Seattle, Washington

Day 2 - 450 Miles

The forecast says another hot day, but we got up early and caught as much of the cool of the day as we could. By the time we're done, we more than make up yesterday's shortfall and end up in Seattle.

Not that we didn't spend a lot of time waiting for various traffic accidents to clear... and as they were in the afternoon, no reason to even slog it out on the road. The Shell manager was none too pleased. His store was overrun with people buying very little and using his facilities. And out of gas too... so he was clearly depressed over the additional "customers"

No lane splitting in Washington either. I asked a patrol officer. He said it was "highly" illegal. Makes one wonder what "just a little illegal" must mean.

But we made it into the burbs where my sister lives, showered, and grabbed a dinner at one of the local eateries.

She makes a comfortable bed.

Total Miles: 962

Grant's Pass, Oregon

Day 1 - 298 Miles

We picked an amazingly hot day to set out. W. is still a bit sore from the Chester ride... and the heat isn't helping either of us. We also go stuck at a road construction site and sat in the sun on the asphalt for 20 minutes.

When we were finally allowed to proceed, the flagger was about to stop us again, no doubt for another 20 minutes but I thumped my chest "asking" to be let through and he waved us through, but stepped in front of the guy behind us. Watching in my mirrors, I could tell though his windshield he was ticked off... but I was just glad to have some wind crossing over us again.

We had to stop to rehydrate and cool off numerous times, including a stop at Harry & David's in Medford... but by the time we hit Grants Pass we were both shot and no desire to continue on to our original half-way point of Roseburg.

The Motel 6 we chose had a pool. Delightful.

Total Miles: 512

Preparing for Seattle - A Day Trip to Chester

Day Zero - 214 miles.

I plan on taking my wife on the bike to Seattle to visit my sister and brother-in-law, but it's been a seriously long time since W traveled with me by bike. And certainly never on a cruiser, so a day trip seems in order to check out the seating arrangement.

It was 99 miles to Chester by way of Chico and 115 miles back by way of the Feather River Canyon. The longer route was by far the better from the back seat perspective. Newer roadbed, fewer bumps, curves, and speed changes. She was pretty sore by the time we got home.

She adapted a saddlepad for the rear seat. Initially with batting to pad it out, but that compressed and got hard. It was far better when she removed it and just used the fleece.



214 Miles

Home Again

Day 59 - 466 Miles

Total Miles: 16,814

Wow. From April 18th to July 29th.
Three months and 11 days, on the road, seeing sights and meeting people.

It's addictive and I intend to feed the addiction soon... To get on the road again.

Los Angeles Day Trip

142 Miles

Spent the morning lounging around... and headed toward LA to see a couple more old friends...

Figured I'd snap a few shots of Vasquez Rocks seeing this was the third time I passed it and just because I've seen it before, doesn't mean you should be deprived.




If you don't recognize the scenery, just imagine Superman, the Lone Ranger, Tom Mix, and a host of other heroes saving the day or heading 'em off at the pass on your 1950's vintage television...





This is the place the studios came for authentic old West scenery... (and Superhero stuff too.) I even saw a crew hurrying up and waiting there this afternoon.




Total Miles: 16,348

Homeward Bound... but first... Lancaster.

Day 56 - 233 Miles

Spent the morning watching the final stage of the Tour de France, a break for breakfast, and then headed north. Stopped in Monrovia for a housewarming and then back to Lancaster.

Just beginning the journey home.

Total Miles: 16,206

Corner #4

Day 55 - 284 Miles

Breakfast at Otto's, then a run through the high desert to I-15 down to San Diego to pick up Kip's daughter, and on down to San Ysidro at the Mexican Border.











Wow... I'm done and feeling a little melancholy about it. I really didn't expect that. LOL. I love riding and started thinking about the next trip. Of course, I have to go home first.

Spent the night in San Diego.

Total Miles: 15,973