Did you say penguins? - Iowa City, Iowa Day 13 – Wednesday, 5/26

I left Petosky at about 7:30 this morning. I landed at my bed and breakfast this evening at about 8:30. Fourteen hours and if I had to go through one more single lane construction zone, I was going to find the nearest grain silo, close the door and scream. Today was about dodging the truckers on I-80. I-80 ran through all four states today. It was difficult to pick a route that went through the remaining states I need and not on the interstate highways. I did stop by a friend’s biker bar in Davenport, Iowa to meet their family. I had a quick visit and then got back on the road for another hour. I pulled up lodging on my GPS and several bed and breakfast places popped up. I called one that was full, dropped by another nearby and ended up staying at a third nearby. Daissy is a wonderful host from Columbia. My dear friend Jorge would enjoy many hours connecting with Daissy. The first thing you notice when you walk in to her home are the walls covered with photographs from the 70 countries she has been to. I was fascinated with the beautiful pictures from Antarctica (try and draw the shape of Antarctica!) She spent several days on cruise learning about the penguins, seals and other wildlife on the island. One picture shows thousands of penguins just standing around. She had pictures from South Africa. Her house was like a pictorial museum, yet Daissy is a warm, gentle soul who enjoys sharing her experiences. I can’t wait until breakfast to hear more! I still need three more states to finish my circuit of 24 states. The next two days will be to Lawrence where Cindy lives and then Chandler (near Stillwater) where Sue lives. They only live five hours apart, so I will enjoy the time with them instead of being on the road.

Petosky, MI to Iowa City, IO
Miles: 597
Sites: Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa (I passed by a farm in Iowa)
Emotion of the day: Thank God for the Texas Hill Country

Now which lake is this? Petosky, MI – Day 12 Tuesday, 5/25

I want you to take out a piece of paper and a pencil. List the five Great Lakes and draw their shapes. Now, put them geographically in place around the correct states. How did you do? When I talked to Tyler last night, I shared with him that I have to study geography just as much as he is. Having only been out of Texas a few times, I find myself being challenged to remember what Ms. Reeves taught me in the fifth grade. I can still hear her voice, “Young, Is that you back there making all that noise? Shut your face, son!” I guess that means I wasn’t paying attention to her geography lessons. I didn’t travel far today in order to catch up my blog. I crossed the Mackinac Bridge that runs between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. The roads in Michigan are rough and take their toll on the drivers and vehicles. Tomorrow, I will try and touch four states as I work my way back to Texas.

Marquette, MI to Petoskey, MI
Miles: 202
Sites: Lake Huron, Lake Michigan and the Mackinac Bridge between the two lakes
Emotion of the day: I need to catch up on my blog!

Getting bent in Dent – Dent, MN Day 10 & 11 - Sunday, 5/23 & Monday, 5/24.

I loaded up and said good bye to Reid and Terry. I was hell bent on getting to Dent to see Gary and Judy. Judy is Deb’s mom. I met them in Cedar Park last year when they were in town visiting Paul and Deb’s family. They were very excited to hear about my trip and were looking forward to me dropping in at their lake home. I arrived in Dent, MN (population 192) before noon. Their home is on Star Lake. They got me settled in grabbed a bite for lunch and we were off for a tour of the lake. It is a large lake, great fishing for walleye, northern pike, black bass and crappie. We scooted across the lake in their pontoon boat. I commented to Gary on how all three of his swinging doors were open as the boat was moving. I wondered if this was for a quick exit in case of an emergency (this will come into play later). We arrived at the Galaxy Bar on Chicken Beach. Gary went around front to see if they were open. He found Ron, the owner running around on his four-wheeler. Now Ron is about eighty years old with glasses on the end of his nose, cut off blue jeans with paint on them, tall white socks and tennis shoes. He was a salty man with few words. Gary asked him if they were open. He said he could be. Gary asked him what time they opened on Sunday. Ron replied, “Noon.” We all looked at our watches. It was 2:00. So Ron unlocked the door, turned on the lights and TV and asked us what we were having. We had a drink and watched the Twins game. I felt special that he opened up the bar for us and we were the only ones in there. Off we went back across the lake to get ready for the “conversation.” Huh? I heard about us having a” conversation” later, so I didn’t ask any questions. You see I found out. (Shhhhhh!) The daily event in Dent was getting bent in Dent. So we loaded up the car and off to downtown Dent we went to have our conversation. Triple Play is the place to have the event and get bent in Dent. We walked in and sat with two couples that were friends of Gary and Jude. Tom & Judy and Dick & Karen. You see, Tom, Dick and Gary are all friends (you can see where this is going). I love finding these little places off of the beaten path, the local joints. After a couple of cocktails we went back to the house for dinner. Now Jude out did herself and served up an outstanding dinner for all seven of us. I truly felt like a part of the social scene in Dent. After Tom, Judy, Dick and Karen left we watched the finale of “Celebrity Apprentice.” Almost all of us watched it. Jude and I got a kick out of watching Gary beat his head against the couch as he fell asleep to a show he has never watched before. I told him to get some rest because those walleye don’t have a chance in the morning. At 6:00, we printed my fishing license and we were off to catch some breakfast. A storm came through during the night and the winds were up and the dark clouds were howling. Gary taught me how to fish in Minnesota. And like all good fishing guides, he allowed me to catch all the fish (he had his hook in the water the same amount of time as me). I caught a crappie, a black bass, a northern pike that we lost under the boat, and then I caught “Walter.” You know Walter. The Walter from “On Golden Pond,” Walter. I have always wanted to catch a fish that had a name! I hooked him and Gary came over with the net. When Gary saw Walter, he got real nervous. He reached out to net him and missed. Panic set in with Gary. He got real serious. He swiped at him again and scooped him up with his tail still hanging out of the net. He was a beast. Gary pulled the net into the middle of the boat. Before he pulled Walter out of the net, Gary said, “Close those emergency exits so he can’t get out!” Gary then proceeded to tell me that people fish a long time and don’t see a walleye this big. This was my first walleye, 8 lbs. & 26". Jude was speechless and reacted with laughter when she saw how big Walter was. When I left at noon, I shared with Gary and Jude that catching the fish wasn’t my favorite part. It was spending time with them in their beautiful home. With two honks of the air horn and a wave, I was off again, toward Marquette, Michigan.

Sunday - Dawson, ND to Dent, MN: 208 miles
Monday - Dent, MN to Marquette, MI: 442 miles (all after 1:00)
Sites: The Lake Home of Gary & Jude Anderson, Walter, 9,000 of the 10,000 lakes, Wisconsin (didn’t see any cheese heads), Lake Superior and the Ottawa National Forest
Emotion for the day: Felt like part of the family

Reid & Terry - Dawson, ND Day 9 - Saturday, 5/22

When I set out today, I just knew it was going to be an adventure. My goal was to get to Aberdeen, SD. I saw on the Weather Channel that North and South Dakota were prime for severe weather and possible tornadoes. On the drive into Sturgis, I saw hillside after hillside of deer grazing on the green moguls that lead up to the Black Hills. I rolled into Sturgis and of course had to stop at the Harley dealership. I ate lunch at the Knuckle Grill and Saloon. I sat at the bar with a couple from LaPorte, Tx. It was fun to talk to someone from back home. I headed out of Sturgis to the northeast on a two lane highway (212). I stopped for a water break in a very small town and asked the sheriff which was the best way to Aberdeen. He told me about the road ahead of me being closed, so off I went, north and east through the Standing Rock Indian Reservation. This led me toward Mobridge. Approaching Mobridge about 5 p.m., a huge thunderstorm is building in front of me. In Mobridge, I asked a couple if there was a road heading north of town in order to avoid “that” thunderstorm. They said, “Oh yea. Take 1804 north out of town. It will eventually go into North Dakota.” So as I am riding into town, I saw a deputy and asked him if there was a good road heading north out of town in order to avoid “that” thunderstorm. He said, “Oh yea. Take 1804 north out of town. It will eventually go into North Dakota. You don’t want to get caught in that thunderstorm. It has quarter size hail and has had two tornadoes drop out of it, so far.” You see, “that” thunderstorm was in between me and Aberdeen. 1804 north it is. 1804 north was one of the coolest roads to be on a Harley. However, it was about the most east and west road that I have been on this trip so far. Do you remember when you were trying to learn how to use the two etch-a-sketch knobs to make a picture? That was 1804 north. As I drove toward North Dakota, I realized I was being paralleled between two thunderstorms, the larger one to the east. As the sun was dropping the storms intensified. I finally came to interstate 94. This is the highway that goes into Fargo that goes to Dent, Minnesota (where Gary and Jude live). I was close.

It was getting dark, so I gassed up and looked at the gas station attendant’s computer that had the radar on. Boy, did I get lucky. I asked where a place I could get dinner and a hotel. I had dinner at the AmVet (similar to VFW or American Legion hall). The people were not overly friendly, so I headed for the hotel. She didn’t bother to tell me the hotel (the only hotel) was under repair due to the fire. Oh, that’s not good. My only option was to head into the next town, Dawson.
By this time we are deep into dusk and the big lightning bolts were less than five miles away. Dawson was a very small town. I drove past the town bar, and convenience store. I turned right on one of the two streets in town. I was just looking for someone to ask where the town hotel was. The first house I drove up to had a big campfire going in the front yard and a couple of guys with their backs turned to the street. I rolled up and turned off the bike. I asked where the hotel. They got up out of their lawn chairs with their beer cans and strolled over to the street. I am picturing Burt Reynolds in a raft. The first guys laughed, “You really think this town has a hotel?” I explained that I was just trying to find a hotel to park my bike and get a room. The other guy says, “We are a couple of old harmless fisherman. This is our getaway from the wives on the weekends. We live and work in Fargo and we come here on the weekends to go fishing. We normally have a third guy staying here, but he couldn’t make it this weekend. You are more than welcome to stay here.” Now, I am hearing banjos in the background. I politely declined and fired up the bike. I asked where the next town toward Fargo was that had a hotel. He said Jamestown, about 52 miles away. I turned off the bike and asked them where I should park it. Reid and Terry helped me with my gear, and offered me a beer. We sat by the fire and I quickly realized that Reid and Terry were simply nice guys who could use the excitement of having a Texas Harley dude hang out with them. When the rain moved in, we went in and sat around the kitchen table getting to know each other and told some great stories. Terry and Reid bought the house and half a city block six years for three thousand dollars. Terry made sure that I knew that the taxes each year were always the same as the population of Dawson, 72. We exchanged emails and agreed to keep in touch. They were just like you and me. They simply opened up their home to someone who could really use it at the time. I was very appreciative and thankful that things really do happen and people really do care when you need it the most. Truly a wonderful part of my trip so far.

Sheridan, WY to Dawson, ND
Miles: 620
Sites: Wyoming, South Dakota & North Dakota, Sturgis Harley Davidson, a couple from La Porte, the Black Hills, and a great fishing home (fishing haven) for a couple great guys from North Dakota.
Emotion for the day: Blessed

Yellowstone – Are you kidding me? Day 8 – Friday,5/21

I drove into the small town just west of Yellowstone called West Yellowstone. I had been looking forward to this day for a long time. I ate lunch in town and asked a server about some of the choices I had after I went into the park. She steered me clear of some roads under construction but made it very clear that the speed limit was only 45 mph. What? My bike doesn’t go that slow! Highly annoyed, I payed my fee to the nice ranger upon entering the park and sped off. Within the first half mile I almost ran into the car in front of me. An RV and five cars had stopped to take some pictures. Can you believe it? I am on a mission to see 24 states and all I see are brake lights. Breathe, Glen. During the next half mile my attitude changed. I took pictures of buffalo, eagles, elk, and deer. Woooow! This is cool. Everything I had heard about the park was worth the hype. I got it. As a matter of fact, a buffalo was slowly cruisin down the middle of the road. He was actually too close to snap a picture. When I was rolling up, he slowly turned his head toward me. I wondered if this loud wide iron horse was a threat to him. I didn’t stick around to snap a picture. My entire ride through the national park, my head was on a swivel.
As amazing as Yellowstone was, my favorite part of that day was in Big Horn National Forest afterwards. I saw valleys, Beautiful mountains passes, waterfalls, canyons and miles and miles of mountain sides of elevation above 6000 ft. I took plenty of pictures along the way to record my journey that day. This is definitely a place to bring Cheryl and the boys to see. If you are ever going through Yellowstone, be sure to take another half day to see Big Horn National Forest! A must see.

Butte, MT to Sheridan, WY

Miles: 440 miles (mostly @ 30-45 mph through Yellowstone)

Sites: West Yellowstone, elk, buffalo, eagles, deer, Old Faithful, Yellowstone Lake, Bighorn National Forest, Bighorn Canyon, Chimney Rock

Emotion for the Day: This buffalo looks like he wants to eat me

Elements of Surprise Butte, MT – Day 7 Thursday 5/20

This past September, I had the honor and pleasure of going to Colorado with my friends, John & Lynn (they also ride). We trailer our bikes up to Greely. Lynn was going to escort two veterans on their Honor Flight. There is a movement to get as many World War II veteran’s as possible to Washington DC to see the WW II memorial. On 9/11, Lynn flew on the flight and John and I escorted the buses of veterans to the airport with the local Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) chapter. After Lynn left on the flight, John, his sister and brother-in-law, I and a couple of other local riders headed up to Estes Park. We stopped for breakfast at the lodge right before entering the park. During breakfast they pointed up to the top and said that is where we are going today. It was quite a gorgeous view! After breakfast, before getting on their bikes, the locals started putting on their rain gear. I looked up at the top of the summit again and thought it odd that they were strapping on even more clothes. We got about half way and it began to drizzle. The drizzle then began to stick to the windshield. As we ascended, the sleet turned into snow. I mean a full on snow storm!! We got to the summit, snapped a quick picture, and proceeded quickly off the mountain (much quicker than I was used to traveling in inclimate weather).
I begin with that story to help you understand the range of elements I drove through today. I left Seattle this morning in the rain. Before leaving, I shared with Janet and Paul my appreciation and that they were a big STAR on my map. Janet replied in grand Lancaster fashion, “As I should be!” Janet and Paul were great hosts. I was well fed and cared for. Thank you! Back to the elements: After leaving in the rain, I quickly got up into the Cascade Range, in the Wenatchee Mountains (just north of Mt. Ranier). Janet swears they keep moving Mt. Ranier. On the west summit of the range, I encountered fog, heavy rain and sleet. On the windy east side, I encountered near blinding snow and sleet. I had to stop and change glasses, wipe off the windshield and of course snap a picture. Within 15 minutes, I was heading across eastern Washington in a bright sunny sky. Between Spokane and Missoula, it hailed on me four times. Now, do I need to tell you what pea size hail feels like; never mind? I encountered sunny skies, fog, rain, lots of wind, hail, sleet and snow all before noon! As the salesman at one of the dealerships said, “You can encounter July, August and winter all in the same day.” The highlight of the day however was seeing a black bear cub about 50 feet from the road. By the time I pulled the bike out of a construction zone and stopped the bike, it plodded over a railroad track and down a hill. I was in shock. I saw a real live bear. Not a dog. Not a cow or a horse, but a real freakin’ bear in the wild. I felt like Marlin Perkins! (now if you got that, you are clearly over the age of fifty). I am right on schedule and plan on going through the Great Divide and Yellowstone tomorrow. I am looking forward to fishing with Gary in Minnesota. I can’t think of a better way to take a break in the middle of the trip!

Milton, WA to Butte, MT
Miles: 601
Sites: All the elements of surprise, an unbelievable ride along rivers in Idaho and Montana & a freakin’ bear!
Emotion for the day: Hey, somebody’s pet bear got out!

Sleeping on the way to Seattle Milton, WA – Day 6 Wednesday, 5/19

I headed out about 7:30, up I-5 to Southerlin for breakfast. When I geared back up, I check the radar. A huge storm was building in from the coast, from Southerlin to Seattle (about 300 miles long) and had plenty of red and high winds. Reports of winds on mount Ranier of 118 mph! So what do I do? I tried to head over to the 101, of course. I got about half way on a 2 lane windy road and had to turn back. Mother nature did not consider the fact that today was my chance to ride up the 101 and take incredible pictures of the Pacific Ocean. I headed north on I-5 and got as far as Albany, half way between Eugene and Salem. The water on the road was like driving on top of a pond. I don’t mind rain, but when other vehicles cannot even see me, it’s time to get off. The radar looked worse, but looked like it would eventually push east. I honkered down for about 3 hours. At 4:00. I said, if I’m going to make it to Janet’s tonight, now is the time. I did have one observation while driving. Oregon is an odd state. When I pulled up to my first gas stop in the state, a big guy came walking over and lifted the lever after I swiped my card. Drop it or I’ll drop you where you stand (I said on the inside). He began to explain that Oregon requires attendants to pump your gas. Huh? I couldn’t figure it out, nor the nine to ten people I have asked, since. Oregon drivers drive while Sleeping on the way to Seattle. They all drive with their mouths open, heads tilted back, eyes half mast, while looking down their nose at the road, driving in the left lane. When I crossed the Columbia River into Washington, all of the traffic seemed to open up and flow wonderfully. I arrived in Milton to see Janet shivering in the parking lot awaiting my arrival. I made it just before dark. Tomorrow, I will try and push east of the storms on my way to Yellowstone and the Great Divide.

Medford, OR to Milton, WA (with a detour toward the coast)
Miles: 481 miles
Sites: Beautiful trees in rolling mountains (in the rain)
Emotion of the day: Close your mouth and drive, please!

Shasta isn’t just a brand of soda Medford, OR - Day 5 Tuesday, 5/18

Great news about the bike! Before I left Austin, the bike got its 20K maintenance inspection. As the service manager in Reno put it, “we found your oil level full and about a quart of oil spewed all over the outside of the bike. In other words, they filled it too full! So, if there is any good news about an oil leak, I got good news. When I was going up and down the mountains in Utah, the engine had more stress on it and couldn’t circulate the oil (too much oil) fast enough. The oil was then pushed out the air filter and all over the right side of the bike and my boot. Sooooo, by 1:15, I left Reno, headed to see Bill, Erin and the triplets. In order to make good time, I decided to go southwest from Reno to Sacramento, then north to Medford, Oregon, and then southwest to Crescent City, CA. Everyone I talked to said this is the best way because it is all interstate. I did make good time. As I went over the mountains toward Sacramento, it dropped down to 35*, but the view was amazing. As I am driving into Sacramento, It heated up to 75*. I was a little overdressed. Pictured me with two jackets, chaps, thick gloves, and a facemask. I passed motorcyclists that were in shorts and t-shirts. As I was pushing north, I saw the signs for Mount Shasta and Lake Shasta. No one warned me. How gorgeous! The bad part is there were no spots to pull over safely and snap some pictures. I did get a couple of cool shots of crop dusters doing their aerial maneuvers as well as sunset in the Oregon mountains. I will work on posting up pics tonight at Janet’s. I pulled into Medford about 8:45. Dusk was upon me and I had about two to two and a half hour ride on treacherous, winding, narrow, unfamiliar roads with lots of critters. I called Erin to let her know I was disappointed, but greatly appreciated her family opening up her home and offering up her hospitality. Maybe next time, and there will be a next time after seeing the views. Wednesday, I’m off to Janet’s. I might have to make my way over to the coast and head north on the 101!

Reno, NV to Medford, OR
Miles: 566
Sites: Great winding interstate through Tahoe National Forest, Sacramento Valley, Mt. Shasta, and the beautiful Siskiyou Mountains.
Emotion of the day: “On the road again” & disappointment that I didn’t get to see Erin and family

Why is there oil on my boots? That can't be good! Reno, NV – Day 4 Monday, 5/17

I ate breakfast in Delta, UT. Probably the best breakfast I have had in years, nothing fancy, just good home cooking. Shortly after leaving town there was a sign that said “Next services 103 miles.” I looked down and saw my range on my tank was 103 miles. I didn’t chance it. After topping off, I drove for about an hour and took a break on the side of the road. I remember thinking that the desert has a rough, dry toughness to it. It also has a peaceful, quiet beauty to it as well. I didn’t picture the desert full of mountains and gorgeous terrain (pretty darn fun on a Harley, too). It was about 60* crossing the Nevada desert. I saw rain closing in, so I pulled over in an entry to a driveway that only God knows where the road lead. As I am throwing on rain gear, I looked down and saw oil on the pipes and my boots. That can’t be good. I investigated and decided my best choice was to head into Reno and take it to the Harley dealership for repair. So I dropped of the bike for repair and two new tires. They are going to give me a call when it is ready for the road. My goal was to be in Crescent City, CA by 5:00, Tuesday evening. My cousin Erin & Bill, (mothers side, 3rd cousin, twice removed - I get lost in the family tree)( Deac, don’t get mad at me) are expecting me and are kind enough to allow me to stay with them for a night. We had a Lancaster family reunion in Seattle last summer and made mention of the trip. As soon as I get word from Harley, I’m off into the wild blue yonder (really dark, wet clouds ahead). It looks like rain for the next several days. That’s o.k. A bad weather day on a Harley better than a good day at work (metaphorically speaking, of course).

Salina, Utah to Reno, NV
Miles: 540
Sites: Desert
Emotion of the day: Please get me through this desert!

Watch Out for that gang of Elk! Salina, Utah - Day 3 Sunday, 5/16

Sun up was 5:50 a.m. I snapped my picture of the beautiful sunrise and by 6:00, I set off west though the Rockies. About 15 miles outside if Cimarron, I got up close and downright personal with a herd (or whatever the proper term is gaggle, drove, pod – proper term is “gang”) of about 25 elk cows stampeded across the road in front of me. Good Morning! They wisely turned back across the road. I honked my air horn hoping it did not sound like a mating call and sped off. I drove through the Carson and Santa Fe National Forests, Taos, and Navajo Nation toward Four Corners Monument. This was important because it meant I could knock out 4 of my 24 states quickly. So I roll into the park and there is a big sign saying, “Sorry, folks. The Park Is Closed.” Are you kidding me? How can this be? How can you close four states and eliminate the possibility of a quick getaway on my way through Utah? Fortunately, I documented the state border signs from NM into AZ, took 160/481 through Colorado and into Utah. WOW! I ended up in Salina, located in the center of the state. I went to “Mom’s” diner. After eating what they call chicken fried steak (not breaded Texas style), I asked the waitress if there was a local bar I could get a beer. She replied “No, and welcome to Utah!” I went to bed.

Cimarron, NM to Salina, UT
Miles: 638
Sites: Four corners and the Rockies – Are you kidding me!
Emotion of the day: Picture Glen on his Harley with a big fat smile on my face!

Cimarron & Dad – Cimarron, NM Day 2 – Saturday, 5/15

I was able maneuver around some storms and drove through Clovis. Now, Clovis has Lancaster family history, so I had to stop and buy a Harley t-shirt to commemorate my roots. Driving into Cimarron was like driving back time. I picture a spaghetti western being filmed here. I galloped into town about 5 o’clock. I made a reservation at a bed and breakfast. OK, for all of you Boy Scouters out there, Cimarron is a little town just outside the Philmont Scout Ranch. I chose this bed and breakfast because it was close to Philmont. You see, my dad was a big scouter and taught the adult leadership training course, Woodbadge at Philmont. It was his favorite place on earth. Waite Phillips, an Oklahoma oil man, donated his 127,000 acre ranch to the Boy Scouts in 1937. He made one stipulation; that his ranch house located in the middle of Philmont, remain his private residence. What I didn’t know when I made my reservation was that the bed & breakfast was Waite Phillips’ ranch home. How cool is that! I checked in and set out to fulfill my dad’s wish. Dad left a red notebook (with pictures) of exactly where he wanted half of his ashes spread at Philmont. Half of his ashes are with mom in Richardson. The other half he wanted spread at Philmont. Dad got his wish! One of the greatest gifts dad taught me was to give back unselfishly to others.
So for dinner on a Saturday night, I chose the local Hotel & Saloon. I walked into the bar area and the owner said, I’m from Texas and we have the best Chicken Fried Steak you’ll ever eat.” Big guy, 6’5”, Cowboy hat, boots and tan leather vest. You couldn’t miss him. I ordered dinner and was looking around. I looked up. Yep, those are bullet holes! The owner explained that over 28 men have been killed in this bar by the likes of Jesse James, Buffalo Bill Cody, Anne Oakley, and Wyatt Earp. Enough history, I have to get some sleep.
Junction, TX to Cimarron, NM
Miles: 599
Sites: West Texas plains up to the Eastern edge of the Rockies
Emotion for the day: Peace

Computers & thunderstorms - Junction, Texas Day 1 - Friday, 5/14

I pulled out of the driveway and drove straight to Jacob & Sons Stone. You see, I wanted to know how much my loaded bike weighed – 1041 lbs. I looked at my phone and Cheryl called to let me know that my right saddle bag was open (such a Glen thing to do). You think she will worry about me on my trip? So, I headed out west toward Llano (dinner @ Cooper’s famous BBQ for dinner) to avoid the thunderstorms moving in from the southwest. I then drove south to go south of the storms. The plan was to go I10 west. By the time I arrived in Junction, my radar indicated that I wouldn’t make it to the next town before hitting the storms. So, I honkered down and parked my bike under the hotel canopy. It is then I discovered my computer issues. Grrrrrrrrr!

Starting odometer reading for trip: 20235
Cedar Park to Junction
Miles: 141
Sites: Texas Hill Country & big thunder boomers
Emotion for the day: Frustration

Lap top Trauma

Thank you to all for being patient and caring. Many people have been asking where Glen’s blog is. Dillon & I switched computers because his is more compact for the bike. Well, the computer developed a corrupt file to get onto the internet (using any Wi-Fi, air card or dial up). After working through Micro-Trend and Norton to try and restore, I gave up. I know it has been frustrating for all as well. I still cannot load pictures right now, but will get some up when I get to someone’s PC.
So, here we go!

Packed & Ready?

Oil Change - Check
Bike Ready - Check
Bags & saddle bags ready - Check
Air compressor/Tire repair kit - Check
GPS programmed - Check
Camera batteries charged - Check
Ipod loaded with 14 gigs - Check
Kissed & hugged my loved ones - Check
Registration, Inspection, Insurance - Check

Mother Nature's Cooperation - Grrrrrr!

My trip launches Friday 5/14/2010

I have been putting together a trip for the last year to cover the Western 24 contingent United States (7000 miles) on my 2009 Harley Davidson Ultra Classic Screamin' Eagle motorcycle. I can only take two weeks off of work. My original plan was to hit the four corners of the United States but quickly discovered that was going to be physically impossible to do in two weeks. The trip has evolved into covering the Western United States in fifteen days. You see, I will work five days this week and use the weekend to get a head start to begin the two weeks vacation. I will be staying with friends and family (5 nights unless you see other places with friends or relatives along the way) as well as small town hotels to get a taste of the local flavor. Please look at the route. If you see any possibilities of people you know along the route that would be willing to rest my head one night, please let me know. Please call me on my cell phone before I leave this Friday. Thanks

Glen
Cell 512 415-4295