Last days of this big Adventure

Marty put new tyres on the BMW and front brake pads so the bike is all ready for the journey north in a few days time.
We have decided to just gang out in Portland as it's too dam hot to go riding plus there are so many fires in the areas we wanted to visit it isn't practical to go there.

So tonight after a very lazy day (again) we went to Lardos for dinner with Andrew Denise Jon and Lynette. They had no pina colada beer so I had a watermelon one which wasn't that great. Then Denise and I had a Darker and Stormier cocktail which was rum and ginger and had a bit of a kick to it.

The Gormans and us went across the road to the crepe cart for dessert before returning home.

Saturday and Andrew and Denise shot off to a family reunion early this morning and Jon had gone up to Bend so once again we blobbed all day. Still very hot.

We walked up to Woodstock and had tea in the Thai restaurant then strolled home. Andrew was back so we had a wee chat then hopped across the road to Jon’s where we are currently sleeping.

Another lazy day reading but we did go to another free concert. This time it was the Portland Symphony Orchestra playing along with a local band who were very good to. The rose gardens in the park were lovely.

Monday and the days activities were the same as previous days. Tonights concert was supposedly a blue grass one but we think it was more folk but still good. Watching all the little kids .

We failed to fire on Tuesday but Wednesdsy morning with Andrew in charge we were all loaded into the car just after 8am and on our way to the Evergreen Aviation Museum in McMinnville.

The main attraction was the Spruce Goose. What a gi normous plane that is. It made the other planes look like toys. We spent all day wandering around the two huge buildings. An adult dose of planes!

We went to a little bbq joint for dinner. Was nice. Then back to Portland.

A nice day out.

Bad sleep. My bladder sprung a leak and I made at least 4 trips to the loo before 6am. Had to have a wee sleep in to compensate.

Another lazy day but a free concert to finish. It was Portland's own Patrick Lamb and he was very popular with the crowd.

Friday morning we all headed up to Tenino to a motorcycle swap meet. Andrew misjudged the distance thinking it was about 80 miles away but it was much further. There were a couple of nice bikes there that Andrew and MJ were smitten with but not enough to part with any dollars. Marty picked up a brake plate he's been hunting for, for quite a while  so he was very happy.

We had lunch in a nice little 50’s style diner then returned for a final sweep of the swap meet.

I slept most of the way home but still needed an early night.

Our time of blogging in Portland gas come to an end so Saturday morning we got the bike packed up, said our farewells to Jon, Andrew and Denise and headed off. Felt a bit strange being on the back.

A few miles up the I5 Marty pulled over as he said the brakes felt a bit squidgey and not there. He had a brief look and everything seemed to be ok and the brakes were back so we carried on. Several miles later a couple of guys in a mini drew alongside and were looking at the bike. Next thing they are pointing at the bike with a large note in the passenger window. I couldn't read that  but hot the hint and told MJ that we needed to pull over and check the bike as something wasn't right. No easy task when you have to cross 4 lanes of fast moving traffic but we did and when J hot off and inspected the bike we discovered that the front right brake caliper was floating in the breeze. Both bolts had disappeared. MJ found a bit of string on the roadside and tied it up.

The BMW GPS was able to tell us where the nearest BMW dealer was but we had no cell ph coverage so we sedately rode to the nearest food outlet so we could make a ph call to see if they were open and had the parts and we could have lunch. Luckily for us they were open till 5 and had the bolts and were about 50 miles away just south of Tacoma.

We turn off the freeway and the first turn we have to make after that is impossible because they had closed the bridge. This threw the GPS into a real spin and was no help at all. A few minutes later we spotted a couple of policemen so we stopped and asked them for directions. They went one step better and one of them escorted us right to the BMW shop.

We left there an hour or so later and considerably poorer.  The bolts were a bargain st $9 but purchasing our missing left hand pannier was not. But it looks really good having all panniers on so we just won't think about the cost.

Marty was very impressed with the purple PD they had for sale. He will gave to settle for the photos.

The closer we get to BC the smoker it becomes. Landscapes just disappear in the haze.

The border crossing was very quick and painless.

We arrived at Cultus Lake about 1.30. The smoke haze here is really bad.

Packed all the miscellaneous bike parts into the side panniers. Just as well we have the extra bag as John had quite a few bits and pieces for us.

Came to our motel in Chilliwack about 6 and went and had Chinese for tea and dairy queen for dessert. Going to have to straight onto a very strict food campaign when I get home!!

The smoke has made my eyes a bit sore. I'd hate to have to live with this for weeks and weeks.

All our stuff is packed and ready to go. Tomorrow we take the bike to the freight forwarders and we head to the Airport. The trip is done and dusted.  Had a great time but we are looking forward to coming home.

Blobbing on the Oregon Coast

We moved over to Jon’s place today as Andrew and Denise have gone to Minnesota to visit family. Had a very lazy day. Went to Lardos with Jon and one if his mates for dinner. It is a cycling hangout for them. Nice food and beer. I had a couple of pina colada beers. Very nice. Even MJ had a couple.
I had to buy one of their T shirts which has this slogan on it "Bringing fat back" and a picture of a pig with all the different cuts of meat. Might be my new cycling shirt when I get home.

Repeat of yesterday except tonight we walked up to another of Jon's favourite eateries then went to a supermarket where we had dessert on their open air balcony along with an ale then walked home.

We got ourselves organised,  washing done, house tidied and were on the road just after 1pm heading for the beach house at Rockaway Beach. Was a lovely ride. Bit hairy getting out of Portland as Mrs GPS still not talking to me. I had a near miss when I made a bad lane change. Things settled down once we were on the highway heading west. Stopped at a Pizza Hut  in Garibaldi for a drink.

The beach house is lovely. A easy 1km walk to the beach.

Water wasn't that warm and it is not a safe beach for swimming so we just paddled.

Walked up and down the main shopping block checking out the shops.  Bought a butter dish in an antique shop that sells fake antiques. The lady who served us reminded me of Blanche off the Golden Girls.

We went to a bakery for coffee and a scone and were very disappointed. Won’t revisit there.

Blobbed out for the rest of the day.

Woke to rain so canned the idea of the train trip. It cleared later in the day do we wandered back into town and grabbed something for tea.

Tried the Grumpy cafe today. Far superior and the guy in charge was very personable, cracking jokes with all the customers. We had a good old chat to him when we were the only ones left. He said we were the 3rd NZ couple he’d had in the last 3 weeks. Normally doesn’t see many at all..

Marty met a couple of the neighbours who were wondering why the front door was open and no car in the driveway. Once they were satisfied we weren't robbing the place they toddled off.

We are getting very lazy but it us nice to relax after all the miles we have done.

Set of for our friend Mark's place in Toledo. Lovely ride down the 101 but heaps of traffic so speed wasn't an issue. A reminder of the perils of swimming in these waters  was seen along the way with medics attending to a prone swimmer on one of the beaches we passed. Didn't look good.

In Newport the police were all go attending to a motorcyclist who had come to grief. Sadly he hadn't heard of the benefits of protective clothing so will be suffering a bit of gravel rash amongst other injuries I guess.

I overshot Mark's driveway so had to do a ten point turn on the gravel road. Bugger!!

Had a lovely evening with Mark, his new wife, Theresa (of 2 weeks ) and their friend Lang. He too is a motorcyclist and the boys disappeared for a couple of hours to check out his collection. He has some rare machines including a cyclone. One if only 4 v twins known of and worth in the region of a million dollars. Marty preferred the Ivor Johnson which he bought off Steve Mcqueen’s estate. He had Harley’s and Excelsiors as well. Nice man with lots of tales to tell. He grew up with the likes of Steve McQueen, Clint Eastwood and Bud Ekins.

After Theresa returned from church and Mark and MJ reappeared from Marks “shop” having checked out his bikes and projects we went to a favourite restaurant of Mark’s in Newport for lunch. It had fabulous views of the beach.

We then were given a guided tour of  Newport and their little town of Toledo. Was great.

Played a board game which nobody won but was a bit of a laugh.

We got on the road just after 11. Had a bt of sea fog thru Newport but then it cleared and we had a pleasant ride back to Rockaway Beach. Traffic was way less which was nice. We stopped at the Tillarmook Creamery to do some cheese tasting but the crowds were ridiculous so after using the loos (queues out the door and down the corridor for the ladies) and a quick look around we left.

After unpacking and having a coffee we went for a walk into town and bought a few supplies. Had tea in the local pizza place. Was quite expensive at $31 for a medium pizza but it was yummy and we have enough left over for another meal.

Today we finally got to do the train trip to Garibaldi. It was fun. Hard case how so many people stop and wave to the train as it goes past.

Afternoon tea at Grumpy’s cafe then home to relax.

Left over pizza and Van Camps pork and beans for tea which were sadly lacking in pork but they hit the spot and were washed down with coffee.

We rode up to Astoria today which is about 60 miles up the coast. Lots of traffic so was a slowish ride. Quite a bit if sea fog so not much to see. I thought Astoria was a quite little seaside town but it is quite a big busy place. We ended up going right thru the main shopping area which wasn't fun. Eventually we were able to turn around and begin our search for the Column. Marty spotted the sign so a quick U turn and we headed up the hill to where it stands. Cost us $5 to park.

We climbed the 164 steps to the top. I wasn't too pleased when on several occasions I had to relinquish my spot on the handrail to others, but If I hadn't no one would have moved. Quite a view from the top. Took the necessary photos then climbed down.

We thought it would be cool to ride over the Astoria bridge which crosses the Columbia River. It is 6.5km long. Nearly missed the on ramp for it but I spotted it as we sat a some lights and told MJ that we needed to change lanes. There was a gap so we took it. He didn't realise that I meant two lanes but we made it and got to ride over the bridge, then turned around and came back across and headed back to Rockaway Beach. Traffic was a bit lighter but there were some useless drivers on the road. We stopped for late lunch at a Chinese restaurant. We each came out with a doggy bag for tea.

The thick sea fog meant there was no seeing the sea and coast at all.  Bummer because if would have been very nice.

Time to head back to Portland. Traffic through Tillamook was at an almost standstill but once we were thru there it was fine. The pleasant coastal temperatures soon disappeared and by the time we were a few miles onto the 26 East it had risen to 35°. Was over 36° by the time we hit Portland around 3.15. Traffic wasn’t too bad and I only made one wrong turn which we were easily able to correct and despite the heat was a stress free ride to Schiller Street.

It was only after I got off the bike and out of my hot bike gear that I suddenly felt very light headed and faint. Then things started to look blurry with black dots so I knew I wasn’t good. Lots of water and cold wet towels later I started to feel human again. Heat stroke!!

Recovered enough to go to a concert in the park with Andrew and Denise. It was a Earth Wind and Fire tribute band and they were very good.

Got to get used to the heat of Portland again.

Barriere to Portland

The sun was nearly out by the time we left and we had fine weather for the short ride to Vernon. Stopped for lunch at a Dairy Queen and it wasn’t  great. I ordered a hamburger but Marty ordered the Canadians favourite dish, Poutine. It is basically chips with curd cheese and chicken gravy. This brew was awful. The chips were barely cooked and it just wasn't nice. 80% of it ended up in the bin.
We arrived too early at our Airbnb as we hadn't read the small print which said check in time was 4pm. We rode the 8km back into town had a coffee and grabbed some food for tea, rang our hosts who said someone would be there by 3.30 to let us in.

Lovely peaceful place up in the mountains above town. Our hosts are lovely and we had a pleasant evening chatting with them.

Lazy day re planning our next few days. We were lucky enough to be able to change our booking in Pendicton for two days later so that means we can go to the Kootenays for a couple of days.

We popped into town to have a look at the murals and discovered there was a classic car show on so we spent an hour or do wandering up and down the streets admiring them all.

One guy insisted I sit in his and have my photo taken once he realised we were Kiwis. I have no idea what sort of car it was.

We then wandered up some other streets and looked at a few of the murals. Some are quite a bit bigger than the ones at home but they were still pretty cool.

We went to the Curry Pot for tea. We both ordered medium dishes but Marty’s was not a medium. After one mouthful his eyes were watering and I could tell he wouldn’t be able to eat it so we swapped. No trouble for me but I have to say I had ordered the more flavourable  dish.

Another enjoyable evening with our hosts chatting and sipping port.

After a yummy breakfast we said goodbye to Peter and Jolene and got underway.  A very short ride today but it was beautiful. Lovely winding roads by lakes and rivers and mountains. We even got to have a small ferry ride from Needles to Farquier.

We stopped in Nakusp for lunch. A lovely town on the Upper Arrow Lake. It is quite touristy.

We popped into the visitor centre for a couple of maps and Marty was quite taken with the old outboard displayed there.

I thought the canine hitching post was rather cute.

It was only another 50km to our destination the Glacier View Cabins in New Denver. We were really surprised with our accommodation. We have a cute little cabin, minutes from the lake and totally self contained. Even a proper stove not that I plan to use it

We went for a lovely walk along the lake edge then up to the supermarket for supplies.

I could easily spend a few days here if the weather stayed like it was today. This place is so not touristy it is wonderful.

Another lovely ride down to Lake Christina. We stopped in Kaslo for lunch. A very pretty little town but quite touristy.

Stopped again in Nelson and had a much needed milkshake.  It is so hot today. 34°. The temperature had dropped nearly 10° when we reached the top of a pass which was lovely but as we descended it rose again. I was hot and knackered by the time we reached our motel, the GPS missing the mark again so we had to back track. I had a cool shower then a nanny nap. We went to a little bistro across from our motel for tea then went for a walk down to the lake. Nice but oh those bloody mossies again

Another hot day but a lovely ride. We stopped for a subway brunch in Grand Forks. Was nice to get out of the heat. We made another stop in the heart of the fruit and wine growing area of Oliver where we had a very nice fresh fruit smoothie.

The GPS again had trouble locating our motel so once again we had to back track and use the phones navigation system. Arrived just after 2 very hot and bothered. Checked in then Marty went off to get milk and stuff while I tended to some paper work.  Then it was off to the pool for a lovely cool dip. The Korean motelier had said the pool was heated but I think something was lost in translation as the water was definetly not heated but I found it to be just perfect. I stayed and lounged in one of the deckchairs and had another swim while Marty had 40 winks.

We went for a walk down to the mall and got some supplies for the next couple of days.  A pizza shop was having it's Tuesday special so we ordered a meatlovers for tea. They then asked us if we realised that they just assemble them we have to cook it. No problem as we have an oven in our unit. It was very tasty and big enough to last us 2 nights so tomorrow night's dinner is taken care of.
I have to say the heat is knocking the stuffing out of me.

Nice to be able to sleep in this morning and not rush around getting ready to hit the road.

We waited till it had heated up (32°) before we decided to walk down to the lake and maybe have a swim. The whole lake beach area was jammed packed with people and very little space to nab a spot close to the water so we flagged having a swim and decided to head back to the motel and take a dip in the pool.

I overheated on the way back so we stopped at a dairy where I bought a litre of water for 3 times the price of a litre of coke. Prices same world wide for healthy opposed to junk.

Also stopped at Tim Norton’s which is the Canadian equivalent of Starbucks but nicer coffee in my opinion.

I was very pleased to get back to our motel if not slightly bedraggled and plunge into the pool. 5km in the heat was almost too much to cope with. Must be getting old!

Crappy sleep. The fire alarm went off about 1.30am. I thought it was Marty’s phone needing to go on the charger but no it was the fire alarm repeatedly telling us the battery was low and needing replacing. By 2am Marty had disarmed the bloody thing as it wasn't going to shut up.

We were on the road by 9am and headed for Cultus Lake via the 3A. A lovely ride through to Hope then freeway most of the rest of the way. We arrived at John’s a little after 1 only to find the parts for the bike hadn’t arrived. Apparently the courier driver had had an accident and broken her pelvis and due to the holiday period replacement drivers were very thin on the ground. Another driver was having to cover her route making deliveries somewhat later than usual. We were contemplating where to book in for the night when an email arrived to say the parcel had been delivered.

Marty had already removed the old chain and sprocket from my bike so it was just a case of replacing with the new items. All went according to plan till the rejoining of the chain. Not an easy thing when you don’t have the correct tools. But with John and I supervising and Shelley (John’s wife) assisting Marty the job was completed.

We did a bit of repacking as we will be on one bike when we return so had to ditch a bit of gear. Got on the road at 7.30pm with the aim of getting closer to Seattle if not past it before we stopped for the night. We made it to Arlington by 9.30 and decided we had had enough for the day. Got a motel, walked across the car park and had a very late dinner at Denny’s. For all you knockers of Denny’s we had  lovely bourbon glazed chicken breasts on a bed of vegetables. Not a fry in sight.

We crashed in the lovely king sized bed.

We got on the road at 10ish. I was not looking forward to this ride at all. The I5 past Seattle was like my worst nightmare (next to the 405 in LA). Got through there surprisingly well, but then there was Tacoma. Some incredibly thoughtless motorists had decided to slam into each other and we all know what that does on the freeways. By the time we had navigated our way through all that snarl up and stopped for lunch I was buggered and it was 31°!

We had planned to make a detour and ride up to Mount St. Helens but I was too hot and tired and the thought of adding another 3 hours to the days ride was more than I could cope with.

We continued onto Portland. As I have the GPS on my bike I have to lead the way. Mrs GPS has for some reason stopped talking to me so I have to pay attention to the screen. All was going well till about 8km from our destination, it's even hotter, I’m even more tired, and traffic is at a standstill. Marty wants to change lanes and cut in further up. I’m way past being able to cope with that so told him in a very grumpy manner that I had no intention of changing lanes and if he knew where we were going to feel to go. He declined and stuck with me. We rolled into Andrew and Denise’s place at 4pm. The cold drink Andrew greeted us with was so appreciated.

Once I was sufficiently hydrated and cooled down I apologized to Marty for being so grumpy.

We had a very pleasant evening, sitting in their garage yakking and having the odd drink or three. Heaven after a horrid day on the freeway.

A very leisurely start to the day. Denise and I went out to check the Columbia store but they had sold out of what I wanted so we went to the grocery store for a few supplies before heading back home. Marty and Andrew spent the day giving the Triumph a going over including putting on two new tyres. It’s already to roll again. The BMW will get a turn tomorrow.

Went to a nice little Thai restaurant for dinner.

We are still thinking about where we will go over the next couple of weeks. California is burning up with wildfires so I don't think we will be going there. Maybe just cruise around Oregon.
In the meantime we are just enjoying chilling out with our friends Andrew, Denise and Jon.