Brookings, OR to Tillamook, OR

Okay I am not sure what people are saying when they say there is a heat wave going on out west.  Far from it on the actual coast.  It was freezing today!!  Today started very cold and foggy.  There was very heavy dew on the bikes but at least they got cleaned - LOL.  Towels at the motel - well - they are rather dirty!

We wore our rain gear this morning as the mist was too heavy and we would would have been soaked before too long.  Today it was Gary’s turn to lead the ride and he had planned a number of stops to lighthouses.  It was a long day and we were not able to make all the stops but the stops we did make were well worth it.

First stop was just on the side of the road between Brookings and Gold Beach.  Beautiful views.  It was teasing us by being sunny and we thought it was going to get warm.  It did for enough time for us to ride down the road for about 1/2 hour and get warm and then we took our rain gear off (or some of us did) and then it was nice until just after lunch.  And it got cold again!

Next stop was at our first lighthouse Umpqua River Lighthouse.  We all thought it was very weird to have a lighthouse that was so far inland.  It is still operational today!  

We stopped for lunch at Florence and we had wanted to go to Moe’s but the wait would have been an hour or more.  The downtown was very busy and as it was lunch it was hard to get a spot.  The restaurant next door to Moe’s was the International C-Food Market.  We were very persistent and we were able to get a table within about 10 minutes even though they were not taking names and didn’t seem to be very organized.  LOL.  I guess you could say all of us divided and conquered until we got two tables.  LOL. Food was delivered quick and we had great service.

As there are a lot of bikes that have what they call a shark nose fairing at the front of the bike (for those non-bikers) - the group has been taking some pictures that are in front of sharks.  This painted mural was in the restaurant and we soon gathered around and the selfie-stick came in handy again.  

I have to tell you though Joyce who is married to Ken and rides on the back of the bike has an amazing neck gaiter.  Well this poor child was horrified as we were riding out of the parking lot and she turned to her mom and said “OMG there is a dog on that bike”!  Her mom simply said “Well sometimes they do that!”  Well I started to laugh out loud.  Too funny!  I have posted a picture of her as you really have to look twice when you first catch a glance.  Too cute!  

After lunch we headed to the one other lighthouse Gary wanted to stop to see.  Heceta Lighthouse was on top of the hill and next to it was the Heceta Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast.  The parking lot was down at sea level and everyone but me decided that they wanted to hike up to go see the lighthouse.  I knew it was a long ride today and there was no way I was hiking up another path today.  I took pictures from below and then put my towel down in the grass and had a little shut eye.  I was glad I did and was refreshed for the next very windy leg of the route today.  

There were a number of bridges along the ride today and man oh man it was so windy.  The gusts as we came around corners was enough to really move the bikes around.  The bridges were amazing though and the pillars on some of them were very cool.  

The views along the coast when the sun was out were spectacular today.  We are staying in Tillamook and Patrick’s sister and husband along with another couple met us here and will be with us for a couple of days.  Tomorrow we are going to the Tillamook Creamery to taste cheese and perhaps have an ice cream.  Looking forward to that.  

Eureka, CA to Brookings, OR

This morning we started out with only 4 of us - Ken, Joyce, Connie and myself.  The other 4 - Patrick, Kim, Gary and Lulu headed to the Harley Dealer as Patrick and Lulu’s bike has some issues on the last leg of the ride yesterday.

Our first stop on the ride was to head to Patrick’s Point.  The four of us took the route as it was planned out but needless to say California is subject to landslides.  The first turn off that was available to go to Patrick’s Point was a small road that follows the coast which had at least three landslides which were obviously recently as the road was fixed but still very rough gravel which we did hesitate to go down - but we did survive.  LOL.  

Patrick’s Point was not a disappointment that is for sure.  We had some time to kill as the big landslide part of the main highway 101 was still under construction and actually was closed until noon today.  So we paid to tour around the park both by bike and by foot.  We walked out to the actual Patrick’s Point and what a site to see.  Very nice - a little foggy but overall it was very nice to see the waves crashing against the rocks.  Ken and Connie walked out to the Wedding Rock which Joyce and I stayed back and took pictures from our end of them across the water overlooking the rock.

Next up was Prairie Creek Park where there was another walk to go to see the Trillium Falls Trail.  As we were walking down the trail we came across a family that had a young boy and he said they were very small.  LOL.  We thought oh well maybe he had high expectations.  So we continued on and it was a small trail through the trees and up hill most of the way until we got near the end where it went downhill to the waterfall.  

Well he was right the falls were small but still beautiful in the middle of the forest.  We met several people on the trail and we shared our great knowledge on how to do a panoramic photo that starts at the bottom of the trees and pans up to the top of the trees.  Well let me tell you - they were just as thrilled as we were when we learnt that trick.  

From Prairie Creek Park we decided to ride to the construction in hopes that it would not be so backed up and since it was past 12:00 the road was to be open.  We only had to wait maybe 20 minutes and it was out turn to go on the one way road to the end of the construction.  WOW is all I can say - to see the devastation that the landslide can do and the work that will continue to be done for months to come to clear the road and re-stabilize the road is crazy!  My GoPro was out of battery and I did not get pictures but trust me they are going to be there awhile.

On the way to our lunch destination we finally saw some elk that were grazing on land in front of a mobile home park.  My word the elk are truly amazing looking animals.  It was a site to see for me as they are very majestic looking.

Lunch was at the Chart Room in Crescent City.  We were told we probably would have to wait at least an hour to get seated but the young lady at the desk said it was worth the wait.  So we waited.  While we were waiting we heard from the rest of the group that they were in Crescent City and was getting gas.  Awesome - so we changed our booking from 4 to 8 for lunch.  We were all able to catch up on the updates on the bikes when they arrived and as we were waiting to get seated for lunch.  Well - lunch was worth the wait!!  Delicious fish and chips!  Joyce is still celebrating her birthday so she got free desert which was a cheese cake so yes we all shared a bit - WOW!

After lunch we headed to the California/Oregon border and stopped to take pictures of our group.  Then headed into Brookings which was not far away at all.  A great hotel - Westward Inn is very clean and is next door to a laundromat.  We gathered there to get some washing done and to review where we are going tomorrow.  We met some interesting characters too while we were at the laundromat.  All friendly but all were obviously living as they saw fit but just like us - they were cleaning their clothes and one guy a new to him sleeping bag that he found.  

Tonight - Ken, Joyce, Patrick, Kim, Connie and I played a card game called the “3 blind mice”.  Lots of fun.  Hopefully I can remember how to play so that we can play when I get home.  Tomorrow we head off to Tillamock, Oregon where there is a great Creamery.  Can’t wait!  

Eureka Loop

Today it was Kim’s turn to take the lead.  And what a ride on the 101 to the 36 which proved to be another twisty ride.  Amazing how we can leave in the morning at 55 degrees and end up going to 103 degrees at lunch.  So for all the people watching the news at home where it was stating that the western coast was having a heat wave.  Let me tell you it is not the coast having the heat wave it is the inland having the heat wave - approximately an hour inland.  

Our first destination was Mad River which was a blip on the map.  However there is a post office and a great deli store that I am sure is quite busy with all the logging business going past daily.  It was a great stop to change from our heavier jackets to lighter jackets as it was starting to get hot!!

On our way to the next destination we came across some construction which put us at least 45 minutes later than expected for our lunch reservation.  Well let me tell you those girls entertained the truckers flying by first by asking them to honk their horns with you know the arm in the air and pumping up and down. Too funny and then to top it off then they started flashing their bathing suit tops - LOL.  The big smiles on the truckers faces were priceless.  

Next stop was lunch at The Trinity Alps Golf Course, Weaverville.  Lunch was delicious but so hot as we were sitting outside in the shade but at least it wasn’t a drastic when we took off again.  

After lunch we headed to Willow Creek where we got gas and then headed to the Kimtu Beach.  Much needed cooling off.  Great spot to stop and get refreshed from a very hot day!  Rocky beach but thankfully I put my sandals in my saddlebag and was to use them even in the water.  Kim, Lulu and Gary were crazy enough to climb the rocks and jump off.  

On the way back to Eureka we stopped in Blue Lake at the Mad River Brewery.  Delicious food and the ones that had beer enjoyed the refreshment.  Then Ken, Joyce, Connie and I went to Costco - LOL.  Bought some snacks for the bikes tomorrow.  We are set to move on to Brookings.  

Tonight we sat around in the lobby to discuss the ride tomorrow as there are some road closures on the ride.  There is a very cool phone booth that we all just had to get a photo in front of so the lady working the front desk was gracious enough to take our picture. 

Leggett to Eureka - More TREES

I took this picture this morning as we had already loaded up the bikes.  Ken is in the picture as well just finishing up his bike.  A big thank you to Ken as he is the one that moves Connie and my bike whenever there is gravel or in a tough spot that we can’t maneuver due to our short legs.  So this morning was one of those times as it was a gravel parking lot.  

WOW - is all I will say - the trees were spectacular.  I took lots of pictures of group shots as well as myself with the selfie stick which has turned out to be quite amazing.  I have not had a chance to download the GoPro pictures yet but they will follow on a separate post as I am sure the riding pictures are amazing.

The picture to the right is taken on the inside of the tree - so cool.  

So needless to say we drove the Avenue of Giants where there is giant redwood trees and there is an large percentage of the tallest and most giant trees in the world.  Redwoods only grow in certain conditions.  I am going to post a number of pictures for all of you to enjoy and I will not go into too much detail of the trip as it really was mostly about stopping and taking pictures of the trees.  The ride was amazing through the trees I will tell you that for sure and it is well worth it.  I highly recommend it if you are ever in this area.  

This next shot is a group shot that a very nice guide did as a panoramic picture.  So to do this the camera was sideways and then the panoramic shot went up so that all the length of the tree could be seen.  

The next shot was taken from a spot further down the road where we stopped to take a look at the Giant Tree that is still standing.  You can see the actual height and circumference  was recorded in 1991 so I am quite sure that it is taller and wider by now.  

Left to right is Ken and Joyce, me and Connie, Lulu, Gary, Kim and Patrick!  Thank you so much again for bringing me along on this very epic adventure.  

Redwood Forest to Leggett and a Drive Thru Tree.

Today but really yesterday we rode some amazing twisty roads. I never imagined and frankly the group didn’t realize either that it would be so twisty. Love it. 

We headed to Leggett and along the way the Redwood Forest did not disappoint. The trees were spectacular. 

We then headed inland a bit and came across a town Boonville where Connie had our first stop and we talked about the language that was created there as they were so remote.  Some crazy words like “applehead” for girlfriends.  So needless to say that the girls were using that word for most of the day!  LOL

Next stop was along the coastal Mendocino and it was a very quaint town where we had an amazing pizza at Frankies’.  

We then went for a walk through the town and went to the headland and looked out over the ocean.  Was very nice.  However on the way there the two nurses in the group had to stop for a medical emergency as someone was asking for a doctor.  Well it turns out it was this poor younger girl probably in her mid to late twenties who had passed out in one of the stalls of the public washroom.  It appeared that she had also gone into a seizure.  Well EMT’s were called and she was awake and out of the washroom just before they arrived.  And then proceeded to say she didn’t want to get arrested for being drunk in a public place and disappeared.  We turned our heads for a moment and there she was gone.  I think she headed into the woods but who knows.  The EMT’s did try to locate her and we didn’t stick around to find out.  

We did take a cool picture though once we were able to walk down to the headland.  

Back on our bikes and headed back inland a bit to find more trees and find the DriveThru tree which was absolutely amazing.  It took awhile for us to wait in line until it was our turn and then I pity the poor people that were behind us because we took our time to make sure everyone had an opportunity to get lots of pictures of each of us driving through and stopping for pics.  So much fun!  

Then we walked around and took pictures of Big Foot and some of the trees that were there as well.  Very good day.  It didn’t take long for us to then drive to the stop for the night which was at a campground where we stayed in a bit of a motel.  Great spot.  Just what we needed to sit around the fire and eat at the pub which was a very short walk from our rooms.  

  

I liked this picture so I thought I would add it.  Now to get ready for today.  WOW what a day we had today!

Chateau Montelena Winery and the Petrified Forest

This morning the group was split in two.  Ken, Joyce, Connie and I went on an amazing ride to Chateau Montelena Winery on our way to the Petrified Forest.  What a beautiful spot the Chateau Montelena is.  We were not wanting to do any wine tasting as we were on the bikes.  But we were very happy to walk around and take a look at the beautiful grounds and read about the story of how a California wine got world recognition and which is depicted in the movie “Bottle Shock”.

Our group then headed to the Petrified Forest.  It was nice to walk around in the forest and stretch our legs.  The Petrified Forest in California is unique in its size and formation of quartz crystal, petrified coral and fossilized  insects.  3.4 million years ago a volcanic blast, originating from Mt. St. Helena sent a huge plume of super heated silica rich ash across the landscape which buried the forest.  The trees that fell and were buried under all the ash and the trees became hard as cement.  

Some of the live trees that were in the forest were absolutely huge.  I had to make sure I took a picture and to get the perspective I hugged the tree.  LOL. I texted my boys, Brandon and Kyle along with my husband Paul to show them the size of the tree which they can appreciate as they are Electrical Forester Arborists.  

Upon returning back to the resort we decided to head to the pool and take some time to relax and enjoy the beautiful sunshine.  We met an amazing family at the pool - Erik, Rachel and their four children who were just so cute and were very excited to take their pictures on the motorcycles.  Three of them are pictured on Connie’s bike.  Super cute.

Tomorrow we head out on the road and go to Leggett and we will be riding through the Redwood Forest where there is a tree large enough that we can ride through it.  Definitely a photo opportunity and I am so excited to send pictures to the boys again.  

Thanks again to Ken and Joyce for sharing their timeshare at WorldMark by Wyndham.  It was a beautiful location.

Well tonight Lulu told me she found a special mascot for the two of us and she had taken a picture of it for me.  The name of this HOG is Lord Snort.  Let us just say we have made each other laugh so much that both of us have snorted way too many times over the last few days.  Lulu you are truly special and you are double trouble - LOL.

Windsor, California - 4th of July and Joyce’s Birthday!!

Today Ken arranged a van to take us on a wine tour for Joyce’s Birthday and to celebrate the 4th of July.  Jersey Tom Wine Country Tours did an excellent job by picking some great winery’s. The first one we stopped at was Zialena where we had Vince who was our host and we were greeted with the wine already poured and waiting for us.  We proceeded to go outside on the beautiful patio that was set up just for us.  There was a wine list that laid out what wines we would be tasting and was personalized for us that said “Welcome Ken’s Party”.  It turns out that today was Vince’s 30th Birthday!  So we all really enjoyed his company and highly recommend Vince if going to the Zialena Winery.  

Next on the list of wine tours was Dutcher Crossing where we had Ken as our host - not our Ken a different Ken - LOL.  Connie and I had completed some grocery shopping yesterday and Connie had packed a great snack for us that we were able to enjoy while we tasted the wine from Dutcher Crossing.  We spent about 2 hours there trying different red wines and just enjoying the snacks.  Well by the end of this wine tasting we knew what kind of wine we all wanted to taste next and it was not more red wine as most of us prefer the white and some prefer the sparkling wine.  So while we did stop at another winery we went in to see if he had either and unfortunately did not.  The owner was very kind and understood even though we did not do the tasting.

So Tom now knew what we were looking for and decided to take us to a place where typically a younger crowd goes where you buy the tastings that you want or there is some really good wine slushies.  Chateau Diana is a must stop for food or wine tasting.  A great photo opportunity was had with painted wings on the doors to a shed.  

A few of us celebrated with the red, white and blue or the strawberry, vanilla and blueberry wine slushy.  They were so good but so sweet!  Our host Connor and his girlfriend Marina were so very accommodating and so amazing that we thoroughly enjoyed their company!  

Upon leaving we had to use the facilities and as soon as I walked into the washroom I burst out laughing as I saw the toilet with the saying “Suggestion Box”.  We all got a great chuckle out of that one!  

Connie had one last stop at a place that makes a sparkling wine.  We arrived at 3:50 and the bar was closing at 4:00.  We convinced the host to allow us to taste the one sparkling wine that was recommended by the resort we are staying at.  A few of us tried it and Connie bought a bottle.  We were in and out in less than 5 minutes.  

As we had red, white and blue bikes on hand we decided to get Patrick and Gary who did not do the wine tour to line them up strategically to take a picture with the group and their local HOG Chapter Flag.  This picture turned out very well of the group of us.  Today was an amazing day and there were lots of laughs had by all.  We finished it off by going to Charlie’s for supper - the restaurant that is attached to the resort and at the golf course.  Back to the rooms to play a game of dominoes that I had never played before.  I caught on pretty good and finally won a game just before we hit the hay!  But I would have to say that Ken won most of the games with Joyce coming a very close second.