller geysers. It was getting late and we still had another 103 miles back to the hotel. The ride back was fantastic seeing herds of Bison (buffalo) and Elk just along the road. I don't think the bear are awake yet because of the late seasonal snow and cool weather.
We were exhausted having been on the go for 11 hours and covering about 356 miles on the motorcycle. We had dinner at the Teton Steakhouse which we could walk to across the street then fell into bed.
Arriving in Jackson Hole we checked into the hotel early (11:30am) and rode up to Yellowstone National Park south entrance riding through Grand Teton National Park.
Views were phenomenal of the Teton Mountain Range. We had clear, unobstructed views with blue sky and small, white, puffy clouds as we rode along the Snake River. It was 103 miles up into Old Faithful. Not all the roads were open and all of Yellowstone was snow covered. The South entrance had just opened the day before and some roads are still under repair and we had to ride several miles on gravel. But the rest of the pavements were dry and there were banks of snow along the sides of the road. We stopped at West Thumb Geyser Basin and walked the walkways viewing the hot springs, boiling geysers, fumaroles and mudpots.
"Old Faithful" didn't disappoint she made her grand appearance after we had lunch and walked the walkways all around viewing several smaller geysers. It was getting late and we still had another 103 miles back to the hotel. The ride back was fantastic seeing herds of Bison (buffalo) and Elk just along the road. I don't think the bear are awake yet because of the late seasonal snow and cool weather.
We were exhausted having been on the go for 11 hours and covering about 356 miles on the motorcycle. We had dinner at the Teton Steakhouse which we could walk to across the street then fell into bed.
May 14, 2010
Leaving Boise we traveled to Idaho Falls another beautiful ride through Idaho.
Highlight of the day was at a rest stop in Fairfield we met a woman traveling on her Harley alone and she looked about 75 and was pulling a pop up tent trailer with her motorcycle. I was sorry I didn't take her picture because she was really something with her fringed leathers. She was meeting friends up in Vale, Idaho and then traveling to Alaska. So far she is the most amazing person we have met...such an inspiration.
We traveled Rt84 then Rt 20 all the way stopping at "Craters of the Moon" National Park. This is a vast ocean of lava flows. It was sunny, clear and beautiful views of the Sawtooth mountains.
An early dinner at O'Brady's Family Restaurant which we walk to across the street making it an early night.
FACTOID: "CRATERS OF THE MOON IS A NATIONAL MONUMENT EST. 1924 AND IS 1100 SQUARE MILES OF LAVA COVERING 750,000 ACRES. Additional fact from Cuz Lewis: Astronauts once trained here at Craters of the Moon before the first moon landing.
Highlight of the day was at a rest stop in Fairfield we met a woman traveling on her Harley alone and she looked about 75 and was pulling a pop up tent trailer with her motorcycle. I was sorry I didn't take her picture because she was really something with her fringed leathers. She was meeting friends up in Vale, Idaho and then traveling to Alaska. So far she is the most amazing person we have met...such an inspiration.
We traveled Rt84 then Rt 20 all the way stopping at "Craters of the Moon" National Park. This is a vast ocean of lava flows. It was sunny, clear and beautiful views of the Sawtooth mountains.
An early dinner at O'Brady's Family Restaurant which we walk to across the street making it an early night.
FACTOID: "CRATERS OF THE MOON IS A NATIONAL MONUMENT EST. 1924 AND IS 1100 SQUARE MILES OF LAVA COVERING 750,000 ACRES. Additional fact from Cuz Lewis: Astronauts once trained here at Craters of the Moon before the first moon landing.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
May 13, 2010
318 miles today on the motorcycle across Oregon. Great ride. Left Bend, Oregon at 9:00am, 54 degrees, sunny, not a cloud in the sky, with distant views all around of snow covered mountain ranges...just beautiful. The gas station attendant pumping gas was dressed in a white uniform from head to toe with hat and Ken asked him if he was the milkman. Ken hadn't seen an outfit like that in 50 years. The guy laughed.
The morning ride on Rt 20 east was through what they call the High Desert, mostly flat straight road with mountain views as far as the eye could see. After lunch in the town of Burns the views became spectacular with red mountains and incredible vistas going through mountain passes and along the Malheur River. Then lots of cattle ranches and farms. Continuing Rt 20 we then started seeing lots of farms again as far as the eye could see, wheat, beet and onions...we were in onion country. The weather was sunny all day with just a few, white, puffy clouds and warmed up to high 60's. We took an afternoon break in the town of Vale and had fantastic homemade pie. I had the biggest strawberry pie with the biggest strawberries I have ever seen. Ken had his favorite apple pie and ice cream.
We lost an hour with a time change coming into Idaho then went on to Rt 84 for about 55 miles to Boise where we checked into a Hampton Inn. Tomorrow we will travel to Idaho Falls.
The morning ride on Rt 20 east was through what they call the High Desert, mostly flat straight road with mountain views as far as the eye could see. After lunch in the town of Burns the views became spectacular with red mountains and incredible vistas going through mountain passes and along the Malheur River. Then lots of cattle ranches and farms. Continuing Rt 20 we then started seeing lots of farms again as far as the eye could see, wheat, beet and onions...we were in onion country. The weather was sunny all day with just a few, white, puffy clouds and warmed up to high 60's. We took an afternoon break in the town of Vale and had fantastic homemade pie. I had the biggest strawberry pie with the biggest strawberries I have ever seen. Ken had his favorite apple pie and ice cream.
We lost an hour with a time change coming into Idaho then went on to Rt 84 for about 55 miles to Boise where we checked into a Hampton Inn. Tomorrow we will travel to Idaho Falls.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
May 12, 2010
Wednesday morning we checked and re-checked weather and road conditions as we really wanted to see Crater Lake National Park but weather was 27 degrees and roads were iffy. There were advisories for tire chains, so that was it. When making next night reservation in Bend, Oregon they advised a different route. Bonnie, I know you are following our route so leaving at 10:00am we took Rt 5 South, then Rt 66 East. It started out with beautiful views of green hills and mountains looking like we were going right through a mountain pass but low and behold Rt 66 started climbing and climbing, then we started seeing snow, lots of snow. We were going up and over the mountain and another "OH MY GOD" ride. The drop off was miles down off this narrow two lane road. A real white knuckle ride with what else but more curves going only 15 miles an hour, at least the roads were dry. Of course it was in the mountains with no rest areas and we were forced to water some more trees. We made it down but the stress took lots of energy. Once down it was a pleasant easy ride, stopping in Klamath Falls for lunch break. Then the rest of the ride was uneventful up Rt 97 to Bend, Oregon.
I have dressed putting on all my warm clothes including long underwear and my rain gear over my leather jacket and a neck warmer...I had on so many clothes if I fell over I would not be able to get up like the little boy in Christmas Story.
FACTOID: Oregon law does not allow you to pump your own gas. Gas stations have attendants to pump the gas.
I have dressed putting on all my warm clothes including long underwear and my rain gear over my leather jacket and a neck warmer...I had on so many clothes if I fell over I would not be able to get up like the little boy in Christmas Story.
FACTOID: Oregon law does not allow you to pump your own gas. Gas stations have attendants to pump the gas.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
May 11, 2010
We decided to take a shorter ride today from Crescent City, CA. to Medford, Oregon, but not before we had a heart to heart talk. I didn't feel well do to my cold and the cold weather, we considered staying another night but the room was not available. Riding north the weather has gotten colder, it has been unseasonably colder for the area: at least 15-20 degrees colder with some late spring snow. So the decision was to adjust our original plans and head more east but that is not easy to find a route that won't be going over higher elevations and colder weather.
Originally we planned to visit as many National Parks as we could. We were unable to go to Yosemite do to weather and roads still closed. Now Glacier in Montana is closed. Crater Lake has only limited access and roads may be snow covered.
But we still had a wonderful ride today through a mountain pass following the Smith River. Weather was partly cloudy in 40's and 54 degrees when we arrived at the hotel. The views were beautiful looking down at the river gorges through Grant's Pass then on to Medford, Oregon. We checked in to the hotel early and had an early dinner and time to plan our next ride, checking weather reports and road conditions.
Originally we planned to visit as many National Parks as we could. We were unable to go to Yosemite do to weather and roads still closed. Now Glacier in Montana is closed. Crater Lake has only limited access and roads may be snow covered.
But we still had a wonderful ride today through a mountain pass following the Smith River. Weather was partly cloudy in 40's and 54 degrees when we arrived at the hotel. The views were beautiful looking down at the river gorges through Grant's Pass then on to Medford, Oregon. We checked in to the hotel early and had an early dinner and time to plan our next ride, checking weather reports and road conditions.
May 10, 2010
The pictures do not do the views justice. You can't capture the spectacular sites.
After a beautiful day yesterday today we are leaving Mendocino in the pouring rain. Well, we got to test out all the rain gear. We left at 9:00am traveling coastal Route 1 in rain, cold, windy, 50's and 40's all day traveling to Crescent City just below the Oregon border. Along the coast we had fantastic views even in the rain and wind, then up and over the Red Wood mountains in and out of the Red Wood National Parks. There was not a straight piece of road just curve after curve in the forest going only 15 miles an hour around the corners. No services just trees, trees and more beautiful red wood trees. After several hours and no facilities we were forced to visit a tree right there on the road and with so many clothes on including all the rain gear, it was quite a site...needless to say we had to laugh. The rain did stop long enough for us to stop in Leggett for us to take a picture of us driving through a red wood tree. (World famous).
Finally off Rt 1 and we picked up Route 101 there in Leggett and the drive was a little easier.
Continued to rain on and off but as we came back to the coast the views were unbelievable. In Crescent City we stayed at a Oceanside Hampton Inn right there on the beach and our ocean view from the room was breathtaking watching the waves break over the rocks and the rocks around the lighthouse. I was so cold and damp I couldn't wait to get into the hot shower.
After a beautiful day yesterday today we are leaving Mendocino in the pouring rain. Well, we got to test out all the rain gear. We left at 9:00am traveling coastal Route 1 in rain, cold, windy, 50's and 40's all day traveling to Crescent City just below the Oregon border. Along the coast we had fantastic views even in the rain and wind, then up and over the Red Wood mountains in and out of the Red Wood National Parks. There was not a straight piece of road just curve after curve in the forest going only 15 miles an hour around the corners. No services just trees, trees and more beautiful red wood trees. After several hours and no facilities we were forced to visit a tree right there on the road and with so many clothes on including all the rain gear, it was quite a site...needless to say we had to laugh. The rain did stop long enough for us to stop in Leggett for us to take a picture of us driving through a red wood tree. (World famous).
Finally off Rt 1 and we picked up Route 101 there in Leggett and the drive was a little easier.
Continued to rain on and off but as we came back to the coast the views were unbelievable. In Crescent City we stayed at a Oceanside Hampton Inn right there on the beach and our ocean view from the room was breathtaking watching the waves break over the rocks and the rocks around the lighthouse. I was so cold and damp I couldn't wait to get into the hot shower.
May 9, 2010
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!
Eve picked us up for a day tour...so nice to be riding in a car! Brunch at "The Wharf" watching the sea lions putting on a show in the harbor. Then a nice walk around the Mendocino Headlands, included a nice long walk down to the "Pt Cabrillo Light House". A fantastic weather day, clear, sunny with no wind. We also walked around the town visiting the shops and museum at the visitor center. Dinner at another of Eve's favorite ocean view restaurants. The Headlands are a 347-acre green belt between Highway 1 and the Pacific Ocean which surrounds the town of Mendocino, sheer bluffs rising from a rocky shoreline form parks.
It was nice receiving Happy Mother's Day cheer and talking to my kids, Michelle and Jay and both of my sisters.
Eve picked us up for a day tour...so nice to be riding in a car! Brunch at "The Wharf" watching the sea lions putting on a show in the harbor. Then a nice walk around the Mendocino Headlands, included a nice long walk down to the "Pt Cabrillo Light House". A fantastic weather day, clear, sunny with no wind. We also walked around the town visiting the shops and museum at the visitor center. Dinner at another of Eve's favorite ocean view restaurants. The Headlands are a 347-acre green belt between Highway 1 and the Pacific Ocean which surrounds the town of Mendocino, sheer bluffs rising from a rocky shoreline form parks.
It was nice receiving Happy Mother's Day cheer and talking to my kids, Michelle and Jay and both of my sisters.
May 8, 2010
Feeling better we rode up to Mendocino, CA. to visit Eve an old friend of Ken's.
We are staying 2 nights at the beautiful Hill House Inn, B&B and our room overlooks the ocean.
We left Salinas outside Monterey at 9:00am it was a beautiful day for a ride and headed north travelling through Gilroy, San Jose, Oakland, Berkeley crossed the San Rafael Bridge over the Bay and you could see San Francisco off in the distance. It was a calm day not much wind and clear viewing the lush green rolling hills. Lunch was in Petaluma, wine country. The ride through Santa Rosa, Sonoma Valley was so beautiful passing vineyard after vineyard. Highway 128 went through fantastic hills with vineyards, farms, and unbelievable redwood trees. We did stop and visit Hendys Woods a State Park where we walked around the largest and most amazing Redwood trees. You can stand inside the base of the trees, we took lots of pictures and continued on to Mendocino where we met Eve who lives right there in the town of Mendocino and at one time lived in North Conway. She recommended this old, quaint B&B with our room looking down the cliffs out to the Pacific Ocean.
We had dinner at "Little River Inn", a favorite of Eve's and the views sitting at our table were spectacular watching the sun go down.
We are staying 2 nights at the beautiful Hill House Inn, B&B and our room overlooks the ocean.
We left Salinas outside Monterey at 9:00am it was a beautiful day for a ride and headed north travelling through Gilroy, San Jose, Oakland, Berkeley crossed the San Rafael Bridge over the Bay and you could see San Francisco off in the distance. It was a calm day not much wind and clear viewing the lush green rolling hills. Lunch was in Petaluma, wine country. The ride through Santa Rosa, Sonoma Valley was so beautiful passing vineyard after vineyard. Highway 128 went through fantastic hills with vineyards, farms, and unbelievable redwood trees. We did stop and visit Hendys Woods a State Park where we walked around the largest and most amazing Redwood trees. You can stand inside the base of the trees, we took lots of pictures and continued on to Mendocino where we met Eve who lives right there in the town of Mendocino and at one time lived in North Conway. She recommended this old, quaint B&B with our room looking down the cliffs out to the Pacific Ocean.
We had dinner at "Little River Inn", a favorite of Eve's and the views sitting at our table were spectacular watching the sun go down.
May 7, 2010
Well we ended up staying 3 nights in Salinas, CA and my cold took its toll. On Thursdays we rode out to Monterey planning on taking the famous 17 mile ride around the peninsula but as we reached the toll gate to get in we were told "NO MOTORCYCLES" what a bummer so we then tried to take a tour and there was a movie tour but we missed it by an hour...day is not going well. We missed seeing Pebble Beach but I bought a baseball cap that says Pebble Beach. Off to to Carmel-by-the sea...didn't get to see Clint Eastwood but had a real nice lunch in a cafe and walked the town.
I spent the rest of the night in bed and all the next day, Friday, in bed. I took some cold medicine and just slept and Ken brought in food.
I spent the rest of the night in bed and all the next day, Friday, in bed. I took some cold medicine and just slept and Ken brought in food.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
May 6, 2010
Thursday, I'm a day late on posting and will finish this one later. We stayed over another day in Salinas, just outside Monterey as I have a terrible cold and needed rest...I'm sure the wind yesterday didn't help.
May 5, 2010
PCH - Pacific Coast Highway - San Simeon, Hearst Castle - Big Sur - Monterey
Well! All I can say is OH MY GOD! The coast road about 100 miles from the Hearst Castle up to Big Sur and Monterey was unbelievable, scary, breathtaking and everything you have ever heard. I would have been scared in a car and here I was on the back of a motorcycle in gusty winds.
We started the day at 59 degrees at about 8:45am leaving Lompoc, CA. Views were beautiful so different from what I had thought I would see; rolling hills and meadows as far as the eye can see, green pastures reminded me of Ireland without the rock walls. I tried taking a picture of the road sign while we were riding, "California Route 1 Pacific Coast Highway" but didn't do too well. We passed Vandenberg AFB, passed lots of farms, cattle ranches with distant mountains in the morning haze, even got a little lost in a small village and ended up in the dunes. We saw strawberry and cabbage fields as far as you could see.
Then we arrived at San Simeon visitor center and spent the next 3 hours on the tour to the Hearst Castle. It was so much more that I realized, it was a 5 mile bus trip up the mountain to the Castle which is called Casa Grande or his ranch as Hearst called it. Our 3 hour tour didn't even cover all the buildings and all of the castle. We did see one of the guest houses, the outdoor pool and inside pool as well as some of the first floor, dinning room, living areas. The views were breathtaking all the way to the ocean. Hearst owned land as far as you could see 300 square miles. The tour also included a movie of the building of the castle, "Building the Dream".
Then we started the most exciting part of the route. It was windy and we considered turning around and taking another route but continued then we were committed as there is no other way out after you start. Riding along the sheer mountain cliffs on the right side where rocks and landslides had occurred, with sheer mountain drops to the ocean on the other side thank god we were going north as we were on the inside lane. A few times we had one lane as they were working on landslides. We came around a few curves and the wind gusts got under our helmets and we thought we were going to be blown off the bike. Let me tell you I said my prayers.
It is everything your have read and heard, spectacular coastline, ever-changing cliffs, pounding surf. We drove through Big Sur, crossing several bridges including the famous Bixby Bridge, 700 feet long and 260 feet above the stream below and is one of the top ten highest single-span bridges in the world.
Big Sur with its weathered redwoods, was a relief after just seeing cliffs down to the ocean.
I have crossed this coast road off my bucket list and do not plan to do it again in a hurry.
Well! All I can say is OH MY GOD! The coast road about 100 miles from the Hearst Castle up to Big Sur and Monterey was unbelievable, scary, breathtaking and everything you have ever heard. I would have been scared in a car and here I was on the back of a motorcycle in gusty winds.
We started the day at 59 degrees at about 8:45am leaving Lompoc, CA. Views were beautiful so different from what I had thought I would see; rolling hills and meadows as far as the eye can see, green pastures reminded me of Ireland without the rock walls. I tried taking a picture of the road sign while we were riding, "California Route 1 Pacific Coast Highway" but didn't do too well. We passed Vandenberg AFB, passed lots of farms, cattle ranches with distant mountains in the morning haze, even got a little lost in a small village and ended up in the dunes. We saw strawberry and cabbage fields as far as you could see.
Then we arrived at San Simeon visitor center and spent the next 3 hours on the tour to the Hearst Castle. It was so much more that I realized, it was a 5 mile bus trip up the mountain to the Castle which is called Casa Grande or his ranch as Hearst called it. Our 3 hour tour didn't even cover all the buildings and all of the castle. We did see one of the guest houses, the outdoor pool and inside pool as well as some of the first floor, dinning room, living areas. The views were breathtaking all the way to the ocean. Hearst owned land as far as you could see 300 square miles. The tour also included a movie of the building of the castle, "Building the Dream".
Then we started the most exciting part of the route. It was windy and we considered turning around and taking another route but continued then we were committed as there is no other way out after you start. Riding along the sheer mountain cliffs on the right side where rocks and landslides had occurred, with sheer mountain drops to the ocean on the other side thank god we were going north as we were on the inside lane. A few times we had one lane as they were working on landslides. We came around a few curves and the wind gusts got under our helmets and we thought we were going to be blown off the bike. Let me tell you I said my prayers.
It is everything your have read and heard, spectacular coastline, ever-changing cliffs, pounding surf. We drove through Big Sur, crossing several bridges including the famous Bixby Bridge, 700 feet long and 260 feet above the stream below and is one of the top ten highest single-span bridges in the world.
Big Sur with its weathered redwoods, was a relief after just seeing cliffs down to the ocean.
I have crossed this coast road off my bucket list and do not plan to do it again in a hurry.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
May 4, 2010
FINALLY THE PACIFIC COAST.
Left Barstow at 10:00am, got a late start, 75 degrees, clear, sunny and windy. riding to the coast...beautiful mountain views through mountain passes. We made a visit to the Queen of Missions, Old Mission Santa Barbara founded by the Spanish Franciscans on the Feast of St. Barbara, Dec. 4, 1786. Rode through San Bernardino Valley, Pasadena, San Fernando Valley just beautiful mountains, valleys then ocean, beaches, ranches and beautiful homes. Rode the coast road up to Lompoc where we will spend the night. We hit some very gusty weather.
The hardest part of packing for this 6 week leg of the trip was getting everything into a 12x16x12 inches bag that fits into the saddle bag of the motorcycle. Talk about having withdrawal...we have been traveling in the Explorer with 3 suitcases each a cooler in the car plus pulling a trailer with extras. And Ken said we still have too much and have to mail some stuff home.
Left Barstow at 10:00am, got a late start, 75 degrees, clear, sunny and windy. riding to the coast...beautiful mountain views through mountain passes. We made a visit to the Queen of Missions, Old Mission Santa Barbara founded by the Spanish Franciscans on the Feast of St. Barbara, Dec. 4, 1786. Rode through San Bernardino Valley, Pasadena, San Fernando Valley just beautiful mountains, valleys then ocean, beaches, ranches and beautiful homes. Rode the coast road up to Lompoc where we will spend the night. We hit some very gusty weather.
The hardest part of packing for this 6 week leg of the trip was getting everything into a 12x16x12 inches bag that fits into the saddle bag of the motorcycle. Talk about having withdrawal...we have been traveling in the Explorer with 3 suitcases each a cooler in the car plus pulling a trailer with extras. And Ken said we still have too much and have to mail some stuff home.
May 3,2010
CHAPTER #3-- TRAVEL ON JUST THE MOTORCYCLE.
Left Michelle's at 8:30am, 50 degrees starting the motorcycle part of the adventure. Rode up through Flagstaff, elevation 7235 with great views of the snow covered San Francisco Peak mountains, saw lots of dead elk along the road. Then it was across Arizona on route 40 to California. We rode across the Mojave Desert and the temp went up to 89 degrees. Going across the desert it was dry and windy, we stopped at a rest area...economy has really hit California...there was no water at this rest area, not even vending machines, water fountains were turned off. We stopped for the night in Barstow, California, and at reception desk they gave us bottles of water, we must have looked awfully dry. The cost of gas really changed entering California. We had been paying about 2.79 gallon for the Explorer. Our first stop with the motorcycle was $ 3.40 a gal. then $ 3.79 a gallon. At least on the motorcycle we are getting 45-50 miles per gallon and in the Explorer we were getting 13-14 miles per gal. average and the last day in the Explorer in the heavy winds pulling the trailer to Sedona we got 9 miles per gallon. (Information for those of you who like numbers).
Left Michelle's at 8:30am, 50 degrees starting the motorcycle part of the adventure. Rode up through Flagstaff, elevation 7235 with great views of the snow covered San Francisco Peak mountains, saw lots of dead elk along the road. Then it was across Arizona on route 40 to California. We rode across the Mojave Desert and the temp went up to 89 degrees. Going across the desert it was dry and windy, we stopped at a rest area...economy has really hit California...there was no water at this rest area, not even vending machines, water fountains were turned off. We stopped for the night in Barstow, California, and at reception desk they gave us bottles of water, we must have looked awfully dry. The cost of gas really changed entering California. We had been paying about 2.79 gallon for the Explorer. Our first stop with the motorcycle was $ 3.40 a gal. then $ 3.79 a gallon. At least on the motorcycle we are getting 45-50 miles per gallon and in the Explorer we were getting 13-14 miles per gal. average and the last day in the Explorer in the heavy winds pulling the trailer to Sedona we got 9 miles per gallon. (Information for those of you who like numbers).
May 2, 2010
Sunday, Mass, then Michelle, Neil and Kitty went to the movies. In the afternoon Ken and Kitty shopped. Michelle took everyone out to dinner at the fantastic restaurant (the name escapes me) to celebrate "Mother's Day". We had wonderful dinners, Bill, Michelle, Neil, Matt, Ken & Kitty. They even sang happy Mother's Day with wonderful deserts.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
May 1, 2010
Well Kitty's tee shirt didn't fit, too small, (so much for watching what we are eating), so we went back to Jerome today in the car. Michelle joined us and it was a beautiful, sunny day and we had a nice drive and lunch in Jerome, exchanged the tee shirt and purchased some more shirts.
April 30, 2010
Friday we rode the motorcycle over to Prescott about 1 hour away from Sedona to the Honda dealer to have a repair done on the bike. We took the highway over, very windy and cold...we should have put on long underwear. The return trip was over the mountain on 89A through Jerome, an old mining town (with lots of shops, artist galleries, and restaurants). Well it was the scariest ride I have ever been on and I purchased tee shirts in Jerome. Ken's shirt says " I Rode Historic 89A 158 curves in 12 miles. The Mingus Mountain Drive, Jerome, Arizona." My tee shirt says "I Survived....." Those of you who remember our Christmas Card with us sitting in the old, rusted truck well it was up here in Jerome's Ghost Town that we took that picture.
We had lunch in Jerome at the "Haunted Hamburger" overlooking fantastic views back to the red rocks of Sedona and the snow covered San Francisco Peaks of Flagstaff.
We had lunch in Jerome at the "Haunted Hamburger" overlooking fantastic views back to the red rocks of Sedona and the snow covered San Francisco Peaks of Flagstaff.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
April 29, 2010
Thursday, well Ken discovered while checking the bike in the trailer that the tie down straps had pulled out one of the bars on the bike and a rear light on the trailer is out and needs to be replaced so today is a day of getting things fixed, laundry etc. Then off to Neil's baseball game.
April 28, 2010
Wednesday, we left Santa Fe 8:00am for a long day of travel it was sunny but overcast about 58 degrees and 74 by noon driving just over the Arizona border. A very windy day going to Sedona, you could see the sand blowing across the plains. We stopped at an Indian Store and Kitty couldn't resist a nice turquoise bracelet from the Zuni tribe.
We traveled Rt 40 till we got to Winslow, Arizona as we were stopped because they closed the highway all the way to Flagstaff because of the sand storm. All the tractor trailers were all stopped as well as everyone else. All you could see were sand blowing for miles and miles. Checking the map we found an alternate route 87 which took us south towards Payson then route 260 through Camp Verde then we took route 17 north up to Sedona. It turned out to be a beautiful ride up through the mountains, we even saw snow. We were blessed again that we had the alternate route as the wind continued to blow even the next day and the highway was still closed the night. We arrived at Kitty's daughters around 4:00pm. Neil of course was waiting for us and Michelle cooked a wonderful dinner. It was so nice to not have to eat out in a restaurant.
We traveled Rt 40 till we got to Winslow, Arizona as we were stopped because they closed the highway all the way to Flagstaff because of the sand storm. All the tractor trailers were all stopped as well as everyone else. All you could see were sand blowing for miles and miles. Checking the map we found an alternate route 87 which took us south towards Payson then route 260 through Camp Verde then we took route 17 north up to Sedona. It turned out to be a beautiful ride up through the mountains, we even saw snow. We were blessed again that we had the alternate route as the wind continued to blow even the next day and the highway was still closed the night. We arrived at Kitty's daughters around 4:00pm. Neil of course was waiting for us and Michelle cooked a wonderful dinner. It was so nice to not have to eat out in a restaurant.
April 27, 2010
Another beautiful, sunny 70's day spent in Santa Fe, New Mexico. We started early, walking, visited the oldest church in USA, San Miguel Mission on Old Santa Fe Trail. Built in 1610 when Santa Fe was founded. Native Americans occupied site as early as 1300AD. Also next door we saw the oldest house in USA, it was not open but we took pictures. Next we walked to Loretto Chapel, build 1870's and best known for "The Miraculous Staircase". (Seen on Unsolved Mysteries) The legend is about the mysterious carpenter who appeared after the sisters prayed a novena to St. Joseph. There was a flaw in the building of the chapel as they didn't connect the choir loft to the church and a conventional staircase could not be built, so the sisters prayed for a solution. A carpenter arrived and his only tools on his donkey were a saw, carpenter's square, hammer and tubs to soak wood. His "Miraculous Staircase" contains 33 steps in two full 360 degree turns with no center support nor is it held from its sides. When completed the carpenter disappeared without seeking payment. The sisters went to at least pay for the wood, only to find out that no wood was ordered.
We then walked all around "The Plaza" visiting shops and looking at the many wares the Native Americans were selling. We toured the History Museum and the Palace of Governors. Lots of history and lots of walking. We really needed more time to see everything. If I get to come back I would love to drive up to the mountains, Taos area and see the ski resorts. We lunched at Coyote Cafe and of course purchased some small items to remind us of Santa Fe.
We then walked all around "The Plaza" visiting shops and looking at the many wares the Native Americans were selling. We toured the History Museum and the Palace of Governors. Lots of history and lots of walking. We really needed more time to see everything. If I get to come back I would love to drive up to the mountains, Taos area and see the ski resorts. We lunched at Coyote Cafe and of course purchased some small items to remind us of Santa Fe.
April 17, 2010
Saturday, The Lamondo's, Bonnie & Joe had us to a farewell dinner along with Lonnie & Tom Stevens and their other neighbors, Marla and Frank, Butch and Jean joined us for desert. They served a wonderful seafood dish with fish, scallops and shrimp.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
April 26, 2010
Today was a travel day driving from Alpine, TX to Santa Fe, New Mexico about 400 miles.
Leaving Alpine we took scenic route 118 over mountains with just beautiful views, lots of cattle ranches. We have been so blessed with nice weather today was clear, sunny started out at 55 degrees went into the 40's through the canyons but by late morning we had 70's. Arrived in Santa Fe checked in to Hampton Inn then walked to dinner...we really needed to stretch our legs after driving all day but we get to spend the whole next day in Santa Fe.
Leaving Alpine we took scenic route 118 over mountains with just beautiful views, lots of cattle ranches. We have been so blessed with nice weather today was clear, sunny started out at 55 degrees went into the 40's through the canyons but by late morning we had 70's. Arrived in Santa Fe checked in to Hampton Inn then walked to dinner...we really needed to stretch our legs after driving all day but we get to spend the whole next day in Santa Fe.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
April 25, 2010
Sunday, We left San Antonio at 8:15am on a beautiful, sunny day in the 70's. We have been very lucky with the nice weather. It was a long day driving Rt 90 all the way to Alpine, Tx. Through Del Rio we stopped for great donuts in a place that was an old Dunkin Donuts. Stopped in Wal Mart then heading west we were stopped for a traffic accident and told the road was closed and would be closed for a couple of hours. We went back to Wal Mart to do some errands and had lunch. After 2.5 hours later we were back on our way on 90 west. At the Pecos River Bridge we did make a scenic photo opportunity stop and took pictures of the highest bridge in Texas. Stopping at the Visitors Center, Judge Roy Bean, center of Law west of Pecos we found out the accident that closed the road was a oil tanker truck that went over the guard into a river. We did see what was left of the burned road and missing guard rails. We heard that the driver survived but the passenger did not.
We arrived about 6:30pm at the Hampton Inn in Alpine, Tx. Every Hampston Inn has been real nice and we are enjoying our stays.
We arrived about 6:30pm at the Hampton Inn in Alpine, Tx. Every Hampston Inn has been real nice and we are enjoying our stays.
April 24, 2010
Saturday, We spent the day in San Antonio, visited the Alamo, I was impressed, it was more that I expected, lots of history. A perfect weather day, sunny, not humid in 70's. We were fortunate catching the tail end of "Fiesta", their week long annual celebration of independence from Mexico, becoming the Republic of Texas. The afternoon we spent down on the river walk with all the outside cafe's, restaurants and shopping, and took the boat tour of 2 1/2 miles of the river walk. Had lunch sitting right on the river at Casa Rio's a great mexican food restaurant. We did take a cab from the hotel to the city because of the Fiesta and the parade that was being held that evening.
April 23, 2010
Today was a very long, long day on the road driving from Baton Rouge to San Antonio, Tx. It was all highway driving Rt10, some rain showers otherwise a boring ride arriving at Hampton Inn at 6:00pm.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
April 22, 2010
Well Kitty can cross off New Orleans from her bucket list.
We decided to stay two nights in Baton Rouge so we could visit Oak Alley Plantation and Kitty could see New Orleans. We drove down to the Plantation which is a National Historic Landmark which began with the trees. In early 1700's an unknown settler planted 28 evenly spaced oak trees in two rows leading to his humble cottage towards the mighty Mississippi River. In 1839 a wealthy Creole sugar cane planter built this spectacular mansion. The opulence of the home has been authentically restored to its original grandeur. We took the tour, walked the grounds, had the famous Mint Julep on the veranda. Then we walked on top of the Levee and viewed the Mississippi River.
We then drove to New Orleans and spent the day walking around the French Quarter and had lunch at the famous "Court of Two Sister's Restaurant out in the courtyard. Of course we had to have Beignets (french donuts) at Cafe Du Monde.
Tomorrow we will drive to San Antonio, Texas.
We decided to stay two nights in Baton Rouge so we could visit Oak Alley Plantation and Kitty could see New Orleans. We drove down to the Plantation which is a National Historic Landmark which began with the trees. In early 1700's an unknown settler planted 28 evenly spaced oak trees in two rows leading to his humble cottage towards the mighty Mississippi River. In 1839 a wealthy Creole sugar cane planter built this spectacular mansion. The opulence of the home has been authentically restored to its original grandeur. We took the tour, walked the grounds, had the famous Mint Julep on the veranda. Then we walked on top of the Levee and viewed the Mississippi River.
We then drove to New Orleans and spent the day walking around the French Quarter and had lunch at the famous "Court of Two Sister's Restaurant out in the courtyard. Of course we had to have Beignets (french donuts) at Cafe Du Monde.
Tomorrow we will drive to San Antonio, Texas.
April 21,2010
Left Panama City Beach and drove the coast road enjoying the Gulf ocean and fine, white sandy beaches, walked the beach and the water was crystal clear. Panama City Beach is well know for Spring break and fortunately spring break was the week before. There are several very large not so attractive hotels on the ocean, it is a very touristy area. As we drove west towards Pensacola around Destin, Fl. there were more upscale homes and marinas.
We then decided to program the GPS for a famous restaurant Ken had seen on TV, it was on Regis & Kelly, Southern Magazine, Diners, and won many awards for best BBQ. It is The Shed restaurant in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. How do I describe it??? For my Florida friends all I can say is it is "Stan's" without being on the water, but next to a campground. It had dollar bills attached to everything, number plates attached to everything...my picture does not do it justice. But FANTASTIC ribs, pulled pork, beans, cold slaw etc. All awards well deserved. After pigging out we continued driving along the gulf coast through Biloxi, Gulfport, La. We were totally amazed at the loss of property from hurricane Katrina. Miles and miles of whole city blocks leveled, some foundations but vacant land with "For Sale" signs. This was where large stately homes overlooking the ocean once stood. Some of the casinos have been rebuilt and there is some construction going on. The rest of the afternoon was highway travel to Baton Rouge.
We then decided to program the GPS for a famous restaurant Ken had seen on TV, it was on Regis & Kelly, Southern Magazine, Diners, and won many awards for best BBQ. It is The Shed restaurant in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. How do I describe it??? For my Florida friends all I can say is it is "Stan's" without being on the water, but next to a campground. It had dollar bills attached to everything, number plates attached to everything...my picture does not do it justice. But FANTASTIC ribs, pulled pork, beans, cold slaw etc. All awards well deserved. After pigging out we continued driving along the gulf coast through Biloxi, Gulfport, La. We were totally amazed at the loss of property from hurricane Katrina. Miles and miles of whole city blocks leveled, some foundations but vacant land with "For Sale" signs. This was where large stately homes overlooking the ocean once stood. Some of the casinos have been rebuilt and there is some construction going on. The rest of the afternoon was highway travel to Baton Rouge.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
April 20,2010
On the road again! We set off this morning after visiting the post office and mailing out Kitty's IRS letter on her 2008 tax problem.
We had our longest day yet driving about 600 miles staying tonight in Panama City Beach, FL.
Other than a couple of downpours on Rt.#10 it was an uneventful ride on I75 with sunny weather in 70's. Tomorrow's weather looks good and we will see some of the gulf coast, through Pensacola, then towards New Orleans.
We had our longest day yet driving about 600 miles staying tonight in Panama City Beach, FL.
Other than a couple of downpours on Rt.#10 it was an uneventful ride on I75 with sunny weather in 70's. Tomorrow's weather looks good and we will see some of the gulf coast, through Pensacola, then towards New Orleans.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
April 14, 2010
The date, April 19th is set for leaving Naples and starting the next segment of our adventure, driving to Arizona. Today we started getting the condo ready to close up. It is another beautiful, sunny day and we will go to the pool this afternoon and planning to have dinner this evening with Kathy Walsh and Bridget from Ireland.
April 13, 2010
Great motorcycle ride on a beautiful, sunny, 80's day up to Ave Maria. It is a new area developed as a complete community with a large university and the Ave Maria Oratory is a fantastic Catholic church in the heart of the community. It is a 27,000 square foot building which seats 1,100 in a traditional church plan. Ave Maria is out in the farm land, large orange orchards, on the road to Immoklee. We have visited before and went out to view the progress of the community.
We continued our ride to Immoklee and visited the Seminole Casino....didn't win any money.
Just a beautiful ride through the countryside. A day of contrasts from Religion to gambling.
We continued our ride to Immoklee and visited the Seminole Casino....didn't win any money.
Just a beautiful ride through the countryside. A day of contrasts from Religion to gambling.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
April 10, 2010
WELL, this is a recap of the last week. We had a busy week with fantastic weather sunny in 80's all week, no humidity, cool nights and no need of air conditioning.
Last Friday after we took Alice to the airport we then had a fabulous day out on the boat with sister Mel & Bob out to North Captiva Island, lunch on the beach, next to the nude beach section, (we gave one old man the prize for best dried arrangement...comment from Ken) then shelling. EVEN KEN ENJOYED THE BEACH.
Saturday a real nice motorcycle ride up to Fort Myers, we bought new motorcycle helmets and adopted the sales girl. We had our Easter dinner at "Famous Dave's Ribs", one of our favorite restaurants, we go to the one in Manchester,NH.
Not quite the Easter dinner Ken is used to, he missed going to his daughter Mel's for Easter dinner.
Easter Sunday we spent the day at the beach watching all the sights and let me tell you there were sights...Ken didn't even take time to read there were so many sights.
Monday early 7:00am ladies league golf at Golden Gate Golf course. Lonnie and I golfed then joined the rest of the ladies at First Watch for breakfast.
Ken and I then checked out tiles at Angela's and took home samples for the condo.
Tues. Gus our new tile installer came and gave us an estimate for doing tile for the entire condo.
Wed. We went and visited one of Gus's customers to see his work and they had him install the same tile Kitty picked out. Kitty loved the tile and Gus's work so we went right to Angela's and ordered the tile.
WE ARE FINALLY COMING INTO THE 21st CENTURY...we broke down, gave in and bought a GPS. We now have a new toy and it gives Kitty something to do so Ken can drive. Today we also made arrangement to have the power source added to the motorcycle so we can use it in the car and the motorcycle.
Yesterday, had lunch with sister Mel & Bob at Shrimp Shack in Cape Coral as they are leaving on Saturday for the 15 day cruise through the Panama Canal then flying back from LA, Calif.
It was a good long day ride (9:30-5:00) up Bonita beach, Fort Myers beach then on to Cape Coral and back, good practice for the long days we will be on the bike out west. Our new motorcycle back support belts work well and the new helmets feel great.
We almost have had some set backs about continuing the travel when we were not sure if we should return home. First FEMA was looking for our availability to work as there are so many New England declarations, Ma., Maine, NH, RI from the flooding and so many DAE's were already deployed to Alabama, DC, etc. for the snow storms. We talked and decided that this trip was a priority as we had planned it for 2 years and we might not ever have the opportunity to take this adventure and we are not getting any younger.
Now Kitty has a letter from the IRS regarding her 2008 tax return. Carol has been checking the mail for us and this unexpected letter turned up. Carol is forwarding the letter and hopefully Kitty can get an extension to answer the problem.
Last Friday after we took Alice to the airport we then had a fabulous day out on the boat with sister Mel & Bob out to North Captiva Island, lunch on the beach, next to the nude beach section, (we gave one old man the prize for best dried arrangement...comment from Ken) then shelling. EVEN KEN ENJOYED THE BEACH.
Saturday a real nice motorcycle ride up to Fort Myers, we bought new motorcycle helmets and adopted the sales girl. We had our Easter dinner at "Famous Dave's Ribs", one of our favorite restaurants, we go to the one in Manchester,NH.
Not quite the Easter dinner Ken is used to, he missed going to his daughter Mel's for Easter dinner.
Easter Sunday we spent the day at the beach watching all the sights and let me tell you there were sights...Ken didn't even take time to read there were so many sights.
Monday early 7:00am ladies league golf at Golden Gate Golf course. Lonnie and I golfed then joined the rest of the ladies at First Watch for breakfast.
Ken and I then checked out tiles at Angela's and took home samples for the condo.
Tues. Gus our new tile installer came and gave us an estimate for doing tile for the entire condo.
Wed. We went and visited one of Gus's customers to see his work and they had him install the same tile Kitty picked out. Kitty loved the tile and Gus's work so we went right to Angela's and ordered the tile.
WE ARE FINALLY COMING INTO THE 21st CENTURY...we broke down, gave in and bought a GPS. We now have a new toy and it gives Kitty something to do so Ken can drive. Today we also made arrangement to have the power source added to the motorcycle so we can use it in the car and the motorcycle.
Yesterday, had lunch with sister Mel & Bob at Shrimp Shack in Cape Coral as they are leaving on Saturday for the 15 day cruise through the Panama Canal then flying back from LA, Calif.
It was a good long day ride (9:30-5:00) up Bonita beach, Fort Myers beach then on to Cape Coral and back, good practice for the long days we will be on the bike out west. Our new motorcycle back support belts work well and the new helmets feel great.
We almost have had some set backs about continuing the travel when we were not sure if we should return home. First FEMA was looking for our availability to work as there are so many New England declarations, Ma., Maine, NH, RI from the flooding and so many DAE's were already deployed to Alabama, DC, etc. for the snow storms. We talked and decided that this trip was a priority as we had planned it for 2 years and we might not ever have the opportunity to take this adventure and we are not getting any younger.
Now Kitty has a letter from the IRS regarding her 2008 tax return. Carol has been checking the mail for us and this unexpected letter turned up. Carol is forwarding the letter and hopefully Kitty can get an extension to answer the problem.
April 10, 2010
New picture is in front of Shrimp Shack, Cape Coral where we had lunch with Mel & Bob.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
April 1, 2010
April Fool Day!!
Another beautiful sunny day! Looks like we brought the sun. We are just relaxing. Friday we take Alice to the airport for her flight back to New Hampshire which will be a short stay as she starts work with FEMA in Massachusetts on Monday.
Ken & I will visit Melanie & Bob in Cape Coral after we drop Alice at Fort Myers Airport.
Last Monday Alice and I went to the Golden Gate Ladies Golf luncheon...we didn't golf as it was raining but had a real nice luncheon over at Fox Fire Golf Club' dinning room. Got all up to date with Bonnie, Lonnie and the rest of the golf ladies. I sat beside Mary Peters, Kelter, Strom (Ken went all through school 1st to high school with Mary) and she updated me on her family and our mutual Peter's family.
Cuz Tom Peters still in Michigan.
Ken and I have been taking some nice rides around Naples and Marco Island on the motorcycle...it feels great to be back on the bike.
Another beautiful sunny day! Looks like we brought the sun. We are just relaxing. Friday we take Alice to the airport for her flight back to New Hampshire which will be a short stay as she starts work with FEMA in Massachusetts on Monday.
Ken & I will visit Melanie & Bob in Cape Coral after we drop Alice at Fort Myers Airport.
Last Monday Alice and I went to the Golden Gate Ladies Golf luncheon...we didn't golf as it was raining but had a real nice luncheon over at Fox Fire Golf Club' dinning room. Got all up to date with Bonnie, Lonnie and the rest of the golf ladies. I sat beside Mary Peters, Kelter, Strom (Ken went all through school 1st to high school with Mary) and she updated me on her family and our mutual Peter's family.
Cuz Tom Peters still in Michigan.
Ken and I have been taking some nice rides around Naples and Marco Island on the motorcycle...it feels great to be back on the bike.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
March 28, 2010
Well, we are here in Naples, Florida...relaxing. Friday night we stayed in Melbourne, Fl. at a nice Hampton Inn then Saturday drove down the Florida Turnpike and then across Alligator Alley into Naples. In total we travelled 1952 miles from North Conway to Naples. We will stay here for 2 or 3 weeks then start travel to Arizona. I will keep you posted every few days.
Friday, March 26, 2010
March 26, 2010
The drive down from New Bern (Mar.24th) was fun LOL took pictures and did several double back to take some funny pictures in Maysville, NC. We arrived in Charleston Wednesday and checked into the Marriott Courtyard Waterfront with beautiful views of the harbor and marina...the hotel is older and could use some upgrades. Had dinner down in the Historic district at Hyman's Seafood...great dinner, Ken has eaten here before. So good we didn't have room for desert so plan to return tomorrow for lunch and desert.
On the way driving to historic area we hit a large bump in the road and the trailer hitch jumped off the ball so we had to pull over and fix that at least it didn't totally come apart. Then the next morning (Mar.25th) we noticed a nail in the right rear tire so got that fixed on the way out of Charleston. The shop we stopped at didn't even charge for fixing the tire.
Thursday morning we spent several hours walking around historic Charleston...weather was perfect and we did some shopping. I loved the Sawgrass Baskets the natives make and watched them making them as they were selling them...bought a few for gifts. Had lunch at Hyman's as planned...just a sandwich so we could have one of their fabulous deserts...I had a great Key West Lime Pie...Ken had the American favorite apple pie a la mode. Checked into Hampton Inn, Savannah...Ken needed to work on the trailer hitch.
On the way driving to historic area we hit a large bump in the road and the trailer hitch jumped off the ball so we had to pull over and fix that at least it didn't totally come apart. Then the next morning (Mar.25th) we noticed a nail in the right rear tire so got that fixed on the way out of Charleston. The shop we stopped at didn't even charge for fixing the tire.
Thursday morning we spent several hours walking around historic Charleston...weather was perfect and we did some shopping. I loved the Sawgrass Baskets the natives make and watched them making them as they were selling them...bought a few for gifts. Had lunch at Hyman's as planned...just a sandwich so we could have one of their fabulous deserts...I had a great Key West Lime Pie...Ken had the American favorite apple pie a la mode. Checked into Hampton Inn, Savannah...Ken needed to work on the trailer hitch.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
March 24, 2010
Didn't post last night as I had problems with my email and spent 1 hour with tech support for Road Runner. We stayed the night at a Hilton New Bern in North Carolina and we had fantastic views from our room over looking the harbor and marina and watched the sunrise with the red sky...looks like it is going to be a beautiful day in the 70's. We took a long walk through the historic city...New Bern was originally the capital of North Carolina...very beautiful shops and Victorian homes...we were tempted to stay an another day but we will drive to Charleston.
I did loose emails so if anyone emailed me yesterday I lost the emails so send again.
I did loose emails so if anyone emailed me yesterday I lost the emails so send again.
Monday, March 22, 2010
March 22, 2010
A pretty uneventful first day of travel...drove all 420 miles in the rain, we adjusted the route because of weather to the New Jersey Turnpike instead of going to Cape May and taking the ferry.
Well...after 3 hours of driving we ran out of things to talk about so we put on the radio (might be a long trip).
Tonight we are staying in Dover, Del. Had a nice fish dinner at Shucky's.
Well...after 3 hours of driving we ran out of things to talk about so we put on the radio (might be a long trip).
Tonight we are staying in Dover, Del. Had a nice fish dinner at Shucky's.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
March 21, 2010
Well we dropped Neil off at the Manchester Airport today Sunday, Mar. 21st and we are off on our adventure. We are spending the night at Ken's daughter, Melanie's then off first thing in the morning heading south. More to come...............
Monday, January 18, 2010
My First Post
Ken and I are getting ready to go on our trip. We will be keeping you updated on our blog. We will put pictures etc.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
