Monday, July 1, 2013

My adventure starts next week

Only 9 more sleeps before I leave on my trip.  I hope the temperatures cool down a bit or I will be like a shrivelled, dried pretzel.  I plan to leave on Wednesday July 10th .   I know that sounds like an unusual day but it's my birthday on July 9th and I didn't wish to be alone in the middle of nowhere.

There was not supposed to be much planning.  That was the original plan but it has changed a bit now and be assured that there will be cameo appearances from other friends many of whom I have yet to meet in person.  Many of us have gotten to know each other via our Blogs and it was always my hope to meet many of you, someday . . .

   Spring, 2012     My first tent acquisition

This trip is more of a challenge for me due to the great distance I have to travel.   I am also testing myself as I  prefer to be with people than be by myself.    In order to cut expenses I invested in camping equipment last year and  I did get a chance to use it in Baker City, Oregon

   July 2012    Baker City, Oregon.     My first attempt at camping

I also camped in Waldport, Oregon and nearly froze to death so since then I have upgraded my sleeping bag.   I have not camped before but so far I like the camping experience.


Today I set up my tent to make sure all the pieces were there and to familiarize myself that I know how to use it.   There's nothing worse than to stop on my first day to find that I left a part behind


So if the weather holds and I don't get rained out, this will be my main home.  I am still a camping Noobie and I had a hard time trying to find camping spots last year.

I do not have a route planned which is very unusual for me.  I am going to go with the flow as best as I can.  I will make plans in the evening for the next day but I do have to be at specific places on certain dates so I can'd dawdle as much as I would want but I am a bit flexible if it means that I would have a chance to meet you

I can zig and zag a bit with a day or so of advance notice.   I am going to take I-5 down to I-90 and follow it for a couple of days.   I am trying to make some distance on my first couple of days because I can go to WA and OR anytime.  From MT I will head south over Beartooth Pass and then to the Scenic Joseph byway into  Cody, WY.    There are lots of things to see in this area and it could slow me down.

I want to avoid Chicago and the toll roads but it may be impossible as the only fast way heading East is via the toll road on I-80.   You will be able to follow my progress as I head East so if if my path is near you and you have time for a meal, or if I am staying in the area then I would be honoured if we could have a chance to meet up.   You should be able to click on my spot tracker anytime to track my location.

I am meeting a couple of other riders near the junction of  I-80 / Alt 220 and then we continue as a group to Portland, ME where we should have a lobster dinner waiting for us.  I'm hoping that we will have an Italian one too from a most excellent chef.  We plan to leave Portland, ME after the weekend and head north along the coast to New Brunswick and PEI for a week of relaxation and sightseeing.

Right now I have no idea which way I am going to ride home.  I haven't planned that far ahead yet.   I keep staring at my maps and nothing . . .


As I am going to be away from home for half of the summer we are going out more than usual


I wanted to go somewhere pleasant and look at the water so we ended up at this waterfront restaurant for brunch


It was very hot in the direct sun so I moved under the umbrella


There was a slight breeze and we had a pleasant, leisurely meal just enjoying the day


I think that only the locals know about this place.  It is not near anywhere and it is at the end of a dead end road and I remember coming here many years ago when they first opened.


45 comments:

  1. The trip sounds exciting already. Stay safe.

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    1. Benny:

      May not be able to see you on Saturday, have to go to a funeral at noon so I'll have to catch you when I get back.

      Delete
  2. Sounds great - hitting the road with no real plans! You've got plenty of places to explore over there. Over here it doesn't take long to run out of country...

    Have a great time!

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    1. Andrew:

      Unfortunately, the Plan was to be NO Plan but things got changed a bit. I have to be somewhere before a certain date to meet up, and then from there we have a less stringent plan. It will be sort of "nearly no plan".

      We can run out of country too, just takes longer

      Delete
  3. Oh Beartooth Pass, my alltime fave. Me? I've lived in the Maritimes, my mother was from New Brunswick but I have never been to 'the Rock'. I would love to go. The thing I remember most about living there is how friendly people are; not like here. Or as my relatives would say: " That's some good ".

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    1. David:

      we found everyone to be friendly on "the Rock". We liked it there and want to go back. I am sure this applies to the Maritimes too. It better be as I will find out soon

      We were in Yellowstone a long while ago and never knew Beartooth pass was so close and we missed it

      Delete
  4. My parents just got back from a road trip that took them over Beartooth Pass. Now I've heard about it twice. I'm going to have to ride it.

    I've personally found I really enjoy road trips with minimal planning. Part of the adventure for me is seeing where I end up.

    I've also found that one gets to meet more people when travelling alone than when travelling with others. Probably because one fearsome biker is more approachable than a whole group. ;)

    I suspect you're going to have a wonderful time.

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    1. Lucky:

      Beartooth Pass is one of those famous Motorcycle roads, sort of like the one from Ouray to Durango. We were near Durango a few years ago and we didn't know about it. That trip we went to Mesa Verde

      as mentioned previously, this Unplanned trip has turning into a "slightly" planned trip so I do have a couple of deadlines. There are always things beyond your control but I can adapt and change direction a bit

      Delete
    2. Lucky: Let's put it this way. Climbing on the great Wall of China was the second coolest thing I have ever done in my life. I've spent time on the Beartooth several times.

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    3. David:

      We also climbed the Great Wall of China a few years ago. It was a very hot day and the steps are not of equal height, you know what I mean, and the rails are in the wrong position.

      We happened to be there on the wrong day. It was their National Holiday

      Delete
  5. A "slightly" planned trip is the best that most of ux can even hope for. Even with a six month trip, you generally still plan to be somewhere at the end. So a truly unplanned trip would be aimless wandering around the country. Which also sounds like fun but for most of us, an unattainable goal.

    Looking forward to reading about your trip.

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    1. Richard:

      I suppose if a person was independent and had lots of time to go nowhere, then drifting may be the life for you. I like to meetup with others so that's where the "slightly" planned comes from. Wandering aimlessly would be too lonely for me.

      Delete
    2. Richard:

      You are always logically correct. Nothing can be unplanned as there is always a "sort" of plan to arrive somewhere.

      I know nothing about the flatlands or if there is anything to see so I will be zigging and zagging from I-90 to I-80

      Delete
  6. Bob, I practiced pitching my tent in our guest bedroom. I thought I was pretty good, it only took me an hour including head-scratching and inflating the mattress, and I didn't come too close to blacking out.

    Now I see that you have been practicing your tent-pitching skills too.

    Only you're like Mr. Myagi from the Karate Kid. Pitching that tent in like less than two seconds, over, and over, and over, and over, and over. When does it end? Don't you take a break?

    You'll be in the hot tub on your second beer and I'll be out there in the failing light, gripping flashlight in my teeth, besieged by mosquitoes, flailing away with an acre of high tech fabric and a couple of aluminum whip antennas, using words you don't want to hear.

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    1. David:

      great minds think alike. I thought that I should set up my tent to see if I remember how to do it. Mine is very easy

      You should bring a bicycle pump and save your lungs. I have a self inflating mattress. I think there is a little man inside who is blowing his guts out

      Delete
  7. Bob
    One of the main reasons that I don't camp is that I can't find a mattress long enough. What a pity.

    Anyhow I have today completed the first leg of my trip to Garmisch-Partenkirchen to attend the 90th year BMW celebration.

    It rained 3 times on my 320km run on congested English motorways. I forgot to pack a torx 30 wrenvj and my right hand handlebar

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    1. Nikos:

      Of course the obvious solution is to joint up two mattress's, then you would be too short.

      Have a good trip and take lots of photos for us. If you need a T-30 then come on over and I'll loan it to you

      Delete
  8. Continued/

    ...right handlebar fitting is loose so that the mirror and switch gear rotate. 'Wrenvj' is android for wrench.

    Ttfn from somewhere near the Channel Tunnel

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    1. Nikos:

      I'm hoping that you will find a T-30 somewhere and tighten up the fitting when you get a chance. Nothing worse than looking at your vibrating mirror wondering what is following you

      Delete
  9. Bob, I am so excited for you, and looking forward to your travel postings. Good luck my friend, and keep the rubberside down.

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    1. Sonja:

      exciting and overwhelming at the same time. It could take days to just get out of Montana. Not like where you are where Countries are so close. It is hard to pick a route as I don't know which highways have the best sights/views

      Delete
    2. Sonja:

      So many loose ends to take care of and wondering if I packed all the things I need. So hot these past few days, hope it cools down.

      I'll be thinking of you if I stop at Roscoe's for an ice cream

      Delete
  10. Bob,

    I hope you have a great trip. Beartooth pass and the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway are great roads to start your trip. Enjoy your Maine Lobster... makes me hungry just typing it. I wish I could join you PEI, that and Cape Breton Island have been on my to do list for a long time. I will keep track of your spot and if you get to close to St Louis..

    GAW

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    1. Gordon:

      I want to get away from familiar territory so after 2 days of I-90 I will be somewhere new. I want to also stay away from Yellowstone NP, I got trapped in there a few years ago with Bison and cars stopping everywhere. It took a long time to find the exit. I am going to the East side and to Red Lodge then East . . . Perhaps stay in Cody area and see the museum and the Erma.

      I already know that Mt Rushmore has an $11. parking fee so too much for a 30 second photo stop.

      Dust off your bike and tag along. Plenty of Lobsters to go around

      Delete
  11. Bob,

    One way to avoid Chicago is the S.S. Badger. Although it is a fair bit north of I-80 and is sort of like a toll road except you don't have to drive.

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    1. Gordon:

      I have to go "near" Chicago to visit a friend. but then I may be stuck with the toll roads. I think I may just "pay" the toll and make miles . . .

      Delete
    2. Gordon:

      I'll check it out, but unfortunately I am meeting someone near Chicago and I think I have to take the Toll Road

      Delete
  12. 9 sleeps will go by in a flash. Safe travels and I hope we can meet up somewhere en route!

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    1. Canajun:

      I'm also hoping to meet you. From PEI we are heading towards the TO area. You can check my spot to intercept my path. See you around August 9th

      Delete
  13. Bob,
    I could really use your tent erecting skills the next time I set up in the rain. Even with lots of practice, I'm no match for your elapsed time.

    We're all getting excited for you and like the rest, I can't wait to listen in on what you'll have to share.

    My time in the Maritimes was some of my best ever; hope they treat you as well. All around the Gaspe, Kouchibouquac, the FERRY to P.E.I. I even took the ferry from Souris out to Les lles de-la-Madeleine and spent a couple of days out there.....Cape Breton, Newfoundland, Bay of Fundy......it was all good. My favorite of all time still goes to PEI.

    I really wish I could swing in behind you!!

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    1. Coop:

      I am a tent Noobie and if it rains then I head for the Motel6. I should be near you when your Guzzi rally ends. (check my spot). Would be good to meet somewhere.

      We visited New Foundland too many years ago and I want to go back there. We may be able to squeeze in a bit of NS, we'll see . . .

      Delete
  14. Whoo Whee! I am getting SO excited for you!

    I am really looking forward to following your adventures on the road.

    I will be living my dream vicariously through your journey!

    And that is some REALLY fast tent setting up..you'll be fine in that department! LOL

    Safe rides...

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    1. Deb:

      I'm getting excited too but as I look at all those little lines on my map I wonder how I am going to do it and which line to take.

      I am really hoping that some of you make an appearance as I travel close to you. It would be nice to hear a familiar voice after being alone for so many days

      Delete
  15. Nine more days to buy more shit! Don't forget you buy stuff as you go as well... Good luck and the hardest part will br saying good bye on the morning of the tenth. That's the point where I usually feel like giving up and staying home.

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    1. Mr Conchscooter:

      I don't understand what you mean. Buy What ? I don't need anything. Other than bike maintenance I have bought nothing. Don't be so cynical.

      Delete
  16. Bob: I am drooling over the titanium stove. Really. Don't forget to use tent space. Here's the link for you to put in your cell phone. http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=149585 Many folk are waiting to meet you.

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    1. Chris:

      I don't wish to be an imposition so I find it hard to accept that strangers would accept me in their homes. It took me a while to accept staying in a BnB but we had no choice when we went to NL a few years ago because there were no other places to stay.

      For me, I have always given more than I accept but I am slowly gaining acceptance of being within others' personal space

      If you want one of these stoves, let me know and I will buy it and mail it when I cross the border.

      http://www.mec.ca/product/5011-311/vargo-titanium-triad-stove/

      Delete
  17. Bob,
    I plan to be in the Bear Tooth area around July 20. I'll watch your progress.. I'll be on my way to North Dakota,

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    1. Ken:

      You were so close when you were in BC, only a mere 6 hours each way for me to Osoyoos, or just over 4 hours to Cache Creek, BC. I am guessing that I will be one week too early for you, but there may be a chance on my return route

      Delete
  18. My string of neglecting my blog friends, unintentionally, continues. I have no idea whn you changed your cover photo, but I love it. I also love the tent set-up shots. I hope we are able to make our rendezvous happen. :-)

    I can only imagine how excited you are for your trip. :-)

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    1. Kathy:

      I know you're busy but if you can spare the time I can meet you halfway.

      My Header photo was how I was feeling that day. Lost on the Oregon coast with nowhere to go, nowhere to be & nothing to do but to watch the rolling waves, the clouds and enjoying my day at Yachats, OR

      Delete
  19. Bob -- Some of the best trips I've ever taken have been largely unplanned. So I'd be envious, except that the PNW is so beautiful right now. You're covering a lot of territory. Lots of opportunities for serendipity.

    T-minus Five.

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    1. John:

      this trip started out as "unplanned", but has now evolved to "slightly" planned for there are other people counting on me to be in certain places so we can meet up. This means that now I can't dawdle along. If I slow down for a day I have to make up the miles on the freeway the next day

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  20. In fact, it seems as though the small towns and out-of-the-way vistas I most remember were highlights of trips that had little planning, or no planning at all.

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    1. John:

      I want very much to ride through these small towns of rural America but I have to keep one eye on my odometer & my maps

      Delete