George left early Wednesday morning, carrying only his own weight, and he flew home in 5 hours. Karen and I left Carol 's at 9:30 and carried more weight than the luggage, and we arrived home around 3:00. Of course it was a difficult time. No Ollie to greet us. Memories of him everywhere.
George and I also have a hard time with what we refer to as reentry. The road allows us to relax and move into a much different life. We like the simplicity, the togetherness, the rhythm. So, I write to preserve some proximity to our days and nights as we rode through the air.
Finis
Sunday, September 7, 2014
Loving Oliver
George and I happily left the Haunted Hotel and began our journey to Medford. Oddly, there are two choices to get to Medford. The wonderful trek we took last year, Bear Camp Road, where our bike incurred irreparable damage. The other route is to enter California and travel back into Oregon. It is quite a beautiful ride.
On Monday September 1, 2014 we called Carol to let her know our plans for the next day. My sister, Karen, had driven from Ukiah to Medford to meet us on the final leg of our journey. Unfortunately, when she arrived at Carol's, her dog, Oliver, was having medical issues. Carol's daughter, Tiffany, and her son-in-law Steve are both veterinarians. Sadly, Ollie passed away that night. George and I were told when we reached Carol's home.
Our sweet Ollie was located after much research by my nephew Chris. My sister wanted a dog that did not shed, was loyal to her, was small, and quiet. Ollie was almost perfect! He loved Karen with the total loyalty that only a canine can give a human. He was lucky enough to live in Gold River and be a member of the Small White Dog Club. Actually I think the club was disbanded for bias, but I believe he was invited to some holiday get togethers. He also had Mary, Karen's neighbor, who loved him and walked him with her little white dog, Blanca, when Karen worked.
Ollie was so spoiled- when I would walk into Karen's home he would bark at me until I gave him a treat.
Ollie was devoted to Karen. If she was gone, he would sit on her dining room table and look out the window for her to return. I was one of the only people he felt comfortable staying with, and we decided that was because he sensed we were related.
Ollie was my sister's best friend and her constant companion. We will miss you Ollie.
We were able to do some memorable things in Medford, because nothing keeps good shoppers from Ashland! Carol took us to a beautiful property on the Rogue River where we relaxed and had a
picnic. The home is owned by her daughter's in-laws. Quite wonderful. In the late afternoon we went to Ashland, walked around, and then had the pleasure of hearing the Blue Lightning Band play. At 6:45 most evenings there is a free performance in the Green prior to the plays. That evening it was a 7 women band who really rocked the stage. We loved them.
We also got to visit with Tiffany and her son Owen during our day. These are all the reasons we love coming to Carol's home.
Tomorrow- Home again.
On Monday September 1, 2014 we called Carol to let her know our plans for the next day. My sister, Karen, had driven from Ukiah to Medford to meet us on the final leg of our journey. Unfortunately, when she arrived at Carol's, her dog, Oliver, was having medical issues. Carol's daughter, Tiffany, and her son-in-law Steve are both veterinarians. Sadly, Ollie passed away that night. George and I were told when we reached Carol's home.
Our sweet Ollie was located after much research by my nephew Chris. My sister wanted a dog that did not shed, was loyal to her, was small, and quiet. Ollie was almost perfect! He loved Karen with the total loyalty that only a canine can give a human. He was lucky enough to live in Gold River and be a member of the Small White Dog Club. Actually I think the club was disbanded for bias, but I believe he was invited to some holiday get togethers. He also had Mary, Karen's neighbor, who loved him and walked him with her little white dog, Blanca, when Karen worked.
Ollie was so spoiled- when I would walk into Karen's home he would bark at me until I gave him a treat.
Ollie was devoted to Karen. If she was gone, he would sit on her dining room table and look out the window for her to return. I was one of the only people he felt comfortable staying with, and we decided that was because he sensed we were related.
Ollie was my sister's best friend and her constant companion. We will miss you Ollie.
We were able to do some memorable things in Medford, because nothing keeps good shoppers from Ashland! Carol took us to a beautiful property on the Rogue River where we relaxed and had a
picnic. The home is owned by her daughter's in-laws. Quite wonderful. In the late afternoon we went to Ashland, walked around, and then had the pleasure of hearing the Blue Lightning Band play. At 6:45 most evenings there is a free performance in the Green prior to the plays. That evening it was a 7 women band who really rocked the stage. We loved them.
We also got to visit with Tiffany and her son Owen during our day. These are all the reasons we love coming to Carol's home.
Tomorrow- Home again.
Monday, September 1, 2014
The Haunted Motel
The sound of the waves all night made me think it was raining, raining really hard on our poor bike. Fortunately, we awoke to a perfect day on the coast and we stayed most of the morning, enjoying the view, and found ourselves quite reluctant to leave. We do have a plan for a future visit that includes, family, friends, and a week long stay.
We left the cottages and headed for historic Bandon. The artwork on the pier was celebrating the Year of the Horse. There are some very creative artists of all ages who entered pictures. We ended up in a wonderful store, Second Street Gallery, filled with artists work from all over Oregon. There were some mobiles that were amazing. The artist made the pieces out of stained glass. Each tier depicted a layer of the ocean. The top tier was boats and so forth to under the sea. I loved it. Then one of the women who worked there played the harp. I wanted to move in. Bandon is a wonderful town. I might just relocate.
On the way to Gold Beach we stopped for lunch at Redfish, a wonderful little restaurant over looking the ocean. The view was stunning. The food could have been horrible- the view was four star. Except for the little black hair I found just as I was finishing my meal. Ummmmm. I still can't decide if I am grossed out about it. The view was that good.
So, we get to Gold Beach Inn, the place we ALWAYS, stay, only to find out that somehow I made a reservation at the Beachcomber Inn. I don't know what happened. The names are not even similar. We tried to get out of the reservation, but, no. The Beachcomber is really old. So far our phone doesn't work, the DVR didn't work, the doors swings open on its own, we were the only people here for a long time, and we are sure it is haunted. And then there is Big George. The fellow who came up to fix the phone and DVR, became George's BFF. Oh, the phone doesn't work, that's ok. Oh, the movie doesn't play, no big deal. Well, it wouldn't be a good trip without one creepy nights stay.
Great walk on the beach, ordered some yummy pizza delivered to the haunted room, and sat out on the balcony enjoying the sunset. We discussed the advantages of selling our home and purchasing a huge RV and traveling the country. We couldn't come up with any.
Tomorrow - Carol's Home Medford (Yea!)
We left the cottages and headed for historic Bandon. The artwork on the pier was celebrating the Year of the Horse. There are some very creative artists of all ages who entered pictures. We ended up in a wonderful store, Second Street Gallery, filled with artists work from all over Oregon. There were some mobiles that were amazing. The artist made the pieces out of stained glass. Each tier depicted a layer of the ocean. The top tier was boats and so forth to under the sea. I loved it. Then one of the women who worked there played the harp. I wanted to move in. Bandon is a wonderful town. I might just relocate.
On the way to Gold Beach we stopped for lunch at Redfish, a wonderful little restaurant over looking the ocean. The view was stunning. The food could have been horrible- the view was four star. Except for the little black hair I found just as I was finishing my meal. Ummmmm. I still can't decide if I am grossed out about it. The view was that good.
So, we get to Gold Beach Inn, the place we ALWAYS, stay, only to find out that somehow I made a reservation at the Beachcomber Inn. I don't know what happened. The names are not even similar. We tried to get out of the reservation, but, no. The Beachcomber is really old. So far our phone doesn't work, the DVR didn't work, the doors swings open on its own, we were the only people here for a long time, and we are sure it is haunted. And then there is Big George. The fellow who came up to fix the phone and DVR, became George's BFF. Oh, the phone doesn't work, that's ok. Oh, the movie doesn't play, no big deal. Well, it wouldn't be a good trip without one creepy nights stay.
Great walk on the beach, ordered some yummy pizza delivered to the haunted room, and sat out on the balcony enjoying the sunset. We discussed the advantages of selling our home and purchasing a huge RV and traveling the country. We couldn't come up with any.
Tomorrow - Carol's Home Medford (Yea!)
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Aloha
George and I are really just one lug nut away from matching Hawaiian shirts. We just ate our third meal at Tillamook and that does not count the ice cream cone. I know I made fun of people who bought t-shirts there, but I can feel it coming. Today the two giant pancake special, tomorrow the hot pink size xxxl women's t-shirt telling the world to Moooove To The Groove.
The great thing about all the rain in Washington and Oregon is the lush environment it provides for riding. The coast in Oregon is one small town after another, Cannon Beach, Rockaway Beach, Lincoln, Newport, Coos Bay, and many others. We stopped in Newport to stretch and took the opportunity to watch the harbor seals. What a show!
We arrived at our delightful hotel in Bandon in the late afternoon. Our room was located on the second floor with a direct view of the ocean. This is heaven. I am watching the ocean waves break as I write and from this angle they appear to be just out my window. Lovely.
We are guests at the Windermere in Bandon, OR.
Tomorrow - Gold Beach
The great thing about all the rain in Washington and Oregon is the lush environment it provides for riding. The coast in Oregon is one small town after another, Cannon Beach, Rockaway Beach, Lincoln, Newport, Coos Bay, and many others. We stopped in Newport to stretch and took the opportunity to watch the harbor seals. What a show!
We arrived at our delightful hotel in Bandon in the late afternoon. Our room was located on the second floor with a direct view of the ocean. This is heaven. I am watching the ocean waves break as I write and from this angle they appear to be just out my window. Lovely.
We are guests at the Windermere in Bandon, OR.
Tomorrow - Gold Beach
The End Is Near
George and I got off to a late start this morning. Our camera went missing and despite a valiant effort, we were unable to find it. My Nook also stopped working. I decided to buy a book so I went to a bookstore in Sequim called The Good Book. I was hoping it was filled with good books, it was....
Then after riding for hours in the rain, which I happen to enjoy, (George not so much, he says he can't see the road), we stop for lunch in a random town, and have a really tasty meal. I visit another book store, but no one was interested in selling me a book so I left. At this point George has changed to his goggles, we both have our rain gear on, and we ride down the road looking like twin ticks.
We entered into Astoria and Oregon at the same time. It was late in the afternoon so we found our hotel and relaxed. We had eaten at the Wet Dog Cafe the last time we visited Astoria, and we were so taken by it we wanted to try it again. The Wet Dog makes its own beer, which as everyone knows, is a popular and successful business in Oregon. They sell T-shirts, taffy, glassware, beer, hats, etc. George had salmon fish and chips for dinner and I had build your own quesadilla. Yum! I did notice in Canada that they do not really make Mexican food. Of course they don't make what I consider Mexican food in Mexico either.
Astoria is a charming port town situated on the mouth of the Columbia river. While we were eating George pointed out the difference between two tankers. The tankers are painted in horizontal stripes, the top is red, the middle is cream, the lower is blue. When the tanker is empty you can see all three stripes. However, when it is loaded, the tanker is so heavy, the blue stripe disappears underneath the water.
Tomorrow- breakfast in Tillamook then onto Bandon.
Then after riding for hours in the rain, which I happen to enjoy, (George not so much, he says he can't see the road), we stop for lunch in a random town, and have a really tasty meal. I visit another book store, but no one was interested in selling me a book so I left. At this point George has changed to his goggles, we both have our rain gear on, and we ride down the road looking like twin ticks.
We entered into Astoria and Oregon at the same time. It was late in the afternoon so we found our hotel and relaxed. We had eaten at the Wet Dog Cafe the last time we visited Astoria, and we were so taken by it we wanted to try it again. The Wet Dog makes its own beer, which as everyone knows, is a popular and successful business in Oregon. They sell T-shirts, taffy, glassware, beer, hats, etc. George had salmon fish and chips for dinner and I had build your own quesadilla. Yum! I did notice in Canada that they do not really make Mexican food. Of course they don't make what I consider Mexican food in Mexico either.
Astoria is a charming port town situated on the mouth of the Columbia river. While we were eating George pointed out the difference between two tankers. The tankers are painted in horizontal stripes, the top is red, the middle is cream, the lower is blue. When the tanker is empty you can see all three stripes. However, when it is loaded, the tanker is so heavy, the blue stripe disappears underneath the water.
Tomorrow- breakfast in Tillamook then onto Bandon.
Saturday, August 30, 2014
F.A.T. Riders
What a wonderful morning. I slept in until 7:30! The rest was essential, however I was having a terrible nightmare brought on by the turkey burger I didn't eat for dinner or the M&M's I did eat. The sleep did allow my brain to get the Kamloops thing. Kaml-oops!
Yesterday is a blur. We left Kamloops and headed for the border where we waited in a very long line to be questioned by a serious young man about the nature of our visit. He wanted to know everything we had purchased, walked around the bike, looked us up and down again, and finally allowed us to enter the United States. The other lane- cars were breezing through. So off we flew headed towards Coupeville where we would catch the ferry. We left at 6:30 and arrived at the ferry around 1:45. By this time we had not eaten, and we had been on the bike way too long, so to say we were both testy would be about right. Some food, a nice ride in the ferry, and a rest and we disembarked in Port Townsend and rode on to Sequim.
So here's a shout out to the F.A.T. Riders, Dan, Patty, Mark, John, and Doris. George and I were talking about how much the F.A.T. Riders would enjoy this trip. Then we started thinking about a two week ride, the togetherness, everyday, two weeks, and it was clear there would need to be therapy first. Perhaps even during the ride. Just for the full members.
Sequim is a cute town, small, and apparently known solely for the lavender farms and the yearly festival. I always laugh when I think of people traveling from other states to attend the festival. What do they do? There is no eating, drinking, dancing, quilting, mating, or any other fun outlets. The farms are tiny, the products are nice, but how long can one discuss lavender soap versus blending lavender and lemon?
We went to the Black Bear Cafe for dinner, only because we could walk to it. George orders lots of red meat and I order a veggie burger. He gets lots of really red meat and I get a turkey burger. It had been a long day and when the smell of the burger hit me, I lost what little appetite I had. Our lovely server removed my plate, almost crying in distress. Pretty soon another lovely young women comes over, kneels down, and introduces herself as also a vegetarian. She said she totally understood and would have been totally upset if that had happened to her. By now we are the floor show of the evening.. Really, I am not that fragile and that wasn't my first rodeo. I have been served meat before. I even thought she was the manager, but our server came back and said she was discussing the situation with a server who was a vegetarian and that person said she would come over and see to me!
Anyway, they were all so sweet, I think everyone clapped as we left.
Tomorrow Astoria
Yesterday is a blur. We left Kamloops and headed for the border where we waited in a very long line to be questioned by a serious young man about the nature of our visit. He wanted to know everything we had purchased, walked around the bike, looked us up and down again, and finally allowed us to enter the United States. The other lane- cars were breezing through. So off we flew headed towards Coupeville where we would catch the ferry. We left at 6:30 and arrived at the ferry around 1:45. By this time we had not eaten, and we had been on the bike way too long, so to say we were both testy would be about right. Some food, a nice ride in the ferry, and a rest and we disembarked in Port Townsend and rode on to Sequim.
So here's a shout out to the F.A.T. Riders, Dan, Patty, Mark, John, and Doris. George and I were talking about how much the F.A.T. Riders would enjoy this trip. Then we started thinking about a two week ride, the togetherness, everyday, two weeks, and it was clear there would need to be therapy first. Perhaps even during the ride. Just for the full members.
Sequim is a cute town, small, and apparently known solely for the lavender farms and the yearly festival. I always laugh when I think of people traveling from other states to attend the festival. What do they do? There is no eating, drinking, dancing, quilting, mating, or any other fun outlets. The farms are tiny, the products are nice, but how long can one discuss lavender soap versus blending lavender and lemon?
We went to the Black Bear Cafe for dinner, only because we could walk to it. George orders lots of red meat and I order a veggie burger. He gets lots of really red meat and I get a turkey burger. It had been a long day and when the smell of the burger hit me, I lost what little appetite I had. Our lovely server removed my plate, almost crying in distress. Pretty soon another lovely young women comes over, kneels down, and introduces herself as also a vegetarian. She said she totally understood and would have been totally upset if that had happened to her. By now we are the floor show of the evening.. Really, I am not that fragile and that wasn't my first rodeo. I have been served meat before. I even thought she was the manager, but our server came back and said she was discussing the situation with a server who was a vegetarian and that person said she would come over and see to me!
Anyway, they were all so sweet, I think everyone clapped as we left.
Tomorrow Astoria
Friday, August 29, 2014
Camels to Kamloops
We have almost forgotten what day it is, we are not missing our telephones, in fact time is rather meaningless on vacation. Except in the morning. To George. By 6:00 he has showered, packed, and had a cup of coffee. I awake to, " Woman, time to get going." I roll out of bed, throw some water at my face, ( I have given up showering, makeup, and brushing my hair), brush my teeth, pick up the clothes I threw on the floor last night and put them on. By this time George has the luggage carrier loaded so I throw myself on top of the suitcases and George rolls us towards the start of a new day.
When we were sitting by the pool in Victoria we spoke to a man who lived in Kamloops. I asked him if it was a Native American name. He said that Kamloops is a desert area and there was a man who imported camels there thinking they would thrive in the climate. They all died. Supposedly the city was named for this man, or for the camels.
The ride to Kamloops was amazing. The Canadian Rockies are stunning and they are the backdrop to the scenery that unfolds as the ride goes along. There was the fabulous Seton Lake. It is described as being a dull turquoise, but the color is succulent. There was no one in the lake and it was just beautiful. The roads in Canada are wonderful to ride a motorcycle on. They go on forever, they are well maintained, the scenery is breathtaking, and there is no signage or garbage.
We stopped in a small town to have lunch- a really small town. We ended up eating at Dina's Greek Diner. We were walking by when I spotted a sign for Italian food and grilled cheese sandwiches in front. How bad could it be? We walk inside and one side of the restaurant is filled with a group. The waitress says something to us that I could not here, because at the same time the group was all talking at once making it clear we were not with them! They were a group from Germany, some on bikes, some in cars, and as the waitress said, they just all showed up at once. She tried to shake us out of the place, but someone told us to find a table. I think it was one of the Germans. It really was quite funny. Another woman came out to help, who knows what her job was, and the waitress kept complaining, and then the German men began lining up at the cash register to pay. She just ignored them as she was still serving people in their group. We were very entertained. George ordered some baked ravioli and of course I had a grilled cheese sandwich. We were both very pleased. Good food and entertainment. At a Greek Cafe in the middle of no where.
It was serendipitous that we enjoyed lunch, because by the time we made it to Kamloops dinner was whatever snacks we could find. We never did see the town.
Tomorrow- returning to the USA- and traveling to Sequim
When we were sitting by the pool in Victoria we spoke to a man who lived in Kamloops. I asked him if it was a Native American name. He said that Kamloops is a desert area and there was a man who imported camels there thinking they would thrive in the climate. They all died. Supposedly the city was named for this man, or for the camels.
The ride to Kamloops was amazing. The Canadian Rockies are stunning and they are the backdrop to the scenery that unfolds as the ride goes along. There was the fabulous Seton Lake. It is described as being a dull turquoise, but the color is succulent. There was no one in the lake and it was just beautiful. The roads in Canada are wonderful to ride a motorcycle on. They go on forever, they are well maintained, the scenery is breathtaking, and there is no signage or garbage.
We stopped in a small town to have lunch- a really small town. We ended up eating at Dina's Greek Diner. We were walking by when I spotted a sign for Italian food and grilled cheese sandwiches in front. How bad could it be? We walk inside and one side of the restaurant is filled with a group. The waitress says something to us that I could not here, because at the same time the group was all talking at once making it clear we were not with them! They were a group from Germany, some on bikes, some in cars, and as the waitress said, they just all showed up at once. She tried to shake us out of the place, but someone told us to find a table. I think it was one of the Germans. It really was quite funny. Another woman came out to help, who knows what her job was, and the waitress kept complaining, and then the German men began lining up at the cash register to pay. She just ignored them as she was still serving people in their group. We were very entertained. George ordered some baked ravioli and of course I had a grilled cheese sandwich. We were both very pleased. Good food and entertainment. At a Greek Cafe in the middle of no where.
It was serendipitous that we enjoyed lunch, because by the time we made it to Kamloops dinner was whatever snacks we could find. We never did see the town.
Tomorrow- returning to the USA- and traveling to Sequim
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