Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar

Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar

World traveler, Hash House Harrier, and Harley enthusiast...not necessarily in that order. Read more🇺🇸Cincinnati popl.co/card/qD4Qce0c/1/txt

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2024 VROOM VROOM Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
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Highway Queen!!
March 25, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 63 °F
Let me catch you up on my last week.

In Banning, I pretty much just hung out at the campground and Starbucks (decent wifi). I left there on Friday headed for Borrego Springs and my first Babes Ride Out.

The weekend started with setting up camp and a decent karaoke on Friday.

Saturday morning I walked the mile into town for breakfast, then picked up my helmet from the artist who painted an HD logo based on my #945 El Diablo motorcycle. Love it! Then I took a short riding course to work on my rear brake skills. After a late lunch that I got for free because it took over an hour to get half a tuna sandwich and a cup of clam chowder, I had a lovely rest in my tent despite high winds and a little rain.

Then it was time for the big Saturday night party themed "The '70s." I had loads of fun chatting with ladies from all over and admiring the costumes and outfits many wore. Then came time for the crowning.

I didn't know what was going on when a couple ladies grabbed me and pushed me to the front of the crowd. Turns out, I had come the furthest and was awarded Highway Queen. The honor came with two tickets to HD's Homecoming in late July and a $500 gift certificate to a motorcycle clothing company sponsoring the rally. Unfortunately, I can't attend Homecoming and none of the merchandise appeals to me, but I've given the prizes to ladies who can use them, so win-win. The rally finished with an outstanding disco.

Sunday morning, I broke camp and hit the road headed to my friend's home in Los Angeles. Because of the rainstorm that swept through the mountains Saturday night and the unusually cold weather, the road I was planning to take to go west needed snowplows. Rather than risk it, I backtracked east to Salton Sea and north to I-10. From there it was an easy day to LA, where I am for a few days.

It was a fantastic rally and I hope I can attend again!

So long [for now], and thanks for all the fish! ✌️

HD Dealership Challenge: 4 (total 64)
RTE-X-USA: 2 points (total 32)
10 Rides for 2024: 0 (total 1 of 10)
MCGTTX 2024 Stops: 0 (total 0 of 50)
IBA Lap Around the 48 Stops: 0 (total 1 of 9)Read more
Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar Kiwis amongst the palms :)
3/26/24Reply
Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar Salton Sea behind the palms
3/26/24Reply
Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
3/26/24Reply
4 more comments
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2024 VROOM VROOM Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Day 23: San Diego to Banning
March 19, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 66 °F
Not much to tell about today. I only went about 175 miles north from San Diego through Temecula into Banning just off I-10.

This KOA is smack in between San Bernardino National Forest to the north and Mount San Jacinto State Park to the south. The peaks rising above the forest are still snow-covered, so I'm definitely not going up there. The State Park to the south I visited in 2021. At the top of CA 243 (awesome ride!) is Idyllwild, a cute little town that reminded me of Tahoe without the lake. It's also where I got my first flat and sat on the side of the road for five hours until the tow truck showed up. So, no thanks on going up there again.

I think I'm just going to read and goof on my phone for a couple of days 🤣.

So long [for now], and thanks for all the fish! ✌️

HD Dealership Challenge: 2 (total 60)
RTE-X-USA: 3 points (total 30)
10 Rides for 2024: 0 (total 1 of 10)
MCGTTX 2024 Stops: 0 (total 0 of 50)
IBA Lap Around the 48 Stops: 0 (total 1 of 9)Read more
0 likes
2024 VROOM VROOM Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
1
Lunch With A Friend, Aquarium & Zoo
March 18, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 63 °F
The past three days have been awesome! Saturday I had lunch with a Harley buddy and got my first Lap of the 48 stop. Sunday morning I spent at the Birch Aquarium, followed by a St Paddy's Day fish & chips lunch by the beach and a soak in the campground's pool-side jacuzzi. And today I spent entirely at the San Diego Zoo! I've attached just a few pics to make you jealous 😉.

So long [for now], and thanks for all the fish [and mammals and birds and reptiles!!]! ✌️

HD Dealership Challenge: 1 (total 58)
RTE-X-USA: 0 points (total 27)
10 Rides for 2024: 0 (total 1 of 10)
MCGTTX 2024 Stops: 0 (total 0 of 50)
IBA Lap Around the 48 Stops: 1 (total 1 of 9)Read more
Beautiful pics and weather [Carolyn Beat]
3/21/24Reply
0 likes
2024 VROOM VROOM Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Day 19: Santa Margarita to San Diego
March 15, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 61 °F
Picking up from two days ago, the wine and fire were very relaxing, and I managed a great rest despite the cold.

The next day, yesterday, I just hung out at camp and packed what I could until around 1630, when I filled up the tank and had an extraordinary dinner in town at a restaurant called "The Range." I had asparagus cream soup to start 😋, grilled halibut on a bed of smashed potatoes and pan fried spinach with the perfect dab of a garlicy Dijon sauce all topped with ultra thin fried onion strings 😱. I decided to go all the way and finished with a strawberry trifle and cup of decaf coffee. O. M. G. it was sooooooo good.

Another good sleep with two pairs of socks this time, and I was up at 0530 to break camp.

By 0700 this morning, my heated gear was thawing me out and Luci and I were on the road to HDs all the way south. Taking Highway 101 to I-5, I hit a lot of traffic everywhere, so I got to practice my lane splitting skills. It is definitely not for the faint of heart 😳.

I only had a couple of sort of close calls and got to my San Diego KOA at a out 1500. Plenty of time to set up camp and make a run to the store. Now I'm having an adult beverage, hoping the temperature stays above 50°F tonight ✌️.

I'm having a great time and wish y'all could join me!!

So long [for now], and thanks for all the fish! ✌️

HD Dealership Challenge: 8 (total 57)
RTE-X-USA: 0 points (total 27)
10 Rides for 2024: 0 (total 1 of 10)
MCGTTX 2024 Stops: 0 (total 0 of 50)
IBA Lap Around the 48 Stops: 0 (total 0 of 9)Read more
1 like
2024 VROOM VROOM Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Day 17: Maintenance & Morro Bay
March 13, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 63 °F
Yesterday my shifter started acting up, and Santa Maria HD was able to slip me in today. So after a very cold night (but above 40°F, I think🥶), the smell of skunk outside my tent at 0400🤢, and a cat (hopefully🤞) that slept on my bike and pissed on my tent🤬, I rode about an hour south to the dealership.

I had some lunch close by, and they resolved the problem free of charge, even though it wasn't under warranty. Basically--bear with me because I don't know the proper terminology--the extension rod for the forward control shifter had a bunch of washers to take up space. They were nasty and gooey and weren't allowing the rod to move freely, which was preventing the shifter from springing back into place. They took off the washers and double-nutted it, which should prevent it from happening again. Big win!

On my way back to the campground, I went to Morro Bay, known for its huge volcanic mound in the bay. Pretty cool.

Back to the KOA, where I stopped at the store and bought a bottle of wine, two bundles of oak, and two firestarters for hanging out tonight. Leftover salad and some pop tarts mean it's going to be a great night in camp 😊🔥🍷.

So long [for now], and thanks for all the fish! ✌️

HD Dealership Challenge: 1 (total 49)
RTE-X-USA: 3 points (total 27)
10 Rides for 2024: 0 (total 1 of 10)
MCGTTX 2024 Stops: 0 (total 0 of 50)
IBA Lap Around the 48 Stops: 0 (total 0 of 9)Read more
TravelerShifter linkage failures are common on H-Ds. I've already ordered a beefier one for my newish '23.
3/27/24Reply
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2024 VROOM VROOM Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Day 16: Petaluma to Santa Margarita
March 12, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 61 °F
My time in Petaluma went quickly, but was productive. On Saturday I went to Urgent Care to get some meds to clear up this persistent cough. On Sunday I met up with a biker friend for lunch. And on Monday I figured out where to go for the next couple of weeks.

I didn't go far today, less than 300 miles south. I usually avoid toll roads, but when in San Francisco, a ride across the Golden Gate Bridge is always worth it. [At least this time the clouds were just high enough to see the uprights!]

The city was its typical foggy self, but it was more like very low cloud cover. I didn't go down Lombard Street this time because the roads were wet from the cloud/fog moisture. The “Crookedest Street in the World" is daunting enough without being slippery as well.

Just south of San Fran, I visited Wyatt Earp's grave in Colma. Sometimes it's hard to believe he was a real person. Having visited Doc Holliday's cemetery in Glenwood Springs a few years ago, I thought a stop at Wyatt's would be appropriate.

Just south of San Jose, I had a great lunch at Trail Dust BBQ in Morgan Hill, another Ride To Eat stop. Oh my yummy 😋.

Finally making my way to the coast, a ride through Fisherman's Wharf at Monterey Bay is always nice. The sand dunes were glittering in the afternoon sunbeams, and the water was like a watercolor painting come to life.

A little further down Highway 101, I arrived at The Kampground of America (KOA) outside of Santa Margarita, nestled back in the hills and where I'll be for the next few days. Fingers crossed the nighttime temperature stays above 40°F so I don't have to sleep in the bathroom 🤞.

So long [for now], and thanks for all the fish! ✌️

HD Dealership Challenge: 5 (total 48)
RTE-X-USA: 3 points (total 24)
10 Rides for 2024: 0 (total 1 of 10)
MCGTTX 2024 Stops: 0 (total 0 of 50)
IBA Lap Around the 48 Stops: 0 (total 0 of 9)Read more
0 likes
2024 VROOM VROOM Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Day 13: Urgent Care
March 9, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 50 °F
I began this trip to Cali with a pretty bad cold. I still haven't kicked the congestive cough, so today, despite the sprinkles, I rode about 15 miles north to Santa Rosa for an Urgent Care visit. In 2012, I had a long-standing cough that turned into walking pneumonia, and I absolutely do not want that again. Doc says my lungs are clear, and he gave me a prescription cough syrup to help my throat and my sleep. Yay!

After that, I had a huge, delicious lunch at one of the Ride To Eat locations. I love this new adventure because I would most probably never visit any of these restaurants...and I would be missing out on some great food!

This evening, I popped into McNear's Saloon and had a toast in honor of my friend, Lonnie. This Irish Pub was the first place he took me in 2022. Cheers, buddy. Now I'm at Kapu, a sweet little tiki bar, and having a Cobra Fang drink. I have y had this much rum since I dressed up as a pirate for the Galveston Mardi Gras Parade last year 🤣!

So long [for now], and thanks for all the fish! ✌️

HD Dealership Challenge: 1 (total 43)
RTE-X-USA: 2 points (total 21)
MCGTTX 2024 Stops: 0 (total 0 of 50)
10 Rides for 2024: 0 (total 1 of 10)
IBA Lap Around the 48 Stops: 0 (total 0 of 9)Read more
1 like
2024 VROOM VROOM Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Day 12: Carmichael to Petaluma
March 8, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 63 °F
I spent the last two nights at a friend's home in Sacramento (Carmichael). Over the past few years we've met at several Harley rallies and events, so it was very nice to get to know each other better.

Today's ride was another short one, less than 275 miles, so I didn't leave her house until after 0800. After hitting some dealerships along the way, I've finally arrived in Petaluma and am staying in an old silk mill that's been converted into a very nice Hampton Inn.

I came to Petaluma from Cincinnati for my friend's memorial ride on Sunday. Unfortunately, I found out yesterday that the ride has been postponed until the 24th because of a chance of weather. 🤦 FML. I've already made plans for the 24th, so this weekend I plan to go to a couple of the places he took me to the first time I visited this lovely little town.

I just love this place. If I had the wealth to live anywhere in the US, it would probably be the greater San Francisco Bay area.

So long [for now], and thanks for all the fish! ✌️

HD Dealership Challenge: 6 (total 42)
RTE-X-USA: 0 points (total 19)
MCGTTX 2024 Stops: 0 (total 0 of 50)
10 Rides for 2024: 0 (total 1 of 10)
IBA Lap Around the 48 Stops: 0 (total 0 of 9)Read more
1 like
2024 VROOM VROOM Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Day 10: Victorville to Sacramento
March 6, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 61 °F
No, you didn't miss anything; there is no Day 9 post. I decided to stay two nights in Victorville, so I spent Day 8 pretty much in bed.

As for Day 10, I had so few miles left between me and Petaluma that I took my time leaving, not pulling out until after 0800. Once I got to Bakersfield, I saw a weather front moving onto the coast, so instead of turning southwest to Highway 101, I took CA99 northward.

The drive from Bakersfield north was very beautiful because of the fruit trees. Budding pinks, greens, and whites lined the road. Bees were everywhere, either for pollinating the trees or for making honey from the blooms. The orange groves were bursting, their miniature suns hanging heavy from the dense green limbs with many falling to spoil on the ground.

For a late lunch, I stopped at a Panera Bread for the tomato soup and grilled cheese 😋. I messaged a friend in Sacramento to see if she wanted to go to lunch tomorrow, and she invited me to stay with her for the next two nights! I got to her house around 1700 despite heavy traffic (yay, lane splitting!). After a warm welcome, I am now snuggling on the couch with her adorable cat Felix 😁.

So long [for now], and thanks for all the fish! ✌️

HD Dealership Challenge: 8 (total 36)
RTE-X-USA: 1 points (total 19)
MCGTTX 2024 Stops: 0 (total 0 of 50)
10 Rides for 2024: 0 (total 1 of 10)
IBA Lap Around the 48 Stops: 0 (total 0 of 9)Read more
0 likes
2024 VROOM VROOM Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Day 8: Lund to Ely to Victorville
March 4, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 55 °F
I made it to Ely to get the photo I needed! Although the mud parking lot was frozen solid and the bike almost didn't start, the road was dry most of the 35 miles north. The mountain pass I had to traverse was wet but not icy (lots of chemical). I only had a problem stopping for gas because the pump areas weren't clear. Almost spun out the bike trying to get out of there, but I kept the shiny side up. Well, what used to be the shiny side 😉.

After gas, I backtracked all the way to Las Vegas, then continued on I-15 south until arriving in Victorville. Even on I-15, I had to go through some elevation, so I decided to make the most of a crystal clear day to get as far south as possible. I hope my snow days are over, at least until after I get to Petaluma.

Great day of riding even with the Interstate and $5.85 a gallon 😳. Welcome to California 🤣!

So long [for now], and thanks for all the fish! ✌️

P.S.: If you're headed south on US93 between I-15 and the junction at NV318, be prepared to hold your breath when you see 16-foot tall tractor-trailers coming at you. They're garbage trucks...horrible, stinky, nasty, slimy, disgusting garbage trucks 🤢🤢🤢🤢 .

HD Dealership Challenge: 1 (total 28)
RTE-X-USA: 0 points (total 18)
MCGTTX 2024 Stops: 0 (total 0 of 50)
10 Rides for 2024: 1 (total 1 of 10) 😁😁😁
IBA Lap Around the 48 Stops: 0 (total 0 of 9)Read more
3 likes
2024 VROOM VROOM Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Day 7: Kingman to Ely (almost)
March 3, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 36 °F
The day started out so well.... Over the Pat Tillman Bridge by Hoover Dam, into Vegas, down the Strip, drive by of the new Sphere, then through Valley of Fire State Park. All in beautiful, dry, and not cold weather.

Now I'm stuck again, this time about 35 miles south of Ely, NV. When you get out on desolate roads, you keep going to the next gas station. Only then can you think about going back. So, when the snow started in earnest around 1130, I kept pushing north until I came to the next gas station in Lund. It's so close to Ely, but there's a mountain pass I have to traverse between here and there, one that the truckers are having to use snow chains on today. I've opted for a room and hot meal instead of icy or slushy roads. The precipitation should pass this afternoon, then the traffic should clear the road by morning. Fingers crossed for me yet again.

So long [for now], and thanks for all the fish! ✌️

HD Dealership Challenge: 4 (total 27)
RTE-X-USA: 2 points (total 18)
MCGTTX 2024 Stops: 0 (total 0 of 50)
10 Rides for 2024: 0 (total 0 of 10)
IBA Lap Around the 48 Stops: 0 (total 0 of 9)Read more
1 like
2024 VROOM VROOM Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Day 5: Gallup to Kingman (finally)
March 1, 2024 in the United States ⋅ 🌬 63 °F
Sunrise on the bike is one of my favorite things about riding, and today was a whopper! In front of me, mountains far in the distance were breathing their rings of clouds into the sky. Behind me, the radiant orange orb was slowly scaling the hills in my mirror. When the brilliant glow broke the horizon, it was as if the entire sky burst into flame, the clouds before me reflecting the fire behind. Simply breathtaking.

I left Gallup at 0430 and beelined to Kingman, arriving around six hours later. Because of the time zone change, I was able to get breakfast at my hotel and unload the bike before making my 1230 service appointment at Mother Road HD. They're also going to lubricate my steering head bearings and change the spark plugs, so I'm leaving the bike with them tonight. She deserves an indoor rest after these several days of cold weather. As do I! I've extended my stay a night and will be leaving Sunday instead of tomorrow. No 0400 alarm in the morning! Yay!

So long [for now], and thanks for all the fish! ✌️

HD Dealership Challenge: 1 (total 23)
RTE-X-USA: 0 points (total 16)
MCGTTX 2024 Stops: 0 (total 0 of 50)
10 Rides for 2024: 0 (total 0 of 10)
IBA Lap Around the 48 Stops: 0 (total 0 of 9)Read more
2 likes
2024 VROOM VROOM Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Day 4: Leap Year ride was a bust
February 29, 2024 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 46 °F
Leap Year 2024 = 💩💩💩. 🤬ing weather.

I started out great, right on my planned time of 0500. Straight up on I-40 and off I went in the 30°F chill. I made my first two Ride To Eat stops in Shamrock, TX, before dawn, refueled, and tore out again. Unfortunately, only three hours after I left, I hit snow. Thirty minutes after that, I was 15 miles east of Amarillo drinking coffee in a gas station while I waited out a frigging blizzard. It didn't stop snowing for FOUR hours. So, no Iron Butt for me today 😭😭😭.

Here are the good things about today:
- I made myself stop before I hit ice (I got a little concerned about the road when I started passing snow plows 😳)
- The gas station folks were super nice, the bathrooms were clean, and I had a table to hang out at and a power outlet to charge my phone and music player
- I was back on the wet road at 1300, but there was no ice. In fact, the roads were completely dry about 20 miles further west
- By 1430 the sun had come out
- By 1530 it was 45°F and I had to turn off my heated gear 🤣
- I was able to pay for my hotel room in Gallup tonight with points (but I'm still paying for my room in Kingman since it's for tonight and tomorrow night 😞)

I plan to leave Gallup around 0430. I've cut out all the HD and RTE stops after the snow today and all for tomorrow to save time. I should get to Kingman in around 6.5 hours, then I can unload the bike into the hotel I'm supposed to be at tonight and still make my 1230 service appointment at Mother Road HD. I hate being late, particularly when they made room for me in their full schedule.

Right now, I'm off for a long hot shower, followed by more TheraFlu, which seems to be working well enough. I think the rattling cough is drying up and I know the runny nose has slowed down significantly. With a short ride tomorrow and no reason to get up early on the 2nd, I'll get some good rest in Kingman.

So long [for now], and thanks for all the fish! ✌️

HD Dealership Challenge: 0 (total 22)
RTE-X-USA: 3 points (total 16)
MCGTTX 2024 Stops: 0 (total 0 of 50)
10 Rides for 2024: 0 (total 0 of 10)
IBA Lap Around the 48 Stops: 0 (total 0 of 9)Read more
3 likes
2024 VROOM VROOM Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Day 3: Joplin to El Reno (OK City)
February 28, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 46 °F
A bitterly cold ride today, all day. I started out before 0630 again, just before sunrise. Even with my heated jacket out of commission, the 27°F was bearable until I hit 70 mph and a wind chill of 5°F 🥶.

My heated grips didn't feel warm, but they weren't ice cold either. My gloves couldn't get hot enough, but using cruise control to get my hands near the engine heat worked well.

Around 1100, it warmed up to about 32°F 🤣. By then, anything not being warmed even slightly was completely numb.

I finally hit one Ride To Eat stop that was open. Pops 66 in Arcadia OK, where I thawed out a bit. Good coffee, good food, and every flavor of soda pop you can imagine, most of which line the glass walls. Some Route 66 knickknacks and even gas to top of the tank. Well worth the time for a stop if you're nearby.

Not long after Pops, I was at Cycle Gear getting my new heated jacket! Yay!! I was nice and toasty the rest of the uneventful day.

Now I'm rerouting my Iron Butt route for tomorrow because of the massive wildfires northeast of Amarillo, exactly where I was planning to go through, of course.

A little salad, a cup of TheraFlu, a hot shower, and a comfy bed will wrap up my night. Wish me luck tomorrow, particularly that I don't have to go through snow and/or rain🤞!

So long [for now], and thanks for all the fish! ✌️

HD Dealership Challenge: 7 (total 22)
RTE-X-USA: 4 points (total 13)
MCGTTX 2024 Stops: 0 (total 0 of 50)
10 Rides for 2024: 0 (total 0 of 10)
IBA Lap Around the 48 Stops: 0 (total 0 of 9)Read more
3 likes
2024 VROOM VROOM Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Day 2: St Louis to Joplin
February 27, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 73 °F
I hit the road very early this morning to make it to my stops in St Louis before the traffic got too congested...but I could've left earlier 🤣.

I've only just begun, but I'm disappointed that yesterday my heated gear jacket liner failed and today my chaps zipper blew out. I've ordered a new liner to pick up in Oklahoma City tomorrow and duct taped my zippers closed 🤞. I'm also disappointed that none of my Ride To Eat restaurants have been open. I was really looking forward to a cup of coffee at the Cow Bird Creamery and Sweets 😞.

But there was a humongous Amoco sign to admire and only a couple of semis tried to squish me, so not a bad day.

I have learned that--similar to when wearing a gas mask--a full-faced helmet makes it very difficult to sneeze and cough at the same time 😳. My friend who gave this crud to me--don't hate yourself--went to the doc, who said its just a chest cold. If I'm still fighting it on 1 March, I'll visit an Urgent Care. Until then, TheraFlu and Tylenol shall suffice.

Now, it's a Chick-fil-A salad, followed by bed.

[PS: I added the pics of yesterday's Ride To Eat stops to yesterday's post.]

So long [for now], and thanks for all the fish! ✌️

HD Dealership Challenge: 8 (total 15)
RTE-X-USA: 4 points (total 9)
MCGTTX 2024 Stops: 0 (total 0 of 50)
10 Rides for 2024: x (total 0 of 10)
IBA Lap Around the 48 Stops: 0 (total 0 of 9)Read more
3 likes
2024 VROOM VROOM Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
And so it begins...
February 26, 2024 in the United States ⋅ 🌬 72 °F
Today I began my 2024 riding season, leaving Cincinnati at around 0730. You can track me here (starting tomorrow) or through Spotwalla: https://new.spotwalla.com/trip/f0bc-3a6d752-34a….

Here are my goals. Wish me luck! ✌️

- To complete the Motorcycle Grand Tour of Texas (50 stops), PNW Grand Tour (30 stops) & H-D's 10 Rides for 2024 (10 stops);
- To win the H-D Dealership Challenge! I'm guessing I need about 700 HDs this year 😳
- Do well on Tour of Honor and Ride To Eat; and
- To finish H-D's 50 Rides, 1 Nation. I only need Alaska!

I will also try complete an Iron Butt Association Leap Year Ride SaddleSore 1000 with RTE-X-USA "Fat" status and the IBA's Lap Around the 48.

My numbers are:
Motorcycle Grand Tour of Texas #539
Tour of Honor #72
Pacific Northwest Grand Tour #415
Iron Butt Association #81065

So long [for now], and thanks for all the fish! ✌️

HD Dealership Challenge: 7 (total 7)
RTE-X-USA: 5 points (total 5)
MCGTTX 2024 Stops: 0 (total 0 of 50)
10 Rides for 2024: x (total 0 of 10)
IBA Lap Around the 48 Stops: 0 (total 0 of 9)
PNW GT Stops: 0 (total 0 of 30)Read more
TravelerSafe travels and see ya on the road!
2/26/24Reply
Your amazing Nancy. Stay safe. [Maaake]
2/27/24Reply
Wow, amazing. Good luck and on on. [Carolyn (Chunder)]
3/5/24Reply
3 more comments
6 likes
Inside Passage to Juneau Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
End of the Voyage: Juneau
June 11, 2023 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 48 °F
Today, we finished our 14-day cruise from Seattle to Juneau, transiting the Inside Passage with zero storms, only a few hours of turbulent water, and lots of animals. It's been a whale 🐳 of a time 🤣.

Only by a series of misdirections do we find our true bearing. I hope you have found yours, but if you haven't, may you have an epic series of misdirections until you do!

✌️Read more
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Inside Passage to Juneau Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Haines
June 10, 2023 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 43 °F
We left Skagway this morning at 05:00 and arrived in Haines only two hours later. At 09:00 we had a fire drill, so any hopes I had of getting off the boat before work were shot. I didn't have any plans, actually. I just wanted to sleep, but oh well.

We left Haines tonight at 20:00 and are bound for our debarkation port in Juneau. While manning the helm this evening, a humpback popped up right in front of the boat, made two blows, then dove deep. The Captain had me veer away so we would be well away from where it looked like it was headed, and we didn't see it again. I would be devastated if we hit a whale, particularly if I was on the helm. It is so very difficult to see anything in time to avoid it, even when there is still a bit of light in the sky after midnight. I don't like driving at night.Read more
1 like
Inside Passage to Juneau Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
1
A Few Hours In Skagway
June 9, 2023 in the United States ⋅ 🌫 46 °F
I felt very appreciative when the Excursions Director offered me a free trip on the sight-seeing railroad yesterday, but wasn't sure I would get to go until this morning. That definitely got me out of bed!

After grabbing a nearby geocache, I took the White Pass & Yukon Route narrow gauge, diesel engine railroad from Skagway to White Pass Summit and back again, followed by a quick tour of the town in a restored 1927 Mac "street car." I was only off the boat for about 4.5 hours, but it was nice to get away...even though it was before my 12-hour shift.

As for the rest of my day, noon to midnight, with no gangway to watch, no helm to man, and no anchor to check on, I basically did laundry and helped shuttle people back and forth from the boat to the harbor using the launch. [I didn't operate it; I just tied the boat off and helped load/unload.]

I've attached the history of the railroad from the pamphlet. It was interesting...and other than shopping and drinking, there's not a lot else to do when you find yourself in Skagway 🤣.Read more
Traveler Nice smile
8/25/23Reply
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Inside Passage to Juneau Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Arrived in Skagway
June 8, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 52 °F
We spent about 22 hours underway to get from Glacier Bay to Skagway, arriving at 21:30 tonight. Different than usual, we had to tie up at the railroad dock. A couple of land slides next to the dock this past winter forced the larger ships, those with 20- to 30-foot drafts, to dock where we usually do. The worst thing about docking here is that, because of the damage the slides caused, we're not allowed to set up a gangway. Instead, we can only come and go from the ship via our launch, which takes two deck crew to operate (Third Mate and a deckhand, minimum). As you can probably imagine, many of the crew and lots of the guests are not happy about that.

Along the way, we saw Sentinel Island Lighthouse, lots of waterfalls, a herd of sea lions, and Eldred Rock Lighthouse. Not the tremendous wildlife viewing day we had yesterday, but beautiful nonetheless.

Visit these links for more info:
- Sentinel Island Lighthouse:
https://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=826
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sentinel_Island_L…
- Eldred Rock Lighthouse:
https://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=828
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eldred_Rock_LightRead more
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Inside Passage to Juneau Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Glacier Bay National Park
June 7, 2023, Coastal Waters Of Southeast Alaska And British Columbia ⋅ ☁️ 50 °F
Glacier Bay is more beautiful than words can begin to describe. We saw a coastal brown bear, humpback whales, bald eagles, mountain goats, and sea otters, which made the day absolutely unforgettable. I can't believe I saw both a goat and an otter with babies! But what flabbergasts me the most is that the bear looked at the whale.

I'll let the pictures tell the rest of the story even though, yet again, they fail to capture the magnificence of nature.Read more
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Inside Passage to Juneau Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Heading to Glacier Bay
June 6, 2023, Coastal Waters Of Southeast Alaska And British Columbia ⋅ ⛅ 48 °F
Humpbacks today! And a bear!!

We left Petersburg around 13:30 with sea lions barking at us from the buoys as we began heading north toward Glacier Bay, where we should arrive in the morning. On the way we've seen several humpback whales and even a bear on the shoreline, as well as two waterfalls and a gorgeous sunset.

Oh, and I didn't make it off the boat this morning. Again, too tired. I don't sleep well and this job is exhausting. As interesting as it can be, a geocache isn't usually enough to get me out of bed. Fingers crossed for tomorrow, though 🤞🤞🤞!!Read more
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Inside Passage to Juneau Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Petersburg
June 5, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 43 °F
[My ship is in the satellite view of Petersburg here and in Google Maps! Too cool 😎!
https://goo.gl/maps/BRk9zVGC4MneG2h57]

I just couldn't get out of bed this morning in time to walk the town, but I did grab a geocache just off the dock in Wrangell before we left at noon.

We had an very nice cruise north through the Wrangell Narrows. We were able to take that route because we're so small; the ship's draft is only 9 feet (that's how deep our hull sits below the waterline).

The banks of the Narrows are lined with green and red buoys to mark the lane. "Keep red on your right upon return," so they say. But we're not returning. Our guest speaker says in Alaska, they use red on the northernmost part of a channel like the Narrows.

Anyway, the buoys use solar power to light up at night, and the result has caused it to be nicknamed "Christmas Tree Alley." It's a tight steer, so the Captain took control of the rudder for most of the time.

I hope to make it off the ship in the morning to walk the half-mile into Petersburg...and grab another geocache 🤞. This town seems to be even smaller than Wrangell, which was definitely smaller than Ketchikan. It's also getting colder. It's only 45°F right now 🥶! I don't think I brought enough clothes for Alaska.Read more
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Inside Passage to Juneau Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
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Wrangell
June 4, 2023 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 45 °F
I woke up just in time to help throw lines for our arrival in Wrangell at noon. The wind was whipping a cold rain straight into the bow, which stung my face, fogged my glasses, soaked my pants, and numbed my fingers. Fortunately, a deckhand who left for another ship forgot his rain jacket, so I had one to wear today. I was also thankful for my rubber boots that kept my feet warmer than they would've been in just the tennis shoes they gave me.

It never stopped raining today, and I didn't make it off the boat. Here are a few pictures of the dreary day, including one from underneath the dock.Read more
Traveler Beautiful!!!!
6/8/23Reply
Traveler Love this !!!
6/8/23Reply
Traveler Nice!
6/8/23Reply
TravelerYou are so amazing! Xxxooo Love your pics.
6/8/23Reply
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Inside Passage to Juneau Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Ketchikan
June 3, 2023 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 46 °F
I walked the town this morning to collect two geocaches, get a couple of crepes for dinner (scrambled eggs with spinach, tomatoes, and onions, and goat cheese) and desert (Nutella!), eat reindeer sausage with eggs and hashbrowns for breakfast (yummy), and get soaking wet from the cold rain. Turns out, I walked right by the Harley-Davidson shop without even realizing 😱. Oh well. I didn't need to spend $100 in there anyway 🤣.

Bald eagles were everywhere, but alas, I am becoming immune to their majestic presence. There was also a gigantic raven who was very interested in our rubbish, and I in him. I hope the normal-sized pigeons help you understand how big this guy was! Under the dock, lion's mane jellyfish dotted the water, at times surrounded by moon jellyfish (almost clear) and little fish. It was a beautiful day despite the weather.Read more
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Inside Passage to Juneau Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
30 NM Away
June 2, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 50 °F
I'm on Alaska time now and only 30 nautical miles away from our first port of call, Ketchikan!

Despite being so close, we won't dock until 05:30, so to kill some time and save some fuel, the Captain shut down our starboard (right) engine. Our port engine is running us at 5 knots with only 800 rpm. These things are beasts! While starboard is off, the engineer is going to change its secondary fuel filters. I'd like to see that, but not enough to stay awake for it 🤣.

It's been an overcast and sometimes rainy day, but the scenery was still magnificent. Around 21:00, we passed Green Island Lighthouse. See it here:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/2KKZZ2f2qMdiumDS8

We'll be docked before I wake up in the morning. It has been a smooth and uneventful journey through the Inside Passage, and I'm looking forward to the rest of the cruise in Alaska.Read more
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