Back Home Part 1

I figured three and a half months was just about the right amount of time before I settled in and took a moment to reflect on our month long journey.  Just kidding, I'm a slacker.  It already feels like a lifetime ago but now as I look through my husbands pictures for the first time it reminds me of how much I enjoyed this trip.  I'm reminded how I tried to convince Steve to sell everything and live a life on the road.

I'm sad it's over and perhaps avoiding the inevitable end of this blog and not looking at the close to 800 pictures Steve took has stalled me putting the experience behind me.  But, it's time to face it, the 8,000 miles and 30 days are history, fall is here and we have returned to daily routine.

I thought I would take this opportunity to publish some of Steve pictures.  Many came with fond memories, others came with the question where the heck was that?  I think I need to re-read the blog.

Here is our night 1 hotel.  Everything was sold out 3 miles away, but plenty of rooms here!!

Night One

 A whole lot of nothing!  My favorite!

Dam!!! I have no idea where this is.

 Likely taken while riding somewhere in Indiana.

 I'm in front.  More nothing.  My guess is either Indiana or Illinois.  My high vis helmet is doing the job!

 Rain - You stay over there and I'll stay over here.

Going back to the early days.  Sac City IA.  We were making a mad dash west and met a lovely fellow named Bill.  Steve asked if he could take a picture with his bike and he kindly obliged.

It's so nice to be standing.

I always love a friendly face.

Badlands!!!! I had no idea what to expect.  That made for a happy surprise.  Below is a bada$$ Badlands bunny.

 I have to imagine it's like a mini Grand Canyon. 

Downtown Wall, SD.  I learned the Wall Drug is a famous drugstore.  It was nice to have a little downtown area to walk to in the evening.

 Custer Stare Park - our first buffalo viewing.

 Chatting with other tourists.  Always fun.  The roads in the state park were great, but we hit some rain. 

 Hurry up! It's about to hail on us. 

Later that same day - after terrible road construction the sun greets us at Devil's Tower.  Our only campaign night.

I'm pretty sure I could get into this camping thing.  Although I see cabins in the distance.  They look appealing.

 Camping laundry rack.

 Bikes at Powder River Pass, the highest point of the Bighorn National Forest on Route 16.

 Bear Tooth Pass Montana - heading into Yellowstone!!  Why did I only bring my mesh?  Even though it's sunny I have to wear many layers of fleece, my mesh and then my rain coat to keep the wind out.

 Getting colder.  Due to altitude the bikes were hesitant to start when we would stop for pics.  I think I'm trying to huddle down below my very, very small windscreen.

 At least we had the sun.

Look really closely!!! There I am.  Freezing but now heading down to lower elevation.  Would definitely do it again.

 Yellowstone!  Finally.  Warmer temps.  I was so thrilled that I was able to book the economy cabin by Mammoth Hot Springs.  Nothing could thwart my happy mood, not even the cold.

 It's so beautiful.  Would love to stay here again.

Old Faithful.  Boring.  One and a half days in Yellowstone is absolutely not enough.  We were here in late May which I think was great because we had not really hit the summer tourist season.  I can't imagine the traffic in the park in the summer time. 

We are heading out of Yellowstone on our way to Jackson Hole, WY.  I think Jackson Hole is the only town on this trip that I have slept in before.  I am excluding the cross-country trip when I was 5 because I don't remember it.

 Leaving Wyoming - heading into Idaho.  Some much needed coffee at Smiley Creek Lodge.  Cold again.

Payette River, ID.  This is the type of riding, along with farms that I enjoy most.  Farms and following rivers.  Mountain passes are nice also.

 Another memory blank.  But the road goes right through this crevasse.  Another unexpected find.

 Yup, I'm still back here.

 Our westermost stop.  The view of the docks at night in Port Orford, OR.

 Climbing the rock at the beach.  I'm probably lucky I didn't hurt myself.  I can be a bit of a clutz.

I thought I would stop at our westernmost point for Part 1 on Back Home.

It's quite fun going through the photos and remembering the trip.  Whereas I once referred to this as a once in a lifetime trip.  I really want to do it again.  Not next year, but hopefully within the next ten years.