Too Much Open Road - Not Enough Daylight

For a mid-October day, it was especially warm, sunny, windless and cloudless. The choices were to (a) stay home and do yardwork or (b) go cruising. Since yardwork will wait for us, no matter what other plans you have, we decided to go for a ride.

We left Price and headed south on Highway 6 towards Green River. When we stopped for a stretch at Cresant Junction, we flipped a coin; Heads, Grand Junction or Tails Moab. Tails it was, so we hopped back on the bike and started for Moab. Besides, it can't be a complete day, without lunch (breakfast) at the Moab Diner. While enjoying our "brunch" we had the opportunity to add to our "Life Lessons".
Life Lesson Learned while in Moab - If an adult male chooses to grow a beard, he should not braid it into three spikes and adorn it with beads and dangling jewels! Bejeweled braids belong on a little girls head - not on a man's chin!

So after leaving Moab, we continued South to the LaSal Junction then East towards Old LaSal, Naturita, and Paradox. At the Junction we headed north on Hiway 141 towards Gateway. This is another one of those areas that we have never traveled through. Every corner offered up new specatular sites. Steep red cliffs, a deep river gorge, "muffin top" rock hills and billiant Fall colors (not reds but bright yellows and golds everywhere you looked).

The road was narrow, curvy but in very good condition. It was especially nice because we didn't have alot of traffic (except for the occasional road hunter).

We stopped at Gateway Lodge (really nice place) to call home since no one really knew where we had gone. Since this was the only cell service we had for the last 100 miles, it was a good place to stop, call and stretch. There is a really nice Lodge (hotel), resturant, antique car museum, general store and fuel. What more do you need?

We followed the Dolores River and saw quite a few old mines in the tops of the hills. Every once in a while, you could catch a glimpse of the Dolores River flum that the miners used to float the ore downriver. The flum, built around 1890, runs for 7 miles and hangs off the sheer rock walls of the gorge. Took my breath away, just thinking of the people who built it.

We continued through the canyon ending up in Grand Junction, then back to the freeway, beating it for home.

If you have about 8 hours (starting in Price) this is definately a daytrip worth taking. Of course if you want to make it a weekend, the Gateway Lodge would be a great place to stay.

Want to go for Lunch?
(code words for "Get on the Bike and Let's Roll")

After a couple of days during the Holiday Weekend of completing all the domestic duties around the house (mowing lawns, laundry, vacuuming and putting up tomatoes) it was time to go for a ride.
We had thought of going to Heber City, but Kelly and Joe both have the sniffles, so we headed south (sorry, kids!). We left Price and took Hiway 6 towards Green River then on to Grand Junction. We stopped at the Rest Stop by Crescent Junction for a stretch and some water. Everytime we stop there, I think of Big Tex, a semi-truck driver we met almost a year ago.
It was November, and a beautiful clear (not so cold) day and we thought a ride to Moab was in order. We stopped at Crescent Junction, Keith and I both grabbed a bottle of water, and walked to the observation deck. When we returned to the bike, there was a gentleman standing by the bike.
"Hey Man, I see these beauties all the time on the road, but I never have had a chance to see one up close. What a beauty! Tell me all about the bike." Big Tex said in a deep Southern drawl.
Keith told Big Tex all the "Man Facts" about the bike (horsepower, weight, speed, etc.). Big Tex took it all in and was looking over the bike, top to bottom. Then he said "So, lady, do you like it too?"
So, I got to tell him all the other things, heated leather seats, heated grips, GPS, intercom, etc. Big Tex was all smiles by this time!
By the time, Big Tex was ready to leave he had decided he needed to get a "Wing" of his own. He also left us with some great advice.
"Help us truckers see you motorcycles. Don't drive to close behind us, because we can't see you. Don't dawdle to long at our sides, because we loose you in the blind spots. Give us plenty of turn space and we will do all we can to keep you safe on the road!" Big Tex said.
We parted company with his blessing, "God Speed, Man, ride safe and keep smiling".
God Bless you too, Big Tex, wherever your 18-wheeler carries you!
After stopping for a break, we decided to head to Grand Junction for lunch. We pulled into "Dave's Famous BBQ". What a great dinner. Slabs of ribs, baked beans, cole slaw, corn on the cob - everything on the low fat/low calorie diet menu!
After a awesome dinner, we refueled and headed for home! What a great way to end the long weekend!

Home a week and wanting to go back.......

Here's some of our favorite pictures from our week in Montana and Yellowstone! Enjoy!






Wells Fargo Office and Stage Coach on Main Street in Virginia City











Fire Hole Drive in Yellowstone












Sylvan Pass in Yellowstone












Persistence pays off when you're looking for animals












Really warm day by Cascade Falls in Yellowstone













Overlook by Mary Bay

People (Characters) We Met on our Roadtrip

Mary, the Flagger Lady
We were on our way to Tetons National Park when we had to stop for road construction just south of Yellowstone. We, of course, were the first car in the long long line waiting to get to the Tetons/Jackson Hole area. Our truck windows were down which must have been the invitation to the Construction worker to start a conversation.
"Hello and Welcome to Montana's Grand Central Station, gateway to the Tetons, Jackson Hole and the biggest road construction project in the state. Where are you headed?" Mary said.
"Tetons National Park" we said.
"Oh nice! I live in a new trailer, just up there by the bridge - not new actually - but new to me - my employer owns it - but it's really nice. Last night, though you'd a-thought there was a kegger going on - and me tryin' to sleep and all - well anyway, I started to listen - kind of spooky, but I never get scard of stuff like that - but spooky noises, kinda funny (chuckle *snort* chuckle, knee-slap)- well anyway, it was getting really noisy and I'm trying to sleep so I started to hoot like an owl and the noises would stop but just for a minute - and (this is when her radio started going off and a guy on the other end saying "How many cars you got? Hey, I said how many cars you got? Mary? Mary, how many cars...." but instead of answering, she just turns down her radio and continues with her story) and the noise just kept getting louder. So this morning, I got up really early and started opening up the cupboards and the cabinets and ya should a-seen the mess! (Radio is still going off, by the way, but Mary still isn't answering.) So, I pulled out the garbage, stuffed up the holes with SOS thingers and I guess I made it mad because it went off - the biggest dangest squirrel - and I mean the biggest dangest squirrel I ever seen!"
Oh, did I mention the guy on the other end of Mary's radio is STILL asking about the number of cars? So the pilot car finally shows up and is leading over 60 cars, bikes and semis. Mary lets out a huge sigh and says "Well, you have fun in the Tetons, really pretty they are, but don't take the bridge road, it takes too long - be careful - you'll be on your way in a few".
Off Mary goes to the pilot car driver and by the amount of time it took him to pull away and turn around, I'm sure he heard all about the "biggest, dangest squirrel" too!
God love ya Mary, but pity the poor car that's first in your line!

Biker Dude
While taking a rest break by Cascade Falls, a Harley rolls to a stop next to us. The guy gets off, takes off his jacket, lights up a cigarette and starts up a conversation about the park, the roads (he had had enough of the construction as well), the weather and almost everything else he could think of. He told us he had left Southern California, followed "The 1" up the coast, cut across Oregon then through Glacier and down to Yellowstone. His route will take him through Wyoming, Utah, Colorado with his final destination somewhere in Alabama. After visiting with some friends, he will return to his home in Southern California, racking up almost 6000 miles in the process. He's averaging 600 miles a day, so far! We started feeling "NumBum" just talking to him. Travel Safe, Man!!

The Old Man by Tower
We were on the bike, traveling from the North Gate of Yellowstone and heading towards Tower when we stopped for gas (and to watch the Buffalo). Keith had just pulled the gas cap off when an older Greek gentleman came right up to Keith and started asking questions about the bike. "How many cylinders? How fast? Do you l-o-v-e it?" asked the old man.
Keith answered all his questions with a nod and a smile. The old man's smile grew as he ran his hand along the windshield, over the handlebars and along the leather seats. All he could say is "Bee-ooooda-fel, bee-oooooda-fel".
As Keith is finishing up with the refueling, I noticed the old man had brought his family over to stand by the bike as he told them what he knew about it. None of their smiles could compare to our Old Friend's beaming face! Beautiful!

Father Todd
On our bike trip through Ennis, we took a detour to Virginia City. Fun little town, full of history and some fabulous old store fronts to look through. You could hear the fiddle player in front of the saloon as you walked up and down the streets. We walked to the end of Main Street and saw the old Episcopal Church a block off Main. We took some pictures and then went inside. We weren't in the church for more than 2 minutes, when Father Todd came out to introduce himself and tell us about the church, the history of the building, the furnishings, the beautiful stained glass windows and pipe organ. He showed us the back of the organ and the 100 year old carpet that is still in the back vestibule. Father Todd proudly told us that he was in charge of the largest congregation in Virginia City - 10 faithful followers, which accounts for 10% of the towns population, the largest congregation in town! Father Todd then told us about the history of Virginia City and with a little prodding he told us the more colorful history of the town, Sheriff Plummer and his Road Agents. He told us about one of the Agents, George "Club Foot" Lang and how the later historians identified his and the other unmarked graves on Boot Hill. As proof, they took the Club Foot from the grave and now have it displayed in the museum, along with other "bizarre and grizzly items from the area".

Life Lessons We Learned While on a Roadtrip

Life Lesson #1: Adult Males who enjoy riding Big Bad Screaming Hogs, should not, under any circumstance, no matter what the outside temperature, wear Shorty-Shorts!

Life Lesson #2: Overweight women (not referring to the garden variety plumpstresses, but the 280-300 pound varieties) should never, ever try to force "The Girls" into a form fitting, fringed, black leather vest. Furthermore, said Road Warrior Fashion Divas, by polite social rules, should not be allowed to perch themselves on the back of any type of motorcycle.

Life Lesson #3: When planning your motorcycle roadtrip vacation, consider your itinerary carefuly and pack only those things that are essential (ie: clean underwear, fresh T-Shirt, extra socks, rain gear, etc). If your packing list includes, golf putter, fishing pole, sleeping bag, tent and mountain bike, it is probably not a good idea to load it all on your MOTORCYCLE! I don't think welding a bike rack to your motorcycle frame is included in the warranty.

Life Lesson #4: Lane Splitting IS legal in some states and applies to motorcycles ONLY! This law does not apply to big Dodge Ram Diesel pickups, pulling a 30 foot travel trailer, 2 4x4 ATVs and 3 canoes! Come on folks, the word "vacation" does not translate into "hitch up, throw a rope around and tie down every BIG BOY TOY you have acquired in the last 20 years of your life". If you can't leave home without it - stay home!

Life Lesson #5: Just because a person can afford the biggest, baddest, hottest motorcycle on the market, does not mean that person should RIDE the biggest, baddest, hottest motorcycle money can buy. If a person has to throw a few extra dollars to color match and chrome out TRAINING WHEELS for his Cruiser, he/she obviously does not have the mental or physical fortitude to drive/ride a Cruiser. Make the world a safer place and buy a Volkswagen!



Life Lesson #6: Bears, Wolves, Elk and Buffalo are NOT the most dangerous animals in Yellowstone. The most dangerous animals in the park are HUMANS! For some reason, there is a select group of people who insist on bathing in STUPID JUICE and cause everyone else trouble.


For instance:
a. When you are standing on the sidewalk and the sign in front of you says "DANGER- Thermal activity beyond this point-closed to all foot traffic" you should not step over the sign and meander out into the Thermal Area for your Bio-Break!
b. If you plan on visiting Yellowstone and want to take "National Geographic" quality wildlife pictures, invest in a camera that costs more than $19.95! If your camera is the size of a credit card with zero zoom and poor resolution, it doesn't give you free access to push your way through the line of spectators to get "up close and personal" with the wild animals. These people should stay home and spend their vacation dollars on a nice, well illustrated wildlife book.
c. If a person HAS invested in a nice camera in order to get great wildlife pictures, DO NOT hand said camera to the 4 year old kid, expecting the child to get "up close and personal" with the wild animals. In this situation, it is OK to remove the child from the situation and thump Dad on the head with a rock!

Life Lesson #7: A Garmin GPS is an invaluable tool to help a driver navigate through traffic, unfamiliar areas and huge cities, but when you put in a destination, asking for the quickest route, and a large mountain is looming up between you and home....one should consider if the recommended route (quickest, shortest and most scenic) is the SANEST route to take. In other words, 47 miles of dirt road is not as QUICK as 80 miles of pavement!

Life Lesson #8: While on vacation, even a rainy day is a great day! If it weren't for the rain, you would never have rainbows.

Day 8 - Last Day in Montana (and we have mud pots!)

After a good dinner and a good night's sleep, we were both ready to get on the road again. We left around 10:00 and went straight to West Yellowstone then back into the park. Our first stop was in the Geyser Basin at the Fountain Mud Pots. These Mud Pots aren't much to look at but they sure put on a good sound show. With the extra rain during the week, most of the Mud Pots were quite "noisy" and sputtered and spouted mud everywhere. Don't ask me why I like these , but I sure do!

After viewing a few mud pots and geysers, we turned toward Fishing Bridge, past Mary Bay and towards the East Gate of Yellowstone. There was very little traffic in this direction. We were surrounded by Buffalo as we passed the bridge. They were walking up the road, laying on the side and running through the trees and if one decided to cross the road, the whole herd would follow. We saw lots of calves with this herd.
We stopped for a rest at Sylvan Pass because Keith was convinced there were Big Horn Sheep on the mountain. We didn't see them at the first stop, but a mile down the road when we stopped again, there they were. Seven ewes at the top of the mountain, out in the sun and walking toward the summit. We had to use the spotting scope to watch them. It was great to see them!
We made our way back to the Fishing Bridge and stopped for an early dinner. We then headed back to Tower, hoping to see some more wildlife in the late afternoon. We got as far as Hayden Valley when we stopped to ask what everyone was looking at and we heard "wolves". We pulled the truck in and didn't have to go any further. We spent the next several hours watching and waiting for the 5 wolves to show themselves. We found out later, that these wolves are considered a group rather than a pack, because they have not yet made a den or raised pups. They relocated themselves in the Hayden Valley after being pushed out by a larger pack of wolves in Mammoth. After climbing to the top of a hill and setting up the spotting scope, we were rewarded with a great view.
After sunset, we headed back to Big Sky and to pack up for home. We had the best time in Montana. So much to see and so much to do!!

Critter Count: Big Horn Sheep, Buffalo, Elk, Wolves

(This picture was taken 10-2008, of the same pack near Mammoth and given to us by a friend. Thanks, Kim!)

Day 7 - Montana Roadtrip

The sun is out, but we both are suffering from "vacation hangover". I guess that means we're having a great time! After a slow start to the day, we hopped in the truck and set out to find Wade and Cliff Lakes.
After traveling past Hebgen Lake and Quake Lake, we turned onto a dirt road marked "Antelope Basin". Well, if nothing else, it sounded promising. We did see lots of Antelope but Keith decided we were heading the wrong direction if we were to find Wade Lake, so back to the highway. We headed back to Ennis and with the help of the GPS (see I told you I love to travel with this thing), we found some smaller unmarked lakes.
We followed the dirt road, crossed "Three Dollar Bridge" and finally found Wade Lake. After looking around for awhile, we went back to find Cliff Lake, then back to the highway, heading back to Ennis.
We stopped in Ennis for lunch at "The Sportsman Lodge". Our waitress had grown up in Ennis, so she could answer all our questions. After lunch, we headed back over Ennis Pass to Belgrade then down Highway 191, along the Gallitan River to Big Sky. It was a slow, lazy day. We enjoyed watching the canyon and the river and the hospitality of Ennis.

Critter Count: Antelope, Buzzard, White Tail Deer