tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41103360783501650002023-11-16T03:12:25.305-08:00West Coast Vacation 2013Vince Hermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04899951993916796776noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4110336078350165000.post-83750269114278947192013-07-24T10:48:00.000-07:002013-07-24T10:48:01.553-07:002000 miles in 3 days, but I am Home!So, sorry for the delays in the posts, but I was in home mode and putting in full days to get home.<br />
The last 2 days were over 700 miles, and I think that I managed the longer rides well.<br />
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All in all, I had a fantastic trip.<br />
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I rode the entirety of the Route 66 corridor<br />
I rode Highway 101 from start to end (with Highway 1 thrown in there)<br />
I saw tumbleweed blow across the road before me<br />
I stood on top of a mountain<br />
I dodged free range stock on the road<br />
I was cooked in record heat at 117 degrees and shivered in the northwest coast at 50.<br />
I saw fireworks in San Diego and again in Disneyland.<br />
I saw my brother Eric and his girl Lulu.<br />
I slept in the camper 9 nights out of the 23 that I was gone.<br />
I bought 228 gallons of fuel and rode 7375 miles.<br />
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I will leave you with my favorite shot of the trip.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsublNimumMMB-cE1cJSiuy6tQg6WofcEwoI4lTMS3aAm1DNFbERubjNk2kOQyzXYDAw00GEDsorWMQy5lf0Q61PFUTOM-izJ5a1vPldaA14UjUdZCbkEwLTL9YY8R1igVGB80TC2H2No/s1600/IMG_2276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsublNimumMMB-cE1cJSiuy6tQg6WofcEwoI4lTMS3aAm1DNFbERubjNk2kOQyzXYDAw00GEDsorWMQy5lf0Q61PFUTOM-izJ5a1vPldaA14UjUdZCbkEwLTL9YY8R1igVGB80TC2H2No/s400/IMG_2276.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />Vince Hermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04899951993916796776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4110336078350165000.post-47738360346672515602013-07-24T10:24:00.000-07:002015-09-09T07:24:18.540-07:00Jackson HoleI got up refreshed and shared some coffee with the neighbors.<br />
IBMC members (<a href="http://ibmc.org/">ibmc.org</a>) I will have to consider joining since bikes and camping are in my future.<br />
I packed up and rolled out, with the mail goal being to see Jackson Hole today.<br />
On the way, I passed the Craters of the Moon National Monument. It was almost spooky the landscape looked so alien. Turns out that this is the result of lava pushing up through cracks. It does make you think you are standing on the moon.<br />
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My ride did approach Jackson hole and I stopped at an overlook that let you see the valley below.<br />
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The ride down in to the valley was fun! 10% grade and twisty! I rode around a bit to see the mountains from different angles. The 'best' spot to see the Tetons is supposed to be from Schwabacher landing, with a nice view of the mountains and the Snake river providing a reflecting surface for extra magic. Unfortunately, this is not currently available to the public. Here is my shot from a near by scenic overlook.<br />
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<img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_eLdPwf5TUR4hzQvCK3379pgLalES82vo4gOGV6dPPHq8dBFMVeqeGrUvNa923RspgkMqpBWhXLCDsdqf1Fi5Au1cKXt54lR9OXKv6uAQrDFvIKzCHZWqAjVIr9L3QcHYUPAYW2Qj9k/s320/IMG_2921.JPG" width="320" /></div>
And, because I like the panoramic shots <br />
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I rode in to Jackson to get a soda and get a picture of the antler arches. The drink I got. The antler arches were mobbed by tourists. They were walking out into the street blocking traffic to get a good angle. Nobody got a clear shot because there were zillions of people all around. I skipped out and started the ride east.<br />
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I thought about those arches a bit as my shadow grew longer.<br />
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I stopped to get a shot of the Wyoming sun setting behind me.<br />
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And looking east, the shadows of the clouds were visible in the sky for a cool effect.<br />
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But the thoughts of the antler arches were still on my mind. The picture was on my list to do, but when I got there and there were all the other tourists scrambling for the same shot, something happened. I guess I decided that I had had enough. I was saturated.<br />
Seeing the Tetons was wonderful. The tourist mob in Jackson not so much.<br />
It was time to go home.<br />
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So home I went. I set my aim for a KOA in Rawlins WY. I want to point out that I almost did not make it, thanks to the construction crew that had started a resurfacing project on 287. I was cruising along at a fair highway speed with the road to myself. The orange signs for construction pulled me down to the speed limit. The sign for grooved pavement and I dropped down to 50ish. I rode on the grooved pavement for a while and saw cones dividing the 2 lanes ahead. I dropped down to about 45 when boom, the pavement ended. I dropped about 6 inches to the very loose dirt. I was <i>not </i>prepared mentally for the pavement to end unannounced!<br />
Klaxons were screaming in my brain as I got off the throttle and worked desperately to keep the front wheel under me.It felt like forever, but eventually the bike slowed down to walking speed which is all I wanted in this loose, sandy, dry soil. I crept along, trying to get my heart out of my throat and back in to my chest. I finally got out of the pavement-less section and breathed a huge sigh of relief.<br />
There were 2 more sections like this over the next several miles. On the third section, there was a sign that stated Pavement Ends. Really? That SURE would have been helpful on the FIRST section!<br />
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I made it to the KOA long after the office was closed. I have used the night check-in process before, but there were only 3 or so spots open. Also, the wind was howling, with little tree cover to offer protection. I looked across the highway, saw a hotel and decided to go there. Good choice, as the wind was moving fast enough that inside the hotel it could still be heard. I am sure the tent cover on my camper would have been flapping hard enough to keep me up.<br />
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<br />Vince Hermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04899951993916796776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4110336078350165000.post-44294225687801325202013-07-18T21:58:00.001-07:002015-09-09T07:27:28.801-07:00Oregon (again) and IdahoGot up from a refreshing sleep, yes, I shaved, and rode off. I made decent miles today. I know these are just hills compared to what I will see soon, but for an Ohio boy, still impressive!<br />
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Lots of wheat. It was hot today. I saw a dust devil dancing. And a lot of wheat.</div>
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I passed a gas station with just under a half tank. The next 7 exits had no service. The 8th had a gas station. Close for many years. Dang it! The next sign (with the gas light on) took me a few miles off the interstate. This was the pump.</div>
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Pull the handle out, flip the lever and the electric pump inside start running. Watch the rotary dials turn.<br />
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Oh and yes, that is a tomater truck in the background.</div>
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I turned off the interstate at this point, east on 20. Feels good. </div>
This is a look back after I had been riding a while.<br />
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It was hot. 103. I was pushing water but I wanted to jump in a pool. I found a KOA but guess what - no pool. I kept riding. It cooled off as the sun went down. I was aiming for a KOA at moon crater something, but I found a free state camp on the road side. I set up my tent, chatted with the neighbors and went for a short hike. Even with the glow of the set sun, the moon is bright enough to see your own shadow.</div>
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And a little later, I took this shot west.</div>
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Crickets, an owl hoot, and distant howling (coyotes?)<br />
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Nice night.</div>
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Vince Hermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04899951993916796776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4110336078350165000.post-12765219650357687872013-07-17T15:09:00.001-07:002013-07-18T22:09:26.267-07:00More WashingtonI had to really tear myself away from the mountain lake camp site. Ooooohhh, I wanted to use some of my rain days and stay there. But I have used most of the non travel days scheduled, and the remaining are being eaten by short travel days.<div><br></div><div>I rode to the top of a mountain today. My second time being on top of one, and I must say I like it!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsB0-e9Dtx1LNjJSQtvT5_CANa7vpie7swJGoOtvImvkji8MAuUeJjMOfhD4_pZ-ktRUTN9AZRGMDyY9qTi0LhfccuhcakmqKriP5Jk06RAFCsom1e-eDGy1vUtdrLDgaiSxBOG15X4Js/s640/blogger-image-1736297416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsB0-e9Dtx1LNjJSQtvT5_CANa7vpie7swJGoOtvImvkji8MAuUeJjMOfhD4_pZ-ktRUTN9AZRGMDyY9qTi0LhfccuhcakmqKriP5Jk06RAFCsom1e-eDGy1vUtdrLDgaiSxBOG15X4Js/s640/blogger-image-1736297416.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div>It was a one lane road with turnouts here and there to allow traffic going the other way to pass. Gravel on dirt where the gravel on asphalt had eroded away. I preferred the gravel on dirt. It was steep enough that the gravel on asphalt lead to undesired wheelspin. I was not racing up by ANY means. But it was loose enough that when I saw a section of the asphalt coming up, I would increase my speed while I was still on the dirt so I could back off the throttle on the loose stuff. I got to the top and there was a handful of gravel on top of my trailer. Goldwings don't throw rooster tails, do they?</div><div><br></div><div>It was clouded in when I got there but it was clearing. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRL2IgZFrQNhaSX9xYbPgkOGpGtilXtZpMB5yGttz3T14CGg-OXXkDx_U5_97y2aBEn0YTcBrLRFc1wPW7DlRk2dkQLP87so56-59UG64JKR_fc36T69iDs_-Sk2eoDSfQVtqP-cduHjM/s640/blogger-image-989487583.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRL2IgZFrQNhaSX9xYbPgkOGpGtilXtZpMB5yGttz3T14CGg-OXXkDx_U5_97y2aBEn0YTcBrLRFc1wPW7DlRk2dkQLP87so56-59UG64JKR_fc36T69iDs_-Sk2eoDSfQVtqP-cduHjM/s640/blogger-image-989487583.jpg"></a></div>I was amazed that I could see the wisps of the cloud moving almost vertically on the front of the mountain. It felt like I could reach out and touch them. It continued to clear as I sat and wrote a bit.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRmn0v4PEHZkIywZisZtMyp7YWjjnn4w0FBjXR-XBstlXsAg49JuC9x2RagUykUKAV1BdfS9twoNHL90cqnjSi5XGd6q0uXl1YmJvmOWfdkvN4XL4KYUGcLN6Cq7dbTzlfy2kHc3Q8FE8/s640/blogger-image--1583931181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRmn0v4PEHZkIywZisZtMyp7YWjjnn4w0FBjXR-XBstlXsAg49JuC9x2RagUykUKAV1BdfS9twoNHL90cqnjSi5XGd6q0uXl1YmJvmOWfdkvN4XL4KYUGcLN6Cq7dbTzlfy2kHc3Q8FE8/s640/blogger-image--1583931181.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The trip back down was a little uneasy. I used the transmission and brakes. This is one time I am very glad I have the electric trailer brakes!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Now that I am away from the coast, the temps are higher. I decided to ger a room rather than camp. Another factor other than temp is my shaving habits. I shave in the morning. I hate shaving later in the day, and especially at night. But KOA campgrounds have many campers and few showers. As such, I tend to shower at night when I am there. This means I skip shaving in the morning when I am at a KOA. Weird, I know, but that is how I am.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">P.s. I guess I did make it in to Oregon. I followed the Columbia River Gorge.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJpatVG7Q0dw8rbIYioXWI_lk9eMDHa96Dgty3rMEWT7vT7Au-dOKJxH2mIjPTh8CVBlEdC7Tyy_voVh_WFAIt7i2ueRJRsW-6K2brXqvcic_uI5YsowRj-XpHT1HrgpS4m09DmLVc29Y/s640/blogger-image-1184752577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJpatVG7Q0dw8rbIYioXWI_lk9eMDHa96Dgty3rMEWT7vT7Au-dOKJxH2mIjPTh8CVBlEdC7Tyy_voVh_WFAIt7i2ueRJRsW-6K2brXqvcic_uI5YsowRj-XpHT1HrgpS4m09DmLVc29Y/s640/blogger-image-1184752577.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div></div></div>Vince Hermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04899951993916796776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4110336078350165000.post-3801191556583096432013-07-17T15:00:00.001-07:002015-09-09T07:32:31.374-07:00Washington<div>
I made it in to Washington! WooHoo! Here's a selfie on the beach.</div>
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And another without my mug. I love the wind blown pines on the ridge.</div>
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I rode on, trying to keep my promise to eat miles today. As much as I like the scaled up KOA kampgrounds, their breakfast still does not suit me. All you can eat pancakes is still just sugar to me. I need eggs. Oatmeal or non-sugared cereal at least. So, I plan on hitting a diner or at worst, McD's after staying in a KOA. Nothing appropriate presented itself. I had some peanut butter crackers at the first fuel stop and finally found a place for a brunch around 11. My schedule being off, I did not stop for lunch and around 5 I realized my blood sugar was low. The first food sign I saw I pulled over. It was a state park on Lake Crescent. This is the lake. I decided I would stay the night there. So much for my mileage goal for the day.<br />
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This is the creek just a few feet off of my site.<br />
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Here is the view I had during dinner.<br />
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I hiked a bit after dinner, saw a doe grazing in the mini field by my site, laid my head on the pillow and listened to the babbling brook. For about 7 seconds... Zzzzzzzzzz........<br />
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Edit from the future: Looking back at this 2 years later, this stop was my biggest mistake of the trip. I should have stayed another day or three. <i>This</i> was one of the things I set out to do, spend time enjoying natural beauty. </div>
Vince Hermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04899951993916796776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4110336078350165000.post-26229770829448236712013-07-16T11:46:00.001-07:002015-09-09T07:34:54.349-07:00Oregon (was supposed to be Oregon and Washington)<div>
A third title could be I hate my GPS. I let the GPS trick me again. I set Seattle as the destination and planned on sticking to the 101. This worked for a while, and the for some reason it started fealing warm. It was in the 60's by the coast but I checked the temp. 86. Dang it! I was almost on I5. An hour from the coast. There are many sections of 101 that are off the coast, so the missing ocean did not tip me off. But this trip is not about getting there the quickest, which is what the GPS is good at. Time to backtrack.</div>
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Which brings up a point that has been on my mind. I am not meeting my goals for mileage. OK, today I lost time to navigation errors, but even without that, I am averaging much lower than my 500 mile goal. Part of the problem is that I am not on the interstate. Most of my previous touring was on the super slab. Hair pin turns and frequently seeing overlook stops reduce the average mph.</div>
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Fortunately, this is exactly why I DID choose this route.</div>
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I am going to have to evaluate my remaining miles and remaining days to make sure I am going to be back in time for work. Maybe tomorrow. Too much thinking for now!</div>
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Here is some pics I took towards sunset. This entire peninsula was wrapped in mist.</div>
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Lonely tree on a rock.</div>
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Pretty sun set. Would have been nice to try to hike down to the water line for a better shot, but I had been on the road a long time and needed to find a campground.</div>
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Vince Hermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04899951993916796776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4110336078350165000.post-30398560377527857442013-07-14T13:29:00.001-07:002013-07-15T09:08:07.606-07:00Northern California and into OregonBrrrr 52 when I got done packing up. I wiped down the tent top three times but it was getting wet as fast as I could wring out my towel. Apparently it gets foggy in Northern California.<div>Rode up 1 and 101. They say there are some big trees along this route.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHzD5wQ5-XzaR4tvvSWoyAHWcE7EvMiHlxt609AP7RVqdTP_KPkTqv3AFGXUui2ZvDABjt0TG_Pm9UnlJBxQpOSeLXUKjNpLgbzU8eJfn3jR4XWWOeoLrbzmcrgVa7qNhrcEfx5l0ZS3o/s640/blogger-image-1760831650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHzD5wQ5-XzaR4tvvSWoyAHWcE7EvMiHlxt609AP7RVqdTP_KPkTqv3AFGXUui2ZvDABjt0TG_Pm9UnlJBxQpOSeLXUKjNpLgbzU8eJfn3jR4XWWOeoLrbzmcrgVa7qNhrcEfx5l0ZS3o/s640/blogger-image-1760831650.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">If you want to do a drive through tree, this one is supposed to be the best. The few others are strung up with cables and the environmentalists won't allow new ones.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">More enjoyable was the Avenue of Giants.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVqQh2sUUzjRnM1Qy9ev736g5EN1uT23jgg6B3Lfpr78qucY9oKcf8ntbLM8xgUf6BkeXFHrpRkaNmToV63VDUfG4JvQ8K_mLMYVqyxi63I2LWINZTub7CqdPT64V0RgPX2NjDBzOE7Y/s640/blogger-image-816244802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVqQh2sUUzjRnM1Qy9ev736g5EN1uT23jgg6B3Lfpr78qucY9oKcf8ntbLM8xgUf6BkeXFHrpRkaNmToV63VDUfG4JvQ8K_mLMYVqyxi63I2LWINZTub7CqdPT64V0RgPX2NjDBzOE7Y/s640/blogger-image-816244802.jpg"></a> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNao5ul1G8UmUHtGEetNCXfAZ3vYy3vNxCjLvDCEfiTo8doguGMarL-k_SCbDR6qIRLDkGhq2fQTUSZT0oXO-MmpYgrpbLu8SWk5cLnOZLSWwApVCyd5Z07J5LEZhf0qzNd7ja2EGaadc/s640/blogger-image-679781312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNao5ul1G8UmUHtGEetNCXfAZ3vYy3vNxCjLvDCEfiTo8doguGMarL-k_SCbDR6qIRLDkGhq2fQTUSZT0oXO-MmpYgrpbLu8SWk5cLnOZLSWwApVCyd5Z07J5LEZhf0qzNd7ja2EGaadc/s640/blogger-image-679781312.jpg"></a> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpqXLIkCiAye_ixfiu5GqlNQsTd7iHql0USKyTfRc0_geJkuVdA3oqgInXLUpb5dsu23M3g4n_0lY7G4v8VKwWcX4dyOkTso7MHthRsDO-BelaTVYAMoZzREOVCDzUzsgUZRICUI54yOk/s640/blogger-image-1970636897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpqXLIkCiAye_ixfiu5GqlNQsTd7iHql0USKyTfRc0_geJkuVdA3oqgInXLUpb5dsu23M3g4n_0lY7G4v8VKwWcX4dyOkTso7MHthRsDO-BelaTVYAMoZzREOVCDzUzsgUZRICUI54yOk/s640/blogger-image-1970636897.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Awe inspiring to say the least.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Had lunch in Eureka and the ride into Oregon was nice. Construction had me stop on a bridge waiting for oncoming traffic to clear, and I got this shot of a river at sunset<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiii_DIAIAUpdgZXeUtvBg2oioeUH_7L2jRrLidhys5uSbri-gwb86poVAn9wWovrLlutRfMWnQa-LyG_FmkbeTcZ1pv2V5RRDSzGMaObRN-XojD2Q30ooXV3tnYnZiQ-Yidp_L_wSyCu4/s640/blogger-image--619490570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiii_DIAIAUpdgZXeUtvBg2oioeUH_7L2jRrLidhys5uSbri-gwb86poVAn9wWovrLlutRfMWnQa-LyG_FmkbeTcZ1pv2V5RRDSzGMaObRN-XojD2Q30ooXV3tnYnZiQ-Yidp_L_wSyCu4/s640/blogger-image--619490570.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Oregon is not without its share of scenic coastline</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMdvgbSiErK9JXV0ss0IA7S5vJtr_Za-8bDEkobcrr6RgHu9c1BwhhqG6GaVs4O-gr8hfhk3IxfCCMPeCWdpsCYmQuzfBo-LIwML1Z1j3xbBZR4zq0G4nM7RLpazeF9f8wtIyX9p-Yxcc/s640/blogger-image--2132935673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMdvgbSiErK9JXV0ss0IA7S5vJtr_Za-8bDEkobcrr6RgHu9c1BwhhqG6GaVs4O-gr8hfhk3IxfCCMPeCWdpsCYmQuzfBo-LIwML1Z1j3xbBZR4zq0G4nM7RLpazeF9f8wtIyX9p-Yxcc/s640/blogger-image--2132935673.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Camped in a KOA (easy and cheap)</div><br></div></div></div></div></div>Vince Hermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04899951993916796776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4110336078350165000.post-63424779651618901042013-07-14T13:24:00.001-07:002013-07-14T13:26:20.778-07:00This is the Pacific Coast I ImaginedFirst, I need to point out that these posts are being delayed by sketchy cell service. But riding along with no opportunity to check email for much or all of the day has let me separate myself from the usual pressures of life and just enjoy the trip.<div>Riding alone again (I miss you, Marion). I have been making it a habit to pull off at the signed Vista Points. This one was nice enough that I took my journal and a water and hiked a bit. I found a good place to sit by this cove and contemplated the universe. (Yes, I fell asleep)</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuXpX99lPH5J5ArgFPi-8aK9V5W2jhFoqd6OjEQoSZ5_qJ7p53oyNKS_gCHd__81n0yCzhpOqYcMPMzPvqwKrY89pvxyktIfpqpzNBx7i7I4KCD9URILz2bwDZ85SlSnyQ6gv8k4b78hM/s640/blogger-image-1766847156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuXpX99lPH5J5ArgFPi-8aK9V5W2jhFoqd6OjEQoSZ5_qJ7p53oyNKS_gCHd__81n0yCzhpOqYcMPMzPvqwKrY89pvxyktIfpqpzNBx7i7I4KCD9URILz2bwDZ85SlSnyQ6gv8k4b78hM/s640/blogger-image-1766847156.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I did get some writing done. :-)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I passed a point I have been reaching for. 100,000 miles<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZIIXCh2jHVPM2GExtmEBkTTB2yqV6ArKE0oFb8UJ2pz8Pt3eOc-UhW_Kih8IdIxhcwaccTS_nUq4gdFVqibY2WnEZ3XRo9dmzCAmmiJjfDkuytBH-DIKa4-AxIzQ1-XxJBdZ8MYPTKD4/s640/blogger-image-1026902776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZIIXCh2jHVPM2GExtmEBkTTB2yqV6ArKE0oFb8UJ2pz8Pt3eOc-UhW_Kih8IdIxhcwaccTS_nUq4gdFVqibY2WnEZ3XRo9dmzCAmmiJjfDkuytBH-DIKa4-AxIzQ1-XxJBdZ8MYPTKD4/s640/blogger-image-1026902776.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But Vince, you did not take the picture at exactly 100k. Why?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXDTZkXNutsgmw6Wf6-m_mxHICN70OtMh5PHNkGqQ-DD2m5tr_5tDELaxinio2GbDYR4ctwHG9ajdguxf8S8g_Xw4Vb3__jOhn3FQG3gBxhHg4UdWK39h20DGm19xTTi7SbwPRu11wliE/s640/blogger-image--1021799329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXDTZkXNutsgmw6Wf6-m_mxHICN70OtMh5PHNkGqQ-DD2m5tr_5tDELaxinio2GbDYR4ctwHG9ajdguxf8S8g_Xw4Vb3__jOhn3FQG3gBxhHg4UdWK39h20DGm19xTTi7SbwPRu11wliE/s640/blogger-image--1021799329.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Roads like this had a distracting effect and I was not watching the odometer!</div>I found a state park right on the ocean and decided to set up camp while the sun was still shining for a change.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkMWXxCxwu2sEmudeozf8un96yjV9ONNBGtnzWt-VOe44weEzRbEzWMqgFFXkWp1ALE3CxvMhjBAF8-GVsjb4KAKc1FNwqBpEujWK09I8QE2kqLq_TnhF6ZexFfbrc9Lq2rukMRFvwtyk/s640/blogger-image--1223991655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkMWXxCxwu2sEmudeozf8un96yjV9ONNBGtnzWt-VOe44weEzRbEzWMqgFFXkWp1ALE3CxvMhjBAF8-GVsjb4KAKc1FNwqBpEujWK09I8QE2kqLq_TnhF6ZexFfbrc9Lq2rukMRFvwtyk/s640/blogger-image--1223991655.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I read a bit, practiced my ukulele, wrote a bit and watched the sun set. A coyote was hoping to get the neighbors tiny dog. He was quite persistent. Shooing and flashlights kept him at bay but he never left. The puppy spent the night inside their camper.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It was cold but using all my blankets (and a knit hat made with love) I snuggled in and slept well.</div></div></div><br></div>Vince Hermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04899951993916796776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4110336078350165000.post-33644469547320388462013-07-12T23:45:00.001-07:002013-07-13T00:03:31.334-07:00More San Fracisco<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Breakfast at a crepe place on pier 39. Shopping (seeing a theme here?) and then deciding how to do the Golden Gate. I was leaning towards renting electric bicycles, but someone suggested riding the bus to the park and walking as much or as little of the bridge as you want. I am glad we went this route. Riding a bike on that crowded sidewalk would have had us concentrating on getting to the other side, rather than being on the bridge. Walking let us read all the plaques in the park describing the building and the technical details. And walking the bridge gave us an up close impression of the structure.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5PnOfpqV_aifLfBqfWi4eXSzOmWF0YZOBVIITH0tzBXGHhMV6gjpQCtqVjsNFnFowePAZc0HJ93fIk_YjlaOUEYoGrI8A69uzWAZ-Y1HAjahMsDRxF7HuMMAV-3BTtpK6oaIlaADYgMw/s640/blogger-image--1775773026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5PnOfpqV_aifLfBqfWi4eXSzOmWF0YZOBVIITH0tzBXGHhMV6gjpQCtqVjsNFnFowePAZc0HJ93fIk_YjlaOUEYoGrI8A69uzWAZ-Y1HAjahMsDRxF7HuMMAV-3BTtpK6oaIlaADYgMw/s640/blogger-image--1775773026.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The scarves were a late addition to our ensemble, because it was cold!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Most of the rest of the day was spent riding the street cars, cable cars and busses.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5WI43-gfW7OO5Bhmy_svJgMOt_kxpHtD2LM7DXlkYZu_iFmO4X7twVXryNw9qm0L-AZxScwxMHQq-N4FGCTiWg3a4OjuKivZph2bSz1HVLah3nKroSbberNytEXUWKdyrbgU8Pkzcf0/s640/blogger-image-1501658450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5WI43-gfW7OO5Bhmy_svJgMOt_kxpHtD2LM7DXlkYZu_iFmO4X7twVXryNw9qm0L-AZxScwxMHQq-N4FGCTiWg3a4OjuKivZph2bSz1HVLah3nKroSbberNytEXUWKdyrbgU8Pkzcf0/s640/blogger-image-1501658450.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A late dinner at Tropisueño and then heading back to the room. The planned line would have dropped us 3 easy blocks from the hotel. My execution of the plan was not optimal. We got off at the right street but 6 blocks away with some insanely steep hills to climb up and down. Well, I guess we worked off dinner. That's what she gets for letting me navigate! :-)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Marion flies home tomorrow morning. I will be solo for the rest of the trip. :-(. I am going to miss her.</div><br></div><div><br></div></div>Vince Hermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04899951993916796776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4110336078350165000.post-39219032083953258592013-07-11T22:04:00.001-07:002013-07-11T22:06:03.436-07:00San Francisco<div>The day kicked off with an underwhelming continental breakfast. Your choice of toast, bagels, Danishes or waffles. 4 cereals to choose from and all sugared. I made do with an apple and found a cafe in Fisherman's Wharf that had an egg sandwich.</div><div>We did a tour of Alcatraz. The main cell block where they have the audio tour was pretty enjoyable. The rest of the island is falling apart. Neglect and the time exposed to the salt environment is tearing down the rest of the buildings.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_QplyYfn_WgVzqTr4_GPgSJ9f_SVWX8LgJx4yvQXfv_SGlbwokWRU1BYypwBCyKISSjuZO4lQBWGwYaq2AtxlYlcgxnT66kx_s660Q_ipZCHpkFQaGTSkF0_3hLzmKnGAhwhyphenhyphenN8fBc5A/s640/blogger-image-766369767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_QplyYfn_WgVzqTr4_GPgSJ9f_SVWX8LgJx4yvQXfv_SGlbwokWRU1BYypwBCyKISSjuZO4lQBWGwYaq2AtxlYlcgxnT66kx_s660Q_ipZCHpkFQaGTSkF0_3hLzmKnGAhwhyphenhyphenN8fBc5A/s640/blogger-image-766369767.jpg"></a></div>Back in Fisherman's Wharf we got 3 day muni passes to ride all the cable cars, busses and street cars.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyfcSqettK7_zDNnZSL7q-b1RGqI6IdTwo7kto6xhRGF-CLYOJJiL4E6clVt0qqEwCDm826Y3v4bbaJTlFyMUHBx5ekSxCZV-wlLipQYqMZ6stvu6wPxHmmvASSB-OmXjAboJxq8U1GNs/s640/blogger-image-1601596647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyfcSqettK7_zDNnZSL7q-b1RGqI6IdTwo7kto6xhRGF-CLYOJJiL4E6clVt0qqEwCDm826Y3v4bbaJTlFyMUHBx5ekSxCZV-wlLipQYqMZ6stvu6wPxHmmvASSB-OmXjAboJxq8U1GNs/s640/blogger-image-1601596647.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We had a fun episode - the car we were on 'dropped the cable' crossing another line. Not sure what that means but it must be embarrassing, because the conductors of the passing cars all laughed when they heard.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Here is a shot of the crookedest street, Lombard.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTgZirnhqsPoUtELws9juOowUXmlq-63xzQz6SVil-sEVMpRrchPdb1w3Juxiwpc9ih4qCx8hqigLdOklXEWiHyKMjVw9iE8GNITMyR6OvCAI47spfUhKkZsavnm2sCbU_KJ3JAo2S6No/s640/blogger-image--582846594.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTgZirnhqsPoUtELws9juOowUXmlq-63xzQz6SVil-sEVMpRrchPdb1w3Juxiwpc9ih4qCx8hqigLdOklXEWiHyKMjVw9iE8GNITMyR6OvCAI47spfUhKkZsavnm2sCbU_KJ3JAo2S6No/s640/blogger-image--582846594.jpg"></a></div></div>We walked down the sidewalk and enjoyed the beautiful landscaping as we were amazed at the steep grade.</div><div>We are back at the hotel wondering if we can swing leg transplants, since ours are shot. We are contemplating renting electric bicycles tomorrow to ride the Golden Gate. But that will depend on how we feel tomorrow.</div>Vince Hermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04899951993916796776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4110336078350165000.post-51091546405572457852013-07-10T23:09:00.001-07:002013-07-10T23:31:52.514-07:00Up to San FranciscoWe hit Highway 1 early to get to Hearst Castle early. Good idea since by the time we left there were a zillion people mobbing the place.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbeL1tIZOyGnWEYHw_jxVkzwFqLjrW_u5X7NCBl7rC4r4ObfeRhfttBVsHQyQSc5MKJO6OVRNgZ4FGHRoZ1gUO2OwkMBIHl1Zc0zstanXboiv-uq0Qi7xqkqObD0xNSz_Nw9CgdSmaRIU/s640/blogger-image-1488662427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbeL1tIZOyGnWEYHw_jxVkzwFqLjrW_u5X7NCBl7rC4r4ObfeRhfttBVsHQyQSc5MKJO6OVRNgZ4FGHRoZ1gUO2OwkMBIHl1Zc0zstanXboiv-uq0Qi7xqkqObD0xNSz_Nw9CgdSmaRIU/s640/blogger-image-1488662427.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Again, most of my pictures are on the good camera and I don't have the cord in the room.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Oh, just so that you know, there is some pretty good scenery on Highway 1. Once we got north of Big Sur, the highway turned in to a twisty ride with surprising elevation changes. We played tag with the fog, some times above it, some times below it, and some times in it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMdGUIUJXFmDSMBvbUOhM60_qpdoTXCFwlFFWoF3z9UzNBDmULqOGf4lnTzEERybpNBBEpVcR9ps02x4-k0TvN5CUCmlAd21Uzcrqat2nfizDLERa40r34QlVKCl52_vUEuY7Sm7xwMTI/s640/blogger-image-446621734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMdGUIUJXFmDSMBvbUOhM60_qpdoTXCFwlFFWoF3z9UzNBDmULqOGf4lnTzEERybpNBBEpVcR9ps02x4-k0TvN5CUCmlAd21Uzcrqat2nfizDLERa40r34QlVKCl52_vUEuY7Sm7xwMTI/s640/blogger-image-446621734.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There were times I would be riding and see a sliver of white on the distant hill and realize that this was the road stuck crazily on the side. Here is a shot looking back that give a small idea of what I mean.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9s3mDpjJnZtmncpcfj2r0zQWH4c3S6hsEmNDFRs7bFI3O9cEcAvm9tmKUKgy8Uo6BgyGKEdQz3EO58PihyqQJuoqWw4YV2Onc-pWjCDnZQN7LkietbRXw9GgrBqVnBxGQPF4eO6ZPsf4/s640/blogger-image--1366540521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9s3mDpjJnZtmncpcfj2r0zQWH4c3S6hsEmNDFRs7bFI3O9cEcAvm9tmKUKgy8Uo6BgyGKEdQz3EO58PihyqQJuoqWw4YV2Onc-pWjCDnZQN7LkietbRXw9GgrBqVnBxGQPF4eO6ZPsf4/s640/blogger-image--1366540521.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Many places were much steeper and tighter but those were the places I could not stop for a pic!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We got stuck in traffic heading in to SF. Took a dinner break and got to the hotel later than planned, but we are here, close to Fisherman's Wharf. Time for some much needed sleep.</div><br></div></div>Vince Hermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04899951993916796776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4110336078350165000.post-62999604774747568362013-07-10T23:07:00.001-07:002018-07-17T12:50:40.983-07:00Up the CoastEric got called in to work before we left. Happy B-Day Eric!<br />
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We rode up the coast. The pier at Malibu Beach</div>
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We stopped in Ventura and several other scenic vistas, but those pictures are on my other camera and the cords are buried somewhere.</div>
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The Rock was fogged in so we did not stop there.</div>
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One stretch of today's ride I got confused and let the GPS take me up 101 rather than the coastal Highway 1. Rather than turn back, we just decided to use that quicker route. It returned us back to the coast but not before roasting us. 88 on the east side of the hill became 61 when we came back to the coast. 27 degree change inside an hour.</div>
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We set up the camper at the San Simeon state Park. Nice enough place but no cell service so this post will have to wait til tomorrow.</div>
Vince Hermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04899951993916796776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4110336078350165000.post-41512765238819361602013-07-08T15:45:00.001-07:002013-07-09T05:47:05.752-07:00More with Eric and LuluEric is not slacking off on the food front. Gourmet breakfast at Marston's and great Mexican at La Cabiñita. In between we went to La Brea tar pits to see the Saber Toothes and sloths.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRsf20EhFeNODMa_-lNPeKM5k_AhF9yeeNl1tizX332Rd8bAfpVDrJBSPMJdDjg58YWATTO0ENSJaq9dymyvtWkJcZH_cYyH9eK3OJ40gq09pp-cNhJAW7T8u-36NWoeqm-kLwCor29Gg/s640/blogger-image-465603871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRsf20EhFeNODMa_-lNPeKM5k_AhF9yeeNl1tizX332Rd8bAfpVDrJBSPMJdDjg58YWATTO0ENSJaq9dymyvtWkJcZH_cYyH9eK3OJ40gq09pp-cNhJAW7T8u-36NWoeqm-kLwCor29Gg/s640/blogger-image-465603871.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Dinner was high end pizza at Settebello</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh15kjbxQ2AR7LQcGktS2EBgTbRI11erA7_5uaqzUuryXwT1aewqMjGU8GVuisTY42wTMJk-TORPDjBSzXfTa7-rnTd_5pCLM4Ms-4a6j3uOu__k5e7K7SC5jXVAN_iJ4Rxd1qN1wKHROU/s640/blogger-image--850951594.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh15kjbxQ2AR7LQcGktS2EBgTbRI11erA7_5uaqzUuryXwT1aewqMjGU8GVuisTY42wTMJk-TORPDjBSzXfTa7-rnTd_5pCLM4Ms-4a6j3uOu__k5e7K7SC5jXVAN_iJ4Rxd1qN1wKHROU/s640/blogger-image--850951594.jpg"></a></div></div>But now for the sweet sorrow of departure. I don't get to see my brother Eric nearly often enough, and I am sad to have to leave.</div>Vince Hermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04899951993916796776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4110336078350165000.post-46411880636271607292013-07-08T07:01:00.001-07:002013-07-08T15:35:12.792-07:00PasadenaFor those reading this for the motorcycle ride aspect, I apologize for the thin amount of riding being reported. This will continue a bit as we visit with Eric and Lulu for a few days.<div><br></div><div>We went to the Huntington Gardens Sunday (yesterday). Here we are standing in the grass (bamboo)</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXKtAqix4GTpWUlAPaEMuJbhDzdsC8mGJLsgHtRY6lZjgmCsFu4Fuza4RWYXDMQv2UG3_5rCGvyOAXw14kmr1RxtJTE20EIqaLxkuZhEmZhn-gUusJO_mBD8jdmhQKbUzQ7KuyhxZDzaA/s640/blogger-image-229942407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXKtAqix4GTpWUlAPaEMuJbhDzdsC8mGJLsgHtRY6lZjgmCsFu4Fuza4RWYXDMQv2UG3_5rCGvyOAXw14kmr1RxtJTE20EIqaLxkuZhEmZhn-gUusJO_mBD8jdmhQKbUzQ7KuyhxZDzaA/s640/blogger-image-229942407.jpg"></a></div></div><div>At least we were told this was Huntington Gardens. I think that we were actually transported to some alien planet, because the plants we saw were so bizarre they could not come from Earth!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcSPTN-PEZpFxTzeKeCd8wrohv_RdDnagqXdn-Pvwj1DMSfqxf9l2OrdzBExSaCR7FM-Qze_4kIEsd8BXe2p_6aCkO_N6Z6abp8ImFI6K5oAkt7rg_qDBBPjeRPv92bl_08wjE5v2M0Wk/s640/blogger-image--973889435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcSPTN-PEZpFxTzeKeCd8wrohv_RdDnagqXdn-Pvwj1DMSfqxf9l2OrdzBExSaCR7FM-Qze_4kIEsd8BXe2p_6aCkO_N6Z6abp8ImFI6K5oAkt7rg_qDBBPjeRPv92bl_08wjE5v2M0Wk/s640/blogger-image--973889435.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We saw an incredible array of exotic and strange plants. Little 3 foot tall plants with a 17 foot tall flower stem. Crazy things that looked like they would eat you. So many that did not match my understanding of plants.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Then the transporter took us to Japan.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijuq_rOWY3iI3xaKm09zWzYEymxz2YD0-RPVEKaZ2IpW8LCrqfg5O4o7SB61lQkkkmoh-e5LqIpXl6Z1rcguze15X1keW8sYJS4mQpUjF5gbh90L1MpsBxFtF3l2jk3PKydh5y1pMDuIs/s640/blogger-image--2051989998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijuq_rOWY3iI3xaKm09zWzYEymxz2YD0-RPVEKaZ2IpW8LCrqfg5O4o7SB61lQkkkmoh-e5LqIpXl6Z1rcguze15X1keW8sYJS4mQpUjF5gbh90L1MpsBxFtF3l2jk3PKydh5y1pMDuIs/s640/blogger-image--2051989998.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I could have spent an entire day studying the bonsai trees.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For dinner we joined Eric and Lulu for their Sunday ritual of visiting her sister Shelly and hubby Amit. This week their themed dinner included Carne Asada on the grill, rice, beans (with more than a little jalapeño kick). Shelly and Amit are great people and great entertainers! I do not recall a more pleasurable evening. We debated wine choices with more vigor than most people debate politics. We laughed about humanity, about current events and old jokes. This evening will be one of the fondest memories, I am sure!</div><br></div><div><br></div>Vince Hermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04899951993916796776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4110336078350165000.post-82926566145297119942013-07-08T06:45:00.001-07:002013-07-08T07:28:06.617-07:00Disney Land Day 2Hmmm... I typed this up once but I guess I did not publish it. Well, better late than never.<div>Using the fast pass for the Cars ride was super easy. And the ride made us feel like we were in the movie! It was worth the effort!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZ_VvhxvZ_BTyuVbAE3tEGJ9j0TM1O5ADcTWJkau0oW7kmeMKkq5XrV4kOlJu5D6fcszfrLYE8CSXROLNaXVbI41BHQfBFOOSoSvSmenN05u08zxjUbf4-5gE_t5duKDkV1vnFL1KXHM/s640/blogger-image-992315957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZ_VvhxvZ_BTyuVbAE3tEGJ9j0TM1O5ADcTWJkau0oW7kmeMKkq5XrV4kOlJu5D6fcszfrLYE8CSXROLNaXVbI41BHQfBFOOSoSvSmenN05u08zxjUbf4-5gE_t5duKDkV1vnFL1KXHM/s640/blogger-image-992315957.jpg"></a></div><div>We rode more rides, including Space Mountain</div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8yScrzq5Y3rYvDRM4YO4rRwg-_X2qcjYNQ5-PhVtWlutIlhroNsFW5gkZhNPW5Qeezqg5nycPWN1b2Q41O5g25WWuA8XqU0mVquuSfH-Yp3ZhMeea96M8mQZwiUxT_NKJjzcgyUe11wU/s640/blogger-image--1072348887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8yScrzq5Y3rYvDRM4YO4rRwg-_X2qcjYNQ5-PhVtWlutIlhroNsFW5gkZhNPW5Qeezqg5nycPWN1b2Q41O5g25WWuA8XqU0mVquuSfH-Yp3ZhMeea96M8mQZwiUxT_NKJjzcgyUe11wU/s640/blogger-image--1072348887.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And many other rides. Marion wanted to jump on Mr Toads Wild Ride</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV-BvIdP8bTI8qBH3miyJ0KJQ7R0fJJqYNZIH0AzPq5U_rSOP2GAJSBOrtHc5L1qyJxPpJ0imm-KPzsPFMYsQZ7fMQONl8OaSRv1zguujvLwBQcEjI6IMjaPjycN6281CrOlpJR_lEAos/s640/blogger-image--1790187323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV-BvIdP8bTI8qBH3miyJ0KJQ7R0fJJqYNZIH0AzPq5U_rSOP2GAJSBOrtHc5L1qyJxPpJ0imm-KPzsPFMYsQZ7fMQONl8OaSRv1zguujvLwBQcEjI6IMjaPjycN6281CrOlpJR_lEAos/s640/blogger-image--1790187323.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Then it was time it leave DisneyLand and ride up to Pasadena to see Eric and meet Lulu. We went out to the Dog Haus for some great burgers (I have simply NEVER been disappointed going out to eat with Eric) and then to bed to try to recuperate from 2 days of solid walking.</div><br></div><br></div>Vince Hermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04899951993916796776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4110336078350165000.post-78521225095108380502013-07-05T23:46:00.001-07:002013-07-05T23:46:18.340-07:00Disney Land Day 1Here is the view from our room. This is the California Adventure park.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXnDhw4CDblXcCCKYnxa6cZMzu_tpVOcL3NEEWFkho-GhXYRxSryMy5omcsCaBK0qt23F5qM4WGbN7K6gH9SdbMRcSvMhyphenhyphenVdxmpMBFkzFWKMn2NJ9UfFu8DM20UA1c-wDCRiG-MhV9u1c/s640/blogger-image--947733074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXnDhw4CDblXcCCKYnxa6cZMzu_tpVOcL3NEEWFkho-GhXYRxSryMy5omcsCaBK0qt23F5qM4WGbN7K6gH9SdbMRcSvMhyphenhyphenVdxmpMBFkzFWKMn2NJ9UfFu8DM20UA1c-wDCRiG-MhV9u1c/s640/blogger-image--947733074.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We had a goal today to ride the new Cars ride, but we got in too late to use the fast pass, and I was not prepared to wait 2 hours to ride. We will try again tomorrow.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Shopping? Yes, Marion loves to shop and I enjoy shopping with her. Many souvenirs. I have never really been a Mickey Ears kind of guy. I enjoyed amusement parks as a youngster. Theme parks not so much. But caught up in Marion's excitement, I saw the Fantasia Sorcerers hat (with ears). I could not live without it! It lights up!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitdSJqzqV9PEM3gz7Jp_kRx9MnjTI4P23oLO-Lrw4kC-HgSWgXTR1qQ69pYQjNmIC12MNJ495cl6ULQZf9XxHFkpeVKv4OQ4GBuzdOUWVva_9gQzfJGqVNzwXYpscg3VXqh6QJj06JqTg/s640/blogger-image-1096178155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitdSJqzqV9PEM3gz7Jp_kRx9MnjTI4P23oLO-Lrw4kC-HgSWgXTR1qQ69pYQjNmIC12MNJ495cl6ULQZf9XxHFkpeVKv4OQ4GBuzdOUWVva_9gQzfJGqVNzwXYpscg3VXqh6QJj06JqTg/s640/blogger-image-1096178155.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We are tired but looking forward to hitting the parks again tomorrow, then it is out to LA to see my brother Eric and his girlfriend Lulu. Fun times!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div> </div>Vince Hermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04899951993916796776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4110336078350165000.post-60097697650940624792013-07-05T06:22:00.001-07:002013-07-05T06:24:21.796-07:00Independence Day!We went down to San Diego for a day of shopping and fireworks. Karen took us to the Gas Lamp quarter, named for the gas lamps that were installed when 'new town' was built outside old town, the Spanish fort.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLIb8yFp6ODnJ1lASBMXdWf_10qhGQfvDhp9UVs4ri2P0ATu8_n-pvQLz_gisffJi3pE67NvzhHyfdH5Mq8xeJy61BleYOcor4IcPKOvTCixb152UEDWW0jmZsyBDRq3Fz34g36qTrT28/s640/blogger-image--1199644937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLIb8yFp6ODnJ1lASBMXdWf_10qhGQfvDhp9UVs4ri2P0ATu8_n-pvQLz_gisffJi3pE67NvzhHyfdH5Mq8xeJy61BleYOcor4IcPKOvTCixb152UEDWW0jmZsyBDRq3Fz34g36qTrT28/s640/blogger-image--1199644937.jpg"></a></div></div><div>I enjoyed the architecture of many of the buildings<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZZwC7K__uyE5kMV98VPtffFc4-jMCY70yGbakIuAA4HEkKS7iOTHl-3lb7DYbcaW6XHzcrn1NFfp-wAHuv0eJz2Qp77NnQRenxupf9uUn2kChN3VE1_PX3cC3tFoLy13g3-D_KOai4s/s640/blogger-image--1896526717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZZwC7K__uyE5kMV98VPtffFc4-jMCY70yGbakIuAA4HEkKS7iOTHl-3lb7DYbcaW6XHzcrn1NFfp-wAHuv0eJz2Qp77NnQRenxupf9uUn2kChN3VE1_PX3cC3tFoLy13g3-D_KOai4s/s640/blogger-image--1896526717.jpg"></a></div></div><div>We shopped til we were ready to drop, and then took a break in one of the zillion bars and restaurants throughout Gas Lamp. We listened to live jazz at Croce's which is going to close soon apparently. We shopped more, ate more, drank more and had a great day people watching.</div><div>The news said that San Diego expected 850,000 people to come for the fireworks. There were certainly more people than at the small town fireworks from my childhood, but it was not the crush I had feared. We probably could have had a better view if we invested more time in camping out all day in a good spot, but we were not sure where that might be. Turns out it did not matter. With the multiple points used for the display, everyone could see a portion. If I stood on tiptoe, I could see the coordinated displays from 3 barges, and more were going off to our left.</div><div>Certainly the best display I have ever seen.</div>Vince Hermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04899951993916796776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4110336078350165000.post-9960646646260405942013-07-03T22:18:00.001-07:002013-07-03T22:38:06.444-07:00I Made ItAfter the scorcher last night, I went for an early start, setting my alarm for 4:30. 4:15 my eyes opened up. I guess I am still on Ohio time. At least it cooled down. When I left at just before 5am, it was 95 degrees. The gas station was not open yet, but I had a half tank so I got on the highway. My paranoid mind was stuck on the idea of not making it to the next gas station, but I had a gallon and a half to spare when I did fill up.<div>The ride was mostly uneventful, other than it getting cooler as I approached the ocean. My next fill up was at a cash-only gas station. ?!?!? Really? They had an ATM so you could pull out money to pay cash for the gas. Too weird!</div><div>Marion flew in to San Diego yesterday to visit her friend Karen. When I got in, the three of us toured Oceanside and surrounding communities. Here are some shots from La Jolla Cove:<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlCbGGXMEvx2nkDjDlXdD50EzluHpM4DDFvAh0szi_QfKiUJVjfiGybyHARlsLIn03FzG7V4u7JsAP2I_Fdk4V3ZSaszYitd2PNN5kSG8r7VdV1O-1uogJJ7v2aUoa4qFbtdKXmYofg_U/s640/blogger-image--1318912010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlCbGGXMEvx2nkDjDlXdD50EzluHpM4DDFvAh0szi_QfKiUJVjfiGybyHARlsLIn03FzG7V4u7JsAP2I_Fdk4V3ZSaszYitd2PNN5kSG8r7VdV1O-1uogJJ7v2aUoa4qFbtdKXmYofg_U/s640/blogger-image--1318912010.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A panoramic shot from the pier</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT-n5sHip6cAsWS9wSTI8ijdhZNLny-dBtSEiapbRcB1Fuft_S-NHJT85KWP9wDXHQFtLRjLr-dciDrnN5Pbk05YB0XhGKNzVxKVsU3nHJqnJO4VPhAW7PJcHRyFDrc8O7kqX30RnVwac/s640/blogger-image--1890358304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT-n5sHip6cAsWS9wSTI8ijdhZNLny-dBtSEiapbRcB1Fuft_S-NHJT85KWP9wDXHQFtLRjLr-dciDrnN5Pbk05YB0XhGKNzVxKVsU3nHJqnJO4VPhAW7PJcHRyFDrc8O7kqX30RnVwac/s640/blogger-image--1890358304.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja5gxBeYPNx2LNCXWU8wvg5xzYU1N8kK3vnQP-REsy5mo67LbTgp4aorRGlrL1l618_grRX0H038CBU218PRkZbYAXU4CeZRI0FnfJ4D5Q_MDBggwEZAl9E4xrjgeEFRezQSKU7mki-c4/s640/blogger-image-1283552430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja5gxBeYPNx2LNCXWU8wvg5xzYU1N8kK3vnQP-REsy5mo67LbTgp4aorRGlrL1l618_grRX0H038CBU218PRkZbYAXU4CeZRI0FnfJ4D5Q_MDBggwEZAl9E4xrjgeEFRezQSKU7mki-c4/s640/blogger-image-1283552430.jpg"></a></div>Marion is the brunette, Karen is the blonde and I am the chubby one in the middle.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div>Vince Hermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04899951993916796776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4110336078350165000.post-57272374356215037052013-07-02T19:22:00.001-07:002013-07-02T20:18:27.065-07:00I was WrongI made a mistake. I had previously said that the ride was hot. I did not know what I was talking about!<div>I deviated from my original plan and decided to ride in to LA before I go to San Diego. That way I can say I did the entire Route 66 corridor. I rolled out of the KOA around 8:30. The free breakfast was a disappointment. Cold cereal. No matter, I can stop anywhere for human fuel. It was in the mid 60s when I left. It got warmer.</div><div>I was a little worried about the brush fires but was not sure how close they were to my route. What can you do? I rode.</div><div>As I crossed from New Mexico in to Arizona, it was getting to be time to fuel up my bike. There was no missing the first exit because there were 400 billboards proclaiming "Indian City" which apparently has the best blankets and beaded belts. The state had their sign for gas and food, so I pulled off. The pancake house looked like it had been closed for ten years, and so too the Armco gas station. I poked my nose in to the Indian city and in fact they did have nice blankets. $80 was more than I thought they were worth. At least they had Gatorade (which proved very valuable later)</div><div>It was getting warmer. The next exit had a line of billboards telling me that even cheaper blankets and belts were to be had. Also, the state gas/food sign. I pulled off the interstate and in to the gas station-trinket store. The pumps were cordoned off and the last price they had was $2.87 a gallon. <sigh><br><div>Hey, did you know that blistex in unusable at 103?</div></div><div>I<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "> </span><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">ate some peanut butter crackers at the third exit which actually DID have an operation station.</span></div><div>I rolled through Flagstaff and tried not to let the earlier disappointment color the rest of the day. I really did enjoy the ride. It was like I was riding through a road runner cartoon! But so real and so beautiful.</div><div>The heat was still rising and I was drinking great quantities of water. I frequently pulled over to drink some gator aid and dip my shirt in the cooler water. It hurt to put it back on but I felt human again for the next ten minutes.</div><div> I began to be concerned about the engine temp. It was still at normal temp, but I have a trailer with all the aerodynamics of a barn, and i40 is 75mph, with most traffic exceeding that by a bit. I started to back down the cruise just to be safe.</div><div>When I stopped in Kingman Az it was 109. I guess the brush fires were not too far off.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwE__sJeBIXFyoiSWnbVxZznI8i0r9PRl00cc3KFhy9g9-Y_1-8J7dchrvehX0RlfFz74pLn94xClUP_f6hOm79ptI5k7nllbv1XqVxG2gLE3fhhp-6LjJhJv11VQq09_Enq9uoWR81lo/s640/blogger-image-1780012595.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwE__sJeBIXFyoiSWnbVxZznI8i0r9PRl00cc3KFhy9g9-Y_1-8J7dchrvehX0RlfFz74pLn94xClUP_f6hOm79ptI5k7nllbv1XqVxG2gLE3fhhp-6LjJhJv11VQq09_Enq9uoWR81lo/s640/blogger-image-1780012595.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Fuel up me and the bike and back on the road. Temp going up. 111. More water. Wet the shirt again. Back the cruise down more. 115. 116. The temp needle moves up above normal. Now maybe this is normal behavior, but I sure don't like it. I realize my paranoia might be dehydration based so I drink more water. I am still sweating, which is good. Getting close to the CA border and I promise myself ill take the first hotel with a pool. Back the cruise down more. Pulling up hills at 55 and the temp needle rises again. 117. Down to 50mph as I cross the ca border. Now I promise to take any room with a shower! First one I find is in Needles. I have had a shower, a change of clothes and a beer. My bike is in the shade, and it still reads 115, although some of that may be from the engine. Oh, my iPhone did not like the heat either. This was when I pulled in to the hotel. I had to get my camera to take this photo.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnJaRwLSo7BBd283jRkCYaJJ8wC44HoZR2ACJgD95_vYX0hAiiWUhyi-oXwyHRm681jlEkMY6v-oLNmFP8cgjOMRhZtddXcnvhLifjb9I7PqV_wWPZ41x-6hyPV4lSRjSBw_0_T74VHrk/s640/blogger-image-1023819877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnJaRwLSo7BBd283jRkCYaJJ8wC44HoZR2ACJgD95_vYX0hAiiWUhyi-oXwyHRm681jlEkMY6v-oLNmFP8cgjOMRhZtddXcnvhLifjb9I7PqV_wWPZ41x-6hyPV4lSRjSBw_0_T74VHrk/s640/blogger-image-1023819877.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Sorry for the bad shot. I was overheated too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I am going to do something I don't really relish - I am setting my alarm. I will turn in early, and roll out around 4 to beat the heat. But hey, that is 7 eastern, which is the timezone my body is still in.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Marion's plane just landed safe in San Diego. I get to see her tomorrow so I am happy!</div></div></div>Vince Hermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04899951993916796776noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4110336078350165000.post-65557949068153411102013-07-01T20:32:00.001-07:002013-07-01T20:32:30.119-07:00Wow is New Mexico Beautiful!The ride today was hot. Still pushing water. I played cat and mouse with a storm system that wet my windscreen a few times, but it was too hot to consider rain gear.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipg1XniMKAWGcuNbxGKTP9B2IoiUABCVNX74pMJkvdv0bguSmcM3s0Hqk-NIKoJcIRq0JargYYuiaE9TeJY8LhyphenhyphenGyvzr7ZmW6L1Y2P3GR1TycrsW-r4Y6NjE9S-U6wM5Rwl0xGBzjUCqM/s640/blogger-image--1654120689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipg1XniMKAWGcuNbxGKTP9B2IoiUABCVNX74pMJkvdv0bguSmcM3s0Hqk-NIKoJcIRq0JargYYuiaE9TeJY8LhyphenhyphenGyvzr7ZmW6L1Y2P3GR1TycrsW-r4Y6NjE9S-U6wM5Rwl0xGBzjUCqM/s640/blogger-image--1654120689.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I knew I should have made a left...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Riding through Texas I was in move mode, trying to make time. When I got to New Mexico I had to stop for some pictures.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVC_amzHlun3HOEi96FtikAM-Xh8QYsa3pSLrH9r5kkp0R7Kesp_Q3w0kqF2Z96LS5jSCM1tmqC9VeDxhsIyEfNJoE1AWSLPa13WbwxRUqH_VgnlL2H15l9_P6SmJ5PdZGtMK2zAmp25o/s640/blogger-image-685565829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVC_amzHlun3HOEi96FtikAM-Xh8QYsa3pSLrH9r5kkp0R7Kesp_Q3w0kqF2Z96LS5jSCM1tmqC9VeDxhsIyEfNJoE1AWSLPa13WbwxRUqH_VgnlL2H15l9_P6SmJ5PdZGtMK2zAmp25o/s640/blogger-image-685565829.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And is this a Wile E. Coyote shot?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiddXu7Dm0Q6x8c0CXaOB3lg8Sfqb9BsZIsAi1Pd0sPtsq_HC6eEy9ybXqlwwHIAI1rY3ottI1_5Uw3OjjwylaVlOmHqImO4RpTRG7E-0BG5LcdAc_xfC6R24UE9MgYa_j7sDkw7lir-rQ/s640/blogger-image-2024325911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiddXu7Dm0Q6x8c0CXaOB3lg8Sfqb9BsZIsAi1Pd0sPtsq_HC6eEy9ybXqlwwHIAI1rY3ottI1_5Uw3OjjwylaVlOmHqImO4RpTRG7E-0BG5LcdAc_xfC6R24UE9MgYa_j7sDkw7lir-rQ/s640/blogger-image-2024325911.jpg"></a></div>Stopped at Grants NM with 1923 miles in the trip. Had to hurry setting up the camper because the storm was threatening. The rain came, the wind blew and the thunder boomed. I enjoyed a cold one while I caught up on my organizing. The tent did not blow down, but I was treated with this view coming out of the tent<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvad5pK4v4Pval-dX1EqIXGj44T7ejIQtSPArzuunCpgxgkcMcwTqBKZ5tHQWAZsUvvbR4bQkWDOx81C8PX9Ocy6z7pQO0eEYPUNMGPZWbIIdplkBlWkTm37SotDFcsl0zz2we39mz57o/s640/blogger-image-753770328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvad5pK4v4Pval-dX1EqIXGj44T7ejIQtSPArzuunCpgxgkcMcwTqBKZ5tHQWAZsUvvbR4bQkWDOx81C8PX9Ocy6z7pQO0eEYPUNMGPZWbIIdplkBlWkTm37SotDFcsl0zz2we39mz57o/s640/blogger-image-753770328.jpg"></a></div></div></div><br></div>That is a pretty good way to wrap up the day!</div>Vince Hermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04899951993916796776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4110336078350165000.post-76055879339097984042013-06-30T20:19:00.001-07:002013-06-30T20:19:43.212-07:00America's Main Street<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW2tdpsDsPX5RoHSyYwZsa0Qw_J10F_omcAavK37TMcUd8_jw1m-oc6g6INJm5HXOXkn0BFEE4ClOYbQBS_F_2H-KwIpdIYZHNBDwqn8p2Eu_BgZ4F1EIAUbRxtVREkJS4f8HeNhDTo9k/s640/blogger-image-66493249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW2tdpsDsPX5RoHSyYwZsa0Qw_J10F_omcAavK37TMcUd8_jw1m-oc6g6INJm5HXOXkn0BFEE4ClOYbQBS_F_2H-KwIpdIYZHNBDwqn8p2Eu_BgZ4F1EIAUbRxtVREkJS4f8HeNhDTo9k/s640/blogger-image-66493249.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Oh, I was looking forward to getting this shot. The Rainbow Arch Bridge. There are some places where you have to look for the old 66, but this is one of the key icons. The rest of the day was spent looking for other signs.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPSlH9pB9ZyZAN0yanlPazNewx-KEFKacrWKm_96ijday8FyAzMgtHIin9Q-oxRgknBeVzSQY6CA6yKC5sWZwRM4W2nVWXGgI7SuHPVCg4uCk056eBG8m3L-WKOI55f0jzOl3uuuNWZ_U/s640/blogger-image--579951754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPSlH9pB9ZyZAN0yanlPazNewx-KEFKacrWKm_96ijday8FyAzMgtHIin9Q-oxRgknBeVzSQY6CA6yKC5sWZwRM4W2nVWXGgI7SuHPVCg4uCk056eBG8m3L-WKOI55f0jzOl3uuuNWZ_U/s640/blogger-image--579951754.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I would say that this Skyliner is a good sign.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK2ULvp1-43yoOKFt8uK7A41XVi3i1Fzlpb_P151ne9jG4zCoKHiZyAUYq5TEW7-strkL21iUUl0fAr79pYbUcmjhZHcitCdZNe2ofDsXX2DtJpLV7v2-YEzEljikWE5ywxaC6LmOE84c/s640/blogger-image-1336548582.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK2ULvp1-43yoOKFt8uK7A41XVi3i1Fzlpb_P151ne9jG4zCoKHiZyAUYq5TEW7-strkL21iUUl0fAr79pYbUcmjhZHcitCdZNe2ofDsXX2DtJpLV7v2-YEzEljikWE5ywxaC6LmOE84c/s640/blogger-image-1336548582.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Restored gas stations - check. But more than the 'historic' 66 diners and museums, I have enjoyed being off the highway and in the local towns. Take the minivan out of this small town shot and it could be from any era.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ZXBveFw1PzndH8cRSfqDN0ZB461LGrIHrVWeT6t0mG9DlWiYB5RVp9KL5nzoKzyz3YJEarMZCmCVu2YOFwwuvc2hkDAkQALDmo1Jo9qxEVq1XEVKY8yDnkEVTb91tHsgszGuA7_Xy10/s640/blogger-image--52749375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ZXBveFw1PzndH8cRSfqDN0ZB461LGrIHrVWeT6t0mG9DlWiYB5RVp9KL5nzoKzyz3YJEarMZCmCVu2YOFwwuvc2hkDAkQALDmo1Jo9qxEVq1XEVKY8yDnkEVTb91tHsgszGuA7_Xy10/s640/blogger-image--52749375.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On the ride, I am almost to Texas. 1349 on the tripometer. HOT ride today. Pushing water. Three bottles between each fillup. I am picking up some Gatorade to keep the electrolytes up. Had a great evening at the KOA ( near Foss?) visiting with the neighbors and am ready to turn in. Good fortune will see me to Albuquerque tomorrow. </div></div></div><br></div></div>Vince Hermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04899951993916796776noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4110336078350165000.post-42271425809925787382013-06-29T19:51:00.001-07:002013-06-29T19:51:45.838-07:00More 66<div>Started the day with the repair work on the trailer. That went well and has not caused any more problems. I went for breakfast in Pontiac while I waited for the Route 66 museum to open. Pontiac is a very pretty town.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGwI33SA8F3l3sjJtRpA9dCQX5i4uomIogrBhhtSyshjMemPDt_wPJQPSm93P6yMwFcarP8jh7uGLeBz9bRbzIoP_GChYW3I5hmPBKuDzuPhoEVv2WtjLnlegCRnr0JKLV2X5o2O8guo0/s640/blogger-image--1728525009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGwI33SA8F3l3sjJtRpA9dCQX5i4uomIogrBhhtSyshjMemPDt_wPJQPSm93P6yMwFcarP8jh7uGLeBz9bRbzIoP_GChYW3I5hmPBKuDzuPhoEVv2WtjLnlegCRnr0JKLV2X5o2O8guo0/s640/blogger-image--1728525009.jpg"></a></div></div><div>The museum is nice, but I have to admit I enjoyed the building more then the displays. Two of the display rooms were former holding cells, complete with iron barred door. Other rooms had doors 4" thick.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6JPAXWiu6SkfuQBNKx-IFD6LRoj1YqlHDi8wMT-TxMsJSG5e9cmDaSARaMQeWKGNLoDzNcF_RX9yn_hws7bDHNYwtlX8se7yDzLCpgvpMeyBltszxUnRpQSSYE83hJw2kkCX7_onkICU/s640/blogger-image-1508990756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6JPAXWiu6SkfuQBNKx-IFD6LRoj1YqlHDi8wMT-TxMsJSG5e9cmDaSARaMQeWKGNLoDzNcF_RX9yn_hws7bDHNYwtlX8se7yDzLCpgvpMeyBltszxUnRpQSSYE83hJw2kkCX7_onkICU/s640/blogger-image-1508990756.jpg"></a></div></div>This post was supposed to have a nice picture of the Gateway arch. I had the phone in the Ram mount ready to click when I saw it. Then I was going to stop there for some more pics. Ma nature said No. Phone back in the glove box as the rain starts to really come down. I see the arch peeking over the trees before it disappears in the rain. I got a decent view from the bridge but did there was still too much rain to get the phone out.<div>I did get to ride on some of the old Route 66. Much of it runs along the super slab. If you don't look left, you can pretend that you have traveled in time back to the heyday of America's Main Street. Then the historic route turns away from the interstate and the illusion gets stronger. I very much enjoyed that portion of the ride. It hurt to turn back to the interstate, but I am meeting Marion in San Diego so I have to push on. The tripometer says 943 and it needs to get to 2400 by July 3.</div><div>I'm at a KOA in Springfield Mo tonight, listening to the local fireworks. 2 new states on my 'I rode there' patch. More tomorrow!</div>Vince Hermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04899951993916796776noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4110336078350165000.post-23457703885028056332013-06-28T20:35:00.001-07:002013-06-28T20:35:10.923-07:00First Day on the RoadI'm on my way!!! Made just short of 500 miles today. About what I was aiming for. Pontiac Illinois is where I holed up. There is a Route 66 museum here that I would like to see tomorrow.<div><div>Had to put the rain gear on twice but I knew I would be riding through the wet. I wasn't expecting the hail though! Flashers on and leaning in to the wind that was blowing faster sideways than I was going forward. Thankfully brief, but I can still feel it on my arm.</div><div>I had to adjust my trailer brakes. When I was setting them up, I went to full gain but the wheels never locked up. After a few hundred miles, they apparently wore in and now have plenty of authority to lock up. Easy to adjust.</div><div>Now the down side - the trailer brakes are misbehaving. One wheel is grabbing. At slow speed, I can feel the right wheel grab each revolution. Just to be sure that it is not a controller thing, I unplugged the brake plug. It still grabs. But not when I am backing up. Tomorrow morning I will take the wheel and hub off and see if anything looks bent or distorted. If need be, I'll pull the shoes off to keep it from grabbing. I'll also pay attention to the bearings but I don't think they are bad. No crunching noise.</div><div>Here's to hoping this is easy to resolve. But that is for tomorrow. Now a pillow is calling...</div></div>Vince Hermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04899951993916796776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4110336078350165000.post-81309110706253960822013-06-27T20:35:00.001-07:002013-06-27T20:35:24.574-07:00The Ride is About to StartRoller coaster rides - the click click click of climbing that first hill. All the anticipation, all the fear.<div>That's where I am right now. The packing is done. The alarm is set for early-o'clock. My mind is racing - did I remember everything? Do I have all the plans set? Is the bike going to remain reliable?</div><div>All the worried thoughts fighting for attention as I approach the top of the hill.</div><div>But tomorrow at noon, after a half day of work, I will go screaming over the top. Whhhheeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!</div>Vince Hermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04899951993916796776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4110336078350165000.post-55888747388282579122013-06-26T10:35:00.000-07:002013-06-26T21:05:13.290-07:00Two Days<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicZDUCyqa6XivbJkMtdE-_Y5g7EPR-arr8FMSimklN49FnQwex34YxlJUilT_vBc8r_0ut4UQLnSAB-nR1VZ1mvuz2LFtb5S9ImYuFBJemI2RCVS5BsNdMVm-gtqgZgEfPqeDzzywnbbw/s1600/IMG_1559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicZDUCyqa6XivbJkMtdE-_Y5g7EPR-arr8FMSimklN49FnQwex34YxlJUilT_vBc8r_0ut4UQLnSAB-nR1VZ1mvuz2LFtb5S9ImYuFBJemI2RCVS5BsNdMVm-gtqgZgEfPqeDzzywnbbw/s400/IMG_1559.JPG" width="400"></a>I am winding down some projects at work in preparation for my time away. This is actually going better than I thought it would. I have been actively managing expectations on the part of project managers and customers. 2 more days - I hope nothing hits the fan at least until after I leave!<br>Since I have the time, I have been evaluating what items I am bringing with me. Do I take the good camera or just use the iPhone? Originally, I had decided on the phone, but I have changed my mine and am bringing the good camera. I have a mini tripod for it, and using the timer it makes for good self shots. (like I want on the Rainbow Bridge in Kansas)<br>Similar with other camping gear. I am taking some out of the trailer. The Coleman stove (and griddle and oven and pots and pans) is staying home. If I were going on a camping trip, I would take it. But most of the time I will be in campgrounds it will be a late arrival and early departure. So being able to cook my own meals has a bit less value on this trip. Less value than the cubic footage of the gear for this extended road trip.<br>These posts have been dry without any photos, so here is a shot of the bike and camper on the trial trip last fall.<br>Final preparation tonight. Final packing tomorrow. In to work on Friday and leave at noon.<br>
<br>Vince Hermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04899951993916796776noreply@blogger.com1