Across the U S of A day 4

Well here we are at Mesa Verde. As soon as we arrived last night we went to the ticket office and got tickets for 3 tours, it looks to be a very busy day. We slept in the tent last night and woke up this morning to clear skies and 41F temperature. A couple of things we learned last night was that 1st off being at or about 50 years old sleeping on the ground in a tent without a pad is no where near the same as doing that when you are in your 20's. 2nd off, a motorhome or van with a trailer for the bike is probably in our not to distant, future.

After we got the kinks out of our bodies it was off to breakfast. They have an all you can eat pancake breakfast at the cafe next to the camp store. We knew we were going to going all day so we definitely loaded up on the pancakes. They also had either pork sausage or turkey sausage patties but they were out of the pork so we had the turkey. The turkey was loaded up with sage and red pepper so the sage burned when you first bit in to it and the red pepper got you after it sat in your mouth for a few seconds. We will not order that tomorrow.

Well, we were off on our adventures at Mesa Verde. Mesa Verde is a an area where people built "cliff dwellings" many years ago. They use to call these people Anasazi but to the Navajo the name means either "Ancient Ones" or "Ancient Enemy." At the request of the Navajo Nation the National Park Service no longer calls the probable dwellers Anasazi but rather call them "Ancient Puebloans" pc strikes again.

A few of the dwelling you can visit on your own but the best ones are guided by park rangers. The first one we went to was the Balcony House. This tour takes about 1 hour. You have to climb down a long set of stairs, walk through the ruins, crawl through a tunnel, climb a 32 foot wood ladder then climb up two 10 foot ladders to get back out. I didn't like the ladders but what was I going to do? It was the only way out of there. We didn't get good pics there because you can't see it until you are inside it.

After that it was off to the Cliff Palace. This is the largest of the dwellings you can visit. There is a very nice overlook from which you can see the entire dwelling before you climb down to it. To give you an idea of the size of the dwelling the crowd you see at the bottom is about 45 people.



The ranger that guided the tour had some different views of things compared to our first guide at Balcony House. In the picture below you will see several round holes called Kivas. Some people think that these were for ceremonial and religious purposes and others think that they were the actual abodes of the dwellers.



Our 1st guide was in the religious camp where as our 2nd guide was in the abode camp. I tend to agree with the 2nd guide because as he pointed out there were 26 Kivas in this dwelling, which is a lot of "churches" in one dwelling, second off the square rooms all had residue of corn and other crops and 3rd off when archeologist don't know what something was for they always say it was for "ceremonial or religious" purposes.

From there it was off to the final one of the day for us which was the Long House. This place was way out at the end of the Wetherill Mesa. The road out there was along the spine of a ridge with drop offs on both sides. There was some very light scattered rain so we took it a bit easy. Once we got there we found out that there was only one other person on our tour. It was very neat with just the three of us on the tour. As we climbed down to the dwelling we noticed that this was quite different from the others. The construction was consistent throughout the entire dwelling and it had a more "royal" feeling to it.



Once we were down there the guide opened up a locked chest and shared some shards of pottery they had found there. This was not something they usually did but I guess she liked us. It was immediately noticeable the similarities between the designs on the shards and the patterns on the Navajo pottery we had seen in Window Rock. No one knows where the "Ancient Puebloans" went but there has been some indications that they were assimilated into other tribes as the dispersed. After seeing the Navajo pottery and the the shards at the the dwelling I can see why that might be true. Here is a view looking out from Long House.


Well we were done for the day and we needed to get something to eat. Remember that ridge spine the road traveled on? Well on our way out we came up over a rise in that area and what should be in the road? About 75 yards away in our lane was a black bear standing on its hind legs sniffing the air. Needless to say I immediately grabbed a hand full of clutch and brake and had both feet doing the stomp down on the gears and rear brake. Fortunately the bear was not as dumb as the sheep we had seen the day before and quickly dropped down on all fours and took off for the edge. We proceeded slowly to make sure there were no cubs following with Sue watching one side of the road and me watching the other. Once we got about 20 yards away from where we last seen the bear I punched it and quickly went by the area. Not taking any chances there. About a quarter of a mile ahead was a pull out area and I stopped to get my pulse down and collect my wits. Wow what a rush that was.

From there we stopped at the Far View Terrace for something to eat. There we met a lady at the counter of the gift shop named Joy. She and her husband were both working at the park for the summer. They were Sue and I's age and it was interesting to hear their story. They were from Raleigh NC. After 30 years with the same home construction company he had gotten laid off. No warning, no severance pay, just a pink slip. They had always wanted to travel out west so they said screw this, sold everything, bought a truck and a 5th wheel and off they went. They already had work lined up for the winter in a ski resort so they were already set up for their next stop. The important thing was that they were once again smiling and laughing and most important they were doing both of them with each other. It reminded Sue and I very much pf our story and It would not be the last time we would heard that type of story.

Maybe we are a generation that isn't afraid to step outside the box and get our priorities right. As I like to say "damn it we did it their way up to this point and look where it got us after 30 years. Now it's time to do it our way". What we heard consistently was that while they may not have all the "things" they did before, they and their spouse were happier than we had ever been before.

It was a pleasant ride from there back to the campsite with no unexpected visitors on the road. While it threatened to rain all day long we never did get rained on. Guess we lucked out this time. After we got back we walked around the camp to stretch the legs out before bunking down. We meet these two young men who were also riding around on there motorcycles for a few days. They had trailered down PA just north of Scranton to Dodge City where they left the truck. They anly had two day left to get back to their truck. We swapped riding stories, shared beers and traded emails and phone numbers. It was fun to hear about their adventure up to that point and they invited us up to their area for a guided tour. Might just have to go up there on the way home.

After that it was a quick shower. Damn shower, it was either scalding hot or nipple freezing cold. Ah well what were we to do? Then it was back to the camp, and the no pad sleeping on the hard ground again. We have GOT to correct that.

Across the U S of A day 3

Well today was the surprise Sue day. I know that Sue likes Navajo artwork so we headed for Window Rock AZ. This is the governmental seat of the Navajo Nation. It also is the location of the Navajo Nation Museum. When I got us there Sue was very excited to go in. We were lucky because it was also Treaty Day Celebration at the museum.

We walked through the museum and learned a lot about the Navajo weaving's, pottery and history. I did not know that the Navajo had there own "Trail of Tears" call the "Long Walk". It seems that relocation was a standard of our government at those times. They were forced from their land and made to walk to the opposite corner of Arizona. Once a treaty was signed allowing them to return to their lands the government gave them no assistance so not only did they have to figure their own way back but they also had to fight their way through other Indian tribes lands.

The other neat thing at the museum was a display of Navajo weaving. Each family that had weavers within their clan had a section where each weaving member of the family contributed a panel for their family. The different styles and usage of colors were very unique to each family. I would recommend a stop at this museum for anyone traveling anywhere near there. It is a side trip well worth making.

From there it was off the Chinle AZ and the Canyon De Chelly. This is a National Monument so there is no fee for entry. This is an area of canyons the Navajo used for farming purposes. They would go down into the canyons in the spring and plant their crops and then when summer came and the temperatures got to hot they would come out on the plains until harvest time when they would go back down and pick their crops and store them for the winter. Ansel Adams did some photography work their so if you look up his work you can see some black and whites of the area. We had the pleasure of having two chance meetings with some local Navajos that actually grew up in the canyons and they were very nice about sharing their experiences with us. One of the people's mother had posed for Ansel Adams and he was kind enough to show us pictures of his mother as a much older woman at the same spot Ansel had taken her picture when she was in her 20's. We went up the northern side of the area and stopped a several view points. At one of them we met an older Navajo woman selling pottery. It was a good thing (or bad thing depending on your view) that we were on the bike. She had one piece that anywhere else would have cost $800 to $900 and we could have got it for $150.I spoke with her and she told about her family and her growing up in the canyon. Here are a few pics.




We continued up the north side of the canyons on Indian 12. This is a beautiful ride and there was very little traffic so it felt like we had the road to our selves. We had thought about taking Indian 13 but when we got to the turn off we noticed that the rain clouds were packing in over the pass that 13 went over and it was clear in the direction 12 went so we stayed with that. We continued on 12 up to Round Rock where we got on 191. Round Rock is an area that has 2 mesas. 1 large one and one smaller one. Note that the large one has a hole in it on the left side and spires on the right end.


The road actually ended up going quite close to the right end and it was neat because there was a ranch at the base of it (sorry no pics of that). Once we got on 191 traffic was even less. The view was spectacular as you could look out in any direction for at least 50 miles and it was rather humbling knowing that there was no one close by. While there may not have been people close by there were however animals close by. In fact they were so close by that they were on the road. We came around one corner and here was a flock of sheep in the middle of the road. After almost coming to a stop we slowly rolled through them. There was one in the left lane that stood there looking at us and then actually started walking right towards us. It could not have been more than 2 feet from us as we went by. Did I mention that sheep are not the smartest of critters?

From there is was in to US160. We passed the turn off to 4 corners but decided that we didn't want to pay just to say we had done it, besides we need an excuse to take another trip one day hehehe. Once we got on US160 the wind picked up and we were back to fighting the winds for the rest of the day. Fortunately the rains stayed away and the ride was dry. Coming into Colorado from the south was very different from any of the other directions I had ever come by before. The terrain starts in the high desert plains and very slowly climbs to mesa lands and than to canyon tops. Very pretty, very uninhabited and very humbling.

We made the camp ground at Mesa Verde National Park in time to set up camp. Fortunately they had beer at the camp store and I was able to sit at the camp site enjoying a cold one and watching the sunset.

Tomorrow we visit Mesa Verde.

Across the U S of A day 2

Well we spent the night with Kevin's mom and her husband Cloyd in Litchfield Park AZ. It was great to visit with them and we always enjoy their company greatly. Cloyd held us down and stuffed Greek food in our face and then made us stuff our pockets with Baklava for our breakfast the next day. The joke was on him though because we left it for him when we departed hahaha.

We were able to avoid Phoenix traffic by taking 303 around the city to get to I17 north of Phoenix. The temp was about 85F when we left at 8am and fortunately it really did not get any hotter than that for the day. Once we got on the interstate we noticed that our US flag was about to fly off so we stopped at a Harley Stealership to try to find one. Lets just say that they were REALLY proud of the flag that they had and the mounting wasn't what we needed anyway so we skipped replacing our flag. On the way out we were able to finally get close enough to get a picture of a Saguaro Cactus in bloom. We had recently found out that there is only a small window when they bloom at the purpose is to help bats move across the desert to escape the heat in Mexico. The bloom captures water and the bats drink it on their way north.


We continued north on I17 to Camp Verde where we got on AZ260. We thought about visiting Montezumas Castle but decided to leave that for another trip. AZ260 climbs rather quickly and before long we were up in the high desert. We had to stop and look around and found this turn off to stop and enjoy the view. I must admit the road there looked very enticing to me.


After spending a few minutes refreshing ourselves and just enjoying the scenery and smells, it was back on the road. As we continued on AZ260 and then AZ87 we continued to climb and once again the scenery changed quickly. This time we were in a area heavily forested in pines. If you are ever in the area it would be a nice day trip from Phoenix.

We followed AZ87 on up to the Winslow AZ area. About 40 miles south of Winslow we came out of the forested area and entered a scrub area. It was neat except for the rain storm that was across our path. As we approached the shower we noticed two things. The first one was that the temperature was dropping quickly and secondly that every once in a while there was a lightning bolt. We were looking around and could not find a safe place to wait it out so we continued onward. When it finally started raining the temp was down to 51F and al of a sudden Sue said "hey it's hailing!". I noticed the rain felt hard but I was so freaked out about the idea of lightning and trying to get through it as quick as possible that I wasn't trying to analyze what type of precip it was. We made it through in about 15 minutes and we were back in the sun. Oh yeah we were also into the wind . . . for the rest of the day.

Well since we were in Winslow we just HAD to do it. Yep, we were "standing on a corner in Winslow Arizona". Of course Sue said that there had better not be a girl in a flat bed ford slowing down to look at me.




Winslow is one of those towns that didn't do well when they put the interstate around the town. They are trying to sell the old route 66 image but it isn't working.

From Winslow it was back onto the interstate until we cut off and went to the Petrified Forest. While every state has petrified wood this place is quite unique. The completeness of the trees and the amount is unmatched anywhere else in the world. There are entire rocks that you would swear are entire tree trunks as well as many sections scattered around.



From there it was out through the Painted Desert but due to the storms in the area and the high winds we did not stop and take pictures but rather keep going on to Gallup for the night. It never really rained that hard on us but the wind was constant and strong from the south to the point we were running at least a 10 degree list to the right most of the way. I was ready for a cold beer and a warm bed at the end of the day. Can't say Gallup was my favorite place but as I said cold beer and a warm bed.

Across the U S of A - delay in posting

Well hello all. Sorry about not posting but we had a computer problem with the wireless and this is the first time I was able to get to a plug in. Hopefully we can get if fixed and get back to updating regularly. We will be posting days 2 thru 6 today with each day posted individually.

Kevin and Sue

Trip across the US of A Day 1

AS YOU CAN SEE SUE IS QUITE ENTHUSED TO BE FINALLY GOING

Well we got off and running today. Planned on leaving by 500am but due to fog we had to delay our departure until 830am.When we left the house it was 57F and rapidly clearing up. Our routing today was CA78 to Blythe CA then I10 to Litchfield Park AZ. Our first stop was at Santa Ysabel at The Julian Pie Company to say goodbye to a friend of ours. Of course we had to have a donut before we left. We got back on the road and our next stop was near S2. The temp had reached 85F so we stopped to strip our liners out of our coats. We got back on the road and headed on to the desert. The next stop was Brawley CA for gas. It was interesting because we went from the mountains to desert to farming area all in the space of about 90 minutes. From there is was back out into the desert to Blythe. Along the way we passed through the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreational Area. This area is quite an anomaly because you are going along in desert scrub than all of a sudden there are sand dunes for about 5 miles then wham right back to desert scrub. We stopped and took a picture. Of course Sue had to ask if the bike would start again and also wondered if we had enough gas!


I assured her all was fine and we were off again. A few miles up the road we seen the only cop on this stretch of road and fortunate for us he already had someone else pulled over so we were okay. The temps stayed right around 85F most of the way until we got to Blythe where it started getting warmer. We got to Blythe and stopped for gas and something to eat. We ate at a Dairy Queen and it was the worst meal I have had in quite a while. I won't go into details but trust me it was bad. After we left Blythe both Sue and I agreed that we really could see no reason to purposely return to Blythe . . . ever . . . never.

Now we were on the interstate and there was quite a bit of traffic. There was also quite a bit of wind. The temps along the way climbed to the high 90's and at one point reached 101F. Prior to leaving Blythe I soaked my wet vest and put it on. Felt like I was sitting in front of the AC even at those temps. If you are going to ride in the desert areas you need one of these. With the winds swirling around we seen many dust devils on both sides of the road. Some were quite large and we were glad they stayed away from us. Only had once come close and you can bet I was keeping a very weary eye on it.

We finally arrived at Litchfield Park AZ at 330pm after traveling about 320 miles. All in all a great day. Tomorrow off to Gallup via the Petrified Forest and Painted Desert.

While our travels are important to Sue and I, even more important to us is the remembrance of those who have made the ultimate sacrifices so that we can enjoy the freedom to make this trip. Please remember them not only today but every day.

THANK YOU ALL THAT HAVE SERVED OUR COUNTRY IN BOTH TIMES OF PEACE AND TIMES OF WAR.

Our Trip across the US of A

A week ago Thursday my Sweetie and I were talking about trips on the bike, places we have been and places we wanted to go. One of the trips I have always wanted to take was one across the good old U S of A. Well my Sweetie said that was a trip she had always wanted to do as well and she has some business to take care of in NC so lets quit talking about it and go do it. After thinking about it for oh about ummm 2 seconds I agreed. Tomorrow we will be leaving the San Diego area and heading to Mocksville NC.

Needless to say I have been a busy beaver around here since I am the travel coordinator of this family. I have been compiling list, checking routes, making reservations and working on the bike. Finally all I have left to do is pack the clothes.

Anyway during the trip we will have the camera and the lap top with us so we will post as we go and when we can. We both look forward to sharing our trip with you. Maybe we can even meet up and ride with some of you. Our current itinerary is as follows.

Mon May 25 - San Diego CA to just west of Phoenix AZ. This will be mostly desert riding. We will take 79 to Blythe then I10 to our destination. We will be staying in Litchfield Park AZ at my mothers home. It will be nice to see her.

Tues May 26 - Litchfield Park AZ to Gallup NM. Desert day again. We will be stopping at the Petrified Forest National Park and depending on the time may even spend some time at the Painted Desert National Park. We will be staying at a Super 8 in Gallup.

Wed May 27 - Gallup NM to Mesa Verde National Park in CO. Start in the high desert and end in the mountains. Will be going to Window Rock to see the Navajo Nation Museum and then (shhh don't tell my Sweetie I'm going to surprise her) we will go to the Canyon De Chelly National Monument. From there it is off to the Four Corners and then on to Mesa Verde. We will be tent camping just inside the park entrance.

Thur May 28 - Visit Mesa Verde for the whole day and then tent camp again at the same spot.

Fri May 29 - Mesa Verde CO to Pueblo CO . Mountain time with twisties yeeehaaa. Not sure yet on routing but will probably go via Durango - Montrose - Gunnison. Alternate route will be via Durango - Del Norte - Walsenburg. Depends on weather and mood but really hoping first routing. We will spend the night at a Comfort Inn (ahhh a hot shower and a real bed) in Pueblo.

Sat May 30 - Pueblo CO to WaKeeney KS (just west of Hays). Rats on to the straight and flat. We will be going via Dodge City (wonder if Wyatt will be in town). We will be tent camping at the KOA in WaKeeney.

Sun May 31 - Wakeeney to Kansas City. Oh double rats on to the freeway. We will be stopping in Milford KS to have brunch with some very long time friends of mine then on to my daughters home. (ha, now it's her turn to take care of us hehehe).

Mon Jun 01 - Kansas City to Evansville IN. Here's that rats thing again freeway all the way. Spend night at my brothers house (I KNOW he will have some GOOD beer).

Tue Jun 02 - Evansville IN to Knoxville TN. Whew, off the interstate finally. Haven't really decided routing yet but will avoid intersates as absoultely much as possible. Staying at a Motel 6 (king bed for) just west on Knoxville.

Wed Jun 03 - Knoxville TN to Mocksville NC. Okay I'm in the area so we MUST do it. Yep going to go do the Tail of The Dragon. Hoping that it will be okay since it will be a weekday. If on the way down there it starts looking crazy will take an alternate routing. Will be staying at my Sweetie's best friends house while we are there. Her daughters graduate on Jun 05 so will will be there at least through that date after that who knows.

We have not decided on the return routing but once we do I will post it. I would really like to take my Sweetie to see Mt. Rushmore and my Mom will be in Jackson WY in mid June so we may end up going that way on the way home. We will see.