What an incredible day. Even though we started out 45 minutes later than planned, everyone agreed that hey, we're on holidays and make our own time. Left Lake Country uneventful, though chilly. Temperature gauge read 8 degrees at first. Like a hockey player --- Buuurrr - eh!Crossed the border no problem and made our way quickly to Omak. Met up with 3 more riders making our crew a total of 7 (one is a 2 up) on our journey to Orofino. A quick little argument with the GPS unit and we reached an understanding. Kept us on route perfectly.
Next big stop was the Grand Coulee Dam. Dam that's a big Dam! Stopped at a little Mexican place and had it all to our selves. I knew better and ordered small. Very tasty and everyone agreed it was a good choice. Especially as we watched 4 police cars go in different directions and even stop someone right there. Not us, no way. We don't exceed the limit ;-)Our journey South East, bypassing Spokane, was so nice. Temperature was 18 - 20 the whole way down, partly cloudy and just a few cross breezes. Black as black - black top and golden wheat fields and a few deer bounding in the distance. The straights were long and boring with a few sudden 40 mile corners for fun.
Then, we came up on Lewiston and were in awe of the Old Spiral Hwy (pics to follow when I learn how). You'll have to google it and find out for now. Basically, it's a twisted road that you can't tell which way it goes until you ride it. Just full of corners. Trust me, Once you see it you'll call me names.From there, it was a nice 40 mile drive to Orofino along the Clearwater river. Nice and cool, winding along at a nice pace.
Well, we're washed and on the second beer. The motel offers a $13 cook your own 15 oz. New York steak. It's 7:45PM and we're up at 8 so that's it for today.
Tomorrow we're set to leave at 6, covering our longest distance at 770 km, covering the Lolo pass and entering Montana. We'll check in from Columbus at the Super 8.
Cheers,
Tony
Tony, this trip looks awesome. I am totally jealous. I can only imagine the awesome freedom it must feel like. I'll keep watching your blog as much as i can. I'm going to the Nakusp area in september for a week of dirt biking in the hills with Shane and Scott but it won't be the same as the open road for a few weeks.
ReplyDeleteRide safe.
Cheers,
Tyler
Thanks Tyler. Yes, I am feeling free and my mind is clearing more every mile. I tried earlier today, during one of the long straights to actually think about something - couldn't keep it. I am truly blank on anything but the road, the bike and the views around me. At stops it's all about everyone doing the same thing. How owning a bike can cause such relationships.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy Nakusp and thanks for tuning in. I'll have to have you over for a photo show in October.