Summer on the Harley

A 198-day adventure by Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar Read more

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Summer on the Harley Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
1
Guess what? I'm still heading east
August 24, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 86 °F
Yesterday I rode past the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City on my way to a dealership. I wanted to get past St Louis last night so I wouldn't hit traffic this morning, so I made it all the way to Vandalia, Illinois. It was a 15.5-hour day on the bike and definitely my longest daily mileage yet.

I rolled out this morning a little later at 06:30. The sun was already coming up, as was the heat, which caused a bit of fog to rise.out of the dew drenched fields. It was beautiful.

Also beautiful was a hawk resting on top of the stones positioned in front of the Bloomington IL Harley dealership. He had his eye on a small bird perched on the power lines running down the street just above my head where I took the photo 🤣.

I got behind on these posts again so I'm typing this a couple of days after the fact. I have forgotten why I had the look on my face but I see that I was in Indianapolis when I took it. The traffic was absolutely horrid and half of the interstates were closed down for construction making it even worse. I guess I'm thinking get me out of here quick.

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

Day 157 mileage: 786.9 (total 40769.8)Read more
Traveler ..... you've got to go a little "easier" on the caffeine.........?
8/27/21Reply
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Summer on the Harley Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
1
Yep, still heading east
August 25, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 84 °F
After the mayhem of Indianapolis traffic, I scooted across the state into Ohio where I saw my buddy Dano as I passed through on I-70. After either a late lunch or an early supper with him, I continued on and grabbed I-71 in Columbus to head up towards Cleveland. I was making good time so I decided to spend the night outside of Erie, PA. On my way there I had a couple of reminders that I was back in Amish Country 🤣.

I left the hotel early the next morning and made it up to Niagara Falls State Park around 10:00. I paid for parking, what to the falls, took my photo, and left. The town of Niagara Falls is such a dump. It is really bad. I was happy to get out of there.

Now I am outside Rochester, New York, on my way East.

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

Day 158 mileage: 750.9 (total 41520.7)
10 Rides for 2021: 1 (total 8 of 10)Read more
Traveler Nice, ..... no swimming... haha
8/27/21Reply
Travelerit was great to see you. continued safe travels
9/2/21Reply
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Summer on the Harley Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
1
I made it to the east
August 26, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 88 °F
Yesterday I made it to a couple of more dealerships, swung into Sackets Harbor for a glimpse of Lake Ontario, then spent the night in Calcium near Fort Drum. I spent about 14 hours on the bike, but because it was mostly back roads through New York, the mileage was a bit shorter than the last few days.

I was very tired when I got off the bike last night. Yet I couldn't get my brain to turn off, so I didn't get to sleep as quickly as I thought I was going to. In fact, just a little bit after midnight my hotel room phone rang. I answered it and some girl was on the line. I just hung up on her. But it got my brain going again, so I don't think I got to sleep before 01:00. Despite that I was up before my alarm went off at 05:00, so I was rolling at 05:30.

It was another really pretty sunrise with misty fog. I got to Lake Placid just before 08:00 and went to the Lake Placid Horse Show grounds to pick up my registration package for the Reflections HOG Rally. That only took 5 minutes, so I was back on the bike headed to Vermont for that state's 50 Rides 1 Nation photo at the Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream factory.

During today's ride, so far, I've seen a coyote on the side of the road, its fur wet with dew, and a large, tawny whitetail doe with huge eyes. I also saw several "Moose Crossing" yellow road signs and one "Bear Crossing" sign, but neither of those animals, which is probably a good thing when you're on a motorcycle.

After making it another 20 miles east past B&J's to the last Vermont dealership, I decided I did not want to backtrack a hundred miles to Lake Placid. Instead, I am now headed south to pick up New Hampshire's 50 Rides 1 Nation photo plus some dealerships. It's going to be another very long day.

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

Day 159 mileage: 568.5 (total 42089.2)
50 Rides, 1 Nation: 1 (total 35)Read more
Traveler Great pictures
8/27/21Reply
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Summer on the Harley Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Working On My Routes
August 27, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F
Picking up on yesterday, I continued south to Massachusetts to get the state's 50 Rides 1 Nation stop. What a great road! Best of all, you don't have to backtrack almost 7 miles after making the summit. I came in from the north, and if you exit from south then you pop out only five miles or so from the Harley dealership.

From there, I continued on towards Albany to collect a few more dealerships, then swung back north to get to the hotel at about 20:00. It was a really nice day of riding.

I hit the hotel, did a little bathroom thing, changed shirts, then walked a few blocks north to the Pickled Pig for the rally cornhole tournament. Not surprising it was over before I got there because there were only four teams. But cornhole was the only evening event scheduled for the rally 😳😭. I talked to a couple nice people and then went back to the hotel to crash.

Yay! I did not have to get up when my alarm went off because my alarm did not go off, but I still woke up at 07:00. [Why is there not a poo emoji with a frowny face?!]

I'm working on my routes now.

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

Day 160 mileage: 707.0 (total 42796.2)
50 Rides, 1 Nation: 1 (total 36)Read more
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Summer on the Harley Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
1
Heading West
August 28, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 79 °F
I had a relaxing day yesterday hanging out in Lake Placid by the lake. I was back in my room around 18:00 with dinner and went to bed early to get up at 05:00.

I couldn't help but hit snooze a couple of times, but I finally rolled out of bed, packed, and hit the road at 06:30.

Now I'm headed west again for the next rally 😁.

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

Day 161 mileage: 0 😁 (total still 42796.2)Read more
Traveler beautiful
9/2/21Reply
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Summer on the Harley Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
60,000-Mile Service
August 29, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 86 °F
It was strange going 500 miles without hitting a dealership. I got the first of only two yesterday afternoon in Sandusky, OH, then the second in Toledo next door to my hotel. I checked in at 18:00, 11.5 hours and 700 miles from Lake Placid 😁. After DoorDash hummus, fattoush, and chicken shawarma, I turned on a movie and promptly fell asleep 🤣.

This morning I got to sleep in but was awake before 07:00 anyway. Now I'm waiting for the dealership to finish up Willie's 60,000-mile service so we can head to Battle Creek, Michigan, for the Lake Michigan Touring Rally 😁. I'm lying on the floor because the state's COVID restrictions made the dealership remove their waiting area 😠.

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

Day 162 mileage: 696.1 (total 43492.3)

P.S.: Yes, that is another waiting customer on the floor by the vending machines 🤣☹️.Read more
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Summer on the Harley Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Lake Michigan Touring Rally Day 1
August 30, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F
After Willie's service, at 13:20 we took off for Indiana to grab the 50 Rides 1 Nation photo in Mentone, "The Egg Basket of the Midwest," whatever that means. Then it was a belong north to get to Battle Creek, Michigan, and the start of the Lake Michigan Touring Rally. We made it to the opening dinner at 18:00, pretty good for almost 300 miles. I skipped a few dealerships to get there, but worth it to chat with new people and hug old friends.

I left this morning at 06:30 to hit a few dealerships and get to Traverse City early so I could get a pedicure and a haircut and to do laundry. Now, I'm at the nail shop and I think there's a hair place next door. Finally!

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

Day 163 mileage: 285.8 (total 43778.1)
50 Rides, 1 Nation: 1 (total 37)Read more
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Summer on the Harley Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Lake Michigan Touring Rally Day 2
August 31, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 68 °F
There was a haircut place next door, and after that, I made it to the hotel to do laundry...finally. It's a good thing I got to Traverse City so early because it took forever to wash and dry just one load. I made it to the dealership just in time for hors d'oeuvre (little smokies, jalapeno poppers, and cheese sticks 😶).

Heading back to the hotel, at the gas station I grabbed a bite for dinner and breakfast, then called it an early night.

I was up at 06:00 this morning to pack and meet Bill, Paul, and Kathy at their hotel. I've ridden at least one day with Bill each touring rally except the Texas one, so it was nice to jump in him again.

We rolled at 07:30 or there about and have had a nice day hugging the east side of Lake Michigan and swooping through the Tunnel of Trees to pop out at Legs Inn, Michigan's 50 Rides 1 Nation location.

Then it was further north to Mackinaw City. I found a couple of pairs of my awesome gloves at the dealership there. (I'm picking up extras because they don't make them anymore.) Plus, we got our photos at a 10 Rides for 2021 location, giving me 9 of the 10. Only 1 to go!!

Now we're stopped for lunch at a place called Moofinfries. Ice cream and burgers (moo), fish (fin), and fries. Clever. One of the ice cream flavors is Michigan Pot Hole 🤣.

I have walked across the street to get pasties. That is NOT pronounced with a long A. It's pass-tees. I know what they are, but have never had one. Bill and Kathy have never even heard of them, so I'm getting three for us. Yummy!

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

Day 164 mileage: 273.7 (total 44051.8)
50 Rides, 1 Nation: 1 (total 38)
10 Rides for 2021: 1 (9 of 10)Read more
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Summer on the Harley Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
1
Lake Michigan Touring Rally Day 3
September 1, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 68 °F
After our fantastic lunch yesterday, we continued on our route until the intersection of M-77 and M-28. There, Bill split off to go straight to Marquette, while Paul, Kathy and I joined Thor and his wife Cheryl to continue north on 77 to Grand Marais and its gorgeous beach on Lake Superior. Wow!

Even better than the beach, we took H-28 towards Munising, a twisty, turny road that's probably the best paved one in the state. Long, sweeping turns and little traffic. Awesome!

We got to the dealership just a few minutes after 17:00, and I had enough time to buy a swing arm bag for Willie. Like I need to carry more stuff 😉.

We had a catered bbq meal at HD, and I was in my room by 19:30. I tried to get to sleep early, but....

I was wide awake at 04:00, far too early to leave. I had eggs, sausage, and half a bagel at the hotel--very few do a hot breakfast, so it was nice even though it wasn't good--and rolled out at 07:00. Well, I left the parking lot at 06:45, but it was only 44°F and I hadn't dressed warmly enough, so I pulled over to layer up. So, if you're counting, let's say 07:00.

It was pretty this morning in the early light. The rising mist hung just below the evergreen tops about 50 feet above me. In one section, it reminded me of the movie "The Mist," and I waited for the giant spiders to come scuttling out of the branches. But they didn't. The turkeys did though. There were loads of them along the verge. I also saw a huge bald eagle swoop down on the shoulder, scattering several crows, presumably to claim ownership of whatever the traffic had killed during the night. I thought the crows were big, but the eagle was easily five or even six times larger. Magnificent.

Isn't it summer?! 44°F did not get any warmer as I made my way east then south to North Woods HD in Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin. I was frozen and my heated gloves were dead when I arrived at 08:30, 2.5 hours later because of the time change to Central. I had to buy a coat liner, socks, and long johns to add more layers, but everything was on sale and they gave me a military discount, so it wasn't as expensive as it could've been.

I left there at about 09:00 and continued south in 60° weather and better layers, so I was okay.

Now, I'm stopped for lunch at Doc's HD, which is a dealership, a museum, a zoo, and a restaurant 🤷. Pretty interesting place and worth a stop if you're in the area.

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

Day 165 mileage: 354.8 (total 44406.6)Read more
Traveler wow!!!!
9/2/21Reply
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Summer on the Harley Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Lake Michigan Touring Rally Day 4
September 2, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 73 °F
After lunch at Doc's Emporium 🤣, I continued on to Appleton HD, then a couple of stores to replace the wall charger and cable I left in the hotel the night before 🤦. That done, I hit my hotel at about 15:00, then went to the dinner at Vandervest HD in Green Bay. Wow! What a beautiful dealership!

This morning, I rolled just before 06:00 to get to Al Johnson's Restaurant by 07:15. I took my Wisconsin 50 Rides 1 Nation photo and back tracked a bit to hit dealerships and HD Headquarters on my way to Milwaukee.

I'm making such good time that I'm now stopped for lunch at a wonderful seafood place. Yummy!

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

Day 166 mileage: 394.1 (total 44800.7)Read more
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Summer on the Harley Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Westward Bound...Again 🤣
September 3, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F
I made great time yesterday hitting HDs and HQ before getting to the hotel at 14:00. I couldn't check in, so I went to the Museum where the Hometown Rally was starting.

At 16:00 we had the Lake Michigan Rally's final get together and had several special guests. We met Jennifer, the US HOG Manager, and all three HD Regional Managers were there (Paul, Chris, and Bruce). Most surprising of all, Bill Davidson showed up, said a few words about his mom passing away and how his dad Willie G is faring, and signed autographs. I don't look for famous people, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to have him sign my vest. Pretty cool evening even though I didn't go into the museum. No time to see it well, so I'll save it for another time.

I left about 06:00 again this morning to hit a bunch of HDs around Chicago as I make my way westward...again...towards Oregon for the next next rally.

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

Day 167 mileage: 391.0 (total 45191.7)

P.S.: While at the Museum, I also became a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars 😁.Read more
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Summer on the Harley Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Look Who I Found in Nebraska
September 4, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F
Yesterday I hit loads of HDs and stopped at the old Joliet Prison most known from the Blues Brothers 😁. I made it all the way to western Iowa before dark, stopping at a hotel around 19:00.

This morning I left early again to hit the Omaha HDs and grab Nebraska's 50 Rides 1 Nation photo.

A couple of hundred miles later, I met up with Ben from California who is also heading to the Oregon rally. It's nice to ride with someone.

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

Day 168 mileage: 655.0 (total 45846.7)Read more
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Summer on the Harley Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Still Moving West
September 5, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F
Yesterday, Ben and I rode through Nebraska and Wyoming, and now we've finally reached the border of Utah. Pretty boring, but we did see a huge herd of elk at one point, which were stunning.

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

Day 169 mileage: 748.4 (total 46595.1)Read more
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Summer on the Harley Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Flaming Gorge & Ashley National Forest
September 6, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F
If you haven't been to Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, put it on your list of sites to see. And bring your boat 😉.

After Flaming Gorge HD, we followed WY530 down the west side of the Green River where we hit the Utah border sign you saw in yesterday's post. Then we turned onto UT44 back east, twisting through the Sheep Creek area and finally stopping at the Red Canyon Overlook in Ashley National Forest. Magnificent! We had a very nice lunch at the Red Canyon Lodge--it's for sale if you're interested--then continued to US191. We made it to the dealership in Vernal, still with Trump 2020 signs out front 😝, then decided to press on to Provo.

We stayed in Lehi and today have been hitting HDs on our way to Idaho. We're stopped now at where the Logan HD used to be 🤣.

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

Day 170 mileage: 415.5 (total 47010.6)Read more
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Summer on the Harley Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Two New Tires...Again
September 7, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F
Yesterday, Ben and I made it to Boise, Idaho, and this morning I'm getting two new tires. The only thing to say about the ride yesterday was that this entire area of the United States is covered in smoke from all of the fires.

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

Day 171 mileage: 451.5 (total 47462.1)Read more
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Summer on the Harley Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Lunch at the Marina
September 8, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 75 °F
The new tires took a while, so we didn't leave Boise until almost 14:00. Ben and I headed north on 95 towards Lewiston, which was a gorgeous drive along the Salmon River. We stopped around 17:30 at the Salmon River Motel in Riggins, Idaho, a neat little town.

We had dinner at the cafe next door, then hung out in the evening air before calling it a night.

We had breakfast at the same cafe and chatted with the owner. She and her partner have the place for sale because they want to retire.

Although we shot for 07:00, we didn't leave this morning until just before 08:00. But only a few miles down the road we changed to Pacific Time, which put us at 07:00 again. I call that leaving on time 😁.

We continued up the 95 and hit the Lewiston HD, which was next to a paper mill. Stinky 😝! The rest of the drive up would've been beautiful we could e seen anything. Like so much of the US this summer, Idaho is full of smoke from fires.

Now we're in Coeur d'Alene for a lovely lunch at the marina.

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

Day 172 mileage: 166.1 (total 47628.2)Read more
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Summer on the Harley Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Heading West
September 9, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 75 °F
Oh man, what a wonderful lunch we had yesterday! Calamari, salmon, halibut...yum! After that, we made our way to Spokane. I was stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base 2007-2009, but didn't get to do much in downtown, so we stayed right by the river. I forgot how much I like Spokane. We walked through the park, checked out the carousel, talked to a couple of security guards for the Death Cab For Cutie concert, and popped into the Irish Pub. Then we wrapped up the evening with a filet mignon smothered in grilled onions and shiitake mushrooms and asparagus sprinkled with goat cheese. Oh. My. God. It was one of the best meals I've ever had 😋😋😋.

We aren't very good at leaving early, and today was no different. But we finally got out of the hotel and are heading west on 2 towards the Coulee Dam.

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

Day 173 mileage: 282.7 (total 47910.9)Read more
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Summer on the Harley Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Starbucks Shot Stop
September 10, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 63 °F
Yesterday, Ben and I visited the incredible Grand Coulee Dam on our way to the gorgeous North Cascades National Park, then grabbed a hotel along Interstate 5 well north of Seattle.

Today, we're hitting the dealerships and have stopped at a Starbucks for a jolt of caffeine. As typical for Seattle, the sky is overcast and the day is gloomy, but traffic isn't as bad as I had feared, so it's a pretty good day so far.

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

Day 174 mileage: 374.5 (total 48285.4)Read more
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Summer on the Harley Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
65,000-Mile Service
September 11, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 68 °F
Ben and I had no problems around Seattle yesterday. We stayed in Lacey and had a really nice meal at Red Lobster across the street, then called it an early night.

We left this morning around 08:00 headed to Yelm then the HD in Vancouver, WA. Volcano HD was doing an Appreciation Day, but we had to keep moving to get to where we are now: Paradise HD in Tigard, Oregon (Portland area).

Paradise HD is terrific! Despite it being what they call their busiest day of the year, the Saturday after Labor Day, they found a spot to do my 65,000-mile service. Now, Ben and I are eating free red bratwurst on hot dog buns along with the salami, garlic cheese curds, and peanut butter snacks we have in the cooler. Lovely lunch!

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

Day 175 mileage: 125.9 (total 48411.3)Read more
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Summer on the Harley Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
2
Oregon Volcanoes HOG Touring Rally
September 12, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 64 °F
After my service yesterday, Ben and I rode to Latus HD in Gladstone, OR (Portland area) to sign in to the Oregon Volcanoes HOG Touring Rally. This is the sixth and final touring rally of the year, and, other than the organizer Bill, I am the only person who has been at them all!

We signed in, then hit the hotel before going back for dinner. It was a pretty good meal of bbq ribs and chicken with coleslaw and potato salad. I had a chat with the owner about how his service department wouldn't help me with my 65,000-mile service even though I was coming in for the rally they were hosting. He didn't seem concerned, so I'm very glad I gave my money to Paradise HD instead.

After dinner it was back to the hotel to get some rest before meeting up with Chris & Tammy and Richard to ride today's route. Not long after we rolled out at 08:00, we passed another buddy Denny, so he came with us as well.

First, we went to Vista House and got Oregon's 50 Rides 1 Nation photo, which is number 42 😁. Then we rode Highway 30 and stopped at several waterfalls along the way. Now, we're at McClellan Overlook to see Mount St Helen, but it is covered in clouds ☹️. So, I took my final 10 Rides for 2021 photo by the sign instead.

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

Day 176 mileage: 192.2 (total 48603.5)Read more
Traveler Great view, ....Oregon, is that cloud cover the "normal"?
9/22/21Reply
Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar🤣 I think so
9/23/21Reply
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Summer on the Harley Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
1
Oregon Volcanoes Rally Day 2
September 13, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F
After not seeing Mount St Helen, Ben and I caught up with the others and we made our way into Cougar. We stopped for lunch at a place because the sign said "Warm Beer & Lousy Service." We figured it was just the place for us 😉. It turned out to be the Cougar Bar & Grill and the food was great.

When we hit I-5, everyone split off to either go straight to their hotels or to continue the ride. Ben and I went to the hotel, which was across the street from the hosting dealership. We walked over for dinner, then said goodnight.

We met everyone at a Starbucks and rolled out at 09:00 to head down the 5 to Salem and its dealership. Then we took off east to Bend. There was so much smoke from the fires that you could literally taste it. We made several stops along the way, and now we're having a late lunch in Sisters.

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

Day 177 mileage: 182.1 (total 48785.6)Read more
Traveler Nice smile. Glad you have some sunshine
9/22/21Reply
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Summer on the Harley Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Oregon Volcanoes Rally Day 3
September 14, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F
A

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

Day 178 mileage: 174.6 (total 48960.2)
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Summer on the Harley Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
Oregon Volcanoes Rally Day 4
September 15, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 61 °F
We're at Crater Lake.

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

Day 179 mileage: 272.5 (total 49232.7)
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Summer on the Harley Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
16 sep pedicure
September 16, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 68 °F
We stayed two nights in Medford to rest.

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

Day 180 mileage: 280.6 (total 49513.3)
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Summer on the Harley Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
17 sep day off finally
September 17, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 84 °F
Moving south now.

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

Day 181 mileage: 0 😁 (total still 49513.3)
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