Adventures of a Canuck...

Saturday takes me to the Sequoia Grove to took at the amazing trees there. This is not far from my campsite. We have some pretty big trees up in BC. They may be taller, but not as wide at the trunk of these mamoth Sequoias. They had a tram ride around the park or you could walk the trails. Again, I was carrying the back pack so took the tram. It was narriated as well.

Word of advice. If you take this tram, don't sit at the back. Like riding in a chuck wagon.





Close-up look inside the tunneled tree above:



Then back into the Village and just bummed around. There were lots of people but I could not say it was crowded.

And of course, the obligatory photo of Yosemity Falls:



Just a shot near the Village:





Up bright and early. Up to today, (Sunday). I have been giving myself cold cloth baths as there are no shower facilities at my site. And no hot water. Boy. You sure wake up in a hurry after that when it is only about 45 degrees out.

I could have sworn it was cold enough last night (Saturday Night) for snow if there was precipitation. I am sure many of the campers there just had day to day sleeping bags which would not come close to keeping you toasty warm. Mine was great. It has a build in Hoodie that covers you head and prevents loss of heat through the head. It is amazing, in the cold, how much warmer you are when your head is covered. I should have brought my toque0. (That’s a head sock for y’al).

My tent has a rain fly that keeps me dry in the event of rain. I close it up at the beginning of the sleep but end up opening the fly door as I find it gets quite stuffy in that small one person tent. I lay there looking up at the sky as I wasn’t sleeping well at first. I was in awe at how bright the stars were as there was not artificial light around to interfere with their brightness. They looked so bright, you would think it was a Walt Disney animation.

Today I head into Yosemite Village to the Currie site which has showers for guest. Hot water! What a dream! It is supposed to cost $5.00 but they explained to me they were short staffed so it was free. Don’t see the logic in that but I can live with it. And they supply the towels, body wash soap and shampoo. What could be better? I don’t even have to worry about trying to dry my towel after packing it around wet for the day in my back pack.

I am heading up Cal Sate 120 to another point of interest. It was so interesting I shot right past it. Before you know it, I am passing the gates on the east side of the Park and stopped at Lee Vinning. Had a bite to eat there then turned around and headed back. What great roads! Traffic was quite light. I think I wore the edges off my thus far flat centered tires today. For that matter the whole weekend was running from my campsite and the very west end, into Yosemite Valley several times.

These also were great roads when there is no traffic on them. Some nice tight and sweeping corners nicely banked. Roads both routes were in very good shape other than a rough spot or two. And they have dozens of “Cut Outs” for slower traffic to use to allow faster traffic to pass. Many do use these which is great. Except, every day I got to be about 5 vehicles behind some blue haired driver who probably should not be driving at all, let alone on this road. They are so focused on what is in front of them; they do not see the 1 1-1/2 mile line of cars following them at a painful pace of 20-25 MPH in a 35-45 MPH zone. P.A.I.N.F.U.L.L. I think I would rather eat beer bottles and shit out the glass than to endure that one more day. And no passing zoned from Wanona to Yosemite Valley... I understand that some peoples driving comfort may be softer than others and I am not asking them to drive beyond their comfort or abilities, but for gawd’s sake, get the hell out of the way and let other pass.

Today’s road was better though. On the upper and eastern side there are a few places where you can pass (legally). I took advantage of that. Staying within the speed limit seeing as my wife may be reading this. LOL.

This is truly spectacular scenery here. A gem of a place. I only wished my body was not so worn out so that I could take some of the lesser hikes in the mountains.

All the way along the upper road, there were so many just breathtaking shots. I stopped and took a few. And just when you think you have found the most perfect shot, you ride a few more miles (few.6 km for the rest of the world), BANG! There is another. I gave up on the photos and just took in the scenery.









Back down to Yosemite Village for dinner at the Yosemite Lodge Food Court. Better than the food courts in the malls, but just. You would have thought that good meals would be easy to come by here. I mean other than for the bears.

The Lodge right near my campsite has a nice dining room. I went there Saturday morning for breakfast. The food was good, but very expensive. I paid $16.50 for basic bacon and eggs. I think the waitress was new because she made quite a few mistakes. Eggs were not as ordered, but I enjoyed them regardless. But she was pleasant enough. That was the last meal I was to have there.

Tonight I pack so that after my morning cold water wash, I head out bright and early. There is a long riding day ahead of me.
I will be back.

 

Monday morning I am up at 05:30 and start taking down the tent. Bike was mostly packed last night. Tent fly is wet though. Don't like putting that away damp but I will air it out at my next stop. I am on the road by 07:00 or so. Cold but soon as the sun stats getting higher, like by 09:00, it gets quite warm. I have to shed some gear.

Into Atascadero at lunch time for a quick quality Fish Burger at Ronnie Mac's. Then it is on to Lompoc where I am now, kicking back at SloVFR, Reggie, and Drewl's place. SloVFR has a Bonniville. I wanted to get one of those when I retired the first time around in 2003, but I bought the fifth wheel so had to get a truck. I am envious of that Bonnie. Always liked those. Sporty yet sofisticated car.

 

Haven't had a chance to update this until now.

Next stop is LomPok where I spent a few days with SloVFR, Drewl and Reggie at thier bachelor pad. Sort of just laid low there for a few days. Drank a few beers and chatted about. Drewl and I went up to Atascadero on the Thursday before R3 to start setting a few things up. Reg had to work Friday.

Great hosts yet once again. I think my pace maker went onthe fritz with all the electronics going on in that place though. There was this constant "hummmm" in the back ground and the hairs on my arms stayed extended from all the electrons going on inthat place.

My hostS as I stay in Lompok. Pictured here, me, Reg, Drewl and Brian. Cozy shot. Reggie has a boo boo on one finger and a booger on the other.



By the way, this is what the stator looked like when they pulled it out in Vegas a few weeks back.



And finally at R3 in Atascadero. There are lots of photographs and reports on that event on another thread so I won't repeat any of it here.



Here is one shot I took just off the Pacific Coast Highway. Weather looked worse that it really was. On the east side of the low mountains it was warm and sunny. Soon as we crossd the summit and started our way down, the fog and cloud set in. It was still fairly mild though.



I had a great time at R3. I wasn't expecting any less. A few there found reason to make a presentation of a mighty fine 25 year old bottle of scotch while there. Everyone shared most of this with me. Everyone at least tried it. Some simply do not like scotch. There are those people then there are men.

Sunday morning I head out from Atascadero. It is now time to go home. I have been on the road for 34 days. I miss my wife and have to get home to pack up the fifth wheel and be on the road by June 5. I am booked for the next two weeks at different campsites throughout the west and will be travelling about with my wife for about another two months.

I had intended on stopping in at Walnut Creek, near San Francisco but that fell though. My changed plans were to make Medford Oregon Sunday night, and if it was not too late, back in Chilliwack Monday night. Depending on the time, I was prepared to stay the night in Olympia or Seattle area so I wouldn't arrive in the middle of the night. The dog would piddle.

Off I go, right through Medford, Eugene and Portland Oregon. Matter of fact, I rode right on through the day and night. I arrived in Bellingham Washington 24 hours to the minute after I left Atascadero. Stopped for a nap on the bike at a roadside rest area between Eugene and Partland. Then pulled over to an entrance ramp north of Olympia at day break for another nap starddling the bike. Rain drops running down my neck woke me up. Made it to Bellingham and stopped for breakfast. Home is 30 minutes away depending on the border wait which was very short.

Did not get anally probed this time.

When I began this journey my mileage was 91087 miles. When I parked in the garage, I had 97878 miles. On the road for 35 days and managed to ride 6791 miles. Many of the days the bike remained idle, (another word for broken down).

This has been a great trip for me. I am just blown away by the reception I have had by many here. People have opened their homes for a place I could lay my head down, sometimes for several days. Each and every stay was a new chapter in this ride. They were all very much appreciated and even more so, enjoyed. I am humbled by your hospitality. Each and every one of my adopted family are welcome to come and stay with me if you are ever up my way. I will supply the nose plugs to combat the smell of dairy cow shit ever so prevelant in Chilliwack.

I have to recognize many. First of all it was Long who met me first. Welcomed me into thier home and escorted me to San Diego where we met up with Derstuka and went into Mexico. Then I tip my hat and offer my greatest gratitude to Chicky who put me up while I awaited repairs for Chea Chea in Vegas. From her home, I meet with Marrib in Phoenix where agian I stay for a few days. Man it is hot these two places. The obligatory stop at brother Rob's home in Victorville. Then back to Santa CLemente where I again meet up with Derstuka and his wife who host me for a few days and show me the area. One sweet place that is. Brian, (SloVFR), Drewl and Reg in the bachelor's pad in Lompok, and last but not the least, Reggie and his wonderful wife Teri, who again portrayed the finest hosts for this weekend of friendship and riding. My hat is removed and I bow to all of you.

Thank you.

 

Randy, It is my pleasure to spend some time with you during your journey. Glad you make it home in one piece
Have fun travel with the wife be safe and enjoy your retirement. I (we) will try to visit your family one of these day.
Let me know if you need any parts for the bike...............:rofl:

 

Quite honestly, I do see a trip down there with Viennese in the fifth wheel. Just not too sure when. I spotted some RV parks nearby that looked quite nice bit we will definately visit and invite you to our mobile place of abode for a BBQ while we are there.

 

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I spent about two hours on the bike yesterday giving her a good cleaning and polishing for the abuse she got. The chain actually shines right now. I should take a picture.

 

Hollleee sheeeet what an epic ride! Quite a way to retire in style dude! :congratulatory:

 

That was my second retirement. I am working on starting a third career so that retirement ride should be orgasmic!

 

What a great report :thumbsup:
Great time great friends great memories :bravo:

 

Glad this older thread popped up, I hadn't seen it before. Great write up by everybody. I work a lot of hours so have to live (ride wise) vicariously through these adventure write ups. Nicely done Randy.
John

 

".............oops

 

I would like to better that ride by going down the west coast, along the southern border thought Texas and into Louisiana, Mississippi Alabama and Florida, then up the east coast, possibly darting inland to Tennessee and Kentucky. Ride around the north east a bit then back across Canada dipping down occasionally to places like Chicago. But I doubt that will take place. That is quite a pipe dream and I think the wife would sell the house and move while I was gone.

 

Don't know what kind of compromise your missus is willing to do but you could think about flying to north carolina and rent a sport bike. Here's some info http://www.tailofthedragonresorts.com/regions/motorcycle-rentals-repairs-etc/

There's also some good riding around north georgia and you can rent motorcycles too at http://www.europeanmotorsportsinc.com/pages/rentals-try-before-buy.php

That would allow you to minimize the time away from the missus and when you're all done you'll be able to fly back quickly just in time to stop selling the house.

 

If that Chicago part comes to pass you better get in touch with me.

 

Hey Randy, just a thought about your pipe dream ride. About two years ago my friend did a cross country ride with another friend (other friend had his own bike) and when the guys got to Florida the wives flew in and met them and rode passenger for about a week and then flew home and the guys continued on their adventure. Maybe something like that would prevent your misses from selling your house while your away. You've done a lot of touring so I'm sure your more than aware of how important the time of year you ride is. My friends destination was a BMW rally that was held in New Jersey (that year) and I believe it was in Late June, anyway the whole six week ride was really hot and humid. He called me from Colorado a few days before getting back to San Diego, it was about 10 pm and he said it was the first time in five weeks that it dipped below 80 degrees! And no, it wasn't a dry heat!
Thanks again for sharing the adventure write up.
John

 

I have thought about flying out and renting but that sorta takes away from the challenge of this ride. One of the purposes would be to do the whole ride on "my" bike. See if I can run this thing into the ground and what kind of mileage would be on it when that happens.

 

That WILL be done for sure. It has been my experience thus far, that everyone from this forum that I have met, has been nothing short of upstanding people. Hell, I would even drink a beer with Joey-Dude. Now doesn't that just make you wonder about my sanity.

 

I was actually going to do that on one of the trips to R3. Fly her down to San Francisco, but that never materialized. I don't remember why but I think she had something planned at the time. I am sure, she wouldn't mind another Cruise departing from Miami though. That would be a neat break in the ride.

You are most welcome