With a few hours sleep under my belt, I, will attempt to share some thoughts about what was really a true trip of a lifetime. That two long time friends were able to accomplish this is a feat unto itself. Yes, we had a few moments and the friendship is still there.
We met some unbelievable people on this trip. Fine people. Who shared insights with us about places not to miss, side roads to take. We became ambassadors for the trike world. We had people ask to sit on them. Take them for a spin around the parking lot. Have their pictures taken on them. We stopped at one restaurant, and looked out the window and noticed two women, who later told us they were from Germany, had asked a passerby, to take their picture next to the trikes. They were going to tell their friends, this is how they had gotten around the US.,there were endless numbers of such scenes. We did out best to be good will ambassadors. Coming thru North Bay, Ontario, our last night out, we were stopped at a traffic light, the window rolled down and a very pleasant woman, welcomed us to North Bay, and said if this was our first time here, to make a right, and follow the shoreline. It was a beautiful drive.
If there was a good time to spend 8 weeks on the road, this was the year to do it. We were really never in a traffic jam. Traffic was light in the parks. We paid close to $6.00 for gas in California, and as low as 3.19 in Montana. We traveled less than 1000 miles on the interstate.
And, we were blessed with great weather. A thorough soaking in Ottawa, the day we left, a few drops here and there, and one hour of rain the morning we left Fargo, and a cloudburst near Prescott, Ontario. And that was it! We saw countless animals, native to this country and the parks. Best meal, smoked salmon and crackers in our room.
We highly recommend the purchase of a satellite radio. It helps to keep you sane. A GPS saved us many times and saved us hours.
Les' top five includes Yellowstone, Mt Rainier, Crater Lake, Yosemite and Sequoia. Things other than the National Parks for Les, were Buffalo Bill Museum and Cody, Wy; Redlin Museum; Gold Mine Tour with actual demonstration of the tools used to mine the gold In Silverton, Co; Mojave dessert; the Columbia Gorge in Oregon and the 4 Corners area.
My favorite parks were Mesa Verde; Yosemite; Yellowstone; Arches; Bryce & Zion. Things that stand out in my mind are the miles we road on Route 66. Especially, when you consider that this was a major route for commerce prior to the Interstate system. I loved Silverton, Co., and would return. I loved the Royal Gorge, in Co. My visit with Kid, and his family was precious. Beartooth Mountain, I loved the ride. My least favorite was the time spent on the coast of Washington and the Olympic Peninsula.
All in all, 8 weeks went by really fast.
I want to thank the number of visitors who have come on the trip with us thru the blog. Google tells us that over 3000 people clicked on to read and follow us. A few of you left some thoughts for which we are thankful and appreciative.
As time goes by I will check in and probably add a thing or two.
For now, I thank you. It has been a great ride.
Outlook Sunny!
Total Mileage 12,220
