I got one picture today, and you’re looking at it. This snow capped peak was greeting me as I was leaving California, in stark contrast to the 100 degree heat and desert that I saw as I entered. The one thing I did think was appropriate when I arrived about 5 days ago was that, despite the fact it looked like the Middle East, the Beach Boys were playing on the radio.
The days are all starting to run together, and I’m having a hard time remembering where I was the day before. I do know that I got on the road about 7:30 and it was a reasonable mid 60’s and sun. I thought it would warm up, so I didn’t bother getting all bundled for cold weather. About 30 minutes later, out comes the liner. Even further down the road, I had to pull off to a McDonalds to warm up. It was in the city of Weed, CA. Now there is a town that HAD to have had a big population boom in the 60’s. Anyway – this McD doesn’t serve hot chocolate! I’ve never heard of such a thing. Later in the day, I go to a gas station that only takes cash and DEBIT (ATM) cards. So to get on with the story, here comes my Nanuk of the North look again! After I got all bundled up, it was actually one of the better days to ride, especially when the sun was out, but that didn’t last long. As soon as you come into Oregon, you go up a big hill that lets you know it’s the highest elevation on I-5 in the state. I think it was about 4300 ft. The roads were clear of any loose gravel, and curves were long enough and tight enough to make a motorcyclist think this must be heaven. Had it been warm enough to turn off the heated grips, this would have been a perfect ride.
As I approached Portland, it was apparent that I was going to have to face rush hour traffic either tonight going north from the city, or tomorrow morning if I shut down early. I chose to get through town first so I wouldn’t be forcing myself to rush in the AM.
My final destination is close at hand. Blaine, WA is about 250 miles away – can you believe it? I phoned my cousin, Brian, just a bit ago to let him know where I am and how to get together. It seemed strange making the call. After all, I haven’t seen or spoken to him in years, but I know that if the circumstances were reversed, I would certainly open our house to him.
So here we go – one more day, and the “official” part of the tour will be over. Then the only part I have to worry about is making sure I’m in Jackson when Louise gets there.
The days are all starting to run together, and I’m having a hard time remembering where I was the day before. I do know that I got on the road about 7:30 and it was a reasonable mid 60’s and sun. I thought it would warm up, so I didn’t bother getting all bundled for cold weather. About 30 minutes later, out comes the liner. Even further down the road, I had to pull off to a McDonalds to warm up. It was in the city of Weed, CA. Now there is a town that HAD to have had a big population boom in the 60’s. Anyway – this McD doesn’t serve hot chocolate! I’ve never heard of such a thing. Later in the day, I go to a gas station that only takes cash and DEBIT (ATM) cards. So to get on with the story, here comes my Nanuk of the North look again! After I got all bundled up, it was actually one of the better days to ride, especially when the sun was out, but that didn’t last long. As soon as you come into Oregon, you go up a big hill that lets you know it’s the highest elevation on I-5 in the state. I think it was about 4300 ft. The roads were clear of any loose gravel, and curves were long enough and tight enough to make a motorcyclist think this must be heaven. Had it been warm enough to turn off the heated grips, this would have been a perfect ride.
As I approached Portland, it was apparent that I was going to have to face rush hour traffic either tonight going north from the city, or tomorrow morning if I shut down early. I chose to get through town first so I wouldn’t be forcing myself to rush in the AM.
My final destination is close at hand. Blaine, WA is about 250 miles away – can you believe it? I phoned my cousin, Brian, just a bit ago to let him know where I am and how to get together. It seemed strange making the call. After all, I haven’t seen or spoken to him in years, but I know that if the circumstances were reversed, I would certainly open our house to him.
So here we go – one more day, and the “official” part of the tour will be over. Then the only part I have to worry about is making sure I’m in Jackson when Louise gets there.
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