2007 July 31
232 miles
PNW TripDay 24
Tuesday
Because it's the last day of the trip, I drag it out from the beginning. I don't leave the motel until 10:30am. No Interstates today! Today I will savor the twisty roads, running close enough to the ground to see the country.
The first place I stop to spend any time is Seneca Rock in West Virginia on US33. This very popular site with rock climbers is a natural limestone formation reaching 800 feet above the North Fork River Valley.
I park Fleeter and wander over to the river for some photos.
I found these rocks stacked just so...
Time to get back on the road to slowly make my way home.
This is what US33 looks like on the map. Now doesn't that look a bit more interesting than most Interstates...even on a map?
About 2pm, I decide to stop for lunch when I saw this small restaurant named "The Cabin" just a few miles before I crossed into Virginia.
This was my after-lunch ride. Good thing there aren't any rules in riding like in swimming.
This S curve is home to the Virginia -- West Virginia state line. 
The straightaway after coming down from across the mountains. 
This is getting easy... "Look Mom, No hands!"
Actually, this was during a construction delay. There were several of us stopped waiting for the flagger to tell us it was our tun to roll.
I made it back home to Fredericksburg at 6pm.
Arriving home after 24 days on the road leaves me with mixed feelings. I'm be glad to be home in MY bed where I should know where I am as soon as I wake up (actually, it will take a night or two.) I look forward to leisurely drinking my morning coffee in MY coffee cup (not paper or Styrofoam) and NOT have to watch the weather for comprehension. When on the road, you have to always be studying the weather...and there are often tests during the day.
A note about watching the weather while on the road:
People normally watch the weather as they are in a fixed place. They just have to watch how the weather will be developing and moving into their location. Not me. I am a moving target! And the weather is moving... Now that takes concentration to watch the weather in motion over a few days and project your path into that movement. Hint: It always helps to watch the big picture. I am usually making tracks across a large enough area, I need to see the map on the national map...at least a multi state- area.
So you see how it is relaxing NOT to have to be studying the weather for comprehension.
The PNW Trip Summary
Total trip: 8,068 miles
States fleetered in this trip: 22
Stamps collected: 41 standard + 16 bonus
States fleetered in this trip: 22
Thanks for riding along with me.
Once again, I head for the light in as a tactic of escaping the rain. 
Leaving Utah behind.
I collected two stamps at he Hagerman Fossil Beds visitor center in downtown Hagerman, Idaho.
I find The Griddle does a good job of providing food, drink, restroom, and air-conditioning.
Of course, when in some place named Winnemucca, the Post Office is a required photo stop.
Looks like it is so hot that the earth is trying to burn, but there's not even enough out here for a good flaming fire.
127 miles down the road, I pull into Elko, Nevada for another fuel stop.
While fueling up and downing a quick bottle of Gatorade, I see that it must be time to pray toward Mecca.
And again...back on the road. Are you bored of the scenery yet?
About 40 more miles of Nevada gets me to Wells in the north east corner of the state. I take a quick run through the very small downtown and since the opium den is shut down, I check in to the Super 8 for an early night about 5pm. 
Even though it's cooled down to 93 degrees, I'm still hot and looking forward to cranking the AC on in the room. It should be an early night since there's no high speed Internet available. I know there's such a thing as dial-up, but I am so "past" that. I just don't have the patience for it anymore. I go to bed early and will wait to log on the next time I can access wireless. 
This is the way we leave California behind.
While I was waiting for my burger to cook, I spread my new map of Northern California out on the picnic table and started marking where my eastern route may take me. A young couple with two small kids pulled in and got out of the car like they were looking for something...little did they know that what they were looking for was out back with the words "porta-potty" on the door. The small girl had a look of desperation and the young mother had a look of determination as she led her daughter past me toward the best public facilities for over 40 miles. This fact was confirmed later as we chatted about my proposed route eastward. I was thinking about going to Redding, but they were from Red Bluff and after chatting with them for a few minutes, I decided to go to Red Bluff instead. It was a good choice. California's hwy 36 to Red Bluff was one of the highlights of the trip.
These hoses deliver natural spring water from a spring up above. The water is there for anyone who knows to stop for it. It is the best, coolest water around! I drank a lot, washed my face, splashed on self to cool down, filled up all the plastic bottles I had with me, and then drank some more before leaving. Life is good!
Hwy 36 closer to Red Bluff was one of those cool roller coaster roads. A twisty that dips down in a "Now you see it, now you don't" sort of way. 
I unburden Fleeter at the Days Inn in Red Bluff for the night. How can the parking be anymore convenient that this?!
Back on the road, I take US101 south along the coast.
I used the tree limbs for my tripod to take this photo.
Back on US101, I ride through some lay-lowing thick fog...thicker fog than I would have expected in the afternoon about 4pm. Don't worry, I was in my lane. I took this photo over my shoulder looking back behind me.
I couldn't resist a quick photo with this Paul Bunyan and Babe. I saw these larger than life statues at the Trees of Mystery Park on US101 near Klamath, CA.
After a few miles of riding out in the sunshine -- as it were on an overcast day, I ride back into the dark canopy of the Redwoods. I see many trails leading into the woods, but don't take the time to go exploring ... though I was tempted.
Eureka! I made it to Eureka. 
I found a room at the Travelodge in Eureka for the night. About 7:15pm, I stopped at the first "economy" motel I came to and, upon inquiry, found out that the best they could do was an upstairs walkup for over $90 and they only had one left. I excused myself, went outside, pulled out my phone and Motel Coupon Book out, and started calling. After being quoted over $120 for a standard-issue Best Western, the second phone call netted a room for $70 at the Travelodge. They had only one left, I asked them to hold it for me - that I was only one block away. It was obvious when I walked in that there were a few people trying to get rooms and not having much luck. Fortunately, they held my room for me. Lesson: When in popular towns on a Friday night, it would be advisable to either have a reservation or stop early enough to beat the rush.
North entrance to Crater Lake National Park.
The excitement is totally from inside my head. Let me explain...this natural wonder isn't like Mount Rainier...where you see it looming in the distance, growing bigger and bigger as I ride closer until it is so huge it almost seems out of context to its surroundings. Quick views providing an excitement that grows with every glimpse of the target. This is not the case with Crater Lake. You have no idea that it's hiding just over the rim...just out of sight. The lake is just out of sight to the right of the bend in the road in this photo.
Wizard Island in Crater Lake (named for the shape...like a wizard's hat).
Thanks, Megara for opening your wonderful home to me, playing tour guide showing me the area, and shuttling me from and to the Yamaha shop for Fleeter's service. It was a great visit!
In Astoria, I cross back north over the Columbia River as I follow Jill's direction in search of Cape Disappointment.
Mission accomplished! I arrived at the Pacific Ocean. After criss-crossing the Lewis & Clark Trail for the past week, I felt I needed to finish it out and land at the Pacific where Lewis & Clark landed over 200 years ago.
It would take some high waves to get these huge pieces of wood up here. 
The cove to the north side of North Head Light on the north side of the mouth of the Columbia River.
The Fort wasn't huge, but it served Lewis & Clark and the rest of the Corp of Discovery for the winter of 1805-06 before they headed back home.
Now I cross back into Washington again for the last time ... today.
This evening I arrive in Vancouver, Washington to spend a few days with a friend I haven't seen in over 20 years.
Lots of fruit crates stacked up in massive hills and hills of crates.
After about 10 miles of Fruitvale Way, US12 takes a left turn and the character of the road starts to change dramatically. The flat fruit fields are left behind and the road starts carving its way through hills as they grow into mountains. 
...we climb in elevation with every bend of the road. 
I pull Fleeter over to get a better look at some water falls.
I'm heading that way for a closer look! 
Look close. Don't miss the water falls in the middle of the photo.
Lake Louise
Rivers of melted snow have now taken the path carved by glaciers.
Back down on level land, the farmers are busy working the land. 
I ride toward the blue in the sky as the sun sinks low...
...leaving storm clouds behind as I go.
Here I am pretending to be participating...
We ride across miles and miles of open fields in northeast Washington.
We stop for a greasy burger lunch at Edna's in Davenport, Washington.
Then through more fields north to Fort Spokane.
This is interesting country -- in the midst of the open fields there are sections where you drive through stands of trees and would never know that you just left open fields where you couldn't even see any trees.
Fort Spokane, Washington
Back in Davenport, Barb and I waved off to each other as she headed back to Lolo, then back to Texas and I headed to find a road the ranger in Fort Spokane recommended.
Just an interesting sight along the road.
The Ranger spoke of the fires over this way. I saw the results and the charred smell was still lingering in the air. And I thought I could feel the heat still emiting from the fire, but it might have been that it was just that HOT out on the road.
The road doesn't look so bad here, because, of course, I wouldn't be taking pictures when I'm busy struggling to keep Fleeter on the road and upright!
From the road, at water level, you can see Steamboat Rock Island.
Riding along I82, I drive across the Selah Cliffs Bridge into Yakima. I spend the night at the Super 8 in Union City, just south of Yakima.
Tomorrow I will find myself in country that speaks to my soul.
We stretch out along the flats heading to Wisdom, MT.
Barb and I gas up with a Native American vixen looking on.
We hit a section of rough road under construction.
Not bad though. The worse part was the washboard surface making us go ba, bumpity, bumpity.
More back road, but paved.
Not sure what it is, but it has legs and a bill like some sort of heron. Strange company to have join us here in the mountains.
Pintler Scenic route.
Looks like maybe a Montana Cowboy? He has the horse and rope anyway... 
Another stop. Looks like this store doesn't mind Bikers...
Sometimes photos need no words.
In Missoula, I broke from the group to go stamp collecting. I was looking for Travelers Rest outside Lolo.
Driving out of Billings, I see snow on the mountains toward Beartooth. I decided not to loop across Beartooth Highway and through Yellowstone today. I spoke to Barb last night and she told me it took her 10 hours to do that ride one day before when she came through Billings on her way from Texas to Missoula. I decide that I don't want another long day after yesterday's 770 miles. So I opt to take a none rushed route straight through Bozeman to Missoula.
Since I had plenty wiggle room in my schedule today, I didn't even feel guilty when I got distracted by a sign. I took the turn following the signs to the Missouri River headwaters. I think I found it. Looks like this is the cul-de-sac of the Missouri River. 
I've been criss-crossing Lewis & Clark's trail as I make myself westward. According to the sign, they were here too. I'm not sure what they did here when they ran out of river. I saw many interesting books about their journey and may have to add one to my reading list. Then I'd know these answers!
What do you think? Looks like a cavern, huh?
Before I get back on the freeway, it's time to shed a layer of clothing. I find a shady spot on the side of the road in the little town of Cardwell. I pull off my boots, then shed my textile pants leaving my mesh on underneath. Reboot up and add the damp cool vest, then switch to my mesh jacket and I'm ready to roll in cooler style! Good thing because the temps start climbing upwards of 100 degrees! By the time I pull into Missoula, it's 105!
I make a short detour through Deer Lodge to obtain another NPS stamp.
A shot of the old historic prison in downtown Deer Lodge taken over my shoulder after I pass it and realize that it was photo worthy.
The Grant-Kohrs Ranch is where I find my next stamp.
Me, as I keep my cool in the 100+ heat riding the last few miles into Missoula!
Tomorrow I meet up with some other MTF riders for a ride and supper.
Sun is getting low, but I still have a lot of Montana to get across.
Then, even a smaller county road that will, hopefully, take me back to the freeway and a faster pace into Council Bluffs. Jill seems to think it will anyway.
In Council Bluffs, I collect my first stamps of the day at Western Historic Trails Center. 
The visitor center at the Western Trails Center. The monument on the right shows the way west from the Mississippi River, over the Rocky Mountains and on to the Pacific Ocean.
The Pacific Ocean ... just a few miles that way .. across the Rockies. 
Crossing over the Missouri River, I land in downtown Omaha, Nebraska.
I had several stamping stops along the way today. I didn't make most of them. I wanted to make sure I made it to the last stop in Minnesota before the visitor center closed.
There it is...another new state line crossed. Now I can say I've fleetered to Minnesota.
My target destination in Minnesota is Pipestone National Monument.
I made it to the Pipestone visitor center about 20 minutes before they closed.
Many of the old local buildings are made out of the same stone.
It's time to head back to South Dakota and then head north again on I29. The winds are whipping around pretty good hitting me with a crosswind out of the west. By the time I get to Watertown, South Dakota for the night, it is getting late and I am tired and cold.
...and more cornfields. This one has a crop sprayer buzzing overhead.
After so many miles and miles of cornfields, I welcomed the variety offered by this tree.
We make another fuel stop together at IOWA 80, the World's Largest Truckstop.
I pass a few more cornfields on my way to Des Moines.
By the way, Nelsonville is the home of Rocky Outdoor Gear.
Aunt Celia and me with Fleeter.
Aunt Celia even treated me to supper at Bob Evans! This was especially appropriate because Bob Evans started in Ohio - Southeast Ohio, at that! I always think of Grandma Knight from Ohio, and how she just loved Bob Evans! Aunt Celia told me that Bob Evans, the founder, had just died this past week. Seemed like the proper way to pay our respects. Thanks for supper, Aunt Celia!
Madonna of the Trail Monument in Richmond, Indiana.
Richmond is the first thing you come to when crossing from Ohio into Indiana.
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