tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65432929764499780442024-03-19T01:30:37.564-07:001K to the Bay Started as a report on a bike ride to San Francisco then it expanded to other adventures. Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06703071414923453724noreply@blogger.comBlogger176125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543292976449978044.post-38786020243374553252023-11-19T19:57:00.000-08:002023-11-19T19:57:16.650-08:00Day 9 - Our last Day!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY0aPjE-OTf_XgwklCT1m5G2kbrGRnYR2Rxb-UZFyemCnO98yrWxQgL7jaqifxs8c5L9K_0UqEXFYcgNWgX6ZZIlNeq3uvC5IyECDi6MbYT6SNTFY4WzcWmH1RUTeoZvO0pdOIHnP93XBJmwLs_kkACs919rKYw5d3_eTk5-abpIkpVAfVCk92tzSkv30/s977/Coco%20Cay%20legs.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="656" data-original-width="977" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY0aPjE-OTf_XgwklCT1m5G2kbrGRnYR2Rxb-UZFyemCnO98yrWxQgL7jaqifxs8c5L9K_0UqEXFYcgNWgX6ZZIlNeq3uvC5IyECDi6MbYT6SNTFY4WzcWmH1RUTeoZvO0pdOIHnP93XBJmwLs_kkACs919rKYw5d3_eTk5-abpIkpVAfVCk92tzSkv30/w200-h134/Coco%20Cay%20legs.PNG" width="200" /></a></div>Today is our last day of the cruise as we stop for a relaxing day on the island of Coco Cay. Coco Cay is an island that is owned by Royal Caribbean. It's pretty ,cool in that its just an extension of the ship but you are on land. There are waterslides, beaches with chairs and umbrellas, restaurants and of course, more bars. Just a great place to relax with everything still included. Paddle boards, volleyball, basketball all happening. Want a burger? No problem. Want a Frozen Mudslide? No problem. <p></p><p>It's a nice concept and we spent some time just relaxing by the ocean then walked around the entire island. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSrJyzfNvGTUAUDN_G44O_enV1Kl75xuIGRPyIF8H60q1HsJI_aa1R8HXZy0hnfP-6FvVqeNA44lxhSjytjNTdyxAkBeZXtaEBFiagX2oiDHFHauj7y6R309RHBscPtJ1IwEbIO74Qa1AMImPMZXvNqLTw6hlpSycu0MCoJeJEV-mmC-nMqUMUYIb2tU/s961/Coco%20Cay%20View.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="961" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSrJyzfNvGTUAUDN_G44O_enV1Kl75xuIGRPyIF8H60q1HsJI_aa1R8HXZy0hnfP-6FvVqeNA44lxhSjytjNTdyxAkBeZXtaEBFiagX2oiDHFHauj7y6R309RHBscPtJ1IwEbIO74Qa1AMImPMZXvNqLTw6hlpSycu0MCoJeJEV-mmC-nMqUMUYIb2tU/w200-h125/Coco%20Cay%20View.PNG" width="200" /></a></div>After that, we headed back to the ship. A little sad knowing tonight is our last night on the ship. Probably a good thing as we are worn out. We frequently talk about a 14 day cruise but I don't think our bodies could take it!<p></p><p>Still a lot left to do however. Saturday afternoon was the Rugby World Cup final (nope, I didn't know either) between South Africa and New Zealand. Just so happens that there was a large contingent of South African fans on board. I don't know much about Rugby but it was an exciting one point game and fortunately South Africa won or there could have been trouble. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdbamhssrXX7ip8AtJBm3WvOFOPeKVJz-M27nxKPViddfE2zbX92t0WUYKf-H16JTtMlavUcK7YRGD1hf39_1_b3b6ltSyheA5QVScNTJZcvo-a_9uxd0NmTJWknYtFMYfdzpHI-OJKG_z4riRpXEYtWLsPsDcDNL8uO6NAk_agNZQu-Jbl3nmtWNF_J8/s903/Water%20show.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="903" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdbamhssrXX7ip8AtJBm3WvOFOPeKVJz-M27nxKPViddfE2zbX92t0WUYKf-H16JTtMlavUcK7YRGD1hf39_1_b3b6ltSyheA5QVScNTJZcvo-a_9uxd0NmTJWknYtFMYfdzpHI-OJKG_z4riRpXEYtWLsPsDcDNL8uO6NAk_agNZQu-Jbl3nmtWNF_J8/w200-h148/Water%20show.PNG" width="200" /></a></div>The seas have calmed down and two shows are schedule for tonight so we are ending with a bang. But first, one final trivia game. This time it was Michael Jackson songs. 14/20! Not a bad way to end it.<p></p><p>The two shows were Fine Line and Grease. Fine line was a water show on the back of the ship. It had dancers, divers, lights and water splashing everywhere. It was very unique and fun to watch. After the show was over, we had to high tail it to the front of the ship (no small task I must say) to get seats for Grease. I have seen the movie Grease and mulitple plays and this was as good if not better than any of them. It was a young cast but their talent and enthusiasm was amazing. After the show, we had to get back to the cabin and finish packing as they pick up luggage the night before. </p><p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEict0DtoCkRuyFusjMTAZQWaqNkEpk2C_kgxouZjhOUkl0ppsQdQsiuiK7N19pti7xNy_5kNcVfGMZ7_QGPA6vKQdwYFisE4l-Wt3t3RnhRoaF25gYE0BrPV9fzgB1jhoaxZNjJKS0bjUXCrvoMxz0NuW0zP73OJTKv4qw-iAEi_1o1Pm2MR8X1P2wGvcM/s727/Night%20on%20Deck.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="727" data-original-width="541" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEict0DtoCkRuyFusjMTAZQWaqNkEpk2C_kgxouZjhOUkl0ppsQdQsiuiK7N19pti7xNy_5kNcVfGMZ7_QGPA6vKQdwYFisE4l-Wt3t3RnhRoaF25gYE0BrPV9fzgB1jhoaxZNjJKS0bjUXCrvoMxz0NuW0zP73OJTKv4qw-iAEi_1o1Pm2MR8X1P2wGvcM/w149-h200/Night%20on%20Deck.PNG" width="149" /></a></p><p>We scheduled this cruise during Christmas so we had 10 months to look forward to it and it was worth the wait. Great weather and a magnificent ship ship. Can't wait for the next cruise but we need to go home a dry out a bit. </p><p>So until the next adventure.... </p><p></p><br /><p></p>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06703071414923453724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543292976449978044.post-71900369374558901092023-11-19T08:44:00.000-08:002023-11-19T08:55:38.211-08:00Day 8 - Don't fold those clothes!<p>We are on our way to our final stop, the Royal Caribbean Island of Coco Cay. Another day at sea on the ship. We love these. We started the day as we usually do in the gym. With the ocean still being a little rough thanks to Tammie, my session on the elliptical was interesting. Feeling the ship rock back and forth, forward and back, while trying to move your arms and legs back and forth added a new dimension to my exercise routine. Interesting.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnj6Ikg_RNoyaKwE5-qMVwqhmnQ-z3keJGfHIV70_sWOtuOlO_XQVeD_u2p8A0L_R985x6_pTtVYm2vnPlpZtzq-_VFM2WJZVLNAdcPGRPFxDpA1npCgrWh_IQDVnYeYWJS81OoRQVT_pXkZG7ar_RviENbpNLZZKCz5lLa78LqowNK0fYR6aFsmH0cMI/s659/Laundry.PNG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="659" height="109" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnj6Ikg_RNoyaKwE5-qMVwqhmnQ-z3keJGfHIV70_sWOtuOlO_XQVeD_u2p8A0L_R985x6_pTtVYm2vnPlpZtzq-_VFM2WJZVLNAdcPGRPFxDpA1npCgrWh_IQDVnYeYWJS81OoRQVT_pXkZG7ar_RviENbpNLZZKCz5lLa78LqowNK0fYR6aFsmH0cMI/w320-h109/Laundry.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>When I got back to shower, I got ready to toss my wet clothes on the corner on the floor like I normally do and noticed that all my old clothes were folded. For those who have never been on a cruise, one thing to look forward to is exceptional service. That said, I did not expect the steward to even TOUCH my nasty sweaty clothes, let along FOLD them. Of course I told Archie that I appreciated what he did but it was not necessary. <p></p><p>Still on a mission to visit every bar on the ship we headed to Central Park on deck 8. Surprisingly, we haven't spent much time in Central park even though our balcony overlooks this beautiful part of the ship. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5t8ZtYxMjo7uGZq_yhF0NDJM67jppamNRi-sp_153wQnz7bLhFY20GmJiLq5ocWK13UixLX21y9afRAmugoJxmDrHRyohsAV4Y7xL43Qsrq0I9I8URPsdazC2JdKwqGueSS1uWVBu8dlSi8R9ciHbKy19DnjHvpXLVp9Hkd6tRO-UwsS0_5sHWNr7TaA/s775/Central%20Park%20Drinks.PNG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="775" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5t8ZtYxMjo7uGZq_yhF0NDJM67jppamNRi-sp_153wQnz7bLhFY20GmJiLq5ocWK13UixLX21y9afRAmugoJxmDrHRyohsAV4Y7xL43Qsrq0I9I8URPsdazC2JdKwqGueSS1uWVBu8dlSi8R9ciHbKy19DnjHvpXLVp9Hkd6tRO-UwsS0_5sHWNr7TaA/w200-h189/Central%20Park%20Drinks.PNG" width="200" /></a></div><br /> It is a massive terrarium with restaurants and of course bars. Tonight we each got a glass of wine at the Trellis Bar. Very nice and peaceful with outdoor furniture and a guitar playing in the background. <p></p><p>Time for another try at trivia. This time it was sports trivia! Got to be a lock for me right? Well, it was much better. We answered 12/15 correctly and even got second place! I didn't know a hockey puck was an inch thick. I was thinking 1.5. Should have phoned a friend. (my Canadian college roommate. Hey Marv!)</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijeT2D1w0Iyb9hVuS_xPD1GhIU-QTTDv-leC8ATKStdH51HfjgLF1Leqk070wI1gVOVHUnTTCQgqD7v3t1pcUgPenU_dU0eEtTTgqQYQukRUpVxj602sfH9dPsSCfAWIARuoKdyXi2VgisJvxXj_TAciTcWKD-4zNOupMksUcKPZdx_pQpL1B7n_WYLrs/s975/Floating%20Bar.PNG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="975" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijeT2D1w0Iyb9hVuS_xPD1GhIU-QTTDv-leC8ATKStdH51HfjgLF1Leqk070wI1gVOVHUnTTCQgqD7v3t1pcUgPenU_dU0eEtTTgqQYQukRUpVxj602sfH9dPsSCfAWIARuoKdyXi2VgisJvxXj_TAciTcWKD-4zNOupMksUcKPZdx_pQpL1B7n_WYLrs/w200-h151/Floating%20Bar.PNG" width="200" /></a></div>We had another bar to visit. This one raises and lowers three decks. Starts on the Promenade (deck 5 and goes up to Central Park (deck 8). Doesn't go too fast for obvious reasons but it's pretty cool slowly rising above everyone while you sip a drink. While in the promenade they had a passenger flash mob which was fun to watch.<p></p><p>Finally, the moment we have all be waiting for......Bingo. No cruise would be complete without a Bingo session. Of course we participated and of course we didn't win. It's always fun. Hey, we are 60 now and that's what you due. I think we'll hit the local church or Elks Club when we get home.</p><p>Tomorrow is our last stop. Coco Cay Island.</p>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06703071414923453724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543292976449978044.post-76415811032548380362023-11-19T08:03:00.000-08:002023-11-19T08:55:11.594-08:00Day 7 - Relaxing on Megan Beach<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqOUS7IOuwATB5YRCvIceHo2W6VPnJ9SAlUkzkgzC_fe2l4dkM3wsJmIc2QMSO_N4zajPjGadALbGOI6jFNx89jJXDmxXZfrsRIaIDOH2vkJBU4QB-xnKs11OH1nvelNgkueH44fVgG6-aTlLb8EUzS63E0pnwfIsDn_Y9OxJUmuCFBNeMx5mmPTe_NIQ/s981/St%20Thomas%20View.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="981" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqOUS7IOuwATB5YRCvIceHo2W6VPnJ9SAlUkzkgzC_fe2l4dkM3wsJmIc2QMSO_N4zajPjGadALbGOI6jFNx89jJXDmxXZfrsRIaIDOH2vkJBU4QB-xnKs11OH1nvelNgkueH44fVgG6-aTlLb8EUzS63E0pnwfIsDn_Y9OxJUmuCFBNeMx5mmPTe_NIQ/w200-h126/St%20Thomas%20View.PNG" width="200" /></a>Todays stop is St Thomas, an Island that is part of the Virgin Islands. We decided to be a little more intentional about making sure we see more of the island than we did in St Maarten. So we grabbed our swimsuits, sun glasses and towels and off we went. We didn't sign up for a shore excursion but noticed a lot of vendors offering places to go. We met a lady named Allison who suggested Megan Beach. It was on the other side of the island so we figure that would be good as we would get an opportunity to see the island as we drove there. Boom, $45 round trip on taxi 356 and the day is planned! It was a nice drive and we got some beautiful views of the island as we drove over the "mountain" to Megan's Beach.</div><p></p><p>The water this far south in Caribbean is the light turquoise blue and so beautiful. It is VERY warm.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW3KQFbGrH7wyMLg0KECIUJxBI9D_wyAnrAN-CNGyPctJ7G4KfdBUJQlnlt09S1Z41BsbW4z1MonIX2Wkdv_wtMmMSINlANPH0lvXOee4FPfv4bIO4Xm0o6W24pbra2WBCgIbl61wI_pMnnaq-nQi1KWWXT4G2J7sQsVao2tK-XQiZ8N1on0TOLqLWB8Q/s873/St%20Thomas%20Beach.PNG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="873" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW3KQFbGrH7wyMLg0KECIUJxBI9D_wyAnrAN-CNGyPctJ7G4KfdBUJQlnlt09S1Z41BsbW4z1MonIX2Wkdv_wtMmMSINlANPH0lvXOee4FPfv4bIO4Xm0o6W24pbra2WBCgIbl61wI_pMnnaq-nQi1KWWXT4G2J7sQsVao2tK-XQiZ8N1on0TOLqLWB8Q/w200-h168/St%20Thomas%20Beach.PNG" width="200" /></a></div>Though it is cooler than the outside temperature, its not by much. We spent pretty much the entire day just laying on the beach and swimming in the ocean. Not a bad day in St Thomas.<p></p><p>By the time we got on the ship we were starving so we had to scout out a restaurant. The Harmony of the sees has 16 restaurants and 21 bars and our goal was to hit everyone of them. We hadn't tried the solarium bistro which is in the "adult only" section of the ship. Surprisingly they let us in!</p><p>There was a knockout tournament on the basketball court scheduled for today. I was going to give that try and see how bad I could embarrass myself but due to the rough seas, it was cancelled. Probably a good thing!</p><p>The rough seas also caused the shows to be cancelled but that was fine with me. Another opportunity to sit on the back of the ship and watch Thursday Night Football on the big screen. I love that!<br /></p><p>One of the fun activities on Harmony is the robotic drink maker. It is pretty amazing how it works. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwt-zctEHMFencusYEokaCGDH7Z_YMwh-RKP07J30ildtHdCFif_T6Fs_qraRNJvOw6KGcMDgrYLLY11XhEY3Axp6yKcl4aINpLGiGhRxinxhoEX9WNELxwckJO2N0DoiAqSSJSBBwH8XTq7Ih_Q4eWq2k1CWJZEZ4RjrPYuTzAyfxbMFhz0m4L7MOenM/s998/Robot%20drink%20maker.PNG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="688" data-original-width="998" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwt-zctEHMFencusYEokaCGDH7Z_YMwh-RKP07J30ildtHdCFif_T6Fs_qraRNJvOw6KGcMDgrYLLY11XhEY3Axp6yKcl4aINpLGiGhRxinxhoEX9WNELxwckJO2N0DoiAqSSJSBBwH8XTq7Ih_Q4eWq2k1CWJZEZ4RjrPYuTzAyfxbMFhz0m4L7MOenM/w200-h138/Robot%20drink%20maker.PNG" width="200" /></a></div>You decide what type of drink you want and type it in on the iPad. Kind of alcohol, mixer, garnishes and even if you want it shaken or stirred (you hear that 007?) Once you submit your order it is shown in queue on the big screen. This would be the perfect addition to a man cave! <p></p><p><br /></p>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06703071414923453724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543292976449978044.post-27303655918465476122023-11-18T09:33:00.000-08:002023-11-18T09:33:13.771-08:00Day 6 - I'll Take a Mudslide<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVUVBNOi0MZMMWW4w-7LLZiKKBXlmccGhBJ5zfdzdCtGgwKCimAmRReWsEY0DIGik_5_r-EFEGvA0tzTSew5J6euk1JHk1cyGPeX2PCSKfXO_05WLuJNnjQS_u0UALRGzxpLDYkZMPxckEYPi5YL9gbSgiKkU11t9qbGm-tMf6B1D8WPg2gzZ9gKC6Sy8/s705/St%20Maarten%20Map.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="611" data-original-width="705" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVUVBNOi0MZMMWW4w-7LLZiKKBXlmccGhBJ5zfdzdCtGgwKCimAmRReWsEY0DIGik_5_r-EFEGvA0tzTSew5J6euk1JHk1cyGPeX2PCSKfXO_05WLuJNnjQS_u0UALRGzxpLDYkZMPxckEYPi5YL9gbSgiKkU11t9qbGm-tMf6B1D8WPg2gzZ9gKC6Sy8/w182-h157/St%20Maarten%20Map.PNG" width="182" /></a>After 2 days at sea we are going to land at St. Maarten's Island. As I mentioned earlier I was shocked to see how far south the island is. If nothing else, the cruise is good for my geography. It's part of the Netherlands so it made us think of our time in Amsterdam though I don't remember these beaches and beautiful weather when we were in The Netherlands. I's not very big and only has a population of 43,000. We didn't plan a formal excursion and decided to just walk and explore. It was REALLY warm and humid. Like 90 degrees and 90% humidity so we didn't do a lot. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwwiLQM-7xdz89IEaGrLT_a98uZ8j_JnfzlXjf5i_8aD2iquKzCUo8c0lKxIj5nWsBL7pVRIRc7oVFbPnit-xDLSwjZkcEJL32qkc6qSA-arLyu0J_pY6obt9lBzjr9d0jiEI2Y7_ZUWsPDYiCw0OxMZON6VSiKRgV8ODdfBd3gu8acQGRaEzewapxKF4/s976/St%20Maarten%20lunch.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="976" height="119" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwwiLQM-7xdz89IEaGrLT_a98uZ8j_JnfzlXjf5i_8aD2iquKzCUo8c0lKxIj5nWsBL7pVRIRc7oVFbPnit-xDLSwjZkcEJL32qkc6qSA-arLyu0J_pY6obt9lBzjr9d0jiEI2Y7_ZUWsPDYiCw0OxMZON6VSiKRgV8ODdfBd3gu8acQGRaEzewapxKF4/w200-h119/St%20Maarten%20lunch.PNG" width="200" /></a></div>We purposely didnt sign up for the internet package so we could "disconnect" but we wanted to communicate with the family plus there were some on-line personal tasks we had to take care of so we scouted out a nice place for lunch and WiFi access. We came upon Oualichi and had a terrific nacho and the view wasn't too bad either. After catching up on email, sending out some pictures and tying up loose ends we did a little shopping (got a cigar in case on got the urge for a late night stogie on the deck of the ship!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWSA-QsRlcYK18t4at6M8_Hzhbg_wYdE8oJsRphhVcuQvD10ZsEow3zcFPwd2Y33Hj7HNBCOy-a5OVchm4S7G6F2bs1RTzFci0JSRV5NaTb0qII_QpDVRgVAQ8DMlCF3r30cHEo_dU9vtOaG8vtbgYMWjCAXiAbITTiZmh0mufOrQ020n0a3YFTEvYGA/s978/St%20Maarten%20Bay.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="554" data-original-width="978" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWSA-QsRlcYK18t4at6M8_Hzhbg_wYdE8oJsRphhVcuQvD10ZsEow3zcFPwd2Y33Hj7HNBCOy-a5OVchm4S7G6F2bs1RTzFci0JSRV5NaTb0qII_QpDVRgVAQ8DMlCF3r30cHEo_dU9vtOaG8vtbgYMWjCAXiAbITTiZmh0mufOrQ020n0a3YFTEvYGA/w200-h113/St%20Maarten%20Bay.PNG" width="200" /></a>St Maarten is a nice little island with some great beaches but we didn't come prepared with our swimsuits and the heat and humidity was killing us so after a few hours we figured let's head back to the ship for some ship activities and some water sliding to beat the heat. It's always nice to come back to the ship a little early as there are not many people and you have the ship to yourself. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We love to watch the ship leave the dock but before that I have to get my traditional "departure drink."<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihCr5jGv0Gb3CS6-D4BC28qddSKVNUyJfXdJUBkYii15VyA4KKnSM8EUmc1U-yTlWYdUxwBZXY8HSCROKBJhc_K1vA_Q9xuvteJmmeS6_y_jbJAQ2uGbrZ4GQqVFCw3i6MDw0B54ck_q8_wf1IhVknDQMjmNgtZGUDM1yGeD8Vx2ofJFztgRg1vO8zPj8/s977/Mudslide.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="977" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihCr5jGv0Gb3CS6-D4BC28qddSKVNUyJfXdJUBkYii15VyA4KKnSM8EUmc1U-yTlWYdUxwBZXY8HSCROKBJhc_K1vA_Q9xuvteJmmeS6_y_jbJAQ2uGbrZ4GQqVFCw3i6MDw0B54ck_q8_wf1IhVknDQMjmNgtZGUDM1yGeD8Vx2ofJFztgRg1vO8zPj8/w200-h148/Mudslide.PNG" width="200" /></a></div>I was going to get my basic Gin and Tonic or maybe a beer but I watched the bartender put some vodka, Kahlua, Baileys, in a blender full of ice. As the blender was doing its thing, he took chocolate syrup and lined the inside of the glass with it. He poured the ice mixture in the glass and handed to the happy customer and I said "heck with the Gin and Tonic, I want one of those!" Turned out it is a Frozen Mudslide and it was delicious. That's my new "departure drink."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">No shows tonight as the water is a little rough from the remnants of Hurricane Tammie. We did another round of trivia. Madonna songs. 5/15 and our strong performance continues. </div><p></p>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06703071414923453724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543292976449978044.post-65271965571716857072023-11-15T23:13:00.000-08:002023-11-15T23:13:06.712-08:00Day 5 - Roasted Marshmallows<p>Got started a little slow this morning. I didn't mention in yesterday's recap that there is also a midnight celebration and balloon drop (think New Year's Celebration) and of course we had to participate in that and the dance party after. I probably forgot to mention the additional drinks we got and a couple of slices of pizza for good measure. Ended up being a 2 am bedtime for people celebrating their 40th anniversary. Doubt that will happen again on this cruise.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI0qWVQuVZsBwg4Y0cdNIk0oPOw9eWB_x5u29uGaCt0ee5tAysVNkKOjcvFK3IqSU_3uNGwx6URHQpaSzWcEy3LtNhJNZPYS0_1c76CMNaVPvmQnAOiWLqYQDusw6i7g7T_g7B03Bgy4pWB9qkD_d_O7rvKVm3WsnHZXzPeePahh3ZjtzXBxJyQqR-HDA/s654/Cheryl%20water%20slide.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="654" data-original-width="560" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI0qWVQuVZsBwg4Y0cdNIk0oPOw9eWB_x5u29uGaCt0ee5tAysVNkKOjcvFK3IqSU_3uNGwx6URHQpaSzWcEy3LtNhJNZPYS0_1c76CMNaVPvmQnAOiWLqYQDusw6i7g7T_g7B03Bgy4pWB9qkD_d_O7rvKVm3WsnHZXzPeePahh3ZjtzXBxJyQqR-HDA/w171-h200/Cheryl%20water%20slide.PNG" width="171" /></a>I am proud to say that we did manage to get another workout in to set us up for another guilt free day of partying during our second day at sea.</div><p>Where to begin. Of course no cruise would be complete without a few trips down the waterslide. Rock</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6DHkskPt-UO6ZJJIS57sS7YDo_d84qZ-iaDr-teAKKK7aZDnnRnhYwhflal5aMxZkVtBn36SbeUAuXSJxD27HxKP3q6bc7CzHMCISQWCu3HZq4Of7Z6Y5lnXTux5pybh85vWM9CfHrmwSku1Q8xwsujzUXlq2WMZ3_SvZMO-h71BVQJP8dSO_EFIdbHU/s564/Chris%20water%20slide.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="347" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6DHkskPt-UO6ZJJIS57sS7YDo_d84qZ-iaDr-teAKKK7aZDnnRnhYwhflal5aMxZkVtBn36SbeUAuXSJxD27HxKP3q6bc7CzHMCISQWCu3HZq4Of7Z6Y5lnXTux5pybh85vWM9CfHrmwSku1Q8xwsujzUXlq2WMZ3_SvZMO-h71BVQJP8dSO_EFIdbHU/w123-h200/Chris%20water%20slide.PNG" width="123" /></a></div>climbing yesterday, water slides today. Just like a couple kids! I must say, I enjoyed the stairs going up more than rock climbing and the way down wasn't too shabby either. There are three different slides (blue, yellow and green). Most everyone likes the green route but my fat butt always got stuck halfway down so I preferred blue. <p></p><p>Based on our trivia performance yesterday we skipped that activity today. They had a sexiest man competition that all the people around me were of course screaming for me to volunteer for (or maybe it was the 25 year old body builder next to me) but regardless, I decided to sit this one out. </p><p>Cheryl and I did volunteer to be in the "newlywed game" but apparently 40 years disqualified us. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihsAwj_AjsvSmARFv-fykyksMZRTM1Go_oLlrG7Y-KgSmnc-bnuXlKRWE7TDLKgzYAXbblxsFei9Cj4Od4nohfvrEeMQKjdIuB2kcnkuAofsKeZzUIrtm9dDW56ipGfrBHbPQmSyH5TZIcapzJsOhc3d0wVtiAhJ60533o_w-fyaLJeUoHCDZFCa-KWW0/s700/Parade.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="549" data-original-width="700" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihsAwj_AjsvSmARFv-fykyksMZRTM1Go_oLlrG7Y-KgSmnc-bnuXlKRWE7TDLKgzYAXbblxsFei9Cj4Od4nohfvrEeMQKjdIuB2kcnkuAofsKeZzUIrtm9dDW56ipGfrBHbPQmSyH5TZIcapzJsOhc3d0wVtiAhJ60533o_w-fyaLJeUoHCDZFCa-KWW0/w200-h157/Parade.PNG" width="200" /></a></div><br />Until you've been on a ship like this, you have no idea how to comprehend how big these things are. They actually had a parade go through the promenade. Yes a parade. It was a celebration of all the various holidays throughout the year. Fun to watch. <p></p><p>It wouldn't be a daily recap without mentioning a special drink I had. Only in the Schooner Lounge do they have the roasted marshmallow Old Fashioned. Comes with 4 roasted marshmallows on a toothpick. Delicious! </p><p>Getting off the ship tomorrow at St Maartens!</p><p><br /></p>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06703071414923453724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543292976449978044.post-74975642929381845562023-11-15T22:41:00.000-08:002023-11-19T21:30:53.833-08:00Day 4 - Because its there!<p>We are heading to the Virgin Islands (St Maarten and St Thomas specifically) which are waaaaay further south than I realized. We're talking down near Venezuela! So to get there, our first two days will be at sea. Honestly, Cheryl and I enjoy the days at sea just as much as the ports of call. There is always so much to do on these massive ships and if you simply want to relax on the deck you can always do that too! Oh ya and then there is that unlimited drink card. Got get our (well, the kids) money's worth on that baby. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhpeH5uTSjSsaacOvDv-1iVWd4tuszQNcqz9lV5Z7M17AWFUFT5SEWAakxKvyfSb9qBvwxux6a5u4ZaHqUB2c9KEbRNgcMYFTl-8vKH5sLSDSodhMSPLFjIMGfjQ76HmJ8vzjN7e7MNVlqa08fvas2Wytr5yuRof7fVjABexzXB-E_N1gBVdIRCrPzWHw/s639/balcony%20breakfast.PNG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="561" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhpeH5uTSjSsaacOvDv-1iVWd4tuszQNcqz9lV5Z7M17AWFUFT5SEWAakxKvyfSb9qBvwxux6a5u4ZaHqUB2c9KEbRNgcMYFTl-8vKH5sLSDSodhMSPLFjIMGfjQ76HmJ8vzjN7e7MNVlqa08fvas2Wytr5yuRof7fVjABexzXB-E_N1gBVdIRCrPzWHw/w176-h200/balcony%20breakfast.PNG" width="176" /></a></div>For the first time ever, we splurged and got a balcony off of our room. Typically we go double economy and sleep with the crew down in the bowels of the ship. It was nice having light in the room as the sun came up as well as being able to get outside for fresh air. We didn't get an ocean view but it was nice just the same. We decided to start with room service and breakfast on the balcony! Not a bad way to start the day. <p></p><p>Since eating and drinking will be a primary focus of the trip (shocker), we figured we should start each day in the gym. Working out at sea always has a little different feel as you look out the window and see miles of ocean in front of you. It's pretty nice. </p><p>After working up a good sweat, we decided to walk back to the room to change clothes, get our sunglasses and start enjoying the ship. As often happens, we walked by a restaurant and got distracted and had to drop in for a little snack. Hey, we worked out, it's OK!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsZt3Lv8wT-J-gmZSqkiJQBuUFNE36g-vX6-MJfXv6Do8F5C4LxqxX_rXwLi8Uk6uSI79M1UiRJElPuYtdfjaP4saF2bOY-52d2XlY6wHbIktOlzK_3gDVSUUrk-k6rqX4btbF2qdNIy_Bw3v9MKCu1g68uAdK9zg1heZa9_hchaLrKmvdqGxgcbERhqM/s689/Workout%20view.PNG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="689" data-original-width="437" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsZt3Lv8wT-J-gmZSqkiJQBuUFNE36g-vX6-MJfXv6Do8F5C4LxqxX_rXwLi8Uk6uSI79M1UiRJElPuYtdfjaP4saF2bOY-52d2XlY6wHbIktOlzK_3gDVSUUrk-k6rqX4btbF2qdNIy_Bw3v9MKCu1g68uAdK9zg1heZa9_hchaLrKmvdqGxgcbERhqM/w127-h200/Workout%20view.PNG" width="127" /></a></div> We noted looking at the schedule for the week that there are lots of opportunity to try our hand at trivia and "name that tune." Will be fun to see how we do on some of these. The first on was name that tune 2000s edition. Listening to the songs and watching the younger people zip right through them we knew we were out of our league and would be off to a shaky start. We got 2/17. 2/17!! Ouch. Later that day was straight trivia. 2/20. 2/20!! Double ouch. Its tough to even write that! Could be a long week in this department.<div><br /></div><div>On the back of the ship is an 8 story non water slide call the abyss. We obviously had to try that. There is also two rock climbing walls on the back of the ship we had to try as well. Why? Because it's there! Can't remember the last time either of us rocked climbed, and considering my performance this time it might be a while before I attempt again. Hey, at least we rang the bell (even though it was only half way up!). Alex Honnold has nothing to worry about.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJD0J7R13_Y2U3MyuF1tDRvm_3mr6VDZFLvD0e8oYMAbJSPe4NuZJe-rmK2mHreQB6dJKVdo6lY6luLfpNQcuaxlyzMuHr8IqQaykIFnJZ7cHKJdwHiGNWpbYx3DJ6cSAZUCs_msDTcebttT9mTrsobcBiwt2bz4BmYgFbvDR7yAAeRBT51zKhAYs26ig/s735/Cheryl%20Rock%20Climbing.PNG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="735" data-original-width="525" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJD0J7R13_Y2U3MyuF1tDRvm_3mr6VDZFLvD0e8oYMAbJSPe4NuZJe-rmK2mHreQB6dJKVdo6lY6luLfpNQcuaxlyzMuHr8IqQaykIFnJZ7cHKJdwHiGNWpbYx3DJ6cSAZUCs_msDTcebttT9mTrsobcBiwt2bz4BmYgFbvDR7yAAeRBT51zKhAYs26ig/w143-h200/Cheryl%20Rock%20Climbing.PNG" width="143" /></a></div><br />Every night they have a theme for the dinner. Tonight is formal night and somehow we didn't get the memo (big surprise there) and didn't bring any formal attire. I asked one of the employees if there was a place to buy/rent something formal for tonight and his words were "why do you give a shit, you are on vacation. Do want you want." Pretty good advice I must say.<p></p><p>As I mentioned yesterday, we could not communicate with our dinner tablemates, and the servers noticed this and actually found us a new table to sit at for the remainder of the cruise. I felt bad simply not showing up for dinner so I asked if they had an interpreter to accompany me to the table to explain the situation to the two couples. Of course they did and the interpreter explained the whole thing, we shook hands and that was that. Worked out great! Our new couple was from West Palm Beach, but Ukraine natives. Very interesting couple who have many interesting stories to tell. Going to be interesting dinners!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8kFTANelOfM-Gj3jK4Pp9jC5WIMlWfzISJsfFG9DghpTAvyJ1lR4jdwE0v8fopL0P3n3F87mt-Y4O9V7bPOKTb7M5Ws2ai1BhLuLaICrcxpQtp8FlPl0IAxKKxC_E2wXWSK7w45MQSEWqWEpnNJlJ7SHyKS6JgfahTQ-HqT8jecmbduEjntPZqIQhTh4/s719/Chris%20Climbing.PNG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="452" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8kFTANelOfM-Gj3jK4Pp9jC5WIMlWfzISJsfFG9DghpTAvyJ1lR4jdwE0v8fopL0P3n3F87mt-Y4O9V7bPOKTb7M5Ws2ai1BhLuLaICrcxpQtp8FlPl0IAxKKxC_E2wXWSK7w45MQSEWqWEpnNJlJ7SHyKS6JgfahTQ-HqT8jecmbduEjntPZqIQhTh4/w126-h200/Chris%20Climbing.PNG" width="126" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p>Busy evening with one more name that tune (women singers which we got 9/17!), Monday Night Football and a show in the main theater. </p><p>Monday Night Football was awesome. They play it on the big screen at the back of the ship. Doesn't get much better than watching Monday Night Football on a ship in the Caribbean with an Old Fashioned in your hand. Who played? Who won? I don't remember and don't care. We're cruising baby!</p><p>We finished up the day with singer Mark Preston. We didn't know who he was, but found out during the show he was one of "The Letterman" a famous trio from the 70s. Once we heard the songs we immediately recognized them. He was a little cheesy and had that "lounge singer" way about him but it was fun nevertheless. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSDigqo1izjNC6D-f6dXhyphenhyphenTmi3mv30Gw2Gt4MFXTFKrKFPAb9FV6LVMF2W7La30MHFzbA5w5M-5JuoV_7iwLdJ0f5xWJoomVU3esPUYh6pMNigyeTr0eMUS3FSnClxsN7-Zh0pml7iaD4Q9QV5990LoqvJGD7tiMv4J321RJx8Mu8gSaEAVPqCFtAmVRY/s794/Monday%20Night%20Football.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="744" data-original-width="794" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSDigqo1izjNC6D-f6dXhyphenhyphenTmi3mv30Gw2Gt4MFXTFKrKFPAb9FV6LVMF2W7La30MHFzbA5w5M-5JuoV_7iwLdJ0f5xWJoomVU3esPUYh6pMNigyeTr0eMUS3FSnClxsN7-Zh0pml7iaD4Q9QV5990LoqvJGD7tiMv4J321RJx8Mu8gSaEAVPqCFtAmVRY/w200-h188/Monday%20Night%20Football.PNG" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p> </p></div></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06703071414923453724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543292976449978044.post-41751523593511816902023-11-04T08:46:00.002-07:002023-11-04T09:00:54.352-07:00Day 3 Bon Voyage <p>Today is cruise day and now that we have all of our luggage are excited to get on the ship. Unfortunately our embarking time is not until 2:30 pm so we have some time to kill. After the hotel breakfast (minus the eggs and cream cheese) we decided to hit the famous South Beach. We drove around the ritzy neighborhood on the Venetian Islands on the way over there to see how the other half lives. I can tell you that it's not bad!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQ769GUzusjXdcQVzB6BssAIe3w7Lfyt-V6pyWi6qjotaFr8Ar75ZYInq5tkmwYMtUMys47hu-lb_chvIzn9epv9KE4wr1sXEXdz-vIdgl9njSyaMr9S_-KGzg177iXlOYSwG_8H3GG8xsTeYWnz757U87f1PTuZd0UHKAdfj9FyrFeuZVEWQv4wrKb0/s944/South%20Beach.PNG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="944" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQ769GUzusjXdcQVzB6BssAIe3w7Lfyt-V6pyWi6qjotaFr8Ar75ZYInq5tkmwYMtUMys47hu-lb_chvIzn9epv9KE4wr1sXEXdz-vIdgl9njSyaMr9S_-KGzg177iXlOYSwG_8H3GG8xsTeYWnz757U87f1PTuZd0UHKAdfj9FyrFeuZVEWQv4wrKb0/w200-h159/South%20Beach.PNG" width="200" /></a></div><br />We received mixed reviews about South Beach prior to our trip but we both liked the vibe. The beaches were surprisingly clean, there were a lot of people on bikes, skates and simply walking around. There were some hoppin' restaurants and all in all we liked it. Parking was a challenge and when we found a perfect parking spot on the other side of the street I tried to so a quick U Turn and unfortunately the smokey with Malibu (with cloth seats) didn't have the turning radius that I had anticipated and I had to do a couple "back and forths" and held up traffic for a bit. I did get the parking spot though.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJUt538jF6eMxscX_mV-Lwi0YWP-b-0iLu5DccLysssdX82HmCjj8lMULl9s0YcqhLWpoQDGZVCnX06abbKPtL7FmAdSyYAWstJ7VagRR4gdjOW97qPOGXU9aOI8Re-blnVm07g6MNxkTgG7j4uM-fz_cYZhhk3kCbwwFb23s3C-pgCjlhPk1gWf0cL3A/s1000/Leaving%20Miami.PNG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="693" data-original-width="1000" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJUt538jF6eMxscX_mV-Lwi0YWP-b-0iLu5DccLysssdX82HmCjj8lMULl9s0YcqhLWpoQDGZVCnX06abbKPtL7FmAdSyYAWstJ7VagRR4gdjOW97qPOGXU9aOI8Re-blnVm07g6MNxkTgG7j4uM-fz_cYZhhk3kCbwwFb23s3C-pgCjlhPk1gWf0cL3A/w242-h168/Leaving%20Miami.PNG" width="242" /></a></div>I specifically picked Payless rental car company not only for their great selection of white, smokey Malibus but because they had a drop off location near the dock with a shuttle to the terminal. We arrived at 1:35 pm to turn in the car and leave us plenty of time to check in at our assigned time at 2:30 pm. We were informed that the last shuttle left at 1:30 pm. Say again please?? OK so I guess its Uber, no problem. The port of Miami has 5 terminals with more on the way (ie lots of construction). There is a ship at each terminal with 3-5 thousand people per ship (you do the math), all with lots of luggage all loading at the same time so it is pretty hectic. Well, our paperwork said Terminal D and when we arrived that was for Carnival Cruise Ship Celebration. We could see that Harmony of the Seas (our ship) was down one terminal at Terminal E. It's one way traffic so we had to go all the way to Terminal 1 and circle back. Unfortunately our Uber driver wasn't familiar with Port of Miami and missed the turn off to Terminal E so we did "the loop" one more time. Thank goodness we gave ourselves plenty of time and we were checking in right at 2:30 pm. <p></p><p>Check in was a breeze has we had all of our paperwork in order and by 2:30 pm the crowds had died down so we were on the ship with a drink in hand by 3:00 pm. </p><p></p>It is at this point, I will say that as much as Cheryl and I like to have a drink or two, we were on the fence as to whether we wanted to get the unlimited drink package. Sure it would be nice to simply walk up to the bar and order whatever you want whenever you want and have it all be included. But seriously, did we need that, especially at our age and for 7 days? Well.... the day before we left, our wonderful kids (who know us better than we know ourselves) purchased us the unlimited drink package! Boy was that a great idea and decision on their part. Overall it definitely saves money, but more than that, it is nice to simply not over to worry about it. It was awesome (though it made some mornings difficult). Thank you kids!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9w4d04WGV3J9TNo03KSLGlWijEzinu08QBN4w1Gg8mAhpr_0t0HLi2uhfdz-5Lpq00xD3rWbl4WFNcxTSPij0VVNQ2KcDvQSJuBr6u0dunL8aN5uQLtVcgcjigyoHVyIPVZRkzJocXoCH7X1Hqw9eeU0yAE4jW_tEMc_XDeiOYQPwxia-A0HWCQlfWg/s1384/Ice%20Dancing.PNG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="705" data-original-width="1384" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9w4d04WGV3J9TNo03KSLGlWijEzinu08QBN4w1Gg8mAhpr_0t0HLi2uhfdz-5Lpq00xD3rWbl4WFNcxTSPij0VVNQ2KcDvQSJuBr6u0dunL8aN5uQLtVcgcjigyoHVyIPVZRkzJocXoCH7X1Hqw9eeU0yAE4jW_tEMc_XDeiOYQPwxia-A0HWCQlfWg/w264-h135/Ice%20Dancing.PNG" width="264" /></a></div>The first day on the ship is always the best. The excitement of the week ahead as you explore the ship with a drink in hand of course. Harmony of the Seas is HUGE. Water slides, rock climbing, 18 restaurants and 21 bars. There is even an ice rink where our first show of the trip was ice dancing "1887." It was fun. <p></p><div>Dinner each night has always bee a favorite time for us on cruise ships as you get a delicious three course meal. We rarely order appetizers and never order dessert when we go out so it' always nice to have that every evening during the cruise. You sit at the same table every night with the same people which is a crap shoot as you're never sure who you'll be sitting with. Well, for this cruise we sat with two very nice couples. The only problem was, they didn't speak any English. Only Spanish. The other problem is, we don't speak Spanish. Only English. Well needless to say, it was an awkward first meal. The meal was fantastic though. </div><div><br /></div><div>We finished off the night watching Sunday night football with some rabid KC fans in the sports bar (yes they have one of those). All in all a terrific day. <p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06703071414923453724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543292976449978044.post-30918179505781669142023-11-04T07:50:00.001-07:002023-11-04T08:09:28.458-07:00Day 2 Alligators and Cougars<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmegOAxp6VeCz-Qncfu7iY634uMUw-04K1BTcC1W0HlOPciJBCjGJdRI03bZnJe-X1ITo6VZ5_LsxXm78LNNseg0pOoDGx59yiHr2JuqCv9uvXGky1MbxSCC1gUMi3mN8ECEG3jtCyVNr1ciE7w-cUID63GTfj0WsuEnvuIhKGPT5J7Or-10_bnbEoAOQ/s746/Eve%20Everglades.PNG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="746" data-original-width="690" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmegOAxp6VeCz-Qncfu7iY634uMUw-04K1BTcC1W0HlOPciJBCjGJdRI03bZnJe-X1ITo6VZ5_LsxXm78LNNseg0pOoDGx59yiHr2JuqCv9uvXGky1MbxSCC1gUMi3mN8ECEG3jtCyVNr1ciE7w-cUID63GTfj0WsuEnvuIhKGPT5J7Or-10_bnbEoAOQ/w156-h168/Eve%20Everglades.PNG" width="156" /></a></div>Today was a planned South Florida tourist day but there are two other important task to accomplish. 1) we want to watch the Cougs take on the Ducks and 2) we need to get our 3rd piece of luggage. Yes 3 tasks but I think it is manageable. We started out with a continental breakfast at the hotel. They had these premade, plain egg omelet but no cheese bacon/sausage, hash browns to go with it. So I decided to throw the egg onto a bagel with cream cheese (isnt cheese, cheese?). Well, it wasn’t to good. Failed experiment. Oh well, the waffles were pretty good so that will get me by until lunch. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEfGIbZrpAXhmUamkFKmOrX0I9FhFLeyYWEtatuZRe-myxm_FTb-NrXinsAgH_o8knU7tcmYI6kcc1-WLt1odvyAVFWgTPYblvJGk83e3l5qk833fu1CdDw2pp7gWC4LckIPDTdBQJfwpD5eBujUS18oGfakN2VzRbnNUkC2c1CUJjJQy-J4tsuBa4vt8/s661/Alligator.PNG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="661" data-original-width="558" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEfGIbZrpAXhmUamkFKmOrX0I9FhFLeyYWEtatuZRe-myxm_FTb-NrXinsAgH_o8knU7tcmYI6kcc1-WLt1odvyAVFWgTPYblvJGk83e3l5qk833fu1CdDw2pp7gWC4LckIPDTdBQJfwpD5eBujUS18oGfakN2VzRbnNUkC2c1CUJjJQy-J4tsuBa4vt8/w169-h200/Alligator.PNG" width="169" /></a></div>So off to the Everglades in the smoke car we went. A pleasant 45 minute drive with the windows down for fresh air. With only a few hours, it is impossible to even scratch the surface of the 1.5 million acre National Park so we decided on a 2 hour guided tour from Shark Valley visitor center. The tram travels an 8 mile road to the observation tower but stops are made whenever wildlife is spotted which is about every 100 feet. It was really interesting and our tour guides Eve and Kelly were fantastic (notice who's in the review mirror in the picture). We met our goal and saw a few alligators, including lot of babies since it is hatching season. One was literally 3-4 feet from me when we stopped the tram. Unfortunately no Gentle Ben sightings. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrlmxWagO7g9b2nv-T1S7gmucL4Eq-6JjQH3vHK9hvcJWMnVWqimGJa1HPhM9DD5h7gQUOnUJ9uXceluDSWE20kaHMHyeKLZFe55g5sP7naw3EW2at2aoCi9bkrtg3zHzXL6YP0iowZbdW-ykcZFeSm4Uv71zSLFpv9GuzfnJXzsSE0V6_SXeyV5C3RpI/s999/Heartbeat%20light.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="999" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrlmxWagO7g9b2nv-T1S7gmucL4Eq-6JjQH3vHK9hvcJWMnVWqimGJa1HPhM9DD5h7gQUOnUJ9uXceluDSWE20kaHMHyeKLZFe55g5sP7naw3EW2at2aoCi9bkrtg3zHzXL6YP0iowZbdW-ykcZFeSm4Uv71zSLFpv9GuzfnJXzsSE0V6_SXeyV5C3RpI/w200-h144/Heartbeat%20light.PNG" width="200" /></a></div><br />We got the recommendation to visit a place called Superblue. It's a gallery of sorts where the exhibits use light in various forms. It is a very unique place to say the least. There are only 4 sections that use light images on the walls, hanging light bulbs and mirrors to provide interesting visual sensations. It's one way traffic so once you leave you can't go back so you need to go slow and take it all in. It was really fun and we were glad we went<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK7C4Bz3Pwinl-fe7O-wE55R9dM1gJVlP_nVrnU_civyef2Sa9yw3qStOVLy9Nhck-5uNRpNBzh6gVFKhcFH7euMa8UPQmLMCCsJ5jjVAWumxlbXUhdq6IqIcNl7tPVcw8kpJYm6I07PlkodrgA5N3RtCe15mQquMNNY0n4l2Gz8Xfa4fC-nshEQwi8B4/s749/vehicle%20splash.PNG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="749" data-original-width="558" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK7C4Bz3Pwinl-fe7O-wE55R9dM1gJVlP_nVrnU_civyef2Sa9yw3qStOVLy9Nhck-5uNRpNBzh6gVFKhcFH7euMa8UPQmLMCCsJ5jjVAWumxlbXUhdq6IqIcNl7tPVcw8kpJYm6I07PlkodrgA5N3RtCe15mQquMNNY0n4l2Gz8Xfa4fC-nshEQwi8B4/w149-h200/vehicle%20splash.PNG" width="149" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Headed to downtown Miami to find a good place to watch the Coug/Duck game and stumbled on a terrific place called 42 Taps. Not sure why it's called that because from what I could tell they had only about 10 or so beers on tap but that was fine with me. I only need one good IPA and they had a few and of course I had a few! The Cougs made it a game for the first half and got crushed after that. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As we were finishing up at 42 Taps we got the good news that Delta had located our luggage and it was delivered to our hotel! We went 3 for 3 on our tasks today! Hitting our stride as we getting ready for the cruise to start TOMORROW!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06703071414923453724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543292976449978044.post-12466389032388026052023-11-03T15:07:00.003-07:002023-11-19T20:44:04.381-08:00Day 1 - 2 out of 3 aint bad<p>Cheryl and I have been married a loooong time. 40 years to be exact. I'd say it seems like only yesterday but by the wrinkles on my face and gray hair on my head it does feel like 40 years ago. On top of that, Cheryl and I both turned 60 this year so in terms of round numbers, this is the 60/60/40 year. To celebrate, we decided to go on a cruise. We've been on many cruises (think its 7 but remember, I'm 60 and starting to forget) but we have never been to the Virgin Islands in the Eastern Caribbean so that's where we are going. In addition, we have never been to Miami so we will go a couple days early to see the Everglades and hopefully see an alligator or something exciting like Gentle Ben. </p><p></p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0in;"><span class="s2">We left on a Friday morning at 3:15 am (actually anything before 4 am is still night in my book) to catch a 6 am flight. An intelligence report from a frequent flyer said Friday mornings are busy so we need to get there 2 hours early. As it turned out, we were at our gate by 4:45 am. So much for the intelligence report. Normally, we have drinks at the airport on the first day of vacation but even a Bloody Mary doesn't sound good at 4:45 am. Time to download a Netflix series to watch on the flight.</span></p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0in;"><span class="s2"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0in;"><span class="s2"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbc06F4YwrBQ_u__mZTO22Uou-XxXBSdU2hLmXNogRgoapl5CCObDeo7ctFhuyYYkK3aMbUanUhD5yK7rzRS2nH2k8ICP8uWmWg2eBjfP0oEYrzwHBnFqP9z72S7-3e4ikue5QTUExleE7Qhuj5NdCxh3IHhdwXQJGsqfXOzRjOE21YLwFBbSzGNKB-Jg/s3312/Shaving%20Kit.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3312" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbc06F4YwrBQ_u__mZTO22Uou-XxXBSdU2hLmXNogRgoapl5CCObDeo7ctFhuyYYkK3aMbUanUhD5yK7rzRS2nH2k8ICP8uWmWg2eBjfP0oEYrzwHBnFqP9z72S7-3e4ikue5QTUExleE7Qhuj5NdCxh3IHhdwXQJGsqfXOzRjOE21YLwFBbSzGNKB-Jg/w183-h200/Shaving%20Kit.jpg" width="183" /></a></div>I decided to watch the "Quarterbacks" docuseries which was pretty good. Got through 7 episodes so the time went by very quickly. The flight was non eventful up until we had to pick up our luggage and were missing one. Though Delta was unable to trace it, they were "confident" they could deliver it to our hotel by tomorrow. Since our toiletries were in that bag they provide us with these fun toiletry bags. I've never used a wooden toothbrush before. <p></p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0in;"><span class="s2"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0in;"><span class="s2">Next we were off to get our rental car. Since it was our 40th anniversary, we spared no expense and rented a Chevy Malibu (white with cloth seats even) from Payless Car Rental. As we opened the door we quickly noticed the glove compartment was literally laying on the floor. Of course that's not going to work so after 30 minutes of trying to locate another car they found one with a functioning glove box. Problem was, this white Malibu had been smoked in. Ugh. By this time we wanted out of the airport so we took the car and a bottle of Febreze. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0T1C_1SXavhwwOKsO5NR1OHvH88bhqd5uXwF_8c9e5J7bkvPtRpOxIH4_IAG8Q2w4ZBCNaF-dc8DLplIDyYwpavA5dZPeIwC_36Ulalgsr7yhhzfSG248jSEG_hzraxI9goiY0vQlbs3oucuDunAY3VUlhQkU6OPFfa_WmpVXjMBGcuB2g1tmPJPVNiY/s3021/Good%20Cart.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2430" data-original-width="3021" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0T1C_1SXavhwwOKsO5NR1OHvH88bhqd5uXwF_8c9e5J7bkvPtRpOxIH4_IAG8Q2w4ZBCNaF-dc8DLplIDyYwpavA5dZPeIwC_36Ulalgsr7yhhzfSG248jSEG_hzraxI9goiY0vQlbs3oucuDunAY3VUlhQkU6OPFfa_WmpVXjMBGcuB2g1tmPJPVNiY/w200-h161/Good%20Cart.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p></p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0in;"><span class="s2"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0in;"><span class="s2">By the time we got to the hotel with 2 of our 3 bags we just wanted to get something to eat and start fresh in the morning. We got a hotel near the airport because the Miami Airport is centrally located in the city so it seemed like a good location. Well, it's not the best part of Miami. We looked on yelp for a good Mexican restaurant and when we arrived at the "Top Rated" choice, it was a food cart (Birria King)! Bad part of town, ordering at a food cart at 10 pm at night. Perfect. The food was actually delicious. </span></p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0in;"><span class="s2"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0in;">Well there were a few bumps in the road but at least we made it to Miami. Hopefully our 3rd piece of luggage does too! </p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0in;"><br /></p><br /><p></p>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06703071414923453724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543292976449978044.post-13199064896336871782022-09-18T08:40:00.000-07:002022-09-18T08:40:29.860-07:00Day 7 - Cycle Oregon…check!<p>Wow it finally arrived. We’ve come to the end of Cycle Oregon 2022. For many, todays ride is more like the ceremonial last day of the Tour de France. You take it easy and glide into town. Of course, taking it easy is never the case for this crew. There were multiple route choices as usual. For us it was between a 31 mile straight shot to John Day or the 61 mile, 4100 ft of climb route through the trees on some beautiful Forest Service roads (oh and 2.5 miles of gravel) For me the choice was easy. With a 6 hour ride back home I didn’t want the entire group waiting for me and getting a late start on the ride back. Besides, I’ve already got 350+ miles in and I’m not a big gravel fan so I’m good. Of course the rest of the group wanted to do the long ride. Being the guy he is, Jack hung back with me and we did the short ride together. </p><p>Secretly, I think Jack wanted to punish me as we didn’t just “cruise” into town, we cranked it. The road was not great as there was a lot of traffic. There were a few interesting things to see but I couldn’t take pictures as I was working so hard trying to keep up with Jack!</p><p>We made it safely back to John Day with the other 1000 or so riders. A lunch, shower, pack up the van and go. Just like that, my Cycle Oregon 2022 experience is over. Though the time passed by quickly, the memories will last a lifetime. This type of experience is not for everyone but if you are even considering it, I highly recommend giving it a try. </p><p>Thanks again Jack and Craig for the invitation. I would never have signed up if it were not for you and I would have missed out on a wonderful experience. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEeT0QR8WUpkNfKOB9OZ87YobuKwyjtm29alblYaUV1gOSwN0SmD2BY26UFvyXipmH-3WLxlNLUXAxfDO_-0ZAzhw9h-TPoaykZVNJ0vTmnBJtDq7E0eaN8IijTxuArYxE3OO24FAGMCVBPiz6oONF-pQ936In42fJhJHkKAtkPyzh_5ll1h-SZkgj/s4032/F38B4509-ECE6-4D7C-9554-80D5433BD12E.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEeT0QR8WUpkNfKOB9OZ87YobuKwyjtm29alblYaUV1gOSwN0SmD2BY26UFvyXipmH-3WLxlNLUXAxfDO_-0ZAzhw9h-TPoaykZVNJ0vTmnBJtDq7E0eaN8IijTxuArYxE3OO24FAGMCVBPiz6oONF-pQ936In42fJhJHkKAtkPyzh_5ll1h-SZkgj/s320/F38B4509-ECE6-4D7C-9554-80D5433BD12E.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>So there it is. Another trip in the books. If any of you are still out there, I appreciate you joining me on this adventure. I’m not sure what’s next, but Cheryl and I will think of something. </p><p>Until then….</p>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06703071414923453724noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543292976449978044.post-22711804290839345352022-09-17T09:23:00.001-07:002022-09-17T09:23:17.083-07:00Day 6 - punch card empty<p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">We are entering the second to the last day of Cycle Oregon 2022 and what and amazing experience. Of course Steve Schulz and the CO organizers couldn’t ease up on us and we had a 78 mile ride from Mitchell to Dayville with 3900 feet of climb. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">That’s OK. The way we’ve been eating (and drinking) we need even more miles to keep our weight down. We started the morning with the usual breakfast but this morning they added hockey pucks, sorry, I mean waffles. Overall, the food has been very good, <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>but today someone overcooked the waffles and they were as hard as the rocks we’ve been riding through. Of course I want the calories for the long ride today so I just soaked them in syrup and ate them like a cookie. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Not bad actually. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">The ride took us though another beautiful route. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I probably took 30 pictures but broke them into 3 Categories: </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Waffles (I mean rocks)</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo3pfae-oqFbbON-3Cj0gz-GYCv9AzOe9UhvDw5YEYvxKrQgbaK9iCtD-Lr3KcqUw-R83z35cogc7yrvNERoxBLEdmA4-0ShhbUl8NdeCyX9LfKVwuQQKQGS58OfqszAfxOSQFuvVEYfBJlyAtTv4RWeTTe_eprVUrV-c9p7Po_85EQIfZg9KGw7Eg/s1865/47B43135-C745-437E-AE1D-510B5ECF9591.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1730" data-original-width="1865" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo3pfae-oqFbbON-3Cj0gz-GYCv9AzOe9UhvDw5YEYvxKrQgbaK9iCtD-Lr3KcqUw-R83z35cogc7yrvNERoxBLEdmA4-0ShhbUl8NdeCyX9LfKVwuQQKQGS58OfqszAfxOSQFuvVEYfBJlyAtTv4RWeTTe_eprVUrV-c9p7Po_85EQIfZg9KGw7Eg/s320/47B43135-C745-437E-AE1D-510B5ECF9591.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Streams</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3OU7ge2AU2lladljwfHEyIO4DHGLRza3E5MgUk1CLfpdkm12EtH1In_VFPe-etIZc9ObWy97Io6l9U-b_fI6ZqQSTWQ2rT0OlBGwgSY-t19ico3pWZTljaBU5CJ_fhZWybyIQW7xB1VJDLI0JXnuBiM_FAdAWdog_kdPpJ3W9DNshaWYgO56Cq4E/s1845/E3508842-9008-498E-9B28-9FA595CCA692.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1740" data-original-width="1845" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3OU7ge2AU2lladljwfHEyIO4DHGLRza3E5MgUk1CLfpdkm12EtH1In_VFPe-etIZc9ObWy97Io6l9U-b_fI6ZqQSTWQ2rT0OlBGwgSY-t19ico3pWZTljaBU5CJ_fhZWybyIQW7xB1VJDLI0JXnuBiM_FAdAWdog_kdPpJ3W9DNshaWYgO56Cq4E/s320/E3508842-9008-498E-9B28-9FA595CCA692.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Barns (just for you John)</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRHBap5YQv0TroIeb9CuT4eJieyBIYxMErrQ8edBwTvqzovkHA0ve-KAsrRpPVRtPKqabIUFK4RUCD4orwL9MPmyUPOWi58Gmc3h7eZIRaWPIOg2VMqb-oZj1FelpmAoyxZ8guWx2FLCoRMRk3VA4po_rzVGf29XBOJR_CEtv95_pPKucZ4XprDVwk/s1850/4C4643D3-7A33-4C26-A539-A925071A461D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1664" data-original-width="1850" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRHBap5YQv0TroIeb9CuT4eJieyBIYxMErrQ8edBwTvqzovkHA0ve-KAsrRpPVRtPKqabIUFK4RUCD4orwL9MPmyUPOWi58Gmc3h7eZIRaWPIOg2VMqb-oZj1FelpmAoyxZ8guWx2FLCoRMRk3VA4po_rzVGf29XBOJR_CEtv95_pPKucZ4XprDVwk/s320/4C4643D3-7A33-4C26-A539-A925071A461D.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">I’ve mentioned food and calories a lot in this blog and that’s because they are an important part of the week. You are either taking them in or burning them. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>CO is a well supported ride, especially in the rest stop department. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Today I think we had the best stop so far. We hit the trifecta 1) by the river 2) band playing 3) variety of food. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Over a long period of time it’s easy to grow tired of the same refueling food (PB&J, protein bars etc). This stop had large variety including pepperoni sticks and Doritos! <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I found a piece of heaven next to the John Day river. I had 4 pepperoni sticks. (they were small!)</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYtnWI6mBmN0IIb1od8UXjAkAPWqNiJL9Y00jVf6NPLkXQCXTOTGAzu7_7m6C71fuxkpWwXSC0Y33RMELbWOWHLBKJS6hZWEzRSE3y6x4LS-pyMLhig0YslcO04fBKo8ZHPuu-FC7g3cNX7a8BynGShb3CVPDTXVcnuS0bL1dVCOiWuEvyfWboibHU/s4032/0F6F8ADC-959A-4522-9584-8105991D8D72.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYtnWI6mBmN0IIb1od8UXjAkAPWqNiJL9Y00jVf6NPLkXQCXTOTGAzu7_7m6C71fuxkpWwXSC0Y33RMELbWOWHLBKJS6hZWEzRSE3y6x4LS-pyMLhig0YslcO04fBKo8ZHPuu-FC7g3cNX7a8BynGShb3CVPDTXVcnuS0bL1dVCOiWuEvyfWboibHU/s320/0F6F8ADC-959A-4522-9584-8105991D8D72.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Though it was a lot of miles and climbing, it wasn’t too bad physically. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Either I’m getting into shape (which is highly unlikely) or I was just too taken with the scenery to notice. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Dayville is another “small” rural community but just as welcoming and delightful as the others we visited on this trip. Our camping area is a huge, flat, grassy pasture that we are apparently borrowing from a local farmer. It’s the best location so far. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">We were strongly encouraged to walk to the Dayville Cafe and have a <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>slice of pie so of course we did (more calories). There were multiple flavors (many already sold out) but I had the pecan which was delicious. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Regarding that calorie thing, I bet there was 1000 of those babies in my slice. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_D3y7_DSNBQ1TS9hBVa9wnQXHz7i-aQtVAlw8h15_yZGkqiuFC-YvbQXXxD06PQoUPcFP0Eys1LI0tWHrD1ybVYDJ92nm9AqObAd66yVsP00yqCp8aBpP_DWJBIQgqxFNW2lEbuBmdfwBcr8IBhfGRw7-iqtmzwm_CPee7gmXQXU2UDyZW8aFaoyO/s4032/0A85606C-9B51-42C6-B5AE-ECCF3E267635.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_D3y7_DSNBQ1TS9hBVa9wnQXHz7i-aQtVAlw8h15_yZGkqiuFC-YvbQXXxD06PQoUPcFP0Eys1LI0tWHrD1ybVYDJ92nm9AqObAd66yVsP00yqCp8aBpP_DWJBIQgqxFNW2lEbuBmdfwBcr8IBhfGRw7-iqtmzwm_CPee7gmXQXU2UDyZW8aFaoyO/s320/0A85606C-9B51-42C6-B5AE-ECCF3E267635.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Since it is our last night together, I pulled out the Honey Whiskey I’ve been lugging around for a week <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>and our group had a toast to acknowledge and celebrate the wonderful time we have spent together. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Cheers!</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqkBDYwkI8dE7vQTH4kRjGJkOYyCl_jA9Ybd2mcZS9KeWIi9A5RQpZPo-bTHYAUY3IF99AlUu_XMX0Iys7Jek550WsbWwZmOlPjBEKW6DenYXM_fwpd1QS4PKf2Puhk2OzkvlX0Mktqk6OPMUuuKYxOdUAFll9hHiHFP6FmsTH2XVdoJbfwJd82tB1/s4032/3552A24B-DAAF-45B1-8532-4F8801B68E29.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqkBDYwkI8dE7vQTH4kRjGJkOYyCl_jA9Ybd2mcZS9KeWIi9A5RQpZPo-bTHYAUY3IF99AlUu_XMX0Iys7Jek550WsbWwZmOlPjBEKW6DenYXM_fwpd1QS4PKf2Puhk2OzkvlX0Mktqk6OPMUuuKYxOdUAFll9hHiHFP6FmsTH2XVdoJbfwJd82tB1/s320/3552A24B-DAAF-45B1-8532-4F8801B68E29.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">After dinner we continued the nightly routine of listening to a local band and hearing the announcements from Steve and his team. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Of course multiple trips to the beer/wine bar are included in the routine. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It was a special night in that I successfully punched the two cards I purchased this week. Charity (one of the servers who has been here all week) joined me in celebrating this monumental occasion. I’m not going to tell you how many punches are in a punch card so don’t ask. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY1owU_kwOcoCBrXcUquDBBkDcpkB5EoUgD0KPnA252TuVy0VGiugN-408hZhvOpZSwIh_CZUMR8a0AeF-2LhqnJuSz1eGe1GnTUTdXQOqZRs98ThM3rbyvdHv71h3PRDQ_MHYo7yRsNEixPlXh2JaODVS9JnikxfwE3QboHaazN2w0AuBO8scQPzk/s3088/96CEF4AB-0D74-4307-AAD6-7AAF95ADF21C.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY1owU_kwOcoCBrXcUquDBBkDcpkB5EoUgD0KPnA252TuVy0VGiugN-408hZhvOpZSwIh_CZUMR8a0AeF-2LhqnJuSz1eGe1GnTUTdXQOqZRs98ThM3rbyvdHv71h3PRDQ_MHYo7yRsNEixPlXh2JaODVS9JnikxfwE3QboHaazN2w0AuBO8scQPzk/s320/96CEF4AB-0D74-4307-AAD6-7AAF95ADF21C.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">The group tonight was The Holly Sorenson band and they were terrific. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>There was a debate as to if they were the best yet. It’s a tough call. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxslbn6YoxPjahDEOkD0RqE2gnR8ra-BkTBYWDNlh0DLMOrLkyUbOC3xRtHuMF1XEaVgvWT5z6syEYjD6gb-rJB4_TGHHk719lnQX-Q7c7vLODwQhvdBEwb2ls7z1yXMkH7xAk1_LOGENN20OkcH15i0B8b3LvPPaBEryG1QKH68FdaDgJteTzpVO4/s4032/2C95BBAA-FB6A-4143-9007-830EBA4E072F.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxslbn6YoxPjahDEOkD0RqE2gnR8ra-BkTBYWDNlh0DLMOrLkyUbOC3xRtHuMF1XEaVgvWT5z6syEYjD6gb-rJB4_TGHHk719lnQX-Q7c7vLODwQhvdBEwb2ls7z1yXMkH7xAk1_LOGENN20OkcH15i0B8b3LvPPaBEryG1QKH68FdaDgJteTzpVO4/s320/2C95BBAA-FB6A-4143-9007-830EBA4E072F.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Well, the last night of Cycle Oregon is over and tomorrow is our last ride. Some of our group is already committed to the long route but for Jack and I, it will be a game time decision. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The pull of finding a place to watch football is pretty strong. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Until then….</span></p>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06703071414923453724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543292976449978044.post-98399672153076192022-09-16T07:21:00.003-07:002022-09-16T10:43:06.813-07:00Day 5 - Painted the town<p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 23px;">What a day in Mitchell!</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 23px;"> </span> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 23px;">It’s 9:30 pm and I’m dead tired and only put in 34 miles on the bike (more on that later).</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 23px;"> </span> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 23px;">A lot to share tonight!</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">First of all, as a public service announcement, I am withdrawing my support of Verizon cell phone service. I’m tired of not having service when others do (not just in this trip). I had to use Jacks “hot spot” to post the blog this morning (and need to for this post too) which is frustrating. Whew, OK, had to get that off my chest. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Now, about the day. The morning actually started great as I was getting things organized for the ride and a nice lady came to me as said “my husband and I bought an extra Americano, do you drink coffee?” <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>BOOM! I can tell it’s going to be a great day! </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Breakfast had the Mexican flair with Chorizo with the eggs, cheese and salsa. Don’t you think they would have sour cream? <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Nope still just yogurt, but I didn’t fall for it this time. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">There were two ride choices today: 1) a short, picturesque 18 mile ride to the Painted Hills or 2) a grueling, 77 mile ride with 7000 feet of climb. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I’ll take door number 1 Monty. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Though I’d like to say the Painted Hills were spectacular, I used that adjective yesterday, so let’s say extremely beautiful. I can’t believe I’ve lived in Oregon most of my life and not seen them before now. The only down side for a road cyclist is the 2 mile gravel road to get there (dropped the Yelp rating to a 4.5). As I think you all know, gravel and I mix like oil and water but the view was worth every extra gray hair I got from the stress. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The hills are so amazing. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ZwJ1uAnli_3lThWga2NEqsW0yUUf7PYdv6aj6UZ6FrFHya-4WdQP5rlVgiv1OR0zDS3TfaE_MV9LO7mDpUH-N1ki7OUOEkG7By_3QKBl2y9PB7c8KaqxXSM8Brsiz_OPqU-Tg2nmjWUBVGORuOePp-ybguOJr61dEHHhUxD1xH_kRv7xa7biycIj/s1854/6A2D7356-9143-488C-BE4E-68A4E879C4CF.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1729" data-original-width="1854" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ZwJ1uAnli_3lThWga2NEqsW0yUUf7PYdv6aj6UZ6FrFHya-4WdQP5rlVgiv1OR0zDS3TfaE_MV9LO7mDpUH-N1ki7OUOEkG7By_3QKBl2y9PB7c8KaqxXSM8Brsiz_OPqU-Tg2nmjWUBVGORuOePp-ybguOJr61dEHHhUxD1xH_kRv7xa7biycIj/s320/6A2D7356-9143-488C-BE4E-68A4E879C4CF.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">I have been downing food like a competitive eater this trip so I figured a few more miles were needed. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I added and extra 16 miles and 1500 feet of climb to the days ride on my own. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">With it only being 11:45 am when I finished, I decided to volunteer to help paint the Mitchell Community Center. Yep, that is not a typo. Even though painting and I mix like road cycling and gravel, I’m going to paint a community center.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">To get there we needed a shuttle. Well of course the shuttle was late again but this time the driver was actually AT school. As it turns out, Pat, the shuttle driver, is not only the school bus driver but the school janitor, owns the local hostel and is the Pastor at the local church, so I need to cut him some slack. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Plus, he’s a great guy. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJpW-51ytZbjXgFKJHCz740J4xtfYKSA2PTENfXzNql608y1jMkqNWxW7TYrdWPHyhblv2wHMMSsXKcDc15ky_1TMkdvCw_vUkCHHAg6jYgw9hL-JTKL6QTTgszSZljGFl8tE5zZiqT_iyDM6t0P9dD99MYVf5SGgY5ADQRYP-nj9zvO0RX_75TVQG/s4032/34A2B07C-19AB-47F0-9435-9D0E6EDA7B0E.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJpW-51ytZbjXgFKJHCz740J4xtfYKSA2PTENfXzNql608y1jMkqNWxW7TYrdWPHyhblv2wHMMSsXKcDc15ky_1TMkdvCw_vUkCHHAg6jYgw9hL-JTKL6QTTgszSZljGFl8tE5zZiqT_iyDM6t0P9dD99MYVf5SGgY5ADQRYP-nj9zvO0RX_75TVQG/s320/34A2B07C-19AB-47F0-9435-9D0E6EDA7B0E.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">OK, so about 20 of us volunteered to paint and stain the walls and built in buffet cabinets at the Mitchell Community Center. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Scott (a fellow rider from Portland) and I were assigned the built ins. Took a couple coats but what do you think? </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTVpYj8iiyQmCzQ5s-q60yqCg5HfaEM0P1kiH2kev6LeL7jH8Rdtau17lNDKPTkn-OYtOHIF8BpjkOuOAQZFc_uQEtwyBAvLGItwfo0_Z94jcMDe_ufH4czd5tYIqlDA8SxSFY0zhH9RmR81E88Kkr5GJyhepDx2SGjYH6-Nn7riZ831SlEmCnL_rR/s4032/0E213B99-F362-47C6-B971-FA20E4226ED4.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTVpYj8iiyQmCzQ5s-q60yqCg5HfaEM0P1kiH2kev6LeL7jH8Rdtau17lNDKPTkn-OYtOHIF8BpjkOuOAQZFc_uQEtwyBAvLGItwfo0_Z94jcMDe_ufH4czd5tYIqlDA8SxSFY0zhH9RmR81E88Kkr5GJyhepDx2SGjYH6-Nn7riZ831SlEmCnL_rR/s320/0E213B99-F362-47C6-B971-FA20E4226ED4.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">What’s ironic is that I’m a pretty good handyman but the one thing I NEVER do at home is paint, but hey, I’m a cheap hire. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><br /><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">I deliberately missed Pats 2:30 pm shuttle (in lieu of the 5:00 pm) so I could continue painting (Scott and I were on a roll!) and I also wanted to check out the town. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Mitchell is home to a very nice little brewery and pub (Tigertown) with, what I am told, is good food and beer. Problem is, 80% of the 1000 CO riders either went there or wanted to go there so it was packed all the time and I never got to see for myself (reminder: Mitchell is a town of 130 people). </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFRqPPFeGjrYeSa-x4LnuHWXn1WGvBUJfJmiFZjkGLx6WES2CKL4CZZSi0hKQ5EoXmpZDlPZENf1k3aQkoLT2E7lVTp7WmlDiIgBalH-geco7K590G7t9M6GujWhdOB6ALRXC3tmw8NbKvbUqr3Ie_qvIKXg6pa4Zyqagx0oXndlqZt3qzFvhK-KY/s4032/52BE1078-0601-43CD-AAAF-7553098C8D83.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFRqPPFeGjrYeSa-x4LnuHWXn1WGvBUJfJmiFZjkGLx6WES2CKL4CZZSi0hKQ5EoXmpZDlPZENf1k3aQkoLT2E7lVTp7WmlDiIgBalH-geco7K590G7t9M6GujWhdOB6ALRXC3tmw8NbKvbUqr3Ie_qvIKXg6pa4Zyqagx0oXndlqZt3qzFvhK-KY/s320/52BE1078-0601-43CD-AAAF-7553098C8D83.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">No problem, I’ll just hang out and use the WiFi. Nope, there were so many people in town that it overwhelmed Mitchell’s system so I couldn’t connect anywhere in town (reminder: Mitchell is a town of 130 people). “Hey Jack, I have Verizon, can I use your “hot spot?” </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Now its only 3:30 pm and my plan to hang out, eat, use the WiFi and catch the 5:00 pm bus is out the window. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">No problem, I’ll walk back to camp. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But first I’ll swing buy Beaver Creek Cafe for a milk shake. A cold beer will have to wait until after dinner. Though the Beaver Creek Cafe kitchen was also slammed (reminder:…..) they fit my milk shake order in quickly. It was delicious!</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsu59MoP_mvVry01Z2RpaBIG5XdgZ6iZTd1JxHPBtph4fWYRM5XSreIflCHUKDW3JKB685wpvOn999RBiRXvg5RBMACju8EKg2kd3xkrJ0RzVXioVpTcRBNytt7n-LaO_efGPQr3C8VxLKw-CiJ6ZMJzHEJ43r5iQTTK8nmFOfzFLrmUr8KNCpXiU_/s4032/1FE94F1F-6ABF-45AA-B5DB-898376362F01.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsu59MoP_mvVry01Z2RpaBIG5XdgZ6iZTd1JxHPBtph4fWYRM5XSreIflCHUKDW3JKB685wpvOn999RBiRXvg5RBMACju8EKg2kd3xkrJ0RzVXioVpTcRBNytt7n-LaO_efGPQr3C8VxLKw-CiJ6ZMJzHEJ43r5iQTTK8nmFOfzFLrmUr8KNCpXiU_/s320/1FE94F1F-6ABF-45AA-B5DB-898376362F01.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">To end the day we were treated to The Collins Trio (never mind that there are four of them). <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They were fantastic. I think they give Elwood a run for the money for best band on the trip so far. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEindPXh8B6xNRwtpWV70dVGNqxoJDAKFpohkgXn8Ce41Y00pEVf2pReRjVLSXs2SKg4D-6JktSRpcRQo73-_jReS2GkuEYfoqp5Wd_A1SDiVIyeYzNBO3ZoiiGeqwIvWFvLdL2QBP9kK_EqJhBJld2cuQxtbjpWDKUjwdcBtWQgSujDt65WcCoxPy4x/s2480/0CA4B972-1489-4E00-9E25-696E30C9304F.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1802" data-original-width="2480" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEindPXh8B6xNRwtpWV70dVGNqxoJDAKFpohkgXn8Ce41Y00pEVf2pReRjVLSXs2SKg4D-6JktSRpcRQo73-_jReS2GkuEYfoqp5Wd_A1SDiVIyeYzNBO3ZoiiGeqwIvWFvLdL2QBP9kK_EqJhBJld2cuQxtbjpWDKUjwdcBtWQgSujDt65WcCoxPy4x/s320/0CA4B972-1489-4E00-9E25-696E30C9304F.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Tomorrows ride is the longest of the trip to Dayville. (I wonder if they have any painting that needs to be done?) Weather is supposed to be perfect. I hope my legs are up for the challenge. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2FMBzDwuUYB3MbwUbuMFFREUfYfkjHFztyHnHNLOAipro5SSIsNS9-87hRRqFJnZ2OnaYgtERcjaDxHD6fFB6_5q5Mds-BlH-7ngt28JCi4-S7KzyKWTGDxccY6LHmvdFmtFsz0EceY953qU6Kxgecfdg9zdX9RhOlv110rJByM_YTnj3DpX0Obck/s7402/F28B8414-FC58-42B2-A012-181D752C22C5.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3646" data-original-width="7402" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2FMBzDwuUYB3MbwUbuMFFREUfYfkjHFztyHnHNLOAipro5SSIsNS9-87hRRqFJnZ2OnaYgtERcjaDxHD6fFB6_5q5Mds-BlH-7ngt28JCi4-S7KzyKWTGDxccY6LHmvdFmtFsz0EceY953qU6Kxgecfdg9zdX9RhOlv110rJByM_YTnj3DpX0Obck/s320/F28B8414-FC58-42B2-A012-181D752C22C5.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Until then….</span></p>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06703071414923453724noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543292976449978044.post-6273473921376278682022-09-15T07:37:00.000-07:002022-09-15T07:37:06.405-07:00Day 4 - this is why we ride. <p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 23px;">Today started out very well as I slept great.</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 23px;"> </span> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 23px;">I didn’t wake up until 5:45!</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 23px;"> </span> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 23px;">Might have had something to do with that poor decision to do the extended ride yesterday, or maybe the IPAs, but either way, I’m not complaining.</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 23px;"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">We got antsy to get going knowing we had to pack up camp this morning so we decided to hit breakfast early. It was the best breakfast yet. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Large sausage links and French Toast to go along with our usual eggs and potatoes. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>An unexpected bonus was that I got to taste the sausage twice as I was burping it up all ride long. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">About the ride. Today we traveled to Mitchell Oregon (pop 130). For those of you keeping track, it is 10 people bigger than Monument so we are excited to stay in a larger town. The route was 45 miles with 3900 feet of climb. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>(no chart because I have no cell service….again). Let me say, this route is why people participate in Cycle Oregon. It was, in a word, spectacular! <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>One of the best rides of my life (bold statement I know). At times, it felt like we were riding through the Grand Canyon and the road was the Colorado River. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It was simply amazing looking up at the beautiful landscape mile after mile. Ian would be disappointed that I can’t tell you the specific names of the formations we encountered, but I do know there were some pretty cool rocks! </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNtqDvFEqaHzPaO5pfKPhdjrTG3yaNW5v3T_tBXX8H4V36DFEzXyYe1vLtklrI7bXf4ToDG9KkxyJWmbi0UouwDGXsWGDegW-rVtKTi_KW6mZr10pwdRasqeg1WyF46LiMEALyTVEHxbY382Om7MYKYoIIRF_l5KBreSTgqCCC1aVTZPaPfvNwGR97/s1850/D5F758DC-CFC9-4B39-8213-C47CDE79EE31.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1730" data-original-width="1850" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNtqDvFEqaHzPaO5pfKPhdjrTG3yaNW5v3T_tBXX8H4V36DFEzXyYe1vLtklrI7bXf4ToDG9KkxyJWmbi0UouwDGXsWGDegW-rVtKTi_KW6mZr10pwdRasqeg1WyF46LiMEALyTVEHxbY382Om7MYKYoIIRF_l5KBreSTgqCCC1aVTZPaPfvNwGR97/s320/D5F758DC-CFC9-4B39-8213-C47CDE79EE31.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Cheryl and I frequently talk about restoring an old car or truck and cruising on a nice summer day. Along the route today I came across this beauty. I may have to come back here and make an offer!</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiliS57XIlK8qYRaN949tVfRENhos-gpOk-6a6mCRBHRa_yCBC-OLo2Q3GKxYLjD_MOPZUd1Q5fKy1UdPqRLi6hOyP0I-wFoUu2MRztUVp9bjr9_cGtRp_OPZ-iZhKXd9q-vWvaQ68b8rpE-UmSPZh3ao-cRSYZpCh3FV221RA0mMupi8tmpgI8sdJK/s4032/5EFC8E7B-B0D6-4FA0-9E2C-FCB87BEF2AC3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiliS57XIlK8qYRaN949tVfRENhos-gpOk-6a6mCRBHRa_yCBC-OLo2Q3GKxYLjD_MOPZUd1Q5fKy1UdPqRLi6hOyP0I-wFoUu2MRztUVp9bjr9_cGtRp_OPZ-iZhKXd9q-vWvaQ68b8rpE-UmSPZh3ao-cRSYZpCh3FV221RA0mMupi8tmpgI8sdJK/s320/5EFC8E7B-B0D6-4FA0-9E2C-FCB87BEF2AC3.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">In addition the truck/planter, we saw some interesting wildlife (note its not behind a fence)</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxpluXqmty4qZ9roIrV_ZM82jYYZDrNybYATuCHVjN7DalrYkaH20aS31qUxmaJzKS9n-ZiMwwRdcmxfhIUbXE8gofTRPPF9H2k7nIT4zPhA3B6i34s3a-hiDbkWXk0JRm81dWTCtKQRs6S9W6plMKKg2JBbCUyYCr4nqLBQ-zm2-eW_jNSKq484sQ/s2372/B8072316-F4C4-42C5-8EE4-D0217CB36FBC.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2372" data-original-width="1543" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxpluXqmty4qZ9roIrV_ZM82jYYZDrNybYATuCHVjN7DalrYkaH20aS31qUxmaJzKS9n-ZiMwwRdcmxfhIUbXE8gofTRPPF9H2k7nIT4zPhA3B6i34s3a-hiDbkWXk0JRm81dWTCtKQRs6S9W6plMKKg2JBbCUyYCr4nqLBQ-zm2-eW_jNSKq484sQ/s320/B8072316-F4C4-42C5-8EE4-D0217CB36FBC.jpeg" width="208" /></a></div><br /><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">All in all, a fantastic day to be on the road, on a bike, in central Oregon. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">We arrived in Mitchell a little earlier since we were antsy to get started this morning and it was a shorter ride. Camp is a little over a mile out of town and we were told there would be a shuttle to take us in to see how the 10 extra people delineate Mitchell from Monument. We set up camp, showered, and eagerly walked to the shuttle loading area but there was no shuttle. “Why is there no shuttle?” we asked. “Sorry, the driver forgot he had the school bus route this afternoon, it will be delayed.” <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Ahhhh you got to love a small town. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Since we will spend two nights in Mitchell, we decided to hang out in camp for the evening (I’m confident one night will be eno do ugh to see everything in Mitchell). <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I decided to grab a beer (big surprise there) and I ran into an ex teammate of mine from Nike, Steve. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It was nice catching up with him. He is on the Cycle Oregon Board of Directors and they happened to be serving the food at dinner tonight. Thanks for the extra helping of rice Steve!</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLKIQRNGD7BiVPZT0KZKKWqrh3NUQkoq5_cva-ncjWs5Ey6qrywv8Vl5iexM37eChS4PIK4wmQK_hi5QQMe8HvL41iT5x7Ur6yAUgd1GptMHs1awCymXjwVYPMms-5bNQEYtYlEHiRbVPwee0TyGcwcMP42WeQk9uCfrqA_py7Rv1nap-axWWIg2TB/s2703/D8BD091F-984F-488B-AB4B-898321A927AB.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2703" data-original-width="1943" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLKIQRNGD7BiVPZT0KZKKWqrh3NUQkoq5_cva-ncjWs5Ey6qrywv8Vl5iexM37eChS4PIK4wmQK_hi5QQMe8HvL41iT5x7Ur6yAUgd1GptMHs1awCymXjwVYPMms-5bNQEYtYlEHiRbVPwee0TyGcwcMP42WeQk9uCfrqA_py7Rv1nap-axWWIg2TB/s320/D8BD091F-984F-488B-AB4B-898321A927AB.jpeg" width="230" /></a></div><br /><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Another memorable day with Cycle Oregon. We are past the half way point. A lot has happened but I look forward for what is yet to come. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhwbBBH9nLJgzxBJQy5Gx69lr3O8rgaV2WoQ2OBKDZArEDFFWv_GcAXqZq-DStP1-9pn6cwZWssQYxWIL16IBSN-P1QPdLxW2LyVqZEJQlOhS7qrEmFDKbvZh7HyiMaJEiXtiqa1bE_iWvtToYAsxvbicqxQ65ZhVLrK2U2-3nMKGgEC6kuEHlUNX/s4032/409A6830-B867-45F3-9A00-850918BAF21A.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhwbBBH9nLJgzxBJQy5Gx69lr3O8rgaV2WoQ2OBKDZArEDFFWv_GcAXqZq-DStP1-9pn6cwZWssQYxWIL16IBSN-P1QPdLxW2LyVqZEJQlOhS7qrEmFDKbvZh7HyiMaJEiXtiqa1bE_iWvtToYAsxvbicqxQ65ZhVLrK2U2-3nMKGgEC6kuEHlUNX/s320/409A6830-B867-45F3-9A00-850918BAF21A.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Until then….</span></p>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06703071414923453724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543292976449978044.post-52468596998003234132022-09-13T23:34:00.002-07:002022-09-13T23:34:31.432-07:00Day 3 - stick with the primary route<p>We are staying in Fossil a second night so todays ride is an out and back. The primary ride is 40 miles and 4000 feet of climb while the extended route is 56 miles and 6500 feet of climb. More on how that turned out a little later. </p><p>Before we get into the day, a little background on a couple inter workings of Cycle Oregon. First, there is the passport. You get stamps for every city you visit. I get the idea and I’m even participating but there is really no point as there is no prize at the end or anything. I am afraid it will be just another “thing” we have in the memorabilia box in the garage. I do think I’m going to keep it though as I’m SURE the kids will fight over this when I pass away. Can’t wait for the Mitchell stamp tomorrow (I’m sure the kids can’t either </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0q0oLWwc3DWM28ysqyk-p_rH1LNsP_NzFuUUKxSWDpqos9M8gDnMCAo3FovZ74lB6cJjdt2VHr3kEdG0aN0FlfyoEiQzsGLAMXLMlKS6MV4PoxaTVXLkpmplRi_WFGlum8jwry9vLyI45LNAV3rZgsB_9tXfeGSghOGje2SJK0WDyiQTDWY5OcmV/s2798/FA5EAAB9-43BC-456C-8C6A-70CB011A2586.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2254" data-original-width="2798" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0q0oLWwc3DWM28ysqyk-p_rH1LNsP_NzFuUUKxSWDpqos9M8gDnMCAo3FovZ74lB6cJjdt2VHr3kEdG0aN0FlfyoEiQzsGLAMXLMlKS6MV4PoxaTVXLkpmplRi_WFGlum8jwry9vLyI45LNAV3rZgsB_9tXfeGSghOGje2SJK0WDyiQTDWY5OcmV/s320/FA5EAAB9-43BC-456C-8C6A-70CB011A2586.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>The other creative idea to build a sense of community is personalized license plates. I like it because as you approach someone you know their name and can call them by name as you pass. Some riders have unique names like Thunder Pedals or Cycle Master while most put their first names and town but dress it up with flowers or something. Being the highly creative person I am, I came up with the following:<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixgcRHjrNfEXXWzDy2T5P9ulGAjbFUMnSOIhb3YgyYqXxPM32FBZf2zIl5I_IoFfBAXn4i5jRQdFfVusgPob47sYizTC4ItlUYoC7DjDGXEUpji2PzYwFeSx4UewuRE_w0FGMV3ZTFZ07UGdP62dEppNjCfTcfS5917zAlvXaws75-o3w23oHFeTw6/s4032/35616F1A-51FB-4429-B164-5FE36E6A0A86.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixgcRHjrNfEXXWzDy2T5P9ulGAjbFUMnSOIhb3YgyYqXxPM32FBZf2zIl5I_IoFfBAXn4i5jRQdFfVusgPob47sYizTC4ItlUYoC7DjDGXEUpji2PzYwFeSx4UewuRE_w0FGMV3ZTFZ07UGdP62dEppNjCfTcfS5917zAlvXaws75-o3w23oHFeTw6/s320/35616F1A-51FB-4429-B164-5FE36E6A0A86.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p>I must say, it has worked. There has been no miscommunication on who I am or where I am from. </p><p>So about today. Our group agreed to do the primary ride and take it easy today. I admit I was in the conversation and supported it. The thing was, as I approached the halfway point of the primary ride, it was at the bottom of the hill and I felt great. Since I typically ride alone (remember my group is much faster than me) I didn’t have anyone to consult with so I continued on the extended ride. I figured I’d just go a couple miles up the hill and turn around. Yea right. I’m no wuss, (Dad voice) “once you start something you need to finish it!” So of course I did and as I approached the finish of the extended portion I was really tired and thought “bad idea, I still have the huge hill from the primary route to get back to Fossil” Well I eventually made it but it was not easy. I was moving so slow I almost fell over. Final tally, 56 miles and 6506 feet of climb. I was completely spent. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKbgRbNIBy8lqp9fOtWqDqwtW6xMZNa0Jp4eExvkPOHM2YJNV7Ob5AaQ-G8pS1J6bxZDA8zEM4BwUYPEz9Z_NHjSbMJf84qUbyZHQZgGVCpvUTu36vq-PDPQ3uuFtC8999utyFwnroY8_1xF7lS5Xs4otJSQEuA8iGRbnc-Rl_ThhphgPL4gyeKX6P/s1163/9354FBB2-3DD9-4115-9692-74F453686959.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1059" data-original-width="1163" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKbgRbNIBy8lqp9fOtWqDqwtW6xMZNa0Jp4eExvkPOHM2YJNV7Ob5AaQ-G8pS1J6bxZDA8zEM4BwUYPEz9Z_NHjSbMJf84qUbyZHQZgGVCpvUTu36vq-PDPQ3uuFtC8999utyFwnroY8_1xF7lS5Xs4otJSQEuA8iGRbnc-Rl_ThhphgPL4gyeKX6P/s320/9354FBB2-3DD9-4115-9692-74F453686959.png" width="320" /></a></div><div>It was a very beautiful ride. We got some rain last night and the wind changed directions so it cleared up and visibly was much better. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWx0-frjeQWqAFRaDuECYuAE7dq7mbYURvfaf5mIK8sEy5PbBTk-TF2CTcoEcx6wbse1lIoQ-LKs7X4ZC_XuWe78RKqJrdQHpiT51pohmDJ0Cre2ZwiT9LVl075IzaOdl0jY-uxPN3zKQLvKPrwnQcDg0SO5gbNSh9wrH3GWtk8yRQgAjph0_5SpKM/s1889/782E1D83-9CDD-4E28-98FD-C299830BF4FA.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1777" data-original-width="1889" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWx0-frjeQWqAFRaDuECYuAE7dq7mbYURvfaf5mIK8sEy5PbBTk-TF2CTcoEcx6wbse1lIoQ-LKs7X4ZC_XuWe78RKqJrdQHpiT51pohmDJ0Cre2ZwiT9LVl075IzaOdl0jY-uxPN3zKQLvKPrwnQcDg0SO5gbNSh9wrH3GWtk8yRQgAjph0_5SpKM/s320/782E1D83-9CDD-4E28-98FD-C299830BF4FA.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>A little time relaxing and a shower and I was ready for the evening activities. Top on the list was steak dinner with baked potato. It was very good. Then it was over to the stage for some refreshments (beer), music and announcements about tomorrow. <br /><p>A little detail about the announcements. Every night at the concert, Steve Schulz, the executive director of Cycle Oregon talks about the days ride and introduces local officials, recognizes volunteers and talks about the next days ride. Since an important part of this section of Oregon is the beauty and history of the rock formations we get a geology lesson from Ian Madin, former geologist for the state of Oregon. It’s really interesting though I completely forget everything he says 5 min after he says it but I wanted to recognize him here. The riders love him. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAjJCcyeQ2St3pJUPs0-rcS957Q3j8Pu86o6x3LsGt3g6eJaxfcSOAR8iyQnxHb5FqT3hBbrxIY6g8Sp_R4Z9vJQ9-lTTBYDKr-eDvdM3fz6Kzxwad08EUJfn0zVxNpJTRrcSfDd4qZGo5f7gOkP91gQUXp5eDAmUOMdZUjkJaYcPZBYZL_a-xg-rY/s2312/4A1049E5-77AE-4EA8-B468-316D4F80A494.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2217" data-original-width="2312" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAjJCcyeQ2St3pJUPs0-rcS957Q3j8Pu86o6x3LsGt3g6eJaxfcSOAR8iyQnxHb5FqT3hBbrxIY6g8Sp_R4Z9vJQ9-lTTBYDKr-eDvdM3fz6Kzxwad08EUJfn0zVxNpJTRrcSfDd4qZGo5f7gOkP91gQUXp5eDAmUOMdZUjkJaYcPZBYZL_a-xg-rY/s320/4A1049E5-77AE-4EA8-B468-316D4F80A494.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>As we waited for the rest of our group this morning, I got a picture with Jack my brother in law who many of you know turned me onto cycling. As I looked at the picture I was reminded of a year ago when Jack joined me on my coast to coast ride and a picture we took in Eastern Montana as we reached the end of another major climb.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrRDvQfothLelFC9yEaJrLwacxfl41VDDBZZHHyy2s0RfKEmF405T4AnKfoXoS2LvHF8VfZBisNCEXM2esqY2mJyE5gDp2Li7yXMmNvRKY99ZRfn6K4nKig-2OyDI0sGvN50OO6_vvq8qopKG062zXGSCY82HZTRVJXC0jPeRLBkTWem-LlMOIra-o/s3194/C130A3E9-08A4-41E9-B46C-09D203E4E1EA.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2981" data-original-width="3194" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrRDvQfothLelFC9yEaJrLwacxfl41VDDBZZHHyy2s0RfKEmF405T4AnKfoXoS2LvHF8VfZBisNCEXM2esqY2mJyE5gDp2Li7yXMmNvRKY99ZRfn6K4nKig-2OyDI0sGvN50OO6_vvq8qopKG062zXGSCY82HZTRVJXC0jPeRLBkTWem-LlMOIra-o/s320/C130A3E9-08A4-41E9-B46C-09D203E4E1EA.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaK34de08J1zYSA2oKzg4pyDcXqvTIwvmabLv-4rr_HsF2dpouFIHbtt8D3hFbZkmVXJUdSzmvA4ZlI2pnV2_kMIQlhA8MF7SZwvT7vYMsC-ETc8gZbEdl7MnmkGYh43gHRA1wGLfV7KRAmRl8hhk9VdfaqI8iXE4PODpHGXFZQf_Q1qkmYFOY8DPg/s2046/671661FB-E3BA-49D4-B687-57E854CEE589.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1537" data-original-width="2046" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaK34de08J1zYSA2oKzg4pyDcXqvTIwvmabLv-4rr_HsF2dpouFIHbtt8D3hFbZkmVXJUdSzmvA4ZlI2pnV2_kMIQlhA8MF7SZwvT7vYMsC-ETc8gZbEdl7MnmkGYh43gHRA1wGLfV7KRAmRl8hhk9VdfaqI8iXE4PODpHGXFZQf_Q1qkmYFOY8DPg/w320-h240/671661FB-E3BA-49D4-B687-57E854CEE589.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I want to thank Jack for the invitation to join him and Craig on this ride. It’s been terrific (well, excluding todays extended ride). I don’t think of you as a brother-in-law, I consider you a friend. Thank you. </p>We pack up the campsites tomorrow and head to Mitchell. Ian assures us we will see some amazing rock formations. I can’t wait. <div><br /></div><div>Until then….<br /><p><br /></p></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06703071414923453724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543292976449978044.post-179788831916433862022-09-13T03:55:00.001-07:002022-09-13T04:12:07.279-07:00Day 2 - A day in the life. <p>We have “successfully” completed two days as participants in the Cycle Oregon 2022 Classic and though we have by know means figured things out, we have a grasp of the routine. I figured it might be interesting for you to spend “ a day in the life” of a Cycle Oregon rider. Besides, I need material so what the heck and if you don’t like it, I’ll give you your money back.</p><p>Prepping for the day….</p><p>For me the day starts at about 4 am. Why 4 am? Because that’s when I wake up and can not get back to sleep. May be because we go to bed early or maybe thinking of the day that lies ahead but regardless, its a looong hour or so until people start moving around and the support vehicle generators start up, then it’s go time! </p><p>To start the morning, most people just grab their tooth brush and head to the community sinks but for me I need to grab my entire toilets bag. Toothbrush, contacts and solution and my medicines. It’s a thing. We come back and get the gear on and head to breakfast. Today was a special day as we all wore our Aloha Bike Club jerseys. Spoiler Alert!! You might see a picture of us in them later. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>CO does a great job with the food. Tastes good and there is plenty of it, especially yogurt. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Bbjw_u9lrbuYYYl1D2QGkZOXEVrFOXF-DZsceRnPHPLBHxqPHHrSTFHjvBbPLBdPoTuNfYcJ3OD_Gme7jfkHF3lCU_G6RPU7HZ59zxl3AvkZ2YV3ag4vrPpQlLSs8tLL_KOw9xvIbJ17TPPoYju84ZevLWwVAW4F_ArRgTmgXnMBuv78i47piPPW/s3519/F8B92F66-821E-46DB-9E66-A6EFC3D90A6A.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1347" data-original-width="3519" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Bbjw_u9lrbuYYYl1D2QGkZOXEVrFOXF-DZsceRnPHPLBHxqPHHrSTFHjvBbPLBdPoTuNfYcJ3OD_Gme7jfkHF3lCU_G6RPU7HZ59zxl3AvkZ2YV3ag4vrPpQlLSs8tLL_KOw9xvIbJ17TPPoYju84ZevLWwVAW4F_ArRgTmgXnMBuv78i47piPPW/s320/F8B92F66-821E-46DB-9E66-A6EFC3D90A6A.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Next we pack up camp. Though it’s not a race, no one wants to be the person holding everyone up so packing up goes fast. Though I’m improving, I’m usually last. Last when we ride, last when we pack, but I’m first at the beer line. </p><p>Haul the gear to the truck (you can pay a local kid do it), fill your water bottle, pump up your tires and visit the porta potty one more time and we are FINALLY on the road.</p><p>The ride…..</p><p>There are a few different choices of rides each day depending on skill level. How hard you want to work is probably more accurate. Some say it’s the easy or hard route. I like to think of it as “primary” or “extended” because I take the primary and nothing is easy for me. Todays ride was 60 miles with 3000 feet of climb much of it along the John Day River. Absolutely gorgeous.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcU-N7XX6MR8Xx1fPGztH2AqIOw5drhJHe2PZ2Le_BrzwfyfeKP-6pCD7beia8p0XwUUXGB8nBnaSrRIRIi0UsjNr-wAHTM_TBhxfcQeWCNGZWBHf_MyCvgXwS_pHhHwuqUdajy1JqlmKpWGcU-58zSzJ3Qa58afR_22QBN0PZ-I7BYuZ32uYLOXE9/s1915/25BF0625-F68F-4663-BA09-D1BD0A0E8256.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1786" data-original-width="1915" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcU-N7XX6MR8Xx1fPGztH2AqIOw5drhJHe2PZ2Le_BrzwfyfeKP-6pCD7beia8p0XwUUXGB8nBnaSrRIRIi0UsjNr-wAHTM_TBhxfcQeWCNGZWBHf_MyCvgXwS_pHhHwuqUdajy1JqlmKpWGcU-58zSzJ3Qa58afR_22QBN0PZ-I7BYuZ32uYLOXE9/s320/25BF0625-F68F-4663-BA09-D1BD0A0E8256.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are a couple rest stops each day with plenty of the usual: energy drinks, PB&J, Clif bars. CO often has local fruit and baked goods available and entertainment at the second stop. Pretty cool. Makes it tough to leave. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ55nPnlTa3qPW8W8QaXr-h5tSurYiqk_yzpIwTUG2REYEXMfulx--xyMAQruDYpTm3EqrEpOEHhgsSjn4AXm0R0T_sG9Iazyyhn9C2U5_ikj9pBjRSZAE-KSo339_uuvOKaVyOhFDZ8f_10LR-0rm_LOcGLT7e4g9S9bcvTqA0KK3rj1f6hKFc746/s1905/C190CE88-EFA9-4165-A52E-97ABC8C60CB4.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1905" data-original-width="1450" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ55nPnlTa3qPW8W8QaXr-h5tSurYiqk_yzpIwTUG2REYEXMfulx--xyMAQruDYpTm3EqrEpOEHhgsSjn4AXm0R0T_sG9Iazyyhn9C2U5_ikj9pBjRSZAE-KSo339_uuvOKaVyOhFDZ8f_10LR-0rm_LOcGLT7e4g9S9bcvTqA0KK3rj1f6hKFc746/s320/C190CE88-EFA9-4165-A52E-97ABC8C60CB4.jpeg" width="244" /></a></div>As I mentioned, team Aloha’s jersey game was on point today so we decided to get a team photo. Though I’m leading here, it’s only to stage for the photo. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicngQBxZ2farDk1NOM_BCX1-jjqqtsfiLc-EcAR_pB6PNvhP3NSzS-Rh7r0GwjmFAu0Z-OV_5LYCTkZ_7zrRVsa11ca5WmOLGWQYEi6hUD4L4Crwf73vkfmbHR0qJxCAA_UAtJph5fkWxMD3Qkrim90103ENjpQ-Zk4TtEiQvFYABEhLyt-fPFN3i_/s3088/D451D381-D157-4A1D-9979-6BF4350414B2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicngQBxZ2farDk1NOM_BCX1-jjqqtsfiLc-EcAR_pB6PNvhP3NSzS-Rh7r0GwjmFAu0Z-OV_5LYCTkZ_7zrRVsa11ca5WmOLGWQYEi6hUD4L4Crwf73vkfmbHR0qJxCAA_UAtJph5fkWxMD3Qkrim90103ENjpQ-Zk4TtEiQvFYABEhLyt-fPFN3i_/s320/D451D381-D157-4A1D-9979-6BF4350414B2.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After the ride ….</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The local residents of these small towns are really something special. They have signs and cheering as you head to camp. Really neat. We find our bags which can take awhile since there is 1500 all stacked together. Think of PDX on steroids. Next we scope out a spot and pitch our tents. You need to be strategic on location. Close enough to the showers and porta potties but not too close as there is noise and traffic. Though I was initially embarrassed for “slightly” exceeding my bag weight limit, all that melts away as I’m asked to use my battery powered air pump to blow up the air mattresses. I may be new to this camping thing but I’m also lazy which has its advantages. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The big debate is when to shower. Relax first and wait in line or hustle and beat the crowd. We usually wait as the line moves quickly. There is a “system” to access the shower trailer where you enter the “circle of chairs” and as one person exits the shower trailer another one enters. Pretty funny to watch but it is effective.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gZ_gmPeqcR1f0TmR16BgqxvvplNL7BAP18oC8mXj9oSl-jboxzLldlhUk9V7koz_cqdvwTQ9WvSQ5toGut-DGtD7vCNMP21QXx7mQ6sU-R20jlG9ZCSKknp5-KPYxTbuFvk0A5X0eirjPIbFAkRlEz_Tsk06Iu1AREOS4WQ8lEIy_uisPVa_qd0S/s4032/82351F5A-54B7-46D9-8E95-4EE073A8CFC8.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gZ_gmPeqcR1f0TmR16BgqxvvplNL7BAP18oC8mXj9oSl-jboxzLldlhUk9V7koz_cqdvwTQ9WvSQ5toGut-DGtD7vCNMP21QXx7mQ6sU-R20jlG9ZCSKknp5-KPYxTbuFvk0A5X0eirjPIbFAkRlEz_Tsk06Iu1AREOS4WQ8lEIy_uisPVa_qd0S/s320/82351F5A-54B7-46D9-8E95-4EE073A8CFC8.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>After showering I’m usually hankerin’ for a beer so we head to the stage where we meet other riders and trade “war stories” about the days ride. Standard stuff like flat tires, steep climbs, fast downhills and tomorrows ride. It’s all window dressing because people really just want dinner to start as we are usually starving by 6 pm. <div><br /></div><div>Dinner is just like breakfast, with lots of good food. Today was ham, rice, mixed veggies and salad. Oh and an ice cream sandwich for dessert. </div><div><br /></div><div>Time to head back to the stage for another beer (or ?) as the nights entertainment gets warmed up. I really enjoy the nightly gathering listening to music, hearing about tomorrows ride and the overall cocmoradery of everyone being together. Kind of like sitting around the fire at summer camp. In this case, it’s fortunate that I’m not doing the singing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclM6BMUOXyXykmZIcoTODxIilUlC97etmnFsg2nh4glj_FC9CgWKaRRbTfHsjqCvPnlVuZCG2DKu43Oa_6vq1zc4l9nJlRfT0dsFQDuHJkgmqyS_tGfCLYcBoCZMVT4Ng3HOvmUjAnGTseYHNV1_tIlKTy_LIZE6NdAFLoTRGcNHRQeAmRiYHvz24/s4032/99D135EA-137A-4EBA-AF0F-2DEF81D09F66.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclM6BMUOXyXykmZIcoTODxIilUlC97etmnFsg2nh4glj_FC9CgWKaRRbTfHsjqCvPnlVuZCG2DKu43Oa_6vq1zc4l9nJlRfT0dsFQDuHJkgmqyS_tGfCLYcBoCZMVT4Ng3HOvmUjAnGTseYHNV1_tIlKTy_LIZE6NdAFLoTRGcNHRQeAmRiYHvz24/s320/99D135EA-137A-4EBA-AF0F-2DEF81D09F66.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>After that it’s time to get ready for bed (or should I say sleeping bag). Brushing my teeth outside the porta potty, taking my pills from my water bottle etc. By this time it is completely dark and if you forgot your headlamp you need to walk carefully, especially after a few beers. The CO version of a sobriety test. I haven’t failed yet!!</div><div><br /></div><div>So there you go, if you made it this far you hopefully have an idea of what Cycle Oregon is all about. It really has been a great experience so far and I look forward to 5 more days. See you at 4 am tomorrow. </div><div><br /></div><div>Until then….<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06703071414923453724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543292976449978044.post-78507396315102070602022-09-12T09:59:00.002-07:002022-09-12T15:20:25.351-07:00Day 1 Please pass the yogurt. <p>It was not the most restful night in my life to be sure. First of all, I under estimated how chilly it was going to be (yes I have the weather app) and had to add a couple layers of clothing right out of the gate. Then there was the squeaking of the air mattress as people shift positions, the zipping and unzipping of tents as people got up to use the porta potty. There are people within 10 feet in all directions and they make the craziest noises at night!</p><p>The sun came up and I could hear the rustling of my fellow riders as they unzipped those tents for the last time </p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">The morning was as expected for a first day. Lots of hustle and bustle and the nervous energy about what was to come riding through the painted hills. Of course breakfast was the first order of business and Cycle Oregon did great. Eggs, onion potato’s, bacon and oatmeal as the main offering. There was a second buffet with toppings. There was cheese and salsa and what appeared to be sour cream so I piled it all on my eggs for a little Mexican flair. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>As it turned out it was not sour cream but yogurt. I guess my first clue should have been that it was between the granola and bread pudding. Hmmmm, eggs, salsa, cheese and yogurt. The breakfast of champions. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I ate it all as I was too embarrassed to admit my mistake. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Don’t expect this recipe on the Food Network anytime soon. Yep, yogurt right in the middle! </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiex-7-dnPYktYLXfRDFwUmiQabH9lprEJwuUSakVOptVTUwdI9039s2OpOMLo_ePSvMEowRtM7SNZO83ODIMCpbIVo-dL2IsZzQKFcuaKHk8vbBZLLcOmy4uwRMjTPKuXSNx4OS8GFCJkzPWsuuQh6k50MYsMTLb2ngdV581GqTb7mA_9AEhbNBdp5/s4032/122C4B11-D037-4441-A387-7BDB6F4BB9F1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiex-7-dnPYktYLXfRDFwUmiQabH9lprEJwuUSakVOptVTUwdI9039s2OpOMLo_ePSvMEowRtM7SNZO83ODIMCpbIVo-dL2IsZzQKFcuaKHk8vbBZLLcOmy4uwRMjTPKuXSNx4OS8GFCJkzPWsuuQh6k50MYsMTLb2ngdV581GqTb7mA_9AEhbNBdp5/s320/122C4B11-D037-4441-A387-7BDB6F4BB9F1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">After breakfast, I completed what is now the routine procedure of parking lot tooth brushing while waiting at the porta potty. I then headed back to camp to tear everything down and get packed up so we can hit the road. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I was pretty proud of myself as I was packed up before everyone else then I turned around I realized I didn’t put that <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>roof thing away. Damn. I also left the tooth paste tube in my pocket. Worst of all I forgot to put on my Chamois butter!! <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>No slippin’ and sliding for me today. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I’ve got to get the routine down.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir7iJS4gj4UtVAI1qE9mS2RZlHhY0FCMFGbD8DNrlKE4GelrjqEipElNK449agiw6cEh0LOwqjbl_6BWD5z0FG6rkCP2AXZaGpTsTQOnxY_6UdwURWWEjmlgIg1zJAzA5I99CM1_uZZne0t5vX0lVMRhxIwxbyYFWgqc3ZxFVzFxS30xkt-sd8MHD5/s1830/1DADA643-F50C-431F-AA2E-E906437978ED.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1677" data-original-width="1830" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir7iJS4gj4UtVAI1qE9mS2RZlHhY0FCMFGbD8DNrlKE4GelrjqEipElNK449agiw6cEh0LOwqjbl_6BWD5z0FG6rkCP2AXZaGpTsTQOnxY_6UdwURWWEjmlgIg1zJAzA5I99CM1_uZZne0t5vX0lVMRhxIwxbyYFWgqc3ZxFVzFxS30xkt-sd8MHD5/s320/1DADA643-F50C-431F-AA2E-E906437978ED.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Overall it was a nice ride at 60 miles, 3800 ft of climb and wonderful scenery. A little hazy but beautiful nevertheless. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Seven of us started as a group but it quickly became apparent that 6 of the group were doing their best Tour de France impersonation so I stayed back, kicked in an 80s playlist and I was good to go! <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I eventually ran into Ed (one of our group) and we summited Long Creek Mountain together. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">The route was well supported and all the riders and staff were super nice. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">As I finished the ride I ran into Oregon State fan Frank from <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Portland sporting a Beavers jersey. Just a reminder Greg, this is what it’s supposed to look like. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwP3nc1qbG3TkoVn_jQzrav14SUtX15LRMClZxZyQkn4uMEy3GpC6xOXXaEydhbkXHfV_oJKbjS2CzHarFb0I1ufE5bdFpisVhM0WV---mVOdeYXEYo1AbfaRnBg2OR8aVi-QpruCML3J0FyLOmDLjiVxjTgnVNSs74GJq2yfiuzCYLy0kcZdudRuE/s4032/FACBC9B5-4BF2-41E9-8E5F-E99244E19C19.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwP3nc1qbG3TkoVn_jQzrav14SUtX15LRMClZxZyQkn4uMEy3GpC6xOXXaEydhbkXHfV_oJKbjS2CzHarFb0I1ufE5bdFpisVhM0WV---mVOdeYXEYo1AbfaRnBg2OR8aVi-QpruCML3J0FyLOmDLjiVxjTgnVNSs74GJq2yfiuzCYLy0kcZdudRuE/s320/FACBC9B5-4BF2-41E9-8E5F-E99244E19C19.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">We spent the night at the high school in the metropolis known as Monument (pop 120). The people could not have been more welcoming. There was even a cheering section of local kids when we finished. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2vKYM9JRkwkfVVx-5u3b3a8F9BiuchyAS0w6gB3yqEEME4li6or0TteNlNUbtZWmhe0jjJIBFfsWldPdNV2kqGkV58Nm8ggB44no3_O0IkRIBlZf8CPCaMNhuhs_vVkZRqOlPCfh1N3hkA9lmx4mzgBFpSCNCerS_yQBfIHJ6hafTS3lJToWbwiTw/s1965/C96BE493-FFE9-46EF-BC2C-98C2B9B0A52A.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1951" data-original-width="1965" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2vKYM9JRkwkfVVx-5u3b3a8F9BiuchyAS0w6gB3yqEEME4li6or0TteNlNUbtZWmhe0jjJIBFfsWldPdNV2kqGkV58Nm8ggB44no3_O0IkRIBlZf8CPCaMNhuhs_vVkZRqOlPCfh1N3hkA9lmx4mzgBFpSCNCerS_yQBfIHJ6hafTS3lJToWbwiTw/s320/C96BE493-FFE9-46EF-BC2C-98C2B9B0A52A.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Camp set up was much easier today though I was definitely tired. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>After a shower, it was beer thirty. Felt awesome to kick back and sip an IPA (or 4) after a long ride. My kind of hydration. They even have RPM! <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I was a little early with my Mexican flair this morning as for dinner we had fajitas. I didn’t find any yogurt though. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Listening to a band out of La Grande named Elwood finished off the night. They were awesome. It may have </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyE39AmJ6i1okESrh22fYWpdchBzkjcl8g3q0Pz4-sd0VZVZaoweRNiM9vkyS_O72LSiAN-Ys3GhWhNbi_fPghgGJHKYotm6kH4KImyEel9ZiZ_umdq_TLD7G0oHmVW3_MkuzQBQOFBFfpC0yaRWWFgmbFGuM26xgF3yIZY61Ebe19jLiqd5JRXOgW/s4032/001F37F2-7927-48B7-B4CF-80C1D01B63AA.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyE39AmJ6i1okESrh22fYWpdchBzkjcl8g3q0Pz4-sd0VZVZaoweRNiM9vkyS_O72LSiAN-Ys3GhWhNbi_fPghgGJHKYotm6kH4KImyEel9ZiZ_umdq_TLD7G0oHmVW3_MkuzQBQOFBFfpC0yaRWWFgmbFGuM26xgF3yIZY61Ebe19jLiqd5JRXOgW/s320/001F37F2-7927-48B7-B4CF-80C1D01B63AA.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />been the RPMs I think they were good. Need to see if they have any Portland dates on the calendar. <p></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">All in all a wonderful Day 1. We are off to Fossil tomorrow. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUicgNpEiRk_vCduDYiul9xN_jMTHbEROih6-xlJXIEqanDYxmVAbY122SVWlRcGlMkQRvSl_7AmHwE5RkzhPoMcHQEOOK0_aGt9yGtB78X3dgL6UswJxLsi4-F9IISAsWQiO4DjWE4fgxBi2DsQT2HgpVoNld14kNIY8-Uue2amSrMHghmy4TfKg/s2576/BC098E3F-ED3E-4D40-BE66-1B59030AB2E8.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1932" data-original-width="2576" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUicgNpEiRk_vCduDYiul9xN_jMTHbEROih6-xlJXIEqanDYxmVAbY122SVWlRcGlMkQRvSl_7AmHwE5RkzhPoMcHQEOOK0_aGt9yGtB78X3dgL6UswJxLsi4-F9IISAsWQiO4DjWE4fgxBi2DsQT2HgpVoNld14kNIY8-Uue2amSrMHghmy4TfKg/s320/BC098E3F-ED3E-4D40-BE66-1B59030AB2E8.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Until then…</span></p><p><br /></p>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06703071414923453724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543292976449978044.post-60072833523993661602022-09-10T23:07:00.003-07:002022-09-10T23:13:27.841-07:00Day 0. Another Adventure.<p>It’s been over a year since I logged into the blog. It’s been quite a year at that. A lot of amazing things have happened (Grandkids? New in laws? New job? Heart procedure?). I’m so blessed (well maybe not the heart procedure). But I’m not one to just blog about my daily life and the cookies I baked this afternoon (do I even know how to bake cookies?) I like to share experiences and I’m off on another one. This time it’s Cycle Oregon 2022! </p><p>As a reminder, during my coast to coast trip, Jack and Craig joined me for a very difficult portion of the ride traveling through Montana. Bike trouble, blistering heat and miles and miles of…..well…..not much. They helped me get through it for which I am thankful.</p><p>Then, this past February, Jack calls and says “Craig and I are doing Cycle Oregon. Get this, we’ll drive 6 hours to John Day, sleep in tents and use porta potties. It will be awesome. Come join us” Though you all know I’m an RV guy, with a mattress and bathroom, but what am I going to say? </p><p>So today is the first of seven days of riding in eastern Oregon. So sit back and get comfortable, because I can’t as I’m laying on an air mattress in a tent (Im kidding. I’ve had a couple beers so of course I’m comfortable)</p><p>The day started at Craigs house where we all met to load up the bikes and gear. The rules say you only get 65 lbs in one bag only and I’m panicked because I weighed in at 66. Of course Jack comes in at 35 and Craig at 50. So I’m already “that guy.” Oh well, they’ll thank me when they want some of the honey whiskey I brought. </p><p>We were fortunate to catch a ride with Allen and Brian, two experienced Cycle Oregon riders in an amazing van. Things are starting off well. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7X3WMOZ_un5jCqXBUl5CwtisGAMQOyAxIQs7LsQOG8ff9eM9aVtHzgYZ2aahnQpuz_JonbsgiaksyQsuXjRVN49Fuyl89NxNR5u5QxPTMJIa4oN6uj7QY5m1gIz3u5Kf5dd9PtUNWD9sGlqWjWiK8Czhjbxk8IWQKGw5Hx4UHcrNgmCGmhh_pBLF/s800/375D7EC6-4E9D-42CB-98AD-B657FEC5AD66.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7X3WMOZ_un5jCqXBUl5CwtisGAMQOyAxIQs7LsQOG8ff9eM9aVtHzgYZ2aahnQpuz_JonbsgiaksyQsuXjRVN49Fuyl89NxNR5u5QxPTMJIa4oN6uj7QY5m1gIz3u5Kf5dd9PtUNWD9sGlqWjWiK8Czhjbxk8IWQKGw5Hx4UHcrNgmCGmhh_pBLF/s320/375D7EC6-4E9D-42CB-98AD-B657FEC5AD66.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>We are off to John Day, only 6 hours away. The gorge was awful with heavy cross winds and smoke from the fires. Allen was awesome in keeping the van between the white lines. Well done Allen!<p></p><p>For lunch we wanted something “unique” so we hit Beachwoods Eatery and Lounge in The Dallas. It hit the mark for unique with special names for the dishes and bacon served with nearly every item. Interestingly, the selections were often named after people. The Vicki, The Austin, Tiffany’s Veggie. You get the idea. The food was very good though. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFGt_eqHTwb_YMbppJ001H9m_IKT7reSSGzgvHY7aAjRzdJ879zL2yWbIVTCK7u5P_Cx3qPoiWGKm5_DJjsVbz6Ok7yvVoIZ8yZKq7i5GVDjJHw4Ue6Wymc73X-qxSKlEzgynjidn25zrAI3pi__Cq-_L7pcz6vHfMqwC6EMe1B_8T2Rl86-QZfK_C/s2054/FD0F89AC-7A03-4140-ADA1-93F2571B898D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2054" data-original-width="1673" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFGt_eqHTwb_YMbppJ001H9m_IKT7reSSGzgvHY7aAjRzdJ879zL2yWbIVTCK7u5P_Cx3qPoiWGKm5_DJjsVbz6Ok7yvVoIZ8yZKq7i5GVDjJHw4Ue6Wymc73X-qxSKlEzgynjidn25zrAI3pi__Cq-_L7pcz6vHfMqwC6EMe1B_8T2Rl86-QZfK_C/s320/FD0F89AC-7A03-4140-ADA1-93F2571B898D.jpeg" width="261" /></a></div><p>Of course it is Saturday afternoon and I’m trying desperately to watch the Cougs beat the ranked Wisconsin Badgers on my phone but since we are out in the middle of nowhere I spent more time watching the buffer icon than the game but it was all good because the Cougars won!!!!</p><p>We arrived at the John Day fairgrounds with 1500 other riders and it was terrific from the start. High energy volunteers, food, a band and best of all, beer! I am also happy to say, the tent when up without a hitch. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_v74uBaFq1_lDY_xxdQO7DCTzh44w26tTWzja7WZa7JWRMiDrvaLWFrylECTGLA0sPT403Q-JZJu78arJ0CbK_oc-ivzlK7ODz-qpsPb_Sd3Xo8T8gvBrnS-jFq6UT9r1O1UaKo9pJjjERbeJ5lL_YYGQ7bMs2SY0u6V60bvwHPqD_WTFMcft3nMH/s1936/E6033B90-A7C1-4367-B954-22B734067EE7.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1936" data-original-width="1936" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_v74uBaFq1_lDY_xxdQO7DCTzh44w26tTWzja7WZa7JWRMiDrvaLWFrylECTGLA0sPT403Q-JZJu78arJ0CbK_oc-ivzlK7ODz-qpsPb_Sd3Xo8T8gvBrnS-jFq6UT9r1O1UaKo9pJjjERbeJ5lL_YYGQ7bMs2SY0u6V60bvwHPqD_WTFMcft3nMH/s320/E6033B90-A7C1-4367-B954-22B734067EE7.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>We listened to the band for a while walked the grounds (I got my Cycle Oregon Passport stamped) and decided to get ready to shut it down. Getting ready for bed was a little different than the RV. I brushed my teeth in the gravel parking lot outside the porta potty and washed my pills down with my water bottle in the tent. I even have my brace for my Plantar Fasciitis so mission accomplished. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUR0p92bNrrnQ_1B_mj5zAB-eZn2H2OgnRiXmg-Xqrln48xEjr5n9PCWe9qpRxD1npzztGdmOW2BA58zD5bGMh-aMk8FB8OezhH7cCYWOyJR9f-NwipadCOwh6GAwditSDiI98fzyRl43F7a8b6tpZiio1Dinls22wKxmTRQKPSkQaZR9J9nRVsI5c/s4032/8DA79DC9-316E-4602-8E11-BE2E3DF2E802.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUR0p92bNrrnQ_1B_mj5zAB-eZn2H2OgnRiXmg-Xqrln48xEjr5n9PCWe9qpRxD1npzztGdmOW2BA58zD5bGMh-aMk8FB8OezhH7cCYWOyJR9f-NwipadCOwh6GAwditSDiI98fzyRl43F7a8b6tpZiio1Dinls22wKxmTRQKPSkQaZR9J9nRVsI5c/s320/8DA79DC9-316E-4602-8E11-BE2E3DF2E802.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLNTjYAtqKlBBNGc9Lp_OVIzq4ip1E_VzK0amCflXdOm3FAYjqX2VrjYhpf5h2tlZaWYDXFQOD5yfQgcxh7InsScdrN3IwZjBXTrMd_hK2xNHjKSZpSCmjDWkkWuVzxLAIuSKIkvloWr3Sb-YKxP3Il8ARa4LZFhKHRNRDVcgK-g3iVZUBSVmtu5q-/s4032/FDF6D39B-FCE5-4124-B94D-A5205DA2A3BC.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLNTjYAtqKlBBNGc9Lp_OVIzq4ip1E_VzK0amCflXdOm3FAYjqX2VrjYhpf5h2tlZaWYDXFQOD5yfQgcxh7InsScdrN3IwZjBXTrMd_hK2xNHjKSZpSCmjDWkkWuVzxLAIuSKIkvloWr3Sb-YKxP3Il8ARa4LZFhKHRNRDVcgK-g3iVZUBSVmtu5q-/s320/FDF6D39B-FCE5-4124-B94D-A5205DA2A3BC.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I am really looking forward to the week ahead. 60 miles through beautiful eastern Oregon and thankfully I don’t have to carry my 66 lb bag. </p><p>Until then… (I hope I get cell service!)</p>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06703071414923453724noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543292976449978044.post-56860659375126533662021-09-18T23:12:00.002-07:002021-09-18T23:20:45.993-07:00The Trip Home - Final Entry<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-8Wv2kEThInxMC1UmEgrZjcUMZh05grUAB2SVq4WRpZUIvLFf-Zlhi7ix399KL7_epabxRg3CgfUfysIOK7nyyVHO-GEFU_9raGRf2E0cZG41MTHEiJEqclU9z9dP7YqECp4biuBFF9k/s4032/Jambo+home.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-8Wv2kEThInxMC1UmEgrZjcUMZh05grUAB2SVq4WRpZUIvLFf-Zlhi7ix399KL7_epabxRg3CgfUfysIOK7nyyVHO-GEFU_9raGRf2E0cZG41MTHEiJEqclU9z9dP7YqECp4biuBFF9k/w150-h200/Jambo+home.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div><div>For those looking for the posts about my ride cross country, the last post was "Day 69." What continues here is the documentations of our trip home. You are welcome to follow along though it likely won't be as exciting. </div></div><div><br /></div>A lot has happened since we left the RV Park off the highway about 150 miles outside Denver. I just haven't taken the time to write it down so this will be a lengthy entry. It will be the FINAL entry too as we arrived home!<p></p><p>We had lunch scheduled with Cheryl’s aunt Loretta, uncle Rudy, and cousins Terry and Emily at 1 pm in Golden CO (think Coors beer) near Denver so we had to get up and out early. I got a little workout in before we left. Peloton strength workouts are my go to as there isn’t a lot of cardio so it keeps my heart rate down (still got the A fib thing). The challenge is finding a place to do it so I’m not on display for all the other RVers or passers by. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv0i_Xd8MrouM6WndY20KsnxTaNdDpdY7VglrpKldZvAdEH9EpABGb00e0yydDZO5eKGC9DDnyHNQf04cZfyt5HblSCe4HiiCUGJuSy_7BwpEskBkRGPswEx25C5ykDjr-QVtaQH6NDzs/s4032/IMG_0527.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv0i_Xd8MrouM6WndY20KsnxTaNdDpdY7VglrpKldZvAdEH9EpABGb00e0yydDZO5eKGC9DDnyHNQf04cZfyt5HblSCe4HiiCUGJuSy_7BwpEskBkRGPswEx25C5ykDjr-QVtaQH6NDzs/w160-h120/IMG_0527.JPG" width="160" /></a></div><br />We made it to Golden a little early and spent some time walking around Golden. It is a very nice town with a beautiful walking trail along the river that goes through town. Lunch with Cheryl’s relatives was really fun. So much catching up to do. We were so engrossed in the conversation we forgot to take a picture! We couldn’t stay too long because there was rain in the forecast and apparently there are mud slides on I70 near Canyonville and they close the freeway so we needed to get through there to avoid a 2 hour detour. The drive was beautiful. Even with the clouds it was gorgeous. We cut through the Rockies and were at 9500 ft. the RV kept chugging along. 18 wheelers were passing us, but we were still moving!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSxcahmFOGEZbn6uzFxUEKSO7zbYHfy03OyADQ_jHSd_TwAaivxODXxUROqR-swVxKsqNpXyHTxamSEm22UODSJd2-_pzVzzz09-m3iF9nEmF4b3_5GY1tvTXHTj-pJ7zPkF3y9LNdtss/s4032/IMG_0536.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSxcahmFOGEZbn6uzFxUEKSO7zbYHfy03OyADQ_jHSd_TwAaivxODXxUROqR-swVxKsqNpXyHTxamSEm22UODSJd2-_pzVzzz09-m3iF9nEmF4b3_5GY1tvTXHTj-pJ7zPkF3y9LNdtss/w176-h132/IMG_0536.JPG" width="176" /></a></div>Our goal was to get to Moab and Arches National Park tomorrow so we spent the night at a Walmart so we could get up and out again in the morning. Long but easy drive to Moab. Cheryl and I both being big Jerky fans, the highlight of the drive was the stop at a roadside Jerky store. Unbelievable selection. We shied away from the exotic flavors like snake and kangaroo and stayed with beef. There was prime rib, pepper, sweet/spicy. It was awesome. <p></p><p>Arches was only 20 miles down the road and we were there before we could even get through one package of jerky. The day was perfect to see the beauty of the Arches. Kenzie would have been proud of us as we did quite a bit of hiking. A little frustrating that dogs were no allowed on any trails so Zuri had to stay in the RV.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnAUD2lJMBuYJjRujIhDD47YJZapKTHkvhi8MsvZJLhk76-cAXprO9cA1pB1-1lEyPzCqNalSQSTlwMvxgq2pre45p3VyeNgHeonxjuObb-LXxN_fuNZ9ZJFacpW6I41YVXemNAE2AxKk/s860/Arches.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="273" data-original-width="860" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnAUD2lJMBuYJjRujIhDD47YJZapKTHkvhi8MsvZJLhk76-cAXprO9cA1pB1-1lEyPzCqNalSQSTlwMvxgq2pre45p3VyeNgHeonxjuObb-LXxN_fuNZ9ZJFacpW6I41YVXemNAE2AxKk/w640-h204/Arches.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>Loved Moab. Found Canyonlands RV Park in town which was convenient. Stumbled on Spitfire BBQ for a late lunch. It was a really good place with excellent beer and delicious food. I especially liked the vibe. We met a lady who was traveling across the country with her dog. She was from Jersey and on her way back home. We shared stories about our favorite places and experiences as we both traveled across the country. Fun time. </p><p>We were undecided on how we spent the last 10 days of our trip. We heard wonderful things about Zion National Park and the beautiful drive there but it would take us further south and we felt we needed to continue heading towards home. We decided on Sun Valley for a couple days. As we were finalizing our plans we got a phone call that a good friend of ours had passed away from pancreatic cancer. Such terrible news and we are so sad by her passing. Ugh. She lived in Richland WA and the funeral would be Friday so we altered our plans to head that direction. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhz-d-5u74iHTYSpBRT2638y1-to9FxJ7XsMREr9AiyGUDU0h4yyxIN9yoeig5rHla5c03nxYZQdMNWf-gRHitQFcjKQqXKyJeT6fu3IBQ4-Fbe0cWwMTtt9RJgrUu968L4uIUc9aqhU/s4032/House.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhz-d-5u74iHTYSpBRT2638y1-to9FxJ7XsMREr9AiyGUDU0h4yyxIN9yoeig5rHla5c03nxYZQdMNWf-gRHitQFcjKQqXKyJeT6fu3IBQ4-Fbe0cWwMTtt9RJgrUu968L4uIUc9aqhU/w102-h136/House.jpg" width="102" /></a></div>On our way to Boise we decided to stay one more night is a small town so we picked Snowville ID (pop 139). Of course there was only one restaurant called Ranch House. Classic small town café just like we like. Each table had a little wooden house with a small door that just screamed to be opened and of course Cheryl could not resist the temptation. There was a loaded mouse trap inside that was triggered when the door was open. Boom, the house exploded. It was hilarious! Throughout our dinner you could hear wooden houses exploding throughout the café. <p></p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifWbckvz915QS63Pd5yMOrEABJa4XGlbb5fBvSnLku_xoO2tKdzn-jILs0iScKL9H3bbgmNuYv-8k_VsGIT1Axy-DI0bLp2NNXJizvpClolndAUPOqXDSukAW0yq9czNY_zJyPVIyBMSI/s4032/IMG_0577.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifWbckvz915QS63Pd5yMOrEABJa4XGlbb5fBvSnLku_xoO2tKdzn-jILs0iScKL9H3bbgmNuYv-8k_VsGIT1Axy-DI0bLp2NNXJizvpClolndAUPOqXDSukAW0yq9czNY_zJyPVIyBMSI/w108-h143/IMG_0577.JPG" width="108" /></a></div>The next morning we headed to Boise. We had a space at Rivers Edge RV park on the Snake River just out side of town but decided to spend some time in town. We hear about an amazing dog park and of course that was tops on Cheryl's list. We were there about 15 minutes (of course Zuri didn't want to play) when a dog came up to me. I'm thinking the dog wants for me to pet it or play with it and next thing you know, it's peeing on my leg. Seriously? I'm getting peed on at a dog park in Boise? Well, that dampened my enthusiasm for hanging out at the dog park so we headed downtown to Guido's for some New York style pizza and a beer before heading to the RV park.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiasu0B9f_O1fQhhl4YYqGioSKxRM4-VKKJJi0L-FdZTzROtUNny8Nhrc8EDqbJWAIvqWr6uaO8Av5GPTi06JOaP4TlSuCJx_icCPpHhwj_5XRJd_QzRFH3pbQAbPcZvd2Ixm5cKu-fOpw/s858/Bike+ride.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="858" height="117" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiasu0B9f_O1fQhhl4YYqGioSKxRM4-VKKJJi0L-FdZTzROtUNny8Nhrc8EDqbJWAIvqWr6uaO8Av5GPTi06JOaP4TlSuCJx_icCPpHhwj_5XRJd_QzRFH3pbQAbPcZvd2Ixm5cKu-fOpw/w254-h117/Bike+ride.JPG" width="254" /></a></div>Rivers Edge RV park was located as the name suggests, right on the Snake River and our spot had a gorgeous view. It was just outside of town with some great scenery so I decided to get up early and go for a bike ride. Yes first time on the bike since Portland ME. I must admit it felt great to be back in the saddle, even if it was only for a few hours. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUo8fQ8VlcGhyphenhyphenhacJt9-GBy0CHHT9L9jtqXtlG5UFzmhRdFWLaOjHjG68hJaMirzln_tcS6p6camK27CmdwZglWVluIRmHm5FlFhb9SKZgCiVTXVqEPl5S2G5b_NsVgFWyPZskpsAe8k4/s4032/IMG_0603.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="107" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUo8fQ8VlcGhyphenhyphenhacJt9-GBy0CHHT9L9jtqXtlG5UFzmhRdFWLaOjHjG68hJaMirzln_tcS6p6camK27CmdwZglWVluIRmHm5FlFhb9SKZgCiVTXVqEPl5S2G5b_NsVgFWyPZskpsAe8k4/w142-h107/IMG_0603.JPG" width="142" /></a></div>We made it to the Tri-Cities Wednesday so decided to go to Prosser for some wine tasting and and also catch up with some friends we have in the area. Of course we had to have lunch with John and Vickiy. They met us in Walla Walla early in the journey and then again at the end. We went to Porters BBQ which was terrific. John and I had "The Jonny Sandwich" which includes brisket, pulled pork and bacon. Though it wasn't great for my arteries, wow it was good. </div><p>Following a touching service for our friend, it was time to make the final leg down The Gorge back to Portland. There were mixed emotions as we pulled into the driveway. The end of a trip of a lifetime had arrived. It seemed like only yesterday we were on HWY 26 driving to Fort Stevens not knowing what was to come and now we are back in the driveway with unbelievable memories that we will never forget. 88 days, 3800 miles on the bike and 10,400 total miles and 29 states. What a summer!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixMP88E3ska5qMrhQsVfzARs6yns8yv4sh80BjXxBPBB0LxKOyncyPlFESJUSxoAme8sG_O3pE76EZvMxjw18xKx51uqkI6yqd6dP-jnlQPHB-VCL6e2hFyLS_sh4hVAaYdFdp_clB98k/s4032/Route.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixMP88E3ska5qMrhQsVfzARs6yns8yv4sh80BjXxBPBB0LxKOyncyPlFESJUSxoAme8sG_O3pE76EZvMxjw18xKx51uqkI6yqd6dP-jnlQPHB-VCL6e2hFyLS_sh4hVAaYdFdp_clB98k/w640-h480/Route.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What's next?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdNSOD6J6o5ccFIMLMukBnG5D9ppnVH2bgWMjBNIrHUAzOXOI-ucaMnpEHd1UcdtXYdXccJ0RVygtodSgr7xuWXmpqmuOjqA66DTNtxuQhczHoGb6OBoDw-2voCfzvXk-Jqv1-QN_S7cg/s3088/IMG_0524.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdNSOD6J6o5ccFIMLMukBnG5D9ppnVH2bgWMjBNIrHUAzOXOI-ucaMnpEHd1UcdtXYdXccJ0RVygtodSgr7xuWXmpqmuOjqA66DTNtxuQhczHoGb6OBoDw-2voCfzvXk-Jqv1-QN_S7cg/s320/IMG_0524.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06703071414923453724noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543292976449978044.post-73879339311537288572021-09-06T21:24:00.000-07:002021-09-06T21:24:41.242-07:00The Trip Home - Follow the Yellow Brick Road <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrui2t3uWTzF-ChDvQuefTIfTdHgjy4j73qGk8w24Z7NuHZ1LPskj1QvIOAFH9WMSouEfOL6bQDA-QRhIRTLvj5KlgJ5ESAoi3-BayWti-3jSiECIBvb4T95r6UFlxgeqJYFV1xSOE8r8/s4032/IMG_0525.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrui2t3uWTzF-ChDvQuefTIfTdHgjy4j73qGk8w24Z7NuHZ1LPskj1QvIOAFH9WMSouEfOL6bQDA-QRhIRTLvj5KlgJ5ESAoi3-BayWti-3jSiECIBvb4T95r6UFlxgeqJYFV1xSOE8r8/w138-h184/IMG_0525.JPG" width="138" /></a></div><div><div>For those looking for the posts about my ride cross country, the last post was "Day 69." What continues here is the documentations of our trip home. You are welcome to follow along though it likely won't be as exciting. </div></div><div><br /></div>We didn’t get up too early after our late night in Nashville as we were not looking forward to the drive across the middle of America. We figured we would get on the freeway and I70 and drive about 300-350 miles and just see where we feel like stopping for the night. The RV continues to keep rolling along though it definitely surges going up hills and while accelerating (and I get the flashing check engine light) but on the open road with the cruise control set at 65 she just purrs like a kitten. We prefer to add 93 octane gas (still holding on to Coffman recommendation) but since we left the east coast, the best we can find is 91 so I also add some octane boost. Couple that with the injector cleaner that we started using back in Aurora and we have quite the additive cocktail mixed up every time we fill up. It aint cheap either! I typically add two cans of each additive and have to run the credit card twice. Ouch!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAnPFD7fL0fxqetAr_gUXBVV6VK8QE-NXxOPVlfbZyHpfZCEqerj2os0WdVi5vmt_zUKWmbDjAszZrzvh6Oj1dVz331OyT-mtT7txzwwEP1DfUPnPKOAS3oVdoo8XEk0MI_UM_CVmdPfQ/s4032/IMG_0502.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAnPFD7fL0fxqetAr_gUXBVV6VK8QE-NXxOPVlfbZyHpfZCEqerj2os0WdVi5vmt_zUKWmbDjAszZrzvh6Oj1dVz331OyT-mtT7txzwwEP1DfUPnPKOAS3oVdoo8XEk0MI_UM_CVmdPfQ/w150-h200/IMG_0502.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>After about an hour, we went through St Louis and had to make a stop at the Gateway to the West monument. It looks really cool against the St Louis skyline and is huge (630 ft high and 630 ft wide). Parking for the RV was a little tenuous as they had us park along the tilted riverbank and I thought for sure we were going to tip over. We made sure to all get out on the high side just in case. From there it was a very boring ride. All those things you hear about nothing in Kansas? Believe it. There is nothing in Kansas. We decided to go to Topeka. That would leave us a day and a half of driving to get to Denver where we will have lunch with Cheryl's Aunt, Uncle and Cousins. We used our harvest host membership again and stopped at 4204 Main Street Brewing. Yes that is the name (and the address). We figured dry camping made sense as we will be on the road again first thing in the morning. The big concern was the temperature since we didn’t have 30 amp power for AC. The forecast was for a “cool” night of 70 so we took a chance. 4204 Main Street Brewing is a very neat place with good food and an amazing outdoor area where Cheryl and I played corn hole. As night approached, the temperature did not drop and it was still very warm and humid. I did my best to build an air conditioner, but it was no match for 80 degrees and 80% humidity. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSKVdn6OTyODMAQxmZ4lunAsDLnfBLhT4k4QV58vYbVX6yzWM9N_VH49gq-i6Q5z3KpTtUuzAHpY-1iuz-9D93w0PK0kkQ9wnjTMl3SZ7L7IW2Z0ZSRIVgKEk9KjWgjBBkx0ilox3xtZQ/s4032/IMG_0505.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSKVdn6OTyODMAQxmZ4lunAsDLnfBLhT4k4QV58vYbVX6yzWM9N_VH49gq-i6Q5z3KpTtUuzAHpY-1iuz-9D93w0PK0kkQ9wnjTMl3SZ7L7IW2Z0ZSRIVgKEk9KjWgjBBkx0ilox3xtZQ/w104-h138/IMG_0505.JPG" width="104" /></a></div><p></p><p>After a long, sweaty, sleepless night, we were back on the road. After only about an hour, to our delight, we saw a billboard for the Wizard of Oz Museum in Wamego KS just 10 miles off I70. Of course we HAD to go there. Apparently, 15 years ago, a couple had a vast amount of Wizard of Oz memorabilia and decided to open up a museum in Wamego KS. The rest of the town followed their lead and the town became an Oz themed destination (well, for people like us). There is a yellow brick road, Toto’s Tacos and the Oz winery. After our tour through the museum we did a little tasting at the Oz winery. A charming place and the wine names that all have to do with the Wizard of Oz. “Drunken Munchkin,” “Flying Monkey,” “Angry Trees” (you get the idea.) It was a lot of fun. </p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYNcCtNwDSNRNJku6EM_SBT4KHZBwTS6OzubW7psz4yosB3eWVj8-7QtsARQXFUbQn7SH1Gh6NH7JZlZCgE9QE-LNrkbkxd_XnwK3QhSllFR5LbL4StU3jVXQyvIKAnvjbboYF0sXFJc/s4032/IMG_0504.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="94" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYNcCtNwDSNRNJku6EM_SBT4KHZBwTS6OzubW7psz4yosB3eWVj8-7QtsARQXFUbQn7SH1Gh6NH7JZlZCgE9QE-LNrkbkxd_XnwK3QhSllFR5LbL4StU3jVXQyvIKAnvjbboYF0sXFJc/w125-h94/IMG_0504.JPG" width="125" /></a></div>We had to hit the road (black, not yellow in this case) and get some miles behind us. We all found our spots in the RV for the next few hours. I was in the driver seat, Cheryl in the back and of course Zuri in her space in direct line of the AC. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Xy2TQbG66kUCsN3umn5nNaYBA87J-ZSINz0YYnGQFbSBblDNXzrkZp3WG7PC5MN4QpZqDXbw6lA4FWcPn7eZlzf33_7hJu5_ilQpD1Ow6G-o9v5LwSnVaPm3v07ewTXnbMcRHVmUaNg/s516/Oz.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="292" data-original-width="516" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Xy2TQbG66kUCsN3umn5nNaYBA87J-ZSINz0YYnGQFbSBblDNXzrkZp3WG7PC5MN4QpZqDXbw6lA4FWcPn7eZlzf33_7hJu5_ilQpD1Ow6G-o9v5LwSnVaPm3v07ewTXnbMcRHVmUaNg/w243-h137/Oz.JPG" width="243" /></a></div>Cheryl found a terrific RV park (more like a gravel parking lot<br /> with some hook ups) but it was exactly what we wanted as the electrical will allow us to run the AC and we will be here for less than 12 hours. We only have 150 miles to Denver which feels like the West so we are getting closer!<p></p><div><br /></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06703071414923453724noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543292976449978044.post-61703873999600074542021-09-04T19:51:00.000-07:002021-09-04T19:51:02.044-07:00The Trip Home - The Grand Ole Opry<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>For those looking for the posts about my ride cross country, the last post was "Day 69." What continues here is the documentations of our trip home. You are welcome to follow along though it likely won't be as exciting. </div><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMXaH4nbfpKcE6WzkLswLze-qi-OvBxkn-64us4Ad5YDPmlEwIQgfgExLRK3HQOtChn6iDCymIUR9pSWDqZ4s-XXty2zgBx5_yVd93S2xsN0qJ_St2ul3rCiTz7y7SasStJMTb9rf4f9Y/s4032/IMG_0476.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMXaH4nbfpKcE6WzkLswLze-qi-OvBxkn-64us4Ad5YDPmlEwIQgfgExLRK3HQOtChn6iDCymIUR9pSWDqZ4s-XXty2zgBx5_yVd93S2xsN0qJ_St2ul3rCiTz7y7SasStJMTb9rf4f9Y/w200-h150/IMG_0476.JPG" width="200" /></a>Saturday was August 28<sup>th</sup> and Cheryl and my 38<sup>th</sup>
wedding anniversary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>38 years!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has been truly an amazing time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We should get an extra year for 90 days in a
24 foot RV!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We didn’t have anything
special planned other than trying to get to Nashville.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After we said good-bye to Kenzie, Cheryl and
I started the journey west hoping we could make it to Nashville about 300 miles
away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The drive was on HWY 40 the entire
way and not especially memorable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The RV
continues to chug along and actually ran pretty well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisSOTR0Ri6hIyZuSZmkW8ImDIbHzxxEecV90PIDpbcthD0HyaZhL3Mlspgz73FpJSQwovZiYNGyJTCSo_uHEkltW2fjFryyNOgp-0t8UXP2yvx22_gquGKqi4dO-yfb70JEvg3lK7-buc/s4032/IMG_0482.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisSOTR0Ri6hIyZuSZmkW8ImDIbHzxxEecV90PIDpbcthD0HyaZhL3Mlspgz73FpJSQwovZiYNGyJTCSo_uHEkltW2fjFryyNOgp-0t8UXP2yvx22_gquGKqi4dO-yfb70JEvg3lK7-buc/w200-h150/IMG_0482.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We arrived in Nashville in the mid afternoon at Nashville RV
Resort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We spent some time settling in
and pulling together our evening agenda.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Though there are many sights and attractions to consider, including the Country
Music Hall of Fame, Johnny Cash Museum, Ryman Auditorium and many others, we
decided a show at the Grand Ole Opry and a walk down Broadway Street finding a
place for dinner would make for a nice anniversary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We were fortunate that tonight was a weekly show at the
Grand Ole Opry where there are multiple stars each singing a few songs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The show was broken up into two halves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The 1<sup>st</sup> half was the legends John
Conlee, Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press and Connie Smith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bobby Bones did a funny comedy routine and
then the 2<sup>nd</sup> half consisted of the young big hitters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Michael Ray, Rodney Crowell, Laine Hardy and
Lauren Alaina.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>According to the couple
next to us, this was a great line up though I didn’t know any of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a very entertaining show and fun to be
in the building where so many famous people have performed over the years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz5D02PPNX-YBLz71EpHPUMpAa2firLsWboh8X8H50PBVPoo598OvyHU6WhDMxmpg_p1zEghBQLSt_chZaNvg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPCF7-JCmGvZHsEPyS8YY2zC2RrNHBXIomqYpqDgkFfnMttti7HUUriC8oT4HgqUpeGjtFIg0gFUg9xAEWmHlkX3pkvpM-X_nZZUe8Kzg3LHVyqaUkXnTMSUK_bAcIjUNYya69QRB6jfU/s4032/IMG_0485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPCF7-JCmGvZHsEPyS8YY2zC2RrNHBXIomqYpqDgkFfnMttti7HUUriC8oT4HgqUpeGjtFIg0gFUg9xAEWmHlkX3pkvpM-X_nZZUe8Kzg3LHVyqaUkXnTMSUK_bAcIjUNYya69QRB6jfU/w146-h110/IMG_0485.JPG" width="146" /></a></div><br />After the show we caught an Uber to Broadway street and I
got to say, it took me a little by surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was CRAZY.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People have
compared Broadway Street in Nashville to The Strip in Vegas and in my humble opinion
it’s not even close.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure Vegas is MUCH
bigger but the Nashville crowd was much wilder. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They close down the street and there are bands
playing with the doors open in nearly every bar/restaurant and as you walk down
the street you can hear them all playing at once.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bachelorette parties everywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Celebrating our 38<sup>th</sup> anniversary, Cheryl
and I felt a little out of place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
showed up a too late for a nice dinner and even the multi-level food court was
shutting down so we settled for some Italian pasta in To Go containers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dessert was some not so good lemon cake for
$10.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not much of an anniversary meal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh well, this entire trip has been about
adjustments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll do something better
when we get home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Tomorrow starts the looooooong road to Denver.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06703071414923453724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543292976449978044.post-50444302873160066882021-09-01T21:35:00.001-07:002021-09-01T21:35:38.372-07:00The Trip Home - Asheville "Plan B"<p>For those looking for the posts about my ride cross country, the last post was "Day 69." What continues here is the documentations of our trip home. You are welcome to follow along though it likely won't be as exciting. </p><p>It is over 461 miles to Ashville from Washington DC and since we did not leave DC until after 1 pm and we don’t like to drive more than 350 miles a day that leaves a midpoint stop somewhere. We looked “Harvest Host” and what appeared to be a fun distillery called Old Nick Williams Distillery 326 miles away. That would leave us a short drive to Ashville on Friday. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUPGwLN6iKG3l0Kldxh3vhSh-61l0-SCWlBsxwBru6NFCeWMFiYTKr8kDXDDWCJhgsP4r0LWOOWXJ7Eta_1bCmwSbe5hGVQqodnZJQREA5llRtShDi-CMC4_k1ogJH3DiKdSHLM-Ioi0Q/s4032/IMG_0463.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUPGwLN6iKG3l0Kldxh3vhSh-61l0-SCWlBsxwBru6NFCeWMFiYTKr8kDXDDWCJhgsP4r0LWOOWXJ7Eta_1bCmwSbe5hGVQqodnZJQREA5llRtShDi-CMC4_k1ogJH3DiKdSHLM-Ioi0Q/w240-h180/IMG_0463.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>The route took us through Durham NC, home of Duke University and Cameron Indoor Stadium. We first had lunch at a fun brew pub called Grub Durham on campus. Our attempt to get to Cameron failed miserably. As you can imagine, parking the RV on campus so we could walk to Cameron was impossible and even a drive by was difficult because it was tucked off the road and behind the trees. Swing and a MISS!<p></p><p>We continued on to the Old Nick Williams Distillery. The distillery is currently owned by Zeb and Ashlee who are the decedents of the founder who first opened it in 1768. It is claimed to be the oldest distillery in NC and possibly the USA. Zeb and Ashlee were terrific and even though we showed up just before closing, they continued to serve us and talk about the history of the business and their current plans well into the evening. Fun Fact is that this distillery was featured on the reality show Moonshiners. When it got late, Zeb prepared one last drink for us and allowed us to stay on the distillery porch with the music playing as long as we wanted. “Just unplug the jukebox and turn off the lights when you’re done.” He said as he got into his pickup. It was a beautiful night, but we didn’t stay out too long as we wanted to get to Ashville early the next day. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnTU61JmilfTAcMAc8Jj6mL1WvPPZhuDe50y6sEXtT3cTJ-syJBI4CPuzHtqW5JR4QEvWPtSAJt-aSO-DQYswE1UxuX7MskB4ny0nRL5CtR3KPPNTieq1xEPNC8OmBIcIxZcr4NZdGMSA/s4032/IMG_0462.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnTU61JmilfTAcMAc8Jj6mL1WvPPZhuDe50y6sEXtT3cTJ-syJBI4CPuzHtqW5JR4QEvWPtSAJt-aSO-DQYswE1UxuX7MskB4ny0nRL5CtR3KPPNTieq1xEPNC8OmBIcIxZcr4NZdGMSA/w105-h140/IMG_0462.JPG" width="105" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p>We made it to Asheville before noon and our original plan was to float the river then check out a few restaurants and breweries as Asheville is known for it’s restaurant and pub scene. Unfortunately, a few days earlier the French Broad River flooded, and it was still very muddy and not good for floating. So, Kenzie pulled together a terrific “Plan B.” An Asheville Pub Crawl. Perfect!</p><p>I’m a little embarrassed to say that we hit 10 different breweries/wineries/restaurants. I will say that after the first few, we quickly decided that we could not order our own drink at each location if we expected to finish, so we started sharing beverages. Some may call us wussies but I think intelligence won out this time. Here is the list: Home Ground Pub, Plebb Urban Winery, Wedge Brewing, 12 Bones BBQ, Old London Road Pub, Iconic Kitchen and Drinks, Burial Brewing, Green Man Brewing, Catawba Brewing and Bhramari Brewing. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRORK5NUkdnm7ykCuoTbH9qus1CnhJhX4M4RT3iD8iqA1PT3gqywzKCHHq7fWtR6ijsROPIInlpL0C3iKWNV0zodE2gdMqqUYm7MnnueEMGv11aVVfK8a_gVH_fbcbxbFdXGcJYBg6jho/s1196/Asheville.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="1196" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRORK5NUkdnm7ykCuoTbH9qus1CnhJhX4M4RT3iD8iqA1PT3gqywzKCHHq7fWtR6ijsROPIInlpL0C3iKWNV0zodE2gdMqqUYm7MnnueEMGv11aVVfK8a_gVH_fbcbxbFdXGcJYBg6jho/w640-h128/Asheville.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>I will admit that I had heard so many great things about Asheville that I tried to lower my expectations so as not to be disappointed, but I was very impressed. So many unique places to go. The food was outstanding (really liked 12 Bones BBQ) and beer and wine delicious. Good vibe throughout. We spent the most time at Catawba Brewing as there were a couple of fun bands playing. There was a short interruption as the local baseball team set off some amazing fireworks after their game and the field was next to Catawba Brewing so we got a front row seat. What a fun day/evening.</p><p><a href="https://youtu.be/DNycyI-V0Wc">Video at Catawba Brewing</a><br /></p><p>Surprisingly, I didn’t feel too bad the next morning and we got Kenzie off in time for her Saturday morning flight. It was back to just Cheryl and I for the rest of the trip home. We thoroughly enjoyed our few days with Kenz and were sorry she had to go.</p><div><br /></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06703071414923453724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543292976449978044.post-88378079514914160022021-08-31T07:43:00.001-07:002021-09-01T20:58:36.295-07:00The Trip Home - Washington DC<p>For those looking for the posts about my ride cross country, the last post was "Day 69." What continues here is the documentations of our trip home. You are welcome to follow along though it likely won't be as exciting. </p><p>A great night sleep following our huge day in NYC. The plan for today was to get to DC early enough so we could see a few sights before dark and then see Arlington National Cemetery and the White House Thursday morning before continuing south toward Asheville NC. </p><p>It was a 226 mile drive that was relatively uneventful. We needed some more fuel additive (yes we are still in the premium gas, injector cleaner additive routine) and pulled into a Chevy dealership on the way. The dealership we selected by chance on Google and we discovered as we pulled in that it was devastated by a tornado just a few days earlier. It was an incredible sight. Buildings around were relatively undamaged yet this dealership was complete leveled. Unreal.</p><p>The nearest RV Park was 30 miles outside DC so we did an extensive search for a hotel near the National Mall where we could park the RV. Kenzie came up big with a perfect spot. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9QzE2C9DY20b9TdTqKIX_2m9qBH0DMf-e5avgDgUpNts6_FT8Z1j_XctYL6KqwAuqz4qzE4UgkUIhzUBtQtcpKNqqaBgZJqIovnB4dfFQfjpHPThB9yuaaS6UatYdFpIcGgImLOsO6k/s936/DC+Day+1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="644" data-original-width="936" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9QzE2C9DY20b9TdTqKIX_2m9qBH0DMf-e5avgDgUpNts6_FT8Z1j_XctYL6KqwAuqz4qzE4UgkUIhzUBtQtcpKNqqaBgZJqIovnB4dfFQfjpHPThB9yuaaS6UatYdFpIcGgImLOsO6k/w640-h440/DC+Day+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>We quickly got settled then caught an Uber to the Lincoln Memorial. Having never been to Washington DC, I had my own thoughts on what to expect based on movies and TV. I was impressed by the size of the The National Mall. Lots of little surprises. For example, I knew the Smithsonian was in DC but not actually within The National Mall. The monuments are all unique, impactful and in great condition. Of course our step meter was off the charts again, and I was ready for some rest and dinner.<div><br /></div><div>Kenzie has some good friends, Charlie and Bethany, who recently moved to Washington DC, who we met for dinner at a really cool food court called The Roost. Highly recommended. Food was good and you order all your food on-line and they deliver to your table. </div><div><br /></div><div>It was nice to be in a hotel for a long shower and some room to spread out. I slept like a rock.</div><div><br /></div><div>The next morning came quick. I should have realized that we had a big walking day ahead of us but there was a expansive fitness center across the hall from our room and was drawn to it for a quick morning workout. It felt good but I would pay for it later. We hit the continental breakfast (it was surprisingly good!) and were off to Arlington National Cemetery. Similar to The National Mall, I was again taken aback by the size. After seeing the names on the Vietnam monument and walking the WWII and Marine monuments, the thousands of tombstones at Arlington it really hits home the sacrifices so many men and women made for this country. What a debt of gratitude we all owe these heroes and their families.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqIIFrewnf2zV49EcJFxwV7g3UU9futI9WhajWIj0x3KyfnXymVXFO_5Ui6b36eCfyZTX-5fw8y9qnHCNMTQNHiq3ZG3rawDUTEBBVK4-hs_B5RgQIrP-jIymb_yoqTLEJxacKcB2Nd5w/s735/DC+Day+2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="624" data-original-width="735" height="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqIIFrewnf2zV49EcJFxwV7g3UU9futI9WhajWIj0x3KyfnXymVXFO_5Ui6b36eCfyZTX-5fw8y9qnHCNMTQNHiq3ZG3rawDUTEBBVK4-hs_B5RgQIrP-jIymb_yoqTLEJxacKcB2Nd5w/w640-h544/DC+Day+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div>Time was running short as we had to check out of the hotel so we attempted a "drive by" of the White House but there was a demonstration and all the roads were blocked off. We got a distant view yesterday but missed the up close view today. Bummer. </div><div><br /></div><div>I was really impressed with our Nation's Capitol and hope that our elected leaders never forget the original intent and vision of the Founding Fathers and sacrifices that have been made by so many and live up to those values and expectations. I sometimes wonder...... </div><div><br /></div><div>Now we have 471 miles to Ashville. Better hit the road. <br /><p><br /></p></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06703071414923453724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543292976449978044.post-56945899032784502722021-08-29T19:18:00.000-07:002021-08-29T19:18:58.244-07:00The Trip Home - The Big Apple - Day 2<p></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: both; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></div><p></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">For those looking for the posts about my ride cross country, the last post was "Day 69." What continues here is the documentations of our trip home. You are welcome to follow along though it likely won't be as exciting. </p><p>I woke up Tuesday morning leery of what lies ahead. Kenzie had that look in her eye that she wanted to see/do everything NYC had to offer. I was happy we got a head start yesterday with the WTC and Wall Street (actually most of downtown). NYC is a big place and that leaves a lot left to conquer today. </p><p>Our RV Park was not far from Liberty State Park so we decided to get a coffee and take Zuri for a long walk to tire her out since she would be in the RV most of the day. We could also see Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty (at least a little closer). I think the plan backfired as I was the one who got tired. "Kenz, how about an Uber back to the RV Park?"</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHuPjhGs5UVfl6H0_UIUFIEZ3NBvzA9eVw1embQRSWNVFlOmKlBheAQEwauVVuBZklEI-liH9U3dn7ydxBrpfxiy9I4hVXEJRZkSihmOt0H5RK7baiDx0Ef4rG48YC9LSOdWYya2P8o7Y/s1043/skyline.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="469" data-original-width="1043" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHuPjhGs5UVfl6H0_UIUFIEZ3NBvzA9eVw1embQRSWNVFlOmKlBheAQEwauVVuBZklEI-liH9U3dn7ydxBrpfxiy9I4hVXEJRZkSihmOt0H5RK7baiDx0Ef4rG48YC9LSOdWYya2P8o7Y/s320/skyline.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>We took the Ferry across the the Hudson. The plan was to go North of Central Park for a NY style bagel and work our way South. We had originally thought about Brooklyn and walking across the bridge but quickly realized that was overly ambitious. It sort of worked as we did catch the subway and we did get north of Central Park but between the Liberty State Park beginning and where we are now, we are certainly getting our steps in. We ended up at Absolute bagels and I must admit, the bagels were outstanding. I had the Bacon/Cheddar Cream Cheese, Cheryl had the Vegetable Cream Cheese and Kenzie had the Chive Cream Cheese. Yes it was more like lunch now (12:30 pm) but that was OK. We walked to Central Park to eat and I decided to look at how far we had walked so far today. Almost 15,000 steps, 7.3 miles before 1:00 pm! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPYcTjx13YJ9CFu2s9B4fkVyNebGdebBY8Q5bnLtIWQDyA8ac5S4EtR9zh5iG0ANINeY3JmnKj8-NDbk_a4sQ386VjKC90cHYSoHOdf3fxysjXQUpCKDXNnAcl8WpWmJn3pupPuj-Br8k/s919/steps.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="919" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPYcTjx13YJ9CFu2s9B4fkVyNebGdebBY8Q5bnLtIWQDyA8ac5S4EtR9zh5iG0ANINeY3JmnKj8-NDbk_a4sQ386VjKC90cHYSoHOdf3fxysjXQUpCKDXNnAcl8WpWmJn3pupPuj-Br8k/w163-h118/steps.JPG" width="163" /></a></div><p></p><p>Next on the list was a bike ride through Central Park (yes, bike ride!). After a little fiasco getting the CitiBank Bike App loaded and the bikes unlocked we were on our bikes. I REALLY enjoyed riding the bike through the park. Having seen Central Park in movies and on TV it was great to actually expereince it. I lobbied hard to keep the bikes for the day but was overruled and we decided to walk to Time Square. I did negotiate a beer at the half way point which was big. What is so interesting about Manhattan is that each section is so different. Downtown, Midtown, Uptown. Time Square felt more like Vegas than NY. Jenna mentioned that we have to see Chellese Market so we walked there and had a little something to eat. We had a butchers hot dog, fries and of course a beer. It felt good to sit for a while but before long we were back on our feet and went to The High Line greenway. This as it is an old above the street railroad that was converted to a walking garden. This was one walk during the day that I did enjoy. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOsxIM8SLC6NSVW04K0g_VQuMDSfMxAvf6yKW9FTyfFajdlFZ32XgYSU8Xayw1TV6F5EUSLv02K7ZFjSfWz_w3JKjzn38cMqEMsw-iY-qIEsb_C8jP2ySnzHZjc394cdiBmhE09_ao1A4/s1011/Scenic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="269" data-original-width="1011" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOsxIM8SLC6NSVW04K0g_VQuMDSfMxAvf6yKW9FTyfFajdlFZ32XgYSU8Xayw1TV6F5EUSLv02K7ZFjSfWz_w3JKjzn38cMqEMsw-iY-qIEsb_C8jP2ySnzHZjc394cdiBmhE09_ao1A4/w640-h170/Scenic.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>By now it is 6:30 pm and we have tickets to the Empire State Building at 7:10 pm. We figured that we should probably get a move on to give us a cushion in case we take a wrong turn or our legs give out. Surprisingly, made it in plenty of time. The Empire State building tour was awesome. I had been once before about 30 years ago and back then you simply bought a ticket to the observation deck, looked around and came down. Now there is a museum and a lot of information on the history of the building. We purposely got the tickets for sunset which was spectacular. Definitely one of the highlights of the day. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiVIIGFYn5ir65z0Sd9DH04KmNEj5omvdp9M9hXnkdSkeiFmZVpH5WAWxu-tEf7Kv_-WnluRCKrRSFYg0giwWm8h3NLRb1_6Y8XiZbqOVe8M-DOuf1RFtNfL7Zp3tqtr151gn_xMqRQ00/s1031/Empire.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="277" data-original-width="1031" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiVIIGFYn5ir65z0Sd9DH04KmNEj5omvdp9M9hXnkdSkeiFmZVpH5WAWxu-tEf7Kv_-WnluRCKrRSFYg0giwWm8h3NLRb1_6Y8XiZbqOVe8M-DOuf1RFtNfL7Zp3tqtr151gn_xMqRQ00/w640-h172/Empire.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQt28u8_ijplVIFM62zP4MbVRnCmH2aPGE3aXkv568QJ6FVylA0scq0AXQf03C_8rMqcCqyUMsYHsSl5WyHWI0HmdIrKUmO3J6qA7A2Nby1hQpVY0S6v_ecUAqpNqhOOJucKuRgQyuSe4/s2048/IMG_0418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQt28u8_ijplVIFM62zP4MbVRnCmH2aPGE3aXkv568QJ6FVylA0scq0AXQf03C_8rMqcCqyUMsYHsSl5WyHWI0HmdIrKUmO3J6qA7A2Nby1hQpVY0S6v_ecUAqpNqhOOJucKuRgQyuSe4/w120-h160/IMG_0418.JPG" width="120" /></a></div>After the memorable visit to the Empire State Building, we decided that a nice ending to the day would be a slice of NY style pizza. We found an authentic corner pizza place that was perfect. Kenzie liked the idea of a "walking" slice on our way to the subway station, but this time I insisted that we SIT and eat. After all, we had put in 28,000 steps and 14 miles for the day. What is so ironic about all the walking we did, we still had $4 each left on our metro passes that we didn't use. Hello!<p></p><p>Tomorrow we are up and at it again heading to Washington DC.<br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06703071414923453724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543292976449978044.post-72826405946591075092021-08-29T17:42:00.003-07:002021-08-29T17:52:40.912-07:00The Trip Home - The Big Apple - Day 1<p>For those looking for the posts about my ride cross country, the last post was "Day 69." What continues here is the documentations of our trip home. You are welcome to follow along though it likely won't be as exciting. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFgUGwa0E6v4Bdl212xVWMPpsarkxMRby7yl6Do1ELOHFlP25QT2wjb7gzZjR0sbgXBMWA7WMhyphenhyphenAROQKEoU9BwAJLwqWZWJ8FbP89nyvp_qjh8PTt2VO0z5MsE23cG35eYXbKOWPBO6oQ/s878/RV+NYC.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="665" data-original-width="878" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFgUGwa0E6v4Bdl212xVWMPpsarkxMRby7yl6Do1ELOHFlP25QT2wjb7gzZjR0sbgXBMWA7WMhyphenhyphenAROQKEoU9BwAJLwqWZWJ8FbP89nyvp_qjh8PTt2VO0z5MsE23cG35eYXbKOWPBO6oQ/w197-h149/RV+NYC.JPG" width="197" /></a></div>We left fairly early Monday morning for the 4 ½ hour drive to New York. Kenzie, who nominated herself as tour guide (which Cheryl and I thought would be awesome until we saw her itinerary!) found an RV park in Jersey City on the water looking right at the NYC skyline. Good news is the location, bad news is the location. I need to get the RV through downtown. The drive was extremely stressful. It was pouring rain most of the way (remnants of Henri) and of course I had the nasty check engine light flashing at me. To add insult to injury, Google sent us on HWY 15 Palisades Parkway, a 74 mile stretch heading into New Jersey. Turns out that only passenger vehicles are allowed on this road and the bridges have low clearance. You would think there would be FLASHING signs on the ramps onto this road, but I didn’t see any. I would see clearance signs with the right side 11' 6" (RV is 12 feet by the way) and left side 12' 8" so I would move into the left lane and hope the right side <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVZl6TY_LPDRuTENEphoMCYmMCXTj_DXFhrFcnGex3caw8945GIY5Ggy-GL5kcxZCOIVSznb1NBV5sF3mRSfxIKn2MmQ_WUW14Ca1-sxqLeWvt33vDoaCKmMTLKcGkoRbw9Yspy5szCgk/s4032/IMG_0327.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVZl6TY_LPDRuTENEphoMCYmMCXTj_DXFhrFcnGex3caw8945GIY5Ggy-GL5kcxZCOIVSznb1NBV5sF3mRSfxIKn2MmQ_WUW14Ca1-sxqLeWvt33vDoaCKmMTLKcGkoRbw9Yspy5szCgk/w153-h204/IMG_0327.JPG" width="153" /></a></div>cleared. After 15 miles and 10 overpasses, I decided enough of this nonsense and pulled off the road. (Yes I am a slow learner). There was no good alternative road and we had to drive through wooded neighborhoods at 25 mph adding about 45 minutes to our ETA. Oh did I mention that the roads were really bad and with the high quality suspension of the RV, the refrigerator door flew open and the eggs broke all over the floor. Great first road day on our journey back!<p></p><p>We finally rolled into the RV park at about 4:30 pm and I could not open a beer fast enough. Was thinking about something stronger. Kenzie, who was my co-pilot was feeling the stress and joined me. After we got our bearings and heart rate down, we headed into Downtown Manhattan. We went to the World Trade Center, visited Wall Street and had a terrific dinner at Watermark right on the water. Great location with the Brooklyn Bridge as the backdrop. I had a burger and Cheryl and Kenzie split a salad and chicken sandwich. We rode the subway home and went to bed. Sheesh, I thought riding my bike was tiring. Kenzie's itinerary is way tougher. That doesn't even touch what she has planned for tomorrow. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4jAZDR2x9Q9dGGOH5fraO-OQDBdV4fJUJb5Uu1Uqmm_y_ZPLLyEQCqfbUEPhCj8dif1dXwVKJM1_DgFX3R_KHa_hl7fI0nlmVhXopMlXil8syfx-QOj_FWzgntng1ZfNp3fLx91KCLVY/s1087/NYC+Day+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="1087" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4jAZDR2x9Q9dGGOH5fraO-OQDBdV4fJUJb5Uu1Uqmm_y_ZPLLyEQCqfbUEPhCj8dif1dXwVKJM1_DgFX3R_KHa_hl7fI0nlmVhXopMlXil8syfx-QOj_FWzgntng1ZfNp3fLx91KCLVY/w640-h148/NYC+Day+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p>Need to get my rest. </p><p><br /></p>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06703071414923453724noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6543292976449978044.post-50592919506865815542021-08-29T06:00:00.000-07:002021-08-29T06:00:01.850-07:00The Trip Home - WIth the family in Maine/Boston<p>For those looking for the posts about my ride cross country, the last post was "Day 69." What begins today is the documentations of our trip home. You are welcome to follow along though it likely won't be too exciting. Like watching Winkler home movies!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6zd_T7yJHm-l2BBd3987FXo7yjdkbz4-b440xdvMniCTt0mcWehG_fLqWrm88ypCHXQMTB_CfW0gliXhRzCDFwZnUF9W9c9bWYGSnOkU_b4bofb-dRvgRe5BR5O03Dg-H2PuasOUoLbE/s1280/IMG_0348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6zd_T7yJHm-l2BBd3987FXo7yjdkbz4-b440xdvMniCTt0mcWehG_fLqWrm88ypCHXQMTB_CfW0gliXhRzCDFwZnUF9W9c9bWYGSnOkU_b4bofb-dRvgRe5BR5O03Dg-H2PuasOUoLbE/w131-h174/IMG_0348.JPG" width="131" /></a></div>What a surprise seeing the family at the finish line. What’s even better is that we all get to be together until Monday. The weather was awful but that didn’t dampen our spirits and the celebration was on. We decided to hit some local pubs (shocker) including Lone Pine, Austin (a game of “never have I ever” that got a little personal) and Rising Tide (ate a bunch of pizza here) breweries and Bastons for a nightcap and some fancy cocktails. The combination of having the family together in an area of the country we had never been before coupled with the relief of being done with the ride made for a terrific night. We spent the evening in Wells, ME near the beach at Lindsay’s mother’s boyfriends beach house (got that?). There was an RV Park real close which is where we stayed. Boy did I sleep well. The engine in the RV is not running well but the mattress continues to deliver,<p></p><p>The following day was Portland ME appreciation day. We started off with lunch at Luke’s on the <br />waterfront. Of course, we had to have lobster, crab and shrimp rolls. They were out of this world! We visited a few more breweries (including Shipyard) and the kids wanted oyster shooters at Eventide. How anyone can eat oysters is beyond me. They make me gag. We finished off the evening with Paula (Lindsay’s mom) and Brian at the beach house. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Agi7ZOGxHyMa5v7MCIzjfwWNlAq3ziTsrGQXkFE-i5hfXDhW9t653eRXd47fPlre8S9wA3fy-KaW45_tu_hP0Tg3h-VjIBzcc8fUBFTVbvPEBB2TDMHGTX6vFu4hCon6G9HmsOh12ag/s726/Lukes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="305" data-original-width="726" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Agi7ZOGxHyMa5v7MCIzjfwWNlAq3ziTsrGQXkFE-i5hfXDhW9t653eRXd47fPlre8S9wA3fy-KaW45_tu_hP0Tg3h-VjIBzcc8fUBFTVbvPEBB2TDMHGTX6vFu4hCon6G9HmsOh12ag/w640-h268/Lukes.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Saturday was Boston MA appreciation day. Before we left for the city, I decided to test out my heart with some run/walk exercise careful to not let things get out of hand. I also tried some pushups and sit ups. Wow. A different type of exercise than the last 70 days. After exercising exclusively on a bike for 69 days my body is saying WTF? This is definitely going to be an adjustment. We originally had Red Sox tickets for Sunday but with Tropical Storm Henri on the way we decided to move it up to Saturday and that was a great choice other than the Sox go blown out by the last place Rangers 10-1. Before the game we walked the wharf and had a drink at Bell in Hand (the oldest bar in the US!). Brian was nice enough to allow us to stay in his driveway with the RV. Didn’t do much for his property values but we certainly appreciated it. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcE-SBqBVZpxh37balajpghpKsPUdZVAZPRkmggzePRooBgv6NEevu84AAlcnCMkv7farkvHZ99r5WmdZ-l6Dc1hVKca_Vr-X7lyqRXiENOO0WDp_o0UDlo8Xn786Ue81DXup0iiTcST4/s851/fenway.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="851" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcE-SBqBVZpxh37balajpghpKsPUdZVAZPRkmggzePRooBgv6NEevu84AAlcnCMkv7farkvHZ99r5WmdZ-l6Dc1hVKca_Vr-X7lyqRXiENOO0WDp_o0UDlo8Xn786Ue81DXup0iiTcST4/w640-h210/fenway.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>With Henri hitting Boston on Sunday there wasn’t much we could do. We had a big late breakfast at the house then visited Harvard and did a little candlestick bowling. Skinny pins and little balls. It was really fun! We grabbed some clam chowder, salad and bread and called it a night. We had a wonderful time with the family in Portland and Boston. Many thanks for such a wonderful surprise!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEircTmpPwCD89PDex1O2JzGQ59Lz9uplKKVJYe6qJM9HZ83IJJ85Nci0PhZlB1nuZAkqBsfGRdWzDiy8obA5MFSts9ut8yYjyvDR8jkuE5F4_rr6U0B1h-_fNBG_ChQXinT_eGYl37rTNc/s776/bowling.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="292" data-original-width="776" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEircTmpPwCD89PDex1O2JzGQ59Lz9uplKKVJYe6qJM9HZ83IJJ85Nci0PhZlB1nuZAkqBsfGRdWzDiy8obA5MFSts9ut8yYjyvDR8jkuE5F4_rr6U0B1h-_fNBG_ChQXinT_eGYl37rTNc/w640-h240/bowling.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Since Nike is off next week, Kenzie surprised Cheryl and I and said she will join us for a few days on the trip back. What a fun surprise. It is off to New York and Washington DC for the next few days. Heading South before we head West to get home.</div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06703071414923453724noreply@blogger.com1