Friday, July 16, 2010

Over half way to Bend, Oregon

We (SonjaM & Myself) got an early start this morning. As she lives farther from the US Border than I, we agreed that she should leave earlier. So with text messages frantically going back and forth, she finally left at 4:45am and I followed 15 minutes later. The Peach Arch Border crossing is 45 minutes away and soon we united in Blaine, WA. We were anxious to get some food and nothing was open at that early hour except the usual fast food places which we passed by. With great luck after 60 miles we happened upon this Deli

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At first it appeared to be closed, but it was open and it appeared that we were their only customers on this fine summer day. It's a great feeling to start out in the dark and see the sun coming over the horizon as you are riding down the highway.

While we do not usually opt for freeway riding we had to make some time so we decided to take I-5 down to Everett then head east on Hwy 2 towards Leavenworth where we would stop for our lunch break.

We decided that this ride to Bend, Oregon would not be a ride of endurance, but rather a ride of discovery where we would stop often for photos (if safe) and enjoy he scenery at a slower pace. If we noticed impatient vehicles behind us we would slow on the straight stretches, and wave them by. We wish to travel at our pace, not a pace imposed by the tailgater.

We had a minor glitch with our radio system but managed to get them working, finally. It is so nice to be able to talk to your riding buddy.

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(Skynomish, WA: No Tell Motel)

We had a relaxing 2 hour lunch break in Leavenworth . While Sonja told me that she was not a shopper, she was happily looking for a new bikini which already had some "enhancements"

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(don't you like her new look?)

After a few twists and turns we stopped to admire the scenery in Yakima Canyon

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We started to really feel the heat after Leavenworth and by the time we reached Toppenish, WA it was over 40c . We were sweltering in all our gear. All the locals were riding in Shorts and T-shirts.

Tomorrow we leave for Bend, Oregon . See you on the road

12 comments:

  1. YEAH!!! what a great roadtrip! hey, thank you for allowing us to enjoy this trip vicariously thru your blog log bob :)

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  2. Dear BobSkoot:

    What is the point of leaving at 4:45am, if you are going to stop for a two-hour lunch break? I'm just curious... Because if you stopped for lunch at noontime, you'd have been on the road for 7 hours already. My curiousity is piqued because you said this was not an endurance run. From my perspective, it is starting to sound as if the agenda was drafted by the North Korean secret police.

    That being said, I'd give anything to be on the road with you. I think you are going to have a great ride, with pretty good weather. You haven't mentioned your foot lately, and I'm assuming you're healed and tip-top.

    I know you can be trusted to get the best pictures. Have a great time and keep us posted.

    Fondest regards,
    Jack • reep • Toad

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  3. Riding in shorts and T shirts.... shudder. I'm with you guys!

    Be safe

    Geoff

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  4. Keep those pictures and stories coming! So far, no crocs....good start! :P

    Redleg's Rides

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  5. Dear Bobskoot:

    It's Sunday, July 18, and I just got an email saying the Mac Pac guys left the Redmond Rally yesterday. A local person (from Redmond) won the BMW bike they were giving away. Ilook foreward to the next installment.

    Fondest regards,
    Jack • reep • Toad
    Twisted Roads

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  6. That Yakima Canyon road is nice, isn't it? Came through there a couple of weeks ago and really enjoyed it.

    Thanks for the update!

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  7. Have a great Trip BobScoot Look forward to seeing and hearing all about the trip sorry I didnt get to go with you this time...
    Hope I get to come on the next one with you and Enjoy a nice Ride with together...


    Rob
    1992 Honda Goldwing GL1500 Canadian Edition SE
    Surrey, B.C.
    Urban Rider's #201010

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  8. I don't suppose you have a picture of you in your brown wife beater underneath all the armor plate do you? Luckily I have the necessary pixels.

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  9. Good to know that you are half way round (the) Bend!

    I've been that way for years.

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  10. Looks like a great start to your trip. Wish I could join you. Travel safe.

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  11. Conway is just down the street from me. Sounds like you two are having a great trip.

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