The All Star ride to Northern California

Since the three bikes that made the trip are red, white and blue, Steve chose the name.

Our first day was spent almost totally in the rain. Purdy to Redmond, OR, 380 miles. Sorry no pictures in the rain.

Today Rob led Steve and I over McKenzie Pass just west of Sisters, OR. We were lucky, the pass just opened yesterday. It's a beautiful ride that climaxes at the observatory in the lava field at 5,300 and some feet. Coming down the west side, the temperatures dropped with the elevation. It was a great road for a motorcycle ride.

We continued through Eugene to Reedsport - at times in a downpour. Rob enjoyed testing himself and his new tires on the wet pavement from Reedsport to Sutherlin. After a beautiful detour from I-5 on the Cow Creek Road between Riddle and Glendale, we continued on to Grants Pass for the night, which included snacks and drinks on the patio.

Tomorrow we will ride to Yreka, CA, via Eureka. 199 to 101, then 299 and 96 back to I-5. A 120 mile trip that will encompass about 350 miles.

Let go of the past

Maybe, just maybe, I really have. I gave myself an $840 per year raise yesterday. I emptied the storage unit. Goodwill got five pick up loads of good usable stuff. The waste transfer station got 30 years of my life.
All of those pay stubs dating from 1976 to 2006 are history. All of those training certificates and awards, even those fancy plaques they gave me and were never hung on a wall. The divorce papers, too.
Thom kept all of my tools and garage stuff - that was another truck full of stuff. He had to reorganize his garage to make room for everything. He hasn't even opened the boxes yet. Each one will be a little treasure chest.
Four small boxes of pictures and memories will accompany me back to Arizona. I'll have my own jewels to examine.
The road trip to NorCal starts on Saturday. Rain and clouds are in the forecast for the Portland area. Good thing the rain gear got packed.

Temperatures are rising.

Temperatures are rising here in Apache Junction. They should top out around 111 this week. The time for my escape has arrived. I'll be leaving the park next Monday. The plan is to spend 4 or 5 days on the road, drive along the Oregon coast, sleep in the back of the truck. If I learn that my body is too old for these sleeping arrangements, there are motels and I can shorten the trip.
I am looking forward to seeing my kids. They are grown up and have their own lives and don't need me like they did when they were younger, but they are stuck with me. Thom has graciously offered a room in his house for part of my stay. I will bunk with my brother Ross in Ballard for a couple weeks, too. Should be fun. Looking forward to seeing all of my friends and family that I can.
Another reason to head north is so I can head back south. The annual motorcycle ride at the end of July will cover northern California. It is disappointing that our little group of five is already down to three, but I am looking forward to the ride and the camaraderie.  I didn't get to go to Canada last year with the group.

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park

On last weekend's motorcycle ride, one stop along the way to Winslow, AZ, was Tonto Natural Bridge State Park.
Believed to be the largest natural travertine bridge in the world, it stands 183 feet high over a 400 foot long tunnel that is 150 feet at its widest point.
A prospector named David Gowan stumbled upon the site as he was chased by Apaches. He hid for two nights in a cave within the tunnel. He later claimed squatter's rights.

Copper Chopper

As part of the centennial celebration, Paul Yaffee built this motorcycle which is being raffled off. Called the copper Chopper, it is fully plated in Arizona copper and includes several references to the state.
You can read more here: http://www.arizona100.org/events-projects/copper-chopper

Shed expansion project.

Believe it or not, there are rules in the park regarding the size of the sheds. 10' x 12' is allowed. Mine was 9' x 10' when I bought the place. It is part of the carport, using the carport awning for the roof. I decided to add the three feet toward the east edge of my lot. First I had the cement poured, then the awning extended. With that done, I was able (with the help of friends) to cut the east wall loose, move it, and build filler sections.
As my park model sits on a corner lot, part of the purpose of the shed expansion was to accommodate the Harley. Dave, Mark and I had already installed a roll up door on the north side of the shed. The siding removed for the door installation was saved for the expansion. I was given some other pieces of siding saved from another shed job to use on the other side.
The whole thing turned out pretty good. No - I won't work on your shed. One is enough.

Dirt bike fanatic

In conjunction with attending my Mom's 90th birthday party, I delivered an old rusty piece o' crap CZ to Forrest. He and Kenny have gone overboard regarding their fascination with early 70s dirt bikes. I took a few pictures on my visit.