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. 

The farthest Northwest Point of the United States

Well, we made it together and separately. I only rode in the rain for about 30 minutes and when we found our campsite the sun came out. What are the chances?? We decided to go to the farthest point of Washington (Cape Flattery). Of course when we got there it was on the Makah Indian Reservation with a sign posted that you must have a permit to use the recreational sites. But we figured since it was late already, nothing was open and we were just going to drive to the peak, it might be ok. Seeing as it was pretty important to me to do this since I have come this far. I really needed to know that I reached the end point. Too close to turn around. When we reached the end of the road there was a trail going to a cliff, I am assuming, and I wanted to hang from it like a monkey. The trail was only a mile long and it technically doesn't get dark until 10 o'clock in the northwest, we decided with 30 minutes of light left we would run down this trail. I had the only headlight, we left Amber's at the campsite, so, halfway down the trail it got a little shifty in the dark under the trees, alone, and semi raining we turned around and ran back. I laughed, but really wanted to cry that we didn't do it. So here's a pic of me on the tip but not really, after running back up that hill. There's no point in really being disappointed, I've done and seen so much already. However, for my friends that are Twilight fans, although I didn't get to Forks, I went to Port Angeles and we just know... we saw Edward flying in the air. Couldn't catch him though. The story of my life. xo 

Portland... one big commune.

Today was a really long day. After trying to find a good place in the Redwoods with the biggest, most lush trees I didn't leave until almost 4 o'clock. I was one mile away from the Oregon/California state line when I got a speeding ticket. Of course I sped thru Oregon anyway, some people never learn their lesson. I was ready to get to Portland and see my friends, Aaron and Kelly. It's always nice to see a familiar face when you've been traveling this long. When I arrived, it was almost nine and me and Aaron went and had a beer, (Hamm's beer  is Portland's PBR, and is quite delicious), and a bite to eat. He showed me around a little and the next morning I did a four mile stroll around the city. Meeting up with Amber at this coffee shop called Fine Grinds, I met Luke and Ruby. Ohhh Ruby, he was a true joy to be around and I was a little disappointed that I only got to hang out with these two for about three minutes. We ate raspberries and sunbathed in his back yard for a couple of hours then I walked back to my friends place where I was staying.  Aaron and Kelly moved here last year and he had the opportunity to open his own piercing studio called, The Velvet Elvis. Well, I had planned on getting my yearly tattoo at some point on this trip, so this was probably as good of a time if any. Of course Aaron would know who to recommend, and Dan, was a terrific artist. He gave me a great deal and did a superb job. Very pleased. So far every time we roll in town people want to take us out on the town, but me and Kelly my last evening here did face masks and polished our toes. They were in the process of moving so I helped them pack up the kitchen and tried to reduce some stress on their part. Portland to me has it figured out. Everything here just makes sense. People literally take their yards out and put gardens in. Growing food, always leaving unwanted items on the corners for others and walking down the street in the middle of the night was not the least bit intimidating.  Portland is like  one big commune. Fantastic! 

Redwoods

Got off to a late start, left my jacket, went back, ate breakfast, then finally got moving.  Today was trying. Liver failing, over exposed to strangers and no alone time was taking a toll. Sunburned, wind-chapped and over all just exhausted, I was ready to get to the wilderness. It seemed like 300 miles was never going to end. Patrick Point was our campground for the evening, and the next morning we made our coffee/tea and walked this trail that took us to the rocky edge overlooking the ocean. Later we drove thru the Redwoods and it seemed like there was just not enough time to see everything that there was to see. On a trip like this you get 3 minutes in everyplace. Off to Portland late in the afternoon again, one mile before leaving the California state line I got a speeding ticket. LAME.

San Francisco...Haight-Ashbury

The ride up the Pacific Coast was really fun. It got a little intense at times, and the wind was pretty heavy, but weather comes and goes, and after awhile, the moments that suck don't even matter anymore because the whole journey has been rockin'. Everyday is a new adventure. It was only a 75 mile ride today, which was nice. Once I got to San Francisco, I got a little turned around and asked how to get to Haight-Ashbury, the man I asked says, " You mean where all the hippies are?"  This made me laugh. Anyway, once again the people we stayed with were absolutely amazing. We stayed with a friend of a friend. Ben, and his two roommates, Aaron and Kaley. They were great hosts and were so kind to show us around the city. We went to meet Ben at his work so we could at least meet the person who was giving up his room for us, and Aaron, who was a bartender there, gave us a few Russian and French glasses of wine. Ambers' friend Jim managed another wine bar, did the same.  I saw Twin Peaks, went shopping (which was a little out of control)and drove over the Golden Gate bridge three times (leaving items behind have been frequent). Conquering one town at a time, indeed.    

Santa Cruz

I made it the coast during sunset, and I'm not gonna lie, I had another emotional moment. I have finally reach the other side. 3000 miles I've driven. I called Amber and tried to meet up with her and as I lapped the downtown area three times, these guys that gave me directions earlier, just made me stop. They were like, where in world are you trying to get to? Well, Mike, Chad, Joe and Munchkin :D, ended up taking me in for a beer at the El Palomar Restaurant, and Amber found me. They were the greatest group of fellas. Mike let us stay on his futon and the next day we all went to Brighton Beach. My friend Abby and John just so happen to be here from Knoxville, so that made it even better. We will be meeting in San Francisco in a couple days. Mike has been surfing his whole life and had a great set up for himself. He even had two goats, Luke and Layla. Layla had a cute little pink collar. So after a few hours at the beach, I took off on hwy 1 to go to San Francisco where Amber met me a few hours later. Thank you so much Santa Cruz fellas for taking care of us. 

Death Valley/ Yosemite Park

Well I knew we would be renting a trailer, because adding the Southwest added almost 1000 extra miles, so 400 miles thru Death Valley was not something I cared to do. Its usually 103 degrees and gas is pretty rare, but as our luck would have it, it was 89 degrees and some summer showers. Which was nice on Amber's car (Toyota Matrix), pulling a trailer up a mountain. We didn't arrive to the east side of Yosemite National Park until 10 o'clock at night and decided to drive thru Tioga pass (rt 120) so in the morning we could get rid of the trailer. Well, at 13000 ft elevation pulling a trailer had us doing the top speed of 30mph so it was 1:00 am before we got to this little town of Mariposa.  Amber and I decided to stay in the only hotel room within a 75 mile radius, and the campsites were all full. Pure exhaustion, Amber smashed her finger so bad under the trailer and blacked out twice. We finally got her to the room and we both  just died in are sleep.  The next day we tossed a coin trying to decide if we wanted to backtrack 65 miles back into Yosemite to go to Glacier Point or head to the California coast, it landed on heads, so we went to Glacier Point. Thats why we came here in the first place. Warriors.  Yosemite Falls is 2400 ft elevation and Half Dome is a 17 mile hike that was pretty intense. I met a women that tried to hike it last year and only made it halfway. She said that she would like to make it to the top before she turned 40 next year and was going to try it the following day. I hope you made it and I'm glad we went back in, even if it was only for a few hours.