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Moto Trip 2
  • Persis Luke
  • Persis Luke

Moto Trip 2

This is part two of my cross country motorcycle trip. Part 1 was in 2019. I am fully retired now, so I can cover the states that I did not go to on Part 1 and revisit some of the areas that I did not get to spend enough time in! Read more
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  • Trip start
    May 5, 2024
    Persis LukeMoto Trip 2Traveler
    4A very cold start. I started missing Nancy immediately💕
    Hot tea never felt so good!1Charming Air BnB in Speculator, NY2The Speculator Department StoreGeneral Store selling everything from fresh veggies to hardware and camping stuffCharlie Johns General Store3Figured out this inflatable kayak and went on a nice long paddle on Lake Pleasant.1Paddling on a beautiful Spring day. 24 degrees warmer than yesterday!2I like to check the real estate as I paddle

    Day 1 and 2 VT to Adirondacks

    May 6, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    I left Vermont in a cold 47 degrees and rain. Nancy escorted me to the Thruway. She went south and I went North. 😢 Was a pretty damn cold ride but nothing a hot shower and a good cuppa tea couldn’t fix! Traveled to the Adirondacks and am staying in Speculator, NY on Lake Pleasant. Day 2 was beautiful. Did a short 2 mile hike and kayaked on the lake. Walked around town and went to the best general store ever, Charlie Johns Store. Tomorrow I’m heading to the Finger Lakes.Read more

  • Persis LukeMoto Trip 2Traveler
    1
    Harriet Tubman home for the aged in Auburn. She took care of many in many ways!The Brick house was where Tubman lived. She owned 25 acres which she deeded to AME Zion Church.1Tubman's Sewing machine and a portrait.2Our guide Paul. He is with the AME Zion church and is working with National Parks to make this a NP2Beautiful Canandaigua Lake4The gaping hole 😢😳

    Finger Lakes

    May 7, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    I rode from Adirondacks into the Finger Lakes. I find the Finger Lakes area to be particularly beautiful, which I did not truly appreciate when I was a college student there! I had to stop at a Best Buy in Utica to get a Kindle because I forgot mine. Have to be able to READ! Stopped in Auburn NY to see the Harriet Tubman home. She lived there and continued her freedom work for many years. She completed 13 Underground Railroad Round Trips. Each one was 800 miles. These were done on foot! Whoa. I continued onto Canandaigua, which upon my arrival, I realized I had a tooth abscess. My worst nightmare realized. Got an appointment the next morning (May 8th). It was pretty bad with a broken root and it had to be pulled. Oy. Not pretty, but I feel so relieved. I was able to continue onto Pennsylvania (Allegheny State Forest). Will post more on that tomorrow. I have no internet or cell where I am staying so it might be delayed.Read more

  • Persis LukeMoto Trip 2Traveler
    View of Allegheny River from my cabin
    4Love a swinging bench!3Allegheny River by cabin4I excel at making campfiresAllegheny National Forest and Reservoir (Kinzua Dam)5On a 5 mile hike I have to get ready for a backpacking trip in Glacier!Kinzua point trails1Blech. Right on the edge of town.Wind turbines. Southern tier of NYS

    From Windy NYS to Waterless Warren,PA

    May 8, 2024 in the United States ⋅ 🌬 23 °C

    I arrived in Northwestern PA on Wednesday after motoring through the Southern Tier of NYS. It was super windy which apparently is a thing there as I saw many wind turbines. I had no idea. Plays a stark contrast to Warren, PA where there is a United Oil refinery. NY 1, PA 0.
    They own Kwik Fill gas stations. The one NEXT TO the refinery was charging $3.81 a gallon. Jeez.

    The surrounding area is beautiful however - Allegheny National Forest. Did a fantastic hike there today. I saw a man and not a bear. Which is just as well! The man was a US Forest employee doing work on the trail and was a nice chap! I’m staying in a VERY RUSTIC cabin and the water crapped out. Was able to treat the nearby water from a creek for my morning coffee (Got to have that!). I have both filtration and UV. Water is my thing 🙂
    Tomorrow I’m off to Pittsburgh, where water and internet work! Yeah. My dental situation is healing well. ❤️    Read more

  • Persis LukeMoto Trip 2Traveler
    4At the Pirates game. The Parrot and I are buddies!
    5My accommodations. There was water AND internet!4Two toed Sloth at the Aviary? Anyway, it was fascinating. They do everything upside down.2National Aviary3National Aviary. A Victorian crowned Pigeon4Andy Warhol Museum1One of three identical bridges over the Allegheny River. The Rachel Carson, Roberto Clemente, Warhol5Fountain at Point State ParkAndy Warhol Museum

    Pittsburgh!

    May 10, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    I arrived in Pittsburgh and am staying at a sweet place (Mexican War Streets district) which is centrally located by the Allegheny Commons park and within walking distance of most. This is a very nice City. The ballparks and Steelers Stadium are right downtown, and the city is pedestrian and bike friendly. I like how everything is so accessible. I have covered a lot of ground here. Went to a Pirates-Cubs game on Friday and the Pittsburgh Parrot sat with me! Saturday, I visited the National Aviary, the Andy Warhol Museum, Point State Park, the Duquesne Incline (built in 1877) and the Strip District Terminal. My feet hurt but it was really great. Tomorrow I go to West Virginia.Read more

  • Persis LukeMoto Trip 2Traveler
    2Conference Center where the class is4Thanksgiving (Hooked rug by me)5Calliope (hooked rug by me)4Starry Night (Hooked rug by my teacher Gail Dufresne)2Finally some warmth!5Teacher Gail1Grounds of the conference center3This place is really cool as they also provide vocational and community training5

    Wooly in West Virginia

    May 13–17, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C

    I traveled from Pittsburgh on Sunday to Ripley, WV. It finally warmed up to about 70 so I could shed 2 layers of clothes on the Bike. What a relief! I came down 79 and 77 interstates through Wheeling and then onto Route 7 on the Ohio side of the Ohio River. It’s a scenic byway and was quite pretty (with the exception of 2 large coal burning power plants on the West Virginia side)! I am in Ripley to attend a rug hooking class. Some of you know I do traditional rug making (hooking) using 100% wool strips (not yarn). Yes, I’m a hooker! And proud of it. I’ve attached a few photos of rugs I have made and the one that I am working on in this class (a geometric). My teacher is Gail Dufresne, who is also my teacher in New Jersey, where I attend classes with my friend Michele Litwack. Staying at the Cedar Lakes Conference Center which is campy in a very wonderful way! Campy, but with a hotel room with water, cable and internet! Heaven.Read more

  • Persis LukeMoto Trip 2Traveler
    2Nancy's here!❤️
    2Krohn Conservancy with butterfly house. Over 1000 butterflies!33Having an amazing meal at Pepp and Delores4Homemade Ricotta. The best thing we ever ate!1Roebling Bridge over the Ohio River seen from a riverboat cruise. Model for the Brooklyn Bridge!2View of the Great American Baseball Stadium, home of the Red Stockings!3Inside of the Cincinnati Music Hall1Cincinnati Music Hall1We found the Penguin!

    Cincinnati

    May 17, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    I arrived in Cincinnati on Friday, May 17th and Nancy flew in to meet me! So happy to see her. We stayed at a lovely carriage house in Mt Adam’s neighborhood. We had an action packed day on Saturday walking the City. It featured a visit to the Krohn Conservatory (plants and butterflies!), a delicious lunch at Pepp and Delores, a riverboat cruise , and an evening at the Cincinnati Music Hall. The musical program was not great but the hall was fantastic. Today we go to West Lafayette, Indiana and will see our Nephew, Daniel.Read more

  • Persis LukeMoto Trip 2Traveler
    With Daniel in West Lafayette, IN.
    2My cousin Pete. Was great to catch up with him.Lake Michigan. They have a special beach for pooches! Lake Michigan is really cold now!2Chicago is very loveable and livable! TONS of green space and bike paths everywhere.4Hot fudge Sundae at Margie's Candies after a long hot bike ride😳1I thought it was cool that people could dock boats right in their back yards on the Chicago River.Smart city. Every block has an alleyway do that the garbage does not have to be on the street.3Wrigley! Braves won in the 10th inning!7

    Indianapolis and Chicago

    May 20, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    After Cincinnati, I rode with Nancy to West Lafayette, IN. Thankfully no Rain! But it was HOT into the upper 80s. Our nephew, Daniel Meltzer, lives there and it was so great to see him. We had delicious Korean Food, hung out at his apartment and saw where he works. He is a biomedical engineer and we are so proud of him! The morning of the 20th I headed to Chicago. It was only a 2 hour ride, but a bit crazy at the tolls on Route 90. I have an EZ Pass on the Moto but it wasn’t registering and then I had to fiddle with a credit card and the font on the pay machine was so small - couldn’t read it! There are cars piling up behind me! Finally I pressed the HELP button and got a human, who was very human and remotely raised the barrier. Right as I got into Chicago, a deluge with hail came, which of course was never noted by my weather app, That was fun. Finally made it! Had a great dinner with my cousin Pete, who dubbed it the “Banchan Assault”. It was amazing. My Air BnB was in the Albany Park/Lincoln Square area. It was really lovely and they provided a bike! It was a very old Trek with funky gearing. Thankfully it’s flat here, but a stiff headwind at times. I rode about 20 miles just seeing all the different neighborhoods, spent the late morning on the beach on Lake Michigan and then rode to Margie’s Candies. This fantastic place that has kick ass sundaes and been there a 100 years (literally). Tuesday night we went to a Cubs-Braves game. Pete is an avid Braves fan. I had never been to Wrigley Field so it was a special treat. Was great to catch up with Pete and tour Chicago. It’s a really great City.Read more

  • Persis LukeMoto Trip 2Traveler
    I do love to camp!
    The Cedar River and yes there were some area with Rapids2A serene walk in the woods.3A fern I have not seen in the east. Any botanists out there? The ferns were beautiful5OMG. This cicada was on the outside of my tent. Getting out just in time!

    Iowa

    May 22, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    As I enter the plains states, there will be more riding (and Advil!) and less sightseeing, so bear with me for this part. My big target is to get to Missoula Montana area by the 29th. I will also be doing more camping and cellular might be hit or miss! I will be camping for 2 nights in Chadron, NE where I will be doing a long hard training hike for my backpacking trip in Glacier NP in early June. I have carried 22 lbs for 6 miles but need to go up to 25 lbs for 7-8 miles. If I can do that, I will feel ready!

    I camped last night in Palisade-Kepler State Park near Cedar Rapids Iowa. It was quite nice and they had a nice 3 mile hike along the Cedar River. This wooded landscape does not represent most of Iowa, which is mostly corn growing and wind energy. It has been quite windy (I know - it’s the Plains) which adds to fatigue when riding but so far so good. Thankfully it’s been SUNNY and warm!

    Oh and I think I have escaped the cicada assault. I did see one on the outside of my tent, but they are not completely emerged in Iowa. Phew!Iowa has had some rough weather in the past week with tornados in Greenfield 😢.    Read more

  • Persis LukeMoto Trip 2Traveler
    2Bassett, NE - downtown1Restored Service Station, Bassett, NE2My little Robin Friend visiting me when I was reading.

    Nebraska!

    May 24, 2024 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 15 °C

    I left Onawa, Iowa where I spent the night at a motel. I was supposed to camp but there were very strong winds and then a crazy storm blew in overnight. Today 5/24, I rode to Bassett, Nebraska. It was another windy day, but mostly sunny. It was in the low 60s so it was a heated glove day! Nebraska is wide open and pretty in its own way. Lots and lots of Beef cattle. They were grass grazing. Didn’t see feedlots. I came across Route 20 which is a historic coast to coast route which goes from Boston to Seattle. It’s a two lane road. Bassett, NE, population 528 sits at the midpoint of Route 20. It’s the county seat. Nice little town and had a nice grocery store! Tomorrow I head to Chadron to camp for two days in the Nebraska State Forest.Read more

  • Persis LukeMoto Trip 2Traveler
    The beautiful sand hills of northern Nebraska
    So many cattle! All grass grazing. They were chill!1Very South Dakota!1Hiking in Nebraska State Forest. It was stunning.Nebraska Staye Forest near Chadron1View from my hikeBlack Hills lookout just before the rain blew in.1Buffalo, WY watching cottonwood fluff falling. Looks like snow!3Snow capped Big Horn mountains coming into Buffalo, WY

    Wyoming Via Nebraska

    May 25, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    Hey friends! I was camping for a few days in the Nebraska State Forest (NW part) and the cell service was scant. From my last post from Bassett, NE I continued along Route 20 for 200 miles and camped for two nights in the State Forest Campground. For you bicycle enthusiasts, Nebraska has close to 300 miles of rail trail that parallels Route 20. I saw one poor soul trying to battle THAT headwind which was relentless! There was another party heading east (smart). For me, the wind finally died down as I neared Chadron, NE. Had a great time camping and made a lot of friends: A young couple from IOWA who were birding, three retired long distance truck drivers on motorcycles, and a lovely couple from TN. People are very friendly. The hiking was beautiful. I did a training hike with a full pack (25 lbs) at 4000 foot elevation. It went pretty well. I could feel the elevation somewhat. I did 6 miles and My goal was 7. Will try again! I rode 285 miles today from Nebraska, through parts of South Dakota into Wyoming. After a long day, I just landed in Buffalo, WY where I am staying in a nice cabin and will be searching for steak soon! Off to Montana tomorrow.Read more

  • Persis LukeMoto Trip 2Traveler
    Historic Occidental Hotel1Statue of Nate Champion, hero to small ranchers2Sweet cabin where I had a great sleep in a BED51Did not forget to honor those who served5Occidental Saloon.2Best Filet ever!

    Buffalo, WY

    May 27, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    Spent an evening here after a long ride from Nebraska. Very historic and fun little town. I had the best Filet at the historic Occidental Hotel, which hosted outlaws and famous celebrities over the years!Slept in a bed which is always a plus!Read more

  • Persis LukeMoto Trip 2Traveler
    View coming into Big Timber, MT my 1st stopover
    "Downtown" Big Timber2I stayed at the Grand Hotel. It was fun and had good food!5This resonated with me1Movie theatre in Big Timber.Stopped in Two Rivers Gallery in Big Timber. Works by local artists3Western themed art is beautiful3The cafe in Drummond, MT, my 2nd stopover. They have 130 different hamburgers!6My cousin Elizabeth and her grandson Freeman. They live in Missoula5A typical view on my trip from Missoula towards Glacier

    Montana!

    May 30, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    Hi Folks! So I have been basically riding through Montana for 2 days. It’s a very big and beautiful state. I met up with my cousin Elizabeth Matthews in Missoula who was so generous to loan me a car for my Glacier travels because not all the roads are suitable for a moto and trailer. Thanks to Tim Matthews too! ❤️. It felt weird to be driving a car at first! Montana is breathtakingly beautiful. It’s hard to put in words and I’m just beginning! I am in Columbia Falls tonight and will then head into Glacier for a total of 12 days. 4 days of camping at Bowman lake where I will do some kayaking and day hikes. Then I go to West Glacier to partake in a 3 day guided backpacking trip with a group, then two days rafting with overnight camping and then I’ll go to the East side of the park and explore lakes and do more day hiking or just sleep!😳. I will probably not post again for 5 days. Yes, I have bear spray. ❤️Read more

  • Persis LukeMoto Trip 2Traveler
    3Kayaking on Bowman Lake - so peaceful
    3Off grid mercantile with great pastries and fine coffee!1On the way to Bowman3The ranger at Polebridge inspecting my kayak for invasive species! Very thorough.1Campsite2This whitetail doe was curious and very stealth. I wouldn't hear her and then she was there!2This is a Thermacell. It's effective at keeping bugs away. Thanks Tobie Grama for the tip!1Hiking near Bowman Lake3Hiking Bowman Lake Trail1The 35 miles to/from Columbia Falls is a dirt road. Takes an hour!

    Glacier Part 1 -Bowman Lake

    May 31–Jun 3, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    So I entered Glacier National Park on May 31st through the Polebridge Ranger Station. This is 22 miles south of the Canadian Border. The plan was to camp for 4 nights. I made 3 before a heavy rain system came in. There was still plenty of time to do what I wanted. First order of business was stopping at the Polebridge Mercantile (completely off grid), famous for their baked goods and bought a Huckleberry “bear claw”. It was Yum and it was so big, it lasted the 3 days. I drove the bumpiest dirt road ever to the Bowman Lake campground (primitive). It was so gorgeous and the lake was mind boggling beautiful. I took the inflatable kayak out on Bowman Lake and was basically the only one on the lake. Because this area is hard to get to and no RVs can handle the ride, it does not get crowded. The evening temps dipped into the 30s so it was chilly. I put on all my layers and mummified my sleeping system. It held up well. I woke up once pretty cold-praying for dawn to come. I did a hike on the Bowman Lake trail and met up with two young women who were seniors from BYU. They were outdoor rec and zoology majors so they knew all the tracks and scat. There was bear scat but thankfully we didn’t see any. I am terrified of grizzly bears and it took all my courage to even go hiking there. Glad I ran into the girls! Rain moved in on Monday so I packed up and went back to Columbia Falls. Will do a local hike tomorrow before I head back into Glacier on Wednesday morning to do a 3 day backpacking trip with a group and guide. The weather seems to be improving for that timeframe. My initial thoughts on Glacier - It’s mind blowing. And I learned quickly that as the human, I am the interloper. The uninvited guest. It changes your view on nature completely.Read more

  • Persis LukeMoto Trip 2Traveler
    1Day 2 - 10 miler to Bear Point
    6 mile hike into remote campground near Belly RiverBelly River Valley near Mt Cleveland2Near the summit (Bear Point) on the 10 mile hike after a mile up a scree field!The scree (loose rock) field that we came up. There was a trail, so it looks worse than it was.Cosley Lake - no one thereFood hanging from the bear hitch2Swinging bridge over Belly River.1A very remote ranger station. She lives there all summer. Gets supplies by pack horse1Our amazing guide, Jordan Smith

    Glacier Part 2

    June 5, 2024 in the United States ⋅ 🌬 12 °C

    Wow! I completed the 3 day backcountry backpacking trip. It was a guided trip with a very knowledgeable young woman named Jordan. She was really awesome carrying a 55 lb pack like it was nothing! My pack weighed about 25 lbs. There was a family of four from Phoenix that were part of the group. They were lovely and we all got along great. Mom, Dad and their teenage (16 and 18) kids. We were in a remote section in the northeast segment of the park (Belly River) near the Canadian border. We hiked in 6 miles and set up camp at a remote campsite (Gable). On day 2 we hiked 10 miles (but not with a full pack - thankfully) but about 2 miles was basically uphill which included switchbacks on a scree field. This was challenging. We hiked to a summit overlooking Cosley and Glens lakes. It was mind altering. We saw black bears, and lots of evidence of Grizzlies, Moose, ruffled Grouse, and so many other birds. There are no words to describe the experience and the photos don’t do it justice. I am glad I did many training hikes with my full pack as it definitely helped me succeed.Read more

  • Persis LukeMoto Trip 2Traveler
    2The crew!
    1Beautiful vistas1Our two guides Sidney and Ashley1The kitchen4You can see the mountain goats. This was at our campsite and provided endless entertainment!2Camping listening to the river was so great. Didn't need my earplugs. 😳3Yes. That's right. We did our business here. You look at a waterfall when you sit there!4A nice lunch spread right on the river. The weather was perfect.

    Glacier Part 3

    Jun 8–9, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Continued my Glacier mind blowing activities with an overnight rafting trip with the same family that I backpacked with. We got to know each other pretty well. There were some whitewater rapids (mostly 2 with a few 3s in there). Very fun. We camped riverside. We rafted the middle fork section of the Flathead River. We saw mountain goats, eagles and other birds. There were 2 guides. One went with us and the other took the gear raft. We ate salmon and steak for dinner. A little different from the backpacking. Next I go to St. Mary area to camp and hike. I went to the St Mary’s visitor center to use internet to post this! Going back off grid nowRead more

  • Persis LukeMoto Trip 2Traveler
    Beautiful St Mary Lake
    Hiking the trail along St Mary Lake. The water is that blue from suspended glacial sediment.Cooling down after a hike in the mist from Virginia Falls1Virginia FallsTook a tour on the boat around St Mary Lake. The boat is 98 years old!The lobby of the Many Glacier Hotel. Beautiful lamps.Swift current trail near Many GlacierMany Glacier HotelAspen trees. They are wonders of the tree world. They photosynthesize on both side of the leaf!

    Glacier Part 4.

    June 10, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    I’m very behind in my postings because I have pretty much been off grid! After the raft trip, I stopped in West Glacier and had a great meal at the Highland Cafe of bison meatballs with a huckleberry glaze, veggies on a bed of grilled polenta. yum! I then went to the east side of glacier and spent the evening of June 9 at the Mountain Pine Motel, which was a very sweet 50s retro mountain motel. The motel had been in the owners family for 3 generations. He gave me some great hike tips! For the next 3 day, June 10 to 13, I camped at St Mary Lake and did two great hikes. One along St Mary Lake to Virginia Falls. I saw a moose! Thankfully no bears! Lots of birds and wildflowers too. Much of this area burned in a 2015 fire. The next day I hiked the swift current trail in the Many Glacier area and spent a few minutes at the grand Many Glacier Hotel. I also took a boat tour of St. Mary Lake.Read more

  • Persis LukeMoto Trip 2Traveler

    Back to Missoula

    June 13, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C

    I was sad to end the glacier experience but I feel so grateful to have had the experience. I dropped off the trusty Subaru Outback to my cousin Elizabeth and husband, Chris. They were kind and put me up for the night and we had a nice dinner. It was so great to see them and hang out and play with sweet Freeman! And a bonus is that I slept in their Airstream! So comfy. Slept life a baby!Read more

  • Persis LukeMoto Trip 2Traveler
    Big trees. So beautiful
    Short hike around Lake BenewahAbandoned rail tunnelIt was a tent day.

    Idaho!

    June 14, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    I traveled into Idaho and camped for two nights south of Lake Coeur D’Alene at Chactolet. Lots of French words here. The weather did not really cooperate on the non travel day and it rained most of the day! Finally stopped at 5 and I was able to get a short hike in. It was a beautiful heavily forested area and the trees are huge. It got windy and rainy but hardly felt the wind because the trees are so protective. I spent the morning in the tent waiting out the rain. It was nice to rest a bit with coffee and my kindle. I’m reading “The Overstory” which is the perfect book for this trip. It’s about love for trees. They give us so much. In the afternoon, I listened to the Mets game in the rain. They actually won 🙂.Read more

  • Persis LukeMoto Trip 2Traveler
    Easy to get in. Ugly getting out!
    Kayaking on Bucks Lake1Ponderosa Pine. It smells like vanilla!1Lots of pretty wildflowersNorthrup Lake trail. There was a 1.3 mile section that was very uphill!Northrup Lake Trail11Northrup Lake. Lots of great bird watching here.2My kind of place! Saloon and Beamer

    Washington State

    June 16, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    Hi all! Been pretty off the grid so I am finally uploading 4 separate posts. Had a really beautiful moto ride on the Palouse scenic byway. Idaho is a very beautiful state but very conservative. I’ve travelled through lots of red states and have enjoyed talking to people of all persuasions. I’ve become aware of my own biases on a different level and have had to put them on the shelf. I will likely never agree with many but try to stay open to hearing different perspectives. I ended my day in Eastern Washington near the Coulee Dam and camped for two night at Steamboat Rock State. This is a mainly arid area. I was able to kayak on Bucks Lake and did a 6 mile hike (out and back) up to Northrup Lake. So beautiful and went through several ecosystems. At Northrup Lake, I saw bald eagles, red winged blackbirds, blue birds, and lots of other birds that I am not familiar with. Lots of frogs and other critters. It’s a really great experience. Onto the North Cascades National Park now.Read more

  • Persis LukeMoto Trip 2Traveler
    Leaving Eastern/Central Washington
    1Stopped in Winthrop, WA for lunch and supplies1Best meal after 5 days of camping!2Jack Kerouac spent a year at a remote fire tower near Wash pass2Kayaking on Lake Diablo1These trees were wider than my tent and so tall over 150'1The forest on a hike. A lot of Douglas FirOverlooking Lake Diablo on a hike1Finally had a warm day and read on the beach. Yes I did take a cool swim.

    North Cascades

    June 18, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    I travelled through many ecosystems to arrive in North Cascades National park. I almost got a speeding ticket in Electric City, WA. It’s a small town and I didn’t see the 35 Mph sign. I was going 46. I rarely exceed the speed limit especially when I’m towing a trailer. Anyhoo, I think the sheriff was surprised when I took my helmet off. He checked everything (license, registration insurance, my record) and then decided not to give me a ticket! Jeez. The next 50 miles were pretty desolate in eastern WA and then I entered into massive cherry and apple growing concerns. I could smell the apples. After that I travelled through the Methow River valley which was quite beautiful. Then up, up, up into the Cascades over Washington Pass into beautiful huge forests. I’ve never seen trees this big. I stopped in Winthrop, WA for supplies and lunch. Had the most delicious veggie bowl with poached egg. I can get veggie deprived when camping. I camped for 3 nights on Lake Diablo. This, like many recreational lakes was formed by dams, but it’s a very beautiful area. Seattle Power and Light has hydropower stations in the area. I saw many, many trucks carrying logs out of the National Forest. People need wood, but it seems all so unsustainable. It’s a regular tension in these parts.Read more

  • Persis LukeMoto Trip 2Traveler
    1Breakfast at 5 Point! Fun
    3Had to include the space needle3Chihuly! So fun.1Hmmm.2Chihuly1Chihuly3Nan on the sail boat!2On a sailing tourSeattle Storm came from behind to beat Connecticut Sun!Had a front row seat on the Ferry!

    Seattle!

    Jun 21–23, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    I made my way to Seattle on the 21st. I timed it so I would not hit “rush hour” traffic, but I-5 was horrible anyway. Nothing worse for a motorcyclist than hot stop and go traffic! Once I got the bike stowed away at the hotel in the Queen Anne district, it was all great. Nancy flew in on the eve of the Friday, the 21st and we had a great day and a half in the City on Saturday I hadn’t seen her in 4 weeks! The hotel was near the main attractions and not far from the water. We went to a fun breakfast Place (5 point) and then to the Chihuly glass garden, sailboat tour and then a delish Turkish dinner! We’ve become early bird special people! On Sunday, we went to a WNBA game at the Climate Pledge Arena. It was the Seattle Storm playing the Connecticut Sun. We were rooting for the home team to win and knock the Sun out of first place in the eastern conference which will help the NY Liberty! After the game we hopped on the bike and set forth to the Olympic Peninsula on the Seattle-Bainbridge Ferry.Read more

  • Persis LukeMoto Trip 2Traveler
    Front row seat on the ferry to Bainbridge
    1Continuation of the "Nancy in Things" seriesSol Duc Hot Springs1On the beach in Moclips, WA1A much needed stop at Tillimook Creamery!Yummo!3View from the deckOn a lovely beach walk in Oceanside, OR3The water was so cold, our feet got ice cream headaches!5Nancy in a beach cave.

    Olympic Peninsula and the coast

    Jun 23–25, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    After Seattle, we headed to Port Angeles for the night. Next day we took a bike ride along the Olympic discovery trail. First time on a e-bike. It was fun but I’ll stick with the regular bike for now! We then rode through parts of Olympic National Park, which is so beautiful and then went to the Sol-Duc hot springs. A great Birthday present! We ended up that night at a nice ocean resort in Moclips, WA. They had a nice spa as well. The riding was chilly, so the hot tub and sauna were just what the doctor ordered! On the 25th, we headed to the Oregon Coast for 2 nights. Of course we had to stop at the Tillimook Creamery! So yummy. We had a restful stay at a lovely little A frame overlooking the beach. We took a long walk on the beach and had a lovely fresh seafood dinner! On the 27th we head to Portland.Read more

  • Persis LukeMoto Trip 2Traveler
    Nancy and Monica at the Japanese Garden
    1Japanese gardens in Portland. Beautiful!With Our amazing hosts, Doug and Monica

    Portland part 1

    Jun 28–30, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C

    I realized I didn’t post the last part of our trip in Portland back in June! Nancy and I had a lovely visit with her friend Monica and her husband Doug. They hosted us in their lovely house in Lake Oswego. We went to Powell’s Bookstore and the Japanese Garden. Thank you Monica and Doug for a lovely time! I parked the Moto and trailer for six weeks and came back to retrieve it on August 15th for the second leg of my trip!Read more

  • Persis LukeMoto Trip 2Traveler
    1Our last Bomoseen boat outing for the summer!
    1Reunited with an old friend, Elizabeth at the Wilson House in Vermont1I have teeth now!1In the water with Nan and my Mother in Law, Connie!1Nan and Mom in VermontMets game with friends and the friendly ticket scanner man!1Fireworks with my nephew Justin, Erin, Wyatt and Poppy!1Poppy Luke!1Wyatt and Poppy in Vermont4View from our place in Vermont. Never gets old!

    Summer Hiatus!

    July 1, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    Had a great summertime on the east coast. We had lots of visitors at the lake, caught a few Mets games and got caught up on doctors appointments. I had to have an additional two teeth pulled and ended up with a painful dry socket situation. Ouch. Glad I was home for that! I have a partial denture until I get permanent implants in October. I also had a nice visit with Janet Groat (high school friend) in Portsmouth, NH and we hosted my dear friend Michele Litwack and our nephew Nate Goldman. It was a busy and fun summer at the Lake!Read more

  • Persis LukeMoto Trip 2Traveler
    Not taking any chances on the plane!Wiped down and re-organized!Coming in for Harley Service - 20,000 miles!A girl could get in trouble at this place!Restocked in Cottage GroveMy ride to Cape Blanco was cool and rainy. Hot coffee!

    Back to Portland!

    Aug 15–17, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    So I boarded an early morning plane on August 15th to Portland to start part 2! I picked up the Bike and trailer which I parked in a “rental” driveway. All went as planned! The flight was on time and the bike started right up. It was on a battery tender but sometimes those get disconnected. I had a cover on it but it still got very dirty. Wiped it down thanks to water supplied by my host’s birdbath! I stayed the night in Tigard, OR and took the bike into a nearby Harley-Davidson dealer for its 20,000 mile service on the 16th. They had me out in about 3 hours. I also bought a new lighter weight Moto jacket and a new sound system for my helmet. It was an expensive day. 😵‍💫 Bike got a good report card but I will need to replace the front tire at the next service (at home) and get the brake and clutch lines drained and refilled. I then went to Cottage Grove, OR (not much there - just a stop over) spent the night and restocked non perishables, camping gas, etc. After that, I’m off to Cape Blanco. That is a separate post because there are so many photos!Read more

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