Hin-mah-too-yah-lat-kekt (Thunder Rolling Down the Mountain)

Quote of the week: "The earth is the mother of all people, and all people should have equal rights upon it." ~ Chief Joseph

With fall upon us, it was a tough choice this weekend. Do an overnight hike/climb or take what may be the last big fling for the year on the bike. After a quick game of mental rock-paper-scissors, the bike trip won out. Besides, the great weather, Lee was hoping to try out the new helmet and is happy to report that the new Shoei Hornet worked out well. It doesn't repel bugs any better, but it is quieter and more comfortable than the older helmet.

This adventure trip took place through the North Cascades Highway, up over though Winthrop and onto Alta lake state park. The night was warm with a bit of rain in the early morning. The next day heading out to Pateros, Omak and down to Nespelem to see Chief Joseph's grave and then over to Grand Coulee. Passing through some spectacular mountain scenery with fall colors ablaze. Believe it our not, the bugs were still out in full force as witnessed by the nearly blackened windscreen on the bike. A windy ride home along the Yakima river became a real challenge and off in the distance storm clouds were rolling in over the Central Cascades. Rain was in the air. All told, about 700 miles of travel. The bike now has nearly 7,000 miles on it!!

Cutthroat Peak is located about two miles west of Washington Pass in Washington's North Cascades. This rugged mountain appears to be a stand alone tower from most vantage points along the North Cascades Highway but, the mountain actually has a north and a south peak.

Travelling through Disautel Pass (el. 3252 ft.). Traversed by Wa state route 155 on the way to Gran Coulee form Omak on the Colville indian reservation.

"The first white men of your people who came to our country were named Lewis and Clark. They brought many things that our people had never seen. They talked straight. These men were very kind." "~Chief Joseph

Chief Josephs grave site is a spiritual experience. Especially for those who have read the struggles and strife his people have suffered. Buried alongside him are others of his time who fought and lived side-by-side with him, including Yellow Wolf.

"We gave up some of our country to the white men, thinking that then we could have peace. We were mistaken. The white man would not let us alone." ~ Chief Joseph

"Good words will not give me back my children."  ~Chief Joseph

Chief Joseph died at the Colville Reservation on 21st September, 1904. They say he died, not of old age, but of from a broken heart.

This rest area was new. Lori and Lee last visited this area ~16 years ago.

The reflections off of Banks lake made for some neat photos.

Great motorcycle roads. Speed Limit 60. Hmmm...

Grand Coulee Dam in the distance

More dam.

Until Next time......

Harstine Island Getaway

 

Qoute of the Week: "You can make a new friend, but you can't make an old one"  ~ Tom Bodett

Last weekend Lori and Lee took a "mini-vacation" to join up with our friends, Jim and Carol (aka, "Skeeter Jim" and "Caribou Carol".)  Jim and Carol are retired and are great folks to hang out with.   They have a cute, early 1900's log cabin on Harstine island. The setting is very inviting and relaxing. We've done some kayaking together with them in the past, so when they invited us down to their cabin for the weekend, we couldn't resist. The weather was just warm enough to nap in wether we were on the beach or on the deck chairs by the water just down from the cabin.  

View from near the water

Jim, Carol and Lori with Olympic mountains in the back.

Marine Wildlife taking advantage of man made floating platforms.

Looksha Lori looking good in her kayak.

Skeeter Jim and Caribou Carol taking to the water like pros.

We beached a couple of times duirng our 13 mile paddle trip around Squaxin Island.

All-in-all, a very relaxing weekend. We were spoiled by beer, salmon, steak and cherry pie. Now we must head back to the gym to work off our sins.

Until next time...

Olmpic Coast Boondoogle, Another 600 Mile Motorbike Adventure

Quote of the Week: "Half our life is spent trying to find something to do with the time we have spent most of life trying to save" ~Unknown

This weekend, the plan was for Lori and GrizzLee were to meet up with Lee's brother Matt. Matt was riding the coast up from California through Oregon and up to the Olympic Peninsula. We never met up due to poor communication of Matt's ever changing plans on his end. After numerous attempts and voicemails we finally caught him on the phone the second day of our travels. He was in Forks, Wa and we were in Seaside, Or (Matt made incredible time). Somehow we missed each other as he spent the night in Raymond, Wa. A beautiful town we drove through the day before. Darn!! Despite this, GrizzLee toured the Olympic Peninsula on his motorbike while Lori headed back home. Later, Lee received word that Matt and his riding partner got pulled over by the State Patrol. They apparently had a little chat with the officer... no ticket was issued. Matt had bragged earlier how he was cruising at 100 mph along the Olympic Peninsula. Given how far they went in 2 days, this speed isn't surprising. However, traveling at light speed, you miss all the niceties that make any coastal tour a real gem.

One of the few times Lori is caught by the camera. A quick stop at Willapa Bay refuge. This a future kayak expedition trip.
Lori and GrizzLee took a side trip out to Long Beach. One of few, if not the only, places left in Washington where one can drive on the beach. Lori was timid and didn't want to take the RubiKon Adventure vehicle much farther. Contemplating a trip down the beach. Hmmm... Taking the GS for a spin along the ocean beach. Not too many people get to do this with their bike. Tearing up the beach. After a quick stop at Long Beach, Lori and Grizz took a side trip from Ilwaco to check out the Lewis and Clark interpretive center and the local state park.
Another rare glimpse of Lori on camera.
Lee posing for Lori :-)

Cape Disappointment state park was incredible. Pictures don't lie.

Northhead light house was spectacular.

This is the light keeper's grounds and facilities. Nice!
Cape Disappointment Light House
We were so caught up exploring and looking at the light houses and the orange clouds that we, unfortunately, missed getting photos of one of the best sunsets we've experienced this summer.

Until Next time...