tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24252520161428730032024-03-05T18:21:21.418-05:00A Girl and Her Bike...And Stuff.Motorcycle madness and the stuff that gets in the way of it.jwestermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13286140065668045010noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2425252016142873003.post-77929534462411378902020-04-27T10:46:00.002-04:002020-04-27T10:46:09.919-04:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
testing</div>
jwestermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13286140065668045010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2425252016142873003.post-56229535118292872352011-08-14T07:40:00.001-04:002011-08-14T08:09:53.841-04:00Are you kidding me?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">My only job for this morning was to sleep. I set my phone to ring at 9, just in case I set a personal record, but I was up at 6 and TIRED, but can't sleep. I finally gave up and figured I'd get some things done early and take a nap later if I could. Check out is 11, so I've got a chance. (riiiight...)<br />
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I'm becoming more aware of how much I have no idea what I'm doing. Or how very rudimentary the skills I do have are. Worried? Nah, I'm not worried... :/<br />
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So, I check the weather, cuz my clothes still aren't dry.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmrsD7Kv7jyrfK_FmbGQYcdxiYaaY8e9F8K-WmXkmBTWOkc9NqIPgU19HrvJ6nP1-7iJWVNjp0KjaxJYUoHzu7YNqd9RQmn-6t-bOhiJ46EC4h4ssuDu9ay1LlkZbjp2xFxN8nmalc3I/s1600/weather+for+8%253A14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmrsD7Kv7jyrfK_FmbGQYcdxiYaaY8e9F8K-WmXkmBTWOkc9NqIPgU19HrvJ6nP1-7iJWVNjp0KjaxJYUoHzu7YNqd9RQmn-6t-bOhiJ46EC4h4ssuDu9ay1LlkZbjp2xFxN8nmalc3I/s320/weather+for+8%253A14.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah...all that green stuff on the right side? Hoagy calls it liquid sunshine. </td></tr>
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When I decided that the new helmet I got didn't have enough road time for me to bring it and be sure I'd be comfortable, I grabbed my old helmet. The GoPro camera mount is there, so maybe I'll play with that this week. I asked the folks I saw the day I left to sign it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3q1YK_EnPVU2s3Vwgjk5TwwfYId4xSuCFhYn2oSD3aqxucgMkZ3Fe2GziDSsWmDbteEBAHYTwVUiBhQdjS-VA8iE_Sk_wfJec6JrD0OEepcM0cYPolmfYsKvrcZfLpdvcp0ldfr9p4XE/s1600/IMG_6167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3q1YK_EnPVU2s3Vwgjk5TwwfYId4xSuCFhYn2oSD3aqxucgMkZ3Fe2GziDSsWmDbteEBAHYTwVUiBhQdjS-VA8iE_Sk_wfJec6JrD0OEepcM0cYPolmfYsKvrcZfLpdvcp0ldfr9p4XE/s320/IMG_6167.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You go, girl, Come back in one piece. -Matt and Rock on. - Tj</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7sUYGlgJT9lDCi3jS_Zg9y_6ut2uQ_xmDyUGf1iTeOq4oBC-HE3PglmZkcrTVxk1hGvlLJ73fiGjfpkgy61C3WqLiX6ItyFh1azZyYtLDQpMD0KOU-3I1vgU4370BO866MW1dYjAkzJc/s1600/IMG_6169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7sUYGlgJT9lDCi3jS_Zg9y_6ut2uQ_xmDyUGf1iTeOq4oBC-HE3PglmZkcrTVxk1hGvlLJ73fiGjfpkgy61C3WqLiX6ItyFh1azZyYtLDQpMD0KOU-3I1vgU4370BO866MW1dYjAkzJc/s320/IMG_6169.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Have a blast & a safe trip. -Kelly C, Oz and Gavin and I am the green Fairy - Jon :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDAzhTcBm0JXVYNI47CcmbE2MkEgps7t6wkYFnE57bspABHRQIjidpuv53U9zdKl5wvHepZ59VRqVqZeQ2HcT9KGaaQL4SXeKIpuss0P3Qy3c8wFkPIemtHDx2y-dqXwXFR-ObMRgzYU/s1600/IMG_6168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDAzhTcBm0JXVYNI47CcmbE2MkEgps7t6wkYFnE57bspABHRQIjidpuv53U9zdKl5wvHepZ59VRqVqZeQ2HcT9KGaaQL4SXeKIpuss0P3Qy3c8wFkPIemtHDx2y-dqXwXFR-ObMRgzYU/s320/IMG_6168.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Safe travel - Paul F. and Here's to miles of smiles! -Ron and Barbara and a note to self, just in case.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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So, I should go get dressed and work on my list, huh? Wish me luck! (and a nap)<br />
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*********************************<br />
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</div>jwestermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13286140065668045010noreply@blogger.com128tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2425252016142873003.post-86224923736369747582011-08-13T23:56:00.011-04:002011-08-14T07:17:34.412-04:00Getting There: The BitE Rally Hotel<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Well, after realizing I had waaaay more time than I thought I did to get where I'm going, I got more relaxed about where I was stopping on the way.<br />
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After leaving the casino in Charles Town, WV, last night I aw a sign that said Front Royal and realized I might be passing a friend's house, so I called to see if we could get together.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsgL0xSbjlStfA_bnZRDrQ3mDOPZmZZ81VglT2AK2TrAhR5nCI1O19O4vj1dMAyyhBIoQ1lIrMzIwpYYTAd-fm5V-BDym1BWeDGOHoSmJqR1vkEEW1zb8SZ4PIjQ7lawWkxXQ-1z9WHw/s1600/IMG_6070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsgL0xSbjlStfA_bnZRDrQ3mDOPZmZZ81VglT2AK2TrAhR5nCI1O19O4vj1dMAyyhBIoQ1lIrMzIwpYYTAd-fm5V-BDym1BWeDGOHoSmJqR1vkEEW1zb8SZ4PIjQ7lawWkxXQ-1z9WHw/s320/IMG_6070.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsOn_An34ALezqpi8-O1ljrdAQzRW7AgadWyxmSJneXMwrJ69pb9PzzgAhjAg8gZt2GSS9yEqf5kryw-LdjZ8Oql0uVk7FdaHwFk3uPP-0ld15qFyx19FvJb870C5KqGHiBr6QYXgGpSc/s1600/IMG_6071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsOn_An34ALezqpi8-O1ljrdAQzRW7AgadWyxmSJneXMwrJ69pb9PzzgAhjAg8gZt2GSS9yEqf5kryw-LdjZ8Oql0uVk7FdaHwFk3uPP-0ld15qFyx19FvJb870C5KqGHiBr6QYXgGpSc/s320/IMG_6071.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view behind the Denny's... where I'm going to go ride later.</td></tr>
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Ron and Barbara were able to meet me at Denny's for breakfast. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkL38MkMrb_ZpwNNPuX8B7_RqeXG5WDB2Bql8SXMATKoWoJ8dpDNY8mFVqXbGdCjfkUXhQFhyRBBwDU13tK7uqLZfeHGkDCtRJrjKcTftasj6M2Hw4O4d0DsWN1c4UFqM9ev4g2u829BU/s1600/IMG_6073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkL38MkMrb_ZpwNNPuX8B7_RqeXG5WDB2Bql8SXMATKoWoJ8dpDNY8mFVqXbGdCjfkUXhQFhyRBBwDU13tK7uqLZfeHGkDCtRJrjKcTftasj6M2Hw4O4d0DsWN1c4UFqM9ev4g2u829BU/s320/IMG_6073.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ron and Barbara P.</td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We spent an hour catching up and then they went off to do their thing and I looked up Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Parks.</span> </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRH3WSyc-Xnt5kRp8hWrpNxulIhtTTB9GmIWnzTg2TBW2Uc7ohKC3Ce2uyxuYaN6IqcQbTVC9QAS8a9QqI0xiCEuJL1ZwZUIeeNpuBSt4RjRbSVhGFv0Qc9n6GzJVtmXIvowHGi3IMTGQ/s1600/IMG_6075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRH3WSyc-Xnt5kRp8hWrpNxulIhtTTB9GmIWnzTg2TBW2Uc7ohKC3Ce2uyxuYaN6IqcQbTVC9QAS8a9QqI0xiCEuJL1ZwZUIeeNpuBSt4RjRbSVhGFv0Qc9n6GzJVtmXIvowHGi3IMTGQ/s320/IMG_6075.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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This was the first of two 'yard crawls' I got stuck in today. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Bpu1ndAa026Fu6ILKA6Ejim4BHuR_ofVP1PV2doodU02hipVmK5xEyvUyITVXEXoLFOrHdIe0HI8eNkz0Ky2GeBCMWKajpCd1mJPWT1wk-en_Rs4Cw92rir5DYUxoF9BoKzxIAIrH7Y/s1600/IMG_6085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Bpu1ndAa026Fu6ILKA6Ejim4BHuR_ofVP1PV2doodU02hipVmK5xEyvUyITVXEXoLFOrHdIe0HI8eNkz0Ky2GeBCMWKajpCd1mJPWT1wk-en_Rs4Cw92rir5DYUxoF9BoKzxIAIrH7Y/s320/IMG_6085.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The whole town agreed to have yard sales on the same day. Traffic nightmare!</td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> I hit Ceder Creek and the woman there was great and showed me the new library and gave me some background.</span> </div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Two miles to get to park hq from the visitor center and after I missed it (7718 1/2 Main St? Come on! Get a sign!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTaV8DRAUtnw1VdeaXU6WE4QezVxSE3FzeY9Dbsk9oRdhrNvgnxbhL4RUvonGyx-BsFpByObKVzArk2yiG9X-3PTREdRt1fbv7eOWL9MaHxRjlqyoTQPAunlhXcga4Va1LwNrAkeoOnZI/s1600/IMG_6084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTaV8DRAUtnw1VdeaXU6WE4QezVxSE3FzeY9Dbsk9oRdhrNvgnxbhL4RUvonGyx-BsFpByObKVzArk2yiG9X-3PTREdRt1fbv7eOWL9MaHxRjlqyoTQPAunlhXcga4Va1LwNrAkeoOnZI/s320/IMG_6084.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I decided to jump back on 81 and get to Skyline Drive.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLEiMgWF7bLk2nFDZmE0P9T2oYA-qnfuPv7DnZZL1pck7YcS3XMkfMKHWrrR6G6l2RBbsz2jkELsPfo3V3SB2OXLOHFdvveFjY9yAcPE8FDmQRuVDq-4mQuLElMzBtnwPzPcMEA25DCyg/s320/IMG_6083.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saw this on the way out of town.</td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I stopped at a visitor's center just before skyline drive's entrance and the guy there was tremendously sweet and helpful. I was there for a little while while we talked and he gave me all kinds of info. He loaded me up with state maps when I answered his question about why I was in the area.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFpX0Be29n4Etzc8sM060xh5iMvH9hUZujOMYbgLDTeln24haJ_JlUWb1P06oeRtdCMA1mF0q9NjXAh90eTKo234bXcOMCztbjX5CTxfO7bjFb6Ngs2B_PREhB2xrM7HNfMaHITcvMG6Q/s1600/IMG_6171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFpX0Be29n4Etzc8sM060xh5iMvH9hUZujOMYbgLDTeln24haJ_JlUWb1P06oeRtdCMA1mF0q9NjXAh90eTKo234bXcOMCztbjX5CTxfO7bjFb6Ngs2B_PREhB2xrM7HNfMaHITcvMG6Q/s320/IMG_6171.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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I got to use my National Parks Pass to get into the park. I love that thing. :)<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Skyline Drive was lovely. I only did the Northern section. I didn't have 4 hours to tool around today, but definitely enjoyed the 1 1/2 hours I was there. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJQ2_ikIpff-qdBBpwLfC9coL6exIkCq4wwFL7-MPG_RYw7Nu3Jps_yySPZVoDvFADhIpRElsNqNtaafprNiyk7ANLnbQWM0xG4HKtyyu3QmR5fTxGHkj6oQLWt-jU1wFVxEVCEKqL7Yo/s1600/IMG_6095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJQ2_ikIpff-qdBBpwLfC9coL6exIkCq4wwFL7-MPG_RYw7Nu3Jps_yySPZVoDvFADhIpRElsNqNtaafprNiyk7ANLnbQWM0xG4HKtyyu3QmR5fTxGHkj6oQLWt-jU1wFVxEVCEKqL7Yo/s320/IMG_6095.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Having the gps with me was nice. Knowing what was around the next corner and what kind of turn I was looking at was reassuring. Not that at 35 there was much to worry about. Fun to see the elevation change, too. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbL4GSNPMjQ_fjwezJvlIlKkiW2yyjpTnrGQsM486_ghTHzcZW-FX_HjPv8It6SX1V-k5YdL596rWbIPpjCcqHKsaBDNiCYFBbvmD3kRP6mn6Pw_Mbx8na1zpYe2rVLVMFApWLRem67XI/s1600/IMG_6098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbL4GSNPMjQ_fjwezJvlIlKkiW2yyjpTnrGQsM486_ghTHzcZW-FX_HjPv8It6SX1V-k5YdL596rWbIPpjCcqHKsaBDNiCYFBbvmD3kRP6mn6Pw_Mbx8na1zpYe2rVLVMFApWLRem67XI/s320/IMG_6098.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
It was much less crowded today than when Charles R. and I drove it to get to Dr. Dave's Remedy Run a couple years ago. I had the place mostly to myself.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIr8G7_ovLSSO7a2Edqvw2UY98kkEnGBGKbLEXZFFWdk22fUnnzuHA06SPhrKdRnoZBNwux-i3aML0Nyotse2cjrJmYGd3R-hCVOA2Jh6AWxAg_tqgCecg91vGNzh9fTRGOtO7wupC5Rs/s1600/IMG_6106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIr8G7_ovLSSO7a2Edqvw2UY98kkEnGBGKbLEXZFFWdk22fUnnzuHA06SPhrKdRnoZBNwux-i3aML0Nyotse2cjrJmYGd3R-hCVOA2Jh6AWxAg_tqgCecg91vGNzh9fTRGOtO7wupC5Rs/s320/IMG_6106.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the other motorcycles that was enjoying the park today in the distance.</td></tr>
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It drizzled a little here and there, but nothing serious.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMi4wT3FQMbBQDLQ6b-l0qzgn6Z98Lg7PvKy1JsTe2_BCQPSNoAzHzFZgO5lCke3IgvwqfIdJb7qPok4NYSCIhWLjELLRhok7eUrKczAc5b6HGwabgTeTH8bpx68XkvkrEdYLT7j5mLjY/s1600/IMG_6112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMi4wT3FQMbBQDLQ6b-l0qzgn6Z98Lg7PvKy1JsTe2_BCQPSNoAzHzFZgO5lCke3IgvwqfIdJb7qPok4NYSCIhWLjELLRhok7eUrKczAc5b6HGwabgTeTH8bpx68XkvkrEdYLT7j5mLjY/s320/IMG_6112.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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The guy at the VC had told me about the Hazzard Homecoming. Apparently a bunch of the Dukes of Hazzard cast are in town for a festival of sorts. There's also an Andy Griffith connection nearby.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvVEsSR3S8I5n13fhDwNiw-muNuABLLE36scmRPKMfBLuIIg06hGC2tMs7Kbc_B_O8q-hTXfUSvxe1IA6jIV4NnJDehw_8UvGdiTQG9D3GVH6VPqBfqRuO_m5YZBgOxS0koFeE9KU_VY8/s320/IMG_6113.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hazzard Homecoming sign.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4WjdWM9sHXTLHYAX-uIERHEZ1O9_zc1cm2kWAc4TZyr7vvJS4zgy-wfKCXcuELJhdhjnIFpejq-AqlNCPjyOVYh8jAWUNZyvU4_7tYj4w25Go7ukn3M3F8HEB6XEgmFUO_VImry8ViBw/s320/IMG_6115.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where I exited the park.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4WjdWM9sHXTLHYAX-uIERHEZ1O9_zc1cm2kWAc4TZyr7vvJS4zgy-wfKCXcuELJhdhjnIFpejq-AqlNCPjyOVYh8jAWUNZyvU4_7tYj4w25Go7ukn3M3F8HEB6XEgmFUO_VImry8ViBw/s1600/IMG_6115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Really, teh whole day was an uneventful ride. Not much to say about the scenery. Looks like home except the roadside growth was taller and more rugged looking than home. Otherwise, not much of particular interest through VA. Saw some kitschy stuff, of course.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I laughed at this cuz I see it at SSA all the time, but have never seen it out in the real world.</div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMqbBavlvX5v2dGyK2EiX12pj9MRr_HNWo1HlOJMEkzYtTsj_7X_4Gf1WoaziO1c7dRNHKIzqBOKyMIta8uipfA0ji2U-yDKfddlY1vme4XmrCwQ6Q6Ukic3BAlS_f2k8pcg7Ha4DxKug/s320/IMG_6126.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Social Security billboard</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYT-fiaHjOYLJyU7nsIzH8jiMCJpL8Nqf_Wg_zzh4t30gxkQ01UYF03YVtT21ZFpjp0wvRzgx1wUxfB3Vz2ghaS_-AwWRecc3Gl2JQuoGOAgw2D_bAz9Y2rfH4jKibT_9NsaOwWGKqgMA/s320/IMG_6128.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yogi bear and the sign for his campground.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBmn0dWxeoa2G8GPhIzOu9mJIyapjKrwqVS8JsVIzWqqMj9Q1Ik8PRELrDSr34L7l7605t_Fb2exrKc7qk0G67kMigbF0nlB3GVl-1nhN8wV_4bTn7qEcFoxDuqqS15rqRhA3Z1yrzDEg/s320/IMG_6134.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Luray Zoo. you can't see the enormous gator head hiding behind the dinosaur.</td></tr>
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</div>The weather report this morning in the hotel had warned me about the scattered storms today. So far, it hasn't been too bad.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg28xiz2z4fdzZQmMfJyY7JfxO00HyXLs4m-dUgDTR2Pm926i-n2k7fQVoaVOG6BYYG9quB3OGuUhXXHfuttxZvPmZZxvYkQKiTcHtcPpZ8hnM1F7fIO6LKZopetf5Vxx0GsCD9c_Mz6yk/s1600/IMG_6129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg28xiz2z4fdzZQmMfJyY7JfxO00HyXLs4m-dUgDTR2Pm926i-n2k7fQVoaVOG6BYYG9quB3OGuUhXXHfuttxZvPmZZxvYkQKiTcHtcPpZ8hnM1F7fIO6LKZopetf5Vxx0GsCD9c_Mz6yk/s320/IMG_6129.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The weather threatened rain on and off.</td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I stopped at Outlanders when I saw it, cuz there had been some billboards earlier. It's a bike/ATV/Skate shop, apparently. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNp41u_gCQPClcIggqYjduhbvAAucHor3_hmqSWbcF5jltHyluWqzheD0rcbVGpln9SVxAlfPRJDk-OQVdQmTa5OYrj9B5YSp-k4fFMGBYVQp-HmpPFBczzIEqcsxF7HhBgsOovaycTk/s1600/IMG_6143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNp41u_gCQPClcIggqYjduhbvAAucHor3_hmqSWbcF5jltHyluWqzheD0rcbVGpln9SVxAlfPRJDk-OQVdQmTa5OYrj9B5YSp-k4fFMGBYVQp-HmpPFBczzIEqcsxF7HhBgsOovaycTk/s320/IMG_6143.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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As soon as I got off the bike, Lewis was there saying 'hi' and inviting me to the fundraiser down the hill. That explained the 12 or 15 bikes and the crowd I saw when I pulled in. He introduced me to the Buffalo Soldiers and the gentleman they were raising money for. All really nice and a couple of the guys and I chatted for a half hour or so before I checked out the shop.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioIhamfhcC2RWgAa5eH7O3FV13bKPtzyVHYqLFQoKCfSEXQzbjjFNhiN9wzfdQ1hTJtuVuLpKZkRrAgcCcztJrsfJUahghhO055hZPVy86ViGxSoJI90I_x6lmEEhRJavQ5m5eyCf7mxI/s1600/IMG_6135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioIhamfhcC2RWgAa5eH7O3FV13bKPtzyVHYqLFQoKCfSEXQzbjjFNhiN9wzfdQ1hTJtuVuLpKZkRrAgcCcztJrsfJUahghhO055hZPVy86ViGxSoJI90I_x6lmEEhRJavQ5m5eyCf7mxI/s320/IMG_6135.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All-wooden motorcycles were on display around the shop.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWlYvkLPM3K9GgqpfSN_cRXTpDObrEWmwhyGlBiMycM4nayisKiLMJ_hJ0jkC-wkpirw8V1EtL0gp2Xh7Tqsfo7O-rWTU38CF7PY1iriEfkB3xRuijmdYKswdt34XncJsasP8Ih1HbLoQ/s1600/IMG_6136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWlYvkLPM3K9GgqpfSN_cRXTpDObrEWmwhyGlBiMycM4nayisKiLMJ_hJ0jkC-wkpirw8V1EtL0gp2Xh7Tqsfo7O-rWTU38CF7PY1iriEfkB3xRuijmdYKswdt34XncJsasP8Ih1HbLoQ/s320/IMG_6136.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">$25! A steal, I thought.</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7b_rbHuZkuInoslMy6lU-UR-ibFnaDAmmPx270scgDQGJNAM3tWWE8M5mY7EPSkpufAxg0tsvmKB4fHFOskLkUXkaTB3fdsdAhUV6_11pP4L1IUg14xItSEN8Ng98fYsWwOm8RASCyxQ/s1600/IMG_6137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7b_rbHuZkuInoslMy6lU-UR-ibFnaDAmmPx270scgDQGJNAM3tWWE8M5mY7EPSkpufAxg0tsvmKB4fHFOskLkUXkaTB3fdsdAhUV6_11pP4L1IUg14xItSEN8Ng98fYsWwOm8RASCyxQ/s320/IMG_6137.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieloAW-qZBjI7MREMAvOJ2aDPwn5W7XXGL4Ff4VIX9IIfTPjdQxUyLJYeNupnC-Xfbh38pCMN967U002Zy0SxgLhy2Hm2HJ3Nd7MxEkU3ep84hjUgG9ip7QrYEWYjzxa93LVhw8vwjTJY/s1600/IMG_6138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieloAW-qZBjI7MREMAvOJ2aDPwn5W7XXGL4Ff4VIX9IIfTPjdQxUyLJYeNupnC-Xfbh38pCMN967U002Zy0SxgLhy2Hm2HJ3Nd7MxEkU3ep84hjUgG9ip7QrYEWYjzxa93LVhw8vwjTJY/s320/IMG_6138.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The off-road side and one of the many animals mounted around the store.</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyO3w2UdK1tm5wZkSqbaaDoQucSmryptXSE8tIMPdDo9U4AkdRtP8wZ5tmGS8_281RvIild3gKu56cXCc0LJzl0KX2mGJygmI6qI9EkssEmMrDdsvvEXQTnZBDY80kqmUdaoxDlu4sCpI/s1600/IMG_6140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyO3w2UdK1tm5wZkSqbaaDoQucSmryptXSE8tIMPdDo9U4AkdRtP8wZ5tmGS8_281RvIild3gKu56cXCc0LJzl0KX2mGJygmI6qI9EkssEmMrDdsvvEXQTnZBDY80kqmUdaoxDlu4sCpI/s320/IMG_6140.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHwxcyFvakI_KLjNkTFVugDRoDz3rJnyiiZxoDnxnJzq1okrbp2wtV5rG0xKhsvK5mKQc5FepVuYxu7PrMZ7UhRZ9zZZaTGX5OET1yjJdpguBXdKXCFCMkvAo4jCYQ_8_vbUCLwc2Z-gg/s1600/IMG_6141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHwxcyFvakI_KLjNkTFVugDRoDz3rJnyiiZxoDnxnJzq1okrbp2wtV5rG0xKhsvK5mKQc5FepVuYxu7PrMZ7UhRZ9zZZaTGX5OET1yjJdpguBXdKXCFCMkvAo4jCYQ_8_vbUCLwc2Z-gg/s320/IMG_6141.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2s1sHJyHW2RqcFbruW4lfTuz5JDnak0QMFOnJZli_8HhYXSrzUVyr-aVuxBiaUqoojtssUuB4HXrkcFFGib0YtcnJCauwKtFF2HmCCM16oYCGIIB1s8Pt2TZhvibO8gMe3vLmtlhPXMY/s1600/IMG_6144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2s1sHJyHW2RqcFbruW4lfTuz5JDnak0QMFOnJZli_8HhYXSrzUVyr-aVuxBiaUqoojtssUuB4HXrkcFFGib0YtcnJCauwKtFF2HmCCM16oYCGIIB1s8Pt2TZhvibO8gMe3vLmtlhPXMY/s320/IMG_6144.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not that I care for the skulls, particularly, but the paint job was incredible!</td></tr>
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<br />
I'm working on Smoke Chasers '11, too, so I figure I might as well collect some BBQ joints in VA while I'm here. We'll see if there are any others this week! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7EjMoYNMGfjgg2H6amf1wTZBo4iBQcUYldCjY4DpxXkb_XiI_og2IRK7vrDd8YaFy_7DMK23FjhpUgIrEOqKq1wwYdRb0aXoJX5DcGttNZLZjFqQxP3GcH1pUtajii35jqW5v5E4T-24/s1600/IMG_6147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7EjMoYNMGfjgg2H6amf1wTZBo4iBQcUYldCjY4DpxXkb_XiI_og2IRK7vrDd8YaFy_7DMK23FjhpUgIrEOqKq1wwYdRb0aXoJX5DcGttNZLZjFqQxP3GcH1pUtajii35jqW5v5E4T-24/s320/IMG_6147.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was trying to get to the buffet meeting at 630, so passed on Smiley's BBQ.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Both Smiley's and Three Little Pigs were listed on the exit food signs. If they're close enough to be listed, I figure they're a pretty easy on/off to get.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYPVcruU-AX68etWI8cU_02cA9kl4-OM-9DkMwO_rW8eTWfowMEBkPzVsqIPR3V82mEavMgl-KJpUTYKVkGTSolbsR8wjFKA8OxVeno8Cog6yufhhuuDOvvqvgVndQ4HMh7AauonLKRo/s1600/IMG_6153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYPVcruU-AX68etWI8cU_02cA9kl4-OM-9DkMwO_rW8eTWfowMEBkPzVsqIPR3V82mEavMgl-KJpUTYKVkGTSolbsR8wjFKA8OxVeno8Cog6yufhhuuDOvvqvgVndQ4HMh7AauonLKRo/s320/IMG_6153.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I did pick up some Vinegar BBQ here. It was ok. It was ok. A little dry, I thought and some of the pieces were crunchy-dry.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFNOKwMvr6iBJyG41fDQL_ZzzMB3rR52op_ul3hw_Qs4aKLbKNcnDFGzkOOrgtLB0TIntJf0AbJtFg-bJoiQimyu0_TytBuj2yYDXMIKzqB0REQ-OnhnnUqwJivRZ13oz8psog7nGjy5U/s1600/IMG_6155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFNOKwMvr6iBJyG41fDQL_ZzzMB3rR52op_ul3hw_Qs4aKLbKNcnDFGzkOOrgtLB0TIntJf0AbJtFg-bJoiQimyu0_TytBuj2yYDXMIKzqB0REQ-OnhnnUqwJivRZ13oz8psog7nGjy5U/s320/IMG_6155.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Finally, North Carolina!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbz4j-7OfJb6C6VQ-JXGpL2COy_jRHjg5X6JETSImS-YAooW0prLWG5h_Jf2hpJFbbbBKiv-55Ujc3yW70OOZ45jOLbCmUa8_rLQOIxIzxxQgAkehP40CEXGhCI0a6F2kKKjcGBuxzz0/s1600/IMG_6157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbz4j-7OfJb6C6VQ-JXGpL2COy_jRHjg5X6JETSImS-YAooW0prLWG5h_Jf2hpJFbbbBKiv-55Ujc3yW70OOZ45jOLbCmUa8_rLQOIxIzxxQgAkehP40CEXGhCI0a6F2kKKjcGBuxzz0/s320/IMG_6157.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
And Statesville!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU8nlJB6C7bFyOg9QNw-iHo6zwtD92ch6sVkvF_kuM0djBcHIz954ZglT_y7AYVurW2nc7NIGa363bnMDwJbTM9a0hYmgxjPXhrE8-Z91ctZ7KYotDmvk5OBs6Z5wwdxBrmAAz4bzmR2o/s1600/IMG_6160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU8nlJB6C7bFyOg9QNw-iHo6zwtD92ch6sVkvF_kuM0djBcHIz954ZglT_y7AYVurW2nc7NIGa363bnMDwJbTM9a0hYmgxjPXhrE8-Z91ctZ7KYotDmvk5OBs6Z5wwdxBrmAAz4bzmR2o/s320/IMG_6160.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I got to the early bird dinner at 640 and had fun chatting with the riders and the Rally masters. BBQ and fried chicken with mashed potatoes on the menu. I was starving and glad to sit and eat in good company. I took off at 8 to try to get my act together.<br />
<br />
I'd seen another BBQ place listed on the same exit as the hotel when I pulled in earlier, so before I went to the hotel, I stopped for my 3rd VA BBQ place.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnO_AyZbs-mRComFJtyMz28cC7gGd3g4lF2ua0e3s-FdcciA-0bKf886jqyIW36LtL53DtLpnpKMM1dLctewVdYOAfzBD5zQeyMF1Nw82oe0hDhBp3Nz12cGdCemJYt-bY0HJplC243Pk/s1600/IMG_6163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnO_AyZbs-mRComFJtyMz28cC7gGd3g4lF2ua0e3s-FdcciA-0bKf886jqyIW36LtL53DtLpnpKMM1dLctewVdYOAfzBD5zQeyMF1Nw82oe0hDhBp3Nz12cGdCemJYt-bY0HJplC243Pk/s320/IMG_6163.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I stayed here for a minute to find a hotel. The one I'd spotted from the highway earlier was available and turns out to share a parking lot with JR's. I don't know if anyone else is familiar with JR's, but AM, Jon and Matt: I'm going to JR's tomorrow!!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjZBmiNWB8XwxgP8nr4je5p3hcKriiktJu8SWBhmLJoMG42MEWH4rylIeHBZTDXf4zJ8XkRCTV4w8uwSBpqk5uO2hmR1rnS2Br28TijbmKDe9S9ACOk9H9-ia24QDIl3yEUSzxxxWbHQ/s1600/IMG_6165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjZBmiNWB8XwxgP8nr4je5p3hcKriiktJu8SWBhmLJoMG42MEWH4rylIeHBZTDXf4zJ8XkRCTV4w8uwSBpqk5uO2hmR1rnS2Br28TijbmKDe9S9ACOk9H9-ia24QDIl3yEUSzxxxWbHQ/s320/IMG_6165.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from my hotel room.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
So, here's the bottom line: ok, except that i didn't turn it off when i got to the hotel, so the total time and time stopped are over by a little more than 2 hours.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie7FgsII5TBNJQOhtuEmgrIVfmrj2RQLYF5t0KqB5C4ZJZ2nLZz-6kzIQ5fXbE8pS6GMvelCL2roGW6gXN9FzL0JndZQ70qTRFxNo5NzKMKxo9odNMj_LN3AWwVLkzstA_X22MqcZ81D4/s1600/IMG_6173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie7FgsII5TBNJQOhtuEmgrIVfmrj2RQLYF5t0KqB5C4ZJZ2nLZz-6kzIQ5fXbE8pS6GMvelCL2roGW6gXN9FzL0JndZQ70qTRFxNo5NzKMKxo9odNMj_LN3AWwVLkzstA_X22MqcZ81D4/s320/IMG_6173.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Double yesterday's miles and still nothing compared to what some folk will be riding this week!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The hotel is ok. David, who checked me in, was great and the room is fine. The bathroom leaves a little to be desired. And, on the ride today I discovered that a drink didn't like the heat, perhaps, and had leaked through it's still closed pop top...into my bag of clothes, of course. I knew something was wrong at Smiley's when I picked it up and it was half empty. So, I got to spend lots of time in the shower trying to rinse it out of my clothes. Now Every light in the room is draped with something. If I NEED a dryer tomorrow there's a laundromat across the street in the JR's strip. Of course, <br />
<br />
So, I've been messing with my blog instead of changing out my headlight bulbs, deleting SD cards for the rally photos, checking my camera, charging batteries...blah, blah, blah, so I have a list of things to do tomorrow before the 11 am check in and the 430 mandatory meeting and dinner. I doubt laundromat will get checked off the list. <br />
<br />
</div>jwestermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13286140065668045010noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2425252016142873003.post-23137110993814470532011-08-12T14:58:00.002-04:002011-08-12T14:58:30.594-04:00If I ever get out the door... the BitE Rally.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Hi, All,<br />
<br />
If you're getting this mail, then, for some reason, I think you might be interested in following my next trip. If I'm wrong about that, just respond and I take you off the next trip list. :) Please send to anyone else you think might be interested, I know I obscured the recipient list, so you'll have to guess. :)<br />
<br />
Ok, so this time 'round I'm doing my 1st multiday rally. Ok, so the real 1st rally was, like, 36 hours, but I'm not counting that even though it's technically longer than a day. This one is 5 days and anything East of the Mississippi is fair game. beastintheeast.org<br />
Now, i'm competitive, personally, but realistically, i haven't got a chance in hades with the group in riding with. :) Some of them have spent more for equipment for their bikes, than I spent on my house. There is a 'hopeless' class on some rallies, but that's for 45 year old Nortons or 125cc scooters, etc. Folks may laugh at them, but it comes with a certain amount of respect for the cajones required to make a serious attempt on something like that. My bike is a 2010 cruiser with bags. I'll have a gps and my spot tracker. I might get laughed at...sans respect. No, not really, but you know how we humans are... sometimes, I know not very often, but just sometimes, we're judgemental. Every once in a while we see something that doesn't fit our expectations and the voice in your head goes, "pfft, yeah, right." sometimes you might even say it out loud. That's about where I think I am. :)<br />
<br />
So, while I'll still put several thousand miles on the bike and do my damnedest not to be bottom 5 (again), there's a certain freedom to riding with no expectation of winning. And that's about where I think I am, too.<br />
<br />
So, I'll be leaving today, hopefully, to head to Georgia for the start. <br />
***************<br />
The spot link is http://spotwalla.com/tripViewer.php?id=359f4e42d3af65f5e<br />
<br />
the blog link is jwestermansblog.blogspot.com<br />
***************<br />
I still haven't caught up from the last trip, so i have no idea if I'll post anything till i'm back, but there you go.<br />
<br />
*****<br />
ok, so it's 230 and i haven't left yet, so I probably missed some folks...forward away! <br />
<br />
My first posts will probably be 'what I forgot to pack'. :)<br />
<br />
Thank you for your support!! :D joanne<br />
</div>jwestermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13286140065668045010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2425252016142873003.post-39630611185287128682011-08-12T12:59:00.036-04:002011-08-13T01:32:35.319-04:00BitE trip Day 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Oh, my.<br />
<br />
I had planned on leaving by noon today.<br />
<br />
That didn't happen.<br />
<br />
I had some things to take care of before I left, plus run around and find all the things I can't live without on a bike trip, but never use.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgckJ025GLoy-HM-sm1wy08t1EWlBUy_boQUZMg9PJLyLyy3S-bn6bdIygMRiGWP1hkAxQzdBG4_h2KuOZdug4sexxjctxn0n1RB__x1p2_X9zpSLCn5vVQ_cM2FKFF8CyzAjb1gN_bRzY/s1600/IMG_6058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgckJ025GLoy-HM-sm1wy08t1EWlBUy_boQUZMg9PJLyLyy3S-bn6bdIygMRiGWP1hkAxQzdBG4_h2KuOZdug4sexxjctxn0n1RB__x1p2_X9zpSLCn5vVQ_cM2FKFF8CyzAjb1gN_bRzY/s320/IMG_6058.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is what I want to get on the bike. About a third of that is bike stuff. Air pump, bungy net, tire repair kit, rain gear, etc. the dog didn't make the cut and the clothes are on the right. Bare bones in the clothing dept! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXSdjp96uxTQ76_D_Xg6G01Rx6_-3HMxDJGam3A-z5mTZWJDQxvVNO3kbdj1n1B-T62i17Tk6-n269DoUMy2l_IIdLfE9Lr67dlrfsOxpIV8NlCOQhAAjd-VybjY8iwQjPTM5vaHCmXIw/s320/IMG_6062.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Desperately trying to finish the email I started 4 days ago.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I went through some email and made sure that I'd gotten caught up, for the most part.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbs8YbkMFdEPyVKuuZrvZIQUK3Z7iLsuTbf6aDUqDbKvg3cgaJmuRiZZfM-yjGaxALM6OcVME_5fCDG3A8HVle5xWerfjJJC16T6WwfMSDwhVCu9n7tEVC9VAiM0gaWHWbHNe6aRexJs/s1600/IMG_6059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbs8YbkMFdEPyVKuuZrvZIQUK3Z7iLsuTbf6aDUqDbKvg3cgaJmuRiZZfM-yjGaxALM6OcVME_5fCDG3A8HVle5xWerfjJJC16T6WwfMSDwhVCu9n7tEVC9VAiM0gaWHWbHNe6aRexJs/s320/IMG_6059.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear wheel with 7k on it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyFtTZ6lDHcTk9ibeod1_wsz9C4vH0MLnl9O5-qye8D_y46mlvfz2cxSETuiivBNHV3uIERhvbzXjtJtu6n8OhESek5cSjfAiVosC4oiU3Clwyx6P3xq9sH0hU4dv-bZ08uoQJvuTaQKM/s1600/IMG_6060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyFtTZ6lDHcTk9ibeod1_wsz9C4vH0MLnl9O5-qye8D_y46mlvfz2cxSETuiivBNHV3uIERhvbzXjtJtu6n8OhESek5cSjfAiVosC4oiU3Clwyx6P3xq9sH0hU4dv-bZ08uoQJvuTaQKM/s320/IMG_6060.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front wheel with 7k on it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
I finally got out of the house at 4. Once I left the house I stopped at Tj's to drop off some paperwork. So, finally on the road at 430. Ok, well, not really, cuz I'm gonna stop at Jon's to say goodbye and return a charger he lent me last week. Get to Jon's at 5. Didn't have the power cord. Leave at 530. Just in time for rush hour. And the setting sun. But the backups didn't last very long and we moved along pretty well.<br />
<br />
At about 6, I stopped for food. My choices at this exit were McD's and a chinese buffet. Yes, I was tempted, but decided to go with the chain. A happily uneventful meal and I was back on the road.<br />
<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu1XSymxqekSbe5NNoo1AqdCvP3RTyyC2BUdHH_ntWqkeE-DVlt2V9maSdLb4XGiWuHRjXm5IU_z-B7eEXCOP4Rquv2clhrb9hjSuG1qhCcuhgG50o3rRhCOfnhv3r-G65cPJXJgkqSsg/s1600/IMG_6064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu1XSymxqekSbe5NNoo1AqdCvP3RTyyC2BUdHH_ntWqkeE-DVlt2V9maSdLb4XGiWuHRjXm5IU_z-B7eEXCOP4Rquv2clhrb9hjSuG1qhCcuhgG50o3rRhCOfnhv3r-G65cPJXJgkqSsg/s320/IMG_6064.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was very proud of myself for not stopping at Harper's Ferry NP</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I took 70W to 81S which puts you spitting distance from Charles Town Races and Slots. The gps said that the distance to get there would add a whole minute to my route. Of course, I also lost an hour and $45, but it was a good break from having the setting sun in my eyes constantly and I was able to down a couple glasses of water while I was there not winning anything, so I guess it wasn't a total loss.<br />
<br />
<br />
On my way out a guy noticed my gear and we started talking bikes. Al had won the money to buy his last bike. A ridiculous story of winning hefty amounts over and over... I was a bit envious, to be sure.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5Q-Zm8hP0HINnuRuFAxJzzPusraoxy4r5l4tpXNS0nbVY0CYWMwpdwtFojj4qSa82tn1Rxlwj4KCAYsABv8FrwTiSNIvTzIVFqMPplyexqGR36WYlCm7Ff7X6cffva_aWISiIbq2r7U/s1600/IMG_6065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5Q-Zm8hP0HINnuRuFAxJzzPusraoxy4r5l4tpXNS0nbVY0CYWMwpdwtFojj4qSa82tn1Rxlwj4KCAYsABv8FrwTiSNIvTzIVFqMPplyexqGR36WYlCm7Ff7X6cffva_aWISiIbq2r7U/s320/IMG_6065.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The very ledge where 2 years ago I'd left my tracking phone the week before I was supposed to leave for a cross country trip.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> When I left the casino, the last of the color in the sky was fading and I didn't have to squint! I wanted to make another hour or two before finding a hotel to stop at. It was chilly when I left and I regretted not putting on another layer. <br />
<br />
I saw several things that caught my attention pretty quick:<br />
<br />
A sign for Front Royal made me think I might pass Ron and Barbara's place, so I stoppped at the next turn off to call them. Remarkable, they were up. And are able to meet for breakfast tomorrow! I got directions to a Denny's we'd meet at at 830 and got moving again. And regretted not putting on another layer. again.<br />
<br />
On the way, I saw signs for a Nat'l Battlefield as well as for Skyline Dr. I was considering how much time I might have for flower sniffing and thought it might be worth a little back tracking in the morning... 10 mins later I pull into the Denny's find out that the hotels on this exit are $100+ and take Matt's advice on the Super 8 less than 4 miles away. Even though it's north of where I am. :/<br />
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When I get there she quotes me something higher than Matt found online. I asked for the least expensive room for me for one night. She offers a room where the tv is broken and has a discounted rate, since the internet is down and may not be updating Travelocity.<br />
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When I get to the room, the first thing I do is turn on the tv. Check! It works.<br />
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Then I pull out the computer to test the internet. Check, too! Awesome. Now to heat up a microwave meal from the saddlebags, shower, do a couple things here and there and get some sleep!!!<br />
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So. An impressive 127 miles today. At this rate I don't know If I'll make it from the starting point to the checkpoint before the deadline. lol.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiYJdiYwfe3z5TKoVl23GZG0PLTvbcCQA4JuKeelfKbhyphenhyphenxz_pmaCgRjxdakLmzJMofIMQsaXrHZt9PhmN3-xfKRYoVyxRv39R1YT0UHEXEUK3SIpAzMiBe_OeF6luWUXSVtlQ6P8R2CP8/s1600/IMG_6068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiYJdiYwfe3z5TKoVl23GZG0PLTvbcCQA4JuKeelfKbhyphenhyphenxz_pmaCgRjxdakLmzJMofIMQsaXrHZt9PhmN3-xfKRYoVyxRv39R1YT0UHEXEUK3SIpAzMiBe_OeF6luWUXSVtlQ6P8R2CP8/s320/IMG_6068.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div>jwestermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13286140065668045010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2425252016142873003.post-32599009075525318562011-07-13T00:00:00.000-04:002011-08-10T19:47:41.152-04:00Day 4 or "This was supposed to be my short day."<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Not finished, but I"ll publish the draft in case you're curious. I gotta get on the road! :)jw</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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Ah, the beautiful Northwest. I hope I will not watch you go by through a rain spattered visor.</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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The outlook for the day. Rain with a chance of rain. Some flooding with more rain and be grateful for it, cuz the rest of the country is dealing with triple digit heat. But this is the route. Only one planned stop for the day: Theodore Roosevelt National Park.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguKNxqp_le0B3pGr_J0jMo0vj7hKstDL7nI6N_0zfyIF-kLiJRh-Qc0ymH-EXTgv2J_aZVCWBnpGyvoSdcSCXyZUcpUPjbasYyecNgnit54KB7F44FBRcGPDdZZML36syjTT4uxX9Asw0/s1600/IMG_3627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguKNxqp_le0B3pGr_J0jMo0vj7hKstDL7nI6N_0zfyIF-kLiJRh-Qc0ymH-EXTgv2J_aZVCWBnpGyvoSdcSCXyZUcpUPjbasYyecNgnit54KB7F44FBRcGPDdZZML36syjTT4uxX9Asw0/s320/IMG_3627.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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I go out to pack the bike and see that I was a stone's throw from a casino. They are EVERYwhere. Every state out here. And I have resisted. And, therefore, still have money for gas.<br />
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My goal for yesterday was 600 miles. From the odo in the morning, that would have put me at 7000 miles. I was actually short by about 10 miles when I got to Fargo last night, but I spent so much time running around on frontage roads and being lost, that I 'made it'. Of course, the goal was to make actual *progress* Westward, but, hey, whadduhyagonnado?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZNERzefxzn7ir0n0Q-wQpmYJcEZu6dw2xPx_8eT3-wdKC3T6BO5ADzk3pG98HJ6Z7lgaiqA-163j1uYm9Yvu7kHsoHamM55T0HLaLDzsLhx63SSwb5mflSVCJDIOlp4fMwgsoKn580I4/s1600/IMG_3630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZNERzefxzn7ir0n0Q-wQpmYJcEZu6dw2xPx_8eT3-wdKC3T6BO5ADzk3pG98HJ6Z7lgaiqA-163j1uYm9Yvu7kHsoHamM55T0HLaLDzsLhx63SSwb5mflSVCJDIOlp4fMwgsoKn580I4/s320/IMG_3630.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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So today's goal, again, is 600 miles. This is the most boring superslab 600 miles EVER. It seriously says, "587 miles, then make a right". 8 hours 18 minutes in Joanne MC time is really 12-13 hours, plus a park stop, make that 13-14 hours on the road today.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFBIQ7S5jphPtMrRwmxAlp9_pjDXuptxbbrVZ_STQrNSf9tJbMujQbrImoAilYtxGOFcgpAe63jLOkteadMG75qgX6UynG907SHsERbjedl4QwhyphenhyphenKKRhceO65TX8t8o1Coi1EDELfGEA/s1600/IMG_3633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFBIQ7S5jphPtMrRwmxAlp9_pjDXuptxbbrVZ_STQrNSf9tJbMujQbrImoAilYtxGOFcgpAe63jLOkteadMG75qgX6UynG907SHsERbjedl4QwhyphenhyphenKKRhceO65TX8t8o1Coi1EDELfGEA/s320/IMG_3633.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The sky is clear and beautiful.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghSqNFQWmqBEzupRFlgur_K8ufe9iBMeaupUEVWONsaYQoFceZNBwMFRspfd9ASqVw_pVTykADeVmca8t4kV9hzptbC7S6iEVMF6zlIHh4DdlJez6S9fSVnIUIxdacgRKVJkqzgaHVswA/s1600/IMG_3634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghSqNFQWmqBEzupRFlgur_K8ufe9iBMeaupUEVWONsaYQoFceZNBwMFRspfd9ASqVw_pVTykADeVmca8t4kV9hzptbC7S6iEVMF6zlIHh4DdlJez6S9fSVnIUIxdacgRKVJkqzgaHVswA/s320/IMG_3634.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
But I know what the forecast looked like.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCVFYouLPcfkpCUxQq8QfzROrs7fKqMb25iaiMFZ8Bu2hhbb5DzNylQ3O9Mg2Qj6JCbeOluubNFoz__tf9dwMtn-INI-Vud3KpfkTzX968oO7K-v5d4FcVTP_IS0DI3HIEPdPMTKIWZk/s1600/IMG_3656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCVFYouLPcfkpCUxQq8QfzROrs7fKqMb25iaiMFZ8Bu2hhbb5DzNylQ3O9Mg2Qj6JCbeOluubNFoz__tf9dwMtn-INI-Vud3KpfkTzX968oO7K-v5d4FcVTP_IS0DI3HIEPdPMTKIWZk/s320/IMG_3656.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
And I ain't havin' it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuFM81hyphenhyphenAQ1myCelMZkq-cz2XDHgwGnII45eQecYxHHiKvaHMLY1Zoj8HmvNzdrsUcDpxPIfq7jiEJDra51el4oAo9MLqdfRy8x1iZgXtZUd5k2OI2JD5iNgOuLULPxyMs7ul3RfsBjuo/s1600/IMG_3663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuFM81hyphenhyphenAQ1myCelMZkq-cz2XDHgwGnII45eQecYxHHiKvaHMLY1Zoj8HmvNzdrsUcDpxPIfq7jiEJDra51el4oAo9MLqdfRy8x1iZgXtZUd5k2OI2JD5iNgOuLULPxyMs7ul3RfsBjuo/s320/IMG_3663.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I'm exploring my opportunities.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWnYQt0MmzdC-_0cO91DSYGmN8Cxe_zoDyWtOkC7mbmLWGjVZ0t4i9jFSIr9xGioRH0lt1O_xOy2P1WwLr2dKewsOjTQrkwOv8sGyzuE_EkTQDamGbEGELctnB4dwRjDM0QXKml0ZhDlw/s1600/IMG_3671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWnYQt0MmzdC-_0cO91DSYGmN8Cxe_zoDyWtOkC7mbmLWGjVZ0t4i9jFSIr9xGioRH0lt1O_xOy2P1WwLr2dKewsOjTQrkwOv8sGyzuE_EkTQDamGbEGELctnB4dwRjDM0QXKml0ZhDlw/s320/IMG_3671.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Doin' my research.<br />
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Cuz I see you out there, Sky. And I know what you're doing...<br />
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Not trusting the weather, I decide that, even though I'm hungry, I'm going to run out as far as I can before the rain starts and wehn the rain starts I'll take a break. The weather holds out longer than I do and I need gas anyway. It takes me till North Dakota to have some Wisconsin cheese. Yum, breakfast. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDeRfeABst-3UEVBHfYEIBOGnAfHcli9hTZ9CcaMVy-otUO2-Ry3nQxjBqG6MlQhFEdGsUuU_sx4iVrLryB0umZBKW-UGW2akGkiP0UXqZYxfXhFlGjfnt7s0NWx1la2ANp2G5CPVL0Ek/s1600/IMG_3691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDeRfeABst-3UEVBHfYEIBOGnAfHcli9hTZ9CcaMVy-otUO2-Ry3nQxjBqG6MlQhFEdGsUuU_sx4iVrLryB0umZBKW-UGW2akGkiP0UXqZYxfXhFlGjfnt7s0NWx1la2ANp2G5CPVL0Ek/s320/IMG_3691.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Because of the way the stickers are on the pump I ask about the gas here. Indeed, the sticker is meaningfully placed. Only one grade of gas in 'enriched' with ethanol. Woot! I get non-ethanol gas and know what to look for now.<br />
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Back on the road with some string cheese in my face, I'm still looking for the clouds.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGvb3WFp0zEcbvAhWtPS0gDRJzkLnEQjP95ULcuK5bvR3kCpdLML-g7quKdh-EwtIRDjokTFV6g-Vcb5Fs8u2qFANzkXnYlJQ4LelVbhJmfNgQjVBL0pCZ9pMV48GrDhXe1-hIvL64y8/s1600/IMG_3698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGvb3WFp0zEcbvAhWtPS0gDRJzkLnEQjP95ULcuK5bvR3kCpdLML-g7quKdh-EwtIRDjokTFV6g-Vcb5Fs8u2qFANzkXnYlJQ4LelVbhJmfNgQjVBL0pCZ9pMV48GrDhXe1-hIvL64y8/s320/IMG_3698.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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It's a long and boring drive. Not much to the scenery, though it's pretty, but it's the saaaaammme for a very long time. So I notice other stuff. Like the odometer. Ok, so it's not just here. I also got the 6666.6 odo yesterday. :) I'm keeping an eye out for 7777.7 later, too.<br />
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And analyzing my possibilites.<br />
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As I watch the clouds develop.<br />
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Most of the underpasses are similar. There are two primary types, as far as I'm concerned, with variations of each.<br />
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I definitely prefer one over the other. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhSOrchPrW73JImdLbzyj8GMVnRqCmw9pQF1C8amUX57nf7Kh_hl-aIGD2ouzvEdEw6g8fPksGhvPZouX9W3Zu9PFVgE3Krw6x_zrCJ7xMSVZ-lAM5q1H5h7pNCXxbdcLyuhV34LlfTVo/s1600/IMG_3740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhSOrchPrW73JImdLbzyj8GMVnRqCmw9pQF1C8amUX57nf7Kh_hl-aIGD2ouzvEdEw6g8fPksGhvPZouX9W3Zu9PFVgE3Krw6x_zrCJ7xMSVZ-lAM5q1H5h7pNCXxbdcLyuhV34LlfTVo/s320/IMG_3740.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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There's this one, where the slope is concrete from the road to the corner. Now, it is unfortunate that there's no 'seat' on many of these, but at least I can park the bike and walk up there easily and it's fairly clean and straightforward. Imperfect, but totally acceptable.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbkVtpIYIu-s9QMWc9ZspyJdhjwMQGjCfX5GacC0phaHPs4C-hmKqHhsQi49KeaMf78eXPvrqvC6_pFL47XX5ifjRjqijhaG4-FBXRzWcam7XLCbyEW1hBY7YbLZyJWp698t1PdoFAZu4/s1600/IMG_3743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbkVtpIYIu-s9QMWc9ZspyJdhjwMQGjCfX5GacC0phaHPs4C-hmKqHhsQi49KeaMf78eXPvrqvC6_pFL47XX5ifjRjqijhaG4-FBXRzWcam7XLCbyEW1hBY7YbLZyJWp698t1PdoFAZu4/s320/IMG_3743.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I prefer the paved to the dirt, weeds, gravel or rocky inclines.<br />
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She thinks I don't see her sneaking up on me? Pfft. Lady, been there, done that. I see you and your water-holding particulates.<br />
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Thinks she's sly... making them all pretty and everything.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie-yfjVdqw2K376siSQ6r51md4Hzvqxdn-nxTX7690LUZIghpVBV9fqOxKV44QginCw9q8Czmh2YmwLBqrmQ9eyxJHpuljkbc9ZpNqVlyZpVtqyGIVnsc_x-aYCbKqVChIgU684lB4AbQ/s1600/IMG_3759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie-yfjVdqw2K376siSQ6r51md4Hzvqxdn-nxTX7690LUZIghpVBV9fqOxKV44QginCw9q8Czmh2YmwLBqrmQ9eyxJHpuljkbc9ZpNqVlyZpVtqyGIVnsc_x-aYCbKqVChIgU684lB4AbQ/s320/IMG_3759.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Come on, even the cagers are getting suspicious...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4EAGyhRJvKz1o9Qr3uS3GaO2vP6UIiRPIlfWkFptoe0xNyAeylGCrEP0-LLy3aKIk9dieVWDqBpoLCZCT1VPp6wlkWFWDGJUR67jlM6dPx1XYb-fkdnLfjRm1SHoDnbZhPoNsRyqj4Qk/s1600/IMG_3769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4EAGyhRJvKz1o9Qr3uS3GaO2vP6UIiRPIlfWkFptoe0xNyAeylGCrEP0-LLy3aKIk9dieVWDqBpoLCZCT1VPp6wlkWFWDGJUR67jlM6dPx1XYb-fkdnLfjRm1SHoDnbZhPoNsRyqj4Qk/s320/IMG_3769.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Then Mother Nature gives up being subtle about it and the clouds start to take over.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM7MAuFtTkj6-dj1JTkfHnldO9ZX0oymgwQrdFuW9lXCVSo20WVWduYHQHXCZ9IiuEcMg5Tofv7UTASHzCAx2iIOSfaJqBEvB4taF7y-LL_dcA29UGLHfUmxrfucK-B5_uc6qUfZq5ypQ/s1600/IMG_3785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM7MAuFtTkj6-dj1JTkfHnldO9ZX0oymgwQrdFuW9lXCVSo20WVWduYHQHXCZ9IiuEcMg5Tofv7UTASHzCAx2iIOSfaJqBEvB4taF7y-LL_dcA29UGLHfUmxrfucK-B5_uc6qUfZq5ypQ/s320/IMG_3785.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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I make a pit stop, but resist getting off the bike for photos, since the rain is clearly coming. But from the bike I manage to pull over for two seconds to get these.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicCzD5UnnmUkwLBBLHWMvw7AWJ1YuvDQHjN6PyCIDsv92y_PyTa8FCND3U7ryVBIFc_YZPZh1QDJ-0Ad-4rZ5oDVUUNwHg9lkTrA2A4gKNALPCj9zsQ7CrPmwxlzqxhNo8VhH-QHSqWSA/s1600/IMG_3791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicCzD5UnnmUkwLBBLHWMvw7AWJ1YuvDQHjN6PyCIDsv92y_PyTa8FCND3U7ryVBIFc_YZPZh1QDJ-0Ad-4rZ5oDVUUNwHg9lkTrA2A4gKNALPCj9zsQ7CrPmwxlzqxhNo8VhH-QHSqWSA/s320/IMG_3791.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Bismarck.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlZSpsiayZwLFAp54w2OkOFoFqoEIDlMxNBphQma0-CQqjFbbNy9pTG4VFf9z2ozD6BEelOPstMM7xGoAq2x_iRMqmoaRUWxCkHtqG-YPnfP7vNQ7Em4XG8ImXZgE4c7pwSna0xtOR-Oo/s1600/IMG_3792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlZSpsiayZwLFAp54w2OkOFoFqoEIDlMxNBphQma0-CQqjFbbNy9pTG4VFf9z2ozD6BEelOPstMM7xGoAq2x_iRMqmoaRUWxCkHtqG-YPnfP7vNQ7Em4XG8ImXZgE4c7pwSna0xtOR-Oo/s320/IMG_3792.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Evidence of the heavy rains and flooding that have been causing problems for several states recently.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeai-7HLbdedVnBJ_UJdLqzrCV5-Q644hHpy29mYwMSVOuGOW-mg1qrzyfpjrVRMK8oQoWKo_FauNFUGepfX183Yqnbs2biARLGoEBcESFDmrqe8BaGaFE7fVyeKgMpez8atEeJmXn72o/s1600/IMG_3800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeai-7HLbdedVnBJ_UJdLqzrCV5-Q644hHpy29mYwMSVOuGOW-mg1qrzyfpjrVRMK8oQoWKo_FauNFUGepfX183Yqnbs2biARLGoEBcESFDmrqe8BaGaFE7fVyeKgMpez8atEeJmXn72o/s320/IMG_3800.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The clouds continue to gather.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRnFGsgUhzyAYxXCBCLQ8rq14tOL_eoxBui9W7-CWrw6lXvCHFKHRHrbQgH987RN2zFsUaxkeWPq2GNm7Pd8K5EGgxErQdiODZOQnxsi28UQcsrVbqInKMmdk0JNmgEQvsGmh3fo3mxz4/s1600/IMG_3806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRnFGsgUhzyAYxXCBCLQ8rq14tOL_eoxBui9W7-CWrw6lXvCHFKHRHrbQgH987RN2zFsUaxkeWPq2GNm7Pd8K5EGgxErQdiODZOQnxsi28UQcsrVbqInKMmdk0JNmgEQvsGmh3fo3mxz4/s320/IMG_3806.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3jmzXOTgACP1qrumnJIMX8Q4oy7ae4uaIMn8VLh4DC7T93vme3jKC3rCu6wmtNlctmq3-CtGZgXUWjsr1Xm7K-gRE5XndhabRCg9ynlFrFWGERrvBBIVHS1rsSj5aUv4Na98WCBANUc/s1600/IMG_3807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3jmzXOTgACP1qrumnJIMX8Q4oy7ae4uaIMn8VLh4DC7T93vme3jKC3rCu6wmtNlctmq3-CtGZgXUWjsr1Xm7K-gRE5XndhabRCg9ynlFrFWGERrvBBIVHS1rsSj5aUv4Na98WCBANUc/s320/IMG_3807.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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And I make sure the overpasses still appear at regular intervals.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvyRQR3t7YO9lvcFBNrwSAshaIK3ViXzQZLydIvLac2BRwRCKiNxKGE24z83MB7ZK3mdp79bxRCIa7q6Ca5wz4npjAyZ5YfBfuDJvmc78Uwrj87MFh8Gwk0lrTd_YhMWwexwUKwlaWEYs/s1600/IMG_3811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvyRQR3t7YO9lvcFBNrwSAshaIK3ViXzQZLydIvLac2BRwRCKiNxKGE24z83MB7ZK3mdp79bxRCIa7q6Ca5wz4npjAyZ5YfBfuDJvmc78Uwrj87MFh8Gwk0lrTd_YhMWwexwUKwlaWEYs/s320/IMG_3811.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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The bag I got at Wendy's on Day 2 in Ohio has developed holes form being battered by the wind. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxcRoxfPwsDX-nyT_FsFAb8DImMlS-3ntCg3GktJYpIItBjRfh3Xj0c8v2zxjiagX1-KisffSE3SJcxWRjXiJlmwVbfTWGMM1s54ve_CZ33fJcwWPqYkOqbqkYNVaSTy3MCrpkXjUSvWQ/s1600/IMG_3813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxcRoxfPwsDX-nyT_FsFAb8DImMlS-3ntCg3GktJYpIItBjRfh3Xj0c8v2zxjiagX1-KisffSE3SJcxWRjXiJlmwVbfTWGMM1s54ve_CZ33fJcwWPqYkOqbqkYNVaSTy3MCrpkXjUSvWQ/s320/IMG_3813.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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I've been plowing along, but my bum is not happy on this seat and I use a scenic pull-over to take a minute to restore circulation.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7SvUdRHs8Od0d-sFwbpfvM-m4HXewnBsPyBp0dC8XYd5K1Rmy-F9iOhaT97FSyIXXtY0Qk_idkdhBnVeME8lMRPR7OM1Y3g-qsppyjiOrdAQh1XZ5TNb-HtEDSuBuc_m1Gf-1BwrnD6c/s1600/IMG_3814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7SvUdRHs8Od0d-sFwbpfvM-m4HXewnBsPyBp0dC8XYd5K1Rmy-F9iOhaT97FSyIXXtY0Qk_idkdhBnVeME8lMRPR7OM1Y3g-qsppyjiOrdAQh1XZ5TNb-HtEDSuBuc_m1Gf-1BwrnD6c/s320/IMG_3814.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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This, of course, means SUP!er Macroooooo....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZA24QoS9DFixsYkwBmiRCEl5Ru5ywMakr0FG_C4DwFuow70uJ2P10kkbH1i9VNvdOEMRFWD4auD4nPDRc1wHHX4fi-LfrPCXyAXxKpYOET6mXUGp-BT6AOWP2hSdoeD6qqS2E4wTa-ek/s1600/IMG_3817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZA24QoS9DFixsYkwBmiRCEl5Ru5ywMakr0FG_C4DwFuow70uJ2P10kkbH1i9VNvdOEMRFWD4auD4nPDRc1wHHX4fi-LfrPCXyAXxKpYOET6mXUGp-BT6AOWP2hSdoeD6qqS2E4wTa-ek/s320/IMG_3817.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Again, so many shots of not-what-I-was-aiming-at.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDL5PhuMdi2DhZoL1-Ru0zJX8a7prmcCNw9gO7wKD71JB9UGQTNAnr1UHx_CoeS52yVJSUpI4exZylnJnf-8wZrnyu9fyVjON05PHxS1AEcYioUn9RyNfDeFmY_7L0rm62V1e0NmzVevM/s1600/IMG_3820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDL5PhuMdi2DhZoL1-Ru0zJX8a7prmcCNw9gO7wKD71JB9UGQTNAnr1UHx_CoeS52yVJSUpI4exZylnJnf-8wZrnyu9fyVjON05PHxS1AEcYioUn9RyNfDeFmY_7L0rm62V1e0NmzVevM/s320/IMG_3820.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Still checking out the local accommodations.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMn2D3_tzHu9u_dNJXajzxmJIWFNRydbiN0tFCr4gTChwIg4FmxzZWz_5BcNsvIZLhT53p0kLDLYlVxYIUhIEj5FAbMESWfghi455Xec3x02AN6d0voCg03GuoEnuEO1wZGz8iuz-VnMk/s1600/IMG_3822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMn2D3_tzHu9u_dNJXajzxmJIWFNRydbiN0tFCr4gTChwIg4FmxzZWz_5BcNsvIZLhT53p0kLDLYlVxYIUhIEj5FAbMESWfghi455Xec3x02AN6d0voCg03GuoEnuEO1wZGz8iuz-VnMk/s320/IMG_3822.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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So, clearly, something is going to happen. It's just a matter of time. I can't believe I've escaped it this far. I watch the oncoming traffic for signs of what's ahead...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmuk91xLR_v0ZBP2n-_X5S7Z87Na055sPhOKu9pS0gO_RN81qaX2IvawtvCdaxN4v2oyGvNm5QJyX6uogaxR0m0K4ZiFZdAljIsQlYs1MNnKQjL8PTh95jNeHyEC9x4CFfpN9rKl8e004/s1600/IMG_3826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmuk91xLR_v0ZBP2n-_X5S7Z87Na055sPhOKu9pS0gO_RN81qaX2IvawtvCdaxN4v2oyGvNm5QJyX6uogaxR0m0K4ZiFZdAljIsQlYs1MNnKQjL8PTh95jNeHyEC9x4CFfpN9rKl8e004/s320/IMG_3826.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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First, you'll see headlights in the middle of the day. Very useful to notice when the skies aren't as obvious about your future as these. Most cars forget about turning their headlights on, so when more than 50% of the cars coming your way have their headlights on and there doesn't seem to be a reason, well, there's a reason. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLI65EegsJmIKyN1j0fJoLusUCuPrrFfKlhvGkhgdgjySP_vQ2cyfhpG14HixrftQTYWh73aB_28zJsDL5VVoEGOcU_DBAX8fB1AJyWSYeQZLI6Iy2Y7mjPrcM-7G5kDOLROM_7wUBd0s/s1600/IMG_3837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLI65EegsJmIKyN1j0fJoLusUCuPrrFfKlhvGkhgdgjySP_vQ2cyfhpG14HixrftQTYWh73aB_28zJsDL5VVoEGOcU_DBAX8fB1AJyWSYeQZLI6Iy2Y7mjPrcM-7G5kDOLROM_7wUBd0s/s320/IMG_3837.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Then you watch for wet cars. Obvious, yes, if you're paying attention. Dry road and wet cars = peek into your future. Wet road and dry cars = peek into the not too distant past.<br />
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<br />
Wet cars, with or without lights, still running their windshield wipers = peek into your immediate future.<br />
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<br />
I see some cars with headlights, but none of them wet or running their wipers... moving, moving, moving...<br />
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Not a whole lot of company out here.<br />
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<br />
A frequent reminder not to mess around with your fuel limits. The no service sign is common and they ain't kidding.<br />
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<br />
A gas stop before the park. 12:30 and 71 degrees. I stopped at Evil Mart right before this to get a voice recorder. We'll see if that helps me keep track of things any better. My usual note-taking strategy has been suffering. 12 hour days are hard to keep track of.<br />
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<br />
The clouds continue, but no rain.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFjukZMpgCY5kX7J-SbmKlGIBG0ZeMXx_eaW1eobV89Ccmw-xnIFJNZ5axH0q4aGHme77RR34dCQOpQDcB5z9N3-6WTbTsnDiAKtqYRGsfMKhCiGmQqkjPUoNe60FvUxXfBCWPKZTK9F4/s1600/IMG_3872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFjukZMpgCY5kX7J-SbmKlGIBG0ZeMXx_eaW1eobV89Ccmw-xnIFJNZ5axH0q4aGHme77RR34dCQOpQDcB5z9N3-6WTbTsnDiAKtqYRGsfMKhCiGmQqkjPUoNe60FvUxXfBCWPKZTK9F4/s320/IMG_3872.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU3sl4DzsRjaowwMl9mx0sfJbhNeg1pwok6kChNjR1eO-scz1BS8aAisPh6dnJMM3SyePCfLXB8e1Gvefw307RHCDLY54LuIR8AJjOMH72SpRjUlxhbecV3uTQr5jHAgfzhBIvhTHNO2c/s1600/IMG_3878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU3sl4DzsRjaowwMl9mx0sfJbhNeg1pwok6kChNjR1eO-scz1BS8aAisPh6dnJMM3SyePCfLXB8e1Gvefw307RHCDLY54LuIR8AJjOMH72SpRjUlxhbecV3uTQr5jHAgfzhBIvhTHNO2c/s320/IMG_3878.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
And I continue to keep my eye out on my resources.<br />
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<br />
The park!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjel5EY-H6WXy7JT2XtxlqN1fJ8xV1MaLAMkoMBt9x22XNQRRxTKc1DZiducgVpzRx41n1jDZVw9qZYEVE71P6W-WD3B4X_8KTBRaoir024_M49EGOChAiG7mUyYriKRDKYaTpp7basG6U/s1600/IMG_3883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjel5EY-H6WXy7JT2XtxlqN1fJ8xV1MaLAMkoMBt9x22XNQRRxTKc1DZiducgVpzRx41n1jDZVw9qZYEVE71P6W-WD3B4X_8KTBRaoir024_M49EGOChAiG7mUyYriKRDKYaTpp7basG6U/s320/IMG_3883.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
This is the first of two VC's I'll hit. The other is just 12 miles or so up the road on my way.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Eb6ajKqPuvNMto0jlkxX1aK6uDaDPUaAQKYEBD_4QX60RERp3PrdZzSRMCPSdwr5QYmRBbrnZ3EGKrjEYCfVkamzJ0NMiYfmi75mtSRzViKsK-k-7P2rkds25kJNIR93IxbUjXncZWE/s1600/IMG_3886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Eb6ajKqPuvNMto0jlkxX1aK6uDaDPUaAQKYEBD_4QX60RERp3PrdZzSRMCPSdwr5QYmRBbrnZ3EGKrjEYCfVkamzJ0NMiYfmi75mtSRzViKsK-k-7P2rkds25kJNIR93IxbUjXncZWE/s320/IMG_3886.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
On the way in I pass a rider on an LD set up packed for the long haul. I wonder again if any of the LD-looking folks I've been passing are on the Long Distance rider list or headed to the Good, the Bad and the Ugly Rally that I know is happening soon. Gotta check that out.<br />
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<br />
Some of the displays at Theodore Roosevelt National Park.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90jvpUMgbQOI2S1PKwaKNGpTq9rcOFz74kDymfNjdtf8UbzlrQUN9qjLrn8CVnVP1pG4zSUfjTdFM312LtQ8i_NUgqwTLgBrUOH-xD8UQaUKbdos1sDK2CcMkowD75MMyCjhz-EOnVvg/s1600/IMG_3889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90jvpUMgbQOI2S1PKwaKNGpTq9rcOFz74kDymfNjdtf8UbzlrQUN9qjLrn8CVnVP1pG4zSUfjTdFM312LtQ8i_NUgqwTLgBrUOH-xD8UQaUKbdos1sDK2CcMkowD75MMyCjhz-EOnVvg/s320/IMG_3889.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<br />
I REALLY want to see the Bison. I REALLY wanted to go through Wind or Jewel Caves, but there's definitely no time on this trip for that. But, I got all giddy when I read online that Bison are in the TRNPark.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB8MjK-RL1WuE-pdXMTiAIVcVr4gm1OCwCnKzqZULOq6P1s8S3DCjrbag27NrBUEpW0f74a5l7VVE2NU8D-iCz3siSjVRcetY-CPQyV9sA0jhzc1J7Lnom7UBxxI9-R8KxOR_yFDRcN5I/s1600/IMG_3894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB8MjK-RL1WuE-pdXMTiAIVcVr4gm1OCwCnKzqZULOq6P1s8S3DCjrbag27NrBUEpW0f74a5l7VVE2NU8D-iCz3siSjVRcetY-CPQyV9sA0jhzc1J7Lnom7UBxxI9-R8KxOR_yFDRcN5I/s320/IMG_3894.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Didn't see any, though. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_RpdJR4qO-UznCefgNdnrr3F78GOmwxWtxLAPRgU-J5v9CbCRIZM-voKYWthtte4iMNVwG-_-NJa4Mnmi55xguN81jy-6AcVb53QWFgDMG34qt4K3MaZxq750U7H6OnEzXZAHJBcQ6V8/s1600/IMG_3895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_RpdJR4qO-UznCefgNdnrr3F78GOmwxWtxLAPRgU-J5v9CbCRIZM-voKYWthtte4iMNVwG-_-NJa4Mnmi55xguN81jy-6AcVb53QWFgDMG34qt4K3MaZxq750U7H6OnEzXZAHJBcQ6V8/s320/IMG_3895.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Here's something cool that I won't be going to.<br />
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An excellent example of how the landscape changed in a blink from boring flat to 'broken', as Teddy apparently called it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOBrAPo9p_CbIzyv-7DM_8JSKEqt9DP4W-oZOo8isfj53KK_9QK4LjenG_jFJJTuWIgIjqxGuhxRQUrfGYHn-_EzQlV8K4eyMNVR5Y5CQsVL2pEgGyE9246VGH-TZ1V4HTkBZcOIbiQ1s/s1600/IMG_3904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOBrAPo9p_CbIzyv-7DM_8JSKEqt9DP4W-oZOo8isfj53KK_9QK4LjenG_jFJJTuWIgIjqxGuhxRQUrfGYHn-_EzQlV8K4eyMNVR5Y5CQsVL2pEgGyE9246VGH-TZ1V4HTkBZcOIbiQ1s/s320/IMG_3904.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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The sky still looks gloomy.<br />
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I'd had my rain jacket on from the start, since the forecast was calling for rain starting in the afternoon and it was cool in the morning.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheXMFb2E7G2D-5lRqd3eNeiyH80xI1khTnPF1GUh_CeBvOXQtb3-kQ8XBhLPc57LI1QM8LDfy0Xi25ai1btpN07BPKc-fKJyiMKlEdD-Nw8WmBhNwmzi_s9lCx2B-2ry6oqzGym62Ox7w/s1600/IMG_3908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheXMFb2E7G2D-5lRqd3eNeiyH80xI1khTnPF1GUh_CeBvOXQtb3-kQ8XBhLPc57LI1QM8LDfy0Xi25ai1btpN07BPKc-fKJyiMKlEdD-Nw8WmBhNwmzi_s9lCx2B-2ry6oqzGym62Ox7w/s320/IMG_3908.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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I put the rest of the gear on at the other visitor center.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfzxw8QqMqJle-F5EzF9_MG_Y2uAuM_xS0PNN4mC1NigymL53YP8zQ12hphNau4_oV11aymtCkLl9hiKwU4YxtvTyrZaEV0KL7OPgIKmCB31j1UQzmF2uOthgoZmd8jXpwRwzlOBhK_fQ/s1600/IMG_3916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfzxw8QqMqJle-F5EzF9_MG_Y2uAuM_xS0PNN4mC1NigymL53YP8zQ12hphNau4_oV11aymtCkLl9hiKwU4YxtvTyrZaEV0KL7OPgIKmCB31j1UQzmF2uOthgoZmd8jXpwRwzlOBhK_fQ/s320/IMG_3916.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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And now I'm HOT!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ijNEVCCFpE8vYQdxxxu4vD3Gr6nN7JBU6PEAnYR7WDkVeJrmCxkOYX4HQ1bEZWlq_HTeAMLAJMtFmzTtHFf06a8YZ0xQsPEE0fIO2PMcA09-Up8XbkwP5MT76iXZCWm4H4WbU9f5rH0/s1600/IMG_3918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ijNEVCCFpE8vYQdxxxu4vD3Gr6nN7JBU6PEAnYR7WDkVeJrmCxkOYX4HQ1bEZWlq_HTeAMLAJMtFmzTtHFf06a8YZ0xQsPEE0fIO2PMcA09-Up8XbkwP5MT76iXZCWm4H4WbU9f5rH0/s320/IMG_3918.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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And still no rain. But it looks nasty.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTymLVXBMbW2qukUwmvDCMd-a-S-tL3RP-pKYzH8Y6s98annShQcoNRzxxT9m2910EYy1Qso7CZWgAgxxat6Sy0i80DMBYykp5OgMFUlaB2th3575jyEA3hkuFAXD1onQLG4JyHXPDBJc/s1600/IMG_3919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTymLVXBMbW2qukUwmvDCMd-a-S-tL3RP-pKYzH8Y6s98annShQcoNRzxxT9m2910EYy1Qso7CZWgAgxxat6Sy0i80DMBYykp5OgMFUlaB2th3575jyEA3hkuFAXD1onQLG4JyHXPDBJc/s320/IMG_3919.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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At least the land is interesting to look at now. It was pretty before, but like Pop said of Nebraska, miles and miles of miles and miles.<br />
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Second VC coming up!<br />
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The town of Medora that the park is in.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQn8g2y-U1fxz8My8XPsAJuVPbLII_3kVYNdtiXwkk1HTKuje9eBqezUAcig3Oz-paGlgVMiYG-E8Jufy9DQv1rmTMClML7SgWfeOKLU62M0qmftM1J7pbKaCtYNAxLFv-WQbEiGmP_sM/s1600/IMG_3924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQn8g2y-U1fxz8My8XPsAJuVPbLII_3kVYNdtiXwkk1HTKuje9eBqezUAcig3Oz-paGlgVMiYG-E8Jufy9DQv1rmTMClML7SgWfeOKLU62M0qmftM1J7pbKaCtYNAxLFv-WQbEiGmP_sM/s320/IMG_3924.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Oooh, the Fudge and Ice Cream Depot. I can totally see spending time there. But I don't, cuz I have a schedule and need to keep moving! NONE FOR YOU!<br />
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The park is where T. Roosevelt owned some land/ranches for many years after some deaths in his family, apparently. This was before he was president. He was a big hunter, but fell in love with the area. It was a weird and sudden shift in the landscape from the flat, flat of East ND to here. And then it turned into 'the badlands'!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5quptp8H4Ck4Lir0azamAiJ7HnzbZ5jBgL2xmhiS11HiYOZkuNAeEIuFBgRkmRADa2ehJw9smL53TmBovc2EtpUL437mN7VSlbnjkFNqTJ58zyfMK3DQHjHRhCwrXj0LZRLkprUo5zAg/s1600/IMG_3926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5quptp8H4Ck4Lir0azamAiJ7HnzbZ5jBgL2xmhiS11HiYOZkuNAeEIuFBgRkmRADa2ehJw9smL53TmBovc2EtpUL437mN7VSlbnjkFNqTJ58zyfMK3DQHjHRhCwrXj0LZRLkprUo5zAg/s320/IMG_3926.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Some cool stuff at the second visitors' center.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_FQFe4DniThHg_Hb30-SEN0gnXXDpAajrUM2yuQS1SnqDoqz8vjpW_ehAlz2ojKqQ_Ou2vzUndahf_wWkODkJI0YypG47IBtwn-sah-wfKULIVKnJUA3fQAJgXsqqjrgKKKEwgDspLtQ/s1600/IMG_3929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_FQFe4DniThHg_Hb30-SEN0gnXXDpAajrUM2yuQS1SnqDoqz8vjpW_ehAlz2ojKqQ_Ou2vzUndahf_wWkODkJI0YypG47IBtwn-sah-wfKULIVKnJUA3fQAJgXsqqjrgKKKEwgDspLtQ/s320/IMG_3929.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGY11wGWy-5p4WptEyPZ7O6PMdTn4KdegpV4Rn2IuJvCBkVbdNrPoj6FfAqVTviL679n_aIXIcuRQmktr01FOep5Mj-oXgmOlwI7nRXMVCNBqgt_15kv9zLW8y4OoN_QpMH3JE3G8wbXw/s1600/IMG_3930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGY11wGWy-5p4WptEyPZ7O6PMdTn4KdegpV4Rn2IuJvCBkVbdNrPoj6FfAqVTviL679n_aIXIcuRQmktr01FOep5Mj-oXgmOlwI7nRXMVCNBqgt_15kv9zLW8y4OoN_QpMH3JE3G8wbXw/s320/IMG_3930.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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This looks like one of the birds I saw earlier swoop into one of those road lakes to join a group of others... I thought 'Was that a pelican?', but I have no experience with pelicans and didn't know that they lived in this area, that they hung in groups and that they were so dang big! But apparently I did see a bunch of these birds on the flooded roadside lakes earlier. Cool.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJ0cS0vnnIdqk3RG3fFLgd6BnB-RDd6QIgngK7GYFSDjX1sDGwadiAlKuQtZcssvc_ada67LW922LK3Ue8pMMXsjy_ur57q93reHh5CLqThCjYouvaWxvi_Nscs-amQbuMwvInbJ-G-k/s1600/IMG_3933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJ0cS0vnnIdqk3RG3fFLgd6BnB-RDd6QIgngK7GYFSDjX1sDGwadiAlKuQtZcssvc_ada67LW922LK3Ue8pMMXsjy_ur57q93reHh5CLqThCjYouvaWxvi_Nscs-amQbuMwvInbJ-G-k/s320/IMG_3933.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Oh, my God, she's off the bike...which means??!! SUP!er macroooo...<br />
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This is actually a large petrified tree trunk in the visitors' center.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfJngOpvqbuo8pg4fTKLkghBTcnts95puFvd9QdY9xQY4iEvAFFjKbvl9M727zXt26KCjKwJrLDCPPjtVnKyXsIvH6Q9jqFMxoyP1S9NWk39IM7Ww4bCXtSmkHwoaJlgv-bM0TjmboLU/s1600/IMG_3940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfJngOpvqbuo8pg4fTKLkghBTcnts95puFvd9QdY9xQY4iEvAFFjKbvl9M727zXt26KCjKwJrLDCPPjtVnKyXsIvH6Q9jqFMxoyP1S9NWk39IM7Ww4bCXtSmkHwoaJlgv-bM0TjmboLU/s320/IMG_3940.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Denise's Moto Guzzi, Fuzzy, is doing great on the road.<br />
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We're in Medora, ND.<br />
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Off the bike again...and messing with some Sage. I love sage. I rub my hands all in it and put it on my neck wrap.<br />
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Got this one while I was waiting for Courtney to get an answer from her boss about MC parking stickers to go with the Annual Pass I just picked up.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiagyZkOTOfsCuoULbfqTMEZPSpoOPREGr_QTF_DKX3_7k0bgLQCpWs0iOGqwVu7uf38hMyhS26JXJV141d8CR-YM46xBxT1kb6IEKKtRpGaOZDw0JWgynW4BvGSpW-rCicuAUMYWEJKrE/s1600/IMG_3963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiagyZkOTOfsCuoULbfqTMEZPSpoOPREGr_QTF_DKX3_7k0bgLQCpWs0iOGqwVu7uf38hMyhS26JXJV141d8CR-YM46xBxT1kb6IEKKtRpGaOZDw0JWgynW4BvGSpW-rCicuAUMYWEJKrE/s320/IMG_3963.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
No luck on the sticker, but I grabbed a hang tag for now. Maybe I can trade up at another park. :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgovPxI0fM04QQJtSUqcKkeG8UQPawVNBy3v4jkCS-KMb8l8qhVdeIeep7ULwxn_wbxkk_3iKssvRYd3U7Rz-_44T59rrmWs6-BBR2UjQsN5ruzvB2AVo-fHatnsYLbC9QKtLqvytfUrqw/s1600/IMG_3966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgovPxI0fM04QQJtSUqcKkeG8UQPawVNBy3v4jkCS-KMb8l8qhVdeIeep7ULwxn_wbxkk_3iKssvRYd3U7Rz-_44T59rrmWs6-BBR2UjQsN5ruzvB2AVo-fHatnsYLbC9QKtLqvytfUrqw/s320/IMG_3966.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Back on the road and it still looks ominous.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi6ZAbCNFrJY2_ArodXPEROTwDhgiRPgJp6-EGAMfsXvWkUjtgJBS3ZFM0cIUEdM59woTcZv6yul3g56UFMA_pE9gJrgnkUcx_4Sl0X7djY674BQ_cutM1vYemvQZXF0RqLYSZXyeo4o4/s1600/IMG_3974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi6ZAbCNFrJY2_ArodXPEROTwDhgiRPgJp6-EGAMfsXvWkUjtgJBS3ZFM0cIUEdM59woTcZv6yul3g56UFMA_pE9gJrgnkUcx_4Sl0X7djY674BQ_cutM1vYemvQZXF0RqLYSZXyeo4o4/s320/IMG_3974.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I realize that there's sage all over the roadside. And I want some.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-QT-z6hxpUooluWhrFxUbFsE6adjqxTXxQoPriSFl5-PBoHnWLcW3VWaHCJN4U6eLMwY82yfT24YZcL83LZifNNV6vMlxjoQ5nBMiFDNx22JvcqHP16GUuxdxppH1UgSD4Adx65Y7GKY/s1600/IMG_3975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-QT-z6hxpUooluWhrFxUbFsE6adjqxTXxQoPriSFl5-PBoHnWLcW3VWaHCJN4U6eLMwY82yfT24YZcL83LZifNNV6vMlxjoQ5nBMiFDNx22JvcqHP16GUuxdxppH1UgSD4Adx65Y7GKY/s320/IMG_3975.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
So I start looking for a 'good place' to stop and grab some from the side of the road.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghEy_V4yRTrIVAtJh0Llz7jlJ_pV1N6J2LfxaVpasHPpbxDhfwerNFZjSzTz8F46Xw7wjjfOL-sXXSkoBeooydqPbV47q_ZjrDZEOCN2SYZE0UFGC9P47-e-2BNl29k1Ivo8Pv2DEyBSY/s1600/IMG_3976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghEy_V4yRTrIVAtJh0Llz7jlJ_pV1N6J2LfxaVpasHPpbxDhfwerNFZjSzTz8F46Xw7wjjfOL-sXXSkoBeooydqPbV47q_ZjrDZEOCN2SYZE0UFGC9P47-e-2BNl29k1Ivo8Pv2DEyBSY/s320/IMG_3976.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Little rain drops spit at my windshield and knock on my visor... <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihD_o2qj5QEn0Cl6eA4KDxKmcbbSOuSnEKhf1SxOY-ZURYk8SwWuEy1Tj6Ay9S5SXlYznO_Ym3vkXs1FUrlPvXJh7DtDDdwqSgyu2HeQPc6fw3j_a-rRpDcdDNroauMN9VMwo6_D4rm4o/s1600/IMG_3978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihD_o2qj5QEn0Cl6eA4KDxKmcbbSOuSnEKhf1SxOY-ZURYk8SwWuEy1Tj6Ay9S5SXlYznO_Ym3vkXs1FUrlPvXJh7DtDDdwqSgyu2HeQPc6fw3j_a-rRpDcdDNroauMN9VMwo6_D4rm4o/s320/IMG_3978.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
But it only lasts a couple of minutes at most. And doesn't get any heavier.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKiyRfbvZTxL1Ml9UvVkM69ImE-QmDm6bquiXZpntRWBNFg0EjA9hei0D1lnNrxH1mn4scDztIkZ4nGLaHkZSgHKQfKvcj-PrAlT19C6UQUe8X5fa88-4Q51KQ9IOKL0SVGTloXFjje_8/s1600/IMG_3981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKiyRfbvZTxL1Ml9UvVkM69ImE-QmDm6bquiXZpntRWBNFg0EjA9hei0D1lnNrxH1mn4scDztIkZ4nGLaHkZSgHKQfKvcj-PrAlT19C6UQUe8X5fa88-4Q51KQ9IOKL0SVGTloXFjje_8/s320/IMG_3981.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
And then the clouds start to develop form.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDE5FRphjVBr3TtRfYwzJdNIUf1m1mZlp5rOhDcwtKOzGmktPXQ1CEDurG16Cvrg2sE-5ieLR4btLpxVetT_H8cm46ybySAgJkD7cOnMUw85UUgr6mckx5Az8QWT228acEQV2j2iVWBNY/s1600/IMG_3987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDE5FRphjVBr3TtRfYwzJdNIUf1m1mZlp5rOhDcwtKOzGmktPXQ1CEDurG16Cvrg2sE-5ieLR4btLpxVetT_H8cm46ybySAgJkD7cOnMUw85UUgr6mckx5Az8QWT228acEQV2j2iVWBNY/s320/IMG_3987.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
And diversify.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJp9NnWF27hcfSFB608WsrigjioS3q6Vqq1z_IahHfxJ1OFJRxKwj0nLAYFAVOwPylpR5_RMTdC9K6eavvXhXUxORPQtr2Lw9vtG1KItagAw8Z64wv4o-C1ZsnFjKUD-AdPHg3SUPqnBU/s1600/IMG_3989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJp9NnWF27hcfSFB608WsrigjioS3q6Vqq1z_IahHfxJ1OFJRxKwj0nLAYFAVOwPylpR5_RMTdC9K6eavvXhXUxORPQtr2Lw9vtG1KItagAw8Z64wv4o-C1ZsnFjKUD-AdPHg3SUPqnBU/s320/IMG_3989.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
And... break up?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMy_6LO5ZEEn430O4KJP_sl-ihANoFqoFNAt9WnfJH6zf7gpQrSi9xfVnyHgUsTH-oQT3KpaWy7n2TrGs84poGyvEncsXUKyfX4QiKJuScWAQDVE_EBUzbv033g_nThWhlxi3EiPUzI8A/s1600/IMG_3991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMy_6LO5ZEEn430O4KJP_sl-ihANoFqoFNAt9WnfJH6zf7gpQrSi9xfVnyHgUsTH-oQT3KpaWy7n2TrGs84poGyvEncsXUKyfX4QiKJuScWAQDVE_EBUzbv033g_nThWhlxi3EiPUzI8A/s320/IMG_3991.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I start to think that I may have ridden under it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGmwNIwiwaQEsFl3r7Dg2xReEcZzY-qhf3VlUcxlaDoqQU4pegX3XTWJgf9TEIWWS_sUkHH-aikTYEgWSp2-4w3kO6z2RTmAXQJpRh4jR3FGwvzG3kH6g56I3Y_8Myf5vracCsNoMlA_8/s1600/IMG_3995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGmwNIwiwaQEsFl3r7Dg2xReEcZzY-qhf3VlUcxlaDoqQU4pegX3XTWJgf9TEIWWS_sUkHH-aikTYEgWSp2-4w3kO6z2RTmAXQJpRh4jR3FGwvzG3kH6g56I3Y_8Myf5vracCsNoMlA_8/s320/IMG_3995.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
That I escaped an impromptu underpass rest stop.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif0HdTczHK6wdFHPIh2C7m1Zvrj-LJKMqfleiryx5_LJaZ6UXd8h0r2JLV40DUBVweWiyOLmAGPyNVYoLMqbioYpJZgdAzVHT0_w5iU34vxBYFRthR9ag6XvZoNQc_EMBD74OlmRh9mBQ/s1600/IMG_3999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif0HdTczHK6wdFHPIh2C7m1Zvrj-LJKMqfleiryx5_LJaZ6UXd8h0r2JLV40DUBVweWiyOLmAGPyNVYoLMqbioYpJZgdAzVHT0_w5iU34vxBYFRthR9ag6XvZoNQc_EMBD74OlmRh9mBQ/s320/IMG_3999.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
There's still the random construction to keep you hopping, though. The 4 lane becomes 2 and somebody, East or West bound, has to jump over to split the lanes on the other guy's side. This time, though, they just divert all of us to an exit and back on because they've dumped piles of dirt on the highway. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmNENAZwSJ9amWLFXx3vDw8h_cQ9uKIuhs05Z-FnUVhMEpgbMkvKMjvUi6uRBITlIb_1qEQyGdKEsHdMsA4qgTrn2txTZezR4Jac8bINzOXI-snFeWNL6XsOSQJq-oaZcjJWq1wxHsAgw/s1600/IMG_4001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmNENAZwSJ9amWLFXx3vDw8h_cQ9uKIuhs05Z-FnUVhMEpgbMkvKMjvUi6uRBITlIb_1qEQyGdKEsHdMsA4qgTrn2txTZezR4Jac8bINzOXI-snFeWNL6XsOSQJq-oaZcjJWq1wxHsAgw/s320/IMG_4001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I couldn't figure out why, but what do I know?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4gLPJYpdYY-DZJnjuSpAleGo2EofmhfDpD5BaGa9jWkJdc4efroH58-dsnaEoUQHH6SVFIOkPzyhyNJRWuH2INo_KeNEM1nQxMXejPuc8MgS9W-qetTy7bQDVO8exxIlHLZtfQ8YZD3M/s1600/IMG_4002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4gLPJYpdYY-DZJnjuSpAleGo2EofmhfDpD5BaGa9jWkJdc4efroH58-dsnaEoUQHH6SVFIOkPzyhyNJRWuH2INo_KeNEM1nQxMXejPuc8MgS9W-qetTy7bQDVO8exxIlHLZtfQ8YZD3M/s320/IMG_4002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I'll bet she's mad...but I think I dodged it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgajFjd6Np-AVOsJKw1B77tBtKJYq9rooMCp01J9zs8pWmDa09C3KrdYbvT57N-izeLJJ3Mnkz6mMH-zMcnG8F5nyNT_3tLKCnzTn8naJRmvuZrLVQ7TeV-V54pCID478p2c08D1IBQXcI/s1600/IMG_4007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgajFjd6Np-AVOsJKw1B77tBtKJYq9rooMCp01J9zs8pWmDa09C3KrdYbvT57N-izeLJJ3Mnkz6mMH-zMcnG8F5nyNT_3tLKCnzTn8naJRmvuZrLVQ7TeV-V54pCID478p2c08D1IBQXcI/s320/IMG_4007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Finally! Montana!! Big Sky Country is right.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHoxcO8KO35x0CzFzDekmYZ8AYrQV6sSiMs3AK0qzsOxkc_C5ZJcG1jix695jwd1jRZKRS7kW7I3zEpFo7ZD64x33cPrzQ22ZN2Lk1HEjraieIB47OBFgR1Ul_P-D5qSmElmW-E6S2uGI/s1600/IMG_4008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHoxcO8KO35x0CzFzDekmYZ8AYrQV6sSiMs3AK0qzsOxkc_C5ZJcG1jix695jwd1jRZKRS7kW7I3zEpFo7ZD64x33cPrzQ22ZN2Lk1HEjraieIB47OBFgR1Ul_P-D5qSmElmW-E6S2uGI/s320/IMG_4008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I seem to have made it though without hitting significant rain. I'm sure Mother Nature is planning her retaliation. I've got a whole lot of time left to find out.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvjsncWQSNVEbNCFtsZkseSHEnIGwsxbxumnfLmo_uuCyc3-4_kX2uEmFfK3UjQlbviMa8GjjZP3E6YHG91SmxRZtTJCYd1ov4lO5Hch-zEpw4wsUZ2fpwL2UuXAiGrJvdDmXxEMG4kWY/s1600/IMG_4009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvjsncWQSNVEbNCFtsZkseSHEnIGwsxbxumnfLmo_uuCyc3-4_kX2uEmFfK3UjQlbviMa8GjjZP3E6YHG91SmxRZtTJCYd1ov4lO5Hch-zEpw4wsUZ2fpwL2UuXAiGrJvdDmXxEMG4kWY/s320/IMG_4009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
So, still cloudy, but getting nicer.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOmdv5YwDXV9UjQT-RZ8f5GAq2_UJv7uUl1ulPTrXXbo4fnw6g2PJ-Fu3EEj9fU3YiGq3-I8yz2cuB9s9DD8LncTdD3xD0ml5HlkbkodBJAxjERISD5KXjj_Zr6uDulSNR09dpbcfQwbA/s1600/IMG_4017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOmdv5YwDXV9UjQT-RZ8f5GAq2_UJv7uUl1ulPTrXXbo4fnw6g2PJ-Fu3EEj9fU3YiGq3-I8yz2cuB9s9DD8LncTdD3xD0ml5HlkbkodBJAxjERISD5KXjj_Zr6uDulSNR09dpbcfQwbA/s320/IMG_4017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_irxfiLGqZxSWomo9yPIGmsMAci4dsqlEQmvN4osskGuY3onmpd-0eT4fe8F5YwgXRay3WIJYnNwxOERNRrCag2y3kjI5UkTwLpBoRF6y2tg30m-NdZYPGRCwjInKiqX39px108cEckk/s1600/IMG_4021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_irxfiLGqZxSWomo9yPIGmsMAci4dsqlEQmvN4osskGuY3onmpd-0eT4fe8F5YwgXRay3WIJYnNwxOERNRrCag2y3kjI5UkTwLpBoRF6y2tg30m-NdZYPGRCwjInKiqX39px108cEckk/s320/IMG_4021.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Many spots of construction, but not enough traffic to make it obnoxious.<br />
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What? Bad Route Road? Seriously? Well, I have to pay homage to this exit, as I've been on this road so many times and had no idea that it was actually in Montana.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span id="goog_2114366816"></span><span id="goog_2114366817"></span></div>Which meant I got to see these cows. And the cow saw me.<br />
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And I love this.<br />
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And back on the road.<br />
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Yellowstone river! Oh, now I'm just aching to make a detour to Yellowstone. I wanna see me some bison!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love signs that say 'World Famous'. Really? I mean I certainly don't know everything, but I'm often dubious. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg04KshnvoPilHTSKnUjzqxKoUy5k45Djb5OAWL_gXTKttx3PagQfYHvC8yJhaWdtc8GCiD28FGoeoDiviSZBeB6vgUYD71_C46odIcxQbl7frothl1HG4b9ICUuoXxs4s3BwJ2s8WTLZc/s1600/IMG_4103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg04KshnvoPilHTSKnUjzqxKoUy5k45Djb5OAWL_gXTKttx3PagQfYHvC8yJhaWdtc8GCiD28FGoeoDiviSZBeB6vgUYD71_C46odIcxQbl7frothl1HG4b9ICUuoXxs4s3BwJ2s8WTLZc/s320/IMG_4103.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Reasons I hate my GPS, continued:<br />
GPS tells me to get off 94 to go on business route 94. WHY? I look at the gps and zoom out and can't figure out why. But I stop here to have some water and try to figure out why it's routing me this way. I decide that I know better and go back the mile I came to go back on 94 proper. I didn't have as much water as I thought I did, so I'll be looking for an exit soon to take a break and hydrate. This exit is 'business 94', but none of the businesses in sight or on the gps have food. Stupid gps.<br />
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And it's hot! I did get to take off my rain gear at the Pepsi sign, though.<br />
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So, the very next exit (of course) has fast food and gas and everything I need. and a chinese buffet...<br />
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Wendy's/Chinese. Wendy's/Chinese. I'm actually in need of some down time. I need some time off the bike and out of the sun and some time to get some water back into my cells. And this, I tell myself, is the perfect reason to break my road rules: never eat at one-offs! Stay with chains. Stay with what you know. But do I listen?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnaosQrizeita-ZcE6ZtcA1kSiiDh11XS5YiLXuWb-5QJ9kzRjh0PoQtZ9lti8ghBGKGKOzZ3VLsAgeEbeUg38ZVXeXwsBsOsrh-qB2Vt2DBNYErrMIQM2FLHc_Ktq6sqMgAm1iETjSZw/s1600/IMG_4141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnaosQrizeita-ZcE6ZtcA1kSiiDh11XS5YiLXuWb-5QJ9kzRjh0PoQtZ9lti8ghBGKGKOzZ3VLsAgeEbeUg38ZVXeXwsBsOsrh-qB2Vt2DBNYErrMIQM2FLHc_Ktq6sqMgAm1iETjSZw/s320/IMG_4141.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Now, if I'd seen that it was $12, I would have turned around immediately and gone to the Wendy's .25 miles the other way, but I was already in when I saw the sign.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1RYIKCLd8FvF_Y6V2ABfzjASfJhaKJI5i1XTn4zkeoYp2b-Y3TC2Dr1jzs3lWTaZjD_21cdHyjBd2aj1ZNeLX2Q06x3-Y968yukH5deJQ707CAGFTNeJaC4MxJeVLHggr7shKQYb5idk/s1600/IMG_4142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1RYIKCLd8FvF_Y6V2ABfzjASfJhaKJI5i1XTn4zkeoYp2b-Y3TC2Dr1jzs3lWTaZjD_21cdHyjBd2aj1ZNeLX2Q06x3-Y968yukH5deJQ707CAGFTNeJaC4MxJeVLHggr7shKQYb5idk/s320/IMG_4142.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
So, here's my$12 worth of 10 cnets of rice and some meat. Waitress was ok, but I met Peter, who bought me a drink. (Took my soda off the bill) and had a great sense of humor. He got me my white rice. He took my check at the register and after many years of searching, I finally ask this guy from California who's here helping out the family restaurant: I like 3 kinds of soy sauce. All of them are to-go. That panda one right there is one of them, but I can't find them in the store. Do you know what brand they are? He gives me a website to try and later brings a plastic bag full of to-go packets to the table.<br />
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Now, I'm still at the table because I broke my rule. The food did not sit well and I was going to have to wait it out there.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ57KAyku8nAVrfjCB8blIQloxmTmGwluY1xPptZn1dor5J72qUBFtFY7G4OH3EfGsIDDiajbHlnlljIt5OEgqIY7CGRhFqN0WUjCcJglohLkumF-5N_SFVEqNx1XwLmEEo_HiOpFNo4E/s1600/IMG_4151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ57KAyku8nAVrfjCB8blIQloxmTmGwluY1xPptZn1dor5J72qUBFtFY7G4OH3EfGsIDDiajbHlnlljIt5OEgqIY7CGRhFqN0WUjCcJglohLkumF-5N_SFVEqNx1XwLmEEo_HiOpFNo4E/s320/IMG_4151.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
So, I talked with Peter and texted my mom and talked to a boy who was fascinated by this frog.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-n_kk1NwtdwSz1vpKK57_3um_49TJNNGRHUc6I-mmCJCBHKbgjy3Z0OWYGlQqZR1EZB0UgE463av8p_kBqa7Sw_o_vgCMX8CQuJcMXC4js6NvLtaNDyFzesKUQLUOL00BME8h4ILJCU/s1600/IMG_4152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-n_kk1NwtdwSz1vpKK57_3um_49TJNNGRHUc6I-mmCJCBHKbgjy3Z0OWYGlQqZR1EZB0UgE463av8p_kBqa7Sw_o_vgCMX8CQuJcMXC4js6NvLtaNDyFzesKUQLUOL00BME8h4ILJCU/s320/IMG_4152.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The frog with the creepy flash-eyes. Creepy, misunderstood albino frog. We also watched the turtle race around and the fish that sometimes tried to eat the pennies that aren't supposed to go in there any more.<br />
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And then, an hour or so after breaking my rule, I head out again.<br />
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I pulled off at a scenic pull off for a little while. Now that I hit the park, I have nothing specific planned except to make as much progress as I can before I call it a day.<br />
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SUPer Macroooooo!!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsRcMoZ_fgEchl1jHv-8W3sSX4fbo0ymyisG_knTVQ9GcUzOsRQ8NwrxdMcPHZHNgF-qhyGDFl8MojGWOpwnCFDReE660ndJlC43rYJTiLKd0nnxehjT9A4V1PizRTyZFaZl8YN27SGuE/s1600/IMG_4200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsRcMoZ_fgEchl1jHv-8W3sSX4fbo0ymyisG_knTVQ9GcUzOsRQ8NwrxdMcPHZHNgF-qhyGDFl8MojGWOpwnCFDReE660ndJlC43rYJTiLKd0nnxehjT9A4V1PizRTyZFaZl8YN27SGuE/s320/IMG_4200.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Then, as the sun starts to set the clouds return.<br />
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The office.<br />
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The friendly, but not open, corner.<br />
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no photos for: flat tire car, bird, speed limit, Billings, flying J, Phil-not drunk, just tired, smelled like he trucks cows, hotels casino.<br />
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Oh, mah gawd, that was a long day.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">good night! </div><span id="goog_598556446"></span><span id="goog_598556447"></span></div>jwestermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13286140065668045010noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2425252016142873003.post-40693951615806303522011-07-10T00:00:00.000-04:002011-08-10T19:44:30.694-04:00Day 1! Back on the Road.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQZjYujJIZ5TvQbVctYx-o7ceYpYZMbHtL6oc7KVwrD1FHusd1bVP1a6oZ0h__6XRXAZCct85b-2xwfD9OxU39LKk1LYCggE-zAjwvrEc6BzZPKJVHZC3IjQEVC3SlBjqpHkO23CErS_Y/s1600/IMG_2988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black;"><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"></span></span></a></span></div><div style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Let the packing begin!!</span></div><div style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'd like to get on the road by noon. Things go pretty well. </span></span></div><div style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I find some stuff.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-n0N0um3GwwqE28LSEaOO12BNahQeB0MplZIz9QE44d3-HdwYTAE7cLjvfDF_bcyguB2duS_6zHoI_daf6zQrsa9Czx9yhKFZ2ln_wfjqRfwykCGN9JzEUYdFjiRHgyDt95_hM_OkpE4/s1600/IMG_2987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-n0N0um3GwwqE28LSEaOO12BNahQeB0MplZIz9QE44d3-HdwYTAE7cLjvfDF_bcyguB2duS_6zHoI_daf6zQrsa9Czx9yhKFZ2ln_wfjqRfwykCGN9JzEUYdFjiRHgyDt95_hM_OkpE4/s320/IMG_2987.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Get some more stuff. </div><div style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQZjYujJIZ5TvQbVctYx-o7ceYpYZMbHtL6oc7KVwrD1FHusd1bVP1a6oZ0h__6XRXAZCct85b-2xwfD9OxU39LKk1LYCggE-zAjwvrEc6BzZPKJVHZC3IjQEVC3SlBjqpHkO23CErS_Y/s1600/IMG_2988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQZjYujJIZ5TvQbVctYx-o7ceYpYZMbHtL6oc7KVwrD1FHusd1bVP1a6oZ0h__6XRXAZCct85b-2xwfD9OxU39LKk1LYCggE-zAjwvrEc6BzZPKJVHZC3IjQEVC3SlBjqpHkO23CErS_Y/s320/IMG_2988.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Find some other stuff.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEaghCPWqTGMIsZPPrw0O2Cqzcf7neqSJQ7CFbphY6p_pKFOJwtIVSELAEraQxw915AviMM5xVL3ZZ3WGbviZAKLkIdPhJYUcqDrsGbaGkRHq0dvyQ2aj_wHyhrK2Rjgl8b362i5JT4I/s1600/IMG_3002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEaghCPWqTGMIsZPPrw0O2Cqzcf7neqSJQ7CFbphY6p_pKFOJwtIVSELAEraQxw915AviMM5xVL3ZZ3WGbviZAKLkIdPhJYUcqDrsGbaGkRHq0dvyQ2aj_wHyhrK2Rjgl8b362i5JT4I/s320/IMG_3002.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oh, yeah, can't forget this stuff. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhY2B9xh0Z0ssQMA97jLwiBKOTX_ftVRDuxblBxTpYMkITFNDRGNpe4n5JSJIgsEgnLDHj8pooZUMtzMl-dhKjLieyhw1ziHyQw4wlP6dE9nfDPQrsQGuIkeCN4sCydDZ4_OTjRUBQJSU/s1600/IMG_3013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbkYGk__2BmkQ_T_EbAlMRjpFwMUSmmiwVygAcNMvjd_kVRv6lnnITzDkYjYtye4yEYTIka1OrT8rYPZQiQtdZaacOBTaZOFwqQ2YDI7xaITWFXj6-KpOJ7L_-fX_1cCyMfK_P9VeAIbk/s1600/IMG_3003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbkYGk__2BmkQ_T_EbAlMRjpFwMUSmmiwVygAcNMvjd_kVRv6lnnITzDkYjYtye4yEYTIka1OrT8rYPZQiQtdZaacOBTaZOFwqQ2YDI7xaITWFXj6-KpOJ7L_-fX_1cCyMfK_P9VeAIbk/s320/IMG_3003.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oh, man, gotta get all this stuff on the bike... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC5O7m4RPrPx04iafAloJUb2_MhKHZ35CsPQUEvYieY9hDaPYrLDw0aLdNROXHsxYr6Kttai9_kwDhiJPiW9U4_wpSlMaOe_3gVl1fN-ToeoIh3FN0NEkzkk9X8k8J0WPRjsEQjPscJQw/s1600/IMG_3005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC5O7m4RPrPx04iafAloJUb2_MhKHZ35CsPQUEvYieY9hDaPYrLDw0aLdNROXHsxYr6Kttai9_kwDhiJPiW9U4_wpSlMaOe_3gVl1fN-ToeoIh3FN0NEkzkk9X8k8J0WPRjsEQjPscJQw/s320/IMG_3005.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ah... Left to right: stuff I don't need, stuff I wear on me, stuff that needs to stay with the bike, stuff to wear when I'm not on the bike, stuff I don't need till I see people, stuff to have with me at all times. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW1FqCrfmf7YwrtoEW95e9ttIf64L2xGm-thfUl-LY2mLXgA6x1O6HczUtA8JpUqXLknsk5xD-IhBlKj-00JoQxQacz62jdQEqMFdS2WLLvGx46VRAGO-UpyBOxErZAFLQeG4jBxi7AeU/s1600/IMG_3007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW1FqCrfmf7YwrtoEW95e9ttIf64L2xGm-thfUl-LY2mLXgA6x1O6HczUtA8JpUqXLknsk5xD-IhBlKj-00JoQxQacz62jdQEqMFdS2WLLvGx46VRAGO-UpyBOxErZAFLQeG4jBxi7AeU/s320/IMG_3007.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Whew!! All my packing done by 11am! Woot! So I go chill for a while and wander around looking for things I missed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then at noon, go to get the bike.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Get distracted on the way to the bike. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifecqVtVbQNmIF0HCzgOIJrkuupjzjXIS45N8i_pHrJV8sdoIh5PxZ-1Jpaat8ADJoNbSVSyV4_2mEut0cNR2eEEAFixNYS0QSzR8ho-eYLviZ6ghlA0jNWLuVSK0Z48_ERCgQesHImd4/s1600/IMG_2992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifecqVtVbQNmIF0HCzgOIJrkuupjzjXIS45N8i_pHrJV8sdoIh5PxZ-1Jpaat8ADJoNbSVSyV4_2mEut0cNR2eEEAFixNYS0QSzR8ho-eYLviZ6ghlA0jNWLuVSK0Z48_ERCgQesHImd4/s320/IMG_2992.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBtPn_ev9zmj3cnrh1fOLTGicaRCQ0jLGc_G4SX2eLnnDtO0aishLDsQJWgTk4uxkJLbPpjjsTRrMduNHJD-E75WzUw02pinM7-ajVZMflOJATo3_hX7h0bejJ2HaTMMNnKEgUaf5CItE/s1600/IMG_2994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBtPn_ev9zmj3cnrh1fOLTGicaRCQ0jLGc_G4SX2eLnnDtO0aishLDsQJWgTk4uxkJLbPpjjsTRrMduNHJD-E75WzUw02pinM7-ajVZMflOJATo3_hX7h0bejJ2HaTMMNnKEgUaf5CItE/s320/IMG_2994.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicx6xCX6lldfCObAUOdJJ3-DnESHEM29p-SME28Mk3fVGdd5C7pxOGwfgGbLSJZzS6Zv5pAEoBIOb3CsGNng86G66ovFIgKtnNApyMzLrzMVhHgr-5ph-GjQ9VN4V9PPrqWErpv_hQSWY/s1600/IMG_2991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicx6xCX6lldfCObAUOdJJ3-DnESHEM29p-SME28Mk3fVGdd5C7pxOGwfgGbLSJZzS6Zv5pAEoBIOb3CsGNng86G66ovFIgKtnNApyMzLrzMVhHgr-5ph-GjQ9VN4V9PPrqWErpv_hQSWY/s320/IMG_2991.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Right, Packing! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqVsrpKLKOfIlKoP-BI01sqAXVWSH89dQXygF203ifCM7UBCOKTv8HXxoQXOCMlb6ojDJIChEqhYrTjnuLUFb6Lxkv9o4dW6Vn3gUGvIrs9evCPyRI6CsXKxwRNPcGDi6SUauxvASL_8I/s1600/IMG_3013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqVsrpKLKOfIlKoP-BI01sqAXVWSH89dQXygF203ifCM7UBCOKTv8HXxoQXOCMlb6ojDJIChEqhYrTjnuLUFb6Lxkv9o4dW6Vn3gUGvIrs9evCPyRI6CsXKxwRNPcGDi6SUauxvASL_8I/s320/IMG_3013.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking out the bike. Fumigating gremlins. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I realize that, while I am so proud that all my clothing and essentials fit in that little black back for 15 days, I have to fly home and bring all the stuff that I'm wearing, and some of the stuff that's on the bike that belongs on MY bike. So, minor modifications...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxDrLwFFgMIdl5WdsHchaLdkY8ENyqrlsy2VFAXMqFi2Q5SPzxWE3l6MhURwCmwLk4B6IGkp7ECkZFs7tc_CGWE7cozefkNFtCO8G36EuDP5GCRifJQ7I7Q0LcLO98vOAaZl1qrnybr8s/s1600/IMG_3014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxDrLwFFgMIdl5WdsHchaLdkY8ENyqrlsy2VFAXMqFi2Q5SPzxWE3l6MhURwCmwLk4B6IGkp7ECkZFs7tc_CGWE7cozefkNFtCO8G36EuDP5GCRifJQ7I7Q0LcLO98vOAaZl1qrnybr8s/s320/IMG_3014.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I can't find my Smoke Chasers book. I wander around for 30 minutes looking for that and finally give up. Now I'm annoyed! Mom and I were just out last week pounding BBQ.... I finally let it go and get back to the bike. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZIP7UoDh1KdACzww1bg-jNUjVLdy3rINEb0ihwDY6HwVlw2IehPye_uqlp-R5mf-zPb0WAd37hMyRflSMVNRGJt1Da_AtM8_lPvzfZMEGsTKQ6kGj7wF95hPLtZNBGiA2Xd_lg4KI5P8/s1600/IMG_3010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZIP7UoDh1KdACzww1bg-jNUjVLdy3rINEb0ihwDY6HwVlw2IehPye_uqlp-R5mf-zPb0WAd37hMyRflSMVNRGJt1Da_AtM8_lPvzfZMEGsTKQ6kGj7wF95hPLtZNBGiA2Xd_lg4KI5P8/s320/IMG_3010.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fumigating Gremlins.</td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It is now 1pm and I'm behind. Remarkable how I do that. :) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggM5wMF-QLyHFYH1i3ftQeTGu8bSoYHUeBxGYb7ZMW5TY9Zas0SGuBvT4F6UcQvWDg9IEGwauarqsJVhYSBE752whwx1uX-vtwPnEVYrAEpJR9iE4ornjqNFGzSK1ybkZj2XnGO8qbtrg/s1600/IMG_3019.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggM5wMF-QLyHFYH1i3ftQeTGu8bSoYHUeBxGYb7ZMW5TY9Zas0SGuBvT4F6UcQvWDg9IEGwauarqsJVhYSBE752whwx1uX-vtwPnEVYrAEpJR9iE4ornjqNFGzSK1ybkZj2XnGO8qbtrg/s320/IMG_3019.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Max, the Pirate Dog, is secured at his place at the helm and we're good to go! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhquhc495VFByE07aoaz3MAl4i5XbdDIgwZf4S-NSnveEa2K5R5XBPbJ23CCW0CY4-Qgw2Kdbpl0VRdgWmPWbV7Vp4J9vGrp8AeOXNkRVbzwbrz8jEeTXC3eAy2SIxUDLqOhYB7FtO4SQ/s1600/IMG_3022.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhquhc495VFByE07aoaz3MAl4i5XbdDIgwZf4S-NSnveEa2K5R5XBPbJ23CCW0CY4-Qgw2Kdbpl0VRdgWmPWbV7Vp4J9vGrp8AeOXNkRVbzwbrz8jEeTXC3eAy2SIxUDLqOhYB7FtO4SQ/s320/IMG_3022.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ok, So we're good to go...and I start thinking about the stuff I'm sure I've forgotten.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">oh, well, not 3 miles away, I realize: the liner for my jacket. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">5 minutes more: the spare gas container I'd decided not to pack and then changed my mind.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> On Rt. 70: my Slim Jims </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">About 2 hours into it: I packed, butt didn't apply, Monkey Butt Powder. That at least was fixable.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Leaving home to go West is always 70 West and Sideling Hill. It's a good stretch away from home and a marker that I'm really going somewhere. I *might*, *once* have gone that far for a job, but otherwise, you don't see Sideling Hill unless you're going somewhere.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had never seen this monument, which is just steps from where I usually pull over here for photos or a stretch, but it was interesting and another place for gorgeous photos. Before I left Sideling Hill I'd had a water, scarfed a protein bar and liberally applied Monkey Butt Powder. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgn04sTq4sdAqq54vZYqOTBRGZ7ApZtRTzT3DM2WBT2QnPPxM7imw90zGcDfokWlNXseXzTtt4HU8pWZKJjNxRWV0exuCMH1Ca0oRWQQ93vWLd8N0HpmyvVzo5OrSXWW5yt3iPtUgJ1BU/s1600/IMG_3025.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgn04sTq4sdAqq54vZYqOTBRGZ7ApZtRTzT3DM2WBT2QnPPxM7imw90zGcDfokWlNXseXzTtt4HU8pWZKJjNxRWV0exuCMH1Ca0oRWQQ93vWLd8N0HpmyvVzo5OrSXWW5yt3iPtUgJ1BU/s320/IMG_3025.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxYgxXd9eHcfoe7YciCzedn0yaIwlt7uZyeRVEpaXh20BgLE7N9fQ-8FfMWenKHadbSf-DSKzhykbJP4wGb5J_SLng4yVd848OU4HidiTV-f7lYIJub23XUx3hyphenhyphenvhU9Cqg7baqWotWYn8/s1600/IMG_3027.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxYgxXd9eHcfoe7YciCzedn0yaIwlt7uZyeRVEpaXh20BgLE7N9fQ-8FfMWenKHadbSf-DSKzhykbJP4wGb5J_SLng4yVd848OU4HidiTV-f7lYIJub23XUx3hyphenhyphenvhU9Cqg7baqWotWYn8/s320/IMG_3027.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sideling Hill</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Watered and powdered, I took off again. Usually powder and water makes a sticky mess, but in my case, I was a much happier camper. It was HOT. The windsheild on the Guzzi is great, but does cut down the air that can go through the jacket.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8cC_FHse2EGvBOHDG2G7NMR5ZavgJCe539xEw-uBrd4ri350418OSd5gmHf4gBDKSJpSxXunmE_pkMl-AtUzOM0gaMPYbWPWu24TtbmS9AgjIvoEPVAdLDCYu30Zq8M3S3QDBz13dMTY/s1600/IMG_3028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8cC_FHse2EGvBOHDG2G7NMR5ZavgJCe539xEw-uBrd4ri350418OSd5gmHf4gBDKSJpSxXunmE_pkMl-AtUzOM0gaMPYbWPWu24TtbmS9AgjIvoEPVAdLDCYu30Zq8M3S3QDBz13dMTY/s320/IMG_3028.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQl3hqZS2k7gZUUvcUUfMuVGI-rwgIoQfxMss1_te6-uNrrT7PkrmvnDyoveuEsFAVUK65lYI7do2uBUUyzvz-_KrcduuEStQ2RkKFj1Gf6nrbLW9ACW_BzVZzemQsPO_Hbuaz3reO33s/s1600/IMG_3035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQl3hqZS2k7gZUUvcUUfMuVGI-rwgIoQfxMss1_te6-uNrrT7PkrmvnDyoveuEsFAVUK65lYI7do2uBUUyzvz-_KrcduuEStQ2RkKFj1Gf6nrbLW9ACW_BzVZzemQsPO_Hbuaz3reO33s/s320/IMG_3035.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fort Necessity. Iron Butt Nat'l Park stop.</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioqnd9WRFSUOTGZ290GMlgdpd3H23vKWuTw1-VRk10m8_c2ADeZbbgErAIayeQjsLNB_FayubRsvtZVXhFguTEx-AEDiC39v4C4A-yca6Io_nzZN9vIbfXJx6BAF_AP4t9tl0m-pVAyoQ/s1600/IMG_3046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioqnd9WRFSUOTGZ290GMlgdpd3H23vKWuTw1-VRk10m8_c2ADeZbbgErAIayeQjsLNB_FayubRsvtZVXhFguTEx-AEDiC39v4C4A-yca6Io_nzZN9vIbfXJx6BAF_AP4t9tl0m-pVAyoQ/s320/IMG_3046.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghhI4gWLCRIkjVUtpmoSsahnogqIflDhhYjG0N-khctzlYav5m_tAzGwakqYK-6fC73tN4AyEWNKg5zy3TDINmLJR0XUDRgG_9_eEQNA5a6eqILx1Q6MuFjyErf9JT1LMYhUQh482X29w/s1600/IMG_3052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghhI4gWLCRIkjVUtpmoSsahnogqIflDhhYjG0N-khctzlYav5m_tAzGwakqYK-6fC73tN4AyEWNKg5zy3TDINmLJR0XUDRgG_9_eEQNA5a6eqILx1Q6MuFjyErf9JT1LMYhUQh482X29w/s320/IMG_3052.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They're very proud. His statue was cool. Missed that photo, but he was on a horse and had a dog. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEP1GmeU9q5_feSIq2kjTY3_O0HgznTbhsv-lH3GgpIyQzopKhYamOWc2rZxw1iOaMi6G0u30ahkse8wqPoEhWHAW_6wGhqek1wpi5lK6t0DrTEPU8THO9Ap0gBuqadbhJvh-xcVM5PO8/s1600/IMG_3053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEP1GmeU9q5_feSIq2kjTY3_O0HgznTbhsv-lH3GgpIyQzopKhYamOWc2rZxw1iOaMi6G0u30ahkse8wqPoEhWHAW_6wGhqek1wpi5lK6t0DrTEPU8THO9Ap0gBuqadbhJvh-xcVM5PO8/s320/IMG_3053.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I like this.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPVtqsIflNMwGViViOYugZTBFf8S3cfmYftPTvG6inhteEDJ6ijn2_w6tld1L9qWUsHJGbvxxKtrChgMfgqFTKs51GZtxoS1d9fHrioD8Kff1yhZB0CD-zgXtyC1GjqYLPNxV3gyflsqA/s1600/IMG_3068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPVtqsIflNMwGViViOYugZTBFf8S3cfmYftPTvG6inhteEDJ6ijn2_w6tld1L9qWUsHJGbvxxKtrChgMfgqFTKs51GZtxoS1d9fHrioD8Kff1yhZB0CD-zgXtyC1GjqYLPNxV3gyflsqA/s320/IMG_3068.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"HI"</td></tr>
</tbody></table> It was a gorgeous day. it was HOT, though. It's been worse, for sure, but in the 4 o'clock hour it was 90, 5pm-92, 7pm-87, but by then I was on the backroads of PA/Ohio, cuz I'd forgotten to take 'avoid tolls' out of my GPS preferences. It was fine with me. Don't pay tolls *and* get off the superslab to ride some great back roads. Mostly it was just me on the roads. Though even the slab had very little traffic.<br />
<br />
The only problem was that it was early evening and I'm headed West, so it went kind of like this: <br />
<br />
Gaw, look how beautiful...and it's cool and shaded, too.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFUD2OdYlHYXCTa_mX7cnYVsWeor1aiMlzHvAo0zUeVItG5UbTXZzhEHnHWDkb9P93T0rBXVYbvIEEVLFglZtrR_7TeEnM5aj3BXcGagcW77mGdn-Bxnn2oDbkOwAi14cwL3SFuvDIEM/s1600/IMG_3071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFUD2OdYlHYXCTa_mX7cnYVsWeor1aiMlzHvAo0zUeVItG5UbTXZzhEHnHWDkb9P93T0rBXVYbvIEEVLFglZtrR_7TeEnM5aj3BXcGagcW77mGdn-Bxnn2oDbkOwAi14cwL3SFuvDIEM/s320/IMG_3071.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">OH, MY GOD, I CAN'T SEE! Please little animals stay where you are... </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir0NiDC3-LMUTq9uFhMuLPJOvk9gCa8t-Lte5SBLpIKBjvyQwsbKvw_PsLCugO4odKAd2mgJOVASF4McIH7-FECIS2vWz4xRBhUHn6Z_HdJVpZapVevPlWqU8_0g98oU3VUkR0X-MxrsE/s1600/IMG_3069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir0NiDC3-LMUTq9uFhMuLPJOvk9gCa8t-Lte5SBLpIKBjvyQwsbKvw_PsLCugO4odKAd2mgJOVASF4McIH7-FECIS2vWz4xRBhUHn6Z_HdJVpZapVevPlWqU8_0g98oU3VUkR0X-MxrsE/s320/IMG_3069.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Man, this is nice. Where is everyone? Never mind, who cares, I have this all to myself. :D </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja9gWViXG3Ex1Gw6KI7nTfBeI7W-oFMQCjQVAdaeR9aXLc5QRcM5Xy5EHsarbJWzg8gVyGBuOg2fMf_GnutBPyjqIqT8odbRR6-VyspERutLw49m3yjLgGs1YHABUQwpTjZmur5vrjNKM/s1600/IMG_3072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja9gWViXG3Ex1Gw6KI7nTfBeI7W-oFMQCjQVAdaeR9aXLc5QRcM5Xy5EHsarbJWzg8gVyGBuOg2fMf_GnutBPyjqIqT8odbRR6-VyspERutLw49m3yjLgGs1YHABUQwpTjZmur5vrjNKM/s320/IMG_3072.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'M BAH-LIIIIND! Man, that sun is hot! </div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx4jaeaxOtdFu8HGpY8_GG6oWZhd8BhCsCu52FTwZtxZk7UL0fHg5DH_bW-jYw0WmWcW7BnTaBx2S0c8LVTDq4B2HYi1yauR72b9sws0eaRaVECT0hMEm3AAqihII2jzX5bERTmGQPzUk/s1600/IMG_3070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx4jaeaxOtdFu8HGpY8_GG6oWZhd8BhCsCu52FTwZtxZk7UL0fHg5DH_bW-jYw0WmWcW7BnTaBx2S0c8LVTDq4B2HYi1yauR72b9sws0eaRaVECT0hMEm3AAqihII2jzX5bERTmGQPzUk/s320/IMG_3070.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At what point does squinting become closed eyes? </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
And so on and so on into Ohio.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqyIc_3uttT4etOVequUFI0D1ypQwfIPBja-CP4JjLh2idtW5szSGDZiVG6R_lsTtgFPrWC5f5E8GgbglwQArITetGAzjipnY_Uq2Ps7gcVl9k2uQkqqgRaP3pPl8fn8L-U9yxMwRXLUw/s1600/IMG_3074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqyIc_3uttT4etOVequUFI0D1ypQwfIPBja-CP4JjLh2idtW5szSGDZiVG6R_lsTtgFPrWC5f5E8GgbglwQArITetGAzjipnY_Uq2Ps7gcVl9k2uQkqqgRaP3pPl8fn8L-U9yxMwRXLUw/s320/IMG_3074.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> Where I passed the SECOND BBQ joint on my direct route.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDzuOivAchEPe1NZklChXUFRQkaBaeoxBzshU_M-4ojy5N7kdx6a9tT03ZavALyrLm7-W4s2e1YLNMinohrwacrW2LPwH2Nz9oJDi_AJFUMDm63NHBmSKesE7rr0g3pazkEfkldTuKtAo/s1600/IMG_3078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDzuOivAchEPe1NZklChXUFRQkaBaeoxBzshU_M-4ojy5N7kdx6a9tT03ZavALyrLm7-W4s2e1YLNMinohrwacrW2LPwH2Nz9oJDi_AJFUMDm63NHBmSKesE7rr0g3pazkEfkldTuKtAo/s320/IMG_3078.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Annoyed that I don't have my Smoke Chasers book.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgW7V6a2dK4eXZvYSXbrDsyXr2PxZGkLVS__qwQjDz8GytCh_xN7_Gef8dPZOji4h5v_1NIkfzzBgDJW8OcJk88DYABeZG4zOmMz_mzjOPEWjT2MNjTRXTabu9HmMg5vkjT5BtIab1JA0/s1600/IMG_3084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgW7V6a2dK4eXZvYSXbrDsyXr2PxZGkLVS__qwQjDz8GytCh_xN7_Gef8dPZOji4h5v_1NIkfzzBgDJW8OcJk88DYABeZG4zOmMz_mzjOPEWjT2MNjTRXTabu9HmMg5vkjT5BtIab1JA0/s320/IMG_3084.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Looking for dinner and entranced by the ride, I pass the intersection where I'm supposed to turn. The one where I'd just been sitting at a street light. Staring at the Taco Bell. Deciding I wouldn't stop just yet...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ8rTrtM9BxFti1Nlu2xTvT17lJblSU_wcxQBT354GK685SBPhSLQetw-GQLUM9pH6QI2sWjCg8NoXC2XRpE320mgR8xHxkm_chATgt_NYxpV_xtRMKqztV-4IoCrz9km91gZG41nrps4/s1600/IMG_3085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ8rTrtM9BxFti1Nlu2xTvT17lJblSU_wcxQBT354GK685SBPhSLQetw-GQLUM9pH6QI2sWjCg8NoXC2XRpE320mgR8xHxkm_chATgt_NYxpV_xtRMKqztV-4IoCrz9km91gZG41nrps4/s320/IMG_3085.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And then I realize that I passed my turn, so I spin around, get to see these cows and some adorable goats 2 seconds down the road, and then I stop at same said Taco Bell anyway. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHk19K81T74dIqsjsMHuW6IYaKPplzzTUaGWNTugKCvTIWJUqmFWBS2zU7TC1cf_kk1aGvs4vkliJdbsq90fYCnRIXomyyGwv0NHg6Xq5GxNA0kKMN5vTxSzCuHwlF4fcjU2LKRjYPxOA/s1600/IMG_3090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHk19K81T74dIqsjsMHuW6IYaKPplzzTUaGWNTugKCvTIWJUqmFWBS2zU7TC1cf_kk1aGvs4vkliJdbsq90fYCnRIXomyyGwv0NHg6Xq5GxNA0kKMN5vTxSzCuHwlF4fcjU2LKRjYPxOA/s320/IMG_3090.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And then it gets dark, so no more photos. I use 17 pieces of technology to home in on some hotels and, uncharacteristically, go to the first one I call. ok, so it was the cheapest one listed and it was an exit back... ok, so it was characteristic.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, Day One down. Tomorrow on to Cuyahoga Valley Nati'l Park for another stop on the Iron Butt Nat'l Park tour. And then to another one in Illinois. I forget the name of that one, though.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Butt, I be a happy girl!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggM5wMF-QLyHFYH1i3ftQeTGu8bSoYHUeBxGYb7ZMW5TY9Zas0SGuBvT4F6UcQvWDg9IEGwauarqsJVhYSBE752whwx1uX-vtwPnEVYrAEpJR9iE4ornjqNFGzSK1ybkZj2XnGO8qbtrg/s1600/IMG_3019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxYgxXd9eHcfoe7YciCzedn0yaIwlt7uZyeRVEpaXh20BgLE7N9fQ-8FfMWenKHadbSf-DSKzhykbJP4wGb5J_SLng4yVd848OU4HidiTV-f7lYIJub23XUx3hyphenhyphenvhU9Cqg7baqWotWYn8/s1600/IMG_3027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div></div>jwestermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13286140065668045010noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2425252016142873003.post-61654895929111048862011-06-24T14:54:00.000-04:002011-06-24T14:54:07.715-04:00A Picture's Worth a Thousand Words<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border: medium none;"><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Drum roll, please...</span></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">*Choirs of angels break out in song*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEganeu-3D8dGkujC8l0lrw59ouNP1tSGCmQnScbh_MTCzlJ3o91LnCECM8xlidYJe8DvtN8eGm9oGoFuD2pDY1tJMJUzFX7UpCrX0wsvlSrGiIVdjxk0u3hec28IV1DH8-dKGaG-EBZ-ks/s1600/crossroads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEganeu-3D8dGkujC8l0lrw59ouNP1tSGCmQnScbh_MTCzlJ3o91LnCECM8xlidYJe8DvtN8eGm9oGoFuD2pDY1tJMJUzFX7UpCrX0wsvlSrGiIVdjxk0u3hec28IV1DH8-dKGaG-EBZ-ks/s400/crossroads.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="border: medium none;">A bike that works!!!</div><div style="border: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border: medium none;">Nothing about getting this bike has been easy. I said as much to Greg, the seller, on one of our many phone calls and he said he'd been thinking the same thing. We were both wondering if it was a sign not to go through with it. Even since we ironed out our sticking points, getting it home, inspected, titled with plates has been a challenge! <br />
<br />
The ride was great. Three hours of PA roads to a shop in Bel Air where I had called ahead to arrange my appointment for inspection. Computer is down, therefore they cannot, will not do an inspection. We'd passed a HD place near the dam that could have taken us, but they said it would be a bit of a wait. Now I was regretting that. The Bel Air shop is less than a mile from the MVA, but now there's no point in stopping there. Stop for food and make a bunch of phone calls. No one is available or close enough. So, fine, head home and deal with it tomorrow.</div><br />
but, wait.<br />
<br />
There's another shop near my place. I called Bryan and he said he could fit me in. We hustled there and waited an hour or so only for Bryan to call me over and tell me it failed due to muffler bearings.<br />
<br />
"Oooh, Stop it, Bryan. It did not!" Bryan thought it was cute. And, ok, maybe it was a little cute, but only because he and I have a history of multiple bikes with multiple problems and because there's no such thing as muffler bearings and it didn't fail. So, 6pm go home for the day and figure things out.<br />
<br />
(Wednesday) Before work go to a notary. My notary is kind and efficient and I comment that I hadn't seen a rubber stamp for a notary seal before like the PA notary had done. She took my form back and made noises I didn't like. She tried to look the notary up for me, but no luck. I email Greg and give him a heads up that I might need another form, but I'm going to the MVA anyway to see what they say.<br />
<br />
So, lunchtime today go to MVA. I hold C28. They are on C17. I fill out my forms and get everything in order. I even stand in the looong information line again to talk with the info woman about a section I misunderstood. Luckily, I don't need the claim number for the Kawi that the plate is coming off of. Shew! Go back and sit down. Watch the clock.<br />
<br />
Tick Tick Tick...<br />
<br />
30 minutes later: "C18." No book, no music, tv, friend for company... no lunch, either. My apple is hot from the saddle bags, so I don't eat it. I wait. For another 30 minutes. No more C's called. Time to go. I can't be late for a 1pm meeting. I do take time to fill out a customer satisfaction survey on the way out though...<br />
<br />
"More staff during peak times, please."<br />
<br />
As I'm filling it out the computer voice calls "C19"... <br />
<br />
<div style="border: medium none;">Greg replies to my email that he called the notary and PA hasn't required the embosser for 3 years, but that they can do that if I need it. Good. I should be fine. So, I'm going to run back over there on the way home. Hopefully, 15 minutes before close it won't be so busy and all my forms are filled out and I can get in and out in time to eat before my night gig. If not, there's a place walkable from work that will do it for a mere $45 fee, plus whatever the MVA wants from me.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCHqDZF2LNA0AwVNXyB7XnCVU0HadocUUg3eJCJ_iDnUYyx02ud_s7ZhrrfqEDjERzQNmWHswlONr4zs0xnPFUrhvpl9kjYuX-7gxm863KcjCKuBuwfcbYSrxNA-t2gTB8cJqMJ8d3TVs/s1600/cherry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCHqDZF2LNA0AwVNXyB7XnCVU0HadocUUg3eJCJ_iDnUYyx02ud_s7ZhrrfqEDjERzQNmWHswlONr4zs0xnPFUrhvpl9kjYuX-7gxm863KcjCKuBuwfcbYSrxNA-t2gTB8cJqMJ8d3TVs/s400/cherry.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Teej </td></tr>
</tbody></table> Arrive at the MVA at 415. They close at 4:30, but there are plenty of us still around. No problem with the paperwork, get a new tag because Mitch told me the old one was too ugly to keep for the new bike, write out a check (how many zeros in a million?), run like the devil before someone finds a reason to stop me. Woot! The bike is officially mine. Sorry if I don't answer the phone for a while, I'll probably be out...<br />
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</div>Thank you , Greg, for taking care of my bike for me till I found it. ;) I can't wait to see photos of you on the Tiger with a big grin.</div>jwestermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13286140065668045010noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2425252016142873003.post-78873633839923497802011-06-10T22:52:00.002-04:002011-06-10T22:54:26.330-04:00Rally Report-Facebook Version<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">A serious lack of free time is hampering my blogging, so here's a shorthand facebook version of my first rally. Hopefully, I'll get to fill in the blanks another time! I did get to add some pictures, though... <br />
<span data-jsid="text"><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4df2bed1f39204344242768"></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4df2bed1f39204344242768">I posted to Ron P. that I'd come in in the bottom 5 of the Mason Dixon 2020 and, with the other bottom 4, gotten an entry into Smoke Chasers '11. Rick was the Rally Master of the event and pointed out that I'd tied for 6th, which, after my debacle, was an accomplishment. I tied with about 45 other riders, but still... Ron asked if I'd done poorly because I left my rally towel somewhere, so I sent him several posts to explain. This was my summary:</div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4df2bed1f39204344242768"><br />
</div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4df2bed1f39204344242768">No, I succumbed to peer pressure when the RM said 'get your helmets and let's go', so I didn't stay in the room to read my rally pack before I left as I'd planned. I heard the little voice in my head that said, 'ask if it's mandatory!' but ignored it. I<span class="text_exposed_hide"></span><span class="text_exposed_show"> succumbed a second time in the parking lot after the Le Mans start when I thought, 'Hell, everyone can leave and I'll go back in and read my damn rally pack", but there were at least 5 or 6 staff standing in the lot waiting to see us (well, me, now that I'm the last one there) off. So I asked Rick a questions about the photos, shoved all my stuff in a saddle bag and took off.</span></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4df2bed1f39204344242768"></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4df2bed1f39204344242768"><span data-jsid="text"><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4df2bed1f3d980a78157571">I immediately turned the wrong way out of the parking lot... got myself righted and ran off to Arlington. Read the instructions: take photo of Iwo Jima statue with the Washington monument behind. </div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4df2bed1f3d980a78157571"></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4df2bed1f3d980a78157571"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJngo3sc66iw95xkHIpEPzgSvfijDufrJyxqqLQaBVpLYrkc9rd1cLwHXFB5SKRdW-ptHPuL4B11uvE7Ym8XQaB8BLoVWmHugRJqKsgcEawqaDp517d7BK7hyVF7B7Oyhyphenhyphen8S5ATUctBBU/s1600/P1020241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJngo3sc66iw95xkHIpEPzgSvfijDufrJyxqqLQaBVpLYrkc9rd1cLwHXFB5SKRdW-ptHPuL4B11uvE7Ym8XQaB8BLoVWmHugRJqKsgcEawqaDp517d7BK7hyVF7B7Oyhyphenhyphen8S5ATUctBBU/s320/P1020241.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4df2bed1f3d980a78157571">Got it. Left. Went to New York. "Take photo <span class="text_exposed_hide"></span><span class="text_exposed_show">of WTC globe." </span></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4df2bed1f3d980a78157571"></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4df2bed1f3d980a78157571"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnCNIL4dPjtIayr9cgPPpxxcQScVjPANQFPhK2D61guRFgHixwXo7tyfd7ADctY1rKiB44SLAQQ1TqE5MzMtt7VF6IgB3KmUnfrh-VMLno1hJqCrxA9GLFTioAiXbfmLAmc5jLv70lLzw/s1600/P1020247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_cUVhZo6rj_Fn_0IdXGSRq9N7M0xp4wZ9cbK4OQt3Jm5cCd3BxUNE8KfI7M5I5DyEAsKYpEjmrH4jwGlIojsHGx4ayNQImn0UTBk2VRYbnG-pv6qcLded97LrrFIStwXIcUwGFQWa4Y/s1600/P1020248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_cUVhZo6rj_Fn_0IdXGSRq9N7M0xp4wZ9cbK4OQt3Jm5cCd3BxUNE8KfI7M5I5DyEAsKYpEjmrH4jwGlIojsHGx4ayNQImn0UTBk2VRYbnG-pv6qcLded97LrrFIStwXIcUwGFQWa4Y/s320/P1020248.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4df2bed1f3d980a78157571"><span class="text_exposed_show">Got it. Left. Ran to PA, double bonus at a BBQ place. Got there in time for both bonuses.</span><span class="text_exposed_show"> Bonuses are: Eat BBQ, photo with Jim Owen. Rider taking my photo says 'go get your towel'. Good idea, thinks me, the rally master had said "it can never hurt to have your towel in the picture." I had been thinking "What a bummer that the towel isn't in more of the photos. I guess I haven't hit any of the bonuses that require the flag." I stand with Jim for the photo and say 'this is the first time I've had my flag out all day'. 'That's not good', says Jim. And yet, my interpretation of his comment is 'aw, yeah, that sucks that you haven't been to many of the bonuses that require you to use this nifty flag.' </span></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4df2bed1f3d980a78157571"></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4df2bed1f3d980a78157571"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisrzldtjYE9rYaamtc_gpGUR6x708U3cGn14AKw18Iyfm9AcAxg09uDYcqX-7V808adZf48ka7HUXjQUsRNrHaC6d9JnEK0Ju8MhiH1Ob041VnuVtSR2n7SLbsxZ9PnGtREMILpkDUJ5k/s1600/P1020251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisrzldtjYE9rYaamtc_gpGUR6x708U3cGn14AKw18Iyfm9AcAxg09uDYcqX-7V808adZf48ka7HUXjQUsRNrHaC6d9JnEK0Ju8MhiH1Ob041VnuVtSR2n7SLbsxZ9PnGtREMILpkDUJ5k/s320/P1020251.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4df2bed1f3d980a78157571"><span class="text_exposed_show"><br />
</span></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4df2bed1f3d980a78157571"></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4df2bed1f3d980a78157571"><span data-jsid="text"><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4df2bed1f41813311713627">I ate BBQ and look at my rally pack FINALLY. I find out the fuel bonus is all wonky. (Rally Bastard! Now I get it!) Jim asks me something as I leave and I jokingly say something about 'who it is I'm supposed to be pissed at?'...he says, 'Rick', but I don't <span class="text_exposed_show"> think Jim realizes that I'm only talking about the Fuel log directions. Run to Mandatory site. Raining. Two bikes follow me in. They park too far away, I wave them to the right section. Get camera, read bonus instructions, walk to spot. Luckily 3rd biker is already in right place. Take 3 photos. </span></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4df2bed1f41813311713627"></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4df2bed1f41813311713627"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsna_epMlhGZbvmlT7xq4wteUQcTeeKSTcqiogMn5Gsv1ECH7TN2KHOz0EY_nN0m3IBcUbNnFiLJoxLPdgau1V3bdO1Lr9rWKdMkv_NFu3m67WzeynFQRhwjGHeoHdIgQb6mxUH68FnhQ/s1600/P1020255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsna_epMlhGZbvmlT7xq4wteUQcTeeKSTcqiogMn5Gsv1ECH7TN2KHOz0EY_nN0m3IBcUbNnFiLJoxLPdgau1V3bdO1Lr9rWKdMkv_NFu3m67WzeynFQRhwjGHeoHdIgQb6mxUH68FnhQ/s320/P1020255.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4df2bed1f41813311713627"></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4df2bed1f41813311713627"></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4df2bed2005874154489142"><span class="text_exposed_show">Awesome. As I walk to the bike the 2nd biker passes me, says, 'you gotta get your flag'. 'No', says me, who grabs her rally pack off the bike and reads aloud the bonus instructions. Rider Two kindly, sans mockery, points to the top of the page where it says, 'unless otherwise indicated, flags must be in all photos.' </span>Joanne is mildly disturbed, but this cannot be detected under the facade of shock, disappointment and confusion. Grab flag, camera, go back to site. No biker standing to mark the spot. CRAP. Find marker, 1 photo.</div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4df2bed1f41813311713627"></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4df2bed1f41813311713627"></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4df2bed1f41813311713627"><span data-jsid="text"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjueuxWvzL7ms3VzWDoE03H30e0tpzBq7rnzpcFQKVS7k9-ftzbKeDI9u8iJGyjf0Wzf5TqzMY8I-khisWxBln2A0u-42V1xx-kLOTZRAnLHhVWwGCpbuAUnCCpRoMYFoGzumCFgGa5vGI/s1600/P1020260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjueuxWvzL7ms3VzWDoE03H30e0tpzBq7rnzpcFQKVS7k9-ftzbKeDI9u8iJGyjf0Wzf5TqzMY8I-khisWxBln2A0u-42V1xx-kLOTZRAnLHhVWwGCpbuAUnCCpRoMYFoGzumCFgGa5vGI/s320/P1020260.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4df2bed2005874154489142"></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4df2bed2005874154489142"></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4df2bed2005874154489142">I had planned on heading back to HQ for the big potential bonus<span class="text_exposed_hide"></span><span class="text_exposed_show">es there. But, no, now back to ask the RM if there are do-overs. 'Yes.' Ok, skip big bonus there, because GPS says if I leave immediately, I can get back to the Iwo Jima site with 15 minutes to spare before time window closes. Bust it to Arlington, 17 photos at dusk to make sure the damn flag is see-able. </span></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4df2bed2005874154489142"></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4df2bed2005874154489142"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjseNFMX4jQOENt_UOJrryfsFR5bECs9DdHm2BwceuLTfMDobZp48b0uxPj8uVu_nwgxL_8mJCyrDLCNEb3yP3bgfHoWKhb7zx57zdPYzdJQ5e_YIFss86k8itPTmODswaXxeV1Xs84Pww/s1600/P1020265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjseNFMX4jQOENt_UOJrryfsFR5bECs9DdHm2BwceuLTfMDobZp48b0uxPj8uVu_nwgxL_8mJCyrDLCNEb3yP3bgfHoWKhb7zx57zdPYzdJQ5e_YIFss86k8itPTmODswaXxeV1Xs84Pww/s320/P1020265.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4df2bed2005874154489142"></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4df2bed2005874154489142"></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4df2bed2005874154489142"><span class="text_exposed_show"> Back on the bike. GPS is broken. Luckily (?) I'd run this same route 13 hours earlier and find my way out without it. Run to Baltimore for rest stop in own bed on way to NY-again. UGH! computer says I won't get back to Rally HQ in time if I go to NY AND to the final site of a combo bonus. Depression sets in. Wailing and sobbing. Decide to skip NY and go to the final combo site that I haven't been to. (Fight 93 memorial site)</span></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4df2bed2005874154489142"></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4df2bed2005874154489142"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4SV4DTUP2qUowH1ONPQA7FO3U6tkq0rjPPWKH73AVmwFSbJTw9AG2AYreM-rKQzk4HkKjt_xstqC-ki_XBnj4mQ9fo7JBLF6gJSQqWSeva6LS2yNhZrQsn86vXZywcAkoEzbTu6Bukqk/s1600/P1020295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4SV4DTUP2qUowH1ONPQA7FO3U6tkq0rjPPWKH73AVmwFSbJTw9AG2AYreM-rKQzk4HkKjt_xstqC-ki_XBnj4mQ9fo7JBLF6gJSQqWSeva6LS2yNhZrQsn86vXZywcAkoEzbTu6Bukqk/s320/P1020295.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4df2bed2005874154489142"></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4df2bed2005874154489142"></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4df2bed2005874154489142"><span class="text_exposed_show"> I have nothing printable to say about the Holland Tunnel.</span></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4df2bed2005874154489142"></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4df2bed2005874154489142"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2OStnKJMehW_3Mo3J3WQBj6ZT0ervdAPdjzZlTiMegv4pTj59O0-3VevczTq1cVRnylizJ8aDu1xg5utNCmWaNvxQruTO41gqb-4z-XCiWy5ai1VFUS6tEUB9uobv1C9ABjlkuGjeYUU/s1600/P1020250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2OStnKJMehW_3Mo3J3WQBj6ZT0ervdAPdjzZlTiMegv4pTj59O0-3VevczTq1cVRnylizJ8aDu1xg5utNCmWaNvxQruTO41gqb-4z-XCiWy5ai1VFUS6tEUB9uobv1C9ABjlkuGjeYUU/s320/P1020250.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4df2bed2005874154489142"></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4df2bed2005874154489142"></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4df2bed2005874154489142"><span class="text_exposed_show"> So, get last site from my ride plan and then mosey back picking up a couple more bonuses on the way back...including what I believe to be the least significant bonus site EVER, which Rick found amusing.</span></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4df2bed2005874154489142"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGS7-5wK_ygT_OnbFL3cpnMo2JgdIG8lICGaAijrRvv6yAvhir0F_PwJON1j9iGVE7TMZsejXNNyQaLEom9QqHfJ2J4atfJ_QoISxlKPzDNKZfvFf0LrC7BGJSfJaVWUiRlW7d9qSc77U/s1600/P1020321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGS7-5wK_ygT_OnbFL3cpnMo2JgdIG8lICGaAijrRvv6yAvhir0F_PwJON1j9iGVE7TMZsejXNNyQaLEom9QqHfJ2J4atfJ_QoISxlKPzDNKZfvFf0LrC7BGJSfJaVWUiRlW7d9qSc77U/s320/P1020321.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></span><span data-jsid="text"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4df2bed2005874154489142"><span data-jsid="text">It was a hell of a time and I accomplished 3 of the 4 things I set out to do.</span></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4df2bed2005874154489142"><span data-jsid="text">1: Do not DNF. (Did not finish.)</span></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4df2bed2005874154489142"><span data-jsid="text">2: Hit the mandatory site and the 3 sites of the combo bonus. Pick up additional bonuses as desired.</span></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4df2bed2005874154489142"><span data-jsid="text">3: Do not be late to finish line. (Penalty: 1pt/minute late.)</span></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4df2bed2005874154489142"><span data-jsid="text">4: Have fun.</span></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4df2bed2005874154489142"></div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4df2bed2005874154489142"><span data-jsid="text">And now that I've done my stupid stuff, I'm prepared to kick some ass in the BiTE. This all hinges on whether I have a working bike or not. Grrr. So, Ron, when are we going for BBQ. lol.</span><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span></div></span><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span></div></span><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span></div></span><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span></div></span></div>jwestermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13286140065668045010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2425252016142873003.post-20765363794736003102010-08-19T15:47:00.000-04:002010-08-19T15:47:13.520-04:00A Picture's Worth a Thousand Words...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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It's been almost a year since I did my cross country on my bike and I've been reminiscing. There was so much I could have written about everyday while I was on the road. People, animals, the landscape...the parks, the problems, the surprises...I couldn't have written it all and still had friends. I took a ton of pictures and, while the pictures can't really convey the real thing either, they're the next best thing to being there and saved me from torturing you. <br />
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I took a lot of pictures while I was on the road. From the start, the camera was in my tank bag with all the other important stuff, so I could take it off the bike at stops and have everything valuable with me at one shot. On the first day, I pulled over if I saw something too pretty to pass by. On the second day, I started thinking that there were way many more picture-worthy scenes than there were stops. </div><div><br />
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I'd seen pix from other bikers who took photos on the move and I decided that it had to be doable and that I'd better figure it out. The first time was kinda stressful, I must say. I managed to actually take a shot and not leave my lane or donate the camera to the pavement gods. Luckily the roads were nearly all mine and there was lots to see, so I got a lot of practice in quickly.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXdsCE90lb-6twCgiVsKUYqdsFGaRphmJzGsOYfdwB7aZDb1LN-M9Dlw7ozl4WUIIpKWHGsvN1_fypzMXbS3LMlSRxkS4jADQ8rcQDjz6alQp3Gs1ZHwUpLEeqt9P8BNCj1Cp9uOY0JKo/s1600/IMG_0631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXdsCE90lb-6twCgiVsKUYqdsFGaRphmJzGsOYfdwB7aZDb1LN-M9Dlw7ozl4WUIIpKWHGsvN1_fypzMXbS3LMlSRxkS4jADQ8rcQDjz6alQp3Gs1ZHwUpLEeqt9P8BNCj1Cp9uOY0JKo/s400/IMG_0631.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfVdc7a7aWyaody1OyUCbd7zt6iCrDvI6W5K0WOanIFCiBeT3QpGER0aexExH-ABTMtSsIJr3G5jxnIkxOiClMtg1cTU0_t9gKwmSJ1KyBe0BSvKFipJSU5PksamHGojpV4siGLm5sr8I/s1600/IMG_0603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfVdc7a7aWyaody1OyUCbd7zt6iCrDvI6W5K0WOanIFCiBeT3QpGER0aexExH-ABTMtSsIJr3G5jxnIkxOiClMtg1cTU0_t9gKwmSJ1KyBe0BSvKFipJSU5PksamHGojpV4siGLm5sr8I/s400/IMG_0603.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div><br />
</div><div>The persistent thought for the next 2 or 3 days, as I became more confident and prolific photographer, was that I wouldn't be able to show any of these pictures to my folks. I could see their faces in my mind as I proudly lay a stunning shot on the kitchen table, excitedly giving the back story and oblivious to the yellow painted line in the corner of the photo separating the lane from the shoulder. Pop is the one to say it first, "Did you take that while you were driving?" Mom touches the corner of the photo with three fingers to twist it toward her... But I got over it eventually.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZG90kv9tbBGn-14gvOFr7CEpObjMjOAZf-Q9Jb_GWR7h5fF2XGILKDOVROaDFLNgHqKJEdFu16wGzMYjAawKl6XEwoABE4HFzezxOT6cgI3UZLV975O8KvpSmG-qaJ88N-nAhyftFWU/s1600/IMG_0604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZG90kv9tbBGn-14gvOFr7CEpObjMjOAZf-Q9Jb_GWR7h5fF2XGILKDOVROaDFLNgHqKJEdFu16wGzMYjAawKl6XEwoABE4HFzezxOT6cgI3UZLV975O8KvpSmG-qaJ88N-nAhyftFWU/s400/IMG_0604.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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There were a couple things I didn't get pictures of that I wish I had. Somewhere out West heading home I passed a lemon grove on the right with two crows perched together on one of the branches. As I watched, one of them grabbed a lemon and took off, leaving the second crow to do some wing-flapping to keep balanced on the shaken branch. Finally! Something unique among the tons of road/sky/landscape photos! The crows, the bright yellow lemons were a stark contrast to the backdrop of green leaves and seemed bizarrely out of place...but I have nothing to document the reality of the moment. That one is subject to my failing memory.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSnZx6LpbBNFjUnuIpBd7xupS779wcfTvNMKOhlxC8dAwTQwCOIyaH0N62WU0veN_-UrqVRbG0AIhBdyRrM0K6u9FWcnY6sJog-NZudA24hJud4VDvx5XTmMH86bRkoTZVBCFkNnqE5w/s1600/IMG_0817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSnZx6LpbBNFjUnuIpBd7xupS779wcfTvNMKOhlxC8dAwTQwCOIyaH0N62WU0veN_-UrqVRbG0AIhBdyRrM0K6u9FWcnY6sJog-NZudA24hJud4VDvx5XTmMH86bRkoTZVBCFkNnqE5w/s1600/IMG_0817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSnZx6LpbBNFjUnuIpBd7xupS779wcfTvNMKOhlxC8dAwTQwCOIyaH0N62WU0veN_-UrqVRbG0AIhBdyRrM0K6u9FWcnY6sJog-NZudA24hJud4VDvx5XTmMH86bRkoTZVBCFkNnqE5w/s400/IMG_0817.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIMkgbhtzrfHn9nhyZaBpiWpelXjgAr-7wBdcFkwRwDsLdMT_Li9qsXDSSgW67DWmquTm0aE8pKTc0wFPrW1NuZnJJ74CMn1ZVS5CaaUDHPOW7fmnx-NpRa4j5XFCugUeUEPophO5Wqh8/s1600/IMG_0591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIMkgbhtzrfHn9nhyZaBpiWpelXjgAr-7wBdcFkwRwDsLdMT_Li9qsXDSSgW67DWmquTm0aE8pKTc0wFPrW1NuZnJJ74CMn1ZVS5CaaUDHPOW7fmnx-NpRa4j5XFCugUeUEPophO5Wqh8/s400/IMG_0591.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Cows were not uncommon. I took many photos of cows along the way. Of particular note was the one that stared me down from the middle of the road as I was finally able to leave Capulin Volcano after a hail storm. I was quite ready to be on my way, but he wasn't having it. Even with a hundred cow pictures, one I wish I'd gotten, so that I wouldn't have to rely on the faded version in my head, was of two cows under the big arching tree canopy standing off from the rest of the herd. Unremarkable in general, two cows and a tree, but the image was so perfect...</div><div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKaoV5JBYFzXybb9uo3BCfvk0Lx0AVfB-hDXo1zgM5YSsn2c19RkccuAiYwcPqvZ60zX5g4OkoUm4u0lGEdq7rmy00BHEIBdyqiGogQDhjU8UEGH0hXfokGUREwLfzgd4v3U1yFZ8eNo/s1600/IMG_0905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKaoV5JBYFzXybb9uo3BCfvk0Lx0AVfB-hDXo1zgM5YSsn2c19RkccuAiYwcPqvZ60zX5g4OkoUm4u0lGEdq7rmy00BHEIBdyqiGogQDhjU8UEGH0hXfokGUREwLfzgd4v3U1yFZ8eNo/s400/IMG_0905.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
And the two horses drinking from a stream at an overpass. I wish I'd gotten that one, too, but I console myself instead with the 3 horses that played with me on a lonely road in New Mexico. They were fun and I have enough of those to make a flip book to relive it in stop motion.<br />
</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqTsJDLssN1vfUA6QYm4ESVyc8iCefT7C8w9Upgq2lMy_TWmjBgXkzV4BtPwFOo8N1mDFFt8QIyhmm_52pQ1B33Fzuho1wOJWy-ZC5-t3ynM-8p18ViIeLOj7GJztgREQxymBWAOZdQzM/s1600/IMG_0533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqTsJDLssN1vfUA6QYm4ESVyc8iCefT7C8w9Upgq2lMy_TWmjBgXkzV4BtPwFOo8N1mDFFt8QIyhmm_52pQ1B33Fzuho1wOJWy-ZC5-t3ynM-8p18ViIeLOj7GJztgREQxymBWAOZdQzM/s400/IMG_0533.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
All told, I took an average of 300 photos a day. Some of them turned out to be pictures of Max, my windscreen, my sleeve or the pavement since I didn't always give the shutter the time it needed before trying to put the camera away. But amongst the blurry and misframed are some nice memories. It took a couple hours every night to go through the pix and write the daily blog, but being able to look back on the trip now as a narrated scrapbook has been worth it.<br />
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And, so, I leave you with a taste of the rejects. Feel free to create the image of what might have been, cuz I surely do not know. :)<br />
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</div>jwestermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13286140065668045010noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2425252016142873003.post-70253724593871416012010-07-31T22:22:00.002-04:002010-07-31T22:25:18.403-04:00Moonshine Lunch RunAnother way late post!<br />
<br />
The first ride of the season was for a hamburger in Illinois. The Moonshine Fun Run is held in April every year for the last 6 years. It is a tad early in the season for many, I know. Here's the reason from their FAQ page:<br />
<br />
10. Why have this in April?<br />
Well, I farm for 1 reason. Farming runs all the way up through June. Then, I am ready to head off to the Blue Ridge Parkway like I always do. Fall would be a good time to have it too, but again faming rules what I can do and when I do it. But, you know, most seem to like the idea of April! Why? Many have all been setting around for months not able to ride. For months before Moonshine Run, we can sit and talk about going. It is the first big blow out of the riding year that many can attend. We can yak forever about the bad weather we rode through, the tornado's we saw on the way up, the snow we drove through on the way down and the hail that hit us 100 miles away from home! We really can wear our Moonshine shirts with pride knowing that we are motorcycle riders and not just owners. We proved it by making the Moonshine Lunch Run!<br />
<br />
***<br />
Interestingly, it was in the 80's in Maryland the day before I left and the unseasonable heat apparently fried my brain. After riding in my mesh jacket all day and still feeling warm, I went home and excitedly packed for the trip. Like it was going to be 80. <br />
<br />
It wasn't.<br />
<br />
It was cold. It was just plain cold from home to the Ohio state line. Once I crossed that imaginary dotted line separating the states, though...it started to rain. Then it was really cold. And wet. I pulled over at the first drops on my windscreen to put my rain gear on. I filled up at the station and yanked out my rain gear, had something to drink and decided that I really didn't feel like struggling with my boot covers. I really just wanted to be back on the road and really easily convinced myself that it wouldn't rain *that* much and my boots wouldn't get *that* wet and off I went.<br />
<br />
Ohio sucked.<br />
<br />
At some point I stopped to put my boot covers on, if just to add a layer to block the wind from my oh-so-wet feet. It stopped raining at the imaginary line on the far side of Ohio and I kept my rain gear on to stay warmer.<br />
<br />
I checked in with <a href="http://www.hoagysheroes.org/">Hoagy</a> along the way and eventually told him that I would be too cold, wet and tired to ride 50 miles more to the dinner from his place and that he should go on without me. He left me a key and I took a hot bath and went to bed once I got there.<br />
<br />
I felt much better the next morning and jumped right in.<br />
<br />
So, here's what the weekend looked like:<br />
<br />
<b>Thursday April 8th</b> <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0lkmpsM8GEo0VEnp5elCTlzZpL90unFN0IPatKwCHcpMdD3cdCTgodU3jsX80k2gICKQE9trxBolerfJPFjEbai2uXfdpL2zj06146GwSB2VjgPUeqLxmRz2pHfbLbRV-FLbbwQFpp4/s1600/Hoagy+the+shutter+bug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0lkmpsM8GEo0VEnp5elCTlzZpL90unFN0IPatKwCHcpMdD3cdCTgodU3jsX80k2gICKQE9trxBolerfJPFjEbai2uXfdpL2zj06146GwSB2VjgPUeqLxmRz2pHfbLbRV-FLbbwQFpp4/s320/Hoagy+the+shutter+bug.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hoagy the shutter bug! Got me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Ride from Maryland to Robinson, Illinois (700 miles)<br />
Eat - Cookout at Terry's<br />
(Joanne skips this to soak in the tub at Hoagy's place to thaw in time for the rest of the weekend.)<br />
<br />
<b>Friday April 9th</b> <br />
<br />
Ride to Casey, Ill to meet up with the others (50 miles)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Eat breakfast<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZw425_EbFn5vOPZuQ1C08bZgt8IGBOsyNCsNA8HmyBCPPjxgvuxsoJ8rbBv_ypecaQ6KzwDvKjcPj-hJDxBhsl8kPwfDNpzsJgefPrEz9RuMkurNYxwjQbBvu-7XrgNXxClgbivdPhQ/s1600/heading+out.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZw425_EbFn5vOPZuQ1C08bZgt8IGBOsyNCsNA8HmyBCPPjxgvuxsoJ8rbBv_ypecaQ6KzwDvKjcPj-hJDxBhsl8kPwfDNpzsJgefPrEz9RuMkurNYxwjQbBvu-7XrgNXxClgbivdPhQ/s320/heading+out.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading out!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Ride to Stovepipe Grill (20 miles)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_i2QjRf_WqzmxcxJ5YK2Eh-fvJjawYCUpIKbs2y04fjUIpF6X1ItiJlwt8ukzPn1nbMRyX5Be5VevBeB2pcgCfapRBrDSzPxESWMhugsOb0-BXHVuF5Yer_onvoKWpCBaOPAXxLieac/s1600/lincoln+gives+the+finger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_i2QjRf_WqzmxcxJ5YK2Eh-fvJjawYCUpIKbs2y04fjUIpF6X1ItiJlwt8ukzPn1nbMRyX5Be5VevBeB2pcgCfapRBrDSzPxESWMhugsOb0-BXHVuF5Yer_onvoKWpCBaOPAXxLieac/s320/lincoln+gives+the+finger.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abe Lincoln gives Doug and me the finger.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7e5V1yaZCGNQS_leXt6AqQFVykW1iIpyNdEFiELnD9dZ_pH9a0mrLzBPgaxgOJVIauKPnj5RUnnjTdBG2EQ-S6QD-cC4ISrcLqBNCPScWmVEfzcCW8ZZyB-8Fa_4WvB-v3Dyw2GQ7r0Y/s1600/joanne+and+hoagy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7e5V1yaZCGNQS_leXt6AqQFVykW1iIpyNdEFiELnD9dZ_pH9a0mrLzBPgaxgOJVIauKPnj5RUnnjTdBG2EQ-S6QD-cC4ISrcLqBNCPScWmVEfzcCW8ZZyB-8Fa_4WvB-v3Dyw2GQ7r0Y/s320/joanne+and+hoagy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hoagy and me and Doug's finger. :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Eat lunch<br />
Ride to Effingham, Ill to see Corvette Museum (46 miles)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_lstoNg-Las0oOX6wiVXdcA0jlc03cP9SjwAHM7RIqVZGvFWmVB4_KqVNWXgh6aQekpBXUrFLSH20GqWHbq2zAoWqzHp6QAYhINhU00LWHHTtxKD_bEGJvkVlSApqkG1f0U3tVncBI4/s1600/nap+at+car+museum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_lstoNg-Las0oOX6wiVXdcA0jlc03cP9SjwAHM7RIqVZGvFWmVB4_KqVNWXgh6aQekpBXUrFLSH20GqWHbq2zAoWqzHp6QAYhINhU00LWHHTtxKD_bEGJvkVlSApqkG1f0U3tVncBI4/s320/nap+at+car+museum.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the car museum. Trying to soak up some sun in the parking lot.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Ride back to Casey, Ill (35 miles)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggeQjGfBIfKo-3n8xwjcFvpwC7j5klGUvIxQfLrghjnge2UE7E97acaKjbgNuco8tj3xlfLYSxw2_Nmq8TrwnJYC8qAWqYwNNn9KG7_Pcfz6jbcGkOQ0uJYcyO_29kdSYHUbxKCk3zI6c/s1600/as+far+as+the+eye+can+see.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggeQjGfBIfKo-3n8xwjcFvpwC7j5klGUvIxQfLrghjnge2UE7E97acaKjbgNuco8tj3xlfLYSxw2_Nmq8TrwnJYC8qAWqYwNNn9KG7_Pcfz6jbcGkOQ0uJYcyO_29kdSYHUbxKCk3zI6c/s320/as+far+as+the+eye+can+see.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bikes as far as the eye can see...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Eat dinner at Richard's Farm Restaurant<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZUN-vGfdZQ2oyLnlVyVqfl2_L6XOGQVpqajyFzs0CaxZPWsppYF9T6VxtKRLIwk5TU4S9LO_0ESetqf66RAZ-qqV7cp2usGvk3FCMbc1HRbaqDErJlucAjplxgCLkGgUij3-FqxInP8A/s1600/joanne,+John+and+George+at+dinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZUN-vGfdZQ2oyLnlVyVqfl2_L6XOGQVpqajyFzs0CaxZPWsppYF9T6VxtKRLIwk5TU4S9LO_0ESetqf66RAZ-qqV7cp2usGvk3FCMbc1HRbaqDErJlucAjplxgCLkGgUij3-FqxInP8A/s320/joanne,+John+and+George+at+dinner.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, John and George</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsAw1aUMDbRbh-l63-YbIyk2WuNZG7OaYjO01x4q7qBPhHi2A0q9JyteI87vGfuVgYMOPvTYuB6Dch3ghqYhLPhlO12I0Y4u7tGyqfmWuS0qDxq-RcpF8dzbbv2oQy7As-1o2eb5w3BXY/s1600/Jimmy+and+Doug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsAw1aUMDbRbh-l63-YbIyk2WuNZG7OaYjO01x4q7qBPhHi2A0q9JyteI87vGfuVgYMOPvTYuB6Dch3ghqYhLPhlO12I0Y4u7tGyqfmWuS0qDxq-RcpF8dzbbv2oQy7As-1o2eb5w3BXY/s320/Jimmy+and+Doug.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jimmy and Doug</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Ride back to Hoagy's (50 miles)<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Saturday April 10th</b> - Moonburgers! <br />
<br />
Ride to Comfort Inn (50 miles)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQC7IoHms-ql06JLvtq7pF8OSczITt1hKc5JE66xTRZZQcfa2DlQRpUVKlIfELmOwX507mfBFgHI6gAkNkEkdGElvSnRP_uX03JlAbIWTdwnFBFKZ3Hkpb6brLYYKXBdOfvpYyUavNvM/s1600/announcements.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQC7IoHms-ql06JLvtq7pF8OSczITt1hKc5JE66xTRZZQcfa2DlQRpUVKlIfELmOwX507mfBFgHI6gAkNkEkdGElvSnRP_uX03JlAbIWTdwnFBFKZ3Hkpb6brLYYKXBdOfvpYyUavNvM/s320/announcements.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Announcements and blesssing of the bikes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Eat breakfast at Comfort Inn<br />
Ride to Moonshine (15 miles)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkOTJJc0BGRGQXQBXXOtDBsOuoX_DAr78n88fwMibtUUDwm88dGTevScV79djPkc4Gt-X3mnhyYTEOQ7k8bIMH0hrDbMv_0kygV4HeqS8du_M4xZXZ0zrjoPQQuN3_KfIO89DSwL731oE/s1600/the+gang+at+moonshine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkOTJJc0BGRGQXQBXXOtDBsOuoX_DAr78n88fwMibtUUDwm88dGTevScV79djPkc4Gt-X3mnhyYTEOQ7k8bIMH0hrDbMv_0kygV4HeqS8du_M4xZXZ0zrjoPQQuN3_KfIO89DSwL731oE/s320/the+gang+at+moonshine.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and the gang at Moonshine!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Eat Hamburgers<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTwpqNdj7ovb7uofLDxp6aF3J-XWugPNdFAI57f3eB7BLBj3lxWNn50nAZhlCp9-Y-jFu18Sf6-eM8Ba89CYhDRnHHxHwJfaZlJ1rekqJUFVdEZOsD6fwbZsLXxGfDLEx3KgoYfIbYa8A/s1600/joanne+and+doug+at+moonshine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTwpqNdj7ovb7uofLDxp6aF3J-XWugPNdFAI57f3eB7BLBj3lxWNn50nAZhlCp9-Y-jFu18Sf6-eM8Ba89CYhDRnHHxHwJfaZlJ1rekqJUFVdEZOsD6fwbZsLXxGfDLEx3KgoYfIbYa8A/s320/joanne+and+doug+at+moonshine.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doug and I chat over lunch.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Ride to Casey Firehall (15 miles)<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu9xt4Irb6MTFzvbjvUhaxPO5Zzz5FPNFTekpM76ZGYMj3jt_16n4rmiXF9oElyk4GP5BJ-y_brpJehmXt_gW5cAsrGCjiyNut8fczUXm35AbB9dYnz_IgDLMXM38Py7X844UbjR-1CxY/s1600/jimmy+knowles+at+auction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu9xt4Irb6MTFzvbjvUhaxPO5Zzz5FPNFTekpM76ZGYMj3jt_16n4rmiXF9oElyk4GP5BJ-y_brpJehmXt_gW5cAsrGCjiyNut8fczUXm35AbB9dYnz_IgDLMXM38Py7X844UbjR-1CxY/s320/jimmy+knowles+at+auction.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jimmy Knowles gets volunteered to do his auctioneer thang.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Eat at Firehall chili dinner fundraiser<br />
Ride to Hoagy's (50 miles)<br />
<br />
<b>Sunday April 11th</b> - Breakfast<br />
<br />
Ride to Comfort Inn (50 miles)<br />
<br />
Eat <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiESNlDrSaA1CbI0RWqcFZDvXv1peyWyx-fYc5UROGIRtbLgY-MeA8oGQmdmFeQ9GcL6t1W9lQTfD-7Nqkbbq5Jxmz_C38YOD-tyF8DhdLXygtKlOfoE0ZU-Gw58TD0xhcMbIJo96WKIk8/s1600/Perpetually+cold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiESNlDrSaA1CbI0RWqcFZDvXv1peyWyx-fYc5UROGIRtbLgY-MeA8oGQmdmFeQ9GcL6t1W9lQTfD-7Nqkbbq5Jxmz_C38YOD-tyF8DhdLXygtKlOfoE0ZU-Gw58TD0xhcMbIJo96WKIk8/s320/Perpetually+cold.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perpetually cold.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Ride home (770 miles)<br />
<br />
Hoagy and the guys who were also either crashing at Hoagy's or hooked up with us to ride stopped at a local shop so I could buy warm gloves and give Hoagy his loaners back. I also snagged a long sleeved fleece shirt with a mock neck collar from him while I was there. I stopped short at the lined jeans he offered. Not that I was finally warm, but I'd packed stupid and should suffer a little of the consequences.<br />
<br />
It was a great time with some fun folks. Hoagy hangs with some good folks and I'm fortunate to have met some of them now. George, Doug and Jim were all fun and I rode home part of the way with company. I also got myself into my next IBA run. Craziness! That will have to wait for a future post, though, cuz right now it's SECRET! check out <a href="http://hoagysheroes.org/">hoagysheroes.org</a> between now and August for hints before and pictures after!jwestermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13286140065668045010noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2425252016142873003.post-23457152155763626742010-07-06T19:31:00.003-04:002010-07-30T23:49:28.385-04:00Nearly Another Possum IncidentIn early April on an uncharacteristically warm day, when, remarkably, 5 of us were able to get together, Matt and I rode North to meet Jen, Vicky and Denise for a ride in PA. It was a lovely ride and a beautiful day. We took some winding tree-lined roads to nowhere in particular stopping for gas, deciding where to go for dinner... It was a great day to shake the cobwebs off and start the season.<br />
<br />
We weren't the only ones shaking off the cobwebs. We got to see some critters also stretching their legs in the sunshine because, well, back roads in the country come, of course, with wildlife. It's nice to see the domestics behind their fences (ok, usually behind their fences), a random grey squirrel running along a powerline, a deer or two off the road munching some greens...<br />
<br />
The problem, of course, is that we've built roads in the middle of critter habitat setting the scene for the occasional intersection of a fast moving ton of metal and slow(er) moving soft, fleshy beast. You know that never goes well...<br />
<br />
So, it was no surprise to see a splot-o squirrel, those dark patches of road that are blood stains from something the crows have already carried away, a deer on the side of the road with a swarm of flies making themselves comfy, or a groundhog splayed out in your lane of travel. Unless, as you make your lazy swerve to avoid the chubby ex-groundhog, the bugger stands up from sunning himself, belly pressed against warm asphalt, and shuffles off to the brush at the side of the road. Now, THAT'll get your attention.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVLv_dYsw6kk-HEft1qAdUf-RdHqXIOjmGMQNC0RaDgdSRl0wyynPfnFhAA6uVzq3TyNnaznXsjb08J8wiU6OxdQf6LPrW8onRYEUmaSMgn880C_JomSgMn-kcrgaSs_gGnLLDDOT9tLI/s1600/groundhog1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVLv_dYsw6kk-HEft1qAdUf-RdHqXIOjmGMQNC0RaDgdSRl0wyynPfnFhAA6uVzq3TyNnaznXsjb08J8wiU6OxdQf6LPrW8onRYEUmaSMgn880C_JomSgMn-kcrgaSs_gGnLLDDOT9tLI/s320/groundhog1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
So, the lesson du jour was: <i>all road kill ain't dead</i>. And so, for the rest of the ride I sang one of my recurrent biking tunes. Do you know it?<br />
<br />
Road kill, road kill,<br />
Picking up road kill.<br />
Walk into the middle of the road and then stand still.<br />
Too dumb or maybe just a little slow getting to the other side....<br />
<br />
I know, that doesn't do it justice. Here's a link to the song by Milo Tremley. Worth listening to for a chuckle.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://tinyurl.com/36k6n6s">http://tinyurl.com/36k6n6s</a>jwestermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13286140065668045010noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2425252016142873003.post-28274191080833712652010-05-14T23:08:00.000-04:002010-05-14T23:08:24.274-04:00Conference Notes - Better Late Than Never!<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Ok, so I know this is a bit after the fact, but I've finally resuscitated it after an extended life in draft mode. This conference was the seed from which my 2009 cross country trip grew. When I saw the conference info, I knew I wanted to go and I figured if I was already out there (Colorado) I should make something of it! This is from August 2009:<br />
<br />
Wow. What an incredible time I've had at the International Women and Motorcycling conference. I met some amazing people and learned a ton. I rode a dozen different bikes and the weather was flawless. Of course, now I'm looking at 7 days of scattered thunderstorms here and the Western US has a lot of rain on the map and that would be the way I'm headed.<br />
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So, while I'm warm and dry, here's a recap of the International Women and motorcycling Conference:</div><div>When I arrived at the conference center I checked in and found a corner to put my stuff down to make some calls. I had scoped out a couple of hotels and a hostel from home that I had to call and wanted to touch base with a couple of people before we all got caught up with conference stuff. One of the people I called was Pam. I'd found her name on the 'conference connections' web site and had called her since she lives in the Baltimore area. We'd talked briefly the week before I left home and I was looking forward to meeting her. Long story short, the woman sleeping on the foldout couch in the room Pam had booked is willing to share, so I met them behind the conference center at the condo and dropped my bags. None of the women sharing the room had met in person before. They all knew each other from online bike forums or from the 'conference connections' page. It was nice to join a group who were all new to each other. The whole lot of them were fun from day one.</div><br />
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<div></div>I got to work some of the conference as there were a couple of Deaf folk attending, which was great. It was great fun to meet the speakers, the Deaf attendees and their groups and some other interpreters that I might not have bumped into otherwise. And it meant that I couldn't skip any of the big events in favor of a nap. :) The speakers were really amazing and the planned events were a ton of fun. In addition to the workshops, there was an opening and closing ceremony, the Rocky Mountain Barn Dance and the International Street Party. Fun stuff!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU7plI3IZgVujwad47vLR2Zezsjs85vmSml1kC67kL26DpUV4ZgcitjJNymjYUPiurnHaRuQciMVgiknvgpNFA_ao7kkzoRmY1A-L9YRgDvfUeIyme69X8Y4KxcPyf7GwfS8wZqImhJR0/s1600/IMGP3960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU7plI3IZgVujwad47vLR2Zezsjs85vmSml1kC67kL26DpUV4ZgcitjJNymjYUPiurnHaRuQciMVgiknvgpNFA_ao7kkzoRmY1A-L9YRgDvfUeIyme69X8Y4KxcPyf7GwfS8wZqImhJR0/s400/IMGP3960.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">above: interpreting at the International Street Party. </div><div style="border: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div align="center" style="border: medium none;">below: Me and one of my co-interpreters, Beth, from Texas.</div><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyrKLkGhZbzG2flQUgxUH7hhR71yHMyEeU7wh5ceDmEfpe2jUEmVOthCNP8AcFw5afKONihsmwcV9NGDgSIMlUjkTCI-yxTuxVJsZivdUO4CYh52lG9311yLfH9lIAzaVcmZupnRM78Dw/s1600/IMGP4006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyrKLkGhZbzG2flQUgxUH7hhR71yHMyEeU7wh5ceDmEfpe2jUEmVOthCNP8AcFw5afKONihsmwcV9NGDgSIMlUjkTCI-yxTuxVJsZivdUO4CYh52lG9311yLfH9lIAzaVcmZupnRM78Dw/s400/IMGP4006.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border: medium none;"><br />
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<div style="border: medium none;">In addition to meeting fabulous people, attending interesting and useful workshops and just being in the mountain air, several motorcycle manufacturers brought their stable of bikes for test rides all weekend. The Yamaha Stratoliner I thought would be great was not particularly comfortable. Riding a BMW confirmed that I really don't like the lean-on-your-wrists position. And, as much as I didn't want to like it, the Harley Street Glide was SWEEEET! the wait for some of the test rides was long, so I gave up on my spot for the HD Trike and instead visited the Kymco booth. </div><div style="border: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibtVznAUPxf53i3i1s60KRlqh2TzrDdjaflK0nn8eJ03Ty7GJqmlNi2_OAQWDh7b8xmduP0nuPQB_07oGFiWQi1EYCCG30jjNVhdMR9NY_wb6tRGhuhDfpnHP4AEoHT6EO_Je5qrzV2qI/s1600/IMG_0399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibtVznAUPxf53i3i1s60KRlqh2TzrDdjaflK0nn8eJ03Ty7GJqmlNi2_OAQWDh7b8xmduP0nuPQB_07oGFiWQi1EYCCG30jjNVhdMR9NY_wb6tRGhuhDfpnHP4AEoHT6EO_Je5qrzV2qI/s400/IMG_0399.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border: medium none;">Kymco is a manufacturer of scooters and cruiser style bikes - none of which exceeded 500cc. The largest displacement cruiser style machine they had was a 250. that could explain why, as I walked toward their section of the parking lot, I caught the definite musical stylings of the Colorado cricket. No line, no waiting, no sign up sheet and they'll get me back in time for my next workshop? Ok, I'm in. The folks were pleasant and answered my questions and then I got a personalized 20 minute run in the opposite direction of all of the other test ride courses I'd been on. </div><div style="border: medium none;"><br />
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<div style="border: medium none;">Most of the rides turned right out of the conference parking lot and led you around a lake up through a modest, but stunningly beautiful mountain pass and brought you back in 30 minutes or so. You got a taste of high speed major highway and a bunch of curving 2 lane mountain road and no matter where you looked there was something to see. My Kymco guide, however, turned left out of the parking lot and changed it up a bit. I think we might have hit 50 on the 2 lane blacktop before turning into some shoulderless back roads along a stream. It was a beautiful ride. Trees, water, wildlife and no traffic. Perfect. Kymco didn't make my short list, but it was a fine little ride and I'm glad I went.</div><div style="border: medium none;"><br />
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<div style="border: medium none;">Some of the gang from the room decided to meet up to swap bikes and ride around a bit. I can't remember now what the bikes were that I was on in the parking lot, but I do still love my C50. Someone scraped my pegs for me...I have yet to master the tight turn/hard lean for that, but no one else has to know that those flat spots aren't mine now, do they? And, on the last day Margaret and I rode Loveland Pass. We took our own bikes over and swapped out for the ride back. I only scared the crap out of myself once, I'm happy to say. Not that I have designs to, but I'll never be the one maxing out my speedo on the twisties. Luckily, you don't have to to enjoy 'em.</div><div style="border: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioY6_8r42308WwZMZI0OK0SZgD1aPBQ5Jgz8IACVsgLip6pMYedMiuqQXx_OqXuL6CGbONUOABYqFQCzOGyUWYWJ16NE2NZ5ccVM4GB2ES9Q5MZE1oTvvOxZ9tyNHs71cxHmX21JuQUTM/s1600/IMG_0422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioY6_8r42308WwZMZI0OK0SZgD1aPBQ5Jgz8IACVsgLip6pMYedMiuqQXx_OqXuL6CGbONUOABYqFQCzOGyUWYWJ16NE2NZ5ccVM4GB2ES9Q5MZE1oTvvOxZ9tyNHs71cxHmX21JuQUTM/s400/IMG_0422.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">above: Margaret and I stop for a photo op.</div><div style="border: medium none;"><br />
</div>As the conference started winding down, I started looking forward to the next leg of the adventure. Got some advice on roads and routes, did some more research and made some phone calls, nixed Death Valley, but kept California and Washington in the plan. Without going South for Death Valley or even Joshua Tree, which I'd once hoped to hit, I gave myself enough leeway to deal with whatever horrific weather might find me. I do, theoretically, have to make it home eventually...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLfqPTDZGIpbNGSN-r-xaSnb2OtixbYwISLLkJYJOfFDtE6xK_Wq24n_4L_g0pXaZJfSLTWJf7H6Ir0jtF74lu8ECsKyIrVdPJVslvkM_cpXLxbw1IrNDpvrlGXuWp2xsGkUjhQ5xuujI/s1600/IMG_0418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLfqPTDZGIpbNGSN-r-xaSnb2OtixbYwISLLkJYJOfFDtE6xK_Wq24n_4L_g0pXaZJfSLTWJf7H6Ir0jtF74lu8ECsKyIrVdPJVslvkM_cpXLxbw1IrNDpvrlGXuWp2xsGkUjhQ5xuujI/s400/IMG_0418.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">above: A solitary, enormous cloud of the most extraordinary colors which this photo does not do justice. The last night of the conference. Keystone, Colorado</div><div style="border: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border: medium none;">I had been feeling a bit wiped out after the ride out and thinking about giving up my aspirations to get California and Washington for the Master Tourer Silver (CA, WA, FL, ME), but then there were some fantastic speakers, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lois-Loose-Motorcycle-Across-Americas/dp/0312352212">Lois Pryce</a> in particular, who helped me get my mojo back. I don't know how I'll pick up Maine before the weather turns cold... Once I get home I have no weekends free 'till November and I have to be done by May 2010, so it won't be any warmer if I wait 'till Spring. I was torn about pushing for CA and WA when, if I don't make it to Maine, then the 'silver' is out of reach...but I need states and it's an Iron Butt, dagnabit! It's not supposed to be easy! I don't know that it's all supposed to be racing from angry skies and sleeping under bridges, but that's certainly been a big part of it. A BIG part. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHbdvoeXWkcBtiADzR_n1ydU2kITSFTyAQx9-RgWbPWEFnT0xtX-WkrxDnpGcmB89Uka6I2k3Vplg-DE_3zd8Gn7ujfk7q5h_BuLX1fPCIhNRMwmR5dPD0U0nSyT7ctCnxJGe-SwUoem0/s1600/IMG_0453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHbdvoeXWkcBtiADzR_n1ydU2kITSFTyAQx9-RgWbPWEFnT0xtX-WkrxDnpGcmB89Uka6I2k3Vplg-DE_3zd8Gn7ujfk7q5h_BuLX1fPCIhNRMwmR5dPD0U0nSyT7ctCnxJGe-SwUoem0/s400/IMG_0453.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">above: The gang l to r: Peg, Margaret, Joanne, Donna, Sara, Jennifer and Pam in front.</div><br />
So, newly inspired, I got back on track and ready for some long hours and hard riding. After a wonderful four days, we all packed up to go our respective ways. After some last laughs, photos and hugs goodbye, we were on the road again. There's supposed to be another conference in two years...I doubt I'm the only one already planning for it. :)<br />
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</div>jwestermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13286140065668045010noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2425252016142873003.post-83188235371131370072009-12-30T15:10:00.001-05:002009-12-30T15:19:30.607-05:00The weather outside is frightful...December in Maryland is not ideal riding weather, and, while I could bemoan the plight of existing on a planet with a tilted axis, I'm rather enjoying the anticipation of the next year's riding.<br />
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I finally dropped the bike off for repairs from the Great Missouri Midnight Parking Lot Incident in August. 'Out of sight out of mind,' I think. 'You don't have the bike, you'll stop thinking about how nice it would be to tool around for an hour'....except that last week I picked up the tank and rear fender to bring to the paint shop I can't get a hold of, and every time I get in the car I see the silver and white bones of the bike in the back seat... teehee.<br />
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And I can be working. Yes, working. Working is good. I like my work and I like to get paid. Getting paid means I have gas money and gas money means I get to ride. This is good. And work is sooo slow. Everyone is gone for the last week of December. There are no meetings to attend, no assignments to deal with, no one to talk to about anything...just me and the computer...where I look up bikes on ebay and drool over the Valk Rune for 17.5 in New York, or the sidecar outfit that looks like so much fun or the 130 db horn I'd love to have or the custom paint jobs at the shop in Chicago, or the Ayre's tours or bikers' blogs... <br />
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And when 4 o'clock comes I head home with my fender and my gas tank. I am greeted by a cat and the stack of Xmas gifts still scattered all over the dining room: the Road Toad gear and rain boots Mom got me, the 'Long Way Down' dvd and do-it-yourself earplugs from Pop, the dry-overnight underwear from Ginny, and an apple-arguably the only non-mc gift I got. Woohoo! Santa treated me very well this year, indeed! I may have to try everything on again, just for the heck of it. :))<br />
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Virtual social time proves that I am not alone in my giddiness. Let's see..a msg from Lorne on Facebook...'Hey, my new heated gear is awesome! The 60 mile commute was nice and toasty...' Hoagy's email says, 'Hey, boss, I wanna get the Hoagy's Heroes site up to date with next year's rides, can ya help me?', and Sarah tweets that she finally got her new Harley and is breaking it in in sunny Florida. How cool is that?<br />
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And, anchored down on the sofa in front of the fire under the heaviest blanket made by man, I've got Rider, Motorcycle Consumer News, Cycle World, and David Hough within reach and Ewan and Charley on 3 dvd's to show me the world on two wheels. Winter's not so bad. The smell of the fire, a good read and a trip I don't have to leave the cat behind for. <br />
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Would I like to jump on the bike tonight for a starry ride? heck, yeah, but I think it kinda keeps things interesting when you can't have what you want all the time, so I'm gonna make myself some tea and sit with my big goofy smile, my cat and my periodicals and dream about 2010 possibilites. ;)jwestermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13286140065668045010noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2425252016142873003.post-35253575198631376142009-10-31T12:20:00.002-04:002009-10-31T12:46:56.571-04:00She's a Maine-iac, Maine-iac....<span style="font-size: large;">So. In order to finish the requirements for my <a href="http://www.ironbutt.com/ridecerts/getdocument.cfm?DocID=11">Iron Butt 'Master Tourer - Silver'</a> challenge you may recall I need to get at least one stamp from a National Park in Maine. There are only two qualifying parks in Maine and the nearest of them is halfway up the East coast in Bar Harbor. I have until May 11th, 2010, but it's not going to be any warmer between now and then than it is now, so I have three days to get up there and back or it ain't gonna happen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Plan was fairly simple, really: 95 North from Maryland to Maine and back.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sunday - Leave directly from work with bike packed to sleep at sister's house to gain 45 minutes travel time.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Monday - Leave from Harford County, MD between 7 and 8 am and ride to somewhere North of Boston and find a hotel for the night.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Tuesday - leave between 7 and 8 am and ride from Boston to Bar Harbor/Acadia National Park, and spend 3 or 4 hours tooling around the park to actually enjoy it and collect several stamps available at various visitor centers along the park loop road. Leave park mid-afternoon to ride South as far as possible before turning in for the night.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Wednesday - Leave between 7 and 8 am and hit parks in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut on the way home to add some more parks and stamps to the collection. Arrive in Batimore early enough to get some sleep before work the next morning.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Simplicity, though, is a deceptive thing...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sunday - I left work an hour early to get a head start, but spent it in the parking lot crawling behind the hundreds of cars also trying to get out of the Renn Faire before closed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Monday - After some scrambled eggs and hanging with my peeps, my sister drove them to school and I delayed leaving to change my headlight to a brighter bulb for the 3 day moonless trip. I left at about 9am and at 945 and 46F degrees pulled over to figure out why my Gerbing heated gloves were no longer warm. The fuse to the gloves was fine, so it was probably the fuse under the seat that blew. Back on the road, it was a tad chilly without electrified gloves, but the Delaware Park sign was only a minor distraction. Visions of slot machines danced in my head, but I thought 'perhaps I'll have time on the way home...' Another hour into the cold, though, and the sign for Atlantic city was a bit more enticing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">At about 1115am or so, I pulled into a Cracker Barrel to thaw and have something to eat and swap out the powerlet fuse. After chatting with the waitress, Kristen, about bikes, I headed out again, but without the benefit of the heated gloves. The fuse had been bad...looked like something had sneezed in its little glass tube. I put a fresh one in, but I needed to be able to rely on the power outlet to charge my phone and gps, so I didn't take the chance that the gloves would blow the fuse again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">From my last bike trip I knew that the 10 minute rule I'd implemented didn't give me quite the margin I needed, but I stuck with it anyway: for every hour the GPS or mapping program said it would take, I add 10 mins to the total time to come up with something more realistic. Baltimore to Bar Harbor, 12 hours x 10 minutes = 120 minutes, means 14 hours to get there. Simple.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Unless 95 takes you through New York and over the George Washington Bridge. I can't bring myself to go into the details of the traffic, tolls, trucks, and the accident that caused me to run the gas tank to a blinking 'low', barely moving even when we did, on a misnamed 'expressway', freezing my butt off with a serious clutch-hand cramp.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I got past New York at 230. Since I wasn't going to make it anywhere North of Boston to stop for the night and my plans were already seriously out of whack, I decided that I'd stop at a Connecticut Park, which would open up time on the way home and give me a break today. Of course, being a spontaneous stop, I didn't know that Weir Farm National Historic Site was only open Wednesday to Sunday. The grounds were pretty, but I left after taking a couple of photos and finding the bathrooms locked. Of course.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSg9cIvxAGaiNUWzro7aPAQuTXqRZtox9pKMJfF_vwp8Ta4eTXk9xWEkj7W7c7g2qsOkj1mB-Yv1O6Nl71uvDv96jPhCpxllzBGTnGdRXjlG86e3Es8MLG41DNAqGAd4uRZQoaaEc1lI/s1600-h/IMG_3580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSg9cIvxAGaiNUWzro7aPAQuTXqRZtox9pKMJfF_vwp8Ta4eTXk9xWEkj7W7c7g2qsOkj1mB-Yv1O6Nl71uvDv96jPhCpxllzBGTnGdRXjlG86e3Es8MLG41DNAqGAd4uRZQoaaEc1lI/s320/IMG_3580.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS3IYtcTxyCg1dw3wiRKmQDGSmNA629o_C5amm6QPl14_yemDLgtuqx1Oce2sXusA60qES4Ci3_UQt-X9VI-X_zkDywkd4DLZwJEPNmXew6cp_arbsTM8uWEkljQdS70smg1fCzE4UZhE/s1600-h/IMG_3576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS3IYtcTxyCg1dw3wiRKmQDGSmNA629o_C5amm6QPl14_yemDLgtuqx1Oce2sXusA60qES4Ci3_UQt-X9VI-X_zkDywkd4DLZwJEPNmXew6cp_arbsTM8uWEkljQdS70smg1fCzE4UZhE/s320/IMG_3576.JPG" /></a></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDg1ROs6afqksEaUPRjjtvJ38IstEZD6LTC0AnUlYUGibu2ucXZgFgmWsQmzWD7BVl-S6AehbFnSAEQdT3Rx6U7qwyI0EYxMzCAhuBb_tzB8qC8-nYHEUNfkCwsbsskYYNGM1wZqZmG_0/s1600-h/IMG_3578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDg1ROs6afqksEaUPRjjtvJ38IstEZD6LTC0AnUlYUGibu2ucXZgFgmWsQmzWD7BVl-S6AehbFnSAEQdT3Rx6U7qwyI0EYxMzCAhuBb_tzB8qC8-nYHEUNfkCwsbsskYYNGM1wZqZmG_0/s320/IMG_3578.jpg" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I can't for the life of me remember where I ended up Monday night. That's what I get for not making notes that night!</span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">******Day 2*********</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tuesday was rainy and cold and not fun. I was hesitant to plug the gloves back in, but if I was ever gonna need them, it seemed like it was today, so what was I saving them for? I had three more fuses with me, just in case.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I saw less than a handful of bikes on the road all day. The rain was steady, but mostly light and traffic wasn't bad at all. The biggest problem I had in the morning was a bit of the filling that's been escaping a back molar recently lodged itself in a dark recess next to my tongue. Not bigger than a poppy seed, I'd bet, but tucked away in a soft fold that my tongue kept looking for, but never did find. But for the nacre, I'd have had a pearl by the end of the day. In the evening, it was a bit of hair that got loose from my hood when I put my helmet on that kept wacking me, wacking me, wacking me in the eye. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Annoyingly, the road to Acadia went through Bar Harbor during rush hour, and had construction crews directing traffic. I had to devote most of my attention to the bad roads, so I didn't see much in the way of scenery. It was slow going and pretty cold getting to the park, but I did make it. The parking lot was nearly empty, so I swung in to the space nearest the base of the stairs and yanked off my gloves to undo the tank bag. I hopped up the stairs, tank bag in hand, out of breath, hoping the center was open till 6...but it wasn't. Of course. Well, they can't say I wasn't there. I took some pictures as I made my way down the million stairs and grabbed a brochure out of the box at the bottom. I could read about all the stuff I was gonna not see some other time.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-8D0En1mvL6i7nJkesblnFkoH4juXfqNWTpx2Smnd4FQp0rdyjs4tpXdsRRiAo8idzaNH30PNkpSF1YQNJ8nzs0dE9kG9o3VA1zM-n4eoYbKlk2g5iFKJwZp5ELz45fQ8k5p_bZRMTD4/s1600-h/IMG_3635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-8D0En1mvL6i7nJkesblnFkoH4juXfqNWTpx2Smnd4FQp0rdyjs4tpXdsRRiAo8idzaNH30PNkpSF1YQNJ8nzs0dE9kG9o3VA1zM-n4eoYbKlk2g5iFKJwZp5ELz45fQ8k5p_bZRMTD4/s320/IMG_3635.jpg" /></a></span><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp9ZnbdY6G0odPdlcTDxlymvqWsCmDuNrNt4hVWW3UyN1Qd8YCJ0YggswqtJ14_LXtpEGmIjyKTLkBpBa9UxRlMpEvceJDxoTIzNWS-rRAavSaQ5oZh6s4KZLX3ElTWA8e6aDCyywoJHc/s1600-h/IMG_3624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp9ZnbdY6G0odPdlcTDxlymvqWsCmDuNrNt4hVWW3UyN1Qd8YCJ0YggswqtJ14_LXtpEGmIjyKTLkBpBa9UxRlMpEvceJDxoTIzNWS-rRAavSaQ5oZh6s4KZLX3ElTWA8e6aDCyywoJHc/s320/IMG_3624.jpg" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I got back on the bike ready to start my way home grateful that the rain had at least stopped. The temps were 36 and 34 depending on whether you believed the bank or the convenience store sign, but either one put it too close to freezing for my taste. I planned to get as far on my way as I could before the sun set. I wasn't going anywhere once the sun disappeared and left the wet roads to an icy night.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7YwFv8ePEZt6Oa-wSYvr6LFLXr-qKTpL805lJTt1b0f8kAi8Rrd1_-UgCEaaQiQXmoU46bhrj2tDVJcsjSeKJL9Lmh94_Zg44pWuX8kpaI7GdCkdlP7A3mnBNiDYAZo7woFA0ylH-6Fo/s1600-h/IMG_3638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7YwFv8ePEZt6Oa-wSYvr6LFLXr-qKTpL805lJTt1b0f8kAi8Rrd1_-UgCEaaQiQXmoU46bhrj2tDVJcsjSeKJL9Lmh94_Zg44pWuX8kpaI7GdCkdlP7A3mnBNiDYAZo7woFA0ylH-6Fo/s320/IMG_3638.jpg" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I made my calls from a Walgreens where I'd gotten something to drink, and decided on the place right across the street. The Cozy Inn in Brewer, Maine was basic, but had free wireless and wouldn't require me to do anything but make it across the street.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Ah, the Cozy Inn... The wireless was not working, so I gave up messing with that to warm up in the shower. Really, all I wanted out of a hotel tonight was a hot shower and a clean bed to sleep in. Well, they did have a bed. When I called about there being no hot water and no internet, the oh, so charismatic owner said she'd reset the router and I should try later and that perhaps I should try the shower in the morning because the other guests must have just performed their evening ablutions.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So, cold and bored and wondering what karmic debt I was paying off, I watched the weather report and called home. It was going to be cold again the next day, but the rain had moved out, so at least it should be dry. My rain suit was tattered from the day's ride already, so 'dry' sounded good to me.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">*********Day 3**********</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">On Wednesday, there was no point to taking a shower and not being able to dry my hair completely. I used the now hot water to wash my face and then turned on the weather and started packing up again. Wind chills in the 30's all day, but dry. At least my gloves had dried completely on the heater overnight. I made my first trip out to the bike with all the cords that needed to be secured to the handlebars and stopped short at the ice covering the bike. I didn't need a chisel or anything, but the tank and speedometer were covered in frozen rain and the seat was no longer black for the frost that was on it.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-gcqvGomiyo4c01-1TyiRXSiKKZN2fcT6-oAi4lbqIWKO0riPPAUNZzIvvx6pZwBd_E-jqODA9aKE7OIgUJNPIyZkZg1YUY3GiuWiS_jJx8U_2rsLGVntzbEJMcvJZgjOlBc5q1GtMg/s1600-h/IMG_3641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-gcqvGomiyo4c01-1TyiRXSiKKZN2fcT6-oAi4lbqIWKO0riPPAUNZzIvvx6pZwBd_E-jqODA9aKE7OIgUJNPIyZkZg1YUY3GiuWiS_jJx8U_2rsLGVntzbEJMcvJZgjOlBc5q1GtMg/s320/IMG_3641.jpg" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I went back in and slowed down a bit wanting to give the sun a little time to do it's thing to whatever might be sticking to the asphalt before getting back on the road. I watched the news on and off while organizing my things and was struck by the least pretty news team I'd ever seen. Not that they were unattractive, but very normal and striking in their lack of attempt to satisfy anyone's expectations of what people on tv 'should' look like. I flipped through the other channels and found the other news teams decked out in their on-air fancies and all make-up'd out. I went back to the average Joe channel in silent support of the regular guy, but they used no maps when they did the traffic report. Neither did the other stations, so I had no idea if I was going to hit the traffic on 95 caused by the accident they kept mentioning.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRj7yO7-MHoLwy590XlPvRf3kj8tmf31G0hq2YhmIv87imPGkhaME3RATrBV0N6ticOMsnfg6D7XzqBjEsdXYr0JJp7_wK6D5S7kGNG1CftIawizhDkLYm_qozDLv4qtE-DV6qGR8E-Q/s1600-h/IMG_3642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRj7yO7-MHoLwy590XlPvRf3kj8tmf31G0hq2YhmIv87imPGkhaME3RATrBV0N6ticOMsnfg6D7XzqBjEsdXYr0JJp7_wK6D5S7kGNG1CftIawizhDkLYm_qozDLv4qtE-DV6qGR8E-Q/s320/IMG_3642.jpg" /></a></span><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrKxuXQnE50AMgzgA1LZwy6lgOKfT9wKrgMbwImnc0xaXcHV-0dUWlfNyPeTayPaFE2C7kiDWTaHw5HWFw_C4l9zY_NRH00saTm-NCsWVK9mAvr1IYd1ijlXfwtOhiwrn9UwHIJp9NL1U/s1600-h/IMG_3648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrKxuXQnE50AMgzgA1LZwy6lgOKfT9wKrgMbwImnc0xaXcHV-0dUWlfNyPeTayPaFE2C7kiDWTaHw5HWFw_C4l9zY_NRH00saTm-NCsWVK9mAvr1IYd1ijlXfwtOhiwrn9UwHIJp9NL1U/s320/IMG_3648.jpg" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I scraped the frost off the seat, the ice off the speedometer, and loaded up my stuff. At 8am it was cold, but clear and I was grateful not only not to get stuck in accident traffic, but apparently to be out of the way of rush hour activities at all. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dIdO-h-aE3EAEmxMIzpniFrJL8uGLuf15QJb588IbNHlN0NkBgNwfIZfzZTkjROO-2N3JhvZHKI-y08YxyCXehDpPMHnV72zQKD1zZw8UUZUdGVoNhC3RDncQq3nV1249w_Qc4naO_E/s1600-h/IMG_3650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dIdO-h-aE3EAEmxMIzpniFrJL8uGLuf15QJb588IbNHlN0NkBgNwfIZfzZTkjROO-2N3JhvZHKI-y08YxyCXehDpPMHnV72zQKD1zZw8UUZUdGVoNhC3RDncQq3nV1249w_Qc4naO_E/s320/IMG_3650.jpg" /></a></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUrk4AH2gVQnh_Ffp3FmUb7pqjzjTVzlot5HXAO7gTGwpjxAxJwrUSgcqRL3dOxXNDfszKxZ7WM0KA1vaATDa-cNjb9b_nrubCzxFADRUxRdZGnVZvqFgT4RUE0o3ngofOeNO7fPZrZxc/s1600-h/IMG_3673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUrk4AH2gVQnh_Ffp3FmUb7pqjzjTVzlot5HXAO7gTGwpjxAxJwrUSgcqRL3dOxXNDfszKxZ7WM0KA1vaATDa-cNjb9b_nrubCzxFADRUxRdZGnVZvqFgT4RUE0o3ngofOeNO7fPZrZxc/s320/IMG_3673.jpg" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">At 10am I stopped to fill up and warm up. The gloves were still working, but like a most of yesterday, it was so cold out that all they served to do was keep my hands from being worse than cold. The outlet plug continued to shimmy itself out of the socket at annoyingly frequent intervals and the change in temperature in the gloves from cold to frozen was a constant prompt to reseat the plug. It was annoying, but at least it proved that the gloves were doing *something* for my hands, even if it wasn't enough to call them warm. Not by a longshot.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl6bj5N1Xmz-rrfPvPsy8L3iceJCW78FJE7zwcQJOBvm-p_cYd05q1NREOqDCy5g5hT2PXVkfWsjmjVTsYXUFJfXjZtwyWG9BU3U4wj5zYlJQ4C_kBPtdSClxHg8RV5eybo2HsvKt1PZM/s1600-h/IMG_3652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl6bj5N1Xmz-rrfPvPsy8L3iceJCW78FJE7zwcQJOBvm-p_cYd05q1NREOqDCy5g5hT2PXVkfWsjmjVTsYXUFJfXjZtwyWG9BU3U4wj5zYlJQ4C_kBPtdSClxHg8RV5eybo2HsvKt1PZM/s320/IMG_3652.jpg" /></a></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtO8DzhqQlXtXgadGMxr19g7N-ETqzmANY691M_XL3gknwh86ibkxAgk3oDstiNjbZbCpe1R0j9MpaPUO-jYnu7E-FYNvmN8hDOUPZi3JMNf7RVicNgsgzfhIOratLfV5Thjqr43MX3EY/s1600-h/IMG_3671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtO8DzhqQlXtXgadGMxr19g7N-ETqzmANY691M_XL3gknwh86ibkxAgk3oDstiNjbZbCpe1R0j9MpaPUO-jYnu7E-FYNvmN8hDOUPZi3JMNf7RVicNgsgzfhIOratLfV5Thjqr43MX3EY/s320/IMG_3671.jpg" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Augusta, Maine into New Hampshire again, then Massachussetts headed West to start an avoidance path to keep me far, far away from the George Washington Bridge and other New York irritations. On the way, a brown road sign caught my attention and I thought I recognized Springfield Armoury as a qualifying National Site. I took the exit and pulled over to check my book. Indeed, it was, and I made another unplanned stop to warm up and watch their educational film adding another park and another state to my belt.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_OTYYBQ_oHipcTDfTPJJ6sxye1Gy0ahyVcJk046WcMof3sJvuVhVsbxC7OBfGDoYT_1jbhMl5si4o6y9nWg74aA_Hw7CIEm0jZxm0jp0Ijud4zXBUIaIMV8LaDnkbATZIl6F15pPJPo8/s1600-h/IMG_3677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_OTYYBQ_oHipcTDfTPJJ6sxye1Gy0ahyVcJk046WcMof3sJvuVhVsbxC7OBfGDoYT_1jbhMl5si4o6y9nWg74aA_Hw7CIEm0jZxm0jp0Ijud4zXBUIaIMV8LaDnkbATZIl6F15pPJPo8/s320/IMG_3677.jpg" /></a></span><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ_oh7Ep-XsKTqY-awA18im7XHVn3wwaOcuStA3aZH4aSX3I6G6j-JeRu0CV3s0dIrlXjibCfbcUHeO-l2R2acvwYTf0wGCoIO98FNSAbUiH-bMASXnBfUHYKuAFmxhvSjg3Buo3a5QSU/s1600-h/IMG_3676.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ_oh7Ep-XsKTqY-awA18im7XHVn3wwaOcuStA3aZH4aSX3I6G6j-JeRu0CV3s0dIrlXjibCfbcUHeO-l2R2acvwYTf0wGCoIO98FNSAbUiH-bMASXnBfUHYKuAFmxhvSjg3Buo3a5QSU/s320/IMG_3676.jpg" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I checked the GPS again to see where I was headed. To keep me away from NY I told it I was headed to Harrisburg, PA and it was sending me all the way out on 90 West and then South past 4 different Parks/Sites. I checked each one and, remarkably, the one I'd hit first was open the longest. I managed to get myself to Van Buren National Historic Site well before the 530 close, but wouldn't make it to any of the other 3 in time, which was good...I needed to get home and there was rain in the forecast again. The out of the way route was adding a couple of hours to the trip home as it was and I didn't want to get home in the wee hours.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I coasted into a gas station after leaving Van Buren and filled up. I planned on riding hard until the sun went down to take advantage of the light and heat. It turned out that going South on Rt. 287 was a beautiful alternate route with only a bit of congestion. Once I started making my way back East to hook up with 95, I stopped for gas again in the dark and a local sign said it was 50F out. Well, no wonder it had been almost comfortable these last couple hours. Even in the dark it was warmer now at 730pm than it had been for the last 48 hours.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">At the MD border the drizzle started. I knew it was coming and was glad that the temps were what they were, given that my rain suit was in tatters and the fuse had blown out on the accessory port again. It was only another hour and a half with the rain and no heated gloves 'till I pulled into the garage and unloaded what I needed off the bike. The rest could wait.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">HOME! I'd done what I needed to do and gotten home in one piece and on time. It wasn't the most fun ride of the season, but I wouldn't trade it. Now, officially done the riding portion of the Master Tourer, I need to start in on my paperwork. If there are any nice days left of the year, I might hit the nation's capital since there are a bunch of sites less than 2 hours from home base. I need to count again, but it looks like 31 states/provinces and 60+ park stamps in less than 6 months. Not bad for my first full riding season. And now I have all winter to plan for next year. ;)</span>jwestermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13286140065668045010noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2425252016142873003.post-72520701930393737822009-10-09T10:32:00.010-04:002009-10-09T14:24:38.930-04:00Iron Butt Rides<p><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000000;">Seriously, how can you not get excited about a list like this? </span></p><p><a href="http://www.saddlesore.com/102.htm">114 Iron Butt Association approved endurance rides</a></p><p><a href="http://www.ironbutt.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3085&KW=list+all+iba+rides&PN=0&TPN=3"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#3333ff;">IBA rides by number of certificates awarded for them<br /></span></a><br /><span style="color:#000000;">My adrenaline kicks in just looking at all the possibilites and I get overwhelmed by the options. Which one to do first?? ~A coworker rudely interrupts my daydream with a bit of actual business and, by the time I turn around, the spell is broken.~ Ok, back to the task at hand: to finish the challenge I'm already working on.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000000;">Monday morning I leave for Maine to finish up my 2nd Iron Butt Challenge: the Master Tourer Silver. I've met all the requirements for the Master Tourer and have only one more State and National Park to hit in order to bump up to the Silver level. I'd hoped to go Monday to Wednesday of *this* week, but friends from out of town were coming to visit, so it got bumped to the 12th-14th.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000000;">I've been watching the trees here turn colors and the temperatures drop and am not particularly excited about riding North in October, but I'm going anyway. With the "pros" forecasting 50% chance of rain and a high of 51F, low of 36F for Bar harbor, Maine on Tuesday, I picked up heated gloves this week and have finally decided on the gear for the 3 day trip. </span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000000;">I'm sure that some of you (if you know me at all) are making squinchy faces already that I'm even *thinking* of being anywhere except in front of my fireplace, under a blanket, watching <em>Long Way 'Round</em> given those temperatures. Ok, maybe you actually laughed audibly...</span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000000;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390616338859432066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLeSZEkicczb_llGVbdjPBMaW9-cqzIINtVEz3qncWyZnpi7OZCKdKWIaNlCuupm_nGMYG-a9UAx2otzrNSe1xSrJFsghGsm-qjjCdM-O0b5bb7F1ZdAV4PnjaO8eYlP3YaXd-bU7ZFQ/s320/red+bundled+up.jpg" border="0" /></span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000000;">Go ahead, furrow your brow, have a good chuckle. I know that you think it's funny (funny-wierd, not funny-ha ha) that I get cold below 70F standing still, never mind at speed on the bike and that while you guys are finally not 'dying from the heat', I'm in long sleeves with bouts of goose bumps. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000000;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390616328268538994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9U_BtUvgX63KVMh7fa0VxLx-f2RZaPuqPiqr8CgTB3tJctZ32NV0NtweuHenZ06NhLh2y4hLjbw2nGwBY8CAUCKNqDtUO3kHZRMPYt8bomTjCaRwzdrDC_YntFfpN4gbbAawLRRZ7DZ8/s320/bundled_up.jpg" border="0" /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000000;">But that's ok. I know you love me anyway. Even if you do have to turn the heat on in the car for me in May. </span><br /></p><p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZGkY32HnsxCrDZ1VmMqM1w3_zayVHYgOcAz3Ukp3w7Q-Jk0n3cTfpyYcSuE7kZf3Xj0uQxT2rsVsquwzYt6UDCNGVXKBXJQEzSfBY8XdlShfPfSoynh3pbJbPI9_7qFZr2RqjJSNhLHM/s1600-h/frozen+man.jpg"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000000;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390616321927101202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZGkY32HnsxCrDZ1VmMqM1w3_zayVHYgOcAz3Ukp3w7Q-Jk0n3cTfpyYcSuE7kZf3Xj0uQxT2rsVsquwzYt6UDCNGVXKBXJQEzSfBY8XdlShfPfSoynh3pbJbPI9_7qFZr2RqjJSNhLHM/s320/frozen+man.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000000;">It took some searching to find something that will keep me warm at highway speeds in 35-55F degree weather, but this should do it. This one piece with a couple layers of wool socks and my Gerbing gloves and I think I'll be ok.<br /><br /></span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHyjnBT0yaw5K_Jf9dMeE_q531hTQ1BHIs63MO5G43kT8tGmaw2MsXzrmig_D3ph3WJpC4LiiaDOWiD3J5VXbpMI0rVFAP5Tbwe4S1WTONw_jhL4PIBtpIJhvI83S05iR6vO-tUZM7XpQ/s1600-h/warm+outfit.jpg"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000000;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390616316565530018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHyjnBT0yaw5K_Jf9dMeE_q531hTQ1BHIs63MO5G43kT8tGmaw2MsXzrmig_D3ph3WJpC4LiiaDOWiD3J5VXbpMI0rVFAP5Tbwe4S1WTONw_jhL4PIBtpIJhvI83S05iR6vO-tUZM7XpQ/s320/warm+outfit.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000000;"> </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#000000;">So, if you're on 95 North of Maryland next week and see what looks like Ralphy on a silver bike, it might be me.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390616341238127842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiew1GpbBaxnDJSjId0VmlejsL2FznkmchSHuvvKN2EkGz3pNaYpztdLq_4zfvymm2Ib_u8YUcY7bOwduvfdNnyzQtQdm80fVg0rpSNUnDmktNUdOKZW6is260Zz16kDTap7x0xcH7cRlk/s320/randy_card-christmas-story.jpg" border="0" /> </span></p><br />:pjwestermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13286140065668045010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2425252016142873003.post-562419965873162542009-09-08T09:45:00.012-04:002009-09-18T10:42:59.615-04:00Day 11 - The End of the RoadSeptember 2, 2009.<br /><br /><div>My last day on the road...</div><br /><div><br />I hadn't plotted out much past Nebraska, since, initially, my trip would have taken me down to Kentucky and home on a Southern route. When I plotted out a time line it looked like I'd have to race home from Nebraska in order to make it home for my next day of work, so I'd not looked at alternatives. Since then I'd managed to tack on two days to the end of the trip, so the last two days didn't turn into another Iron Butt run. I'd been choosing my route on the fly from what I knew of the parks from the rest of my research. Still, I hadn't made a plan from here to home as I had for the rest of the trip and had passively decided on a straight ride home for the day.<br /><br />I got up at about the same time I had been the rest of the week, but took my time getting out of bed. Two plus weeks on the road and this was the first day I was sore. Not keep-me-down sore, but some muscles were making themselves known and I was moving a bit like the rusted Tin Man. Sunday and Monday I'd had a small twinge in my back that I also suspected was from the colder weather, but wasn't really bothersome and hadn't lingered. Yesterday had been a long ride in the cold, dark, cold and I was gonna need more than a night to unwind the knots this time.</div><br /><div> </div><br /><div>The extra 10 minutes stretching and brushing my teeth took the edge off the morning and I felt a little more ready to face people. Hoagy's mom's 80th birthday party was happening that night and his sisters were already there unloading a full car of groceries and party paraphernalia.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyWfipYaupv_j109ESXIP_cY2VachmEx5wQRq9-bBNH1SeQ4QVywCVsI63MkG88EdU5z8VtB9FmgeVxVc5WBCanumXZc06VLw06GcdwDtBg5bdNTDbXoK0gBvgyzrdvaNS6Kn-cWTY2kg/s1600-h/IMG_3319.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyWfipYaupv_j109ESXIP_cY2VachmEx5wQRq9-bBNH1SeQ4QVywCVsI63MkG88EdU5z8VtB9FmgeVxVc5WBCanumXZc06VLw06GcdwDtBg5bdNTDbXoK0gBvgyzrdvaNS6Kn-cWTY2kg/s320/IMG_3319.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380041408161158962" border="0" /></a>Since the day's plan was just to get home, I stayed for a couple hours to chop fruits and vegetables and chat for a bit. Around 10 I headed out with HOME in my gps.</div><br /><div><br />It wasn't looking good for any of my local riding friends to meet me out this way for the ride back together. It was going to be a short ride today and an early end. I would be home by 4 including all the usual nonsense that sucks up time while you're not looking. Like, for example, oh, say...construction?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXf6Y7lqqkLY5NKQORhXmOqaL5lMJ4EVun-80BCw8fwiixDCoFmM6RR-NyhPaHs7lqrRjrCkdMAybQy-ocqWKENfcypA5aK1unjq0KCy7mHODGxCoBd7TFlPeL2kcb_qzI3mcnroHvYuY/s1600-h/IMG_3329.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXf6Y7lqqkLY5NKQORhXmOqaL5lMJ4EVun-80BCw8fwiixDCoFmM6RR-NyhPaHs7lqrRjrCkdMAybQy-ocqWKENfcypA5aK1unjq0KCy7mHODGxCoBd7TFlPeL2kcb_qzI3mcnroHvYuY/s320/IMG_3329.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380041396342345362" border="0" /></a><br />Fifteen minutes into the ride I pulled over wondering why that was the plan. I pulled out the Passport book. I pulled out the map. There are bunches of parks in Western Pennsylvania that I haven't been to! Friendship Hill, Ft. Necessity and Antietam are all on my way. Looks like I'll have a full day! Now all felt right with the universe as I crossed into Pennsylvania.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsVngHeH_C4DOoBls1z6Mk3_e58_1vW7l_dQ-Mh0M1Clq9MtrmkuMsghLfEHpBdpapBjxVNvdUB8p5LjHno51sDAUhImjFF6LncQabn-hiFe_YP-OsQLdfQJhaaTfs1EQbAqpcaWdzM2o/s1600-h/IMG_3339.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsVngHeH_C4DOoBls1z6Mk3_e58_1vW7l_dQ-Mh0M1Clq9MtrmkuMsghLfEHpBdpapBjxVNvdUB8p5LjHno51sDAUhImjFF6LncQabn-hiFe_YP-OsQLdfQJhaaTfs1EQbAqpcaWdzM2o/s320/IMG_3339.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380041388188589730" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />Sorry, new state? Let's have some road work.<br /><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimbAuTxdSUdIPr_wFBoEPfjeh8pEfMV4cdLlE1v1Q36H8dnpnlFhLrFLa-oH00fkYA5XzPJfN1uHco5q6XrAbTMOEryLOwdz19RaYLMcmGebTgaFK4lpMiJwJ7cHeqq1f8vmvgHlW0ns/s1600-h/IMG_3354.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimbAuTxdSUdIPr_wFBoEPfjeh8pEfMV4cdLlE1v1Q36H8dnpnlFhLrFLa-oH00fkYA5XzPJfN1uHco5q6XrAbTMOEryLOwdz19RaYLMcmGebTgaFK4lpMiJwJ7cHeqq1f8vmvgHlW0ns/s320/IMG_3354.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380041375335301954" border="0" /></a><br />I have to admit, for all the construction that I rode through in the last 18 days, there were very few that actually caused a delay. Of course, when there were delays I had at least enough time to floss and do the New York Times crossword puzzle and the delays generally happened in 90+ degree weather, but all in all, for as many as there were, I think I lucked out.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMRgVuguchoEKP0M1b4P-8dkagJv2wg9zJ7AEqDKSd0iEJNJ3Dxi5xoELxOrygZUdxRI1T37d1ERJ9z8BenMu1labcTLyb5VgFYzKtNCbLEUlOAaqYj3s4rCaYyEFjrWwxSJlZpR1iU88/s1600-h/IMG_3370.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMRgVuguchoEKP0M1b4P-8dkagJv2wg9zJ7AEqDKSd0iEJNJ3Dxi5xoELxOrygZUdxRI1T37d1ERJ9z8BenMu1labcTLyb5VgFYzKtNCbLEUlOAaqYj3s4rCaYyEFjrWwxSJlZpR1iU88/s320/IMG_3370.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380041368970859458" border="0" /></a><br />Friendship Hill National Historic Site was beautiful. Save one picnicing pair, the grounds were deserted and the house, empty. Ranger McFadden gave me a private tour and encouraged me to look into becoming a ranger because 'some people just have that look about them'.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLDy5csQfcaGwudANMBqkFEUqSOUqzhl2Tz5lcAJTvmheLMAys4cyi-rAUSa3fTZayRNGVQAkQB0-9PszYoIFSADomOFVKH4JUpxeXKoLNrJB-twO4vLphbmac_IL_urBDDFLKdgNM2A/s1600-h/IMG_3400.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLDy5csQfcaGwudANMBqkFEUqSOUqzhl2Tz5lcAJTvmheLMAys4cyi-rAUSa3fTZayRNGVQAkQB0-9PszYoIFSADomOFVKH4JUpxeXKoLNrJB-twO4vLphbmac_IL_urBDDFLKdgNM2A/s320/IMG_3400.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380046977517851074" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtFu4jVV3PikuVsU-yzfmxpvQ_5_WjY1BMj8PLW51iQwydFOStfpZa47KX2nHzHVRDoUw7njXlu1r3JwAEiI4epLjFKHvw9EzTP5i_Nt6ETnjKG5lg4ZdHVlYGPR3dWdhmMmr_6mZ6UFM/s1600-h/IMG_3377.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtFu4jVV3PikuVsU-yzfmxpvQ_5_WjY1BMj8PLW51iQwydFOStfpZa47KX2nHzHVRDoUw7njXlu1r3JwAEiI4epLjFKHvw9EzTP5i_Nt6ETnjKG5lg4ZdHVlYGPR3dWdhmMmr_6mZ6UFM/s320/IMG_3377.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380046969779006386" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCvAUPceGaSObriAWgRBpdfyFY9la7NXc8DrQgpX3n40bWjMyCYSyeuXxgEUbVwmJeekshox16rz3dDJyJqgCorqbVLWrZPMgAra0ts4Rm8fbHapPDKDP69Pe9Z-vg7MNngpAlmYHSWfo/s1600-h/IMG_3381.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCvAUPceGaSObriAWgRBpdfyFY9la7NXc8DrQgpX3n40bWjMyCYSyeuXxgEUbVwmJeekshox16rz3dDJyJqgCorqbVLWrZPMgAra0ts4Rm8fbHapPDKDP69Pe9Z-vg7MNngpAlmYHSWfo/s320/IMG_3381.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380046957553684866" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3aZ6-rTZRvyiXyH70bCw4Je7I8D6WbDIpkzfS_VxUvV_lBhlWNDklgRzTz82SUYua3wsHiXzlk6iHFUHOBM1ngM4hwNirzWSv_XxWResBUop6dgpouJjiP3XoA68D8ogU4YGaGZuxqA/s1600-h/IMG_3391.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3aZ6-rTZRvyiXyH70bCw4Je7I8D6WbDIpkzfS_VxUvV_lBhlWNDklgRzTz82SUYua3wsHiXzlk6iHFUHOBM1ngM4hwNirzWSv_XxWResBUop6dgpouJjiP3XoA68D8ogU4YGaGZuxqA/s320/IMG_3391.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380046956593643234" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq_gBDJI304HGuHcIvO-gBIWMtQV4OGe8FY_XVIuzQpTxU6yqaANmZGwuC-cqLOF_tcdJiWRgeZ8NcSSnUUfmFlKpNey1aKa5A4IN2srJjPGOqAg3eTJkI6DIJE7NTMJpifBqWkZZwdag/s1600-h/IMG_3394.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq_gBDJI304HGuHcIvO-gBIWMtQV4OGe8FY_XVIuzQpTxU6yqaANmZGwuC-cqLOF_tcdJiWRgeZ8NcSSnUUfmFlKpNey1aKa5A4IN2srJjPGOqAg3eTJkI6DIJE7NTMJpifBqWkZZwdag/s320/IMG_3394.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380046946473463282" border="0" /></a><br /><br />1215 and 71 degrees. I thought it was going to be warm enough for my mesh, but it never was. And, in case anyone thought things had changed, leaving the park I was stopped for, yes, you guessed it: construction.<br /><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2P67BYLFRMYTtaurzGfFn7liwerNzls9GXN59Hr9hhq3OV71IFW_t6qtifnxCGeGrPD_2vV_NdOdzUlWroZOrnTRoPJaulmWn009ywZNQ-Oi7taQ61gxFdBAR933dMJ29ffAbb9WtyM/s1600-h/IMG_3396.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2P67BYLFRMYTtaurzGfFn7liwerNzls9GXN59Hr9hhq3OV71IFW_t6qtifnxCGeGrPD_2vV_NdOdzUlWroZOrnTRoPJaulmWn009ywZNQ-Oi7taQ61gxFdBAR933dMJ29ffAbb9WtyM/s320/IMG_3396.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380050939846931122" border="0" /></a><br />Back roads from Friendship Hill to Ft. Necessity were winding and green. 76 degrees at 130pm. As I walked into the visitor center, I noticed their bulletin board and prominently featured was, oh, look at that, a notice about the resident bears. Unfortunately, the warning was for Black bears and not Grizzlies. I will forever wonder about the special rules Yellowstone refused to share.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJBq6JA1rPtTrOz-DWk2sL3m7IiOVEBgrbgyL0U14ftPwvKDzqcOKoPO8qxL9mlGNMkqLDMoRhrzMpBZinZjfPzDxNUxqOmpqna8DruElOSToktACPygc6aI-AXkAUqwri2ENSlV0PYco/s1600-h/IMG_3419.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJBq6JA1rPtTrOz-DWk2sL3m7IiOVEBgrbgyL0U14ftPwvKDzqcOKoPO8qxL9mlGNMkqLDMoRhrzMpBZinZjfPzDxNUxqOmpqna8DruElOSToktACPygc6aI-AXkAUqwri2ENSlV0PYco/s320/IMG_3419.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380050931418111202" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUT4VtmXcO83fgPy9IDHXUj82yYN1YTDqNIdkYL5kC8obCQIUqDfi-McD66UbaNbApSzHhWgYKl3rDgvwg0q9Qo3zzYkNoCCWn2VtwLzZVzRXTqnS7_4htzlZQojWc7Neu6Quq193TFo/s1600-h/IMG_3428.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUT4VtmXcO83fgPy9IDHXUj82yYN1YTDqNIdkYL5kC8obCQIUqDfi-McD66UbaNbApSzHhWgYKl3rDgvwg0q9Qo3zzYkNoCCWn2VtwLzZVzRXTqnS7_4htzlZQojWc7Neu6Quq193TFo/s320/IMG_3428.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380050924646254434" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo0ai5oUPw3MYuOQn6W9NgZQ1zrqtpWy88qPCiYxpNl-n5LjPGiYs_42a4Y-3R9E9UOgEoQ2oyynIVVUbB04xbF0nop5cSKeBhu0CX9QEbWma3au1Pazy6rOJPWM8reiBxma7vGpZGgT4/s1600-h/IMG_3437.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo0ai5oUPw3MYuOQn6W9NgZQ1zrqtpWy88qPCiYxpNl-n5LjPGiYs_42a4Y-3R9E9UOgEoQ2oyynIVVUbB04xbF0nop5cSKeBhu0CX9QEbWma3au1Pazy6rOJPWM8reiBxma7vGpZGgT4/s320/IMG_3437.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380050920324612850" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-mK6zY0qdoC7joMJiCA6oABWr3BOYa7FZj6oH1LJYmTXBmSaR0KxZjcIVvWwsFTrGBtseGT7DkimAhlCtxciRZvLx-UcSW4hsB6m5rDb22351PHONw1GR-xvCWjwgwVWjunwDR9jQimk/s1600-h/IMG_3438.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 278px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-mK6zY0qdoC7joMJiCA6oABWr3BOYa7FZj6oH1LJYmTXBmSaR0KxZjcIVvWwsFTrGBtseGT7DkimAhlCtxciRZvLx-UcSW4hsB6m5rDb22351PHONw1GR-xvCWjwgwVWjunwDR9jQimk/s320/IMG_3438.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380050911221566562" border="0" /></a><br />I enjoyed another film, checked out some very nice displays and walked the grounds for a couple minutes.<br /></div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHz9-4otph470NYZswUjyRXQZJ_JE98x_Zihz6T-pB7oP_gffX7I1W3YjP6E11yKyhvg3M2Yi5zZSTN_hdaN8N978_o0rKPWuDrzY5zb7X-JlOS1VMS8rq7qu290Sb9v1oN0naMW8P590/s1600-h/IMG_3445.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHz9-4otph470NYZswUjyRXQZJ_JE98x_Zihz6T-pB7oP_gffX7I1W3YjP6E11yKyhvg3M2Yi5zZSTN_hdaN8N978_o0rKPWuDrzY5zb7X-JlOS1VMS8rq7qu290Sb9v1oN0naMW8P590/s320/IMG_3445.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380055436513093362" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihLGUle7Ghe517LbgvG7_9bgnviuM1WuYKvkV0jFijyQPKpyz3iRbVTDP2jeGuqCXqAZw8z4WZnD5IjgjnsSydkjSjZBPLKBhtLE7XYZtpwmprwdGesIV0BnzTKRyTzBqFXBsfxfGVCQQ/s1600-h/IMG_3441.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihLGUle7Ghe517LbgvG7_9bgnviuM1WuYKvkV0jFijyQPKpyz3iRbVTDP2jeGuqCXqAZw8z4WZnD5IjgjnsSydkjSjZBPLKBhtLE7XYZtpwmprwdGesIV0BnzTKRyTzBqFXBsfxfGVCQQ/s320/IMG_3441.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380055427913690258" border="0" /></a><br />The current wildflowers were a definite sign of how long I'd been gone. I rolled around in the grass with my camera like a big dork enjoying the late August blooms. Queen Anne's Lace and Joe-Pye Weed were going strong and the Goldenrod was just starting to show it's color. It was a lovely place and a beautiful day for a picnic, but with no sandwiches, drinks, watermelon, tablecloth or basket I guess I wasn't really prepared for that. So, I broke out the map and gps to see what I was doing next.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMMg-eXKOQAf6vRcY0teErLQDp_ex7Q61EfdKESKLEqAAcUNTK6mM7CY_AZH_TSx1UuSifX16F0KY6bGdtkXb0kB80kZYyqlbA-4qwZwTqk5IfcXCneYVYT3f3PV7cnbsNMGGLM_Mgih0/s1600-h/IMG_3458.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMMg-eXKOQAf6vRcY0teErLQDp_ex7Q61EfdKESKLEqAAcUNTK6mM7CY_AZH_TSx1UuSifX16F0KY6bGdtkXb0kB80kZYyqlbA-4qwZwTqk5IfcXCneYVYT3f3PV7cnbsNMGGLM_Mgih0/s320/IMG_3458.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380055415291509986" border="0" /></a><br />I called Denise and Jon from the parking lot and was disappointed that none of the girls would be able to ride today. Jon and I talked about riding to Antietam another day and Lefty/Denise and I fabricated fantastic plans for impossible trips before hanging up. So, I would finish the trip alone and stop for dinner at Jon and Paul's just a half hour ride from home. Antietam was off my plate for the afternoon, but so close I could taste it... I contemplated whether it would really hurt to see it twice...</div><br /><div> </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmoS3PTJGIwQ9AiS_GCmilMxw2I4nOqBf7A20fXcAt2cbs4J4B217yQTXoFnbDSWPvt2B7f4V8Z3_vk5IwyTXjgZNrDX_lS3ouWeJa_LKtBaPMiuOQwl0MsjY8OuukYReuaokOUlc5mU/s1600-h/IMG_3476.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmoS3PTJGIwQ9AiS_GCmilMxw2I4nOqBf7A20fXcAt2cbs4J4B217yQTXoFnbDSWPvt2B7f4V8Z3_vk5IwyTXjgZNrDX_lS3ouWeJa_LKtBaPMiuOQwl0MsjY8OuukYReuaokOUlc5mU/s320/IMG_3476.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380055412766681506" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Oi_k3jnyBXm3A1zQaYjCBxlAW44lazVWia88c8FmtE4AQuU7qHON_PWjiGDjl4kpk-RMoiCW_3Yuk2l_xOaBS-ZpaJZ-M2WrPGt1u0E1mW0CHSrciJi6S6ugeQs6AnOwFosuqPgd3RM/s1600-h/IMG_3481.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Oi_k3jnyBXm3A1zQaYjCBxlAW44lazVWia88c8FmtE4AQuU7qHON_PWjiGDjl4kpk-RMoiCW_3Yuk2l_xOaBS-ZpaJZ-M2WrPGt1u0E1mW0CHSrciJi6S6ugeQs6AnOwFosuqPgd3RM/s320/IMG_3481.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380055402286143058" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Heading home from Ft. Necessity, I spotted mountain signs on the roadway: Negro Mountain 3000+ ft, Big Savage Mountain (rwAWRr!!) 2900+ ft, Polish Mountain at about 1800 ft, the Eastern Continental Divide at 2610 feet. I smirked. I chided myself for belittling the East Coast's big mountains, but recalled the 6000 to 10000 foot passes I'd been through just days before. I know it was wrong of me to giggle at the proudly displayed road signs, but I'm sure there's some Swiss guy on vacation in the Rockies smirking behind his hand, too.</div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCOzySaftcDRPAjde_okStsQh4Dl3slqJN2pvrUm3qZpS6UekUwRYxZiaMefLxAdmWOguJ9To4sLRJAmRkKZYkLTVqMplO116eiXhMpnBgdjxJ4Pk5u0CEjW7PdVVz4BDUqnjqz7rK4E/s1600-h/IMG_3490.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCOzySaftcDRPAjde_okStsQh4Dl3slqJN2pvrUm3qZpS6UekUwRYxZiaMefLxAdmWOguJ9To4sLRJAmRkKZYkLTVqMplO116eiXhMpnBgdjxJ4Pk5u0CEjW7PdVVz4BDUqnjqz7rK4E/s320/IMG_3490.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380060329333181458" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ILOzRzyLe1t1JHl9u-ATye4hdH8p1kTdkTvY_EoiObC8n8YmPTcwD18v2MguwidKdaRlKUGHX-maeQBcSr4ke4q8PVuIjY6U58ZVi5yx0ZGODYlwLA-XuXWVLOka3Ax7LQmlPhe7eIo/s1600-h/IMG_3493.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ILOzRzyLe1t1JHl9u-ATye4hdH8p1kTdkTvY_EoiObC8n8YmPTcwD18v2MguwidKdaRlKUGHX-maeQBcSr4ke4q8PVuIjY6U58ZVi5yx0ZGODYlwLA-XuXWVLOka3Ax7LQmlPhe7eIo/s320/IMG_3493.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380060320791695810" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I took some pictures of a colorfully striated exposed mountain called Sideling Mountain and as I rounded it I recognized the pull off I'd stopped at on the first day going West. I'd stopped to take pictures of the dawn fog over the trees early on in the Saddle Sore 1000. Home was feeling much closer and the feeling that the end was near was, sadly, taking hold.</div><br /><div> </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWukYSPJmVWdo4bYJbTQ_IUPBgZpKsGOm1I7VqWYwwdwcWI2XPOkFwS5CAq3vSZ5nCGTz3yJMMQ7GUIHeKybzpktcFhi3DcNx8t8FeCmTrKf-D4HsTrGPuAPBZSlO9Y3NeKBwlBswh3Vc/s1600-h/IMG_3512.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWukYSPJmVWdo4bYJbTQ_IUPBgZpKsGOm1I7VqWYwwdwcWI2XPOkFwS5CAq3vSZ5nCGTz3yJMMQ7GUIHeKybzpktcFhi3DcNx8t8FeCmTrKf-D4HsTrGPuAPBZSlO9Y3NeKBwlBswh3Vc/s320/IMG_3512.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380060311351242482" border="0" /></a><div> </div><br /><div>At my last gas stop I checked my messages and Lefty had called. She no longer had to go back to work that night and would be able to meet me at Jon's for dinner. When I got there I saw her Moto Guzzi parked at the curb and she came out to meet me with Jon and Paul. We had a magnificent steak and potato dinner with the meatiest corn on the cob I've ever had and bs'd about the trip and fantasized about the next one.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEunfAFJ_t4Jps-QkpccG32UCXELi0kz_xcztw-4ejps6GMXMfeBEtt37MKCHb2k8_DLkfPAi2I2p4AA4PqNxG7tv75vjGTJA6kUBJYJnLWJ54a8ncjEsbxWqvXbKUrYaM9N930JwzFUM/s1600-h/IMG_3527.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEunfAFJ_t4Jps-QkpccG32UCXELi0kz_xcztw-4ejps6GMXMfeBEtt37MKCHb2k8_DLkfPAi2I2p4AA4PqNxG7tv75vjGTJA6kUBJYJnLWJ54a8ncjEsbxWqvXbKUrYaM9N930JwzFUM/s320/IMG_3527.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380060306035222930" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Maine featured prominently in the discussions, but no one's schedule coincided, so I'll be trying to get there on my own in October. After dinner, Lefty and I headed out on now familiar roads going North. It was nice to have company and at a red light she raised her shield and said 'This is how it should be.' I believe we agreed to a major trip in 2 years. We'll have to get cracking on those plans!</div><br /><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOmK4GEQ3NxXrxMbrrRj4gjjaBdT36bYiqO-aJN1syLFcDZ-oND9fHITkQixDHRct3kIas3ffbRC_mOri1uRxWuhw0iKswOBJ1g-tKWX11up4_Rk-aZ49D3fE2YCt4odwGTILTPeAmCCs/s1600-h/IMG_3534.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOmK4GEQ3NxXrxMbrrRj4gjjaBdT36bYiqO-aJN1syLFcDZ-oND9fHITkQixDHRct3kIas3ffbRC_mOri1uRxWuhw0iKswOBJ1g-tKWX11up4_Rk-aZ49D3fE2YCt4odwGTILTPeAmCCs/s320/IMG_3534.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380176133503019570" border="0" /></a><br />We went our respective ways on 695. I watched the full moon and noted how far Mars had moved across the sky in the last 4 or 5 days. I pulled in to the alley behind my house and unpacked the bike. My roommate and the cats greeted me in the overgrown yard. When I went in the back door, Darrick pointed me to the living room where my mother had decorated to celebrate my homecoming. Balloons and banners welcomed be back and the only photo from the trip of me with the bike was on the wall. A fine homecoming! After checking my messages and chatting some with Darrick in front of the TV, I headed to bed so I could get up for my 8am job the next day.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwelFZvIgFvNybq68FE4RO1lCHEZNnt2i5fnZ_ZlftfUfFwIB8UFvyc0odRDwztdSpec26ajoMrH_m_UiN9BkdLggnqA9MbGO8P9Il32kZJGWFNUSRdmfoCTK6NfOrFoz8nn91becxDkE/s1600-h/IMG_3537.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwelFZvIgFvNybq68FE4RO1lCHEZNnt2i5fnZ_ZlftfUfFwIB8UFvyc0odRDwztdSpec26ajoMrH_m_UiN9BkdLggnqA9MbGO8P9Il32kZJGWFNUSRdmfoCTK6NfOrFoz8nn91becxDkE/s320/IMG_3537.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380176125390745762" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div> </div>Nineteen days away from home: 1000 miles in 21.75 hours, 4 days of a great conference and 15 days flattening my butt in the saddle. 100 degree weather, 4 pairs of gloves, 2 roadside latrine stops, 23 states and 26 Parks/Monuments. Needed the gas can 4 times, 7500+ miles, 1 accident, 3 hail storms, 1 visit by the police. Innumerable constructions stops, 1 moose, tons of bison, and a handful of Red Bull.<br /><div> </div><br /><div>Would I do it again? </div><br /><div> </div><br /><div>Does a biker pee in the woods? ;)</div>jwestermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13286140065668045010noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2425252016142873003.post-33383927022520956302009-09-07T21:00:00.027-04:002009-09-09T07:18:17.156-04:00Day 10 - Really? 10 Days? Cool.I woke up in Illinois this morning, "Land of Lincoln". There was no clock in the hotel room I'd <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfZp1Pc7KE_O8r9Pu_d1MSALYAXMXXhPMN-1I5FHZ6bgOIG4v-jWcKPpddp_IWBTl2xpsS8w-7nTnVaZTxFKxw3Jc-alzj7j-ZZOubHitjVLFLFzkhYkIAaZ0Bd0-ng6ZVPVvskIKklg/s1600-h/IMG_3163.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 275px; height: 206px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfZp1Pc7KE_O8r9Pu_d1MSALYAXMXXhPMN-1I5FHZ6bgOIG4v-jWcKPpddp_IWBTl2xpsS8w-7nTnVaZTxFKxw3Jc-alzj7j-ZZOubHitjVLFLFzkhYkIAaZ0Bd0-ng6ZVPVvskIKklg/s320/IMG_3163.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379252420891831138" border="0" /></a>booked, so I grabbed my phone to check the time - 745. ack! While I was getting ready, feeling like a big slacker, I remembered that my phone, for some reason, has not changed automatically with local time, so it was really 645.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378912367859292082" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; width: 320px; height: 240px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPD4Nm5HCU79bhQaE19WqoSiTdYvfp589oR2yUzsl9na0nKVP9yyimXnIm1byJk6yDyIyb0MyyFPnbVnGsL7m7f89qPs8gBrIs24Npn1CnvlEyle-ngr-JiO-vnm0EdWFuWYBArVuDD0/s320/IMG_3213.JPG" border="0" /><div>It was brisk out while I filled the tank AND the gas can before heading to Springfield, Illinois. At 9 am it was 58 degrees. </div><br /><div><br />It didn't get much warmer and I was appreciating my new fleece shirt. At 11 am it was only 65 degrees out. But that was tolerable dressed in my many layers.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378912362237643954" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 240px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9hjwxN8NG_UIaj4Oy801dk2GdEQTxSl6gfhvEOmvKsInVUZLDvSeW9n3DoM6vD0zLsX1c6RhuavnuNb-w8yRo6r6GF353WQlxXtdhg9apB-xc7RXGyDaNA8d4nUtfg9EXsFLuAixt7k/s320/IMG_3234.JPG" border="0" /></span> </div>I navigated through the city of Springfield to get to the Lincoln Home visitor center. I watched one of the longer videos shown at any of the parks in the last 2 1/2 weeks and looked around the bookstore before heading out. I called Dayton's Aviation site and spoke with an unenthused ranger to confirm directions and address. The gps said it was going to take about 6 hours to get there.<br /><br /><div> </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div> </div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378916942894254706" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 180px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRhG9UYQwfF6kUl3ZNHxn5ep0zU1Q1l-lD6LouJDzqXBmu04uEPOQaMKMlK5BzKFZcrE96euNWf4gQsPredC_S7lBcs00SbbBMgEZGvruguHpxN5A1gsMr5Qbg-DWdBsupJ1EO8dre0dk/s320/IMG_3274.JPG" border="0" /></span><div> </div><br /><div> </div>I crossed into Indiana: "The Crossroads of America", but there were only 2 qualifying parks in the state and both the George Rogers Clark Nat'l Historic Park and Lincoln's Boyhood Home Nat'l Memorial were at the south end of the state. I'd decided those were too far off my route which cut Indiana through the middle, so, without park visits, it was a straight drive through to Ohio. Going through Indianapolis on 70, it looked remarkably like 695 around Baltimore, though I was grateful not to hit Baltimore-like rush hour.<br /><div><br /><div> </div></div><br /><div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378912337045375970" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 240px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8o4xy_NFR96RkfWnK0Uw3Tz48v2319RNDiFR9vzmsupBYDiYLP7R6z495_tzqsOJ5h7IyI74Lz8-v2j-jcNRIKofMnAaffxvuwEQbwHw_Gr2PrRTx44GPxxUtjGOpfAPLv06UtWlmDo/s320/IMG_3260.JPG" border="0" /> </div>I did stop at a McDonald's for lunch in Indiana. I hadn't stopped at restaurants until recently. I'd been eating fruit and granola bars out of my tank bag at rest stops, and microwave meals at the hotels, but my body was starting to get annoyed by that. I decided I needed some protein and there wasn't anything else quick that was close, so<br />a double cheesburger it was.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I walked in to a long <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqNujSkM98SGIhApnKZrWtNkkMSgesj3SlVP_kqMCPmopBjubq2or6YtDmOK7eEpkaJSPPXaVnCaUVvOaTdbBYlOm1da7SQRjNzqEVKM5Enh-0tSc7Ni1TIThJCKgmdkyk-nnEWmGKCA/s1600-h/hopper+fonda+bikes.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379108555653808114" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; width: 320px; height: 242px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqNujSkM98SGIhApnKZrWtNkkMSgesj3SlVP_kqMCPmopBjubq2or6YtDmOK7eEpkaJSPPXaVnCaUVvOaTdbBYlOm1da7SQRjNzqEVKM5Enh-0tSc7Ni1TIThJCKgmdkyk-nnEWmGKCA/s320/hopper+fonda+bikes.jpg" border="0" /></a>line and one open register. I decided that since I could catch up on my messages and use the time to plan, I could take advantage of the wait rather than view it as lost time. I sat to wolf down my meal and texted Jon, Jen, Vicky and Denise to see if anyone was interested in meeting me tomorrow when I got closer to home. While waiting for replies and finishing my drink, I noticed a framed print of Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper on the wall. I took it as a sign that my McD's break was all in the grand plan.<br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYbhbgs3f4NjKVz4FC5TIAPejjgrzidvEi94fLkHexxXXszP8P3C4i2vy4DT_ibjSDuauyGH7_6pRx-JuhWSDt4gk5CfJRpz7NbkPaMvD_hJmx86HAGO38yWKw8zQfHBVmAJazxkmKLhg/s1600-h/baby+changing+station.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEXonZg_lmntwhLhIsl4_VsztKayybQpUm47YWV70g5Dun-Xy5e3rHj2FtnUulawbaiURv3QF0ubprsR5No3NMfR0BqKafrRFNbLB-ytVL0bbe68MFgvuOtKgd77njI8w14MB5A_LR-5I/s1600-h/baby+changing+station.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379109078199687842" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEXonZg_lmntwhLhIsl4_VsztKayybQpUm47YWV70g5Dun-Xy5e3rHj2FtnUulawbaiURv3QF0ubprsR5No3NMfR0BqKafrRFNbLB-ytVL0bbe68MFgvuOtKgd77njI8w14MB5A_LR-5I/s200/baby+changing+station.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Before I left McD's, I saw this in the bathroom. Someone had tried to re-write the 'C' in 'Changing'. Think about it for a minute. Now, every time I see one of these I see 'Baby hanging Station'. Even I find that creepy.<br /><br /></div><br /><div> </div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEXonZg_lmntwhLhIsl4_VsztKayybQpUm47YWV70g5Dun-Xy5e3rHj2FtnUulawbaiURv3QF0ubprsR5No3NMfR0BqKafrRFNbLB-ytVL0bbe68MFgvuOtKgd77njI8w14MB5A_LR-5I/s1600-h/baby+changing+station.jpg"></a> </div><br /><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378916921935427218" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; width: 270px; cursor: pointer; height: 202px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcXXak_5lPb4iN6u0SADs45fm9bkhI_kTPMn_O8YYQB_jdk6J2OFDELW3RQo541TywWa6xY7ppVJUUPckmGOaaP7DfFfG6n-2Ys8eEJSR7Yv_Bl_cnrxbbCvrj0ocZ6hEFY39GHz4XG7o/s320/IMG_3281.JPG" border="0" /></span> </div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Back on the road, I hit the now expected construction. At this point I don't know what I would do with myself if I couldn't follow a snake of orange cones.</div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4WDeso164x7gHDGWf1xRf3yxwpm6GP5h6_rvLqsBlwetr8ZFbXJdlY5bPF9uY9JFxXdTDqTUFzYOIUBVSPUgJf0yDhU_n7-ZAds_qFhKEy-T6Av2Nf2g0F_XwDElu3bUtPRTaCdtGqPs/s1600-h/IMG_3267.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 246px; height: 184px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4WDeso164x7gHDGWf1xRf3yxwpm6GP5h6_rvLqsBlwetr8ZFbXJdlY5bPF9uY9JFxXdTDqTUFzYOIUBVSPUgJf0yDhU_n7-ZAds_qFhKEy-T6Av2Nf2g0F_XwDElu3bUtPRTaCdtGqPs/s200/IMG_3267.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379238497845444018" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDSRGLUGlZUosq1UDXoxEmK_XY4mwjx1xPZJuxeh5qdIlSJQeAeqi_0hsAlIl5JA0nt7yzXhS2PAcLeeEIxGSw_pCi1BodidR9XGVhSad25qoJsJ5nzqKO-Phig4jfs9d2TVY0rJr38Es/s1600-h/IMG_3288.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDSRGLUGlZUosq1UDXoxEmK_XY4mwjx1xPZJuxeh5qdIlSJQeAeqi_0hsAlIl5JA0nt7yzXhS2PAcLeeEIxGSw_pCi1BodidR9XGVhSad25qoJsJ5nzqKO-Phig4jfs9d2TVY0rJr38Es/s320/IMG_3288.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379242075000471330" border="0" /></a>Somewhere after crossing into Ohio, 'Birthplace of Aviation', I took stock of where I was and where I needed to be that night. I still had a good bit of road to eat up before getting to Hoagy's in West Virginia. Dayton Aviation Heritage National Park wasn't horribly far off the direct route to his place, but I wasn't going to get to the visitor center before it closed at 6 and the guy I spoke to there was the least friendly of everyone I'd talked to this trip, so I decided I wouldn't go. I was torn, but it's close enough to home to make a seperate trip, if I'm so compelled, and I was already going to have to drive in the dark to finish my ride today, so it seemed wise and convenient to let that one go.<br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEh4zzDFPaLZzve1IJWhC4BsW1V9180uRJWi_18bRnP9PHNnioSTHDapLnffUEi6nHFQEeujidQMKHHalHq3HhS8m3TICtSxcJrOX3y8VvJ2of9-CFSCIgFmU2dWwXLrSjtRLJ1nXY9LM/s1600-h/IMG_3243.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEh4zzDFPaLZzve1IJWhC4BsW1V9180uRJWi_18bRnP9PHNnioSTHDapLnffUEi6nHFQEeujidQMKHHalHq3HhS8m3TICtSxcJrOX3y8VvJ2of9-CFSCIgFmU2dWwXLrSjtRLJ1nXY9LM/s320/IMG_3243.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379252431142768802" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5gbycMEWbRitluL0SQtQAV3LunBwiRVIYLI8IRsL-ConIa2fwwe7QviRzEJWcj9mJY4P_cVWyPAYejgHu6ce91bMYplOsWOWxHPEP2ERbBMDmySq6eNuEBqQ-CELBOBpfc7k0Y2Ag2Hg/s1600-h/IMG_3290.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5gbycMEWbRitluL0SQtQAV3LunBwiRVIYLI8IRsL-ConIa2fwwe7QviRzEJWcj9mJY4P_cVWyPAYejgHu6ce91bMYplOsWOWxHPEP2ERbBMDmySq6eNuEBqQ-CELBOBpfc7k0Y2Ag2Hg/s320/IMG_3290.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379242060250963186" border="0" /></a><div>There was, however, an enormous bike supply place that sat right on 70 that I'd passed on the way out, so I called to see what exit they were on (54) and how late they were open (7). I stopped at Competition Accessories for 30 minutes and stretched my limbs while looking at all the fun stuff there. I was out before they closed at 7 and headed to Hoagy's place. It was cold and dark and cold and I was not happy riding that last 2 or so hours. I don't mind riding in the dark so much, you just have to be vigilant for the night issues. The cold, however, I find very unpleasant and do not enjoy riding if I can feel it through my gear.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This I could feel through my gear. On any other night I would have found the first exit with sleeping accomodations and made my round of calls, but tonight, for the first time before or after the conference, I had a reservation. I rode with my shoulders at my ears, unsuccessful at convincing myself to relax. It was so ridiculous that the top of my right foot hurt from contracting every muscle I own in a vain attempt to reduce my surface area against the wind or something.<br /><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEh4zzDFPaLZzve1IJWhC4BsW1V9180uRJWi_18bRnP9PHNnioSTHDapLnffUEi6nHFQEeujidQMKHHalHq3HhS8m3TICtSxcJrOX3y8VvJ2of9-CFSCIgFmU2dWwXLrSjtRLJ1nXY9LM/s1600-h/IMG_3243.JPG"></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378916944191838002" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 180px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8FBMBCHPfkcwpNV3qRerrNtFuV49X5nU4NZXi59xz2sMVcLxyOZzg2SWY7eJjN5SwBF_Henw5xNVxC7n-I5Gc9iMyYPpks3jNSzRkANYE0mXl2Hw5hmvUQFdCuWVFTjyaX9aWaF4IwjE/s320/IMG_3272.JPG" border="0" /></span></div>Finally, 'Wild and Wonderful' West Virginia.<br /><div>Just before Zanesville on 70, about 2 hours East of Dayton and an hour and a half West of a hot shower, I needed to stop for gas. I took an exit not explicitly marked for gas thinking I'd just cross over to the return ramp and rejoin the highway if there were no pumps. I was running low and didn't want to push my luck given my history, but no, it was not meant to be. There were no pumps and there was no return exit. I was routed on, if it were warm and light out, what would have been a nice back route. </div><br /><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpXoTKOkfIsipnnR06hDZtLaNhJm506mLy1AQ5yXftZdPA-039GeUZUthOy6mtYAl1jvWQlQSpzSWGIrJzZlsVU5nvHEyUGbjIN5-az3aNkVUQnkGWH8pcbSir7k33PRtMIUr53c0dpzM/s1600-h/IMG_3314.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpXoTKOkfIsipnnR06hDZtLaNhJm506mLy1AQ5yXftZdPA-039GeUZUthOy6mtYAl1jvWQlQSpzSWGIrJzZlsVU5nvHEyUGbjIN5-az3aNkVUQnkGWH8pcbSir7k33PRtMIUr53c0dpzM/s320/IMG_3314.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379242053971225970" border="0" /></a>I followed those signs for a couple of miles, watching for wildlife, trying to forget the cold, and ended up at the next exit...where there was no gas, either. Seriously? You're going to make me do this now? Here? Even though trying to avoid exactly this is what got me here? Really? Fine. Knowing I didn't have much left from the last fill up, I took the gas can off the back of the bike and emptied it into the tank for, what I certainly hoped would be, the last time this trip.<br /></div><br /><div><br />I took the next exit marked 'gas' to refill everything. Yes, even the gas can. Clearly, it would be stupid of me not to with my track record, even though I was, theoretically, less than a tankful away from my destination.<br /></div><br /><div>With a little confusion, I got to Hoagy's gravel driveway where making the turn in I managed to lay the bike over even while noting all the things I needed to do to keep it upright. I was pretty numb and sore by that point and just straddled the bike for the time it took to remove my helmet and gloves so I could deal with it. Hoagy was there in two seconds to help me right it. I parked it in the garage where I wouldn't have to unload it and met some folks that were hanging out at the infamous Carmichael Irish Pub.</div>September 1, 2009<br /><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcIB5Zsj2ex9Q9u6CXPRSH8Dos_sdW7LRxSKoSO6FwDc8xzOgeWoXxP6pUeCLjLAE0tZNjDajhiOcwEs75-vLFtbio0EuPzTmNJ2sK_fgsAKz6GZWsdmbATkLT0k5JxKYELBL0puTwLgA/s1600-h/IMG_3317.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcIB5Zsj2ex9Q9u6CXPRSH8Dos_sdW7LRxSKoSO6FwDc8xzOgeWoXxP6pUeCLjLAE0tZNjDajhiOcwEs75-vLFtbio0EuPzTmNJ2sK_fgsAKz6GZWsdmbATkLT0k5JxKYELBL0puTwLgA/s320/IMG_3317.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379252437267974754" border="0" /></a><div>As is the case with everyone I've met through Hoagy, they were nice folks and we chatted for a bit before they called it a night. Hoagy made me the finest grilled cheese I've had in years while I thawed out in a hot shower, and we caught up for a while before turning in.<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUpxZXNnPMwck8T308_b73sIlST56AzJ_XmEsK5cuUI0NS0_vMk2Xe1LAleVIZOXG-PFX4RS_DB-Ntv4_iD0V1UnUNewgqAMEBIC0nBSzRvGxLHVta2iowAeuFrmq3W5THq0Ojoi6PQKw/s1600-h/IMG_3317.JPG"></a><div>The next day, Wednesday, would be the last of my 2 1/2 week adventure across country. I had no plans except to get home. In my usual fashion, I'd scheduled work first thing Thursday morning, though that still seemed a while away.</div></div></div></div></div>jwestermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13286140065668045010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2425252016142873003.post-46833678459352427982009-09-01T08:42:00.006-04:002009-09-25T20:24:20.396-04:00Day 9 - The Long and (not so) Winding Road.I was oh, so unhappy getting up this morning, but it was 745, so hopefully I recovered some sleep. If i get out by 830 I won't be that far off the norm. Yahoo maps says it'll be about 7 hours from here to Herbert Hoover's monument in West Branch, Iowa.<br /><br />I packed up, saving the cooling vest for last. There is nothing even remotely hopeful in the next two days for temps over 75, so I don't see needing it for the rest of the trip. I'd used the heat lamp in the bathroom overnight to dry it out and I must admit that the room was a bit hot and dry even for me, Queen of the Sahara. I left at 845.<br /><br /><br /><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig_BYyloEEXZjUb-PtkSQ7Xp9LShcieJLjwkSgAZwaS4uOV4nbj512KhZlHpMnAIgeDWbFNnexnRTkL63krMFKIhAFO3ycIxjrTnjRJIX3exfuW7_LWYr4lJxSiNz0aRe4F19A3ZGmwho/s1600-h/IMG_3020.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376470048199287442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig_BYyloEEXZjUb-PtkSQ7Xp9LShcieJLjwkSgAZwaS4uOV4nbj512KhZlHpMnAIgeDWbFNnexnRTkL63krMFKIhAFO3ycIxjrTnjRJIX3exfuW7_LWYr4lJxSiNz0aRe4F19A3ZGmwho/s400/IMG_3020.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It was 57 degrees out when I stopped at the Walmart I'd passed last night to check for those Zhu Zhu's. Kinda in a hurry, I almost left my helmet on to run in and out, but I took the whole 20 seconds to remove it before going in.<br /><br />STOMP STOMP STOMP... The vibrations from my hulkish strides ran up my bones and directly into my head. With my earplugs in I only hear parts of things, but walking with even less finesse than usual was gonna give me a headache.<br /><br />No Zhu Zhu's near the My Little Ponies. STOMP STOMP STOMP... None in the next aisle, STOMP STOMP STOMP, or the one on the other side. Time to go. STOMP STOMP STOMP STOMP... Back on the bike at 930.<br /><br />Riding East now puts me facing the sun every morning and last week the wind unceremoniously snatched my handy-dandy sunsheilding strip right off my face shield, so for the next two hours I rode like Popeye, squinting deeply enough that my open eye looked partly through my eyebrow. And, for all that sun, I was still freezing! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwqpSQhqZspwwWgWqfMxcj6fvDHgZ5jhCZQxSv6s601vzU0Vt9nAVbASrEDiavIbAavnC_81afLMlrenVxCredaxRxv7kwha_zWjJojcMJw1FkBxjU7wWHtg9juaQ_4lfJlvL3K9Zq3Xo/s1600-h/popeye+red.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376347207498587506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwqpSQhqZspwwWgWqfMxcj6fvDHgZ5jhCZQxSv6s601vzU0Vt9nAVbASrEDiavIbAavnC_81afLMlrenVxCredaxRxv7kwha_zWjJojcMJw1FkBxjU7wWHtg9juaQ_4lfJlvL3K9Zq3Xo/s400/popeye+red.jpg" border="0" /></a>I decided that today I would go without music again. I've had difficulty seating my right earplug and on Friday (or was it Saturday?) between the wind noise and the music my right ear was buzzing for a while. Can't mess with the ears, now... So, that leaves me to my own devices, and yet I can't think of a single song not on the 2 gb chip I've been listening to for the last 4 days, never mind a way to bring about world peace.<br /><br />One of the women from the conference in Colorado, Sara, texted me yesterday cautioning me about the 3 windy states I'd be traveling through. Wow, was she right! Earlier in the trip I'd discovered that I could reach the rear passenger pegs to relax my knees and give my butt a break. Today I used them to gain leverage against the wind.<br /><br />The weather fronts have also been interesting. You don't usually get to see the beginning and ending of weather fronts, but I've seen several on these distance rides. This morning, the clouds began to gather, but after having checked the forecast again this morning, I was unconcerned about any rain. It should be dry for the rest of the ride home. (ha! now that I've said that out loud, there will be some freak storm.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaGYbDD38HTu8xN4aZ0P5EG2akRnrmo2R-iMjQQepuNYRFyPGma0axVTTcpyxairuSPhBTN01_GRQN_AQMVXF08MgTjMspTjcFZYmiwpz84nhD7ekUPtAbq5mzwQ4o9yFN8MsfG4tqWwk/s1600-h/IMG_3027.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376470033802181922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaGYbDD38HTu8xN4aZ0P5EG2akRnrmo2R-iMjQQepuNYRFyPGma0axVTTcpyxairuSPhBTN01_GRQN_AQMVXF08MgTjMspTjcFZYmiwpz84nhD7ekUPtAbq5mzwQ4o9yFN8MsfG4tqWwk/s400/IMG_3027.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />These clouds struck me as a herd, migrating. A herd of migrating cotton balls. Another roadside sign, with almost as many lights out as on, looked like it read 70 degrees and 1145 am. It was mighty cold and I started looking for a Walmart where I could stomp through the toys on my way to the fleece department, but a Cabella's appeared on the horizon and plan 'A' immediately fell by the wayside. I spent the best $10 EVER on what should be marketed as 'hi viz' pear, changed into it in the dressing room and, while by no means warm, was cool on the ride now, rather than cold. They did have the Road Toads rain gear, but they were about 5 inches shorter than I need and, without the threat of rain, I decided not to get them.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQi8bXOgHXuFcE2vMROOUQ5-LTsgRVeRKOLsE_FjefsKLjQh0kxrVSM5nNq1s6VC9GCmMjxuFaB6-agtRvO6BG_bUn3_clTIMHljW00Zp20pQRPVPYp3e4lkgyTQ5-0uDxyrE-y_USVsM/s1600-h/IMG_3102.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376476581075000962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQi8bXOgHXuFcE2vMROOUQ5-LTsgRVeRKOLsE_FjefsKLjQh0kxrVSM5nNq1s6VC9GCmMjxuFaB6-agtRvO6BG_bUn3_clTIMHljW00Zp20pQRPVPYp3e4lkgyTQ5-0uDxyrE-y_USVsM/s400/IMG_3102.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />In the parking lot I strapped the long sleeve cotton shirt that I've worn faithfully for the last 2 weeks, hot or cold, onto the bike and noted some fascinating shades of grey. I checked the gps to see when I should arrive at Hoover: 521 pm, which probably means more like 6, really. I called just to check on the hours of the visitor center: 9-5, damn! Well, a picture will have to do for this one if I can't get to the stamp.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxCrgrq8Sc7V5NO5M3qTz8n5iD-WOfGz4Q4pNGmZf69idYKEaCvEwodqLmc6s75RKVIPdICqPBYxQcZimTOLK8JxoUYHtAAXXrZujhTPR8u3Q9fIdlGVc1M2ckDvFod07pU4LXjJFS1s/s1600-h/IMG_3046.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376470026813002290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxCrgrq8Sc7V5NO5M3qTz8n5iD-WOfGz4Q4pNGmZf69idYKEaCvEwodqLmc6s75RKVIPdICqPBYxQcZimTOLK8JxoUYHtAAXXrZujhTPR8u3Q9fIdlGVc1M2ckDvFod07pU4LXjJFS1s/s400/IMG_3046.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Booking it to Iowa against a frigid wind I am more tense than usual. Holding on to the grips for dear life brings me to periodically let go the death grip to shake them out or let them hang by my side for a moment. (yes, one at a time. :j) Getting them back on the grip from 3 feet away in that wind was a bit erratic and, after flexing my right hand a bit and forcing it forward against the atmosphere's will, I made contact with the grip in an awkward way...and the bike lurched back a bit. Son of a...! I'd hit the kill switch. AGAIN. Today saw the 4th AND 5th times that I've tagged the kill switch at speed. FIFTH! FIVE-ifth, I mean, come on! The first time was months ago and I was totally freaked at the prospect of blowing up the bike by pressing the button back into the 'on' position while the engine was running. (such a girl.) I did, and I survived, and I didn't blow up the bike. The second and third times it took me less and less time to figure out what the problem was and fix it. It's a sad statement that the first time I did it today there was no panic, just the annoyance that comes with an unwanted habit.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PuUkIElEIc4PJLIZ4HgqEupf5dsc6yoIig9nu-n34RGfHRrFbWH-1cP2pglTaP-HCUOBQFDV42QTQ5BDMTB6-Z-8gNiOx8R9fKeSr3lB5TxKaSPDtUpgr2J7tGsPkvsChWA4h87T5rc/s1600-h/IMG_3068.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376470020211654994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PuUkIElEIc4PJLIZ4HgqEupf5dsc6yoIig9nu-n34RGfHRrFbWH-1cP2pglTaP-HCUOBQFDV42QTQ5BDMTB6-Z-8gNiOx8R9fKeSr3lB5TxKaSPDtUpgr2J7tGsPkvsChWA4h87T5rc/s400/IMG_3068.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I crossed the bridge that separates Nebraska from Iowa and, hello, everything changed again. There are trees! Deciduous ones! In groups! Stands of trees...and hills! I had the rank and file of corn on my right and cows grazing on a hillside on my left. It might as well have been Maryland! The only apparent difference between Iowa and MD is the color scheme of the cop cars.<br /><br />Those cotton ball clouds eventually took over the sky. There wasn't a speck of blue to be found in any direction I could crane to see. I was 5000 feet away from being suffocated by batting. About the time I was contemplating the sky quilt it occurred to me that my gps is still an hour off and I could still make it to the H. Hoover visitor center before they closed!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqA9Lb-a6qTQfpT3ET8aNhm36oB21Qo19n2jsjx4DLxyZzFSnkL_22n4QAPO_DCfGOsrf3l2Ee0s271xIT_pZQcE8Qgmzr_zau0ev97-Y6ACQEdtdkBb2bKOrPbp24bFnypxL74h_MMB0/s1600-h/IMG_3090.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376471738780145538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqA9Lb-a6qTQfpT3ET8aNhm36oB21Qo19n2jsjx4DLxyZzFSnkL_22n4QAPO_DCfGOsrf3l2Ee0s271xIT_pZQcE8Qgmzr_zau0ev97-Y6ACQEdtdkBb2bKOrPbp24bFnypxL74h_MMB0/s400/IMG_3090.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Well, with Iowa's hills, the wind calmed significantly. Now it was a normal, if still cold, ride. I could again move my feet from floorboard to passenger peg with my usual Cirque-like grace. The next couple hundred miles were much easier and without the extra attention needed to stay upright, my mind was free to wander again and it occurred to me that James T. Kirk was born somewhere in Iowa, wasn't he? I thought 'shouldn't there be a monument?' and laughed out loud in my helmet.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfuWUWavBmi_SmJjgVLsJz-0QpdgzpnYPFVY5xsyWABpQEOiQT0s8jiEYBp57IEod2b9dSeTgn142NTnUvNpdtrKEJ-7SZCmHS-DRvFOGKcihs5eTEAclRrTfpnY0ZleQJs1i7vMAifBY/s1600-h/IMG_3096.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376471733730028258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfuWUWavBmi_SmJjgVLsJz-0QpdgzpnYPFVY5xsyWABpQEOiQT0s8jiEYBp57IEod2b9dSeTgn142NTnUvNpdtrKEJ-7SZCmHS-DRvFOGKcihs5eTEAclRrTfpnY0ZleQJs1i7vMAifBY/s400/IMG_3096.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Coming into Stewart the great batting in the heavens developed holes and became a Simpsons sky.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO92JpAuzoaAPCUcmYGUvvoO4vSInOUe7l6-Jt5jWc3tQ_OpLvQVEl3d2L-_PFSnzaIiZFGF1hlwmhWYrGTzNxcW4w1JcJPW3vXhoR5g84HhC8tX4TryvLWL8pGMEm156YeIbO7QJZFPo/s1600-h/IMG_3104.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376471723663743026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO92JpAuzoaAPCUcmYGUvvoO4vSInOUe7l6-Jt5jWc3tQ_OpLvQVEl3d2L-_PFSnzaIiZFGF1hlwmhWYrGTzNxcW4w1JcJPW3vXhoR5g84HhC8tX4TryvLWL8pGMEm156YeIbO7QJZFPo/s400/IMG_3104.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I did make it to Hoover 15 minutes before closing. I was alone, except for the ranger who pressed the play button for the movie, and was stamped, superficially educated, and out of the building by 6.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2fQhJVMu-UVM7Tv55ADU4B7TPCYziHCkEVxX1hU73Z99VQfkTHAmzBrgd0f19PGuZWOTGs5hfqfKMuR-qBLQw1H2HqBoCaM6AqYtPByFMIapTDVz9YRYLJrkVaFS9wOnaVEGDzSk6qW4/s1600-h/IMG_3146.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376473298152688658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2fQhJVMu-UVM7Tv55ADU4B7TPCYziHCkEVxX1hU73Z99VQfkTHAmzBrgd0f19PGuZWOTGs5hfqfKMuR-qBLQw1H2HqBoCaM6AqYtPByFMIapTDVz9YRYLJrkVaFS9wOnaVEGDzSk6qW4/s400/IMG_3146.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><p>While I was in the theatre I'd gotten a page that a friend's dad had died and I talked to him for a bit. I had the company of the Hoover cat while on the phone and then planned my route from West Branch.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVhkEybCwlTkMytk05BGIcFQOpqmfqDVELP0K1SKO7X3zZG86Kw4VECXC4DdRwmeMja1rieg68dV_WoiACD4KdUjM08NdBlxxcH7ADaRCKdG4GmcCMChkJV4Z7H3_83RNqCE5KHYdqwg/s1600-h/IMG_3144.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376471719076084690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVhkEybCwlTkMytk05BGIcFQOpqmfqDVELP0K1SKO7X3zZG86Kw4VECXC4DdRwmeMja1rieg68dV_WoiACD4KdUjM08NdBlxxcH7ADaRCKdG4GmcCMChkJV4Z7H3_83RNqCE5KHYdqwg/s400/IMG_3144.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I looked at the map and did some fast gps button-pushing and realized that going south a bit to visit Lincoln's birthplace in Springfield, Illinois would add, at most, 2 hours to the trip including visitor center time. So I headed south.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS87QFDD1ZellBEyyUVS3gy0qXn5R_TiBNrIGGVm5sa_AGG8bKh8SHMS-17FnUVVsowBE4k7A7h-cqII_blmgSiCqDG1M3pYCehAKQNTiIeEHfXo39icV0qsjYgSuWUK6g8HL64eeZbAI/s1600-h/IMG_3147.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376473291885495122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS87QFDD1ZellBEyyUVS3gy0qXn5R_TiBNrIGGVm5sa_AGG8bKh8SHMS-17FnUVVsowBE4k7A7h-cqII_blmgSiCqDG1M3pYCehAKQNTiIeEHfXo39icV0qsjYgSuWUK6g8HL64eeZbAI/s400/IMG_3147.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBO76PPSTUPtS2z7z9-hBk5stloNW0eydZR0Bg6wGbrZaZGUqFcIV_HCtEVboynNGNvCOelCYndzkH2sD4gAozCwRkO7yGrI3aoXaqQPQ0YgvAeFJ7rITm_Kgqg7hi0Gy0dte1B_7Nkfk/s1600-h/IMG_3163.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376476571974821794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBO76PPSTUPtS2z7z9-hBk5stloNW0eydZR0Bg6wGbrZaZGUqFcIV_HCtEVboynNGNvCOelCYndzkH2sD4gAozCwRkO7yGrI3aoXaqQPQ0YgvAeFJ7rITm_Kgqg7hi0Gy0dte1B_7Nkfk/s400/IMG_3163.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I got to cross the Mississippi.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdK_lBV-iY_pLsgP6G9ZEH0O60MsHHsK0LL7N9EDU4SYD14mxsMSUSJKAAGJa4ibbc3eC-HCKTvKctt12jHmqcVqVJ6O8vuCGoDMlP8Yuhc0JZww9AWAkwBNBWhGE7V-tK9DY_HwxfPTg/s1600-h/IMG_3159.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376476587577524802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdK_lBV-iY_pLsgP6G9ZEH0O60MsHHsK0LL7N9EDU4SYD14mxsMSUSJKAAGJa4ibbc3eC-HCKTvKctt12jHmqcVqVJ6O8vuCGoDMlP8Yuhc0JZww9AWAkwBNBWhGE7V-tK9DY_HwxfPTg/s400/IMG_3159.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I had a Mexican dinner in honor of Anne Maria, maje extraordinaire, and found my hotel.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3zwqiynahxEBVSo9hdqFzngsN74hPlFU-u63N-kDOyXRDUbyAIGahuhsowQS37Se9NGZk6OK5P_IPVmGASHBlccKPghPGH0Srihm8GbxOzIgdFeA9ij3BxZv-nnpgMRSgvgpBNDzwME/s1600-h/IMG_3205.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376476593071567474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3zwqiynahxEBVSo9hdqFzngsN74hPlFU-u63N-kDOyXRDUbyAIGahuhsowQS37Se9NGZk6OK5P_IPVmGASHBlccKPghPGH0Srihm8GbxOzIgdFeA9ij3BxZv-nnpgMRSgvgpBNDzwME/s400/IMG_3205.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKsZBE7DSHEJDRKzDXLsWYJcHMiF1XtL5Sqzlzzh_UvmSBDT4ZBd0fdKNu4xvtx3Lt36DJXlT_xNekEqXA-lXER1Cdt5enDsog1dXf_-QT8_N_tnPXWCZV6_N3s34ZTROLExtH-_e_ITE/s1600-h/IMG_3202.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376473281610935938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKsZBE7DSHEJDRKzDXLsWYJcHMiF1XtL5Sqzlzzh_UvmSBDT4ZBd0fdKNu4xvtx3Lt36DJXlT_xNekEqXA-lXER1Cdt5enDsog1dXf_-QT8_N_tnPXWCZV6_N3s34ZTROLExtH-_e_ITE/s400/IMG_3202.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Now, I sit, waaay too late, in my hotel room watching Will and Grace and counting the loud, obnoxious trains that pass by my window, horns a-blowin'. This will test even *my* ability to sleep soundly. In the morning I'll check the route from Springfield to Dayton, Ohio for the Aviation Monument for one of my last National Parks of the trip.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOBsPjEsaI3P8nCrfwEwT5g3a6i5cFAougWlpUHSd_ioUJwoNUbGhnyiaCNybOnr3P4GWj-zfDkGKlkIAWSl6MFpL6rf5PmCOCFHgo0cT_k5INuA8fo-Y6nwE4mAGxjdK31NY815EGo7A/s1600-h/IMG_3198.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376473286917305906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOBsPjEsaI3P8nCrfwEwT5g3a6i5cFAougWlpUHSd_ioUJwoNUbGhnyiaCNybOnr3P4GWj-zfDkGKlkIAWSl6MFpL6rf5PmCOCFHgo0cT_k5INuA8fo-Y6nwE4mAGxjdK31NY815EGo7A/s400/IMG_3198.JPG" border="0" /></a></p>jwestermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13286140065668045010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2425252016142873003.post-25237414023381688362009-08-30T23:59:00.006-04:002009-09-25T20:24:40.152-04:00Day 8 - Sunday, SUNday, SUNDAY!(Day 7 is missing, I know. And with more Tatonka and everything! I'll catch up when I can. :)<br /><br />Well, I got up at the usual time, but with a 2 am bedtime, I was running on 4 hours sleep today. I've been getting about 6 hours of sleep every night since Colorado and have been doing remarkably well for someone who used to be unbearable with less than 10. Ok, that *was* high school, but I still like my sleep.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6yIprZl1bOEu2EKpd9Nkl3LnHJEUtAb0A6ofghlLc5m08Sn7mGdzTvoGP2eHRw7OpTHTusRahhShUfYJi3cMjB0Yd6ChqwD0Y0kiY124pKAR-Do6I8FFyxE5aaqxSPG5BnTwMy5rleJo/s1600-h/IMG_2823.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375989221195641202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6yIprZl1bOEu2EKpd9Nkl3LnHJEUtAb0A6ofghlLc5m08Sn7mGdzTvoGP2eHRw7OpTHTusRahhShUfYJi3cMjB0Yd6ChqwD0Y0kiY124pKAR-Do6I8FFyxE5aaqxSPG5BnTwMy5rleJo/s320/IMG_2823.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Phone calls have been rare for the last week, but I spoke with both my sister and mother before leaving. I looked out the window while I was chatting with Mom and my eyes got big and suddenly had to go. The hotel flag was blowing in the wind and the sky looked grey and ominous. I said my goodbyes and got moving. I called the park to get directions and was apparently only 26 miles away.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgwplHRm27AZwccnk863ue8qfAl2yeUzfsFgeRKnyqvwrxlWUIzkRAn2-VHU5BW7JC5cUSo9xL0SYQu6aVitH15IBjSZFrH9h8DteCFw4kLqEldT-z_ACugsq7MYJDppfVQuWB9Hp_oyU/s1600-h/IMG_2822.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375989223816567634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgwplHRm27AZwccnk863ue8qfAl2yeUzfsFgeRKnyqvwrxlWUIzkRAn2-VHU5BW7JC5cUSo9xL0SYQu6aVitH15IBjSZFrH9h8DteCFw4kLqEldT-z_ACugsq7MYJDppfVQuWB9Hp_oyU/s320/IMG_2822.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I did make a stop at the Walmart down the street to see if they had Zhu Zhu's - apparently this season's Cabbage Patch-Elmo-Beanie Baby that everyone wants, but no one, including my sister, can find. Neither can I.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhloFYSIpgG7HQPfiPiM-m1-9-JnYPP7GWYqt52HPmNYYEf0YHNvSDquKQXoojZj-QlRtFUIXlwoV0B0K6_Y5fsbe5XgujTOUTYlqsBLQaqKmfukRXXhpDcFkDbb9_DTEgiSzV1xsaxFSo/s1600-h/IMG_2830.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375989207665749410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhloFYSIpgG7HQPfiPiM-m1-9-JnYPP7GWYqt52HPmNYYEf0YHNvSDquKQXoojZj-QlRtFUIXlwoV0B0K6_Y5fsbe5XgujTOUTYlqsBLQaqKmfukRXXhpDcFkDbb9_DTEgiSzV1xsaxFSo/s320/IMG_2830.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I left Walmart for the Agate Fossil Bed National Monument and a shop outside of town announced that it was 830 am and 62 degrees. I decided that since it was only 26 miles away, I'd get gas after stopping at the park. (oops. I ~know~!) Turns out that Sam, the very helpful guy at the park, meant it was 26 miles from the last turn at Rt. 29, so I was unprepared for the additional 54 or so miles that I put on the bike before that turn.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwY9-s1jJPtg3OZJjsvi6KpXV8zvP3j-_7LYZjbYS7Ma4g6NeXrQSU92OcEGEv_R4XQ1mJ5mAZsw0ApX94JFm_ckhxcYHh_5_Nr1jCg__IctHgeJpTYbvDFdp682zSEag878CimeG0kaw/s1600-h/IMG_2866.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375995203134748674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwY9-s1jJPtg3OZJjsvi6KpXV8zvP3j-_7LYZjbYS7Ma4g6NeXrQSU92OcEGEv_R4XQ1mJ5mAZsw0ApX94JFm_ckhxcYHh_5_Nr1jCg__IctHgeJpTYbvDFdp682zSEag878CimeG0kaw/s320/IMG_2866.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Every night I empty the gas can into the tank, so I don't have gas in the room with me, so everything I had was in the tank already. I *might* have made it the 34 miles to Mitchell for the next gas station, but I would have made the ride waiting for the *chug* and it was too cold to thumb a ride to a gas station. I was able to get gas at the park from the maintenance shed. (don't ask)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh67V5e4drcOIWOQno726Bb5e9e8E-nhFW9TtxH-upQeldwSidQrQZ_JXyi8jOB4FMkETHQPPYI8uA1nvQqmaNx7xlSt09vjg7SxpSZOInvbTJBnyh8cjnLd212H-eSB-JCVcMcjuYMV3w/s1600-h/IMG_2868.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375995196404395426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh67V5e4drcOIWOQno726Bb5e9e8E-nhFW9TtxH-upQeldwSidQrQZ_JXyi8jOB4FMkETHQPPYI8uA1nvQqmaNx7xlSt09vjg7SxpSZOInvbTJBnyh8cjnLd212H-eSB-JCVcMcjuYMV3w/s320/IMG_2868.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />It was cold and windy the whole way to the park, but the display and video were worth it and they gave me a chance to warm up. Sam was adorable and, even though I was the only one in the room, gave a full out, very skillful introduction to the park and video. He said he always welcomes people 'to the middle of nowhere, Nebraska' and he was right on the money.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_E8Y8PQ7BXADueTOsYZrwXE5L23BFSvzKhYJFMvOkKd_eWO5fMXoKEkJoAfbdalGMxT931P8qI_xc7CGYf9dbzbt6dR2OvUgaRq5iKRk-Q0h_SjD-V4dBDpqjCTH0nY7EqEcrcjaZVT0/s1600-h/IMG_2870.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375995184893732674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_E8Y8PQ7BXADueTOsYZrwXE5L23BFSvzKhYJFMvOkKd_eWO5fMXoKEkJoAfbdalGMxT931P8qI_xc7CGYf9dbzbt6dR2OvUgaRq5iKRk-Q0h_SjD-V4dBDpqjCTH0nY7EqEcrcjaZVT0/s320/IMG_2870.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />After putting a bit of gas in the tank I had a relatively stress-free 34 mile ride to Mitchell, where I filled the tank and the gas can, my favorite new bike accessory, and headed to Scott's Bluff National Monument. The wind was incredible and I rode rather sideways most of the morning. Ride the bike, ride the bike, ride the bike...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMz-d6thHHOIlxHnETOl56Qg1fbKkJiPWvZC5K1gwjyEcZ5EZ0-6xZPx9a6F-xP7Qkm81eaFtIRiDJvKBrxgr2NPx3dQiDPq8A4-m0mwLKSx64wqu91rV7eSpa0nIY-lfRTXwSVpfpuo/s1600-h/IMG_2882.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375998068659149906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMz-d6thHHOIlxHnETOl56Qg1fbKkJiPWvZC5K1gwjyEcZ5EZ0-6xZPx9a6F-xP7Qkm81eaFtIRiDJvKBrxgr2NPx3dQiDPq8A4-m0mwLKSx64wqu91rV7eSpa0nIY-lfRTXwSVpfpuo/s320/IMG_2882.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Another shop announced that it was 71 degrees at 1145 am. While the clouds were threatening, I didn't think I was going to get hit. Still, I started evaluating underpasses...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyjsASIbaYulMtw9OC14eOq28DzAYVgJ-GKHzHv2nvWO3n2pwm4RbBd9CycL_yEwUaTEXyAkY2JIEldQZ4Oq3IRYxOyWz7wlh_G-LgMQT39DCQHkx_Je9y6OiBDhOr_2la01jbWFEWUaI/s1600-h/IMG_2975.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376000101906307826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyjsASIbaYulMtw9OC14eOq28DzAYVgJ-GKHzHv2nvWO3n2pwm4RbBd9CycL_yEwUaTEXyAkY2JIEldQZ4Oq3IRYxOyWz7wlh_G-LgMQT39DCQHkx_Je9y6OiBDhOr_2la01jbWFEWUaI/s320/IMG_2975.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I made it to Scott's Bluff still dry and it wasn't as far out of civilization as many of the parks have been.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmG0JS_xX8OtPam1BDe-7XxwkHUWhh0YFqpDoJ0p8wCKyteqEqzpEOwmB-ra07P1OhLPDMVL5Gv_lXXOnINLkpmfPkKLQ3hTm-KTaeIJFquR8kJKlGo7gjZH93_QW9UDV_fyi6VFh3tzU/s1600-h/IMG_2919.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375998048391805170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmG0JS_xX8OtPam1BDe-7XxwkHUWhh0YFqpDoJ0p8wCKyteqEqzpEOwmB-ra07P1OhLPDMVL5Gv_lXXOnINLkpmfPkKLQ3hTm-KTaeIJFquR8kJKlGo7gjZH93_QW9UDV_fyi6VFh3tzU/s320/IMG_2919.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqciqWOeAJBkg7YGDKkxA0bHUSx8Wd-eOC2Fe1Z4Nplx0Z25RdM79jiRN_zHk2KHYDFUlr8dv7yhZJNIQQWyoXKODPhWGXAzpYMJ2aDuEl5F9VEK5llU9JaaOBkIzQD96D21nUkdEq9FY/s1600-h/IMG_2925.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375998040075531218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqciqWOeAJBkg7YGDKkxA0bHUSx8Wd-eOC2Fe1Z4Nplx0Z25RdM79jiRN_zHk2KHYDFUlr8dv7yhZJNIQQWyoXKODPhWGXAzpYMJ2aDuEl5F9VEK5llU9JaaOBkIzQD96D21nUkdEq9FY/s320/IMG_2925.JPG" border="0" /></a> Scott's Bluff also had a media presentation. A slide show that I almost asked to watch again as so many of the comments about the Oregon Trail reminded me of the trip I was on: When the emmigrants started, they brought too much stuff and ended up leaving it on the path. They sent notes to others telling them to leave the 'cumbersome' items behind. One letter said it would be best to obtain what was needed on the way since the journey was so long. The animals dragging all this stuff West were dying on the way. They included a quote that one could 'navigate solely by the nose' for the dead animals along the trail. Not much has changed. Well, except that I *am* doing more than 15 miles a day.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvvZLIffhBvl59Q0Y9IkqmPnHvBXf5HKYz2PTfN5z2yAoyyBuUqYTu-7-coOCt_xXAdlD-iHKLM3WtHF_ZhOnAEYc3L7fett7Dlt8QQvfUfgPnq10a0URVQzyn1YMj9P0mO76qosbWd_Y/s1600-h/IMG_2972.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376000110471989426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvvZLIffhBvl59Q0Y9IkqmPnHvBXf5HKYz2PTfN5z2yAoyyBuUqYTu-7-coOCt_xXAdlD-iHKLM3WtHF_ZhOnAEYc3L7fett7Dlt8QQvfUfgPnq10a0URVQzyn1YMj9P0mO76qosbWd_Y/s320/IMG_2972.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />From Scott's Bluff I headed East toward Iowa. The sky cleared long enough to put a sedate smile on my face, but within an hour it clouded up again.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZcI0kZwiXYZ4HvFExceDMI-1EmDKSS8lUOAEYVk6dtMEdB_1tVvVdudXliZztIypiAPB57skQ2jgjnIzPvDeVCeDc8o9j_B28wOOHFW4l_JgtDAkq9M2CD7vwlsVo3y0uuTnYvKRCWc/s1600-h/IMG_2941.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375992331360588850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZcI0kZwiXYZ4HvFExceDMI-1EmDKSS8lUOAEYVk6dtMEdB_1tVvVdudXliZztIypiAPB57skQ2jgjnIzPvDeVCeDc8o9j_B28wOOHFW4l_JgtDAkq9M2CD7vwlsVo3y0uuTnYvKRCWc/s320/IMG_2941.JPG" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE54222gbDHGUrsZ49KbickSNzayGq3roHfQ88e_bzfyHrbNfiTefTe0Y1ynCQ8Vr7bNCYxpONqf5vRbG2c-zBgwQBwi9OkBguEqJsNlPyKkppRcF3BtIuThDzThaNO9DHXqT8vuwVxAo/s1600-h/IMG_2950.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375992321938618082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE54222gbDHGUrsZ49KbickSNzayGq3roHfQ88e_bzfyHrbNfiTefTe0Y1ynCQ8Vr7bNCYxpONqf5vRbG2c-zBgwQBwi9OkBguEqJsNlPyKkppRcF3BtIuThDzThaNO9DHXqT8vuwVxAo/s320/IMG_2950.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3djIBb1SnQ_71V8Emd5GcI8YZSRoPRzoavhxjtZwt_-fHSZOOYzwNCknD_tFp8pwS3u2KAv16Q-GiWghkrMmVfw4oA_278D1SgHCxa8D8BaqwWlJwclOODmqOWg6brA1fHCUUUTscZ8/s1600-h/IMG_2846.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375992304877685170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3djIBb1SnQ_71V8Emd5GcI8YZSRoPRzoavhxjtZwt_-fHSZOOYzwNCknD_tFp8pwS3u2KAv16Q-GiWghkrMmVfw4oA_278D1SgHCxa8D8BaqwWlJwclOODmqOWg6brA1fHCUUUTscZ8/s320/IMG_2846.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I made two stops to stretch and wake up, as, clearly, 4 hours was not enough, and also ran into a convenient Walmart to stand, entirely out of my element, in the toy aisle checking for Zhu Zhu's again. I also stopped to check these guys out. I wondered how the brown one would get back inside the fence...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrNUi7yaXbkM7lsya1eUfwcIpE8Mvx5lLJMwUrMspoGqeWtQ72cEoDuHLJ0YC3tsAdb3TwcOS_ji1o6lttfx20wTmhNBMXO76JhXbru2BYHmKoq0Hubu49d_I7j9qWk7w-PHtIc2mWQAk/s1600-h/IMG_2908.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375998059350725890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrNUi7yaXbkM7lsya1eUfwcIpE8Mvx5lLJMwUrMspoGqeWtQ72cEoDuHLJ0YC3tsAdb3TwcOS_ji1o6lttfx20wTmhNBMXO76JhXbru2BYHmKoq0Hubu49d_I7j9qWk7w-PHtIc2mWQAk/s320/IMG_2908.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I crossed into Central Time, losing another hour, and was moving East as the sun moved West making this a shorter ride day than most. A little exit community conveyed that it was 730 pm and 68 degrees. I wondered which of the towns I'd passed reached their record lows today.<br /><br />I stopped for a breakfast dinner at exit 300 to make my hotel calls. I rode a very cold 30 minutes after dark to stay at the Rainbow Hotel. Hopefully, tomorrow I will make good time to the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. Oh, and I filled the tank AND the gas can..<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGE1z5D2cgN-EOmtwjSALK8VYnVD3TWxx_KU80GkfIYeYy0mCcu_WO-QgazA6AdE0xyPJHFyA1aVhdh28mbjiyrYcbIFKoEVjJLN_GXczrTzylNZoYkHNw0hymiJ-KxQVT6j-qDtLRQrs/s1600-h/IMG_3010.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376001051761221490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGE1z5D2cgN-EOmtwjSALK8VYnVD3TWxx_KU80GkfIYeYy0mCcu_WO-QgazA6AdE0xyPJHFyA1aVhdh28mbjiyrYcbIFKoEVjJLN_GXczrTzylNZoYkHNw0hymiJ-KxQVT6j-qDtLRQrs/s400/IMG_3010.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I've been entertaining the idea of racing up to Maine before home to finish off the Master Tourer Silver's four corner states, but I really should get home and give myself time to shower and change before work on Thursday, so I think not this trip, but now the planning begins!jwestermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13286140065668045010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2425252016142873003.post-31017514745159782832009-08-30T07:13:00.002-04:002009-10-16T13:51:45.920-04:00Day 7 - Close EncountersAugust 29, 2009<br />
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</div><div>I guess I got the same 6 or so hours of sleep I had been getting, even with my late night chat with Brian. When I called it a night I tried to connect to the internet, but didn't have much luck. I really needed some shuteye and finally gave up. <br />
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</div><div></div><div>Brian was already up when I left my room the next morning and we chatted some more while waiting for the the biker guys he was expecting. They never did show, so we looked over a map of Wyoming and did some math for the road trip. Turns out it would only be about 15 miles out of the way to hit Devil's Tower on the way to Mount Rushmore, so I got those directions written on the windshield and packed up.<br />
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</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8pAXV7q0RWnAWH-cZXyjGjT2auyth_m_8kB6Lk5hVVb2cbUtE6Af5K16aaYd_nZ56qserPgSja5jun6J_k-6ptc3LgljfzQlSrprRdHuDqiew0TRb9MkxQYSG6cAHvvo1zedcCvNs8W4/s1600-h/IMG_2567.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386478300662767570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8pAXV7q0RWnAWH-cZXyjGjT2auyth_m_8kB6Lk5hVVb2cbUtE6Af5K16aaYd_nZ56qserPgSja5jun6J_k-6ptc3LgljfzQlSrprRdHuDqiew0TRb9MkxQYSG6cAHvvo1zedcCvNs8W4/s320/IMG_2567.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a> <br />
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<div>The road leaving the hotel looked much like the road out of Cody had before the sun went down the night before. Thankfully fewer animals at the pavement's edge, but otherwise relatively flat, rolling hills with lots of low growing shrubs and such. Brian had suggested a less direct route to Devil's Tower to avoid the local construction and I was all too happy to bypass any more road work. Once on the road, it occurred to me that it was Sunday and I wondered if crews would have been at work or not...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKGgwS_IXaE7Zem238LMzxFzujEnLx0gVSz7X0ZlLsM8c-XEBnLocqPitgRhhKScpxa1Px8760KH8J6900S75LDzUX-s6UVufrn8lFj5rPfjzCfjUmL_YSD6muYZk9wtP_eO8SHxjwA7E/s1600-h/IMG_2573.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386478291688462818" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKGgwS_IXaE7Zem238LMzxFzujEnLx0gVSz7X0ZlLsM8c-XEBnLocqPitgRhhKScpxa1Px8760KH8J6900S75LDzUX-s6UVufrn8lFj5rPfjzCfjUmL_YSD6muYZk9wtP_eO8SHxjwA7E/s320/IMG_2573.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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Still, it was a nice enough ride and I stopped at Ten Sleep to visit Dirty Sally's as Brian had suggested. I was greeted at the swinging doors by the smell of warm pastry of some sort. Turns out they make their own waffle cones and their sole employee was getting the day's supply ready. It smelled really good, but it was too early for ice cream for me. I took a minute to look at all the stuff that was packed in the smallish store, but nothing jumped out at me, so, with a 'thank you', I swung the doors the other way and got back on the bike.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXF4gIL9LqLecJt5ygLEb_bgYoWEOJdBia9fKwu5kmKUbC_4_WnbWama5p_XLxqaFICCN11SMccOU9erTlZDIg8RiHqHxve6AFRr5ZVkxf9efTTJMkL8xM0KSZZPzr7zX4zYntS9v80A/s1600-h/IMG_2580.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386478288275834098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXF4gIL9LqLecJt5ygLEb_bgYoWEOJdBia9fKwu5kmKUbC_4_WnbWama5p_XLxqaFICCN11SMccOU9erTlZDIg8RiHqHxve6AFRr5ZVkxf9efTTJMkL8xM0KSZZPzr7zX4zYntS9v80A/s320/IMG_2580.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOi4JtY_j6p2AdT0NIWqX2iIuQz-UAAPbyZHgOWAbroNX8ws1wTWgpv9IO9nR8nPh77uZm3xK24zjIVjID1brOJ078ARwdgWhmicjkfaVHde2Yst29IywvqWOsZbBAGJ1IQc2ZemqAw0o/s1600-h/IMG_2581.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386478279933463970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOi4JtY_j6p2AdT0NIWqX2iIuQz-UAAPbyZHgOWAbroNX8ws1wTWgpv9IO9nR8nPh77uZm3xK24zjIVjID1brOJ078ARwdgWhmicjkfaVHde2Yst29IywvqWOsZbBAGJ1IQc2ZemqAw0o/s320/IMG_2581.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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Crazy Woman Cafe was right across the street and I wished I could have gone in for breakfast. Instead I watched another bike pull up and the rider saunter in, surely to eat a fine middle-of-nowhere-town breakfast. Crazy Woman was a frequent moniker around Buffalo. I never did see anything explaining it, but it has to be on the top ten place names EVER!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCmF0m3nbMNKDt4yNpQvai1YkVool5yWyHq9BxB8z2638Uvn8qKqtDTsstBwlaJqcOn9mQT46jwjssjYdwWTwLv52HYsn72JFT5SSsDUlksrwCcem0mJGsPfCWNILMjm9DhOlpvUIBH30/s1600-h/IMG_2582.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386478270594205650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCmF0m3nbMNKDt4yNpQvai1YkVool5yWyHq9BxB8z2638Uvn8qKqtDTsstBwlaJqcOn9mQT46jwjssjYdwWTwLv52HYsn72JFT5SSsDUlksrwCcem0mJGsPfCWNILMjm9DhOlpvUIBH30/s320/IMG_2582.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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At 830 am I saw a temperature reading of 50 degrees and not far from that I pulled into a Sinclair gas station to inquire about their 'free air' sign. The guy was pleasant enough and pointed out the hose with a 'have at it'. He asked if I needed a guage, but I had mine. I had culled a bunch of stuff before I left home and one of the things I decided to leave home was my air compressor. I'm still not sure if that was a wise choice or not. I didn't happen to need it on the road, but still...<br />
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I held the head of the nozzle on the valve for a handful of seconds trying to gauge how long it would take to put a couple more pounds in based on my experience with my rinky dink compressor. I figured we'd just do that dance between adding air and checking the pressure till it was at what I wanted.<br />
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I put the gauge on the valve and looked at it twice. I pressed the release button to reset the number on the gauge to measure again. Certainly there's no way I just doubled the pressure of the tire in less than 5 seconds. Oh, but I did. The mini-panic sets in: MUST LET AIR OUT. I used something, I don't even remember what, to release the pressure from the tire. 60. 60+ psi. Well, *that* was NOT the number I'd been looking for. Once the pressure was back in the normal range, I found the guy who'd helped me to pick his brain about what doubling a tire's air pressure might do to it. I was happy to learn that tires and tubes are subjected to that kind of pressure in their installation to seat the tire anyway, so no worries. That was quite a relief to hear and I got back on the road. Add a couple more things to the 'lessons learned' column.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkDKbhWmLfl9ynXbns4w8movaG9BA2wnlLTZM_MLHJF4GIoo5qN57GWRwBtv8dsHizsdjBQcFHEgj7VGsSgKcXvbKM_ZD-E1WYJXL0I2BXn4V5sIDdDG2BABTLYkxw7VprPD7ulRQqz9Y/s1600-h/IMG_2591.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386655127018323314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkDKbhWmLfl9ynXbns4w8movaG9BA2wnlLTZM_MLHJF4GIoo5qN57GWRwBtv8dsHizsdjBQcFHEgj7VGsSgKcXvbKM_ZD-E1WYJXL0I2BXn4V5sIDdDG2BABTLYkxw7VprPD7ulRQqz9Y/s320/IMG_2591.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG-ipcX6AhdYYD0BzdXHmOuxuc4_43Xcbf9NXkrKvDfO99pgZJBhRQ7S8fHCNu2hV-YXfFti5q7inUZju7n_KEKtaWiIvfYzbI1s5NJslPB2KpMhY7IrjEQA-19F9l6_ZyVhYQjXuILc0/s1600-h/IMG_2593.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386655115289810306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG-ipcX6AhdYYD0BzdXHmOuxuc4_43Xcbf9NXkrKvDfO99pgZJBhRQ7S8fHCNu2hV-YXfFti5q7inUZju7n_KEKtaWiIvfYzbI1s5NJslPB2KpMhY7IrjEQA-19F9l6_ZyVhYQjXuILc0/s320/IMG_2593.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5H0x8aNfKKedNsmb2jDCv13XeO8g1iEOptkWalizJj3FbOBfPJo3V-nhLp0UcL9QKeJOlUMdGDw49deJ9Jd_E2zL0tLJm4V7aNMrjnDPBHJeFGL5ImNF76OK8c4oruvI58PBtaA54jIY/s1600-h/IMG_2620.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386658276619615746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5H0x8aNfKKedNsmb2jDCv13XeO8g1iEOptkWalizJj3FbOBfPJo3V-nhLp0UcL9QKeJOlUMdGDw49deJ9Jd_E2zL0tLJm4V7aNMrjnDPBHJeFGL5ImNF76OK8c4oruvI58PBtaA54jIY/s320/IMG_2620.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>(The coolest Walmart exterior I've ever come across.)<br />
<br />
Devil's Tower was not 15 miles out of the way. The road that left the main drag and made an arc back to the main drag was 15 miles *long*. The road to get to Devil's Tower is off of that arcing road and then you have to drive a bunch of miles on a smaller road before you even *see* Devil's Tower in the distance. I knew this. It was many days ago that I came to the realization that the 'extra' time I'd fitted into all of my stops was not enough. While I had considered it in the planning stages, I'd still underestimated the amount of unaccounted for time that I'd lose on each and every stop. <br />
<br />
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386658262170691346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOSUloEmsJUis-vZPOzSHx5mnEk_37YuoucoNYl0UvhOyf_NjS6-qcPoN5zQRC4ksfRu6w5yZlIdC729FZtg08HERnvMMR9rUC2DEkZ2Hb4wC_i3auUTZkI95GX4om1RRgii3qglgNMLQ/s320/IMG_2659.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /><br />
<br />
Devil's Tower was worth it. It was fairly busy, but it is on the list of places I'd go back to. The critters and the varying landscape within such a small area looked like a great place to spend a leisurely day.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDhk2LUiT3wfhgpVeCIjvTjVJwT5tzhmXIzrbc9wp9QlSsz1X_ZrkTixqyWBZJ93_HLomPYGvan92EUEf-loQ4zUft2cy7QmPZPXEAdI3K53E4VgE7gaEWEoTW1aWHaiEx7NpHzF1BRO8/s1600-h/IMG_2653.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386658270969421826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDhk2LUiT3wfhgpVeCIjvTjVJwT5tzhmXIzrbc9wp9QlSsz1X_ZrkTixqyWBZJ93_HLomPYGvan92EUEf-loQ4zUft2cy7QmPZPXEAdI3K53E4VgE7gaEWEoTW1aWHaiEx7NpHzF1BRO8/s320/IMG_2653.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
There were tons of bikes at the visitor center parking lot. I got my stamp and looked through the small display area and got back on the road. For some reason the gps sent me on a left turn at an intersection and then recalculated to turn me around. Unfortunately, while doing my u-turn, I saw a couple trucks and a group of bikes make the right onto the road in front of me and now I'd be following a pack. The trucks pulled off not too long after, but that didn't improve the speed we were doing. The group of 6 bikes, some solo and some two-up, rode at 45-50 mph on a road marked 65. If I hadn't been wearing my helmet, I'd have pulled my hair out.<br />
<br />
Given the road, my bike, and my experience, at 45-50 I wasn't comfortable passing them for a while. The group rode pretty spread out, too, and eventually they seemed to stabalize in a group of 4 and then 2 out in front. The road straightened out enough ahead that I passed the first group comfortably and moved behind the front pair. I eventually passed them at a safe place as well, waiving as I went and I quickly lost sight of them in my mirrors with no extra effort at all.<br />
<br />
Now free to make some progress, I looked ahead to the open road ready to get on with it and started thinking about the plan. I dropped my head to look at the gas gauge and looked back to the road. Blinking? It's blinking already, ok, when did that happen? Well, apparently I should have filled up at the tourist area just outside the park before I left, but for some reason didn't. Perhaps it's my sense of adventure, or my wonton disregard for comfort, or that I'm a slow learner, but I was low on gas again.<br />
<br />
I press a couple of buttons on the GPS to see where the next fuel stop will be. Hmm, maybe I'd make it. It was still all me on the road and I was enjoying it, knowing that I had a full gas can strapped down behind me...and, yes, it was full. There was just one thing that niggled at my brain: the bikers. If I had to pull over to fill up, would it take so long that they'd pass me? First of all, that's just embarrassing, but worse than that, as far as I was concerned, was that I'd be stuck behind them again and quite possibly lose my mind.<br />
<br />
I kept an eye out ahead not just for all the normal stuff, but also to find a decent place to pull over. I was thinking it would be better to stop before the bike made me, have a decent shoulder to pull off on, fill up real fast and get going again before they *chug* ...<br />
<br />
Nnyyyooooo!!! Oh, no. Oh, no, no, no. How much time did I have? I didn't even try to eek out some distance coasting. I was on a mission. My heart beat fast as I pulled over at the first straight bit in the road with decent visibility. I hopped off, ran to the back, snatched the gas can from the strechy web, whipped off a glove to turn the key in the gas cap and pushed the lever on the can that would release the gas into the tank. Once the gas was flowing I looked behind me...and waaay back I saw them. One after the other they appeared from behind a curve. Still doing 50 to be sure, but they were coming. <br />
<br />
I looked at the inverted can that was still half full and remebered how many miles it was until the next gas station. No time, there's no time! Half a gallon would get me there. I released the lever to stop the gas flow, untipped it from the gas tank, snugged the can back in it's spot and quickly reclipped the hook that secured it. I looked behind me and saw them rounding another curve. Did they see me? Gotta go! I checked once to make sure everything was secure and hustled to the left of the bike and threw my leg over. Key in bike, glove on hand, brake, clutch, 1st gear, accelerate... I couldn't see them in my rear view and was on my way again. No one had passed me either way in however many seconds that took and I was back on the road headed to the nearest gas station.<br />
<br />
It wasn't even 10 miles to the gas station at the intersection I was getting onto anyway. I gassed up and was refilling the gas can as the biker group pulled in for their fill up. A couple nods and a smile and I was on my way to Mt. Rushmore.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWZgrifWZuGg7tKy0bVstUZlbLq8frrVglg3q8No5nHxj-eOUDCm7eg4HWk_Ply1nNBCeuzp8KeWt_5I9RA6OzVQ4d8iE-bttVEiLL3ygzA0txbtI2BOeTH-jkT5O6IBZ7ChjcTGt2fY/s1600-h/IMG_2722.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386658256262943506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWZgrifWZuGg7tKy0bVstUZlbLq8frrVglg3q8No5nHxj-eOUDCm7eg4HWk_Ply1nNBCeuzp8KeWt_5I9RA6OzVQ4d8iE-bttVEiLL3ygzA0txbtI2BOeTH-jkT5O6IBZ7ChjcTGt2fY/s320/IMG_2722.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
There was a palpable change in the atmosphere as I crossed into South Dakota. The clouds obscured the sun for the next several hours of a cool ride. I got to Mt. Rushmore expecting the crowds, but not expecting the parking garage. I chatted with the guy directing traffic while waiting for the car ahead of me to pull away from the booth. He laughed that I was chilly as he, too, rode and clearly didn't think the weather warranted the fleece neckwrap, winter jacket, riding pants, winter gloves and full face helmet. There was only the car in front of me and me, so he walked next to me as I moved forward and pulled out my National Parks Pass at the window. In a vexing exchange, the woman manning the booth finally managed to explain that the park was free, but the parking was not. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqnh4v5SpSmyfO7X99KTPePPZhtNBTwt8b6zVbAVmtYBaYgfkTSbx8BrK0TG5e3NLTHnpWXh6KUJ9Je2djU8s939j-VJNRbrD36l7LvxCic4YAfjr2wbj5j5NqysfAeUuOedAgiJpQXcE/s1600-h/IMG_2731.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386659992891833682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqnh4v5SpSmyfO7X99KTPePPZhtNBTwt8b6zVbAVmtYBaYgfkTSbx8BrK0TG5e3NLTHnpWXh6KUJ9Je2djU8s939j-VJNRbrD36l7LvxCic4YAfjr2wbj5j5NqysfAeUuOedAgiJpQXcE/s320/IMG_2731.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<br />
When I left home I had x number of dollars with me. I never use ATM's or debit cards, so don't know the numbers to the ones I have even if I'd wanted to use them. The green I'd brought with me was it for this trip. I'd been relying on credit for most things, but a couple cash hotels and some other expenses, like water and snacks and such (read: gas can) had depleted my funds and the PK Bar Hotel last night had broken my last $50. I had a ten on me to make it the next 4 days and it was not going to a parking attendant.<br />
<br />
My superhero in the orange vest called out to my nemesis, "Well, let her make the turn around, then." And in a lower voice that I'm sure she heard anyway, said, "Just go and park, don't worry about it." I smiled and thanked him as I closed my helmet and headed out for the loop that would send me by the parking garage on the way out of the park. I made the left in to the garage and found a front corner spot where I hoped it would be easy to find when I got back.<br />
<br />
The weather was windy and cool as I walked up the steps to find the visitor center and bookstore to make sure I got the Passport Stamp for the IBA documentation. Directly ahead as I ascended the stairs were the four larger than life faces staring out into the coudy sky thinking their private granite thoughts. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYCyA0TyTa5_OMvbrLchVnXLy3QrX8YRmA-gQasCBdA0O1W7vMKOLsAKauVuJYh5wcBDiodHG_LpAfBlzYeq9aChXjv1sDXNXdsZ_mWhGLxNsYSEWwIssHeykjqZIyM_b1m1JjyATShUk/s1600-h/IMG_2734.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386659985139297762" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYCyA0TyTa5_OMvbrLchVnXLy3QrX8YRmA-gQasCBdA0O1W7vMKOLsAKauVuJYh5wcBDiodHG_LpAfBlzYeq9aChXjv1sDXNXdsZ_mWhGLxNsYSEWwIssHeykjqZIyM_b1m1JjyATShUk/s320/IMG_2734.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
Huh.<br />
<br />
I took a couple pictures and found the visitor center and bookstore on either side of me at the top of the steps. I didn't go much closer to the monument as it was quite large enough to see from where I was, it was fairly crowded, I was watching the weather, and didn't want to overstay my welcome in the garage. I got directions from the rangers inside and stamped my passport book. I asked about Wind Cave National Park which was just off the main road on my way South into Nebraska. The rangers thought it was open until 6 or 7, more likely 7 and that I should have plenty of time to get there.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj98NsJ_VmO3xUnbWc8D0qNyciIoLWiEYzz_n5OX1DZb7kS8pYAUt5cuvtAnDQM1VjWSLjPeouIfrwECOyg9uqnsNmxKh6ISxEDopzHSiRkUhDVE5vWGY1OXaj85VbbtxXWAJ_HACEIaZE/s1600-h/IMG_2737.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387353284009361890" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj98NsJ_VmO3xUnbWc8D0qNyciIoLWiEYzz_n5OX1DZb7kS8pYAUt5cuvtAnDQM1VjWSLjPeouIfrwECOyg9uqnsNmxKh6ISxEDopzHSiRkUhDVE5vWGY1OXaj85VbbtxXWAJ_HACEIaZE/s320/IMG_2737.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a> (Touristville at Mt. Rushmore.)<br />
<br />
Well, it's never that easy, is it? With too many lefts and rights and construction cones to decipher I have no idea if I went the way they meant or not. I stopped at a red light to wait for a bus to leave the monument area and consulted the GPS on which way to go. I looked up to the gate while I waited and caught the eye of Orange Vest Man. We exchanged friendly biker signs as the light turned green and I pulled away according to the GPS' instructions.<br />
<br />
Down the hill that lead up to the monument and a left on a road I hadn't come in on. Follow the sign to Custer State Park, they'd told me, but the orange cones said 'no, no, no'. I followed the GPS onto Old Hill Road, a narrow one-lane-each-way twisty back road headed uphill. After a good bit the GPS commanded that I take a left on Centennial Trail in 400 feet, but the only thing that branched off the paved road was a dirt trail that didn't identify itself as Centennial or anything else. I passed it and the GPS balked. 'When Possible, make a U-turn.' (Damn the GPS!) Nope. Keep moving forward. It will recalculate to a road ahead of me eventually. (It didn't.)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwyLDUsO3bpExFspCD_4pNYiNBWenFo9NIGPtReu6xXg82VAyFNNb7F_LHbPq5yTLIWcsuNtVM4XwCVFRk9vLodlWQ9Ti1STK7oLDPwwfGWh3fUl1DAF8EGRGd7b4LvzCwo9HXv3_RMME/s1600-h/IMG_2743.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386659975306859250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwyLDUsO3bpExFspCD_4pNYiNBWenFo9NIGPtReu6xXg82VAyFNNb7F_LHbPq5yTLIWcsuNtVM4XwCVFRk9vLodlWQ9Ti1STK7oLDPwwfGWh3fUl1DAF8EGRGd7b4LvzCwo9HXv3_RMME/s320/IMG_2743.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<br />
25 mph was frustrating under a deadline, but appropriate for the road. Deer looked up at me from the shoulder of the road close enough that I could have touched them with my boot. I criss-crossed a train track half a dozen times wondering if it was still used, slowing at each crossing to look both ways. I wondered if I should have turned around and gone back to the main road, but decided I'd gone too far to turn around. Eventually, I caught up with a pair of biker couples riding two-up enjoying the lazy country curves and not long after we all popped out on the familiar main road just South of the Monument. (Damn the GPS!) <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJWbAJ5u4RYbx1WBhVJ6juKvhyXl0TjAAb96rDVmS7D1sxcYOAb4NhmT58DiPm5VpuqiaKG_87nYDW7amZbP7L3uP_GzjM_IQTly_VDOsw22vzxnRC7xZKqBNKNlGM1VAF-VCBz9u-U2g/s1600-h/IMG_2747.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387353278517515666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJWbAJ5u4RYbx1WBhVJ6juKvhyXl0TjAAb96rDVmS7D1sxcYOAb4NhmT58DiPm5VpuqiaKG_87nYDW7amZbP7L3uP_GzjM_IQTly_VDOsw22vzxnRC7xZKqBNKNlGM1VAF-VCBz9u-U2g/s320/IMG_2747.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 213px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
(Some horses sharing the pasture with some deer on Old Hill Road.)<br />
<br />
I made my way South and noticed the evening colors in the sky now that the clouds had dissipated. The moon had appeared and, while it was getting cooler, it was still comfortable and a very nice ride. I stopped for gas at a station that doubled as a casino, but playing the slots didn't even cross my mind. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCK-nQHsKeSY1lynghaMSneSGK2Wp66xSb4Np61kHMQlYBqxOYmaBhh-72XWVWKmoceNLdIAmysqtwWGSTgjmHDAVdKjSe8zkPFSUpZ8CRhbo4quN9vcIkfT2ydqewfHpFwDgoADXtik/s1600-h/IMG_2760.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387353269046899730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCK-nQHsKeSY1lynghaMSneSGK2Wp66xSb4Np61kHMQlYBqxOYmaBhh-72XWVWKmoceNLdIAmysqtwWGSTgjmHDAVdKjSe8zkPFSUpZ8CRhbo4quN9vcIkfT2ydqewfHpFwDgoADXtik/s320/IMG_2760.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a> <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg48Z5u-ZaOxgDZD8iL-hdGHr_dUn56ary_1jipLL1qWe1_V8nS0xOdVoaidB6KkHABiaI-RSBRPoeci17uZtCaZK97_6nwdkRfG4ZsGq_SKKOj8sTg9YIbAhax4kiWfVlhOAqND7uLV8M/s1600-h/IMG_2773.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387457361959772130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg48Z5u-ZaOxgDZD8iL-hdGHr_dUn56ary_1jipLL1qWe1_V8nS0xOdVoaidB6KkHABiaI-RSBRPoeci17uZtCaZK97_6nwdkRfG4ZsGq_SKKOj8sTg9YIbAhax4kiWfVlhOAqND7uLV8M/s320/IMG_2773.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 213px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<br />
I entered the park and immediately saw a groundhog, which is probably properly called something else, and slowed for a family of deer to cross the road in front of me. The land was rolling hills in dusky colors backed by a magnificent sunset sky dotted only by the half moon. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMJ71jjJyMgZk10G9WsBkQEBHPECJAGgnua8w7wwvFotA_fvKL0kF-7YmTzYUYRWIR2Y-kXTujl4Tn23YcuoD8qzmgq7OTCihnJQCN5NsSMY3VkE2hE5VKl98dSBwqMV49TuuCC0sCFhU/s1600-h/IMG_2771.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387359531972545234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMJ71jjJyMgZk10G9WsBkQEBHPECJAGgnua8w7wwvFotA_fvKL0kF-7YmTzYUYRWIR2Y-kXTujl4Tn23YcuoD8qzmgq7OTCihnJQCN5NsSMY3VkE2hE5VKl98dSBwqMV49TuuCC0sCFhU/s320/IMG_2771.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0gheYmob3ufPyTFW9gG5lp6jInUvPIZ61vBmDxtJHUOtznsTEN-IECdqPuMZQr9_SOVmEbQgIzFStWOmGbgbqAZMc6ua0_dZ7xID_o2NvVcWXv2xBinTgEnuSrbZKP3zV1NjzBNuIFFI/s1600-h/IMG_2770.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387359540252989186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0gheYmob3ufPyTFW9gG5lp6jInUvPIZ61vBmDxtJHUOtznsTEN-IECdqPuMZQr9_SOVmEbQgIzFStWOmGbgbqAZMc6ua0_dZ7xID_o2NvVcWXv2xBinTgEnuSrbZKP3zV1NjzBNuIFFI/s320/IMG_2770.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 214px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<br />
Around 630 I pulled in to the visitor center to find it closed, but not empty. Another family and a group of young men in a beaten up bus were in the parking lot. A very pleasant ranger answered some questions and even reopened the VC to get us brochures. He apologized that he didn't have the key that would get me in to the bookstore for the stamp, but he told me when they'd open in the morning.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimR5GNjXUM12761e8HHuRAiMABIqeJxo9S_vZuc2mCnPFqeN5FgUNGTR1p7J3LPwNGKhEEKgvz3P9-kGdZYslx4GvGoZtOhmColxlf6mGw8KrXmKt47dfUIx14h7oEU8KpVWhSUOur6c0/s1600-h/IMG_2769.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387353252919237650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimR5GNjXUM12761e8HHuRAiMABIqeJxo9S_vZuc2mCnPFqeN5FgUNGTR1p7J3LPwNGKhEEKgvz3P9-kGdZYslx4GvGoZtOhmColxlf6mGw8KrXmKt47dfUIx14h7oEU8KpVWhSUOur6c0/s320/IMG_2769.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
(There's the stamp I need right there on the end of that desk.)<br />
<br />
Everyone thanked him and headed to their vehicles. I set out on the road through the park and was rewarded with some of the most stunning landscapes I'd seen and hundreds of bison. They were everywhere. Far off on hills sillouetted by the pinks and blues in the sky, to the right and left grazing in groups, crossing the road in no hurry to get where they were going. I took many pictures and stopped once to watch a pair cross in front of me, but needed to keep on to find a town to spend the night.<br />
<br />
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387359511129580978" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo6ETA7pVnDDc00_s6hYz7rCrVy_wxsI3v46Txek3WvLCDMyE9QFWOTiwWWEt9hpTfzCLAlawkLOxd4IdO1RSD7dQc105KKjUwIdIv7uxUntDn0KXzk60tIXBzLYDcRPp9LNDqv3PuZYg/s320/IMG_2779.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPyypzilSjaFucYzQQrzK17Vu9Gd7wDx4m2RJkIkTHyeZ7HCJJCwJpiP2k6HLzcyVBADhyTOt4KgANW8c_PnKZrZkEEDTxEFMPD3aM8Qh5pIv5qQY-yim-3HSzQqF7rJvwbuRLJqk9WV0/s1600-h/IMG_2783.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387364846409408162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPyypzilSjaFucYzQQrzK17Vu9Gd7wDx4m2RJkIkTHyeZ7HCJJCwJpiP2k6HLzcyVBADhyTOt4KgANW8c_PnKZrZkEEDTxEFMPD3aM8Qh5pIv5qQY-yim-3HSzQqF7rJvwbuRLJqk9WV0/s320/IMG_2783.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 213px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs84RN-L_maykQhA2CsJLLECB5h0sHKDACeQ5jA3rEZkGWHgHs-5f9YUFCyCI6krb-s_tJcqMn4AVyQOHmDNPxNxL7mxRKEQTMzCdvxwUmUrGrYqN4pFgyUJRjvK3p06XaxEEeEFwS-Lc/s1600-h/IMG_2791.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387364838826466834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs84RN-L_maykQhA2CsJLLECB5h0sHKDACeQ5jA3rEZkGWHgHs-5f9YUFCyCI6krb-s_tJcqMn4AVyQOHmDNPxNxL7mxRKEQTMzCdvxwUmUrGrYqN4pFgyUJRjvK3p06XaxEEeEFwS-Lc/s320/IMG_2791.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivdW203HKO3B_6YpbLKUPGmTayZ-8hkoHc0GrIB28Knuzl5A1PN1-SU1S3GKwLCSp302ijZhxOJJH1728Gq9hKHJHBd7m7HVlCgTZgLnGtF-B2OvqFsanIfeIwhSBZ5jH2uts1N7zBEOk/s1600-h/IMG_2805.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387364829205130994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivdW203HKO3B_6YpbLKUPGmTayZ-8hkoHc0GrIB28Knuzl5A1PN1-SU1S3GKwLCSp302ijZhxOJJH1728Gq9hKHJHBd7m7HVlCgTZgLnGtF-B2OvqFsanIfeIwhSBZ5jH2uts1N7zBEOk/s320/IMG_2805.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 213px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTYP0L07El2xiUV_8ytwF-RXw08kWIGW86gJFf_lOQWQEn4aKImyddQDjT3jEmj9mNsnf5wH7cznBC7XjUpgzcpDgdWIDheHIs4KhtLHMW1aR-Ha8uVq2txjVli6YRvzmBpxnVVJgQzpM/s1600-h/IMG_2793.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387369235177998482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTYP0L07El2xiUV_8ytwF-RXw08kWIGW86gJFf_lOQWQEn4aKImyddQDjT3jEmj9mNsnf5wH7cznBC7XjUpgzcpDgdWIDheHIs4KhtLHMW1aR-Ha8uVq2txjVli6YRvzmBpxnVVJgQzpM/s320/IMG_2793.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgriqVXjRbaatzXu3bZJUaept1py0Km1x8JZSvyN-wmCLba5nasdHdW3LrKKy90EFTHPKvm_WdOkDi4-yspB-VujmecTpS1bFLQI9olUprn_ub0I3VA2D4Icww7M7upBlFgcbWKxsLpYj4/s1600-h/IMG_2795.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387369231261545058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgriqVXjRbaatzXu3bZJUaept1py0Km1x8JZSvyN-wmCLba5nasdHdW3LrKKy90EFTHPKvm_WdOkDi4-yspB-VujmecTpS1bFLQI9olUprn_ub0I3VA2D4Icww7M7upBlFgcbWKxsLpYj4/s320/IMG_2795.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZYi7aQDn8bj6XdODtJfLScsNJv-aKcbNhyphenhyphenj201VKTnizaZmY12sxiYj8SpDN9eYwmK2T7xb-a3sDZMuVfwtRoE9JWUjeRrp2rX__6bADvJDBHH4LLOm3Q5D7lcEEVHqHXz2ujGW3nufQ/s1600-h/IMG_2803.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387369209351671202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZYi7aQDn8bj6XdODtJfLScsNJv-aKcbNhyphenhyphenj201VKTnizaZmY12sxiYj8SpDN9eYwmK2T7xb-a3sDZMuVfwtRoE9JWUjeRrp2rX__6bADvJDBHH4LLOm3Q5D7lcEEVHqHXz2ujGW3nufQ/s320/IMG_2803.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<br />
It was a cold ride to Chadron, Nebraska. If there had been any towns in between, I would have stopped, but I was in the middle of nowhere again. It was an uncomfortable ride in the cold and even once I spotted what I was certain was Chadron, it was so far off it I might as well have been looking down on it from a plane. It took another half hour after I spotted the innumerable lights in the distance that I and the two cars well ahead of me took the last of the turns in the winding road to Main Street. <br />
<br />
I made my hotel calls while my dinner was doing laps in hot oil. The local teens were out in packs and the convenience store next door was apparently a popular hang out. I relocated a bug taking cover under my tang bag while trying to decipher their noise, but with no luck. Cold and ready to eat, I strapped my food down and went the mile and a half to the hotel. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcsd3W89ZVOpO70VM_KXUOdRiYrIri8sjh2Ezy9EBKNwzPz56NvmaSj7VZ9Z9VjK4-UjDeJOyAe2qyJPKXAOaEw05RkpRCyhtFTNDqeAn491qD-_HH8QGulybiFwcAqT33cczSylqxw-g/s1600-h/IMG_2817.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387457352694767794" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcsd3W89ZVOpO70VM_KXUOdRiYrIri8sjh2Ezy9EBKNwzPz56NvmaSj7VZ9Z9VjK4-UjDeJOyAe2qyJPKXAOaEw05RkpRCyhtFTNDqeAn491qD-_HH8QGulybiFwcAqT33cczSylqxw-g/s320/IMG_2817.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
The food was not as excellent as their sign professed. The wonton soup had whole heads of broccoli and other unacceptable oversized vegetable matter in it and their overbattered chicken strings were seriously lacking. I heated up one of the two microwave dinners I had left from a previous shopping trip and ate in front of the weather channel. Not that I believed them, but tomorrow would be cloudy and dry. We shall see...<br />
<br />
</div>jwestermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13286140065668045010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2425252016142873003.post-24088034514233571872009-08-29T02:13:00.022-04:002009-09-25T20:15:41.827-04:00Day 6 - Where the Wild Things Are.Well, I spent more time than usual this morning getting out of my room than usual. I'm behind on my blogs and with my sad memory, if I don't get it done, I won't remember any of it, so I took the time to catch up a bit. At the end of the day, the morning seems so long ago it's difficult to remember any of the last 12 hours. I finished my entry for yesterday before packing out so I wouldn't forget it all. :)<br /><br />I wasn't packed up and ready to go until 9am. Feeling a bit anxious to be on my way, when I asked the clerk where the Ranch was, 'just down the road' was a wonderful thing.<br /><br />If I'd pulled in to the hotel while it was still light out, I would have seen the sign for the ranch spitting distance from my room. Ok, a distance spitter, but still, it was the next thing down the road. My bike wasn't even warmed up when I pulled into the parking lot.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBN9Ny9W0c1VX5kgwRi9HcKO_-o9Nq5jp2YiWv5WT6FXLzWUtdCm2_QONVyh_TI_TWj9wwtgK_-MTvFkwaEcZLtkjIdFyeRC4WuLxwFCB28EIn88U5MVvQvOthBLWLIGLjx_zRAGQvAs/s1600-h/IMG_2181.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375271168963675842" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBN9Ny9W0c1VX5kgwRi9HcKO_-o9Nq5jp2YiWv5WT6FXLzWUtdCm2_QONVyh_TI_TWj9wwtgK_-MTvFkwaEcZLtkjIdFyeRC4WuLxwFCB28EIn88U5MVvQvOthBLWLIGLjx_zRAGQvAs/s320/IMG_2181.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />A ranger lady pulled up behind me while I was taking a picture of the bike in front of the sign and offered to take it for me. So, wow, it's really me on that bike! And the park didn't even open until 9 am, so turns out I'm not behind at all, but right on time. :) Now off to Yellowstone!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4UItfZtzVcyP6ultvc9A0FuZNxRj1r270VYSIJ6aHDxuTgLBfBQ6kyFoA8oTBc0t_MO-qEzxn_IJ2vMqUqP4SreTRtNIakSpX0G9oXFscTrJ-e9_XegIwVEP5QQjo9lq6MaIbvS31-kE/s1600-h/IMG_2197.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375271158434605730" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 180px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4UItfZtzVcyP6ultvc9A0FuZNxRj1r270VYSIJ6aHDxuTgLBfBQ6kyFoA8oTBc0t_MO-qEzxn_IJ2vMqUqP4SreTRtNIakSpX0G9oXFscTrJ-e9_XegIwVEP5QQjo9lq6MaIbvS31-kE/s320/IMG_2197.JPG" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDV_T5AF2ieZ5aqxTVtIZySD-edS8D6AnaK7ETTo1E5NMRjHpmx1HqsIkYrfi72zpwX8Z2TNc5g6gDMXuXd1itqdSKYVUTSDIeHtO2oI2zpnhUV0tiGXQ7qo-cW9J7emF_wL6Zutgf8j4/s1600-h/IMG_2210.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375271139234074242" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDV_T5AF2ieZ5aqxTVtIZySD-edS8D6AnaK7ETTo1E5NMRjHpmx1HqsIkYrfi72zpwX8Z2TNc5g6gDMXuXd1itqdSKYVUTSDIeHtO2oI2zpnhUV0tiGXQ7qo-cW9J7emF_wL6Zutgf8j4/s320/IMG_2210.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />My gps announce a turn just as the highway sign declared the exit, but at the end of the ramp they disagreed. I decided that I'd take the gps route rather than the government dictated route to go the road less traveled. As someone says to me at the hotel later: 'you really can't take a bad road.'<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6bF0DpoplE8ni70bm1vI14kPLHLMSgOKo233sTHQEyZsgavpynyokjV7OYEn9bH20PL6Mu9MZkClW_vR8RP_wb3wqJ5_7ir6jvrbzITi5VNRX0eTmw1_lTG9BCV3W6q6WsD1ptRdh0Qg/s1600-h/IMG_2236.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375271126086175538" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6bF0DpoplE8ni70bm1vI14kPLHLMSgOKo233sTHQEyZsgavpynyokjV7OYEn9bH20PL6Mu9MZkClW_vR8RP_wb3wqJ5_7ir6jvrbzITi5VNRX0eTmw1_lTG9BCV3W6q6WsD1ptRdh0Qg/s320/IMG_2236.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Ennis was one of the fun towns on the way to Yellowstone. They will be having a flyfishing event in September and I thought of riding buddy, Denise/Lefty, who is meant to be living in Montana, flyfishing in her spare time, but couldn't make the trip with me. It was a cool day today: 1130am and only 68 degrees!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnuwVwSHbxsYMVFI2T4peuVuLSyXMZxh5A183ozMTgVKwDbKK8UvQtO_onZLLgQgWVEFVZWSZnK0HkxCqOsJdaeA1lKE8YzXfYaFROZXbsPzOCPbvXZq3ijCFE9mnwHeql8efEF3hQXLI/s1600-h/IMG_2252.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375273625783024818" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnuwVwSHbxsYMVFI2T4peuVuLSyXMZxh5A183ozMTgVKwDbKK8UvQtO_onZLLgQgWVEFVZWSZnK0HkxCqOsJdaeA1lKE8YzXfYaFROZXbsPzOCPbvXZq3ijCFE9mnwHeql8efEF3hQXLI/s320/IMG_2252.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Earthquake Lake was stunning! The pictures don't do any of what I've seen justice...which is such a shame.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihux12az-MX8G9uITL0s1NKNGf3w2lQG4h2N2rSjYtxoFS0jno-oYLXgdQ-Aoh_E-lWnimqNvqWuChBDx2jkY8lxphy6ria-y6OrRGB3mtP8WUzgBwa99QECAZDBuyq0AePqxIs4oZ5mk/s1600-h/IMG_2298.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375273615823083650" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihux12az-MX8G9uITL0s1NKNGf3w2lQG4h2N2rSjYtxoFS0jno-oYLXgdQ-Aoh_E-lWnimqNvqWuChBDx2jkY8lxphy6ria-y6OrRGB3mtP8WUzgBwa99QECAZDBuyq0AePqxIs4oZ5mk/s320/IMG_2298.JPG" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKL19PfbstyYLFKG0Mu9OKBUnlXuNsg2Irj59R7VLFJHzGIJI5-rts98rHiUqglUfJ1LAc_tikRUBC10WdK_OR2JWwNwOyvz6rE7LI4REedVOrn5-k0633vF8aCTmX7A8-q3ZICHb0CUY/s1600-h/IMG_2301.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375273610264909778" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKL19PfbstyYLFKG0Mu9OKBUnlXuNsg2Irj59R7VLFJHzGIJI5-rts98rHiUqglUfJ1LAc_tikRUBC10WdK_OR2JWwNwOyvz6rE7LI4REedVOrn5-k0633vF8aCTmX7A8-q3ZICHb0CUY/s320/IMG_2301.JPG" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcLh-f5BFlNkYGfytnfloNvMdpEepcTH2v04FZsPl1bLYFnux7LUltN0h_WkUOYTuLTsSoxAmAv0bGkeUaw_0ZbIG4NWXggxSXtre3IRMmX2NZaRT5_oQtoL63hp6BHVp1FTPoQ50XBls/s1600-h/IMG_2302.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375273603243859938" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcLh-f5BFlNkYGfytnfloNvMdpEepcTH2v04FZsPl1bLYFnux7LUltN0h_WkUOYTuLTsSoxAmAv0bGkeUaw_0ZbIG4NWXggxSXtre3IRMmX2NZaRT5_oQtoL63hp6BHVp1FTPoQ50XBls/s320/IMG_2302.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Yellowstone, itself, wasn't far from Deer Lodge, but, wow, once you get there, you better be prepared to spend some time. There are, maybe, 9 'neighborhoods' all about 20 miles apart from each other.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW-kI6QbwamF8RJD1al7pEHzu4qGKdc7ldeZl4A7U1_9S3KuYjuRaIZzk3ww3QGYnGAcOO6FrXTSR9KxwVugkgz_pXaB_kSKlbWrbNgd96OTF_tpfhFGv_RZ1x9XU7VVrs7QuUKuTTfo0/s1600-h/IMG_2319.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375273591262410754" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW-kI6QbwamF8RJD1al7pEHzu4qGKdc7ldeZl4A7U1_9S3KuYjuRaIZzk3ww3QGYnGAcOO6FrXTSR9KxwVugkgz_pXaB_kSKlbWrbNgd96OTF_tpfhFGv_RZ1x9XU7VVrs7QuUKuTTfo0/s320/IMG_2319.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I pulled over to make a phone call to the park to ask about the visitor center locations, but service was sketchy. I changed into my mesh jacket and had some water. I nearly choked to death on the first sip, but eventually recovered and took some photos. While I was heaving on the shoulder I thought how ironic to cross the country on my bike without (almost) incident and die by bottled water. A beautiful final resting place, though, no?<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqqwsIrHnaBY2JRndRsNqE2V_49iBEjbmESqlZnFdU5wQn0m-M4MHFxxn6TEV1eqGtyTguP-fnsc2HHRdCecjJ2Sd7izTzdid-UUf30m6tGao9el-3OroIQwFrR1ZEy27H3UOvF-VNyJ4/s1600-h/IMG_2350.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqqwsIrHnaBY2JRndRsNqE2V_49iBEjbmESqlZnFdU5wQn0m-M4MHFxxn6TEV1eqGtyTguP-fnsc2HHRdCecjJ2Sd7izTzdid-UUf30m6tGao9el-3OroIQwFrR1ZEy27H3UOvF-VNyJ4/s320/IMG_2350.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377689581414493042" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Turns out the first area I went to, *twice*, DID have a stamp, but I never saw the building and moved on to Old Faithful's visitor center. A very helpful employee told me where all the stamps in the park where. I watched a movie on the geysers and planned my route around the park. Riding out of the park later, thinking that I hadn't really enjoyed Yellowstone as much as the other parks, I realized that it was because it was more like the Epcot center with it's 'worlds' and the numbers of people. I can't imagine what Mt. Rushmore will be like on a Saturday. :/ I may have to kill someone.*<br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWkrbc4T7QmPmi7lsOU8X5oO1spbonOHFUvfKTBP0sHDJyF1OxokoTMUnfjPAGvNHn7O0iIbMali6iCdGdf8PDy8_0XOpoHkFl636okvDxraywTcI2GCK0BhsT0ydoZ-YoOWPIWqS83o/s1600-h/IMG_2354.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375646983854844194" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWkrbc4T7QmPmi7lsOU8X5oO1spbonOHFUvfKTBP0sHDJyF1OxokoTMUnfjPAGvNHn7O0iIbMali6iCdGdf8PDy8_0XOpoHkFl636okvDxraywTcI2GCK0BhsT0ydoZ-YoOWPIWqS83o/s320/IMG_2354.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />It took the second set of haphazardly shoulder-parked cars for me to realize that that would be my sign that a large mammal was near enough for photos. Here's the buffalo I saw right after I got in the park.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqJdk93sWCWwjdzZ1KdCpEMKF4JeExRwat_81j-8FmEEqxmekgyGN_roVfKX6PEf7Wb7MlIt_avW2F1_trtH6eR6NuPjabpNbux1FOQCDVKfl44sOKLxAAHp0GItyo-GJYzqH6XNPe-0A/s1600-h/IMG_2342.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375636495716616178" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqJdk93sWCWwjdzZ1KdCpEMKF4JeExRwat_81j-8FmEEqxmekgyGN_roVfKX6PEf7Wb7MlIt_avW2F1_trtH6eR6NuPjabpNbux1FOQCDVKfl44sOKLxAAHp0GItyo-GJYzqH6XNPe-0A/s320/IMG_2342.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />And here's the guy who's gonna get mauled by him.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGqZ3fJUGEYPeLGK7OHShTD7fyC72L-L82J-ZNnzl0Y3dWEiVDvMDBgjGKs7gplG65Dr6TDv5OerDxYS4d-XI0A_7RG5tab2xAElcKgFpQY-nvVPG7FZqpj5MibUpBiByuvBr6-ZOwFHE/s1600-h/IMG_2344.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375636484683460370" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGqZ3fJUGEYPeLGK7OHShTD7fyC72L-L82J-ZNnzl0Y3dWEiVDvMDBgjGKs7gplG65Dr6TDv5OerDxYS4d-XI0A_7RG5tab2xAElcKgFpQY-nvVPG7FZqpj5MibUpBiByuvBr6-ZOwFHE/s320/IMG_2344.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I hit 4 of the different areas to get stamps for the Master Tourer Challenge, but only long enough to stamp my book, look at some things that didn't catch the attention of the massive crowds and move on. Ironically, biker buddy, Charles, happened to call while I was taking this Old Faithful picture asking how the trip was.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkNyCj83jjbiyvC3U1M8FjFT3DzGGZRgvZl3XHyR9A1mZnR8KyfLwwNqzRwVln2F64eB9oukg0MJWK8tqPsh-Qjd2rolm_auuSk73umM-I2NQl3FTFtCQZ8sZtJz9iDthcVc-9rqZNB7I/s1600-h/IMG_2364.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375637787730877970" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkNyCj83jjbiyvC3U1M8FjFT3DzGGZRgvZl3XHyR9A1mZnR8KyfLwwNqzRwVln2F64eB9oukg0MJWK8tqPsh-Qjd2rolm_auuSk73umM-I2NQl3FTFtCQZ8sZtJz9iDthcVc-9rqZNB7I/s320/IMG_2364.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I was finally heading out the East entrance to start making my way to Mt. Rushmore. I'd spent waaay longer than expected in Yellowstone and needed to get going.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7I8njpJOtQDgys0FACcZgJnKUydGdiO0FnR9A_IOCSHhZm1AHPa5Gkusp-05YuR2xoH6qz6tYwiiv-F_Db_wOzkOzI8DsjGS_6VCFLXMBa8E9fsxlr_bYZ0aVqSBSd2D7DVID-eFM26E/s1600-h/IMG_2374.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375637779960096818" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 180px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7I8njpJOtQDgys0FACcZgJnKUydGdiO0FnR9A_IOCSHhZm1AHPa5Gkusp-05YuR2xoH6qz6tYwiiv-F_Db_wOzkOzI8DsjGS_6VCFLXMBa8E9fsxlr_bYZ0aVqSBSd2D7DVID-eFM26E/s320/IMG_2374.JPG" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6dtfJp0ZFQaIvtptFFrAbvr_nKPzjLNdt9i1-m5aWgx2zoz4rm6D7X9zdz6Y_BquWyxZ6GoUel5koUV5nRU6gEaZTLeNlSAXh1uSOHAmPHHRs5NQ-5wfQvyYprmy6BjSDMA4kDGFWuQ/s1600-h/IMG_2378.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375637773928466946" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 240px; cursor: pointer; height: 320px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6dtfJp0ZFQaIvtptFFrAbvr_nKPzjLNdt9i1-m5aWgx2zoz4rm6D7X9zdz6Y_BquWyxZ6GoUel5koUV5nRU6gEaZTLeNlSAXh1uSOHAmPHHRs5NQ-5wfQvyYprmy6BjSDMA4kDGFWuQ/s320/IMG_2378.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />On the way out, a mass pullover indicated another wildlife spotting. This group of buffalo (or bison, dunno yet, I haven't had time to look it up, but you know what I mean - that enormous mammal with the horns...) was completely unconcerned with us, though 2 of them were steadily moving toward where I was standing and I took that as further incentive to get back on the road.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz3mP-xAtpUOKKrk9BdzZiWg0KADsPNb7Tcxjmey2lSy3QWEpFkDMyG9p0ksaLhhTHSR-fEgXpKvHLZgR0um2BNcqXoOvOJtqjiEHhith4wX_xKD7gUeYdyje6HT7DX2ySw6a82GCjjYU/s1600-h/IMG_2414.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375641610821236130" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz3mP-xAtpUOKKrk9BdzZiWg0KADsPNb7Tcxjmey2lSy3QWEpFkDMyG9p0ksaLhhTHSR-fEgXpKvHLZgR0um2BNcqXoOvOJtqjiEHhith4wX_xKD7gUeYdyje6HT7DX2ySw6a82GCjjYU/s320/IMG_2414.JPG" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZnsIuytE5sa8l8gIDFcU0LZYEGcgEATeXSfOM3_w2AJScm59EuEKBJNZdJxGhX1hAh7DQTX6tEkr1zNwzVesnhyphenhyphenbMC45KW9vKYi0goZIa7d_QGNcjvcHj9Ye5vJfDDFSmN-ObTAe85DI/s1600-h/IMG_2420.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375641600355793074" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZnsIuytE5sa8l8gIDFcU0LZYEGcgEATeXSfOM3_w2AJScm59EuEKBJNZdJxGhX1hAh7DQTX6tEkr1zNwzVesnhyphenhyphenbMC45KW9vKYi0goZIa7d_QGNcjvcHj9Ye5vJfDDFSmN-ObTAe85DI/s320/IMG_2420.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I was moving quickly through the park, enjoying the scenery, to be sure, but ready to get out of Yellowstone. I'd spent about 4 hours there and really wanted to make some headway to South Dakota before it got dark.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmiSDZIDtvwjEe_WI0GqvWZzQMWhekIc1SRZ_qY_Tso-S1jyL2Yth0-3Y-89COEm1exxxwhOF0dShYTxg-iTLS37MgXIcPTbFQgFzEzEJSKkwqCK-xwlu7Un9T1ANDAy8M7_rh6wReTQA/s1600-h/IMG_2430.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375641587527811666" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmiSDZIDtvwjEe_WI0GqvWZzQMWhekIc1SRZ_qY_Tso-S1jyL2Yth0-3Y-89COEm1exxxwhOF0dShYTxg-iTLS37MgXIcPTbFQgFzEzEJSKkwqCK-xwlu7Un9T1ANDAy8M7_rh6wReTQA/s320/IMG_2430.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />A line of stopped cars in the road made me think 'construction', since that seems to be a theme for me, but when I slowed I saw the bis-alo they were stopping for.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwayg94oLfEbdZbZ1bHnzYQWFIALQM6Rb0o8rngEKWigWz-ceMiQDpRgDVPsJeqqQKzHKAsCZrga5MBNEXznwSwczNH_-pry7JY40rnwtVarzi-5_LIc1xEUZm_QKgh8w1etc5tHAyEbU/s1600-h/IMG_2434.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375641578757406946" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwayg94oLfEbdZbZ1bHnzYQWFIALQM6Rb0o8rngEKWigWz-ceMiQDpRgDVPsJeqqQKzHKAsCZrga5MBNEXznwSwczNH_-pry7JY40rnwtVarzi-5_LIc1xEUZm_QKgh8w1etc5tHAyEbU/s320/IMG_2434.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />He was the only one around.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicqV3a45tT3qpyy_c70ofN6X1tsf8CgJXLKpAkTS4FteZkuWQ0HVJDCmQ7O-OaM07EQT86V3y4UR4CrBDsywGHE6t_gU1esM96iGupDgeS2LVZhSr1qGG9Dqq-dS_KizvV0TSS9n9pxIU/s1600-h/IMG_2435.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375641564504195730" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicqV3a45tT3qpyy_c70ofN6X1tsf8CgJXLKpAkTS4FteZkuWQ0HVJDCmQ7O-OaM07EQT86V3y4UR4CrBDsywGHE6t_gU1esM96iGupDgeS2LVZhSr1qGG9Dqq-dS_KizvV0TSS9n9pxIU/s320/IMG_2435.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />But making his presence known.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJkC55gGAWxBlOeB2Rsou_MCJ4e3MPGKrIygkJ_8jmOyLiydiMjtzJBwF1sHdLlZ2AdMA3hTo_zxGRn5UqtKQeIRZ1OaX2sGklppopgwlxfOKIUkMCGRGIJUGu4TA_50snPyiP7HS9gHM/s1600-h/IMG_2399.JPG"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dybM3I-F73cV2CuFh3beOwRjTe8tJOyZorKN1rx4NYvUk0Tw2QOJkqgIYg8RfbGmZIR_uOqC0InYbbjA663' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></a><br /><br />Amazing!! I stopped one more time for Buf-on before twisting my way out of the park on the East Entrance road toward Cody.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUOsSrv8or2zYh2UtVDjDt-DLXffK_mc-A68NYg_kky8_jt1Hd6jrP2EK0wWUSOEPj-_pgIKLvH_JmLp1YnIBV8H5orDPtEXmELDshHZq00fKreXKPnA-s8Io_iETXG48qJel0C5obaZQ/s1600-h/IMG_2489.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375650412052152322" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUOsSrv8or2zYh2UtVDjDt-DLXffK_mc-A68NYg_kky8_jt1Hd6jrP2EK0wWUSOEPj-_pgIKLvH_JmLp1YnIBV8H5orDPtEXmELDshHZq00fKreXKPnA-s8Io_iETXG48qJel0C5obaZQ/s320/IMG_2489.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Just after leaving the park and immediately before this sign was one that said 'This is grizzly country. Special rules apply.' Well, thanks so much, all, for letting me know that there were special rules and then not sharing them with me. Appreciate that. :/<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJkC55gGAWxBlOeB2Rsou_MCJ4e3MPGKrIygkJ_8jmOyLiydiMjtzJBwF1sHdLlZ2AdMA3hTo_zxGRn5UqtKQeIRZ1OaX2sGklppopgwlxfOKIUkMCGRGIJUGu4TA_50snPyiP7HS9gHM/s1600-h/IMG_2399.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375637760647473970" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJkC55gGAWxBlOeB2Rsou_MCJ4e3MPGKrIygkJ_8jmOyLiydiMjtzJBwF1sHdLlZ2AdMA3hTo_zxGRn5UqtKQeIRZ1OaX2sGklppopgwlxfOKIUkMCGRGIJUGu4TA_50snPyiP7HS9gHM/s320/IMG_2399.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Buffalo Bill State Park was on the way to Cody and was just stunning.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdlM7Ek6Y7uJAahjsbLkVNZz4C2-eTIq9EJERgrKJvoD0Odp4k8LE-WuBFp-8Bvsb7kJJL-_fcrmdJgBHRz6hBDLxZRPS3Wlc7H8Z6URZ9hiB2ulGbYQEWDdLmfpuFfywPI3DdyaneO8M/s1600-h/IMG_2498.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375647014345960866" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdlM7Ek6Y7uJAahjsbLkVNZz4C2-eTIq9EJERgrKJvoD0Odp4k8LE-WuBFp-8Bvsb7kJJL-_fcrmdJgBHRz6hBDLxZRPS3Wlc7H8Z6URZ9hiB2ulGbYQEWDdLmfpuFfywPI3DdyaneO8M/s320/IMG_2498.JPG" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAtvhi573yjXoPukjyO35Qkip1XVcVAFpxIp1NJDdwpuGCMYk5HbO_Doow3ihdvi7J-sGEBs82i9bgzjfWhrMoy1U0fqZ7bU2tGEYDsRmikjHkJaecI3DowKPBNMGJCH_40M1q8yXMzNA/s1600-h/IMG_2502.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375647005740244626" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAtvhi573yjXoPukjyO35Qkip1XVcVAFpxIp1NJDdwpuGCMYk5HbO_Doow3ihdvi7J-sGEBs82i9bgzjfWhrMoy1U0fqZ7bU2tGEYDsRmikjHkJaecI3DowKPBNMGJCH_40M1q8yXMzNA/s320/IMG_2502.JPG" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlvbbaKzUTLBLMWicY3kzRVuM_sHZ0TGRC7WiD81TLuBUj8HC3e3VOMCqE-332PpZaBfLPfQ93z4WfrPfBRenJJyVu4ZsuEOPf3qzf5q1xEFXL8E7EXyEqvdvXFfd7b6QglDw_IQr3Mpc/s1600-h/IMG_2533.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375646970329621698" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlvbbaKzUTLBLMWicY3kzRVuM_sHZ0TGRC7WiD81TLuBUj8HC3e3VOMCqE-332PpZaBfLPfQ93z4WfrPfBRenJJyVu4ZsuEOPf3qzf5q1xEFXL8E7EXyEqvdvXFfd7b6QglDw_IQr3Mpc/s320/IMG_2533.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I had a craving for Wendy's fries and needed some protein, so a 'number 6, plain, diet soda - no ice' was in order and 65 miles from Yellowstone. I have, on occasion, gone a bit hyper all alone in the helmet, there. The concept of Wendy's fries temporarily took over all my attention and bizarre voices expressed my absolute freakish desire for Wendy's fries. My throat hurt by the time I burned that energy. I was temporarily distracted by a chinese buffet sign, but they were out of business and I hit Wendy's in Cody, Wyoming.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXV47RgwhfK9YRS-RPV4plOO1rCr7xiVEK9DG60SqF5b3ZRB8knNUQtWfHRuwVwuJy5d6PBVZLZSB_VdB1MMCeA3HhMofV9NOkOfx9hBggiT4Syvv164Fx5HDWYmpA2dYujqHUiyPR1k/s1600-h/IMG_2543.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375650430370989842" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 214px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXV47RgwhfK9YRS-RPV4plOO1rCr7xiVEK9DG60SqF5b3ZRB8knNUQtWfHRuwVwuJy5d6PBVZLZSB_VdB1MMCeA3HhMofV9NOkOfx9hBggiT4Syvv164Fx5HDWYmpA2dYujqHUiyPR1k/s320/IMG_2543.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />When I stopped I planned out my goal stop and headed out. There were TONS of bikes in Cody and I asked another rider in Wendy's if anything was going on, but apparently it was just a nice day in Wyoming.<br /><br />I ended the day earlier than I'd hoped, but dusk took with it all the contrast in the landscape and having already seen one mule deer on the shoulder 5 feet from me, I didn't want to push my luck.<br /><br />I stopped and performed the nightly where-is-the-cheapest-place-to-sleep ritual. After calling 7 or 8 places I chose the PK Bar Hotel. I'd almost not called them because my first thought was bar, like pub - bar, which wasn't what I wanted , but it turns out that it's a Western how-you-describe-the-tattoo-you-burn-on-your-cattle PK Bar. A horrible gravel parking lot and an offer of a wooden board from a guy sitting in the dark turned into a great hour or so conversation. I broke all the rules, Ma - talked to a stranger, after dark, of the male persuasion, sexual inuendo everywhere and I even took food from him. I even went to his *room* AND I gave him my number. UGH! Have I learned nothing? :) Brian is part owner of the hotel and makes spice rubs. He just set up his website: bigjerkbbq.com and that would make him a big jerk, but in a good way.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5KWSsAXrNc6geTS91Pglemrvfwu9Y9HhWf6iTHDUI-B3rBAdTpdgUV232Khd2WnAZ-1d_HeJoMDavOO9LIaIPOVOKMJw6nZNktUygMusQiM681BM4zzyqyM6m9ZXZukJs82fKPhI-B8/s1600-h/IMG_2564.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375650439720874610" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5KWSsAXrNc6geTS91Pglemrvfwu9Y9HhWf6iTHDUI-B3rBAdTpdgUV232Khd2WnAZ-1d_HeJoMDavOO9LIaIPOVOKMJw6nZNktUygMusQiM681BM4zzyqyM6m9ZXZukJs82fKPhI-B8/s320/IMG_2564.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />So, now, still fighting with the internet to get the blog done, it's after 1am and I need to be up at 7 to meet some bikers Brian's going to introduce me to. He's also certain that a detour to Devil's Tower on the way to Mt. Rushmore will only add 7 miles to my trip. So, some directions are also in order over iced tea in the morning.<br /><br />Kinda hard to beat a day like that.<br /><br /><br />...but I'm gonna try. :)<br /><br /><br />*For legal purposes, I want to make it clear that when I say 'kill someone' I am using it as a literary device, hyperbole, it is simply an expression. I have no intentions of killing anyone, not even the folks who won't pull out into the intersection when making a left.jwestermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13286140065668045010noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2425252016142873003.post-86448366893760357292009-08-28T09:16:00.013-04:002009-09-25T20:24:58.331-04:00Day 5 - Idaho and Montana and...Construction.I returned to Whitman Mission first thing in the morning. I'd seen the grounds a bit the night before and enjoyed a stunning sunset and the moon and stars in the night sky, but this morning was clear and bright and I got to watch their short film. Very interesting, as usual.<br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375004402457994386" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAeczvmyR7C5vgLc8fvXlUpGSxmzzti4QFPbVeTuetDtZpEtFzbKLplirGzhzw-AHdVrEEv3FCu0SALSMebqRMkrmbHO8V093Hq5dRUp5eNefvehkpr5vZXXWjouBPlyDu9NX2TZkSUkI/s320/IMG_1887.JPG" border="0" /><br />Then I was off to Idaho! But, the construction theme continues. We sat long enough that the trucker got out to do some stuff to his truck.</p><p><br /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375004392189004466" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1qqCwsEnjqoXIJNBOwHrLKmBAdPm6qko1Pn6vOehdDx8uaO8rNLQIdZcVpyOMpK6E168MR4c_-UZSkaY9bY3jy0T9RFyhNvG2Dvwoa3pZn6Ec3Dtb4yNuBI9Lzj2fs8h4ISACaIULTYE/s320/IMG_1889.JPG" border="0" /><br />I fell in with 2 bikers for about half an hour. Kinda nice to have company. Never been behind 2 male bikers who so diligently did the speed limit. :) </p><p><br /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375004384773979186" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsEY8aMrH6_MNxfsuf1oKEvkC8XX-OukC4LOTaXPHFx4TfY9CV2EDiczKOEDqUfjO7WdYMyiBPuDcB0qG_R9mUKpfm5DUjmyPpsV9l5jeCYe3behrzlzs3SArkG2KyjR9wzsOau9_K6Lc/s320/IMG_1897.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />It was hot early. </p><p><br /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375004374203802402" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFC8cvq4hDnn49o5Ab4BmzVhZq-XI15As_0yO4TEbCr3Wphl42ewyBlGXjR9302zQr6all5K8o5QOYf-iba4nlObnhLmpdnintWtL887Mwekv4jhipLT8IZnTl670fANUhNZX-xLQQ1bA/s320/IMG_1912.JPG" border="0" /><br />Rt. 12 for hours and hours today. It even goes through some towns. The Lewis and Clark trail was lovely, though, so it was a good ride. </p><p><br /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375004361564465186" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHmVU4iKdFuhyEVaZH8BbMkpWGYsebc9-SGi6tGLrVzOxAiYBHYAC7IwwyZlxQATFam0kJPw-9QE5iDPEj6rMyLmQvRgJYGObaIgSTUXB9G5t0M4YI4tKf4ns6BiP09At226lY9kpoTXE/s320/IMG_1913.JPG" border="0" /><br />The terrain changes so often and so quickly, sometimes without apparent reason. It's been interesting to watch the transitions, sometimes gradual and sometimes incredibly abrupt. </p><p><br /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375005872916432738" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXdzov-m9pVfpGkLpbV1URYuGIDEFXNDtXeIDUALJksxp_TXeq-YdNcpwjYnts2fFzR-rEwvTw37SmiwjvIbblnIqShbC6ovos5QOe2W-siWufHhU0F2v46jshkxiHFgfUduePlkQDNxg/s320/IMG_1921.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />Some of this has been hard on the bike, but Lewis and Clark did it in worse conditions than this, right? I'm awed by the number of bicyclists who are riding some of these same areas. I don't know how far they're going or what kind of support they might have, but my hat's off to 'em! </p><p><br /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375005866807305570" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGwjeqp7cnaPqtl2tVHY3pV1EzBNUQBUug15KVAzEOHTfAYLuVo_skdNzSEFm9wjrtXkKl1E42V52KAIwRSG-i34yDNSWhv398ILRjhPNpDpdgyJSMN9_QGAAsQan9n0GgYoNKvdnR_P4/s320/IMG_1928.JPG" border="0" /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW3XIKj2GlNxyS07hkJqZG0QtSE_iIm7Y2NF4fAhfBNIyQQqQea6z2mHR3EPwWlycDjVa_GnPhPcHo5UdVM4xS2sJ7NlL95Wkthg8y7Zb8Ddzk4NiBzUVe8fZEyI_ojGfbAJ3gsIk6SYQ/s1600-h/IMG_1937.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375005857351266546" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW3XIKj2GlNxyS07hkJqZG0QtSE_iIm7Y2NF4fAhfBNIyQQqQea6z2mHR3EPwWlycDjVa_GnPhPcHo5UdVM4xS2sJ7NlL95Wkthg8y7Zb8Ddzk4NiBzUVe8fZEyI_ojGfbAJ3gsIk6SYQ/s320/IMG_1937.JPG" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_PpL9cjjfs4-ZArigr65WUBCjQ-98smL-SraCFKfL7RGXkQRN6NtRi6AOqGvkvR17Da_viW52HHyprdjykZr63QbW-5vLUHTiY75Dl-sxBN_Y1OhX0FvwNy0ofGtfiwJzzaB_Ydq_d-I/s1600-h/IMG_1958.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375005846766207650" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_PpL9cjjfs4-ZArigr65WUBCjQ-98smL-SraCFKfL7RGXkQRN6NtRi6AOqGvkvR17Da_viW52HHyprdjykZr63QbW-5vLUHTiY75Dl-sxBN_Y1OhX0FvwNy0ofGtfiwJzzaB_Ydq_d-I/s320/IMG_1958.JPG" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ovrwxAYuHmpvAJf90nsWFOiLpi58VSuHk8K-OEoTz5F95VkZczZLeAXy2qMTqEF1Yoq6v4t0otuVAMvGYrs12B_39wPD5lLTHyKsOju23tRXN0R9MBicL0XgA0G6WZH3sIrSEOw_Gu8/s1600-h/IMG_1960.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375005834142453154" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ovrwxAYuHmpvAJf90nsWFOiLpi58VSuHk8K-OEoTz5F95VkZczZLeAXy2qMTqEF1Yoq6v4t0otuVAMvGYrs12B_39wPD5lLTHyKsOju23tRXN0R9MBicL0XgA0G6WZH3sIrSEOw_Gu8/s320/IMG_1960.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Stopped at Nez Perce visitor center and watched, again, an interesting film. I like when from park to park the information overlaps and connects. It makes a big picture rather than a bunch of isolated experiences. I spoke with Ranger Kevin for a while about bikes and Nez Perce. I also soaked my stuff before getting on the road. It's haaaaahht!</p><p><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5v0cDbeHbPUifCyopVLwKVJzjRH59t-dDU2O80jFSTex88xHqg9AGxHy_EhyBCEBHfSx2ANENAiRHRe77w4vL4pQbWcIUcuV5BAiIWWNf4Ro5rJbnjyVQbqjKAN1vJNPJhye-ZznfF4/s1600-h/IMG_1994.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375007484584315362" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5v0cDbeHbPUifCyopVLwKVJzjRH59t-dDU2O80jFSTex88xHqg9AGxHy_EhyBCEBHfSx2ANENAiRHRe77w4vL4pQbWcIUcuV5BAiIWWNf4Ro5rJbnjyVQbqjKAN1vJNPJhye-ZznfF4/s320/IMG_1994.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />They had a nice display room with some amazing work.</p><p><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitLZF8UHJFQKK3q2BB4EXdNHezAOiVPrg7E1FiQqppkW3Krzm3li7NsPYn5VvmHpMpQM_BDaavwsGAd6osDmSPPC7F4b3qe_O3QYPokj80KUQoEczIL2G_PDGssSYG4ZRogHwstdsL0DQ/s1600-h/IMG_1980.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375015377939391666" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitLZF8UHJFQKK3q2BB4EXdNHezAOiVPrg7E1FiQqppkW3Krzm3li7NsPYn5VvmHpMpQM_BDaavwsGAd6osDmSPPC7F4b3qe_O3QYPokj80KUQoEczIL2G_PDGssSYG4ZRogHwstdsL0DQ/s320/IMG_1980.JPG" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXXC1wBjuC4brI4NzkFw2insGd-hMhpzrASNaeWzJOVrehyG47m-RBBuvxkI1heSkyTJWpIMgp_02Yxstc6TBkMusD-WH2_7eqcdhYdiN-8g_0_e-bjcl7HimxxkXJwxIpp11S3PR_ebE/s1600-h/IMG_1982.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375015366276848370" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXXC1wBjuC4brI4NzkFw2insGd-hMhpzrASNaeWzJOVrehyG47m-RBBuvxkI1heSkyTJWpIMgp_02Yxstc6TBkMusD-WH2_7eqcdhYdiN-8g_0_e-bjcl7HimxxkXJwxIpp11S3PR_ebE/s320/IMG_1982.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I got back on the road after some more chatting with Ranger Kevin at the bike. Even though I'd just soaked down, it was unbelievably hot. </p><p><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8NmbC51voyxxScAbUw2atWSl8oCjEgC3qgpoeG42U4ksatEJYSTxsiIVSvZgeXM_C8wMVoQHIoQCVUgagbX2MnjvyvtCDNn5OrNeRTDqL4PhOT-pSGpncJ_sI9LK0fEle479vdXPRtWQ/s1600-h/IMG_1995.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375015363154836258" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8NmbC51voyxxScAbUw2atWSl8oCjEgC3qgpoeG42U4ksatEJYSTxsiIVSvZgeXM_C8wMVoQHIoQCVUgagbX2MnjvyvtCDNn5OrNeRTDqL4PhOT-pSGpncJ_sI9LK0fEle479vdXPRtWQ/s320/IMG_1995.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I watched the water on my right, which was just gorgeous, and started to think about pulling over, but only if I could get to the it. If I can't get to the water, then I might as well watch it from here and make time. Did I mention it was HOT?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSyeZ3HbJ1GgY3ZWcazEflITTzNOxHCZs55QJuUqorT4ocdf5HNnFht4HqWW79ATX6ZI8gsprjI6fxEXA5jF5BOm2jfPov34JdvpmSXHpaSQC4_LbkRFL8VFr4YOkCyBDHBmuUo4xJOio/s1600-h/IMG_2020.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375015355498989922" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSyeZ3HbJ1GgY3ZWcazEflITTzNOxHCZs55QJuUqorT4ocdf5HNnFht4HqWW79ATX6ZI8gsprjI6fxEXA5jF5BOm2jfPov34JdvpmSXHpaSQC4_LbkRFL8VFr4YOkCyBDHBmuUo4xJOio/s320/IMG_2020.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />SCORE! I got to have my banana and drink some water here. I soaked down again and tried to get dressed, without trapping any of the gazzillion bees that were around, under any of my layers. It was nice, but almost too hot to enjoy it. I wish I could have gotten in, but I had to get back on the road.</p><p><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvf2qs0Pr9MoTx-p9pjsjZIaYmaMFVldQMATp-p_U8TedT-PCNGmv1WvY8AE-5q5sOrgBZvtCQIc8Db-83ezUpkr_BLKdAKzj8J9JliGeIA-oac7Tq2BoTcZw46p462BBn8IASyZkwuWY/s1600-h/IMG_2032.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375015346663090354" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvf2qs0Pr9MoTx-p9pjsjZIaYmaMFVldQMATp-p_U8TedT-PCNGmv1WvY8AE-5q5sOrgBZvtCQIc8Db-83ezUpkr_BLKdAKzj8J9JliGeIA-oac7Tq2BoTcZw46p462BBn8IASyZkwuWY/s320/IMG_2032.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Spent a lot of time crossing a mountain. Again, construction stopped us at 5 or 6 different places which really dragged the time out. Hours and hours in the mountain, which, for a while, was a help with the heat, but then the sun started going down and I was freeeezing! I know, I'm just never happy. I finally had to stop to take the vest off and put my heavy jacket on. I'd meant to put my helmet cam on, too, but forgot.</p><p><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMgREkXcjCKy239eaIrAO0Ee5KjGuKDRAS2SQ8cWiDndEZ0jFy1L3EVtx-mmgIl2dNvp4hOw-ILTzGFvw0SvTPIuKu1EV604STf4VNtB1YgUpmOlF_EunPSzILQbVt7YMCOebCzMzS6DA/s1600-h/IMG_2113.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375007475124517506" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMgREkXcjCKy239eaIrAO0Ee5KjGuKDRAS2SQ8cWiDndEZ0jFy1L3EVtx-mmgIl2dNvp4hOw-ILTzGFvw0SvTPIuKu1EV604STf4VNtB1YgUpmOlF_EunPSzILQbVt7YMCOebCzMzS6DA/s320/IMG_2113.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />So, riding through the woods and with the sun going down I moved animals up on the priority list to watch for, but I also needed to keep my speed up to get out of there before it got darker and colder. Neither of those things were going to be good for me. The speed limit was 55 -70 with twisties marked where some engineer decided it was needed. It was pushing my limits.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgikDg1Xyx-uXmpY1GKWAxFakNdP3ZfrG8quAHr0JSuh3wbzmMWeZAWoGu89MhPCuDqPY1-l20XEKWNKh80BNW0c4zRmE-x27SamBAMjJS64aDS0Qm6i_Agwc4akD91g-SSBPBseVHqE9c/s1600-h/IMG_2052.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375017551961691074" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgikDg1Xyx-uXmpY1GKWAxFakNdP3ZfrG8quAHr0JSuh3wbzmMWeZAWoGu89MhPCuDqPY1-l20XEKWNKh80BNW0c4zRmE-x27SamBAMjJS64aDS0Qm6i_Agwc4akD91g-SSBPBseVHqE9c/s320/IMG_2052.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />In the picture below you can see the line of cars waiting at another stop.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqueE_bvf43MVDzka8-kdHmy36OlysKL5E-kf01siC-NKrsgteohHxC_PZijBUvutgmhPmt3KeJP_ncVPmW3ryi79-5P8UDVHwf4yQQBtnUVesc-tjqe3Dv7oWJe_t1reUUyju-bRdQTk/s1600-h/IMG_2071.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375017536264831938" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqueE_bvf43MVDzka8-kdHmy36OlysKL5E-kf01siC-NKrsgteohHxC_PZijBUvutgmhPmt3KeJP_ncVPmW3ryi79-5P8UDVHwf4yQQBtnUVesc-tjqe3Dv7oWJe_t1reUUyju-bRdQTk/s320/IMG_2071.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />And, after the slinky game of construction where all of 7 cars, bikes and trucks/vans would meet and wait and then run off to meet up at the next stop sign, after the last one, I'd never seen cars move so fast! There were no slackers in the group and we'd all had it with the stop and go, I guess. It wasn't 3 minutes before I couldn't see a sign of anyone again. It was all me, all alone, all the time, again.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWjYyyHJzVqoo_lmfcUh0P3e_4KP0y8QmabDseoUe2zHExRRz_b7rn0v1PL7mmWjdY8hRrC7l2xIpKQO0zRtJIxH96VWUy3uT3ieJSQDLvfqRnb5lXK1tAu-FtYYUH2eMze5Ijl_Wd4es/s1600-h/IMG_2108.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375007469977181842" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 214px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWjYyyHJzVqoo_lmfcUh0P3e_4KP0y8QmabDseoUe2zHExRRz_b7rn0v1PL7mmWjdY8hRrC7l2xIpKQO0zRtJIxH96VWUy3uT3ieJSQDLvfqRnb5lXK1tAu-FtYYUH2eMze5Ijl_Wd4es/s320/IMG_2108.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />So, here's the moose that I saw. Happily, he was far enough in front of me when I saw him that it wasn't a danger issue, but he trotted off into the woods quickly. Don't be fooled by his size compared to the trees. The trees are enormous. He easily took up half the road. He appeared young, but was big and lanky. :) The land became Montana not too long after this, so said a sign while I was coming down the mountain.</p><p><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjmgSAkt7xlF_Y8Zy94HeHvK8qzYT25aYPGo1HQ5yXq7VB-MGu0WUmIkmDqbQgqdVgAtA72zlRtSwL0nCvajIrLjwfnlyy6-WpPPdT6Y6DHBsNTMtYhphhkQFbXtkDLObRRbZuIoa4hqQ/s1600-h/IMG_2116.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375007460052002274" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjmgSAkt7xlF_Y8Zy94HeHvK8qzYT25aYPGo1HQ5yXq7VB-MGu0WUmIkmDqbQgqdVgAtA72zlRtSwL0nCvajIrLjwfnlyy6-WpPPdT6Y6DHBsNTMtYhphhkQFbXtkDLObRRbZuIoa4hqQ/s320/IMG_2116.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p>Then, suddenly, the road flattens out for a mile or 5, and then you're out of the mountain. It was rather abrupt! On my way out on this flat road I felt a now familiar *chug*. Oh, yes, again. For the first time in hours I looked at my odo: 199. 199! I hadn't gotten more than 165 for the last week. Does that mean I already used the spare gas? Find place on shoulder to pull over. Am I out of gas or is the can still full? Grab clutch, hit break. No, I filled it and haven't pulled over yet, I still have gas. Put kickstand down, get off bike. How long have I been stuck in there? Grab can off bike, notice weight of can, smile. Daggone, that was a long ride with no warning. Empty can into tank, repack, jump on and go. 3 miles later pull into gas station. Refill everything.</p><p><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI1LdeisdTcb_dRoLD-G9LO5N0tUaVc6cFRlT90ofrmYkBWCu2DNT0qHbXMncX6_bE0i6h5K9qX1Mei3jqgDOliVtjvbogbvVEaOaY0eroftoV7oXf5oXmGiN4PlY-8QRNMW1hWyVHfEg/s1600-h/IMG_2166.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375007450666679650" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 240px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI1LdeisdTcb_dRoLD-G9LO5N0tUaVc6cFRlT90ofrmYkBWCu2DNT0qHbXMncX6_bE0i6h5K9qX1Mei3jqgDOliVtjvbogbvVEaOaY0eroftoV7oXf5oXmGiN4PlY-8QRNMW1hWyVHfEg/s320/IMG_2166.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p>Another 2 or so would get me to Deer Lodge Montana near the next Park. Idaho was beautiful! I'd never been before, but would go back. Montana is stunning as well. I rode the last leg with the sun setting in my mirrors and the moon over my right shoulder. There were some wild temperature swings for that last 100 miles!<br /><br />Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site and Yellowstone tomorrow. My stamp book is filling out! I lost an hour today crossing another time zone line. Things are getting tighter and there's rain again in the forecast. I have yet to find a rain suit, though I did stop at 2 stores today while I was passing thru a town. I still have my less-than-satisfactory jacket and pants, but would really like to be drier than that when the rain starts again. At least the forecast for tomorrow only has 'green' rain in the area. I'd like to avoid the yellows, reds and purples, as I've seen quite enough of them this trip, thank you very much. :)</p>jwestermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13286140065668045010noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2425252016142873003.post-7240369589776492682009-08-27T10:53:00.016-04:002009-09-25T20:06:45.735-04:00Day 4 -What an Incredible Day!Ok, so it didn't start that way. I left the hotel and stopped to fill up and decided that I'd look up the next gas stations on my route before starting off. There was only 1 listed on the gps at 114 miles and the rest were quite a way past that. A quick phone call to check that it even still existed...and, no, that phone numer has been disconnected. Hmmm, back into the store to buy a gas can. Fill with gas. Pack on bike. Crap, forgot water. Back into store to buy water. Pack on bike. Leave, finally happy to get on the road after so many delays.<br /><br />But it was not to be.<br /><br /><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPQ9ozTYJmGmbdHNLjShYFVR2zleCU3GQSKsUrVJ5AIGuAKuU-5mcPgRiiGVRjSFJlLP1eww4CNPYJfJFx0WIY4L0UuHtITAA1MD5rOi5YOPPMg3JfT6-H-S8hsCYvbSHPy4lzU5Tfpok/s1600-h/IMG_1414.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374526608246617010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPQ9ozTYJmGmbdHNLjShYFVR2zleCU3GQSKsUrVJ5AIGuAKuU-5mcPgRiiGVRjSFJlLP1eww4CNPYJfJFx0WIY4L0UuHtITAA1MD5rOi5YOPPMg3JfT6-H-S8hsCYvbSHPy4lzU5Tfpok/s320/IMG_1414.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Two minutes from the gas station with newly filled gas can, I see a sign that says 'construction - 30 minute delay possible'. It didn't take quite that long, but in my snow suit head to toe it was really hot just sitting there for the 15 minutes it did take.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGHC2oAyU8LwVvgZYs-7Foj2NjXhRPa2wry8TkUU6Tig9OmXSIx9ZJ41DnlZd0U8dNQ5zUSFVr3qNLzsAC2ih1gffly1ek4X6Wt2UUGwDqfBGVqKVBD-AeJbfa-ATChrZhJ_6IjzXVjLQ/s1600-h/IMG_1420.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374526626123561154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGHC2oAyU8LwVvgZYs-7Foj2NjXhRPa2wry8TkUU6Tig9OmXSIx9ZJ41DnlZd0U8dNQ5zUSFVr3qNLzsAC2ih1gffly1ek4X6Wt2UUGwDqfBGVqKVBD-AeJbfa-ATChrZhJ_6IjzXVjLQ/s320/IMG_1420.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />20 miles from the morning's gas stop...was a gas station. Oh, man! Mad! I was mad! I'd just paid 10 bucks for a gas can and had prechecked the gps for gas stops and even called! All for naught! And now I'm stuck dragging this extra can around! Grrr. Looking at the map it seem like it was going to be more populated than the last two days, but still! I passed the gas station wondering when I needed to vent the stupid gas can and hoping it didn't turn into a turbo charger, a la Batman, in the 100 plus heat in the afternoon. Oh, so annoyed!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIpVq5Qm0GIS1n0H-5cNy24L9LZ1JJikvr-eFOPSlFICm-OtIfjkiVRsZ4CtPeZecrdMhjh3i6hQMBKl_k_uSGcZ_v8j7WiEX91IkVbwK369amRvaZYOyDYa2ohU8vcjxqjifRhe_UAmA/s1600-h/IMG_1418.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374526615359541090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIpVq5Qm0GIS1n0H-5cNy24L9LZ1JJikvr-eFOPSlFICm-OtIfjkiVRsZ4CtPeZecrdMhjh3i6hQMBKl_k_uSGcZ_v8j7WiEX91IkVbwK369amRvaZYOyDYa2ohU8vcjxqjifRhe_UAmA/s320/IMG_1418.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Lovely Nevada. I know there's stuff there that I didn't get to see. Even what I drove through was beautiful, for about an hour...but, after so much Nevada I'd really had enough. It's dry and depressing and hot. I'm fairly certain I passed through the fifth level of Hell somewhere on 395.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPLenha8MfXFAuhkB1JPt5bfJpu1vElSbYPX9fCL25lCAKRQX2x5m3C2T0B1nFS3DJEU-VomKREjeYmQ5tYC8dLS6To6IP6ZqFaZCjUY0CdNYvWoHWT_EMX9m0JDH7aiW7giahVJHUek0/s1600-h/IMG_1428.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374526640186993202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPLenha8MfXFAuhkB1JPt5bfJpu1vElSbYPX9fCL25lCAKRQX2x5m3C2T0B1nFS3DJEU-VomKREjeYmQ5tYC8dLS6To6IP6ZqFaZCjUY0CdNYvWoHWT_EMX9m0JDH7aiW7giahVJHUek0/s320/IMG_1428.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I saw a skink-sized lizard cross the road when I went through the first time. I had looked for whatever lives there, but gave up looking for 'eye shine' days ago. The only thing that glimmers in Nevada outside a casino are shards of glass and bits of discarded wrappers.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeAFUCTfWksuOTSQ6f041bSaWN6-0EBKsvYJqVzN8CXsRnew3tbrAlJ5MlblM5sA33IaY9HV9xzZN6Ue8fORwk42IEK4EYHp3ztaY8e1WY9_yUUhPhCm2obLpNlOuJHaUfiQ46JNoBJnA/s1600-h/IMG_1480.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374530583497352114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeAFUCTfWksuOTSQ6f041bSaWN6-0EBKsvYJqVzN8CXsRnew3tbrAlJ5MlblM5sA33IaY9HV9xzZN6Ue8fORwk42IEK4EYHp3ztaY8e1WY9_yUUhPhCm2obLpNlOuJHaUfiQ46JNoBJnA/s320/IMG_1480.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Not even bleached bones on the side of the road. No birds. No roadkill. Only the occasional smell of rotting flesh gave any indication at 75 mph that there was, at least at one time, life in the desert.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgV6YP5FxOgltpm1wxeJNz0mhUc3xI_TUFOWaz1A224S-or4Wgp3OSVP8oIXtZz_7jidwfC7-njjBrzVpGRbfEqPsvyfU9PI4_sLEPWUupn4QxWyEJ7Gh03rYKvDth-UwAKcrjIF5cv1A/s1600-h/IMG_1511.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374530594085460114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgV6YP5FxOgltpm1wxeJNz0mhUc3xI_TUFOWaz1A224S-or4Wgp3OSVP8oIXtZz_7jidwfC7-njjBrzVpGRbfEqPsvyfU9PI4_sLEPWUupn4QxWyEJ7Gh03rYKvDth-UwAKcrjIF5cv1A/s320/IMG_1511.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Eventually the odometer started to get my attention. If I can only drive 163 miles on a tank, evidenced by the first time I ran out of gas, and I'm at 150 or so and I don't see a gas station in front of me right now and the last sign for a town, with no promise of services, is more than 10 miles away... </p><p><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375607525356550978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikI53CYW2Z8fMMLVsrIFR8ErXgx5aMIuSqLJJEEyZmzRlKstwQ2N5ZMMNqEoNfQs-n7llfTZHmgPaL1MNKagLpiUTdwtgNKXYWPi-7urOZfJLEF6-JgOAiD1oirUByBO2xkjzoEe64VaQ/s320/IMG_1559.JPG" border="0" /><br />I developed a new appreciation for my gas can and pulled over by some cows for company to empty the can into the tank *before* the bike started lurching. A man in a small blue car pulled over up ahead to check on me. I didn't think to ask him how far to the next gas until after I waved him off with a thumbs up. I followed him for many miles after catching up to him a couple minutes later. It seemed rude to pass him, though several others did. It seemed I had a friend and, who knew how I was going to flag him down from behind, but it seemed right to stay with him. Soon enough, he made a left to what I assume was home and I was off on my own again.<br /><br />The road went on and on and on. Yesterday I wore my cold weather gear most of the day. It didn't get really hot until after 2pm. Yesterday and today I put on my cooling vest and can't say enough about how much it helps. I find it amusing to see 'snow zone' signs when I'm staving off heat exhaustion, but wouldn't want to get stuck here in the winter!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAEmlFhgFGp8jRkOnYwyu8NAdYAN5-5JmIWZPlyN2jklGKKvVCogg2MznvecUwWZdsjQqJrODagOfnvR0sgwpnow0W3VhClXLumROhwmqd8DP4JkG0QWJM6IpkAsOIcidyEYQw7mK9i4A/s1600-h/IMG_1526.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374530602881427154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAEmlFhgFGp8jRkOnYwyu8NAdYAN5-5JmIWZPlyN2jklGKKvVCogg2MznvecUwWZdsjQqJrODagOfnvR0sgwpnow0W3VhClXLumROhwmqd8DP4JkG0QWJM6IpkAsOIcidyEYQw7mK9i4A/s320/IMG_1526.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcyoFA8Frn3yHKd1bANdLnvWYBfcpttxmHgKBqvl3m1buD70EjBFmDmklHYy2b9hvdhdJCVYe_rjaJRFjBMYSptekKIv9sVIqDrgZhf_4XBo0RF7o-bN1Lb3aAPo6ZTwUUlThv_SW0-UY/s1600-h/IMG_1442.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374530563044683858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcyoFA8Frn3yHKd1bANdLnvWYBfcpttxmHgKBqvl3m1buD70EjBFmDmklHYy2b9hvdhdJCVYe_rjaJRFjBMYSptekKIv9sVIqDrgZhf_4XBo0RF7o-bN1Lb3aAPo6ZTwUUlThv_SW0-UY/s320/IMG_1442.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />At my next gas stop, I put the gas can gas in the tank, filled up and refilled the container, just in case. I had a craving for a Peppermint Patty, but was compelled to get an Idaho Spud, as well. It mysteriously said absolutely nothing about what was in it - and I was intrigued. I didn't try it until I stopped for the 'Welcome to Oregon' sign miles later.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTxqtRbiDn9FdbCMKujUTfraOHkggku4RNKWnOXtbkzhZHK8iDS7Os0Jlgl8ixrWfQnjh49SvGl2DklV_JmpXlmV1GR9JSn4FPYpcofipi37P4K3oO_XqUQkuxxwyK6ULKzJeJpy3NAfA/s1600-h/IMG_1465.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374530566663084498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTxqtRbiDn9FdbCMKujUTfraOHkggku4RNKWnOXtbkzhZHK8iDS7Os0Jlgl8ixrWfQnjh49SvGl2DklV_JmpXlmV1GR9JSn4FPYpcofipi37P4K3oO_XqUQkuxxwyK6ULKzJeJpy3NAfA/s320/IMG_1465.JPG" border="0" /></a>And spit it out somewhere very near that shrub. Blech, coconut.<br /><br />The elevations I ride through vary every day. In the last 4 days I can remember signs for 4600 ft to almost 10,000 ft. A rollercoaster path through some amazing mountains and valleys.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6BuEIqJfNdNdZlG2c5YQ_2gkCOgYv0k1KvgUm33TSAtZ-Ldc_hhfIRgiFZOVtv-ngQ3psFo6gn8EKKRhEmIGU_J78kpz2tjEbChhiEu2aO6fxIc72Ep6CNOP9r-HmZ77EK6xgDpEZZLc/s1600-h/IMG_1585.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375607514415191458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6BuEIqJfNdNdZlG2c5YQ_2gkCOgYv0k1KvgUm33TSAtZ-Ldc_hhfIRgiFZOVtv-ngQ3psFo6gn8EKKRhEmIGU_J78kpz2tjEbChhiEu2aO6fxIc72Ep6CNOP9r-HmZ77EK6xgDpEZZLc/s320/IMG_1585.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsSDg16rJn_GX6Ftlw9wSXckLpN0fEvqAJjwClFKQzxVeQuhkV1wPk4DJqAx3VZwyuiGCY0IE3PpSPnrL-eN58_42mkR7ds6TaD45CUxy1olgmoKpc20qx-04NdozMcZG0vk7vGUae6Pw/s1600-h/IMG_1584.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375607503003448498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsSDg16rJn_GX6Ftlw9wSXckLpN0fEvqAJjwClFKQzxVeQuhkV1wPk4DJqAx3VZwyuiGCY0IE3PpSPnrL-eN58_42mkR7ds6TaD45CUxy1olgmoKpc20qx-04NdozMcZG0vk7vGUae6Pw/s320/IMG_1584.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I was on this road for a long time and played the 'what if' game through a good bit of it. I've done a lot of miles for my short motorcycle life, but most have been highway miles. The twisty roads of the mountain forests are fun, but bring up a different set of concerns than the desert straightaways.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSPlySWgW1ani6Yt5o-cr_0tLI9X28fXLFXBAFBIfBVNqedwkX4yNsX-ZWYyfwP0OhP0Ev-ySVUCvluOgGWYzWc1BVT1kGCq1L9w6oSFqe6mmhkmezJ3CvcTBHM9EbPAEEERW2iSKAPRg/s1600-h/IMG_1617.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375607487519895842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSPlySWgW1ani6Yt5o-cr_0tLI9X28fXLFXBAFBIfBVNqedwkX4yNsX-ZWYyfwP0OhP0Ev-ySVUCvluOgGWYzWc1BVT1kGCq1L9w6oSFqe6mmhkmezJ3CvcTBHM9EbPAEEERW2iSKAPRg/s320/IMG_1617.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />What if something happens? Ride the bike, ride the bike, ride the bike.<br />What if a deer runs out in the road? Roll of the throttle, ride the bike, ride the bike.<br />What if a chipmonk/squirrel runs out in front of me? Swerve, ride the bike, ride the bike.<br />What if there's washout in the middle of this turn? Straighten up, slow down, ride the bike, ride the bike.<br />What if there are rocks, per the many warning signs, on the road? Avoid the rock, ride the bike, ride the bike.<br />What if a bear knocks me off the bike and attacks me? Be aggressive, B-E aggressive, hey!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLAU7jq1qn4PfzV7LU-m1FPQSyOAeIwn77XXPQUBcJWO6P16PN6BQMQXW4tsEL2JTXwhvaCLQO_-XfA1B6EI0UYuBHlYDHKEW7ml0F77r1VQXMGMF0szGjHfMnVm_tXwsKjsO90KClROo/s1600-h/IMG_1632.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375607481702149730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLAU7jq1qn4PfzV7LU-m1FPQSyOAeIwn77XXPQUBcJWO6P16PN6BQMQXW4tsEL2JTXwhvaCLQO_-XfA1B6EI0UYuBHlYDHKEW7ml0F77r1VQXMGMF0szGjHfMnVm_tXwsKjsO90KClROo/s320/IMG_1632.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I had no idea how long the road was or where I was going. I was just following the gps' directions and knew approximately what time I was supposed to get to my destination. It turned out I was in the forest for a very long time and enjoyed it immensely.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFMITKe6LssfSLuMmcBAOTaAaPfRVFbPOTOpkIe4Cs1DwIE8rARP7jzclBfCKZC-jmr1yFT2mWjcMFU8Xgfm0zBSzfbSHNjL7Mukeh7-BTXV-uzHXE8YDRSgFgP4qnTGoaLr4ZNVLprSo/s1600-h/IMG_1702.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375618264988741858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFMITKe6LssfSLuMmcBAOTaAaPfRVFbPOTOpkIe4Cs1DwIE8rARP7jzclBfCKZC-jmr1yFT2mWjcMFU8Xgfm0zBSzfbSHNjL7Mukeh7-BTXV-uzHXE8YDRSgFgP4qnTGoaLr4ZNVLprSo/s320/IMG_1702.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I felt a tremendous relief to be in the forest and out of the desert. If something happened to me I could survive here. Things are living here, this is familiar to me, and it felt good.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxRYZZA9to8egXYBTW2a4vPeYKzosxLzBxh_R_9J0q0vY_PPMn2xEC2-ntWryfcoZ3pqoAo8Lp7rPAULR41dvVJpJ9Dxlku8ko9bbbs3QrQ71LvMCxpDk_Pes4ptoLSQYbYMqh0nt6Jmg/s1600-h/IMG_1712.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375618246507583170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxRYZZA9to8egXYBTW2a4vPeYKzosxLzBxh_R_9J0q0vY_PPMn2xEC2-ntWryfcoZ3pqoAo8Lp7rPAULR41dvVJpJ9Dxlku8ko9bbbs3QrQ71LvMCxpDk_Pes4ptoLSQYbYMqh0nt6Jmg/s320/IMG_1712.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I could catch and kill and eat something with my bare hands, build shelter from limbs and branches! Yes, *this* was the place to be stranded.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitkv7trK2H4GttDmVVT4r4eCX6kb1voT6MSSvQmCdLGa4AzJyomm-j9Y7_cC1GeZjpVycIcfF87ssJ01adw9yxRgTR1_nexGm8sKdkN4ykiBLL0GN90WkkSbzvEku1jn6dry1yBi3KF-0/s1600-h/IMG_1714.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375618233576714770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitkv7trK2H4GttDmVVT4r4eCX6kb1voT6MSSvQmCdLGa4AzJyomm-j9Y7_cC1GeZjpVycIcfF87ssJ01adw9yxRgTR1_nexGm8sKdkN4ykiBLL0GN90WkkSbzvEku1jn6dry1yBi3KF-0/s320/IMG_1714.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I was, however, thankful that my gas can was full and emptying it into the tank staved off the stress that comes with a blinking gas light. I used a self-designated rest stop while listening intently for bear and then was off again.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg42XQOaj8cm5fdJgUQS9hiz9_g2sUZCtB1Z4DwW5Rt9RQs4liiaKZQyxfPf98j8RWvDN8dOlFL3rTXeKsrd70DlHtCSzOEeN4Cg9MDaDD3cf_XtSWjhQGv5RuLPIzdvbkv3jqgpEyZu9U/s1600-h/IMG_1666.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375610421530054914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg42XQOaj8cm5fdJgUQS9hiz9_g2sUZCtB1Z4DwW5Rt9RQs4liiaKZQyxfPf98j8RWvDN8dOlFL3rTXeKsrd70DlHtCSzOEeN4Cg9MDaDD3cf_XtSWjhQGv5RuLPIzdvbkv3jqgpEyZu9U/s320/IMG_1666.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Once I got to John Day proper, I checked for directions to the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument in John Day and was told it was another 40 miles out of town. Hmmm. Some lovely twisty lowland farms, animals and water. A very nice, if hurried, ride.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXspsA_f_yUOqcljTJZSL3ac6oBsPoBNvzh7AEMo-GxJ8e0PoaROpf_1LwkpdE_dlT_3H2D-WfOzXKT0G0B1h1p5B0kSVTcqRNBC7A086tXcVVQ6W9AvyWp-MPWP9s-0iFwz5C5xR78k/s1600-h/IMG_1662.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375610436532260690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXspsA_f_yUOqcljTJZSL3ac6oBsPoBNvzh7AEMo-GxJ8e0PoaROpf_1LwkpdE_dlT_3H2D-WfOzXKT0G0B1h1p5B0kSVTcqRNBC7A086tXcVVQ6W9AvyWp-MPWP9s-0iFwz5C5xR78k/s320/IMG_1662.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Stunning, beautiful water!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjno1mAYHuRbPbD8qQq2NUjXHAIjeXsak9KsFbFzCE6uQzWuTBfR6lDrdh4G6qrOjCJDrAFkWnqRU-kOUCwLh8vWNrKULg8MIBOLLDcCgG5smjnX9WWrMlNl8RhJTZqdZ7xWc6bhFv_7PA/s1600-h/IMG_1671.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375614725432031762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjno1mAYHuRbPbD8qQq2NUjXHAIjeXsak9KsFbFzCE6uQzWuTBfR6lDrdh4G6qrOjCJDrAFkWnqRU-kOUCwLh8vWNrKULg8MIBOLLDcCgG5smjnX9WWrMlNl8RhJTZqdZ7xWc6bhFv_7PA/s320/IMG_1671.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6vohg29sagxYUNG9WiYoSBlPZ-31MWOrjwAg4dILQXrRXATPqHjdMgnwv11w_PFAUoaTxgDfE7KHLB_4y1Io4Ceb7nD4I1k1yofYWpj7GbpeSgBZiQxXxf-X7LAReSBoRnmv3glTwTg/s1600-h/IMG_1660.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375610444480928322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6vohg29sagxYUNG9WiYoSBlPZ-31MWOrjwAg4dILQXrRXATPqHjdMgnwv11w_PFAUoaTxgDfE7KHLB_4y1Io4Ceb7nD4I1k1yofYWpj7GbpeSgBZiQxXxf-X7LAReSBoRnmv3glTwTg/s320/IMG_1660.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I wasn't at John Day long, but used it to soak a desperately needed cooling vest and soak down before leaving. The heat had set in after the Canyon City gas stop and I was hurtin'. And, oh, yes, I did refill that gas can.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUUHxw3CO1I3n-1IT_uGhraOO_UNmtjb3POybfCpvvEEr_qGAwT9R0pyCFJJWh91R_LR4bGwNtWmxSpDPLUYp6rexKTd7enbj1bK4FSVqf_lBHZyf-3rxuXH9yzSNG5X3Ob8YUKqcDVO8/s1600-h/IMG_1674.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375614716280823778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUUHxw3CO1I3n-1IT_uGhraOO_UNmtjb3POybfCpvvEEr_qGAwT9R0pyCFJJWh91R_LR4bGwNtWmxSpDPLUYp6rexKTd7enbj1bK4FSVqf_lBHZyf-3rxuXH9yzSNG5X3Ob8YUKqcDVO8/s320/IMG_1674.JPG" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9uPtuhKb_zeyNUk-MumsBipmu5Lh3QMaKRRFlbcnA6nYdf_AIyq5LhhvldjLTysjWd_NTBcSmOijO-I32MUX15BrMoErr0ZPRcDtRdoop9_McVKFEPSUqYCBKsqLM62zrEBGYi7Lze4/s1600-h/IMG_1676.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375614709908137954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9uPtuhKb_zeyNUk-MumsBipmu5Lh3QMaKRRFlbcnA6nYdf_AIyq5LhhvldjLTysjWd_NTBcSmOijO-I32MUX15BrMoErr0ZPRcDtRdoop9_McVKFEPSUqYCBKsqLM62zrEBGYi7Lze4/s320/IMG_1676.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />More construction trying to get out of John Day and on to Walla Walla, Washington. It was hot. HOT!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgib8hf3_advGmCnKpF1XQy2csjvxccaFG2ofOZEm1xHjpQjqF-TmsSxkJDe-muNBro5eVH_kO88Dgt5DWqjOWcQQQCvQQUE_J6b6uktEPpWeR1_Hliwq-XZJVzbQuQ6iMKa3ZkCaPz5hg/s1600-h/IMG_1686.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375618274264365298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgib8hf3_advGmCnKpF1XQy2csjvxccaFG2ofOZEm1xHjpQjqF-TmsSxkJDe-muNBro5eVH_kO88Dgt5DWqjOWcQQQCvQQUE_J6b6uktEPpWeR1_Hliwq-XZJVzbQuQ6iMKa3ZkCaPz5hg/s320/IMG_1686.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />After a very long and twisted road to who-knew-where, I followed the road and the signs to each 'town' wondering which one would be big enough to have gas. I passed several that were probably just named to make life easier to deliver mail, before following signs into Heppner.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkPDu1Q4xlklmFVP0aKDdDlI-kuYKKD07qBVZYjHAOPoZEu8tc7GNgujtVX_k7PTZUZYJXKnQOySv7T5eN9OsgVB0uItfhq3lSlbyIPbA6dC3NpKekRuZDnqgUclHp-PQ4KzH-NJLNpJQ/s1600-h/IMG_1748.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375620352380920402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkPDu1Q4xlklmFVP0aKDdDlI-kuYKKD07qBVZYjHAOPoZEu8tc7GNgujtVX_k7PTZUZYJXKnQOySv7T5eN9OsgVB0uItfhq3lSlbyIPbA6dC3NpKekRuZDnqgUclHp-PQ4KzH-NJLNpJQ/s320/IMG_1748.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Heppner sprung up suddenly after a turn in the road - a full fledged big little town. I stopped for gas, and, yes, refilled the gas can.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ3FyCjZ5oLLaw7yEUcrkSkZ6j1_YKR95GiJjoebbCcWUfgQBeoOUvwhP_LdV27QfVURJCbpEEwn-yl4R650T6ZWVaPHkDHpFxc_qaDacm280JhFwkwIN-FFKm64_2ZCED7hR9VVk8bq4/s1600-h/IMG_1772.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375622094636372018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ3FyCjZ5oLLaw7yEUcrkSkZ6j1_YKR95GiJjoebbCcWUfgQBeoOUvwhP_LdV27QfVURJCbpEEwn-yl4R650T6ZWVaPHkDHpFxc_qaDacm280JhFwkwIN-FFKm64_2ZCED7hR9VVk8bq4/s320/IMG_1772.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />While I was checking the bike, another woman on a bike pulled in. I hesitated, but went to say 'hi' and met Connie, who was the highlight of my day. We had a lovely chat and she, on her 2 month old license, has racked up a couple thousand miles already and is on a Boulevard S40. I enjoyed our talk immensely, we exchanged information and I left giddy and renewed.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDB5jP9ZSEb4L09eHw63aNh78az0wugP_wtbua7GJv-bTZMjt8qYPp623ZJrp9g6siVtuw0mkpG33lLw36yfs3vSiyr3WrJvuhVE83T0mG1I858rMm_P4tZ-qP6iiwULOd3xnTL76lA48/s1600-h/IMG_1778.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375622087679335890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDB5jP9ZSEb4L09eHw63aNh78az0wugP_wtbua7GJv-bTZMjt8qYPp623ZJrp9g6siVtuw0mkpG33lLw36yfs3vSiyr3WrJvuhVE83T0mG1I858rMm_P4tZ-qP6iiwULOd3xnTL76lA48/s320/IMG_1778.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I loved the transition that happened in Oregon after that. The desert finally changed to rolling hills covered in low fields. A dramatic contrast to the dry, flat but studded with mountains, shrubby desert, the hills undulated like the earth was breathing, and it was stunning. The pictures just do not convey how amazingly beautiful it was. Even as vast as the land went on, it didn't feel as desolate as the expanses of desert.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrrWmDZ4HC5Ld6tTlVjfDMzz-yfSYhrcggVGh4nOs4R8fkvCtGAeVCLMdUaVVTmjsHIsMY1snd1_xEkyEPBl4e-7lxqpbD0jv1Gm70-iLJ3VhEa2FT_vyT6tpWewCSARymqpbn8nGQEmg/s1600-h/IMG_1762.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375620338408652370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrrWmDZ4HC5Ld6tTlVjfDMzz-yfSYhrcggVGh4nOs4R8fkvCtGAeVCLMdUaVVTmjsHIsMY1snd1_xEkyEPBl4e-7lxqpbD0jv1Gm70-iLJ3VhEa2FT_vyT6tpWewCSARymqpbn8nGQEmg/s320/IMG_1762.JPG" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkxzOANwyx_DL7R1zVNFFSmYnZui1UcOFDb1P0gpJDBcmqFUQgH4k2itMd0kkHi54hJ1e9ZanIhefSsjttRhq7IKsDkG7UTtfMS_IPZVKw8prPa5_1vIVecPt5z_CWvMC2lJnjkgSp9Qw/s1600-h/IMG_1758.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375620330224111986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkxzOANwyx_DL7R1zVNFFSmYnZui1UcOFDb1P0gpJDBcmqFUQgH4k2itMd0kkHi54hJ1e9ZanIhefSsjttRhq7IKsDkG7UTtfMS_IPZVKw8prPa5_1vIVecPt5z_CWvMC2lJnjkgSp9Qw/s320/IMG_1758.JPG" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFJHmx1c4LY1aHGfw5NEsUhX-DIjM018mnfuOtde-2KOojSZXENjQA3qW0vvw-ok-NOBlhnCG-Onz0fzgRmEfTwRvf9SE4eVgLuYIgNzWsr2wImFsiJwMyIrz3Ddft91BWqCjsGmaVv0/s1600-h/IMG_1763.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375620320392758514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFJHmx1c4LY1aHGfw5NEsUhX-DIjM018mnfuOtde-2KOojSZXENjQA3qW0vvw-ok-NOBlhnCG-Onz0fzgRmEfTwRvf9SE4eVgLuYIgNzWsr2wImFsiJwMyIrz3Ddft91BWqCjsGmaVv0/s320/IMG_1763.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Then, as abruptly as so many of the changes have happened this trip, as I entered Washington walls of rock rose up on my right side. On the left, a guardrail and a railroad track and beyond that was an enormous body of water. On the far side was the same: an enormous wall of rock, solid and straight up. Both sides went on for miles. I'd never seen anything like it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNz7KhO_CVchiKoWfDyqOCJy8Qz0KdtRD8ktdYLhTZYYkZiO-oYljWjqQBZ_ZMGzJLKNrXBO7fCpjZtvWp2HEA4LexpIAt9C368qalTCmVyAgA5-wjtviG7wR3dBZSNI-zP5KRg22p5Kg/s1600-h/IMG_1834.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375622072908333490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNz7KhO_CVchiKoWfDyqOCJy8Qz0KdtRD8ktdYLhTZYYkZiO-oYljWjqQBZ_ZMGzJLKNrXBO7fCpjZtvWp2HEA4LexpIAt9C368qalTCmVyAgA5-wjtviG7wR3dBZSNI-zP5KRg22p5Kg/s320/IMG_1834.JPG" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxR5aJ3GIPy6GyIYSqHW-HBuOyruaHKamMT7-nvfne5G-w5vRLrOikuhW0D2Ob5RZ-xAIcXbNc2zRK-jk8hAGZQoZXxNKurqegsRPawc3xpQVGXQNgxqWKPRNKQ418a5KsiwE5jQxehyphenhyphenQ/s1600-h/IMG_1847.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375622063399201282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxR5aJ3GIPy6GyIYSqHW-HBuOyruaHKamMT7-nvfne5G-w5vRLrOikuhW0D2Ob5RZ-xAIcXbNc2zRK-jk8hAGZQoZXxNKurqegsRPawc3xpQVGXQNgxqWKPRNKQ418a5KsiwE5jQxehyphenhyphenQ/s320/IMG_1847.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I got to Walla Walla at dusk. I went to the Whitman Mission to know where I would be returning in the morning.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZH32-popBFjrdkNHY9Kc-1bVduTWRxFqepHWvzX7n_XtbDsZmbqRlo7UNPI362sYZml2PPJoWUNjc6c1nZUuHfyRi4IABJfhi-G4Uut1y-NyIOczmRwfauH5EUJz6VIQ7TeCykZnzJ4/s1600-h/IMG_1854.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375622057463839810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZH32-popBFjrdkNHY9Kc-1bVduTWRxFqepHWvzX7n_XtbDsZmbqRlo7UNPI362sYZml2PPJoWUNjc6c1nZUuHfyRi4IABJfhi-G4Uut1y-NyIOczmRwfauH5EUJz6VIQ7TeCykZnzJ4/s320/IMG_1854.JPG" border="0" /></a>Turns out that it was the first day of college and it was tight getting a place to stay with all the students' families in town to deliver their young'uns. It all worked out in the end, of course, and after revisiting the Mission site the next morning, my trek turned East to start on my way home.</p>jwestermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13286140065668045010noreply@blogger.com3