Saturday, November 22, 2008
Sweet Home Georgia
I know I need to update the in between dates from my post on Oct 31 but for now I've made it home, just in time for Thanksgiving. After nearly 6 months and just about 12,000 miles I've done a complete circle of the US, missing only a few states and enjoying the entire trip immensely. When I left the trees were green and it was 85F. Tonight when I got in from Nashville it was 35F and no leaves left.
The truck, motorcycle and I all got home relatively unscathed and in better mental and physical condition than when I left. My motorcycle carrying rack didn't fare so well, although it did get home, albeit with broken bolts and bent metal, caused by the road from Natural Bridges to Canyonlands National Park - not as much a road as a steep 4x4 trail.
Thanks to everyone I met and everyone who helped me along the way. I'm already planning the next adventure, just not sure to where yet.....Any suggestions will be considered, especially ones that come with a warm bed and/or funding.
Namaste, Drew.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
The Ophir Pass - Colorado's Best
Friday, October 31, 2008
Telluride - What a Ride
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Moab - Truly a mecca for trails
Saturday, October 25, 2008
The Road to Canyonlands !!!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Navajo Nation
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Getting Used to Sand
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Kicked out of Zion
Friday, October 17, 2008
Vegas Nights
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Death Valley
After breakfast I headed out for some remote exploring on the bike. It required some treks off map, cross-country. I made it back alive – just. After stopping at the ghost town of Ballarat and chatting with the old timer (you have to call them that here) running what resembled a store, he told me my choice of cross country treks would end at a 400’ drop into a ravine, not something I really wanted to do. My goal was to cross from the East side to the West side of Death Valley, using only old mining roads. It’s about 40 miles across and there are literally hundreds of little trails crossing the area from the Gold Rush days in the 1800’s. Of course most of them haven’t been used since then either and therefore are not readily recognizable. He suggested following Pleasant Canyon road (even though my map showed it stopped) and told me “if you knew where to go you could find your way across”. Of course I didn’t know where to go but I thought I’d try anyway. Well, I got through 2 mountain ranges and could see the road I was aiming for. Unfortunately it was about 10 miles west and 5000 feet down. I just didn’t have enough water or time before dark to continue exploring. It will have to wait for another trip. I made a nice meal and have plenty of ice to spend some more days here thanks to my friends from last night.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
The Sierra Nevada's
Snow it did, Saturday morning about 6” covers the bike and car. I heard the snow plows around 4am and knew they’d be closing the Tioga Pass. Got some good photos going down the pass. When I got to the bottom I saw the road was closed, they were letting people out from the campgrounds but none back in. Lucky I didn’t stay in Yosemite.
I’ll head to Death Valley tomorrow and do some hiking there. It’s only about 120 miles. I’ll return here another time for this hike. As for tonight, hopefully the bears won’t care about the long life milk stored in the bowels of my truck.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Toiyabe National Forest - Talking Trees
Had an amazing night. The tree I camped beside “spoke” to me. I felt an energy transfer like never before. Trees have so much inside of them we rarely perceive. It was an experience I hope to duplicate. After a brief explore and some consternation on direction, I decided to head toward the Tioga Pass and into the East entrance of Yosemite.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
The Rubicon Trail
Rubicon Day 2
Practice has helped. Started around 11am, got the first 4 miles done in about 30 minutes. That’s when the bike overheated again. It has a radiator but no fan. I got as far as a huge pile of rocks called Little Sluice and decided it just wasn’t worth destroying the bike. It’s amazing how you get used to bouncing over rocks, just letting the bike find its path. After waiting about 30 mins for the bike to cool down I headed back. Arriving at camp around 2pm, the warm sun with a cool lake breeze, the only choice was to take a nap. An hour or so later I headed off to find some more ice. I’ll play on the trail back toward Wentworth Springs later. Maybe it won’t be so rocky. Back now from getting ice. What should have been a 20 minute drive turned into a 47 mile ordeal due to lack of signage and stores being closed for the season. I ended up stopping at a place that said closed and going in anyway. Lucky they were there and still had ice. There’s still nobody else around so enjoying the mountain quiet.
Rubicon Day 3
Went out early to try and avoid the heat. Heavily overcast it seemed perfect. Did about 7 miles on less rocky trails but never did find the campground that's supposed to be on the trail. Had fun exploring though. Couldn’t resist taking the truck a little way up the Rubicon. I went until the first time I had to use the diff lock and boulders threatened more damage than just ripping off one of my mudguards. Funnily enough, it happened as I was trying to make a U-Turn to leave. I got all of about 1/10th of a mile. It seemed further than that. It’s about noon now and I’ve had a leisurely breakfast. It’s getting much colder now and windy so I’ll head down the mountain and toward the east side of California, past Yosemite and along the Sierra Nevada’s toward Death Valley.
Monday, September 29, 2008
California Dreaming
Friday, September 26, 2008
Hawaii in Oregon
Tomorrow, Saturday it is off to California and Mount Shasta.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Detours from Tacoma - Anacortes & Aberdeen
Many thanks to Laura, Chris and Laura's daughter Tanissa for hanging out with me in Anacortes, and to Geraldina and Henry on San Juan.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
The One That Got Away
Friday, August 29, 2008
The Oregon Trail to Mt. Adams, WA
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Boise nights
Thursday, August 21, 2008
34 miles and counting
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Moon Beams...
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Logan, Utah
After the hike and setting up camp we headed into Logan to hit the library for wi-fi access, get the local paper and see what the rest of the week would have in store. First job was to send off a bunch of couchsurfing requests and then find somewhere to eat. Still no answers to our requests by the time dinner was over so back we went to our great little camping spot.
Wednesday morning was back to Logan to check out the Utah State University campus and see if we could find a shower and maybe access to their gym. After assuring the recreation center person that we wouldn't bomb the building she let us take a shower.
After the shower, success, Anthony had called to let us know he's be happy to host us for the next few days. We met up with Anthony at the Music Manor (aptly named due to the majority of residents being music students at USU) around 4pm. He and a seemingly infinite number of other people live in a VERY large home that was built in 1899, likely for a large Morman family. I actually got lost in the house trying to find the bathroom the first time. Anthony, Kaelee, Nate, Brandon, Tyler and Brown (the 6 we got to know) were all great and we had lots of fun for the 4 days we stayed with them. Activities included a party at Rocn Jbarr's place, various Guitar Hero contests, some great Indian food courtesy of the restaurant where Kaelee works and a variety of thoughtful discussions.
During the time at the Music Manor Shawn and I had a multitude of exciting experiences and adventures. A visit to the American West Heritage Center was the big event of Thursday. Shoshone Indian days were in full swing and we met some great people including especially Paula, a wonderful retired school teacher who has been spending her time helping the Shoshone children learn some of the songs of their past. She gave us her hiking guide for the area and then invited us to her Tai Chi class that evening to meet Kayo, her teacher. It was a great time resulting in an invitation from Kayo to join him on Sunday at his place for a home grown and home cooked meal. Friday's highlight was the party previously mentioned, followed by a Saturday Mormon BBQ for 31+ singles. Meeting Cheryl, Cami and Neil was a great experience, only to be improved upon by Cami going out of her way to find me a copy of the Book of Mormon for my personal study. All the people we meet are incredibly helpful and friendly. Sunday morning Shawn wanted to go to Church and had found a Lutheran congregation who was to meet at the Amphitheater of a canyon campground near where we had previously stayed. We biked over in the morning and enjoyed the service followed by lunch and great discussion. We ended up inviting Pastor Corinne to dinner at Kayo's house that evening. Not surprisingly, a lively discussion ensued on topics including theology, horticulture, hunting and sustainability. A positive experience had by all. Back to Anthony's for a final night cap of apricots in champagne and we will be off from Logan in the morning. All in all a very friendly locale with great hiking, biking and architecture.
Monday, August 11, 2008
So much done, so little blogging time
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Girls, Girls, Girls
About 9.30pm we go for a walk to see the local area and come by a park full of people. It doesn’t get dark here until about 10pm. Shawn jokingly suggests we crash it and having had 2 or 3 complimentary Art Exhibition wines I wholeheartedly agree. We wander in and are immediately offered a burger by the cook. Come to discover we've crashed the local Latter Day Saints youth singles ward of 18-30 yr olds.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
The Research Station
This morning Shawn and I bicycled to Jackson Lake Lodge and back to Leeks Marina - not more than 15 miles but fairly windy and uphill. I think I'm getting a little more fit but avoiding the scales can be deceptive. This evening we met Cal at the UW/NPS Research station for a seminar and BBQ. The topic was quite dry but the people were very friendly and the location right on a point facing the Tetons. It was previously a hunting lodge, bought by the NPS in the ‘70’s. Apparently the décor hasn’t been changed since.
It’s now becoming apparent that Shawn and I are more compatible than Cal. He likes to smoke and drinks more than us. He’s a great guy, just on a different path. Shawn and I will head to Jackson this weekend without Cal.
Friday morning we’ll go back to the Research Station as they let us leave Shawn’s car and my motorcycle there over the weekend so we can take just one car to Jackson.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Lazy Day
Monday, July 28, 2008
More New Friends
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Bear Attack !
Friday, July 25, 2008
Couch surfing Billings
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Arriving in Billings, MT
Saturday, July 19, 2008
The Circle Travellers Inn
Long story short, the motel was clean, cheap and even had free wi-fi that allowed me to catch up on blogging and a friendly cat that enjoyed a good head scratch. There was also a wonderful new laudromat just around the corner that allowed me to do 2 weeks washing in one load. All in all an excellent choice.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Travelling with a Guide
Friday morning the 18th I left early so I could get in a good day. North Dakota is mostly level farmland without many attractions unless wheat or corn are of special interest. The plan was to make it into Montana that day. Following US Highway 2 west I drove about 300 miles before arriving in Culbertson, MT around 2pm local mountain time. That is when the curiosities began.
Crossing from ND to MT I was trying to decide whether to head northwest toward Glacier National Park or South West toward Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. As will become abundantly clear, I was being guided and thankfully listened.
The welcome center in Culbertson is clearly not a government one. It's a small brick building with very few markings and a small additional sign that says museum. A young man probably about 17, also unusual for welcome centers, greeted me. Come to find out this is mostly a local town initiative and they do it incredibly well. After a couple of hours of exploring one of the most comprehensive and impressive local history museums I left, together with information and maps covering all of Montana and Wyoming.
With the attendant's assistance (I never did get his name) I decided on heading south first, toward the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone. I chose a small-unpaved road to begin the trip. 40 miles and a very dusty Tacoma later, I was looking longingly at the farms along the road for a repeat of the Grand Rapids experience. I came close to stopping at a few but they just didn't give me the right feeling. The gravel road ended at a town named Richey with nothing resembling a campground on the map for many miles.
Heading through town toward Hwy 200 where the next turn came, I saw a couple of guys talking by their trucks outside a bar. My friendly hello was greeted with one of those, "great, another lost tourist" blank stares. Upon asking if there was any camping in the area they both immediately pointed and said, "top of the hill, go left, there's a park". And that was that. I wondered what sort of park this might be. The town was certainly not the wealthiest looking. As I crested the hill, a sign pointed out Hwy 200, so at least I was heading in the right direction for leaving. Taking the left I spotted a small scruffy looking park just down on the right. The sign said, "Richey City Park, Restrooms Closed, Tourists Welcome". Slightly amused I turned in and stopped.
With nobody around and no obvious camping spots I headed toward a home across the street to ask questions. As luck would have it, nobody was home and I was wondering if I was allowed to camp overnight or if I'd be arrested in my sleep. It's about 6pm by this time and becoming very windy. A that time one of the guys from outside the bar drives up and says, "yes, this is the park and yes, you can stay overnight".
I begin to put up my tent as he drives off, wondering if he came to check on me or if he really had some reason to be heading up a deserted looking gravel road. 5 or 10 minutes later as I was still struggling with my tarp and tent in the wind the guy returned. He said I should pull up under the pavilion to block the wind and avoid the likely rain overnight. The sky had started looking ominous so I took the tent in that direction and pulled some tables out of the way to make space, pulling the truck up to the edge of the concrete to protect the tent from the wind. The rain started to sprinkle in large drops so I pulled the drivers' side up on the concrete out of the weather to access my gear without getting too wet. As is starts to spot heavier I decide to bring the whole truck up there with my tent so I can access both sides and the back too. Not 5 minutes after completing the table and pole avoidance game the lightening, torrential rain and then buckets of hail all came down around me. The vehicle, tent and I all remained safe, dry and dent free.
I sit here 30 minutes later writing this and the storm has passed, the birds are chirping, the trees rustling and I'm thankful for being more in touch with the universe than ever before. To those who say what a wonderful coincidence, I say believe what you please and I will continue to attract wonderful coincidences. Listen with your feelings and not your mind and it's amazing what can be experienced.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Grand, Grand Forks
In 1997 the Red River that runs through the cities flooded heavily and put most of Grand Forks and East Grand Forks under water. The Army Core of Engineers suggested a greenway around the river that would protect the residents and provide 2200 acres of parks that are now used for bike trails, camping, picnics and an assortment of other great outdoor activities. It was so nice I stayed for two days and explored the city and surrounds on foot and bicycle. A fairly quiet town when UND (University of North Dakota) is on break there are many historical homes that can be viewed by a walk around the downtown area. With low humidity and highs around 85 it was great to visit. I suspect winter is a whole different story with temps getting below zero regularly.
It was also a great opportunity to catch up on the blog as there was a nice little bakery with free wi-fi. I met some of the staff and hung out with them tonight at a local outdoor cafe named the Toasted Frog. Tomorrow morning I'll continue west toward Montana.