GOLDWING ADVENTURE 2002

8/12/02 -9 /27/02

 

Tom and Sandi embarking on yet another adventure! Thank you Lord. We’ll miss our family our kitties, our Band, our extended Granbury Live Family, our Bible Study Family and friends…but look forward to time together exploring and enjoying Your great big wonderful world.

 

TUESDAY 8/12/02                                                                 Granbury – Post, TX

PLANNED OUT TIME:  NO PLAN…leave when Sandi feels good and we’re ready…maybe 1:00 Monday…off by 3:00…1st stop Mineral Wells…Dairy Queen sodas and no phone.  Next stop Granbury. Troy fixed us up with another while I rested and cooled at the UpTop with Mom, Pop and kitties. 2nd out time: 6:00. It’s 113 degrees on the bike under the theater portico!  Dejavue…Mineral Wells…startin’ to cool ridin’ at night.  ROADS: 4 – 380    8:45…bet the stores and restaurants close at 9:00…Yep…lights out ‘bout the time we entered the grocery…Parking lot picnic.  Pulled into Post, TX 11:00 – Hotel Garza B&B, 302 E. Main, Jim & Janice Plummer…Christians. Cozy room…antiques.  Tom’s racket ball partner, Charles Sommerfield, was here last week.

 

WEDNESDAY 8/13/02                                                          Post, TX – Soccoro, NM

Susan leaves for Ecuador today…Lord protect, guide and multiply her efforts.

Slept late…off by 10:30…McDonalds and a call to Sarah Jane…. Tom -  “How ‘bout fixin’ me some lunch!”  Cruised Plains, TX couple of hours later…unlocked some memories. New iron welcome signs on either end of town…best thing besides the modern school oil built and the rear view memory! Rolled into the 07 Ranch just across the border, Bronco, NM. There was the home Sarah Jane and Bobby had lived in when Tom was growing up…a few more buildings and there stood Sarah Jane waving from a better than Frank Lloyd Wright Ranch House with cactus trees out front and vittles, treasures and memories inside.  Linda, who went on the Great Race with the World Vision team, her mom, brother and sister….the latest of four generations working for the Field family…all pitched in for a fabulous “Sunday on the farm” lunch.  Visited Sarah Jane’s son-in-law, Tommy, next door…all aglow since his Walk to Emmaus….saw the life size cross he made of horseshoes kept from his herd over the years….and left with a Christian fish made of same and some of his favorite devotional books.  Hugs, pictures and farewells. Fabulous riding…almost need a jacket.  Stopped in Roswell where Tom picked out some snakeskin boots for Sandi…tossed the old!  Awesome roads… stopped in Ruidoso, NM, for dinner 5:00 Cattle Baron…waterfall…prime rib & salmon.  Called DB just missed them….they have a cabin here and left Sunday.  On the road again….awesome sunset….overnight in Socorro….saved $35 by going across the road from Holiday Inn.  Tom washed bike….asleep by midnight.

 

WEDNESDAY 8/14/02                                                          Socorro – Flagstaff

Judy Duncan goes for mastectomy today. Lord guide the doctor…get it all…peace to John and family…quick healing.

9:30 Breakfast at McDonalds across the street….ate in the indoor play yard.  Called Darlene and DB.  Saw Daddy fly over and stopped at WalMart in Payson & spotted a Daddy look-alike walking along….Tom even said….that man looks just like AJ.  380-60-260  Fabulous roads!  Green chili enchiladas in Eager, AZ, at Vintage Hideaway Restaurant in Old Brauly Boarding House.  Lunch on white tablecloths…shade of trees planted when the house was still the Brauly home…and a cool breeze.  Out of Sho Low took 260 ….scenic overlook on the rim…boots off… big rock…whistling pines…don’t fall off the edge…mountain range forever.  New Quest…a flip-open cup holder for the bike. Yea, got to wash hair tonite….hotel with a hair dryer…Flagstaff.  Slow-blow, so decided lets do braids.  Called Mom….Tom went to wash bike and pick up some awesome Mexican food…and lots of parsley…served in bed….lights out 11:20.

 

THURSDAY 8/15/02                                                             Flagstaff – Indio, CA

Up at 7:30 off by 8:20.  Tom found me a juice bar…yea!  Carrots, beets and parsley & a Carl’s Jr. breakfast. Sedona – scenic overlook – Indian jewelry….beautiful cabins and homes along the river…fun town…awesome red rock mountains and stacked rock formations.  Refillable drinks…potty break & a day glow Pink Jeep Tours tee shirt for Tom…can’t cross the desert in black!  Lunch in Prescott, AZ…authentic Mexican Food…Great Race stopped on this beautiful square only two months before.  Went to a movie 2:15-4:30… “Bourne Identity” – Matt Damon – great!  Cloud cover now 89A – fabulous mountain roads descending 20 MPH curves….BONUS….God’s timing…little traffic…kids are starting school.  Hit the desert…still cloud cover… high of 106 at 6:00….stopped twice.  Tom poured ice water on me…cooled down….71- I-40 interstate…our first…into Indio….Hot/Tired/Beat!!!  Quality Hotel.  Tom washed the bike and got me Denny’s breakfast in bed…My Hero!  PS…we named the bike “Adios”!

 

FRIDAY 8/16/02                                                                    Indio – Santa Ana

Up at 8:30….off  by 9:30….wet shirt…dried quickly…high 90 degrees into Palm Desert…looking at theater locations…found an empty theater on main drag…hidden in center but good signage on street.  Stopped in Palm Springs….so hot can’t wait to get out of town, but so hot can’t move till cooled down….wet shirt and cold sodas while Tom worked on my helmet in parking lot out back.  Stopped in Marino for In-and-Out Burgers.  60-91-55-5  Arrived Wayne and Terri’s by 1:30.  Tom took cleaning…I took nap…washed clothes and hair.  Wayne and Terri in Monterey till Sunday.  Tom went with Joe Honesco to look at theater locations Ahaheim….home by 5:00…napped till 6:00.  Met Harpoon at Harbor House Huntington Beach 7:00 one of our favorites…I had the chicken tostada….fab.  Went to his place…met his new “Bear” Maltese. Left message for Shirley Halopoff to join us Sunday for Disney Adventure. Ralph’s for fruit…home by 11:00.  Wore jackets on our cool ride along the coast…big contrast to this A.M. in the desert 98 headed for 108 degrees…we escaped!

 

SATURDAY 8/17/02                                                              Orange County

Today is Joe Mullens birthday…called and sang!

Up at 8:00.  Thawed frozen veggies for my old friend Freeway (their huge desert rescue turtle) and did photo session to send to Wayne and Terri.  Went on leather pant hunt for Tom and cup holder quest…found $250 pants for $89….thanks Lord.  Found juice bar & had lunch at El Pollo Loco.  Many bike shops and malls….Home for a quick shower & off to L.A. to see our Japanese friend from NY, Tak Inagaki, and his one of three one act plays he’s directing….a workshop theater, 405 to Venice Blvd. To Motor St.  Met his son, Kisho – 17.  Loved getting to see Tak, our liaison to Japan circa 1990-94.  Rode the PCH through Seal Beach…stopped at Cold Stone Creamery where the medium packs the size of a softball….so I ordered a small.  $1 tip and they all broke into song…the tune of “The Adams Family”…”we’re happy so we’ll holler because we got a dollar….” Cute kids.  We strolled the drag and part of the pier…but cold.  I’m feeling tons better… think I may be finally over my sinus infection.  Thanks Lord!

 

SUNDAY 8/18/02                                                                   Orange County

Susan gets home from Ecuador today!

Up at 8:00…played with Freeway and YZ (their kitty that used to eat me, but seems much friendlier now).  Off by 10:30.  Stopped at drugstore….Tom customized some boot insoles for me…Met Bill Harmon (Harpoon) and Mike Ewing (Mikey) at California Adventure…lunched and waited 45 minutes in line to ride “Soaring Over California”…AWESOME!!!… a must ride!…hang gliding over the best of California….the ocean, the orange groves complete with scent, the cities at night, the mountains and golf courses…even ducked as a ball flew by….so real….a blast…worth the price of entry to the park….$45 as I recall.  Stayed till 4:30…caught the shuttle back to the Sheraton where we parked.  Boots…new insoles….killing me…no good for hiking…another stop for less insoles.  Called Susan while Tom went into Target.  She had a great trip...spiritual success thanks Lord….I love that girl….Oh yeah…and she’s reading “Betrayed”.  To Wayne and Terri’s by 5:30.  They had just flown in from Monterey.  I’m sooo happy to see them.  Really special friends …thanks Lord.  Terri was shopping with Tanya….returned for dinner at Spires, their new hang out with different specials daily.  Tom and Wayne worked on Tom’s GPS and our California route…Gonna be cool!

 

MONDAY 8/19/02                 WEEK 2                                 Orange County

Terri left at 7:00 A.M. getting an early start so we can play.  Waynie went for his ritual breakfast with Grampa.  Tom and I slept till 9:00.  I washed and repacked for mailing stuff home.  Tom, Wayne and I had lunch at In & Out Burger…gotta order Waynie’s “Protein Style” next time…no bun….wrapped in lettuce. Terri left work early.  They took Eric, our Valcarie soon to be Dale’s, & we took “Adios”  2:00 – Lake El Sonore, Ortega Hwy, Laguna Hills, windy streets, homes with ocean views, Hwy 1 to Huntington Beach…met Shirley Halopoff at the Dune Restaurant on the beach at Huntington Pier…poached salmon for me.  Shirley’s dating someone named Jack since January….seems ashamed of him…he takes advantage of her….needs dumping!  Told her listen to the words she’s spoken….not to us.  Said we’d have Harpoon call….a fun friend.  Lord bless her future and keep her from loneliness.  Then we walked the strip.  Tom got a beach bandanna to go with his hot pink tee.  Tom showed us the block he road around on his bicycle when he was a kid living with his Aunt Stella. Walked the Pier down to Ruby’s and back.  The Race started twice on this pier.  Said good-byes…cool ride home. Perfect day….perfect weather….perfect friends!  Thanks Lord.  Told Wayne and Terri bye ‘cause they’ll be off early tomorrow…Terri to work and Wayne to breakfast with Dick Burdick…..and we’ll be off for further adventures with Adios!  In bed by 10:45.  We told Wayne and Terri to block out next August for a European bike ride……Wheeeeeee….and life goes on and ain’t it fun!

 

TUESDAY 8/20/02                                                                 Orange County-Pismo Beach

Today is John McCauley’s Birthday…called and sang.

Up at 9:00…washed sheets and towels and remade bed. Packed and said good-bye to Freeway and YZ.  On the road by 10:30.  Stopped at Mail Boxes, Etc. to send extra clothes and bags home after reorganizing the ones shipped earlier with Eric and the ones we brought with Adios.  5-22-405-110-1 Redondo Beach waterfront Captain Kids for fresh fish cooked to order…you pick it…one of our favorite places.  Jumbo shrimp cocktail, gumbo, salmon charbroiled, hush puppies, cole slaw – yummy and full!  Tom called Russ & we finally got hold of Jim and G back from Hawaii.  Got Alan’s brother’s # in Ojai.   PCH 1-405-5-126-150-33-166-101-33  Stopped in Ojai…tried to reach Scott, Alan’s brother, 4:00-5:30….called Lorrie to see if she had his work #….wanted to see him and leave “Evidence That Demands A Verdict” Tom had planned to give to Alan before he died.  Shopped new C.D.s…missed Scott…then headed out 33- my favorite all time road…last time we were here with Waynie it snowed…this time…bonus…encountered only 15 cars approaching, passed 8 parked on side AND…. ZERO in our lane….a perfect ride!  Stopped in Cuyama for Dove Bars and nuts…layered up – 62 degrees.  Pismo Beach 8:00.  Walmart – Radio Shack – Marshalls – Grocery Store.  Shirt for Tom so I can get my silk jacket back…great liner.  Ice cream for me…strawberries and cream for Tom. Talked to Mom and Pop…GBL is really missing Tom she reports….no word on Vanna!  Dinner in bed…and life goes on and ain’t it fun!

 

WEDNESDAY 8/21/02                                                          Pismo Beach–Half Moon Bay

Wow! Slept till 9:30.  Tom went back to Radio Shack to pick up the part we left last nite.  Spent the morning hanging out – the Jamba Juice Bar & Starbucks – Walmart & wiring time in front of Radio Shack while I sun and read and called Sis, Wendy, Dena & Darlene while we waited.  I love those girls…thanks for great friends Lord!  ….all worth the time ‘cause my genius got our CD player hooked up and working.  1st one fried!…overs!  On the road by noon.  101-1  Stopped in San Luis Obispo for lunch at one of our favorites, The Apple Farm.  Beautiful sunny cool day.  Ride along the coast. Stopped for a break at Ragged Edge Bay…tried to figure out how to put in a Ragged Edge Live. Tom talked to Russ…doing great and how ‘bout thinkin’ on doin’ a Sunday Gospel Brunch….and how ‘bout some hot pink tees?  We sure miss our Band.  Stopped at another roadside  vista…saw a home tucked in the hills beneath us.  We were at it’s private gate.  I waved and pointed to me and Tom.  “Hey – it’s your two favorite friends you never knew”, yelled Tom.  Then he took our only picture of us on the coast at arms length…got the top of my head. Tomorrow we head inland.  As we headed further north it became really chilly.  We stopped to watch some kite surfers at 6:00 and added more layers.  Shopped at Borders in Carmel….got magazines for later.  Arrived none to soon in Half Moon Bay – 8:00.  Had really yummy Mexican food nachos and chorizo eggs with tortillas - Tres Amigos.  Holiday Inn Express next door…long hot showers to warm up.  Tom and computer worked on our route…tomorrow’s another adventure!

 

THURSDAY 8/22/02                                                             Half Moon Bay-Chico

Up at 8:30 – still tired – Breakfast at Denny’s and off by 10:30.  Crossed the Golden Gate Bridge…through Sausalito and headed toward the Sierras.  Warming up some from 51 degrees last night to a high of 81 for the day. Were at 5 feet below sea level early on then cruised tight turns reminiscent of the CA Mille.  Unlayering now.  6-3-101-37-29!!! 53-20-220 U-ee-20-45-32 Lunch at 5:00 in Williams after a beautiful trip through Napa Valley’s wine country…the vines full, hanging low with fat purple clusters.  Did I mention bonus…back to school…no campers…did I mention….we found ‘em in Chico!  BACK TO SCHOOL – CAL STATE!  The parents booked the town.  Finally found a room at the Deluxe Inn – the last – my new favorite!  My hero dropped me off then fetched me some peaches and Avian then went to wash Adios and check out the Honda shop for an early A.M. oil change. Talked to Susan. She was in the cab headed for the airport for Rwanda…. Lord protect, bless and shine through her.  Talked to Mom and Pop.  Rockin’ in the Fifties tonight.  Thanks for my incredible family and friends …husband and adventure Lord…and life goes on and ain’t it fun!…thanks to You.

 

FRIDAY 8/23/02                                                                    Chico – Mt. Shasta

Up at 9:00.  Tom went to the Honda Shop for an oil change.  I washed and braided my hair… secured Tom’s silk cowboy shirt really cool silver buttons so we don’t leave a trail.  AND I ate something I shouldn’ta….peach or chips with cooties…stomach thing all day.  Gorgeous ride along the Feather River – crossing many creeks under a beautiful sky. Lots of curves, little traffic. 191-70-89 Through Lassen Volcanic State Park and crossed a one lane bridge into Belden, a retreat of sorts, where they were having a biker rally of rather questionable character inviting us to stay.  We declined and were on our way with a Haagen-Dazs bar to sooth my tummy and mind.  Stopped for Tom a really good burger with greasy grilled bun and curly fries next real town: Greenville.  Layered up in the afternoon at altitude 8577.  Took 89 to its end.  Gassed up…rolled into Mt. Shasta looking for just the right hotel in this charming ski town.  The Mt. Air… really nice Chinese family owned.  Ate yummy Mexican across the street at Casa Ramas.  Tom’s best all time chili nachos.  Chicken/Spinach enchiladas for me & my tummy feels much better.  Hi-lites of the day – Tom’s pirouette on the boulders where we took a break by the river, where I had told the Lord I needed a laugh break to make me feel better...didn’t know it was gonna be Tom in a constant state of recovery till he landed seated next to me.  Talked to G, Russ and Mom…thanks Lord for good friends and family, good food, the beauty of your earth and belly laughs! Lights out 10:30.

 

SATURDAY 8/24/02                                                              Mt. Shasta-Florence, OR

And so we leave this mountain with its people in short sleeves and sweatshirts and shorts with its Whistle Stop Café that serves 4 egg omelets and breakfast all day with its harried waitress that had to come in on her day off when someone called in sick – us in our leathers and layers and full tummies and our watches that say 11:20 with mountain roads before us…and streams …and rivers…and lakes….and the introduction to Crater Lake with its squillions of ducks dotting its serene waters with no boats on a Saturday…strange…but they’ve all gone back to school.  AND the Collier Logging Outdoor Museum that reminded me of Pap-pa’s daddy and the lumber mill in Tennessee and did they use the same equipment…and the old wood burning locomotive nicknamed G.O.P. (Get Out and Push)…and the “Bear Chair” where Tom sat, his feet dangling 10” above the earth as I ran and leapt into his lap just as the shutter released.  AND the plan to have no plan so when we detoured off course we could choose the 133 miles west over the 7 miles east to recover our route through the Cascade Range of mountains…so we headed for the coast after nachos grande with tarragon – a first….and a kitty fix at Odell Lake. AND 80 degrees as we passed through Eugene to 51 degrees on the coast.  Ooops…we forgot our Marathon Coach friends live in Eugene…oh well.  Florence by 6:30 NO VACANCIES again, but a just cancelled room at the Holiday Inn Express.  Tom took Adios for a bath and picked up spinach, parsley, cheese, turkey, mustard and mayo for a room picnic… he had a craving for gumbo at a nearby fresh fish café.  I talked to Dale.  He and Lauren are planning to pick up Eric…waiting to hear if we’re coming back through CA to ride with them.  May catch company jet scheduled out Sept 22.  Wendy left message with the Mexican wedding going on in the background at Celebration Hall. Life’s a joy!  Talked to Mom. Karen and Amy came to see 2 concerts and have a slumber party.  Thanks Lord.  Tom and I talked life and where we go tomorrow.  Today’s run 5-97-Oregon-58-126.

 

SUNDAY 8/25/02                                                                   Florence-Astoria

A day of variety – one of my favorites!  A lost intercom cable – retraced steps – not found…pick one up in Seattle…perfect cheesy eggs at Charls’ Restaurant’s all day breakfast and all day unhappy waitstaff and chefs….Virgil didn’t show up to cook!  On the road 11:30.  Ample Sunday traffic through beach cities.  Break at a roadside with storyteller, trails, ocean, rocks and a mural of names and initials carved by sharp rock and hand.  We left a heart around T+S among the scattered alphabet and memories.  A stop and stroll in a beach city for homemade caramel corn and seal watching.  At Tillamook – a Cheese Factory and every size, shape, color and language stood in lengthy lines for tall ice cream and free cheese.  Tom took a picture of me totally unposed smelling the flowers and I of him with a plastic cow so we could say we were tourists and split with no cheese, no ice cream.  Back tracked a few blocks to the roadside stand selling sweet Montana cherries we’d looked for all trip – reminiscent of last year’s bounty…now out of season.  Avoiding traffic we turned inland once more on 6 traveling along a river with others escaping 101’s traffic as well.  Left at Glenwood on an unnamed road… no traffic…connected with 47 to dinner at Humps on the river with fresh hand picked flowers from a neighboring garden and a rinky-tink player piano…and a fair faux food of frozen haddock.  Just short of Longview this and a left on 30 to Astoria in 36 miles in time for a glorious marmalade sky set in deep grape drape reflected in an endless ocean.  Comfort Suites and “The Sun Also Rises”…partial…never could finish that movie.   104 degrees in Granbury Mom reports and we head for Union, WA, tomorrow for heated clothing.  Adios broke 4000 trip miles and awaits further instruction… AND life goes on and ain’t it fun!

 

MONDAY 8/26/02                 Week Three                           Astoria-Union

This morning we start with a confused computer and a pink clad boy.  The Mexican food of Mt. Shasta cleverly disguised by the addition of Sharpie and wit:

  • Fill it up
  • Where is the men’s room
  • Any rooms available
  • What’s your best rate
  • No it’s not a Harley
  • I absolutely was doing 55 (more or less)
  • She’s with me

With so many layers now…who will know.  AND our thought for the day:  “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the things you did.  So throw off the bowlines. Sail from the safe harbor. Catch the tradewinds in your sails. Explore. Dream.  Discover.  MARK TWAIN  -  I say…Catch the tradewinds in your soul!  SANDI McRAE.  Off to another perfect breakfast at 8:30 at Steve & Andrews on the main drag – a waitress in her late 60’s early 70’s – how long has she waited tables with her flat eyes – is she lonely?  Tom offered his order with homemade sausage for a smile and for a moment you could see the girl inside.  Magellan McRae met Lewis & Clark today as we traced their trail northward along the Washington coast…turning inland toward Olympia in search of a Honda shop….closed on Mondays.  Need communication cable to talk to my boy.  Stopped at Barnes and Noble for yellow pages and truffles…had my mouth set, but none at Washington stores.  Satisfied our sweet tooth at a fruit stand down the road complete with yummy juicy peaches & pears & big black yellow bird dining on Tom’s head as he ate his peach.  Along the river men in waders punctuated the water much as the ducks had dotted the aquatic landscape of Crater Lake.  King salmon were making their way upstream to the place of their birth.  Some – journey interrupted – will become Omega-3 on a fisherman’s plate.  Arriving in layers – fine if you’re moving – to a much warmer inland Union, WA. We located one of our few planned stops – Gerbings, home of the electric clothing, marked only by the hand scrawled markings on a rural mailbox.  (800-646-5916)  Heather sings and her husband plays bass.  Dottie’s her boss, and the owners live upstairs.  Three buildings complete the complex.   Final decision…pant liners (a deal since were worn for the Torch Run last Olympics) and jackets with reflective strips…just plug’em in Adios and coast…warm as toast.  Tom checked us into the Alderbrook Resort on 106 at 3:30.  Just purchased by Microsoft execs for a redo and reopen in a year and a half.  News brief:  Bill Gates lives just round the bend.  You can get a glimpse from the end of the pier. Tom – my hero – took the wash to drop it off on his way in to Shelton for a Radio Shack and wiring for our new equipment.  Called Mom who laughed hysterically in the heat at the mention of electric clothing.  Washed my hair and retired to a lounge chair on the lawn overlooking the constant ripples of water and serenity in evergreens, mountain vistas capped with low lying clouds, flowers of all colors swinging from hanging baskets along the pier and an occasional bird tells me about his day.  There’s distant laughter of those on retreat and I pray my boy finds what he needs and returns safely to me.  7:30 wired from Radio Shack – no laundry…oh well – he returned.  A wash for Adios by hose at the end of our walk beneath the 100 foot pines in view of the salty water of Hood Bay.  Reservations 8:00 for dining on fresh salmon and seafood pasta with sweet waitress Katy on the veranda overlooking this amazing setting at dusk. A flower picked from a nearby hanging basket and placed in my hair by my love.  A gnat attack and $10 off the bill offered and taken then a stroll on the floating pier with every size boat, yacht and dingy attached for the night….one boasting a big Texas flag in the front and another in the rear.  At pier’s end I waved toward Bill Gates, though Tom said we needed a lighter to wave to be seen.  Checked with desk clerk, Ann Marie, who plans to be a nurse and who thought the laundry never closes its doors only ½ mile away.  9:30 and a perfect excuse to try out our new heated clothing.  A cool but toasty ride reveals no laundry mat but the bonus of an awesome harvest moon peaking over the mountains in a deep purple sky – one glimpse around the curve – then gone.  Back to our room where I read this to Tom.  Days run 101-12-8-102-106.  Lights out 11:30.

 

TUESDAY 8/27/02                                                                 Another night Union

We decided to stay another night in this hideaway so up at 10:00…let Tom sleep till noon… then off to Gerbings.  They’ll mail our replaced clothes home.  Into Olympia – breakfast at Denny’s where we played with Power Rings – Tom a chicken – me a motorcycle.  On to the Harley shop where Brian found the communication cord we were missing and Tom found $20 water proof gloves on the bottom shelf below the $89 charmers.  To the mall for Radio Shack where Paul replaced our CD player and a music stop where Angela – a Christian – helped us shop instrumental CDs.  Loaded with treasures – Ferante and Tiecher, Richard Claderman, et. al. with CD case to carry all we headed for the Laundromat with a week’s worth of laundry.  I fetched cold drinks – Tom installed the new CD player and we danced in the parking lot to “Unforgettable”.   Is anyone watching.  I hope so and if they are I hope they wanna be just like us when they grow up. Chatted bikes with other clean clothes junkies. Left with saddlebag full and happy. Barnes and Noble for more “Stories of the Heart” for me.  WalMart for tent water proofing for clothes and rain pants for me.  Talked to Sweet Rose… in the hospital again…Dr. Gates says gotta go where she can be watched…told her to go with a smile…it’s all about attitude.  Talked to Mom.  Poof disappeared for a few days then came streaking across the floor today…told her they were turned over to the Lord before I left and knew she was doing her best…not to worry.  Stopped at country grocer near hotel… Tom sat kids on the bike for a ride of the mind then home to “our” table on the upper deck….last night’s repeat of awesome seafood pasta for Tom and coconut shrimp for me and ice cream sundaes…boy does my tummy feel better than all day.  Sang “Happy Birthday” to “Double D – styled Marci, who dined alone.  Gave marriage tips to Katy our waitress who is marrying Damen on the lawn before seasons end (next month):  Respect, treasure, laughter, forgiveness, remember why you fell in love, let little things slide… discuss the big, don’t argue, and put Christ first then no matter what comes…both joy and hard times you can handle it together through Him.  We gave her a GBL brochure, took her picture and invited her to the UpTop.  Dilemma – as we study our maps decisions must be made for NY or back to California to travel with Dale and Lauren.  We even considered Alaska again…doable but warned against the ride…only on ferry….want to do both NY and  CA.  If only we’d reversed our trip we’d end up in CA as Dale and Lauren deplane.  Solution: do it all!  Great dotted roads across Canada – stay low – do NY and make it back to CA in time.  What a treasure to travel the adventure with Lauren and Dale.  At 300 miles we’d have 4 days to play.  We can do it! Thanks Lord in all things.  All this with an open door, cool night air, waterproofed clothes drying on bushes, the quiet sounds of night and the buzz of an old box fan placed jauntily on a chair in the corner.  Alarm set for 8:00 to greet an 11:15 ferry on the morrow.

 

WEDNESDAY 8/28/02                                                          Union-Cache Creek, Canada

Thought for the day:  “Life is made up not of great sacrifices or duties, but of little things in which smiles and kindnesses, given habitually are what win and preserve the heart.  SIR HUMPHREY DAVY. 7:30 A.M. I’m awakened by the sleeping mask of my tresses bring removed and a jovial “It’s your Mudflap being quiet as a little mouse.”…some eye kisses for wake-me-ups…what a glorious way to arise and greet the day.  Tom would be outside working on the bike….take my time.  He fetched us some sodas.  We said bye and accolades at the front desk and were off by 8:45.  First stop only a few hundred yards for a photo-op.  Met with little old lady wagging both forefinger and tongue – “Security will be here any minute…maybe even the police.  Mr. Gates doesn’t like anybody stopping in this drive and do you want me to take the picture.” Yes…thanks…goodbye.  She continued her morning walk mumbling as she left.  Tom then struck his originally intended pose – standing atop “Adios”, hand above brow as though looking over the fence for Bill and did he want his picher took!  Sure nuff – Security in the form of a nice new Goldwing owner, John Golden, with whom we visited for ‘bout 20 minutes and photographed with Tom in lieu of Bill.  The place has become Bill’s summer place – 5 homes for family and John would be free to take his wife and Goldwing on journey once Labor Day and “The Family” have gone.  And yes that was Bill’s wife who arrived by pontoon plane yesterday.  And yes there’s a heliport as well.  John’s daughter is in Dallas and his invitation to a concert is in Granbury.  We left wondering if John had caught a glimpse of us on the security cam tumping over in Bill’s driveway when we propped the bike up without kickstand.  He was such a nice guy….no mention. We stopped for a bag of fresh peaches where our big black and yellow bird still stood guard.  Up the 101 & 20 to Port Townsend – arrived 40 minutes early for the ferry.  Jack said we could go check out the town & be back @ 11:00 and not have to wait in line so we cruised the charming Victorian main drag and stopped for a quick breakfast at the Whistlestop Café – Oriental run – Oriental sung…light music the only color.  Tom walked while I ordered to go….was sitting on Adios dining when he returned with a USA Today.  Back to the ferry just about boarding.  A short passage…30 minutes…mountain vistas…. Pepsi or Sprite, but with perfect ice….left messages for Sam, Sis, Darlene & DB and a call to Carey and Dena in TN.  Forgot ferry photo… what was I thinking!  Landed in Oak Harbor 20-5 Billingham for a picnic and a surprise.  Time to eat those peaches…how ‘bout a sundae in the shade at Cost Cutters…buns propped up on the buggy return….feet on Adios…Ben & Jerry’s vanilla and fruit served and sliced by Gerber into 2 Chinese take-out containers….AND THEN THE SURPRISE – hadn’t we asked the Lord for just such an opportunity this morning.  “Can you spare 50 cents so I can get something to eat?”  She was 15 ½  - she was hungry – and she had a line – several…Mom, a druggie – Daddy killed himself – child abuse – just out of rehab herself – rape – surrogate mom couldn’t have her ‘cause her x-boyfriend got them kicked of the apartment property – godparents moved away – no number – living on the streets….and so on and so on and so on.  I reached in my fanny pack and pulled out a bill without looking to see what it was…I held it palmed as we spoke….just within sight…just out of reach….we continued to talk…An open door….Is she in school – has she ever gone to church – did anyone ever tell her about Jesus – what did they say – did she believe it – does she realize only she can make the decision for herself.  Does she like her life as it is – what would she like to change.  Meanwhile, boyfriend & druggie, Jason, is at Starbucks…became weary & walked by….checking things out at a distance.  Our advise:  It’s about choices.  Don’t have to be good or feel deserving to choose Christ.  He will help with the choices and changes.  Where are the churches mentioned.  Go now and talk to the pastor.  Don’t let Jason use you.  Can we call directory assistance and find your godparents said to be Christians to come pick you up….tried…couldn’t locate.  Bought her bread, lunchmeat, mustard, chips, sunflower seeds & soda.  Gave her a big hug….looked her in the eye an hour after her first question and said “ Amanda, make the right choices….it will effect the rest of your life and eternity…you can do it through Christ...choose Christ. We will be praying for you.  Your new life can start right now.  Open, but no commitment.  She appreciated our advice, admonishment and care.  We took her picture to remember her face when we pray for her and left her with truth, groceries and choices.  It’s up to you Lord what she does with them.  542-9  Custom’s Charlie, so named by us at his request, enjoyed us so he continued to ask questions for entry at Sumas where we picked up the Gold Rush Trail, Canada’s Hwy 1 along the Frazier River Canyon as 1 turned north and more beautiful at Hope.  A 30 degree change in the temperature from the 61 this morning to 91 now….so glad we’re wired for heat! Stopped for more fruit, cheese and chips and headed for the river and picnic #2.  Dined on the ground in view of the river and happy but walking numbers of rafters whom we asked is this your favorite part of your trip….seems their shuttle was missing.  On toward our yet to be determined destination among the massive mountains…a lowering sun…choo-choos…and racing waters.  A much needed rest break for Sandi – feet and seat have had it Mo.  Gas at Lynden and the place where sleaze must’ve been born in an old blue van…drunk and dirty guys…were they fighting….and surely a wet T-shirt contest winner gal and forever they talked and walked and were.  Respite cut short….we left…thankful they departed the other direction.  I could only make the next town 26  miles away – Cache Creek and the last queen at the Sandman Motel…. “Teeny-Queeny” I called it.  Won’t have any trouble finding each other here.  Adios and Sandi got a bath then a date.  Dinner at the Bear Creek Lodge – had we known – it was our favorite place last year.  The owner had built it himself….fabulous giant white pine logs…pegged….didn’t know this was the town…couldn’t have made it around the bend to find out anyway. Dined in the fabulous log dining room, had our picture duplicated with last years bear….home in bed – lights out 10:30.  As I lay in bed I reflected on the words of my precious boy.  His instructions and testimony to Amanda….our weaving the encouragement, admonitions and lessons together….what at team Lord….thank you sooo much… AND Tom’s plan revealed at picnic #2 of adding his greatest accomplishment to his Granbury Live yearbook bio – marrying me….AND his words at dinner – having our Granbury Live family list their top 10 dreams/adventures…thinking some might be amazingly easy for us to help them come true.  Thank you Lord for my husband, my friend….with your heart.

 

THURSDAY 8/29/02                                                             Cache Creek-Clearwater

My mind sings as I awake at 6:33.  Tried for more sleep…up at 7:43…breakfast on the patio of the Sandman…beautiful flowers in hanging baskets everywhere…Tom said they’re so full of petals and stems….back to wake up Tom.  Fueled and sodas to go and on the road by 9:00.  A beautiful day.  52 miles east on 1 to Kamloops BC….Future Stores (100 in Canada)…Jesse , a sweet young tech-head directed us to our new skip-free, g-force rated CD player and to lunch….real food…remember this one – Milestones…spinach salad for me, pizza for Tom and a big smile for Amber our waitress.  Hardware store for Velcro where an elderly gent offered to push me in the swing set where I waited for Tom’s return.  New deerskin gloves for Tom – perfect! And who is that prospector in the window….oh…it’s me…tucked my britches into my boots today….so that’s what I look like!  On the road with suggestions of falls bigger than Niagara.  North on 5 to Clearwater with another fruit stand on the way.  Pick an IMAX point your nose center screen and accelerate…now multiply the experience times 100….that’s Canada!  Traveled along the river…mountains all around.  67 degrees this A.M….87 in Kamloops…now 75 with a black canopy above…sheets of rain in yonder mountains.  Should we suit up…a little rain won’t hurt us….wet then dry ….then wet again.  Stopped at the Visitors Center in Clearwater for map of shortcut to Lake Louise and headed up the mountain toward the falls.  Good thing we decided to put on our water proof jackets, freshly sprayed with more waterproofing this A.M….leather pants and shoes too….’cause the rains came….and the sleet ….and the winds…at what point does going on cease to be adventure and become stupid!  We make a U-turn only a few miles up the road and find a nice dry spot 4:30 at the Clearwater Lodge where Sara with the big smile and a trip to Australia in January recommends paregoes (?) in the restaurant that opens at 5:00 and gave us our keys.  Great nachos, hot chocolate (we’re chilled), downhill with faux salmon and the paregoes turn out to be pastry stuffed with potatoes and cheese….faux….so ordered more yummy nachos.  Dessert came with the special…Jell-O or pudding….Tom said “pick a small black and white TV….put on the brakes….that’s the special!”  Decided on route to Jasper tomorrow.  Called Mom. Lights out 10:00.

 

FRIDAY 8/30/02                                                                    Clearwater-Jasper

Awakened 7:33 bee buzzing about my head – SWAT!  “It’s me your Mudflap”, buzzing me with his electric tooth thingy.  Breakfast in the hotel café – even bolder statements of décor in the morning light.  Did someone just say, “Here’s a hundred bucks – decorate this place.”…Tom says no…it was stuff from Grannie’s attic.  Was Grannie a Native American wannabee with no taste!  Cheesy eggs were perfect – on our way before 9:00 – amazing!  Rays of sunshine flooded the road where sleet once peppered from a free and chilly shaker.  Could plug in, but promises to warm up shortly.  Wells Gray Provincial Park – the Caribou Mountain Range…land of many falls and only a blade of grass for a guardrail. We hiked to the first fall (Tom had laid my hiking shoes out this morning anticipating our day).  It was magnificent….a scale model of Niagara…wide and frothy…the air filled with mist.  The second falls – our favorite- was just beneath a bridge.  We climbed down the rock ledge within seconds of the rushing of the rushing water and got a photo.  Dare not click and run jump in Tom’s arms….arrive carefully or you’re a goner Mo.  The third – Helmchen – was three times as tall as Niagara…though a narrow veil spilling over a jagged rock ledge into a churning pool below.  In the winter it builds a 150’ Popsicle.  Spotted a “’bear tree” - bark missing from a bear’s back rub and a claw for support…complete with interpretive talk – me.                           

Pictured Daddy on every trail with a spring in his step when he flew over, realized it was a spring in his wing as he soared. Gassed up and headed up 5 through the Columbian Mountain range….along the river now turning a pale green – glacier water – and up the highway as the mountains grew taller, the sky bluer, the clouds lower, we found it – the crown jewels – water the color of emeralds in the shade, aqua-marine in the sun, reflecting alabaster clouds with diamonds of sunlight strewn throughout….a mirrored landscape – topsy-turvy.  It was breathtaking.  Then Jasper, Alberta, and a time change…roll forward to 3:30.  Fresh trout with all the trimmings and homemade cherry and apple pie ala mode at Kontos where Yanni, Lessia and daughter, Ullia, speak Greek, English, Ukrainian and Russian and have Villa Kontos if we need a place to stay – a newly remodeled home only two blocks away.  The Restaurant and restrooms were so clean, it must be nice.  Room 5 downstairs…only room left…twin beds you can push together…OK it’ll be fun….can’t even call this a teeny-queeny…how ‘bout teeny-cleany.  Tom naps as I journal.  Went out and sat on the bike to call Mom.  Adios broke 5000 trip miles today – the total of last year’s Canada trip with Eric (our Valcarie).  The low today 59 degrees.  With all the beautiful rivers and rapids and lakes and golf courses, we’re sorry we didn’t bring that rubber boat Waynie gave us, and if we got us a nine iron, it could double as an ore.  After napping, a trip to town…called our Band…Russ, Cass, Dena, Carey, Linda and Abby.  “I love my Band!”  Got rechargeable batteries for C.D., ice cream, prunes and videos.  Their rating system is different here.  14A means language….don’t know it’s R or PG-13.  Robert Redford and Brad Pitt – Great!  Kate Hudson in Almost Famous…cute but had to be R we buzzed through some of it.  Goodnight to the quaint town in the midst of a national park – 1:30 A.M.

 

SATURDAY 8/31/02                                                              Jasper – Hanna

Susan arrives home from Rwanda today…have prayed for her often and not a Starbucks goes by I don’t think of her.  Lord bless our Susan.  Today is Mama Lisa’s and Jerry’s birthday.  Called Mama Lisa 1st thing.

Eight hours of sleep… back to Kontos for breakfast 11:00 omelet & spaghetti…movies returned and heading south through Banff National Forest surrounded by the Maligne Mountain Range threaded together by aquamarine waters - smaller than last year – thirsting for spring thaw.  The mountains are massive, dappled in crowns and crannies with winter’s snow….blankets of evergreens, castles of rocks scattered with flowers sculpt and color the majestic landscape. With each blink of the eye – another National Geographics’ picture postcard and at the foot of these mighty giants an altitude of 6300 at 51 degrees.  We stopped for gas and cold drinks and a new friend – biker from Hope on his 36th day out – a rundown of the route with suggestions.  We altered our course leaving Banff half way down on 11 heading east through the Rockies.  Magnificent Cline Lake with its pale emerald waters that go on forever would’ve surely been missed but for this rerouting.  Stopped for pics.  Mountains beginning to recede.  It’ll be flat going across Alberta and Saskatchewan so looking for the best route.  Stopped in Rocky Mountain House for a fabulous Caesar salad with crab and prawns.  On to Red Deer through flat farmland.  Tom called a pow-wow.  We pulled over for sodas, map, wisdom and prayer on a beautiful restaurant patio.  Don’t wanna travel 2000 miles of flat…altered our course 2A south to 27 east…destination, Hanna.  The farm land became more beautiful with large patchwork squares of crops and rolled hay…the only verticals to the landscape are the occasional clusters of evergreens protecting a farm house from the ever present winds.  Then a sign – “Truckers use low gear”.  Huh?  Then we disappeared as the road dropped into a gorge with sculpted dirt walls…a surprise in the otherwise non-landscape.  Emerged ten miles later to the repetitious flat farmlands.  Our gas – low….might make it…turned into a small town just off the road…no gas….porch-sitters of this no-service burg suggested Drumkeller, fifteen miles off the road on 56.  We’ll stay there tonight.  The 360 degree sky promises a massive sunset…then we disappeared into another gorge.  Drumkeller with its dinosaurs and Edsel owners group filled the town.  Gassed up and backtracked to Hanna, and by 9:00 were glad to be in our room at the Canadian Grey Motor Inn with peaches over Ben & Jerry’s and a decision to be made:  Tom figured if we go to Maine its 6000 miles back to LA at 300 per day, two days off….or do we go through beauty we know at a leisurely pace? We’ll know by morning which way our noses will point.  Called Mom…. they had a full day and will be at Dale’s for Labor Day Monday.  Lights out 1:00 A.M.  I love you, Lord.  Thanks.

 

SUNDAY 9/1/02                                                                     Hanna – Drumkellers

Just as when I’m undecided about which dish I’d like, I always know when the waitress takes the order….I’ll know which one to pick when the order’s taken… “We’ll have some of those southern dishes your so well known for”….we’ll head south into beauty and drink up more of God’s great big wonderful world.  No Maine, no NY or Susan, no Carolinas or Wooldridges…to be saved for a rainy day.  Holiday is about leisure – not the pushing of everyday. I want us to be free to be we!  No encumbrances of time & distance & quotas of  miles.  Opened the curtains 10:00 A.M. to a wet but colorful courtyard miniature golf range.  “Honey, look…we coulda used our nine iron.”  Breakfast in the hotel café – bundled up, plugged in and off.  Found Rain-X at a station and shared with fellow biker going back to college. Back through dinosaur’s Drumskellers for hot chocolate then twelve miles toward Calgary…raining harder….sky darkening…glad for electric jackets…wind picking up an moving us sideways….new jackets are leaking…our sleeves are soaked and cold.  Sloooow U-turn back to town and Jurassic Inn.  Everything is wet and cold…and drying all over the room. Journaled on the computer and then a movie – “The Fugitive”.  Left two messages for Susan, due home today.  Called Mom.  Opened drapes to a clear sky.  Dinner out – spinach salad and onion soup for me, New Orleans pasta for Tom. With table crayons drew a portrait of Tom with pink cornrows and purple ponytail on our cycle.  Lights out – midnight.

 

MONDAY 9/02/02                                                     Drumkellers – Calgary

 

TO BE CONTINUED