Day 7 - End of our trip. New member of the family.

Wow.  This has been an incredible week of special time with Karl, special bonding with T'Kahr, and special moments with God as we revel in what He has made. 

Karl greeted me with a kiss and a birthday card as we woke up.  Before our trip he gave me the sissy bar bag that we would need for the trip for my birthday present!  We had a long day of driving from Farmington, NM to Tucson.  Lunch in Holbrook, DQ in Globe where we filled up our camelbacks and wet our shirts for the hot ride home...evap cooling AZ style.  Sad the trip is over, glad to see our kids.  We pulled in to the house where everyone was waiting for us. 

On our ride today, we discussed that Skylar has worship team practice tomorrow morning.  I suggested we move the "birthday breakfast" they had planned for me in the morning to tonight....  (we usually do birthday breakfasts and the kids missed out on mine this morning.)  At every stop we made, Karl was texting the "kids" to rearrange the birthday breakfast to dinner.  Mom, Dad, Marcie, and Hayden joined us as soon as we pulled in for a cool down swim and waffles for dinner.  After dinner they had a treasure hunt for me....  The first card said,

Happy Birthday, Mom!
Today's your day, it's true
Your family's love for you
Is as wide as the ocean blue!



Your mission, if you choose to accept it,
Is a treasure hunt of sorts
So turn the page and we'll BEGIN!


WE LOVE YOUR GUTS OUT!


 Breakfast Dinner is done, so hurry and run-
get dressed (or not) and go to the place
where you splash in the sun!
Don't get "Crushed" by anticipation!

So since I'm already dressed (this was supposed to be in the morning)  I go out to the pool.  Swimming in the pool is a Crush turtle pool toy (from Finding Nemo)....attached to his neck is a bag with our mail key and a note that reads:

Duuuude, somethin's a little fishy.  I think ya should take the currents down to the mailbox.  Yeah, totally!  Noggin!

So in the mailbox is a stuffed Nemo with a note that says,

Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming, all the way to the river outside your anemone.  X marks the spot.  Bubbles.

So in front of our house in the rock riverbed is a large X with a Finding Nemo kickboard.  On the back of the kickboard it says,

All drains lead to the ocean.  So retrace your steps and don't forget to flush.

I go up to our bathroom and sitting on the back of the toilet is a swim mask with an address on the back. Also next to the mask is a bag that says,,

Don't open till you get to your destination.  And another note that says,

Take a ride with your Buddy to find my friend, then come back for your guppies and we'll take a swim!

Well at this point, Karl says the plan changed because we have more people here that want to come so I can't take Buddy the scooter to the address on the mask.  So we pile in to two cars.  I think we're going to my friend Dana's house because it is her street.  As we get closer we turn into the next cul de sac where my friend Betty lives.  We pull up in front of her house and Karl tells me it's time to open the bag.  I do and pull out a car key.  In the driveway is a car with a big red ribbon wrapped around it....  A beautiful blue '99 VW Beetle named Dory complete with custom bike racks! 

Seems Karl has been in chats with Betty about Dory ever since April when they were working at church on a work day....Betty needed to sell since all their kids are now away at college and Karl knew I've always wanted a bug.....  we needed a smaller car to haul kids around that got better gas mileage than the Princess...  So now Dory is a member of the Mason Family!  She's actually the youngest of our cars..... 

Now the girls will have no excuse not to learn how to drive a stick! 

Day 6- Epic Adventure with New Friends

Can't believe it's already Day 6.  We fixed breakfast at camp this morning...oatmeal for me....leftover pasta for Karl.  We heated it up on the quick flame.  As we were preparing breakfast Karl struck up a conversation with the guy in the cabin next door who was traveling on a Vstar 650.  Turns out his name is Joel and he's from Pennsylvania.  Headed out west to see people and new places.  We loaded up and headed out hesitantly because we knew it was time to head south. 

We pulled out of the KOA about 10.  One mile down the road we saw Joel pulled over on the side.  We pulled off to see if he needed help.  He'd left about 20 minutes before us.  His bike had started sounding nasty and screechy.  Not good.  He was calling his roadside service.  We waited with him while he figured out which tow truck was coming all the way to Ouray.  It was cool to find out he was a Christian too.  Great to pray together standing on the side of the road thanking God for this trail and eager to see how He was going to work through it.  Right after that, an old truck pulled over and we thought he was offering help.  His truck didn't sound any better than Joel's bike.  He opened the hood and Karl went to talk to him.  Turns out Doug is from Phoenix and was in town with his two boys who were back at the hotel.  He thought the battery was gone.  So...since we were waiting with Joel, Karl shed his gear from his bike and took Doug into town for a new battery.  Doug was a brave soul to get on since he'd only had bad experiences with motorcycles in the past.  My pink butterfly helmet didn't fit him, so Joel lent him his manly half helmet.  While they were gone, Joel and I explored the river next to the road and chatted a bit.  We was also trying to reach his relatives in Albuquerque who he was on his way to see. 

Doug and Karl got back and Doug installed the new battery while Karl rode back to the garage to pick up his top case he left there when they had to strap the battery to the back of the bike.  Karl returned just as Doug got the truck running.  Joel had reached his relatives who offered to come get him with a trailer and take him back to NM where he could get the bike fixed.  He canceled the tow truck.  We used all of our straps and made a makeshift tow strap and Doug very carefully towed Joel back to the KOA where he will stay tonight waiting for his family to come tomorrow. 

We parted ways and became facebook friends with Joel and Doug.  Karl and I decided to stop in Ouray and have lunch before we hit the road.  Guess who walks in?  Doug and his boys to have lunch.  It was fun to tell the story again o them. 

As we pulled out of Ouray we realized we still had a "piece" from Joel's bike that had fallen off.  We turned around and went back to the KOA to give it to him. 

Four hours later after we left in the morning, we pulled out of the KOA again.  What an adventure.  God's timing and plan are hysterical.  We couldn't have planned to have all met there on the side of the road and every one be able to help the other.  Plus now we have new friends!  We'll be following Joel and Doug on Facebook to see what happens with the bike and the truck and the rest of their trips.  Will Joel get all the way to California?  Will Doug and the boys get to Yellowstone?  Idaho?  Spokane?  Will that old truck make it?  More adventures ahead I'm sure. 

We relished every cool breeze, every view with green and water, and every rolling turn.  I had to make a quick stop in Silverton to buy another doily.  I had only gotten one the other day and decided I needed two if I'm going to put one in each saddlebag.  The lady in the shop was shocked I came in for another one and just gave it to me.  Sweet.  I rode the rest of the way to Durango with a doily in my pocket and a smile on my face. 

As we drove through Durango we headed south to Farmington.  Weather got warmer, land got flatter.  We arrived in Farmington and decided it was too hot to camp and we were too tired to go all the way to Gallop.  Means tomorrow is going to be a long driving day. 

Dinner at KBDillons.  Karl had a hankerin for a steak.  Me too.  Great green chili soup too. 

As we finish out this trip, I'm so thankful for Karl who loves me as I am, our kids who we really do miss, Marcie and my folks- for being me while we're away and hauling the kids everywhere.... for my bike T"Kahr who is a dream come true.... and I'm thankful that God continues to bless our socks off with incredible opportunities like we've had the last 6 days to meet people and experience His creation.  Every day on this earth is an epic adventure. 

Day 5-Feels Like A Long Way Around

Blame it on the Force.   Last year Karl and I began watching the series Long Way Around chronicling the adventures of Ewan McGreagor and Charlie Boorman as they traveled around the world on motorcycles....from London to NY...via Mongolia.....  The sequel Long Way Down where they went from London to the tip of South Africa was good too....  but it gave us the bug.  So this was our baby step version...  From Ouray, CO and back....also known as the San Juan Scenic Byway Loop.... 

We woke up this morning and fixed biscuits and gravy....yes, in a bag.   They were really good and the biscuits were really biscuits.  Don't ask me how.  While Karl cooked, I read 1 Kings 18 and 19 outloud...we saw a shirt in Silverton yesterday with that scripture reference  1 Kings 18:44 that claimed God told us to ride....he clearly prefers two wheeled vehicles.  Well.... it's talking about a chariot there.....  I guess motorcycles are like chariots....two wheels powered by a lot of horses.....  I didn't buy the shirt but thought it was funny....and we got to review the story of Elijah and Ahab. 

We started at 8am because I had to wait till the store opened to buy some Benydryl anti itch stick.  Seems those annoying gnats that kept us company at Canyon de Chelly bit and bit hard.  We've both got nasty itchy bites on our , arms, necks and legs.  Whew.  A bit of relief.

We drove north to Ridgline and cut west and over a mountain to Telluride.  Let's say it again, shall we?  "Wow.  Look at that.  Crazy Beautiful."  I felt a little guily pulling over to put on my other jacket and non mesh gloves as it was a bit "chilly".....fully appreciating that it is 110 at home.



We pulled in to Telluride and drove through the town up to the dead end where you can see the waterfalls.  We met a family from Missouri who gave us the heads up on the free gondola ride in town that goes to the mountain village.  As we were pulling out we noticed some wildflowers near an Aspen tree and I spent a bit of time taking pics with Karl's new camera.  Sweet.  I think we'll fame one for our souvenier picture when we get home. 

Can I just take a moment and say how cool it is that God has thought up such beautiful things?  What an artist!  It is so fun to ride in the middle of this big playground He has designed for us and give Him all the praise.  Sometimes I just need to sing as loud as  I can.  Acoustics aren't bad in my helmet either.

We found a place to park the bikes and shed the gear.  The donut cart guy gave us change for the meter thingy so we felt obligated to buy some fresh donuts with powdered sugar to enjoy on the way up the enclosed gondola.  It's wind powered and completely FREE.  What a deal.  Drop dead views of the valley and the town.  We stayed on at the top and ventured down the other side to the village.  It was fun to walk around and see how the rich people ski....or would ski if it was winter. We enjoyed sharing a sandwich and soup and taking in the views. 

As we took the gondola back up we got off at the top to hike around....alas....the trails are all CLOSED.  And why you ask?  It is TOO WET.  They had a late winter and everything is still soggy and they're afraid people will mess up things.  That is too funny when most of AZ is closed because it is too dry.  





We took a little time to see enjoy the view.  With the binoculars I could even spot Karl's motorcycle and his very safety conscious yellow jacket on the back all the way from the top. 

Upon descending we walked around the main street.  We thought we had struck gold when we found a restaurant/bar called The Llama.  We went in to buy Skylar a shirt but they hadn't come back from the printers.  Sorry Skye,  all you get is a matchbook. 

Leaving Telluride we headed south to Dolores.  More beautiful leany turns as the road followed the river all the way down.  Wishing our trip intersected with Kristen Cooke and the boys who will be in Dolores next week.  Maybe another time.

From Dolores we cut across to Mancos.  We spotted a herd of buffallo off to the side.  Flashbacks to Yellowstone.  Way cool.  I was excited when we passed the turnoff to San Juan Bible Camp.....  so many good memories of high school church camp.  That is where I fell in love with these mountains.  backpacking, rafting, repelling....  Many thanks to Tim and Dixie Reed for making those years so special. 

Once in Mancos it was just a quick jaunt into Durango.  4:30.  Back to Steamworks for THE BOIL.  Just as good as I was hoping it would be.  Cajun spice is still on my lips. 

We left Durango right at 5:30 for the two hour drive back to Ouray.  Funny how 70 miles can take 2 hours but it totally does.  Switchbacks, hairpins, the whole bit.  We'll never be accused of being idiots who take too many risks.  We definitately ride within our comfort zone. 

We rolled in to Ouray 11 and a half hours after we left. 236 miles.....and those are NOT interstate miles. Quick shower.  Cup of tea....and an ice cream bar.  It just doesn't get any better than this. 


Hopefully we'll have more pictures to share when we can upload them faster than 1 every 20 minutes.  :)

Day 4: Wow. Look at that. Crazy Beautiful.

We slept much better last night in Durango.  No trains.  No critters chipping dried mud out of the ceiling into our boots.  We decided to take advantage of the KOA pancakes and ventured down to the pavillion.  What a bargain.  We met up with a lady who had her two dogs in the dog run.  One was a ruby King Charles about the same age as Hope.  The other a mutt she rescued who'd been attacked by Pit Bulls.  She saw Hannah's picture with Hope and  said "she looks just like Karl."  Weird.  Her dog's dad was a Blenheim named Karl....she thought Hope looked like him.....  I thought she knew Hannah looked like Karl.

 

We saddled up and headed to town where we bought a few things for the kids and had lunch at Steamworks.  Now we'd been looking forward all year to getting the cajun boil:  crab, sausage, potatoes, corn, etc. boiled together and then dumped on your table on wax paper.  That and a cold micro brew makes a perfect meal.  Wellllll.....they don't start boils till 4:30 so we disappointedly settled for a greek wrap and a turkey burger.  Now I'm convinced I will like everything they have on the menu.

We met a couple from Phoenix who moved here last year to open their own shop.  Everything they sell changes color in the sun.  They got tired of the heat.  They also had a shop in Silverton but it burned down last week.  Fire stinks. 

We headed up 550 on the San Juan Scenic Byway.  We stopped along the way to take some pictures but most of the scenic spots are in mind movies because we couldnt stop every time we saw something breathtaking.  Our comm system came in handy because we just kept saying, "wow look at that.  Crazy Beautfiul."  We even got some pictures with snow!  We did decide to pull off and take a look at Andrews Lake...just a little day use lake but man was it breathtaking.  They had equestrian trails all over that we were sure Skylar and Aloha would love to use. 

At our snow stop, we met another couple from just north of Las Cruces.  They told us the Dairy Queen in Hatch closed but not to worry because we should stop at Sparky's who was just voted to have the best green chili cheeseburger in New Mexico.  Now that is saying something.



We got to Silverton just as the train was leaving.  Cool to see it pull away as we pulled in.  One:  because it was cool to see it moving.  Two:  all the people were not standing in line in front of us at the ice cream store.  We felt it necessary to support the local economy with a large scoop. 

As we meandered through town I wanted to go in the Victorian trinket shop.  Karl was worried when he saw the large wicker dressing table in there and knew my propensity for trying to buy large wicker furniture without considering the ramifications of getting it home.  I promised I would be good.  I bought a shirt and a doily.  Yes, Rick Sims, I bought a doily.  Now I'm trying to figure out where to mount it on my bike....maybe on my leather saddlebag or under my Captain Janeway on my handlebars.....



We left Silverton for the last stretch to Ouray where we are once again staying in a KOA Kabin.  These kabins are perfect.  This one is next to a little creek so it kind of drowns out the sound from the office/cafe/laundry room that is just opposite the creek.  Karl cooked up some mean beef strIoganoff in our handy dandy mini cooker and we also enjoyed a cold bottle of Coors from the camp store.  I'm a little bit worried about the dehydrated s'mores that he's mixing up now..... 


How is it possible that we only rode 100 miles today and feel so wiped out?  Sun, technical driving, vacation mode???  Tomorrow the plan is to get up early and head over to Telluride.  If we're ambitious we might finish the San Juan loop.  If not, we'll head back here and see what happens.

So...on the day when we saw the prettiest views, we also have the slowest internet connection and it's taking ABSOLUTELY forever to upload.  We're lucky we got any at all up.  So check back manana and we'll see if it is any better then. 

BTW....the s'mores in a bag were more like instant chocolate pudding with mini marshmallows with graham cracker dust sprinkled on top.... not bad.

Day 3 - Sedona Meets Youngblood Hill

This morning we woke up in the hogan to the sounds of a pan flute.  Never saw who was playing it but it was cool.  We tried out our cool backpack stove and fixed some dandy oatmeal before hiking off to the rim about a half mile away.  The sounds of cicadas and that flute will fill my head all day.  It was cool to sit on the edge of the canyon and have our quiet times.  We watched two deer scramble up the side of the canyon.

Before we left on our hike, there were several Navajo people preparing the sweat lodge right next to our hogan.  When we returned from the hike, we didn't see anyone but we could hear chanting coming from inside the little hide-wrapped, igloo-shaped hut.  It was really surreal.  I didn't see any freaky cultish like leaders yelling at people to stay inside so we didn't worry too much.  Hope they're all ok.

We left the park and decided to stop at the swap meet at the entrance and enjoy a Navajo hamburger.... Basically a double cheeseburger wrapped in fry bread with the freshest roasted green chilis you have ever tasted.  Plus a regular fry bread with honey for dessert.  While we were eating we chatted with Ben, a retired policeman who seemed to know everyone.  He told us about another way to get to Shiprock than the one we had planned.  We followed the North Rim to Greasewood and took a left, and then made a right at the GIANT gas station (it must have been a Mustang station before because we missed it twice looking for the Mustang sign)

THIS ROAD IS FANTASTIC.  Near the bottom it looked like Sedona and then it started to climb.  Ben warned us it was steep with sharp hairpin turns.  The speed limit was ten miles per hour.  You felt like you needed to go a little faster so you didn't go backwards.  We wanted to get pics of this but there was no where good to turn off.  We were also wishing we had video.... maybe another time when we get a helmet cam.  We will definitely do this road again.  At the top it looked like Mt. Lemmon.  We ventured over to the other side and as we did, I swore I saw Mordor.... oops....just Shiprock looming in the distance.  What an imposing formation right out in the middle of nowhere.  With this volcanic looking wall similar to the Great Wall of China stretching out on the side of it.  It was really cool. 

We ended up in Shiprock at the Sonic.  Time for a cool treat.  The shopping center next door had a name we couldn't pronounce.  We'd love to hear you try....

From Shiprock through Cortez and into Durango.  It felt like a long day.   We were ready for the fancy accomodations of the KOA Kabin.  Electric and showers nearby.  The also deliver pizza to your cabin.  No bag meal tonight.  Pancake breakfast in the am.  No kids with us so we skipped the Toy Story 3 movie in the pavillion....sure wish the kabin next to us had taken all theirs...... 

Oh....  forgot to write about the folks we met yesterday.  We saw them once at a gas station where I admired all their Harleys....mostly Road Kings..... I assumed they must be Harley snobs.  Anyway, we ran into them again at Spider Rock and it turns out they are all from Switzerland and they flew into Vegas and rented the bikes.  They are touring through the southwest.  They were super impressed that we had all our gear and cool bikes and were camping.  As I fired up T'Kahr they all smiled and waved us off.  Sweet. 

So....because we couldn't do pictures yesterday, I'm going to add some to that entry too....

Day 2- When do you ever get the chance???

Monday morning dawned clear in Holbrook.  We were a little blurry eyed from the first night in a different bed plus the nightlong soothing sounds of the railroad next door.... note to self..... if you see tracks next to the motel...thats probably not a good thing.  The trains ran through nearly every hour REALLY fast.  You could hear the clanking of the cars as well as the general roar.  And as they cruised right past the motel, they blasted the train whistle horn thing.  First time funny.  Consecutive times in the night....not so funny. 

We dined on donuts, banans, juice and hot drinks we brought with us.  After gassing up in Holbrook we headed north on 77.  Talk about the open road.  We stopped several times to take pictures of the road, our bikes, and the beauty around us.  It was fun to play around and take our own pictures.... We were kind of wishing we had our own Claudio like Ewan and Charlie in Long Way Around.... 

Cool to not be on a schedule and stop as often as we wanted.

Skylar would either love or hate all the horses that are free range right on the side of the road here on the reservation.  We hoped none would bolt in front of us.  Yesterday we did see a HUGE elk on the side of the road....somebody had already made off with his rack....  :(

Canyon de Chelly, AZ.  I have lived in AZ my whole life and always wanted to visit.  It's worth the trip.  We've cruised around, hiked a bit, and decided we wanted more.... 

So we're not going to Durango today.  We are camping in a genuine hogan here in the park.  When do you ever get  the chance to sleep in a hogan? No electric.  No water.  Wood walls.  Dirt floor.  Futon mattress.  Oil lamp.  Wood stove if we need it. 

We're going to hike the White House hike into the canyon in a little bit and hike around some more in the morning.  We're experiencing fine cafeteria dining near the entrance to the park which happens to have slow wireless.  Hence, I can update you all but not get pictures up.  We'll try again tomorrow. 

So.... if you don't hear from us, don't fret.  There really isn't cell service back where we are in the hogan.  Back in touch tomorrow sometime after our Native American Adventure.

Colorado Motorcycle Adventure

Click the picture to see our album of photos from the trip.

The Beginning

Whoa!  What a full day this has been.  We started with Fathers Day Celebration.  Kids and I made breakfast and Karl opened his gift.... a new camera.  Now we don't need to use our cell phones.  It seems our old one is hiding...probably somewhere with Kody's new glasses that he wore for exactly 3 days before losing them.  We finished packing and headed for church.  What a great service....good worship....  meaningful time of thanksgiving and blessing as Doug handed the reins to David.  We hung around through the first part of second service for Gracie Js dedication.  Lots of emotions as we said goodbye to Doug and the Casadys in the same day.  Happy mixed with Sad....mixed with a little anger because Kody lost his backup pair of glasses too.....  



We loaded up and said goodbye to the kiddos and family in the parking lot and hit the road.  After gassing up in Catalina we hit the highway at EXACTLY high noon.  The adventure we'd been looking forward to for sooo long finally began! 

 



The ride up to Globe was beautiful.  It was a bit warm and we were thankful for the camelbacks we wore under our jackets.  We experienced a windy lunch at Sonic in Globe before heading north again....  A few pics along Salt River Canyon were beautiful stops.  We loved the s curves for sure.  Once we hit the rim it cooled off a bit but the winds picked up even more. 

 



We hit Show Low and saw signs everywhere thanking the firefighters.  We didnt see any signs of fire or smoke but definitely notice the winds blowing east....  nasty winds.  As we hit the stretch of road between Snowflake and Holbrook the winds were downright nasty.  OZ here we come...  we had to lean about 20 degrees to the left the whole way just to stay upright.  Once we got to Holbrook we stopped in at the Wigwam Motel....  I'd always wanted to stay there.  Alas, there are drawbacks to spontanaity and they had just rented the last one a little before we got there.  We found a place almost as kitchy down the road....still on Route 66. 



I checked in and upgraded to the king room....  a whole $38.  They handed me towels, a key on a fob, and a remote control..  We walked in and are now enjoying our AC unit in the wall and our gold lamay bedspread.  As we unloaded the bikes we met Rick.... a fellow motorcycle enthusiast who lives here.  He had lots of cool stories about his bikes, his life before here as a long haired biker in a gang....his life since his stroke...and the cireumstances that brought him back to Arizona from Ohio.... 

We headed down to Mr. Maesto's for dinner because frankly....the sign said it had the best food in town.....  It wasn't bad...  moms chimis are better...but what can you do? 







After dinner we walked back to the motel and the sprinkles started.  Time to whip out the frog togs we invested in before the trip.  They did work!  We also ventured back to the Wigwam and decided to break our rule of no reservations and asked about a night on our way home....  vacations are meant to be flexible, right?  Alas...full then too....  We did leave our number in case there is a cancellation.  I'll be shocked....but you never know?  Do you? 



As we leaft the Wigwam we met a man named Danny and his son Kenny who were driving from North Carolina to California because Danny's mom was not expected to make it.  Just two hours before we met them, Danny heard she didn't make it.  He was pulling a trailer with a beautiful Suzuki Boulevard.  It slipped out of the chuck and gouged the paint on the front fender pretty deep.  How's that for a bad day?  We promised we'd keep his family in our prayers.



A quick stop at Safeway for banans, donuts, and juice for the morning and here we are.....  never thought I'd be blogging in such gold lamay luxery here in Holbrook....  Were windblown and happy to be on another adventure.  TTFN

PS.....  The sign on the motel did not have HFMTWBTW on the advertising.... What does that mean??? 

HOURLY FAST MOVING TRAINS WHO BLOW TRAIN WHISTLES all night long....

PSS  Kody found his glasses.....at least the backup pair.  God is good. 



Happy Father's Day Karl!

Here's a little slideshow video we made for Father's Day tomorrow!
Happy Father's Day Karl!

One Day More

So we leave tomorrow.....finally.  We printed 6 different packing guides from people who have done this before.  We'll still forget something, I'm sure.  Today we have to figure out how to fit them all on the bikes.  Need to wash the bikes too.  Whitewalls could use a good scrubbing.  We'll at least start off with no bugs on the windshield. 

I've never done a trip with absolutely no reservations and no plan.  We have some ideas of roads we'd like to do.  Steamworks in Durango is a MUST dinner stop.  The spontainaity of it all thrills and scares me at the same time.  Usually I have a folder full of confirmations, maps, itinerary, and what not. 

All we know now is church tomorrow for Gracie J's dedication and the Doug farewell/hand off to Dave.  Oh my goodness, can't believe that day is finally here.  I'll miss Doug but I'm so excited for the new chapter.  Then we're off....  I'm thinking now we'll go north part way to Durango tomorrow and then head on in on Monday. 

I wish I wrote quippy things like Skylar.  Oh well.