A Long Ride

I’ve got internet access in this campground, so I’m going to get caught up on some photos. Lassen was spectacular, and the roads were twisting and beautifully paved. Too bad for the 35mph speed limit (although I totally understand why it’s there). I went for a short hike a little past the area shown in the photo, and when I touched a tree I accidentally got pine sap on my hands. I’m very allergic, and I rode the rest of the day with a splitting migraine. I was glad to get to the campsite that evening!

I’ve camped every night, paying anywhere from $18 (Crater Lake) to $0 (the woods above Idaho City). Before this trip I had never camped on a motorcycle, and only done a little bit of camping at all. I like it. The only reason I rented a cabin tonight is because I hadn’t had a shower for three days. I knew I was getting a little ripe when the animals started giving me dirty looks when I passed. The photo above is the first night, when I shared dinner with a couple from San Francisco (thanks for the brat!).

I’m in Silver Gate, Montana, which is just east of Yellowstone. This is some of the most beautiful countryside I have ever seen, and it keeps getting better, from western Oregon, through Idaho and into Wyoming. If I had a highlight so far, it would be the ride into Stanley, Idaho. Just gorgeous views and a great little restaurant. This is the first time I’ve had access to a phone line, but hopefully I’ll be able to check in more often!

It’s a bit of a false start, since I’m staying with my family in the San Francisco Bay Area tonight, but I’m now on the road. The ride up was uneventful, except for a guy on a Harley Sportster trying to drag race me on the freeway. Uhhh… yeah right, buddy. Tomorrow will be my first day camping, somewhere in northeastern California. Wish me good luck and good weather!