Victoria back to Seattle

9/8/2010

The hotel was nice enough to house The Norm in the loading bay for the night. That meant I had a little bit better rest than usual knowing he was safe and sound.  A little late start on the day but not to worry, I'm still in Canada.

Decided on the road that it was time for me to start the journey back South, or should I say East?  I've met many wonderful people these last few weeks suggesting different places to see up in this beautiful Northwestern region. However, I have come to the conclusion that I will never be able to see it all on this trip and have to come back anyway to see the places I've already missed. So by default, the Canadian adventure was cut short and I hopped on the first ferry back to the mainland. Took the boat from Nanamio to Horse Shoe Bay (just North of Vancouver). Spectacular views! I would definitely do that again.

Road just a few miles of the famous 'Sea to Sky' highway which takes you up to Whistler and beyond, but had to turn around so I could make my way South through Vancouver and then back to the States. Wish I could have ridden more of that road, it was really nice.

Hit the Vancouver area right at rush hour, had to wiggle my way through some suburb streets to avoid the express ways. Found my way pointed back in the right direction and slowly saw Vancouver disappear behind me. Rode right up until dark, and maybe a bit after. Grabbed another hotel room for the night in Seattle, this time did not make it over to the Ace.

Didn't take any photos after the ferry ride. Don't know why, just too busy riding I guess. Felt like a long day even though I was not on the road bright and early. I haven't ridden right up till dark in quite a while now. Last time I can remember was with Tom in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. I guess I made up some of those hours from this morning.

The Norm Speaks Canadian, Eh.

Seattle to Victoria (British Columbia)
9/7/2010

All damn day at the BMW shop (8:30-2:00). However, new chain and sprockets, oil change and air filter completed. Bought spoke wrench finally and some new "O-ring" chain lube to add to my gear collection. Still missing the highly recommended 'Slime' though the +3 boys swear by now. Basically just out of space to fit it or I would have picked some up.

Missed the 2:20 ferry out of Anacortes b/c of the long wait at the Beemer shop. So I bolted it to Edmonds instead to make the 3:15 ferry across to Kingston. After that, I rode up the 101 to Port Angeles to try and catch the 5:15 ferry headed for Victoria. Even though some people on the Edmonds/Kingston ferry said I would not be able to make it, I had to give it a shot anyway. Rolled into Port Angeles at ten to five, so needless to say I made it w/ plenty of time to spare.

Chatted it up w/ a bunch of bikers waiting to cross the channel as well. Seems there is a Yamaha rally somewhere on the island. Also met a really nice guy named Dale riding the Dakar version of The Norm who is from Vancouver Island. He was headed home from seeing the redwoods down in Northern Cal. (Ha! I made it so far north I can now say "down there" when referring to northern California. I think that's kinda cool.) Anyways, it's nice to talk w/ people about their travels on motorbikes. I guess it gives my own trip some validation.

Arrived in Victoria about 8:00pm after getting through customs. Awesome! Just a few weeks ago, I was day trippin' in Mexico. Now I'm mingling w/ our northern neighbors eh. Life's good.

Portland to Seattle

9/6/2010
On the road by 10:00 am. Quite foggy, thought it was going to rain but didn't. Detour to Mount St. Helens. Couldn't see the top b/c of the low cloud ceiling. But quite a spectacular sight and education none the less.

Finally hit the rain belts about halfway. Also, dead stopped traffic for miles, so not very exciting. Wishing now lane splitting was an option.

Stayed at the Seattle Ace Hotel, not as cool as Portland, bit still pretty dope. Feels nice to be staying somewhere other than the woods. 

Diamond Lake to Portland

9/5/2010
Left the campsite early, but not as early as I had wanted. After feeling like I did yesterday, all I wanted was to keep moving. But it was COLD! coldest I've felt yet. hands barley worked packing up and tying all the gear down to Norm. He also had a rough time getting going. Took a few tries to get his parts moving. I think we both felt the thirty day calendar this morning.

Bolted North through Bend, Redmond and Madras. Had to keep stopping to fuss w/ the adding or arranging of clothing for the weather. Decided to take HW 26 into the Mt. Hood National Forest and then 35 North right past Mt. Hood itself. And I thought it was cold this morning. Just passing Mt. Hood on the low, little blacktop two laner, I could feel the temperature dropping by the second .Brrrr! I think this was a premonition of what's to come.

I have decided to keep heading North to Vancouver Island, British Colombia (BC). I met quite a few people this last week who had nothing but compliments about the place and they definitely encouraged me keep this Northern heading.

Made it into Portland late afternoon. No enthusiasm to find a campsite, poor planing on my part. However, got the last available room at the Ace Hotel. I've heard of this hotel chain before (okay I get the monthly email) and it is the best hotel I have I have ever stayed in to date. Check their website out if you get a chance, my photos don't do the hotel any justice http://www.acehotel.com/. Great vibe, great decor and great price (respectively). Actually, couldn't have asked for anything better. Senior Bri, if your reading this, I tried your suggested hostel, but it was all full up. Met some folks at the Deschutes Brewery tonight who were staying at that hostel, they booked three weeks in advance. I guess that's what happens when lack of planning happens.

Yachats to Diamond Lake

9/4/2010

Left Yachats at 9:00am this morning. I was sad to say goodbye to uncle Bob and aunt Carolyn. They were so wonderful, they really made me feel at home while I was there. Thank you again for everything. I hope to see you both again very soon. I love you both.

Had to backtrack today, Southeast. Final destination, Crater Lake. No campsites available because of Labor Day weekend, so Diamond Lake (just a few miles North) is were I will lay my head tonight.

Had a little bit of sun early on, but quickly turned gray. Bundled up tight in warm clothes. Any little available opening and the wind can find it. Still trying to get used to riding in the colder weather. Sun showed back up about an hour from Diamond Lake, so the ride became beautiful following the North Umpqua Wild & Scenic River in.

Crater Lake is unbelievable, looks like something out of Avitar. The water was an enchanting deep blue. Wish I could have enjoyed it to the fullest, but I just couldn't. Was just a little to sad today. It's been exactly one month since I set out on this journey. I had to make some great sacrifices and leave many important things behind; Angela (my love), Perri (her dog), Houston (my home for six years) and many many great friends I've made over the years there. Yes, today was a difficult day to set back out on the open road alone.

Tonight, the campfire is blazing in front of me, Wilco is playing in the background and thoughts of past, present and future fill my mind. Tonight, I just look forward to tomorrow. Everything seems better with a full day ahead of you.

Yachats, The Gem of the Oregon Coast.

Yachats is a great little town located on the coast of Oregon between Florance and Newport (basically in the middle of the state). I've had a really nice relaxing time here, and I encourage anyone traveling through (or destination as well) to stop by this lovely little town and enjoy the coast of Oregon.

Redwood National Park to Yachats, OR

Tuesday 8/31/2010

Was out of the campsite by 7:45am, so no need to pay. Normally I would never think about skipping out on the bill, but $35 a night, come on California. We all know the state is broke, but your not going to get back in the black by over taxing the campers of the world.

Continued on the 101 and passed Paul & Babe in Klamath, CA. Had to get Norm a photo w/ these two. Ran into some heavy fog still early in the morning. It's nice to be experiencing other weather conditions other than all the sun and heat I've been having on this trip. We got above the fog cover in some parts and could see out over the coast for miles (no water to been seen though), spectacular non the less.

Didn't stop much today, only when the 101 snaked back to the coast and when my chain started giving me trouble again. I'm really not an idiot, and ever since New Mexico I have been maintaining the chain regularly and keeping an eagle eye on it. I just don't know why It keeps stretching like it does? I have to keep pulling the wheel back every three days or so to counter act the slack that keeps happening. My assumptions are as follows; 1) Carrying a lot of weight for this size bike. 2) Riding a lot of miles, even every three days. 3) Small chain size to begin w/ for this bike, KTM cycle guys in New Mexico were surprised the chain size was so small on this 650cc. 4) The chain currently on the bike is just your average "no brand" type. Maybe a combination of all these conditions just isn't enough for the chain on the bike. Either way, a new higher quality chain is what I might be looking at very shortly.

Made it into Yachats around 6:00pm, just before the rain started to fall. I'm currently staying w/ my aunt and uncle who live in this small coastal Northwestern town. I will be kicking my feet up and relaxing w/ them for a few days. I don't often see Bob & Carolin, so I'm quite pleased to be able to spend some time together.

Might be attempting some day rides while I'm here, but nothing is set in stone. I'll check the map and see how I feel. Currently just happy to be somewhere again where I feel loved.