Rolling Again

After walking all over the mall in DC yesterday and playing tourist, Lew and I left for the Blue Ridge Parkway at 8:00 am today.

Yesterday was full of the usual tourist destinations. The Washington, Lincoln, World War II, Vietnam, and Korean Memorials. The War memorials weren't there when I was stationed in DC 40 years ago and were very interesting. The Korean Memorial is especially powerful. The eyes of the figures are quite haunting.

I apologize for the lack of pictures of some of the memorials, but the photos taken by this non-photographer didn't pass muster.

We did get some photos from today's ride down to the little town of "Meadows of Dan", VA.

The beginning of the BRP ride.

One of the numerous overlooks
along the Blue Ridge Parkway

Years after his thru-hike of the Appalachian Trial
Lew revisits one of crossings of the BRP

The view out of our door at the Woodberry Inn
Meadows of Dan, VA.

Oh the joys of technology

Once again the vagaries of technology strike to make my blogging harder than it should be.

No wifi at the hotel last night, so this is delayed a day.

Anyway, we stopped at "Hot Dog Johnny's" for lunch yesterday. Great place. The dogs are cooked in peanut oil and are delicious. If you are in northern NJ and can get directions, make a point of going.

We made it to DC today and are staying with our friends Mick & Sandy for a few days. Probably won't make any posts again until Thursday

See ya soon

A day at the shore.

From Massachusetts to Rhode Island to Connecticut, nothing but dreary clouds. But NO RAIN today!!

Our main tourist stop today was Mystic Seaport, Ct. It's kinda like Historic Williamsburg, Va. only about tall ships and the history of the northeast sailing fishing vessels and towns. There were several tall sailing ships and a reconstructed fishing village with boat builders, sail makers and other related trades on display. Many were offering demo's of their craftsmanship. Here are a few pictures from the day.

The "Morgan" is being rebuilt.

It's a long way up there

Anyone want to take the helm?

The "Conrad"
Formerly a Danish training vessel.

Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania

We didn't have any WiFi at the motel we stayed in last night so I couldn't post this yesterday. The highlight of the day was a side trip to the "Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania". It is about 40 miles east of Coudersport, Pa. and well worth the trip. It is really impressive. Unfortunately the day was overcast, but the mist in the valleys was very interesting. The pictures don't do the place justice. The depth and steepness of the canyon don't translate well in the photos.

The park at the canyon was establised in the early 1930's and the overlooks, interpretive shelters and buildings were built by the CCC.

Today was rain all day. We rode to the top of Mt. Greylock. A nice road that would be nicer without the rain and dense fog near the summit. I didn't take any photos ... we all know what fog looks like.

A cool site and then a couple of weird sites

Flight 93 Crash Site

Our favorite Urinal (?)
Dubois Harley Davidson
Dubois, Pa.

Our favorite tree. Uncle Sam Wants You!
Just east of Saint Clairsville, Oh.

We made it to Coudersport, Pa. today. The weather was mostly overcast with pleasant temps. All in all a good day.

On the road again !!!

Well, here we go again. Lew and I leaving my house at around 12:30pm on June 20, 2011. Though Alaska is not happening this year, we are going to have a good ride and adventure on the east side of the Mississippi. States conquered will include: Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York,  Mass., Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky......... Whew!!!

Almost Back

We've made it back to Traverse City and will spend the night at Lew's. Tomorrow it's off to Ann Arbor to drop off a bunch of gear and then take the GS in to BMWSEM and leave it for repairs. Will pick up the K1200LT and put together another trip. Probably east and south.  We don't have enough time for Alaska anymore ... maybe next year. We'll let you know when the journey resumes.    --  Geoff

Best part of the day

Rugby, ND ... The center of North America.
This was the best stop of the day. From there, things went downhill! Not far down the road, just outside of Minot, ND, my rear brake caliper made a break for freedom. In its haste, besides flying free it also took out several spokes from the rear wheel.

After talking to the service department at the Sturgis, SD and the mechanics at BMWSEM, Lew and I decided to return home and will pick up my LT and start another adventure somewhere.

Stay tuned; time and place to be determined.

Let's try again

Well I think this will work this time. Here is the picture looking out from our room at the Crest Motel in Ashland, WI. We are going to stay an extra day in Devils Lake due to storms with winds in the 40mph range w/gusts, heavy rain, hail and lightning.  Should get on the road again on Wed.

End of day 2

I've tried putting up a picture of the end of our first day. Doesn't seem to be working. I'll keep trying.

Anyway, we had a great day of riding, weather, etc, and spent our first night in Ashland, WI.

Today was just about the same except hotter. The bank in Maple, MN as showing 91 degrees. Now we are in Devils Lake, ND and heading for Glasgow, MT tommorrow.

The journey begins

The adventure is on! Next stop is Traverse City to gather up Lew and head to the tundra.