In a Nutshell

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West Virgina on home....

My bike, me and our bald tire went on to Bridgeport ,WV today. It took me quite some time to get out of a 50 mile radius and when I finally did, I got another speeding ticket. Anyhow, it's so hard not to go under 55 on this thing. The clouds played with my emotions for the past few days and with  this tire looking a little shifty, rain wasn't an option. I rolled in town around 7 and met up with Seth. Seth is a great friend of mine that use to live in Knoxville, Tn. that worked at Cycle Stop. Tonight we listened to records, caught up and had some dinner. The next morning he rode out 60 miles with me and it was adios. It was cool that I kept going and reached West Virginia to see Seth. It was just too easy to come on home from Wyoming or even Cincinnati, because there seems to be nothing in the middle of the United States, but if you look hard enough you'll find something. Still trying to find it.  I guess it was more about knowing if I could keep going and of course the ride. And I did, and this morning when I was packing my gear, I felt a huge sadness and happiness that this was the last day of my journey and I have made it 7800 miles in just a little under a month. I will be able to cross this off my bucket list now. This trip has made me more appreciative of the United States, restored my faith in humanity, and found out a lot about myself that seemed so lost. It is so hard to take in all the natural, beautiful wonders of the National Parks, the kindness that everyone showed us and the amazing weather we were blessed with. When you travel around out of a bag for a month you realize how little you need, and everything you do need is in your heart and the memories you have in your mind.  Maybe I'll tackle South America next year. YEEEE HAWWWW!  

Cincinnati, OH

Today I decided that it would be nice to ride only 400 miles and stop in Cincinnati. It was a good in between place to stay before West Virginia. Stayed with a friend of a friend once again. This time I actually knew the person briefly. Joshua Shaw, he pin striped my sportster several years ago. Well this fella turned out to be a good time. I rolled in and we jumped in his hotrod, grabbed a bite to eat and later went to see the new Dillinger movie, Public Enemy. This was a classic time. My dad raised me watching mobster flicks and I personally think John Dillinger was a public hero. lol. Later we grabbed a few drinks and Shaw busts out the sharpies. He is quite the artist, very impressive work. He tattooed my arm within a few minutes (and knuckles). We crashed on his patio with the cat. Mr. Shaw was  a true gentleman and I was honored to let this man tag my my primary cover. Rock on.

Camping Kennebec, SD

Today I left Gillette, SD. trying to get west of Sioux Falls, SD. It was a nice ride it was just 100 degrees and my 3rd day of long distance stretches. I took a quick nap against the Wall Drug building and then drove here to Kennebec. Earlier this evening I was talking to a friend and was out of my mine over it  and wished that I could find a body of water to swim and camp at, and 100 miles later, there it was. I am literally watching the sunset to the left, the lake in front me sitting in a U- shaped chair tree and this insane lightening storm too the right of me drinking a damn cold beer. How lucky am I ?! Leaving early tomorrow, I am trying to be in Bridgeport,WV Wednesday evening to see a good buddy of mine, then home by Fri. or Sat. I hate that it is about to be all over soon. Traveling gives you a clear mind and open heart. 

Out where the buffalo roam free

Today I rode to the North entrance of Yellowstone. I knew this day would be extremely long but went for it anyway. I finally got to see elk, buffalo and a grizzly. It's pretty amazing how the wild life roams free here, they don't mind if people are all around, they stop traffic if they want to. After all, it is their home and we are there to observe. There wasn't a lot of time for me to stop because at this point, Sunday, I had five days to be home and a lot of miles to cover. So I drove thru Yellowstone, thru Big Horn State park, which was a great ride and stopped in Gillette, WY. for the evening. On my way I met this kid that was riding a 82 Suzuki GS650. Jon, was a college student from Alabama. He had already put 6000 miles on his bike and was pretty much traveling in the same direction as me. So we rode together for a bit and then he dropped south to head to Denver, Co where his brother lived. LOL, I got to talking to him and everyone knows the ditz I can be, I forgot to get gas and ran out in the middle of no where Wyoming. Thank you Jon for having a gas can attached. Good thinking. Hope your trip goes well.

Bozeman, MT

Oh ...Bozeman, MT. This town really is pretty amazing. This was Amber's college stomping grounds. I met up with her here on a Friday night.  She was a bit worried about me because I rolled in a couple of hours later than I anticipated. Wandering around Missoula kept me tied up. So when I got to Bozeman I drove straight to the Filling Station, a local bar, met the regulars , and called my girl.  Needless to say we had a great time, as usual, and Dottie the Dyna almost stayed the night there as well. Played pool with this cool older fella that turned out to be Banner Thomas, the bass player for Molly Hatchet. I kicked his ass a couple of times at pool and he just loved that. The next day the bike got an oil change and we had some brunch at this cafe called the Cateye.  Later that evening we relaxed at Amber's second mother's home, Patrice. Her and Mark, her husband, live close to the west entrance and keep a Yellowstone journal. They educated me about the park and where I should go on my way out. Amber told me later that Patrice cried when I left. They are beautiful people. The little girls in the picture belong to this woman Laura, she use to work with. They were just irresistible. So from here back home we are on our own. Amber wants to stay and visit with old friends and  I want to go explore. I've decided to ride an extra 400 miles to West Virginia to visit a friend. Does it really have to end? Mind changes will probably happen. 

Coeur D'Alene

Amber and I took her car and my motorcycle across to Seattle on the ferry. I was going to stay there and meet Amber in Bozeman, Mt in a couple of days but after all the big city fun we have been getting into, I decided to go to Coeur D'Alene, ID. The ride was a little uncertain as I approached the dark mountains. I passed several signs within 5 minutes: motorcycles use extreme caution, unexpected lane changes, uneven pavement, rough pavement, bump, ice on bridge, and rock slide area. Indeed I was a little nervous, but it turn out not that bad and it only rained lightly. There is a relieving feeling when you come out of the dark clouds and see bright blue skies ahead though. And I have a whole new understanding for the phrase," riding in the wind." The wind in some of the places I've been has been pretty intense. I actually was running from a sandstorm outside of Monument Valley earlier in the trip. I saw it to the left of me and stopped to see if someone could tell me what was going on because I have never seen anything like this. When I got to Coeur D'Alene, I got settled in and went and had dinner at this grill called Cricket's. I met this gentleman there named Ron. He owns a Pinot Noir vineyard that he calls, 777, and a cedar company. It was nice to have some conversation with this really intelligent man after sitting on a bike for several hours. Going to sleep early, I have several big days ahead of me. My body is starting to feel entirely beat up. I better put my big girl pants on and toughen up.