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.