Dec. 19th, 2007 Final thoughts...
These are the final notes on the tremendous trip I had this summer,
from July 24 until it ended on October 24, 2007.
It has been nearly 2 months since my little "mishap" on Oct. 24th.
It has been about 5 weeks since I returned home to Oregon on Nov. 11th.
The rain is POURING down here, and has been for days. Another storm
is out in the Pacific, promising to dump even MORE rain on us over the next week.
There is no riding going on here in the near future.
A NEW BIKE & A NEW TRIP
I have received my check from the insurance company. Sure, I wish it had been a little more, but I think they were "fair" to me. However the whole process was a little frustrating and overwhelming. I won't be going into the insurance biz anytime soon!
Yesterday I received the current issue of Motorcycle Cruiser magazine with a preview of all the 2008 bikes. Over 100 models, in all sizes (primarily cruisers/tourers) and brands are included. I've made no decisions, and probably won't until springtime. As for the new trip, or finishing the old one, a decision on that will have to wait. There are too many things "up in the air" about our future here in Eugene, OR. But I will definitely ride again! The 50mph "get off" was not bad enough to scare me away from the joy of riding! I've talked to folks since my accident, that have had 2, even 3 mishaps, who still ride. Those who ride, you know what I'm talking about!
Yes, to some, the risk IS worth the reward!
ADJUSTING TO HOME
Coming home has been quite an adjustment. I was 1 day short of being gone from home 16 weeks. Wow...how things change. I initially felt like a stranger at home. I know my short trip can't begin to compare, but now I do have an idea about our soldiers struggle to reconnect when they return home after a tour of duty. I know it is far worse and more difficult for them.
According to my daughter, I didn't put things back in the fridge the way "they were supposed to go." I had 4 months of bank statements to review, and accounts to balance. I had a trailer full of gear to unload, unpack and put away. I felt "odd" being here. I was used to being alone and in my own space. Now I felt like a visitor or a guest. When I moved things around, I felt like I was intruding in someone else's space! I was definitely out of my element!
When I looked out the 2nd story windows, or went into in my own back yard, I felt "confined" by the fence surrounding the place. I felt the neighbors were too close. And even though I'd camped very close to the interstate several times, I heard the noise of the traffic around here just more acutely. Later on, my wife told me I was experiencing sensory overload. And later I learned all the "stuff" that was around me was really aggravating me.
It felt good to work in the yard again, to mow the grass, and walk around the house. I'd forgotten about the flowers planted in the spring. I have to say though, my wife did an EXCELLENT job of keeping the yard up while I was gone. I'd forgotten about the new chairs around the kitchen table that Nat had purchased a year ago. I'd forgotten about the new fence I built in the back yard. My favorite easy chair got moved to the bedroom while I was gone. I'd forgotten we even had it. Things I had viewed a hundred times before, now seemed "new" to me.
PROFOUND THOUGHTS AND MUSINGS
...or neat stuff I learned!
Being on the road for 75 days (actual riding days) gave me a lot of time to think,
and a lot of opportunities to interact with people from all walks of life.
In that time, here are only some of the things that impacted me.
1) A lot of us (people in general) have higher opinions of ourselves than we ought to.
2) Most of us are treated better than we deserve.
3) Many have gone ahead of us to prepare the way for what we have and how we live today.
And those folks, some of them, paid with their lives. I need to honor and remember them more.
4) The United States of America is a GREAT place to live. We live in a beautiful land.
Contrasts abound in it's geography, in it's people, and in it's beauty.
5) Life can change in a heartbeat. I need to appreciate each day and LOOK for the good
in the days that don't seem to have any good in them.
6) There are some kind, gracious, helpful, hospitable and friendly people out there all over our land, and in Canada, too! I want and need to be more like them!
7) I had a tremendous opportunity that many will never have. I am grateful and don't take it for granted.
8) Silence and solitude...they can be good things. I need to embrace them more.
I don't really know how to sum up the entire experience. The same old overused adjectives come to mind. Words like awesome, fantastic, beautiful, phenominal, peaceful, serene, restful and WOW! ...all together just cannot convey what I saw, heard, and felt over the 14,000+ miles I traveled, all in the saddle and on 2 wheels. Now when I see someone traveling, especially on 2 wheels, I think to myself "I hope they have as great of a trip as I did." I can only wish that each of you reading this can someday, somehow, experience this great land we live in.
Thank you for reading my ramblings. Thank you for the prayers and well wishes you sent my way. Thank you for the comments you posted, the emails you sent and the phone calls I received. I am grateful for the many friends I have, now all across the country!
God bless you all!
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Sunday, October 28, 2007
October 25, 2007 The day after
October 25, 2007
The day after my "mishap"
After showering and having "continental breakfast" at the hotel, I came back to my room and starting making calls to get a rental car. The airport was out. I called two places that would shuttle me to them if I were within 5 or 10 miles. I was about 20 miles away. I took a cab and paid the $34 to get me there. I had called AAA and they would reimburse me up to $200 for hotel, meals, car rental, etc. as a result of the crash.
Once I got my car (Ford Explorer to put trailer stuff in) I headed west on I-40 back toward the accident scene. I pulled off just for a moment, then decided to go look at the bike first. When I pulled in, I saw my helmet, jacket and rainsuit jacket in the shop of the towing company. The guy took me up the hill, and the pics will show you what I saw. I got my camera out and starting taking pictures. I opened up the trailer and everything was still intact. The officer told me the only thing he found on the ground was my ink pen. It had slid out of my tank bag. The trailer, with 2 gas cans, did not flip and burst apart, nor did the saddle bags split open, spilling all their contents. It probably took me half an hour to load it all into the Explorer and double check to see if I'd collected it all. It was sure an eerie feeling. My arm was really aching by now, and my back, just above my right side at the waist was sore today.
I dropped off my prescription at the pharmacy, went and had lunch, and went by the police station to get a report. When I went back to pick up the prescription, both of the pharmacy techs (ladies) were riders! They were amazed at what had happened and all the details. I then dropped off a list of the bike and accessories to the tow shop so the adjuster would have some idea of what I had there. All of my dealings with all the folks that had a part in any of this were just fantastic. I did not have one bad experience here, other than the accident itself. I then headed out to Nashville.
I was glad to be on my way to Symsonia. When I finally got cell service, I called several folks. It really made the time pass better. When I finally got into Symsonia Thursday evening about 7pm, I was just dragging. I had been in the same clothes for 2 days. I was just glad to be somewhere familiar. It was good to be here. I was GRATEFUL to be here at all.
I was glad to be on my way to Symsonia. When I finally got cell service, I called several folks. It really made the time pass better. When I finally got into Symsonia Thursday evening about 7pm, I was just dragging. I had been in the same clothes for 2 days. I was just glad to be somewhere familiar. It was good to be here. I was GRATEFUL to be here at all.
Day #75 October 24, 2007
Day #75 “Mishap Day”
Wednesday October 24, 2007
Knoxville, TN to Harriman, TN
49 miles today (28,468-28,517 the last mile on this bike…)
14,050 miles total
35 states total (+Wash. DC and Canada)
Where do I start to write about this day? It started off pretty normal. I had looked out the window twice during the night just to check on the bike and trailer. Rain was steadily falling both times. But at least everything was covered up, and though damp, would remain relatively dry. I wasn’t in any big hurry this morning, as I figured I had 3 hours (if that many) to Nashville and then 2 more to get to Symsonia in west KY. I went to the continental breakfast and had a waffle and coffee and took coffee back to the room. I showered, dressed, and packed the trailer with the few things I took out of it last night. By 9 I was nearly ready to go but felt a little edgy like I’d had too much coffee. So I went back to the breakfast and had some toast and OJ. While there, I met a couple from St. Louis who had two daughters that live in Oregon! One even lives in Eugene and teaches out at LCC. Her name is Karen and she teaches in the communications dept. at LCC. The other daughter lives in Albany. I think they said they were coming out to Oregon this Thanksgiving for two weeks. They trade holidays between the daughters in OR and a son in SC.
Since riding in the cold and wet on the Blue Ridge, I wanted to find some “handlebar mitts” for the ride to Symsonia and also down into FL in case I ran into more rain. I’ve been hearing it would be a given that more rain is in my riding future. I googled the Yamaha shop the night before and found it next door to a HD shop, both owned by the same folks. I found what I wanted at the HD shop. I installed them in the lot, was able to wear my thinner summer gloves, and off I went. It had sprinkled rain off and on several times in the short distance from the motel to the HD shop. The roads were wet, but not necessarily slick. The last light before the freeway was on an uphill incline, and I actually slid to a stop as the light changed. Yikes. I just didn’t want to chance, beating the light on this 4 lane divided highway. Once I got on the interstate, the trucks were flying. I kept my speed between 50 and 55, a speed I was comfortable with considering the conditions. I had traveled about 25 miles from the western edge of Knoxville, when I decided I wanted to gas up before heading on to Nashville. This is when the little “mishap” (as my friend Rusty calls them) occurred.
I rode the previous two days in rain, fog, wind, and one day on WET LEAVES! Yuk! This day, I was on the freeway, I-40, which was wet, but it was not raining at the time. I had gotten off the freeway and back on one other time previously in the 2 hours I'd been riding. The off ramp was long and straight, with a right turn at the bottom. I could see all the way to the bottom. The posted speed was 45 for the ramp, and it was just a typical straight shot "slow down as you go" off ramp. NO curves in the top end at the freeway. I was doing about 50 mph, having just looked at my trip meter and speedometer, and deciding to get fuel. I noticed the posted speed, and thought I'll just throttle off a little as I go. I remember just tapping the brake two or maybe three times as I exited, or moved to the exit. I would guess both the bike and the trailer had just moved from the travel lane of the freeway to the off ramp lane, and then without ANY warning the bike just went out from underneath me. There was no wobble, no weaving, no vibration, no jerking, no bump or anything to indicate there was a problem. I wasn't speeding, leaning, doing anything I can say attributed to the slide.
As the bike went down, wheels out to the left, I somehow either let go, or was "thrown" (right word?) from the bike. As the bike went down, I was closer to the ground and didn't even feel or notice hitting the ground. I road the off ramp, on my butt (I think), feet first pointing down the ramp. As I was going down I either thought, or said out loud, "Help me Lord Jesus." I wasn't yelling or panicky, but just knew I needed some help here. I saw the bike, with the trailer right behind still in a straight line, go by me. Both the bike and trailer, and me, were moving in a slight angle toward the guard rail. Everything was in slow motion, but my life did NOT flash before my eyes. I remember thinking I don’t want to get caught between the bike and guard rail. I feel like I could count the metal I-beam posts holding up the guard rail as I was sliding by, things were in such slow motion. I saw the bike/trailer pass me, then I looked to the guard rail, back to the bike which had hit the post by now, and I saw the trailer "bounce" straight up in the air as the bike was suddenly stopped by the post. The trailer never flipped over. I then saw the rail as I slammed into it. My right arm was either up already, or I raised it just before impact, and then my body slammed into my raised right arm. The bottom of the guard rail cut my arm about 2" above my wrist bone, on the outer edge of my arm, perpendicular to the bone. I didn't know this at the time. When I came to rest (the bike/trailer already had), I laid my head down on the ground (I was on my back) just to get my bearings. Just within a few seconds I tried to get up...and did! I thought "Wow! What a ride!" My arm was really aching, but I was aware it took the brunt of the impact. My head never hit the ground or the guard rail until I laid it down in the dirt after I’d quit sliding.
An elderly Mennonite couple was behind me on the freeway and had observed the whole thing. As they stopped on the off ramp, and came to my aid, I was up and walking and thinking “I’ve got to make some pictures!” Of all mornings, I put my camera in the opposite saddle bag of normal and it was on the side on the ground. The lady was near me now and was shaking badly and I think crying a little, and the man kept saying "I thought you were dead! I thought you were dead!" I was up and standing by the time they got stopped and got over to me. I took my own helmet and gloves off, but then noticed my right hand was all red (blood) and she helped get my raingear and leather jacket off. Then we noticed my arm and the gash in it. Since then, I can recall seeing the cars and trucks whiz by as they passed the top of the exit ramp. I can’t help but wonder what some of them thought as they passed by. Some probably think they witnessed a fatality. I have to admit that my thoughts at the moment were not on the close call I had, but as I looked on the crumpled up bike, “Darn! How am I going to finish my trip?!” Must be all the adrenaline!
An ambulance was returning from a call they'd just finished up on, and were about 2 minutes behind me on the interstate. I think they came upon us before 911 put out the call to our location. Of course, my time frame is probably all out of whack, but it was quick. The paramedic was taping my arm, the local Kingston police officer was wanting my license, and the elderly lady was still shaking and half crying. About then it just kind of hit me and I said "I've got to lean up against the trailer for a minute." As soon as I did that, out came the gurney, and then the back board. I remember the paramedic (right title?) asking me something about the back board, and my reply was “Will it COST any more?” I mean afterall, I had to save enough money to get back home, right? They put the C collar on me, strapped me to the back board and we were on our way. I had my first helicopter ride AND my first ambulance ride on this trip! The helicopter was MUCH more exciting, and I'm SURE it cost less!!!! On the way in, the paramedic talked with me and he was a biker too! That helped. As we got to the ER, I asked him one favor: "DON'T cut my boots! DON'T cut my boots!" He laughed and told the doctor when we arrived "Oh, and don't cut his boots." The charge nurse in the ER who took me in and cleaned me up also rides with her husband. So I felt like I was surrounded by people who understood "why" I would find the risk worth the reward...
The ER was very busy. They put me in an exam room and got me stitched up. But shortly afterwards they had to move me out because the ambulances just kept coming in. After I got x-rayed (no broken bones) and dressed, the social worker came to see me after hearing about me. I had no wheels, no clothes other than the jeans and tshirt I had on, and no place to go, and no relatives in the area. As much as I could think straight at the time, I thought I needed a rental car to get around. The closest was in the Knoxville airport, about 40 miles away. When I got in the cab, I asked the guy if I could get to the airport for $20-$30, as I had no idea at the time where I was, and no idea where the airport was. He chuckled and said “No, it’s $100 bucks to the airport.” What? “Stop the cab!” I wasn’t about to pay that. I apologized for the trouble I caused him and told him I’d have to work something else out. I had walked about ½ block back toward the hospital when he came back around honking and waving at me. He pulled up and told me dispatch had told him that the hospital was picking up the tab for this. I do remember the social worker telling me that, but in all the details of trying to get out of there, I just forgot about it.
Once at the airport, I got out of the cab and hesitated about where to go. I needed a phone as mine was nearly dead and I had no service, I was hungry, my clothes were a mess, and as of yet, 6 hours after the accident I hadn’t heard from my wife. I headed to the airport magazine store looking for a phone card. There were none. But the nice lady behind the counter, Michelle, let me use her phone.
Busy signal. I asked about something to eat, and all the real food was on the other side of security. So I bought a phone charger, thanked her and hunted for an outlet to plug in my phone. After plugging the phone in and sitting down, I realized I still didn’t have any service, so the charger did me no good. Then I headed downstairs to rent a car. I tried every vendor there, and each one was all sold out! Great, no luggage, no car, no phone. By now, I was just feeling kind of “wore out” from it all. I was walking around this airport with dirty, torn jeans. My white t-shirt looked like I’d been in it a week. My boots had mud all around the bottom, and I just felt a little “lost” I think. I needed a place to “crash” (once today was not enough??) so I called a motel with shuttle service from the motel directory near the luggage carousel. When the little gal asked me how I was doing today, I just kind of chuckled and said “Not too bad for a guy nearly killed 6 hours ago.” She was not only the driver, but also the clerk at the motel. She fixed me up with a razor and shaving cream, toothpaste and brush, a comb, deodorant, and several other things. She gave me a list and menu of several places that delivered free to the motel. She just went out of her way to try and get me settled in.
I made several calls from the room, asking my daughter Karla to contact several people for me. I eventually got to talk to Nat. She was pretty calm about the whole thing. I called Don Brunk, a CMA’er from Eugene. Within 30 minutes the local CMA president was calling me to ask what I needed. What a great network to have access to. I was settled in, had dinner on the way and really didn’t need anything the rest of the night. I took some Aleve the clerk gave me and hit the hay.
The whole day was kind of a big blur at this point. I couldn’t quite believe I had survived a “50 mph get off” and not only survived, but got up and walked away!
Praise the Lord for that. I have to admit, my thoughts had turned to disappointment that the trip was done. Now I’d have to figure out how I’ll get around, get the bike and trailer, get them home, and a multitude of other details.
Where do I start to write about this day? It started off pretty normal. I had looked out the window twice during the night just to check on the bike and trailer. Rain was steadily falling both times. But at least everything was covered up, and though damp, would remain relatively dry. I wasn’t in any big hurry this morning, as I figured I had 3 hours (if that many) to Nashville and then 2 more to get to Symsonia in west KY. I went to the continental breakfast and had a waffle and coffee and took coffee back to the room. I showered, dressed, and packed the trailer with the few things I took out of it last night. By 9 I was nearly ready to go but felt a little edgy like I’d had too much coffee. So I went back to the breakfast and had some toast and OJ. While there, I met a couple from St. Louis who had two daughters that live in Oregon! One even lives in Eugene and teaches out at LCC. Her name is Karen and she teaches in the communications dept. at LCC. The other daughter lives in Albany. I think they said they were coming out to Oregon this Thanksgiving for two weeks. They trade holidays between the daughters in OR and a son in SC.
Since riding in the cold and wet on the Blue Ridge, I wanted to find some “handlebar mitts” for the ride to Symsonia and also down into FL in case I ran into more rain. I’ve been hearing it would be a given that more rain is in my riding future. I googled the Yamaha shop the night before and found it next door to a HD shop, both owned by the same folks. I found what I wanted at the HD shop. I installed them in the lot, was able to wear my thinner summer gloves, and off I went. It had sprinkled rain off and on several times in the short distance from the motel to the HD shop. The roads were wet, but not necessarily slick. The last light before the freeway was on an uphill incline, and I actually slid to a stop as the light changed. Yikes. I just didn’t want to chance, beating the light on this 4 lane divided highway. Once I got on the interstate, the trucks were flying. I kept my speed between 50 and 55, a speed I was comfortable with considering the conditions. I had traveled about 25 miles from the western edge of Knoxville, when I decided I wanted to gas up before heading on to Nashville. This is when the little “mishap” (as my friend Rusty calls them) occurred.
I rode the previous two days in rain, fog, wind, and one day on WET LEAVES! Yuk! This day, I was on the freeway, I-40, which was wet, but it was not raining at the time. I had gotten off the freeway and back on one other time previously in the 2 hours I'd been riding. The off ramp was long and straight, with a right turn at the bottom. I could see all the way to the bottom. The posted speed was 45 for the ramp, and it was just a typical straight shot "slow down as you go" off ramp. NO curves in the top end at the freeway. I was doing about 50 mph, having just looked at my trip meter and speedometer, and deciding to get fuel. I noticed the posted speed, and thought I'll just throttle off a little as I go. I remember just tapping the brake two or maybe three times as I exited, or moved to the exit. I would guess both the bike and the trailer had just moved from the travel lane of the freeway to the off ramp lane, and then without ANY warning the bike just went out from underneath me. There was no wobble, no weaving, no vibration, no jerking, no bump or anything to indicate there was a problem. I wasn't speeding, leaning, doing anything I can say attributed to the slide.
As the bike went down, wheels out to the left, I somehow either let go, or was "thrown" (right word?) from the bike. As the bike went down, I was closer to the ground and didn't even feel or notice hitting the ground. I road the off ramp, on my butt (I think), feet first pointing down the ramp. As I was going down I either thought, or said out loud, "Help me Lord Jesus." I wasn't yelling or panicky, but just knew I needed some help here. I saw the bike, with the trailer right behind still in a straight line, go by me. Both the bike and trailer, and me, were moving in a slight angle toward the guard rail. Everything was in slow motion, but my life did NOT flash before my eyes. I remember thinking I don’t want to get caught between the bike and guard rail. I feel like I could count the metal I-beam posts holding up the guard rail as I was sliding by, things were in such slow motion. I saw the bike/trailer pass me, then I looked to the guard rail, back to the bike which had hit the post by now, and I saw the trailer "bounce" straight up in the air as the bike was suddenly stopped by the post. The trailer never flipped over. I then saw the rail as I slammed into it. My right arm was either up already, or I raised it just before impact, and then my body slammed into my raised right arm. The bottom of the guard rail cut my arm about 2" above my wrist bone, on the outer edge of my arm, perpendicular to the bone. I didn't know this at the time. When I came to rest (the bike/trailer already had), I laid my head down on the ground (I was on my back) just to get my bearings. Just within a few seconds I tried to get up...and did! I thought "Wow! What a ride!" My arm was really aching, but I was aware it took the brunt of the impact. My head never hit the ground or the guard rail until I laid it down in the dirt after I’d quit sliding.
An elderly Mennonite couple was behind me on the freeway and had observed the whole thing. As they stopped on the off ramp, and came to my aid, I was up and walking and thinking “I’ve got to make some pictures!” Of all mornings, I put my camera in the opposite saddle bag of normal and it was on the side on the ground. The lady was near me now and was shaking badly and I think crying a little, and the man kept saying "I thought you were dead! I thought you were dead!" I was up and standing by the time they got stopped and got over to me. I took my own helmet and gloves off, but then noticed my right hand was all red (blood) and she helped get my raingear and leather jacket off. Then we noticed my arm and the gash in it. Since then, I can recall seeing the cars and trucks whiz by as they passed the top of the exit ramp. I can’t help but wonder what some of them thought as they passed by. Some probably think they witnessed a fatality. I have to admit that my thoughts at the moment were not on the close call I had, but as I looked on the crumpled up bike, “Darn! How am I going to finish my trip?!” Must be all the adrenaline!
An ambulance was returning from a call they'd just finished up on, and were about 2 minutes behind me on the interstate. I think they came upon us before 911 put out the call to our location. Of course, my time frame is probably all out of whack, but it was quick. The paramedic was taping my arm, the local Kingston police officer was wanting my license, and the elderly lady was still shaking and half crying. About then it just kind of hit me and I said "I've got to lean up against the trailer for a minute." As soon as I did that, out came the gurney, and then the back board. I remember the paramedic (right title?) asking me something about the back board, and my reply was “Will it COST any more?” I mean afterall, I had to save enough money to get back home, right? They put the C collar on me, strapped me to the back board and we were on our way. I had my first helicopter ride AND my first ambulance ride on this trip! The helicopter was MUCH more exciting, and I'm SURE it cost less!!!! On the way in, the paramedic talked with me and he was a biker too! That helped. As we got to the ER, I asked him one favor: "DON'T cut my boots! DON'T cut my boots!" He laughed and told the doctor when we arrived "Oh, and don't cut his boots." The charge nurse in the ER who took me in and cleaned me up also rides with her husband. So I felt like I was surrounded by people who understood "why" I would find the risk worth the reward...
The ER was very busy. They put me in an exam room and got me stitched up. But shortly afterwards they had to move me out because the ambulances just kept coming in. After I got x-rayed (no broken bones) and dressed, the social worker came to see me after hearing about me. I had no wheels, no clothes other than the jeans and tshirt I had on, and no place to go, and no relatives in the area. As much as I could think straight at the time, I thought I needed a rental car to get around. The closest was in the Knoxville airport, about 40 miles away. When I got in the cab, I asked the guy if I could get to the airport for $20-$30, as I had no idea at the time where I was, and no idea where the airport was. He chuckled and said “No, it’s $100 bucks to the airport.” What? “Stop the cab!” I wasn’t about to pay that. I apologized for the trouble I caused him and told him I’d have to work something else out. I had walked about ½ block back toward the hospital when he came back around honking and waving at me. He pulled up and told me dispatch had told him that the hospital was picking up the tab for this. I do remember the social worker telling me that, but in all the details of trying to get out of there, I just forgot about it.
Once at the airport, I got out of the cab and hesitated about where to go. I needed a phone as mine was nearly dead and I had no service, I was hungry, my clothes were a mess, and as of yet, 6 hours after the accident I hadn’t heard from my wife. I headed to the airport magazine store looking for a phone card. There were none. But the nice lady behind the counter, Michelle, let me use her phone.
Busy signal. I asked about something to eat, and all the real food was on the other side of security. So I bought a phone charger, thanked her and hunted for an outlet to plug in my phone. After plugging the phone in and sitting down, I realized I still didn’t have any service, so the charger did me no good. Then I headed downstairs to rent a car. I tried every vendor there, and each one was all sold out! Great, no luggage, no car, no phone. By now, I was just feeling kind of “wore out” from it all. I was walking around this airport with dirty, torn jeans. My white t-shirt looked like I’d been in it a week. My boots had mud all around the bottom, and I just felt a little “lost” I think. I needed a place to “crash” (once today was not enough??) so I called a motel with shuttle service from the motel directory near the luggage carousel. When the little gal asked me how I was doing today, I just kind of chuckled and said “Not too bad for a guy nearly killed 6 hours ago.” She was not only the driver, but also the clerk at the motel. She fixed me up with a razor and shaving cream, toothpaste and brush, a comb, deodorant, and several other things. She gave me a list and menu of several places that delivered free to the motel. She just went out of her way to try and get me settled in.
I made several calls from the room, asking my daughter Karla to contact several people for me. I eventually got to talk to Nat. She was pretty calm about the whole thing. I called Don Brunk, a CMA’er from Eugene. Within 30 minutes the local CMA president was calling me to ask what I needed. What a great network to have access to. I was settled in, had dinner on the way and really didn’t need anything the rest of the night. I took some Aleve the clerk gave me and hit the hay.
The whole day was kind of a big blur at this point. I couldn’t quite believe I had survived a “50 mph get off” and not only survived, but got up and walked away!
Praise the Lord for that. I have to admit, my thoughts had turned to disappointment that the trip was done. Now I’d have to figure out how I’ll get around, get the bike and trailer, get them home, and a multitude of other details.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Day #74 October 23, 2007
Day #74
Tuesday October 23, 2007
Ashville, NC to Knoxville, TN
166 miles today (28,302-28,468)
14,001 miles total
35 states total (+Wash. DC and Canada)
It rained off and on all night last night. But before dark, after returning from a day around, but not through, the Smoky Mtn. Nat’l Park, I moved the canopy from the picnic table to the tent. I wanted to keep the tent dry in case the rain was falling while breaking camp. And I was able to keep the tent dry except the 2’ or so at the end over the bed area. Shouldn’t hurt it.
I got onto the LAST section (70 miles!) of the Blue Ridge Parkway before 8:30 AM. I traveled only a few short miles before….FOG! Wow. No real surprise there. There were 7 tunnels in the first 11 miles this AM. And it certainly seemed that the fog AND the rain increased after exiting each one of the 7. Last week, starting at Front Royal, VA I had 2 beautiful days of riding. I travled the last 2 on the parkway in bad weather, and now the final day would prove to be the WORST! I traveled 20 miles this morning when I came to Pisgah, where there is a restaurant. I had to make a left hand turn, across the opposing lane of traffic, in the fog to get into the parking lot. I almost passed the opening it was so foggy, and until I got IN the opposing lane, I couldn’t even see the car coming. I think he was traveling WAY TOO FAST for the foggy conditions. I actually met a car or two without lights on in fog so thick you couldn't see 4-5 car lengths in front of you.
As I was going in, I met a guy from Ontario that had done 7,000+ miles. He had started in Vancouver, BC and gone all the way done into Mexico. He was on his way back to Ontario. Fog and rain was the report from him. After having another breakfast (excuse to get out of fog/rain), I met another rider, John from SC, who was going north up the Blue Ridge Parkway. We visited a while, then it was back out in the fog. I stopped at the highest point on the parkway and made a couple of pics. As I headed to the end, about a mile before getting there, almost to Cherokee, NC, I passed a pullout where a guy on a big bike was waving and flagging me down. I had to ride nearly a ½ mile to find a safe spot to pull over and turn around. I could SEE the end of the Blue Ridge Parkway less than 100 yds away, but I had to turn around and help a guy, or at least try. I thought, “Oh no, I’ve come 469 miles in 5 days and I can’t get to the end!” When I got back to the turnout, the guy explained how his big Valkerie Interstate fell over, a passing motorist helped him get it upright, and how he been trying to start it for over 30 minutes. He explained about a “tip over switch” that shuts them off when they’re tipped over. He’d disconnected the battery and tried everything else he knew to get the switch to reset and the bike to start. He put the key in to show me there was nothing, and as he reached for the throttle I said “Have you checked the kill switch?” He looked at me like I was from Mars. But then he had that “I am SO DUMB” look. He flipped the switch, hit the starter and VROOOM it fired right up! I wanted to take his picture, but just couldn’t. And out of respect for a fellow biker, I’ll just keep his name and state to myself. At least I was able to help. I told him I'd send him a bill if he didn't help some other rider on down the road. We traded road conditions, as we were going opposite directions and I was on my way to FINISH the Blue Ridge. I stopped and made a pic of mile marker #469, the last one. I was FINALLY off the Blue Ridge Parkway, and was kind of glad of it.
I rode the short 26 miles across Smoky Mtn. Nat’l Park from Cherokee to Gatlinburg and headed on in to Pigeon Forge, TN. I stopped at DUFF’S Smorgasbord in Pigeon Forge for lunch. I had a customer in Eugene by the name of Dan Wilkins who gave me his business card and wrote on the back that I could get 8 free meals when I stopped in Pigeon Forge. I’d saved the card for nearly a year, thinking I would be coming through the area. I was really a little skeptical about it, as I had no idea Dan had any connections to the restaurant. I think he told me at one time he was the owner of it. When I got there, and told the cashier I had a business card for 8 free meals, she looked at me a little funny. She was new and had to call someone else over. When I told the other person in charge I was traveling from Eugene, OR and had a card from Dan Wilkins, she immediately said “Oh, Dan, sure! We know all about him!” About half the staff knew Dan and just spoke like he was Santa Claus or someone equally as generous. Dan has a really big heart (read his story below), but sometimes you just can’t tell if he’s serious about something. They had me record my name in a spiral bound notebook (were those names all free meals from Dan???) and changed my card from 8 to 7, and I was on my way through the buffet line! Check out Dan’s movie “Have you seen Clem?” Paste this address in your browser for more info on it.
It rained off and on all night last night. But before dark, after returning from a day around, but not through, the Smoky Mtn. Nat’l Park, I moved the canopy from the picnic table to the tent. I wanted to keep the tent dry in case the rain was falling while breaking camp. And I was able to keep the tent dry except the 2’ or so at the end over the bed area. Shouldn’t hurt it.
I got onto the LAST section (70 miles!) of the Blue Ridge Parkway before 8:30 AM. I traveled only a few short miles before….FOG! Wow. No real surprise there. There were 7 tunnels in the first 11 miles this AM. And it certainly seemed that the fog AND the rain increased after exiting each one of the 7. Last week, starting at Front Royal, VA I had 2 beautiful days of riding. I travled the last 2 on the parkway in bad weather, and now the final day would prove to be the WORST! I traveled 20 miles this morning when I came to Pisgah, where there is a restaurant. I had to make a left hand turn, across the opposing lane of traffic, in the fog to get into the parking lot. I almost passed the opening it was so foggy, and until I got IN the opposing lane, I couldn’t even see the car coming. I think he was traveling WAY TOO FAST for the foggy conditions. I actually met a car or two without lights on in fog so thick you couldn't see 4-5 car lengths in front of you.
As I was going in, I met a guy from Ontario that had done 7,000+ miles. He had started in Vancouver, BC and gone all the way done into Mexico. He was on his way back to Ontario. Fog and rain was the report from him. After having another breakfast (excuse to get out of fog/rain), I met another rider, John from SC, who was going north up the Blue Ridge Parkway. We visited a while, then it was back out in the fog. I stopped at the highest point on the parkway and made a couple of pics. As I headed to the end, about a mile before getting there, almost to Cherokee, NC, I passed a pullout where a guy on a big bike was waving and flagging me down. I had to ride nearly a ½ mile to find a safe spot to pull over and turn around. I could SEE the end of the Blue Ridge Parkway less than 100 yds away, but I had to turn around and help a guy, or at least try. I thought, “Oh no, I’ve come 469 miles in 5 days and I can’t get to the end!” When I got back to the turnout, the guy explained how his big Valkerie Interstate fell over, a passing motorist helped him get it upright, and how he been trying to start it for over 30 minutes. He explained about a “tip over switch” that shuts them off when they’re tipped over. He’d disconnected the battery and tried everything else he knew to get the switch to reset and the bike to start. He put the key in to show me there was nothing, and as he reached for the throttle I said “Have you checked the kill switch?” He looked at me like I was from Mars. But then he had that “I am SO DUMB” look. He flipped the switch, hit the starter and VROOOM it fired right up! I wanted to take his picture, but just couldn’t. And out of respect for a fellow biker, I’ll just keep his name and state to myself. At least I was able to help. I told him I'd send him a bill if he didn't help some other rider on down the road. We traded road conditions, as we were going opposite directions and I was on my way to FINISH the Blue Ridge. I stopped and made a pic of mile marker #469, the last one. I was FINALLY off the Blue Ridge Parkway, and was kind of glad of it.
I rode the short 26 miles across Smoky Mtn. Nat’l Park from Cherokee to Gatlinburg and headed on in to Pigeon Forge, TN. I stopped at DUFF’S Smorgasbord in Pigeon Forge for lunch. I had a customer in Eugene by the name of Dan Wilkins who gave me his business card and wrote on the back that I could get 8 free meals when I stopped in Pigeon Forge. I’d saved the card for nearly a year, thinking I would be coming through the area. I was really a little skeptical about it, as I had no idea Dan had any connections to the restaurant. I think he told me at one time he was the owner of it. When I got there, and told the cashier I had a business card for 8 free meals, she looked at me a little funny. She was new and had to call someone else over. When I told the other person in charge I was traveling from Eugene, OR and had a card from Dan Wilkins, she immediately said “Oh, Dan, sure! We know all about him!” About half the staff knew Dan and just spoke like he was Santa Claus or someone equally as generous. Dan has a really big heart (read his story below), but sometimes you just can’t tell if he’s serious about something. They had me record my name in a spiral bound notebook (were those names all free meals from Dan???) and changed my card from 8 to 7, and I was on my way through the buffet line! Check out Dan’s movie “Have you seen Clem?” Paste this address in your browser for more info on it.
After lunch I headed out of town and got onto I-40 west bound toward Knoxville.
I had made the decision to head to west KY to surprise my wife by showing up there this coming Saturday. She was flying in for some family business, and I hadn’t seen her smiling face in nearly 3 months! I was looking forward to the visit. Rain was forecast again for tonight and tomorrow, so I decided to settle in a motel for the night, and try to keep everything dry. I was glad to be off the Blue Ridge Parkway, finally. The fog, along with wind and rain, made for some very tense riding days. I hope to be in Symsonia by Thursday at the latest, then it will be on to Florida and corner #3!
I had made the decision to head to west KY to surprise my wife by showing up there this coming Saturday. She was flying in for some family business, and I hadn’t seen her smiling face in nearly 3 months! I was looking forward to the visit. Rain was forecast again for tonight and tomorrow, so I decided to settle in a motel for the night, and try to keep everything dry. I was glad to be off the Blue Ridge Parkway, finally. The fog, along with wind and rain, made for some very tense riding days. I hope to be in Symsonia by Thursday at the latest, then it will be on to Florida and corner #3!
Monday, October 22, 2007
Day #73 October 22, 2007
Day #73
Monday October 22, 2007
Ashville, NC to Ashville, NC
273 miles today
13,835 miles total
35 states total (+Wash. DC and Canada)
I got up about 4:30 and left camp about 5:45 AM. I rode in the dark with the trucks on I-40 West. As I climbed the mountains out of Asheville, the temp really began to drop. I had debated about putting on long underwear under my jeans this AM, but decided not to. Was questioning that now. As I rounded one of the tight 50mph curves at about 60mph, there was WET PAVEMENT! Yikes. I really throttled back and about that time the rain started coming down a little harder. My exit off I-40 was about a mile away, so I was at least off the freeway, even if I was in the rain. I had to pull off within another mile and suit up, in the dark.
The trip to Gatlinburg from Asheville was nearly 75 miles. By the time I arrived the sky was beginning to lighten. However, all that was really lit up were the huge, dark storm clouds overhead. I gassed up and drove on in, riding from one end of town to the other. Of course, Gatlinburg has changed in 31 years, and I didn’t find anything familiar. I saw 2 things I remembered. One was the big round concrete hotel sitting high up on a hill. The other was the tram going up the hill on the other side of the street to a German (Bavarian?) restaurant.
All the downtown area has been completed torn down and rebuilt into the little shopping courtyards so prevalent at all the tourist places across the country. There was NO parking at the last 3 restaurants I passed. I turned around at the end of town, and headed back to a place I saw when I first entered the downtown.
As I was getting my helmet/jacket off, a couple walked by and he was checking out the bike. I followed them in, and they later invited me to join them. Dave and Kathy were there in Gatlinburg to get married! She had been to Oregon 5-6 times in years past and even had a job interview there once. She had some relatives here for the wedding who are from McKenzie Bridge, only about 40 miles from Eugene. Dave is a fellow biker, and has a passion for the older BMW’s. He’s looking forward to retiring soon so he can “go to work” restoring/riding old bikes. Kathy would like to move to Oregon. We talked over breakfast, then they were on their way to go get their marriage license.
I headed out to Pigeon Forge, just to see how it had changed, and to take me toward the “Tail of the Dragon” route. Wow! What a change! Tourist row for sure! The traffic was pretty light I thought. Dave and Kathy shared how her relatives last week drove 2 hours to travel the 7 miles from Pigeon Forge to Gatlinburg. I head out of Pigeon Forge on US 321 toward Wear Valley and Townsend on the Foothills Parkway. In Wear Valley I came out of my rain gear, shed some layers, got gas and coffee and moved on.
Before turning off on US 129, I fell in behind a group of 6-7 Harleys. I brought up the rear and just rode with them all the way to Deals Gap. The ride along the “Tail of the Dragon” was fun, and not as difficult or demanding as I had anticipated. I think we have roads as equally as challenging and scenic in Oregon. The old McKenzie Pass and the road to Hells Canyon Dam on the Snake River come to mind. But, it was fun for sure, and I'm glad I took the day to come over. As far as adrenilin rush and thrill related to risk (i.e. HIGH on the dumb stuff to do list), the ride up I-40 this AM, in the dark, in the rain, riding along side the trucks on the tight turns and narrow lanes, was actually more exciting than the "Tail of the Dragon." I stopped in Deals Gap and bought the obligatory t-shirts, magnets and decal to attach to my trailer. I had lunch in Robbinsville while the rain fell quite hard. I rode through Cherokee and back to Asheville on US 19. Tomorrow I’ll come through here again “one way” on my way through the park instead of around it.
I got back to Asheville and camp about 5PM. It been a long 11+ hour day, and most of it was spent in the saddle. I made dinner, checked mail, packed some stuff up, got ready to break camp and hit the road tomorrow.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Day #72 October 21, 2007
Day #72
Stayed put in Asheville, NC KOA
Didn't even start the bike up today...
never unlocked it from the tree it's cabled to.
It got down right chilly last night! The weather station in Asheville reported 36 degrees.
I got up twice to see if my heater was running, and it was. Supposed to be 49 tonight for a low,
and rain is coming this way...again. I've missed two beautiful days for riding. But I've ridden almost 72 days, so I'm sticking with my plan to let the tourist traffic thin out a little before heading to Gatlinburg tomorrow.
I've spent the entire day updating the blog (nearly all caught up) and updating my gas & expense logs. It has been a beautiful sunny day here, and warm. Many of the campers have moved on. I haven't seen any new ones pull in anywhere today.
I'll get my gear assembled for tomorrow's run, which should be a long, long day.
But without the trailer, it should be more fun. I plan to be on the road very early, before sun up
to get over the mountain and to the park.
It has been a relaxing day, including talking to Nat.
Stayed put in Asheville, NC KOA
Didn't even start the bike up today...
never unlocked it from the tree it's cabled to.
It got down right chilly last night! The weather station in Asheville reported 36 degrees.
I got up twice to see if my heater was running, and it was. Supposed to be 49 tonight for a low,
and rain is coming this way...again. I've missed two beautiful days for riding. But I've ridden almost 72 days, so I'm sticking with my plan to let the tourist traffic thin out a little before heading to Gatlinburg tomorrow.
I've spent the entire day updating the blog (nearly all caught up) and updating my gas & expense logs. It has been a beautiful sunny day here, and warm. Many of the campers have moved on. I haven't seen any new ones pull in anywhere today.
I'll get my gear assembled for tomorrow's run, which should be a long, long day.
But without the trailer, it should be more fun. I plan to be on the road very early, before sun up
to get over the mountain and to the park.
It has been a relaxing day, including talking to Nat.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Day #71 October 20,2007
Day #71
Saturday October 20, 2007
Ashville, NC to Asheville, NC
96 miles today (27,993 – 28,029)
13,562 miles total
35 states total (+Wash. DC and Canada)
A pretty chilly morning, but the sun is shining brightly. Should be a gorgeous day. I got dressed and had breakfast at a Shoney’s several miles down the road. Of course, the waitress wanted to know all about the trip once she discovered what I was doing. The leathers were a dead giveaway. She and her husband hope to ride to the Grand Canyon this coming summer.
After breakfast, I cleaned up the tent some, organized, showered and tried the internet. No service this morning. I figure it’s their down time or something. So I took the ride into Maggie Valley to see the Wheels of Time motorcycle museum. Lots and lots and LOTS of old Harley stuff, including a motorized HD tiller and a HD log saw. Several old cars, a plane or two. They claim that everything in there will run. I would guess there are a couple of hundred old bikes in there. They had some good vignettes set up for different periods. One was a hill of dirt about 12’ or more high with various hill climbing bikes on and around the hill. Another was an old garage, with a gravel floor, complete down to the oil stains and spills on the gravel. The display with the tiller and saw was built around what appeared to me to be an old mining scene. Some of the motorized things were on rails.
The afternoon ride was beautiful. Lots of traffic in the little town of Maggie Valley. Every motel I saw said NO vacancy. I hope to ride across the mountain into Gatlinburg and do the Tail of the Dragon tomorrow. I’ll have to leave early if I’m going to do all that in one day. And I’ve got to work in the remaining nearly 70 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway yet, too.
I’ve met several other bikers here and picked up some good information. A Knoxville, TN couple warned me about the sport bikers up on the Deals Gap road. And a Stuart, FL man (where Natalie’s sister lives) is going to try to connect me with some of his buddies who have gone into the Keys several times. And a nice couple with 2 kids from South Carolina pulled in late yesterday afternoon in a big Monaco Coach. She warned me of a big football game this coming weekend that will have the I-95 traffic tied up for miles or days. These folks purchased their coach from Lazy Days in Tampa, I believe he said. I remember engraving Lazy Days on lots of Country Coach sales awards. Both Monaco and Country Coach are manufactured in the Eugene and Junction City area of Oregon.
It’s been a pretty relaxing, peaceful day. I didn’t really intend to ride at all, even the 96 miles. But since I had no internet I decided to enjoy the weather.
The "Clyde" pic is for my friend in Eugene, Mr. Beebe!
Friday, October 19, 2007
Day #70 October 19, 2007
Day #70
Friday October 19, 2007
Boone, NC to Asheville, NC
163 miles today (27,770 - 27,933)
13,466 miles total
35 states total (+Wash. DC and Canada)
Again, for the 2nd day in a row, the word of the day is FOG!
Before hitting the parkway, I stopped for coffee at a gas station waiting for daylight to show up. I didn’t want to ride the parkway in the dark. While there, I met a man who had lived in Springfield, OR until he was 7. And tonight at the drug store, one of the clerks had relatives that lived in Eugene, OR for years. I didn’t recognize the names. To my daughter Karla: Yes dear, it is amazing how many Oregon connections there are no matter where I go!! And yes, in order to have friends, you must be friendly!
Back to the FOG! It appeared early again today, within just a few miles of getting started. I had no traveling companions today (Keith and Sharon), so I just pressed on. When the fog was absent, the trees and their colors were even MORE vivid than yesterday! Each day the colors just deepen. For the 4th day in a row, I have no idea how far I will travel. I thought I would do the 470 mile parkway in 2-3 days. This is day #4 and I am STILL nearly 70 miles from being to the end. I’m hearing 3-4 hours to cover the last 70 miles. The speed limit is only 45 mph, and I’ve heard strictly enforced. However, I’ve yet to see anyone out here in 4 days who would be concerned about it.
I rode for nearly 2 hours this morning when I was ready for a warm up at one of the park service owned gift shop/snack bars. However, they didn’t open till 10, nearly 20 minutes away. I wasn’t going to wait around. Why, I could cover 3-4 more miles at the rate I’m traveling this morning! While there I met another rider who was also going south. He was headed to Birmingham, AL for the big vintage bike show and swap meet.
After this stop, about 20 minutes later, the forecasted rain made a very strong appearance. Buckets? A torrent? Cats and dogs? I don’t know best how to describe it, but I had to pull off the road. After about 15 minutes of just standing in the rain, it finally eased, so I moved on again. But the fog remained. I saw on my map a place called Mt. Mitchell which is the highest point east of the Mississippi. It was within the park boundary, and only 5 miles off the road. Being this close, I wanted to stop, even if I knew I would never see the summit on a day like this. But as I got closer, I discovered there was a restaurant near the top. Finally, a warm up spot. The summit was about like Mt. Washington in NH back on day #50; windy, foggy, and cold. Soup and coffee helped warm me up as I watched the fog and clouds blow by at a steady clip. Another solo rider there gave me some warnings about the wind in the Keys when I go there.
As I drove down the mountain in the afternoon and began to drop in to Asheville, NC, the sky cleared, the temp climbed some, and the roads dried out. However, the traffic got thick. I thought seriously of a motel for the weekend as I’ve heard from 3 different sources this is expected to be the busiest tourist weekend of the year in and around Smoky Mtn National Park. But the $140/night price tag of a mid-grade motel drove me to the KOA. It’s great. Good wi-fi, nice people, not crowded, so I’m convinced it’s exactly where I need to be. I even set up a canopy over the picnic table, intending to catch up on the blog tomorrow and Sunday.
I’ll sit tight here tomorrow and Sunday and let the tourists clear out of the Smokies before I head over that way Monday. I’ll want to do the Tail of the Dragon, see downtown Gatlinburg, visit the Wheels in Time motorcycle museum, all while down here.
Again, for the 2nd day in a row, the word of the day is FOG!
Before hitting the parkway, I stopped for coffee at a gas station waiting for daylight to show up. I didn’t want to ride the parkway in the dark. While there, I met a man who had lived in Springfield, OR until he was 7. And tonight at the drug store, one of the clerks had relatives that lived in Eugene, OR for years. I didn’t recognize the names. To my daughter Karla: Yes dear, it is amazing how many Oregon connections there are no matter where I go!! And yes, in order to have friends, you must be friendly!
Back to the FOG! It appeared early again today, within just a few miles of getting started. I had no traveling companions today (Keith and Sharon), so I just pressed on. When the fog was absent, the trees and their colors were even MORE vivid than yesterday! Each day the colors just deepen. For the 4th day in a row, I have no idea how far I will travel. I thought I would do the 470 mile parkway in 2-3 days. This is day #4 and I am STILL nearly 70 miles from being to the end. I’m hearing 3-4 hours to cover the last 70 miles. The speed limit is only 45 mph, and I’ve heard strictly enforced. However, I’ve yet to see anyone out here in 4 days who would be concerned about it.
I rode for nearly 2 hours this morning when I was ready for a warm up at one of the park service owned gift shop/snack bars. However, they didn’t open till 10, nearly 20 minutes away. I wasn’t going to wait around. Why, I could cover 3-4 more miles at the rate I’m traveling this morning! While there I met another rider who was also going south. He was headed to Birmingham, AL for the big vintage bike show and swap meet.
After this stop, about 20 minutes later, the forecasted rain made a very strong appearance. Buckets? A torrent? Cats and dogs? I don’t know best how to describe it, but I had to pull off the road. After about 15 minutes of just standing in the rain, it finally eased, so I moved on again. But the fog remained. I saw on my map a place called Mt. Mitchell which is the highest point east of the Mississippi. It was within the park boundary, and only 5 miles off the road. Being this close, I wanted to stop, even if I knew I would never see the summit on a day like this. But as I got closer, I discovered there was a restaurant near the top. Finally, a warm up spot. The summit was about like Mt. Washington in NH back on day #50; windy, foggy, and cold. Soup and coffee helped warm me up as I watched the fog and clouds blow by at a steady clip. Another solo rider there gave me some warnings about the wind in the Keys when I go there.
As I drove down the mountain in the afternoon and began to drop in to Asheville, NC, the sky cleared, the temp climbed some, and the roads dried out. However, the traffic got thick. I thought seriously of a motel for the weekend as I’ve heard from 3 different sources this is expected to be the busiest tourist weekend of the year in and around Smoky Mtn National Park. But the $140/night price tag of a mid-grade motel drove me to the KOA. It’s great. Good wi-fi, nice people, not crowded, so I’m convinced it’s exactly where I need to be. I even set up a canopy over the picnic table, intending to catch up on the blog tomorrow and Sunday.
I’ll sit tight here tomorrow and Sunday and let the tourists clear out of the Smokies before I head over that way Monday. I’ll want to do the Tail of the Dragon, see downtown Gatlinburg, visit the Wheels in Time motorcycle museum, all while down here.
Nat, you'd like the decorations here at the KOA campground. A pic of the hosts is at the top of the page. Can you figure out which ones they are?
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Day #69 October 18, 2007
Day #69
Thursday October 18, 2007
Meadows of Dan, VA to Boone, NC
137 beautiful miles today (27,633 - 27,770)
13,303 miles total
1 new state today: North Carolina
35 states total (+Wash DC & Canada)
The “Word for the Day” today is: F-O-G!!!! More on that later…
I got up early and packed, ready to go long before the sun got up. Once daylight appeared, I realized there would be NO sun today! I went to the back porch of the campground and Will was making coffee. Another rider showed up, named Bruce, who had arrived after dark last night. He was from NH and on his way to Birmingham, AL to a vintage motorcycle show/swap meet and museum. We had breakfast together at Mabry Mill on the Blue Ridge Parkway. We parted company from there, as he had to go back and tear down his camp. I headed south on the Blue Ridge.
I traveled only 16 miles until I literally had to pull over. I wanted to pull over sooner, but this was the first available spot. The fog is so thick I can’t see to ride. I paced off the steps from my bike before it disappeared before my eyes, and all it took was 20 paces, or about 60 ft, and I could no longer see the bike at all. Riding in this is crazy and VERY taxing on the senses. Everything is heightened and tense.
After 45 minutes or so of sitting there, reading, checking maps, walking around, a Gold Wing pulling a Bushtec trailer pulled in with a couple on it. This was my “divine appointment” for the day. They too were tired of riding in this and had pulled off hoping for it to lift. We visited a while and I found out they were believers from Nashville, TN. They knew of Paris, TN (their hometown originally), Paducah, Benton and Mayfield, KY. They lead worship conferences at different places. We decided we’d ride together, since we both had CB’s and it would provide some additional security/safety to have someone else along on a day like this. We rode along, talking about our families, jobs, trips etc. and had lunch together at one of the park restaurants along the parkway. Finally about 3:45PM, shortly after a gas stop, they went ahead down the parkway toward Asheville and I turned off toward Boone to find the KOA.
The fog was off and on all day long. At two different times for 15 or 20 minutes, I led us along at 30mph because the fog was just so thick. But the leaves…the leaves were MORE BEAUTIFUL than the previous two days, if that is possible. The colors are just popping out! We rode through one really neat “tunnel” of trees where the trees nearly touched one another toward the center of the roadway.
Forecasted tonight is rain! There are no cabins available for tonight at the Boone KOA.
They do have some tent sites with covered, graveled “patios” for lack of a better description. The guy at the KOA store suggested I drag the table out and pull the trailer in under the cover. The graveled area has a 4x6 frame, with the 6” dimension coming up out of the ground. I build some ramps out of gravel and 2x’s to get over it, but in trying to get the bike OUT of the framed in area, I got stuck…I got high centered on the crashbars! I had to get help getting out. They were kind enough to help, especially the guy that suggested I try that! They were good sports about it!
Showered, did laundry, moved photos from the camera to the laptop and tried the web.
Nope, no service. The blog is SO far behind….
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Day #68 October 17, 2007
Day #68
Wednesday October 17, 2007
Waynesboro, VA to Meadows of Dan, VA
226 beautiful miles today (27,407 - 27,633)
13,166 miles total
34 states total (+Wash DC & Canada)
I got up about 5AM so I could do more than 122 miles today. Here it is at 6:45, I am sitting in the local greasy spoon, Weasie’s Kitchen. All your local “old timers” are here. The sun is just beginning to lighten up the sky behind the mountains that I rode on yesterday. I can see them from the table where I am sitting. I’m looking forward to another beautiful day.
5:30 PM
I have ridden over 178 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway today. I can remember all the way back to Day #9, which was August 1st, when I rode the Chief Joseph Highway (WY state route 296) which goes from the NE entrance of Yellowstone Nat’l Park to Cody, WY. I thought IT was beautiful! I think I have found its competitor. I often caught myself actually saying out loud “Whoa!” as I rounded a curve, or climbed the hill, or pulled into an overlook turnout. The trees, it’s as if some of them were SHOUTING with their colors. Some just popped! The mountains and hills, some far off in the distance, were peppered with reds, oranges, yellows and every shade in between. Today, the Blue Ridge Mountains were like a carpet, all woven together to create a fantastic tapestry. And today, God was the weaver, and I got to observe His weaving. “Wow!” is all I can say.
Early this morning, I stopped after breakfast at a wayside picnic area. You had to drive off the main parkway 100 yards. The grounds were laid out in a large loop. In the center was a pair of restrooms. Scattered throughout the grounds, arranged around the loop were picnic tables and parking spaces. This must have been about 8AM. It was still, quiet and very peaceful. Squirrels were all over the ground. The leaves were crunching under their feet. Then I saw the deer. I had already seen 3 right on the road earlier, but I probably saw 12 here in the picnic area. I counted 4 fawns. One young buck stood between me and the bathrooms for over a minute. He was frozen in place, standing broadside to me, with his head turned back just staring me down. I watched, moved as little as possible, and snapped off a couple of pictures before he bounded away.
The ride today WAS better than the ride yesterday, just as John and MJ said it would be. I couldn’t believe it. And I’ve already heard from a local, that it gets only better as I get into North Carolina. How can it?! At one point I got behind a motorhome. As it approached a turnout to let me by, I saw their tags were OREGON! So instead of passing, I pulled along side and asked where in Oregon. Albany, OR is their home and they were on their way to New Orleans I believe. Amazing that on the Blue Ridge Parkway I would meet someone from that close to home.
Tonight I am camped at a motorcycle only campground. There is only me and one other couple here. They are from somewhere in NC, and are camped for 4 days, just to ride and see the sites. They are up here nearly every weekend he told me. There is a big pavilion in the campground, that looks nearly new, which has 2 cast bronze plaques, a large perpetual plaque, and large oval shaped portrait of a guy on a motorcycle. They are all in honor and memory of the man in the photo, but I don’t know what the story is behind it all. I hope I can find out before I go tomorrow. Also, the owner of the campground, his sister and her husband are here visiting, and they are from Seattle, WA. Another NW connection.
It has been an absolutely fantastic day of riding today…but rain is in the forecast for tomorrow sometime. We shall see. “Into every life, a little rain must fall.”
Wednesday October 17, 2007
Waynesboro, VA to Meadows of Dan, VA
226 beautiful miles today (27,407 - 27,633)
13,166 miles total
34 states total (+Wash DC & Canada)
I got up about 5AM so I could do more than 122 miles today. Here it is at 6:45, I am sitting in the local greasy spoon, Weasie’s Kitchen. All your local “old timers” are here. The sun is just beginning to lighten up the sky behind the mountains that I rode on yesterday. I can see them from the table where I am sitting. I’m looking forward to another beautiful day.
5:30 PM
I have ridden over 178 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway today. I can remember all the way back to Day #9, which was August 1st, when I rode the Chief Joseph Highway (WY state route 296) which goes from the NE entrance of Yellowstone Nat’l Park to Cody, WY. I thought IT was beautiful! I think I have found its competitor. I often caught myself actually saying out loud “Whoa!” as I rounded a curve, or climbed the hill, or pulled into an overlook turnout. The trees, it’s as if some of them were SHOUTING with their colors. Some just popped! The mountains and hills, some far off in the distance, were peppered with reds, oranges, yellows and every shade in between. Today, the Blue Ridge Mountains were like a carpet, all woven together to create a fantastic tapestry. And today, God was the weaver, and I got to observe His weaving. “Wow!” is all I can say.
Early this morning, I stopped after breakfast at a wayside picnic area. You had to drive off the main parkway 100 yards. The grounds were laid out in a large loop. In the center was a pair of restrooms. Scattered throughout the grounds, arranged around the loop were picnic tables and parking spaces. This must have been about 8AM. It was still, quiet and very peaceful. Squirrels were all over the ground. The leaves were crunching under their feet. Then I saw the deer. I had already seen 3 right on the road earlier, but I probably saw 12 here in the picnic area. I counted 4 fawns. One young buck stood between me and the bathrooms for over a minute. He was frozen in place, standing broadside to me, with his head turned back just staring me down. I watched, moved as little as possible, and snapped off a couple of pictures before he bounded away.
The ride today WAS better than the ride yesterday, just as John and MJ said it would be. I couldn’t believe it. And I’ve already heard from a local, that it gets only better as I get into North Carolina. How can it?! At one point I got behind a motorhome. As it approached a turnout to let me by, I saw their tags were OREGON! So instead of passing, I pulled along side and asked where in Oregon. Albany, OR is their home and they were on their way to New Orleans I believe. Amazing that on the Blue Ridge Parkway I would meet someone from that close to home.
Tonight I am camped at a motorcycle only campground. There is only me and one other couple here. They are from somewhere in NC, and are camped for 4 days, just to ride and see the sites. They are up here nearly every weekend he told me. There is a big pavilion in the campground, that looks nearly new, which has 2 cast bronze plaques, a large perpetual plaque, and large oval shaped portrait of a guy on a motorcycle. They are all in honor and memory of the man in the photo, but I don’t know what the story is behind it all. I hope I can find out before I go tomorrow. Also, the owner of the campground, his sister and her husband are here visiting, and they are from Seattle, WA. Another NW connection.
It has been an absolutely fantastic day of riding today…but rain is in the forecast for tomorrow sometime. We shall see. “Into every life, a little rain must fall.”
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Day #67 October 16, 2007
Day #67
Tuesday October 16, 2007
Front Royal, VA to Waynesboro, VA
122 miles today (27,285 - 27,407)
12,940 miles total
34 states total
ONLY 122 miles traveled today, but oh what miles they were! I rode the 105 mile length of the Skyline Drive, overlooking the Shenandoah Valley. Virginia is an especially beautiful state. The Shenandoah Valley is just awesome. I have no new words to describe the views, and I know the old words are just worn out. The hilltops (mountains here) are just covered in trees in all kinds of colors. The view from up on top (the Skyline Drive) revealed just a patchwork quilt of woods, farms, small towns and open fields. The riding, with a 35 mph speed limit along the entire 105 mile length forces you to take in the scenery. I couldn’t ALWAYS stay at 35, but it did force me to really enjoy the riding today.
I had lunch at one of the ridgetop picnic areas. The pullouts, viewpoints, and picnic areas are numerous. The black bear warning signs are pretty prevalent though. I met a couple, Chuck and Becky from here in Virginia. They had lots of questions about the trailer and my trip. Becky later said I had inspired Chuck to keep on pursuing that motorcycling dream. I think Becky is after 55 acres in the country, so Chuck may have to dream a little longer.
Later in the day at a gas stop, I met a couple, John and MJ, also from Virginia.
He had a sister who lived in Florence, OR for about 3 years. MJ said John couldn’t do a long trip like mine as she just couldn’t be without him that long. But they do ride together, and they know some of what I’ve been experiencing. John has ridden all the roads I intend to take, including Tail of the Dragon. He said the views only get nicer as I go further south toward NC. HOW is that possible!?
The day finished off with one of my riding buddies, Nate Gayle, calling me to check up on me. Nate, you would be speechless seeing some of the views and vistas I have seen today. Just awesome.
It was a VERY good day today.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Day #66 October 15, 2007
Day #66
Monday October 15, 2007
Williamsburg, VA to Front Royal, VA
192 miles today (27,093 - 27,285)
12,718 miles total
34 states total (+ Wash DC & Canada)
I woke up at 3AM and couldn’t go back to sleep! Of course, as fall is here now, dark comes by 6:30 and the sunrise is later. In a tent, even with electricity, there is just not enough to do at this early hour. I spent this morning catching up on my debit card ledger. I’m STILL behind on the blog…just can’t get regular, consistent internet on the road.
Today was a beautiful day of riding! Right out of Williamsburg I rode on US 60 west toward Richmond. The trees lining the road often leaned in at the top, nearly touching one another, creating a tunnel like effect. I did take I-295 around Richmond, and then stayed on that until getting to US 522. US 522 went thur Cuckoo, VA and a little place called Mineral, VA. One sign in Mineral pointed to “Bumpass” which was 5 miles away. You can make your own guess at the proper pronunciation. In Mineral, a little one gas station town in the middle of VA, I passed a pack/ship store that was operated out of a home. I had been packing coffee mugs from the HD factory in York for over a week, as well as numerous magnets for Natalie, brochures, maps and other such things. Nice folks at this place.
The ride all along 522 was hilly, curvy and lined with trees in the midst of their fall color change. I rode around Culpeper looking for lunch. Not finding anything, I rode on thinking I would ride all the way to Front Royal, the top end of the Sky Line Drive and ultimately the Blue Ridge Parkway. Instead, when I got to the little burg of Sperryville, VA, I drove by a little café with a couple of “Motorcycle Parking Only” signs out front. I rode past it, turned around in the parking lot of a motorcycle leather shop at the end of the street. I would come back here after lunch.
The café, name Rae’s (I think!) could have been transported right out of Eugene, OR. It was NOT what I was expecting with the motorcycle signs out front. Of course, I was the only motorcyclist! The menu had the usual café fare, but also had VEGAN choices. The front entryway was covered with flyers announcing various yoga, healing and massage opportunities in the local area. I visited with 2 of the waitresses for a little bit then headed to the cycle shop.
The cycle shop was strictly leather. It was called Mark’s Motorcycle Leatherworks, Inc. Mark Esola, the owner and sole employee, is a retired (20+ years) Special Forces veteran. What a neat guy! We talked and shared about our views of the U.S., the world, and the deteriorating state of both. After visiting both Gettysburg and Wash DC last week, I am MUCH more keenly aware of what others have done and sacrificed so that I can ride freely across our entire nation. I tried to express my appreciation to him for his and his friend’s service, but I’m sure I didn’t do an adequate job. What kind of expression of thanks would be sufficient for that? Mark repaired a zipper pull on my chaps for me, and wouldn’t let me pay him for it. He was just glad to have someone who could relate to some of his view of life and the world we live in. It was a great place to stop. Thanks Mark! What a great place to have stopped!
I rode on into Front Royal and pulled in a motel. I’m tired, have camped 8 days, and will camp the next week until I reach the Atlanta, GA area where I’ll touch base with one of Natalie’s relatives. I hope I can take my time down the Blue Ridge and not get rushed to push on to Key
34 states total (+ Wash DC & Canada)
I woke up at 3AM and couldn’t go back to sleep! Of course, as fall is here now, dark comes by 6:30 and the sunrise is later. In a tent, even with electricity, there is just not enough to do at this early hour. I spent this morning catching up on my debit card ledger. I’m STILL behind on the blog…just can’t get regular, consistent internet on the road.
Today was a beautiful day of riding! Right out of Williamsburg I rode on US 60 west toward Richmond. The trees lining the road often leaned in at the top, nearly touching one another, creating a tunnel like effect. I did take I-295 around Richmond, and then stayed on that until getting to US 522. US 522 went thur Cuckoo, VA and a little place called Mineral, VA. One sign in Mineral pointed to “Bumpass” which was 5 miles away. You can make your own guess at the proper pronunciation. In Mineral, a little one gas station town in the middle of VA, I passed a pack/ship store that was operated out of a home. I had been packing coffee mugs from the HD factory in York for over a week, as well as numerous magnets for Natalie, brochures, maps and other such things. Nice folks at this place.
The ride all along 522 was hilly, curvy and lined with trees in the midst of their fall color change. I rode around Culpeper looking for lunch. Not finding anything, I rode on thinking I would ride all the way to Front Royal, the top end of the Sky Line Drive and ultimately the Blue Ridge Parkway. Instead, when I got to the little burg of Sperryville, VA, I drove by a little café with a couple of “Motorcycle Parking Only” signs out front. I rode past it, turned around in the parking lot of a motorcycle leather shop at the end of the street. I would come back here after lunch.
The café, name Rae’s (I think!) could have been transported right out of Eugene, OR. It was NOT what I was expecting with the motorcycle signs out front. Of course, I was the only motorcyclist! The menu had the usual café fare, but also had VEGAN choices. The front entryway was covered with flyers announcing various yoga, healing and massage opportunities in the local area. I visited with 2 of the waitresses for a little bit then headed to the cycle shop.
The cycle shop was strictly leather. It was called Mark’s Motorcycle Leatherworks, Inc. Mark Esola, the owner and sole employee, is a retired (20+ years) Special Forces veteran. What a neat guy! We talked and shared about our views of the U.S., the world, and the deteriorating state of both. After visiting both Gettysburg and Wash DC last week, I am MUCH more keenly aware of what others have done and sacrificed so that I can ride freely across our entire nation. I tried to express my appreciation to him for his and his friend’s service, but I’m sure I didn’t do an adequate job. What kind of expression of thanks would be sufficient for that? Mark repaired a zipper pull on my chaps for me, and wouldn’t let me pay him for it. He was just glad to have someone who could relate to some of his view of life and the world we live in. It was a great place to stop. Thanks Mark! What a great place to have stopped!
I rode on into Front Royal and pulled in a motel. I’m tired, have camped 8 days, and will camp the next week until I reach the Atlanta, GA area where I’ll touch base with one of Natalie’s relatives. I hope I can take my time down the Blue Ridge and not get rushed to push on to Key
West.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Day #65 October 14, 2007
Day #65
Sunday October 14, 2007
Whaleyville, MD to Williamsburg, VA
212 miles today (26,881 - 27,093)
12,526 miles total
34 states total (+ Wash. DC & Canada)
It is nearly 7AM on a clear and crisp Maryland morning. I am looking east, sitting at the picnic table and sipping on my second cup of coffee. The eastern sunrise is only moments away. My plans today include crossing the Chesapeake Bay via 2 ferrys. This will knock 100+ miles, or more, and several hours off my time. I am headed back to the Shenandoah Valley where I started yesterday. My preference is mountains over coastline, and I will ride the Sky Line Drive/Blue Ridge Parkway all the way into Gatlinburg, TN. It will energize me for al the coastal miles around Florida, including the Keys, and along the Gulf Coast.
I followed US 13 down almost to the MD/VA state line when I came upon an accident. Eventually, a life flight chopper would take someone out, and 6 ambulances were eventually on the scene. I pulled off the shoulder and waited it out for nearly 45 minutes. The ride down US 13 was all 4 lane, mostly at 60-65 mph, except where it crossed through the little towns. Then there were stop lights. I discovered the ferry was NOT an auto ferry, but for passengers only. So I continued south to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel where I paid the $16.00 toll to cross. That was so neat! Riding the bridge portion makes me think this is what Key West will be like. The road just eventually “dives” down into the tunnel portion which goes under the water. So cool! I had no trouble navigating to Hampton and on up I-64. The road was busy though, I thought, for a Sunday afternoon. As I approached Williamsburg, I was really feeling out of sorts, maybe from not being hydrated properly. Riding alone, for so long now, I’m getting a better sense of my body and the effects on proper food and water. Since the weather is so much cooler now, I suspect I’m just not drinking enough.
At the Williamsburg KOA, I met a couple from Florida, Paul and Joyce, who were driving a new and beautiful Country Coach bus style RV. It came from Junction City, OR, and I have done lots of things for Country Coach through the years. We talked quite a bit, as he was intrigued by my little pop up camper, especially since it was being pulled by a motorcycle.
I talked to two good friends tonight, Nick in Eugene and Daryl in Batesville, IN.
I’m looking forward now to getting away from the ocean and into the mountains.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Day #64 October 13, 2007
Day #64
Saturday October 13, 2007
Luray, VA to Whaleyville, MD
291 miles today (26,590 - 26,881)
12,314 miles total
1 new state today: Delaware AND Wash. DC
1 new state today: Delaware AND Wash. DC
34 states total (+ Canada)
I set my alarm for 5AM so I could get up and out of the Yogi Bear Campground ASAP! Of course, I wanted to go by the tent of the guy that let out the “rebel yell” till midnight, ride circles around his tent or something, but I exercised some restraint… I packed up in the dark, and after checking the weather online, pulled out and headed to breakfast. I ate at the same little place I had dinner (trout) at the night before. I really need to start fixing my own meals, as I’d save a bunch of $$$.
One of the guys in the restaurant, a Dr. from Lancaster, PA came over and started talking about his bike trips, etc. He’s a general surgeon, a pilot, a skydiver. He did share some good info on the Dry Tortugas. Another local there shared some info about DC and driving in and around it.
I left breakfast at 8 and headed to Front Royal to ship another load of brochures, maps and souvenirs home. But then I got there and they don’t open till 11AM, so it’s onward to DC for me! I took note of the US route #s for the trip through DC, but I failed to write down the corresponding street names, and I would need them. The traffic into DC on this Saturday morning was not nearly as bad as I was geared up for. I had to detour at least twice in downtown DC and that got me off US 50 and turned around. I went round and round, for nearly an hour as there is NO place to park, until finally the police got involved. In this security conscious place, in this day and age, I guess a guy pulling a trailer on a motorcycle around all the different government buildings for OVER AN HOUR, just might draw some suspicion. One of the many times I pulled up to Constitution Ave., I noticed 3 police cars across the intersection. I hadn’t any more pulled up to the crosswalk line at the red light, when one of them hit his lights AND siren and began to proceed across the intersection, through the cross traffic and pulled up right along beside me. “Wow…what is this?” I wondered.
I set my alarm for 5AM so I could get up and out of the Yogi Bear Campground ASAP! Of course, I wanted to go by the tent of the guy that let out the “rebel yell” till midnight, ride circles around his tent or something, but I exercised some restraint… I packed up in the dark, and after checking the weather online, pulled out and headed to breakfast. I ate at the same little place I had dinner (trout) at the night before. I really need to start fixing my own meals, as I’d save a bunch of $$$.
One of the guys in the restaurant, a Dr. from Lancaster, PA came over and started talking about his bike trips, etc. He’s a general surgeon, a pilot, a skydiver. He did share some good info on the Dry Tortugas. Another local there shared some info about DC and driving in and around it.
I left breakfast at 8 and headed to Front Royal to ship another load of brochures, maps and souvenirs home. But then I got there and they don’t open till 11AM, so it’s onward to DC for me! I took note of the US route #s for the trip through DC, but I failed to write down the corresponding street names, and I would need them. The traffic into DC on this Saturday morning was not nearly as bad as I was geared up for. I had to detour at least twice in downtown DC and that got me off US 50 and turned around. I went round and round, for nearly an hour as there is NO place to park, until finally the police got involved. In this security conscious place, in this day and age, I guess a guy pulling a trailer on a motorcycle around all the different government buildings for OVER AN HOUR, just might draw some suspicion. One of the many times I pulled up to Constitution Ave., I noticed 3 police cars across the intersection. I hadn’t any more pulled up to the crosswalk line at the red light, when one of them hit his lights AND siren and began to proceed across the intersection, through the cross traffic and pulled up right along beside me. “Wow…what is this?” I wondered.
With a half exasperated and half suspicious tone, he asked “Do you know what you’re doing?” “Trying to find US 50 to get out of DC” I replied. He gave me the directions (3 times as I had ear plugs in) of 5-6 different turns and streets and I was on my way, finally. And although I missed the last turn he gave me and got caught in construction for over 20 minutes, I finally made it out of DC. Oh how I wish I’d called up Dave Dahl (I met in Gettysburg) and had him escort me through on that morning!! That last missed turn put me right in the middle of a neighborhood I certainly did not belong in. So, after 2+ hours to go through and get out of DC, I was on my way. What a mess.
I crossed Annapolis, continued on to Delaware, but not before stopping 4-5 times to check and confirm my route. “What’s wrong with me today?” I wondered. I think I’m a little dehydrated, or sick. I just could not get oriented to where I was supposed to be. Did DC and the cop shake me up? I don’t know. I do know my internal compass is “out of whack” today!! I went way out of the way to ride along the Delaware coastline, and couldn’t even see the Atlantic, not even one time, due to all the development along the shore.
I’m staying in a neat (large) campground in Whaleyville tonight. But there’s a BENEFIT ROCK CONCERT going on in the pavilion! Arrrggghhhhh!!! Last night it was kids, hundreds of them, and tonight a rock concert! They finally packed it away at 8PM. I will be glad to get out of the east...
I’ll do laundry, shower and hit the hay. A cold day, but a beautiful one anyway,
even if I didn’t see the ocean and the cops did momentarily suspect me of bad intent.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Day #63 October 12, 2007
Day #63
Friday October 12, 2007
Gettysburg, PA to Luray, VA
148 miles today (26,442 – 26,590)
12,023 miles total
2 new states today: Maryland & Virginia
33 states total
I slept in this morning until 6:30. Yes, that IS sleeping in for me! I must have been tired.
I got out this morning shortly after 9AM in very sunny weather. Once I hit US 15 south, out in the open, I could really feel the wind. I hit Frederick, MD about 10 and pulled off at 2 different exits trying to find breakfast. I got back on US 15, continuing south into Maryland on MD state route 32.
I finally had breakfast in a little town called Brunswick, Maryland. I crossed quickly from Maryland, through Virginia, into W. Virginia all in a matter of about 2 minutes. I made my way to the Harper’s Ferry Visitor Center. Again, like in Gettysburg, there is just so much to see here than I realized. I took a shuttle bus to the downtown area where I made my way to the John Brown museum, watched 3 short videos, found the armory and toured the wax museum. I stayed nearly 3 hours and didn’t put a dent into all there was to see and do.
Decision time. Now where do I go from here? I still have to ride through Delaware to check that state off my list. And I WANT to ride through DC just to say I did. And I’ve had several folks tell me not to miss the Skyline Drive in the Shenandoah Nat’l Park. That ride is away from DC and Delaware. Since I was this close, I thought I’d head that way. At 3:30 PM I was not even at he entrance to the park yet, or the 105 mile drive. I picked up a Virginia Parks guide and found an RV park near the drive. I wanted a place BEFORE dark, so I called and booked it. I guess I was tired, as the name of the park should have tipped me off to what kind of place it would be. It had “Yogi Bear” in the name. I remember years ago camping in Oregon where a Fleetwood Mac concert was playing across the river. It was so loud! But here, at the “Yogi Bear Camp & Resort” the noise is even LOUDER!! Between all the kids running around, the country western music played at full volume and the occasional “rebel yell” let out for no reason, I seriously doubt I’ll sleep tonight.
I think I’ll head back into DC tomorrow. That decision is made.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Day #62 October 11, 2007
Day #62
Thursday October 11, 2007
Staying in Gettysburg, PA
99 miles today (26,343 – 26,442)
11,875 miles total
33 states total
It was pretty cool when I woke up this morning at 5:30AM. After I got the water going for the coffee, I had to dig out my little ceramic heater to knock the chill out of the air. It’s barely 6” square and 6” tall, but it will sure do the job in the trailer of heating the space and drying the moisture out of the air. I’m considering hanging my one and only blanket from one of the roof struts, just to see if it will work better heating only my sleeping space. The temp tonight is to drop down in the mid 40’s.
Today I rode back east on US 30 to York, PA to visit the Harley Davidson factory.
I got some rain for about the last 15 minutes before getting there. It was enough to get me chilled. I arrived about 11AM, and had a 50 minute wait for the next tour. They issue tickets (free) and run the tours through with 15-20 visitors every 40 minutes or so. Very interesting! I’ve never worked in a factory setting, and the machines themselves were as much as interest to me as the products they produced. Half assembled Harleys swinging 12'-15' overhead on a conveyor is pretty neat looking! And the huge stamping equipment punching out and shaping fenders and gas tanks was impressive. I took special note of the lasers that cut through steel like butter. They were housed each in their own 10' x 10' room. Cool! I also went by the local dealer and toured a museum there.
I headed back to Gettysburg after 3PM. I had lunch in a Perkins about 4PM. I visited a local leather shop just outside of Gettysburg and bought Karla a pink license plate frame for her bike that said something like “Girls ride too! Get over it!” I gassed the bike up and headed back to camp for the night.
I had to start the heater even before dark and it was really getting cool.
It was pretty cool when I woke up this morning at 5:30AM. After I got the water going for the coffee, I had to dig out my little ceramic heater to knock the chill out of the air. It’s barely 6” square and 6” tall, but it will sure do the job in the trailer of heating the space and drying the moisture out of the air. I’m considering hanging my one and only blanket from one of the roof struts, just to see if it will work better heating only my sleeping space. The temp tonight is to drop down in the mid 40’s.
Today I rode back east on US 30 to York, PA to visit the Harley Davidson factory.
I got some rain for about the last 15 minutes before getting there. It was enough to get me chilled. I arrived about 11AM, and had a 50 minute wait for the next tour. They issue tickets (free) and run the tours through with 15-20 visitors every 40 minutes or so. Very interesting! I’ve never worked in a factory setting, and the machines themselves were as much as interest to me as the products they produced. Half assembled Harleys swinging 12'-15' overhead on a conveyor is pretty neat looking! And the huge stamping equipment punching out and shaping fenders and gas tanks was impressive. I took special note of the lasers that cut through steel like butter. They were housed each in their own 10' x 10' room. Cool! I also went by the local dealer and toured a museum there.
I headed back to Gettysburg after 3PM. I had lunch in a Perkins about 4PM. I visited a local leather shop just outside of Gettysburg and bought Karla a pink license plate frame for her bike that said something like “Girls ride too! Get over it!” I gassed the bike up and headed back to camp for the night.
I had to start the heater even before dark and it was really getting cool.
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