Oh wow!

What a whirlwind adventure I have had in the last month!

While in Pendleton,  I had the opportunity to work at St. Anthony Hospital as an Emergency Nurse.  My coworkers, became friends.  It was bittersweet when I left, sadness that I was leaving, excited about my next chapter.

While in Pendleton, I made friends with the motel staff, who became family.  Even almost got to deliver a baby while I was staying there.  The nugget was born a few days later by c section.   I also met a wonderful lady, who we are now dating... albeit long distance right now... as I write this, I am sitting in a bar, enjoying an ice cold Carlsberg.

I just spent the last 12 hours flying from Phoenix, through London - Heathrow,  and find myself in Copenhagen, Denmark!   Tomorrow I report to the port to embark on the Eurodam, a Holland America Line Cruise ship, for my first tour as a Medical Officer on a 19 day cruise through the Baltic.

Whisperer...

I had the opportunity, to come in contact with two people about a week ago.  I just happened to take a ride and venture up to fulfill a promise.  Met a few more people on this trip as well.

This is a recollection...

I arrived, was greeted, and introduced to the immediate family members.  A few more showed up an hour or two later, yet that is just the "right of passage," one takes, when meeting new people.  Everyone wants to meet the "newbie."

There was however... three dogs, two cats, and a neighbors' few horses.

I was told the dogs are just dogs, the little one would have nothing to do with me.  I was also told the cats, as well...

So the next morning, I am giving hand signals to two of the three dogs, and they responded, did what I was asking of them.  The two cats, who supposedly will have nothing to do with strangers, are on the couch, in my lap, apparently in 'cat-speak,' "all about me!"

So then I was challenged.

Anyone who knows me, knows to not dare me to do something, because I will just walk away. 

Challenge me however, as in bring a horse from the middle of a pasture up to me... and I will ask which one?!

The first was the Roan...

Came right up to the fence.  The second was the black stallion, I little self-absorbed, yet he decided it was in his best interest to at least come over and see what "this" was all about.

Two horses, 30 minutes apart.  I was now referred to as the "Whisperer!"

The purpose of this vignette, is that the fence was electrified.  I took care as I brought the horses up to me.  Kept them a bit away, reached over, etc...

Then the ZAP!

I have a bruise and some sore muscles from leaning over that darn fence!  Actually startled the Roan when I hit it!  As the involuntary arm flail startled it...

Regardless, I am now known as the "Animal Whisperer..."

SEA > PDT

As I said, coastal cities are notorious!  Weather changes every 15 minutes!

There is a reason why coffee is popular in this area.

My departure was delayed until 10:00 am.  Well, at 9:00 am, I went out and wiped my bike down... took the wet off from the seat, tank, mirrors, bars, wind screen... packed, loaded up, showered, key turned in, two cups of coffee consumed... then a short hop over to Renton, WA to stop off at a HD Dealership to get some last minute advice.

My first hint came (that whisper in one's ear), when the cashier asked a fellow employee about the 410 around Mt. Rainier... "I know the pass is open" was the response...

The second hint came (the tap on the shoulder), when the cashier asked a few other fellow employees about the 410... "The pass is open, that's all I know."

Well, I grabbed a map that should have cost $15.00, opened it up and asked how to get there.  I was pleasantly surprised when a pencil came out, pinpointed where I was, the exact route, verbal advice on directions, etc.  The map was folded and put back into the rack.  I then said that if I can't get through, I would be back!  To which, I learned that my impromptu guide took their lunch at 1:30 pm...

I missed that appointment.

The directions I received, verbally, were a little off from what I saw from the map.  When I got on the road, I had a few adjustments!  Immediately, it was the second stop light to turn left, not the first.  I thank you, Colonel for allowing me to change lanes and move in front.  There was enough space that the left hand turners were not impeded!

A few miles and a few minutes later, the map and verbal instructions were both in conflict with the road signs.  I chose to follow the verbal directions.  Five minutes later, I received the third hint (the Ahem) a u-turn, and back to the last reference point I had.

I followed the road signs from that point.

My ride down to Enumclaw was totally uneventful.  Odd traveling through rural back roads, as you are on a highway, yet have to slow down as you pass through a community... there are schools and hospitals and such.  I stopped for fuel in Enumclaw, asked one last time.  Same answer!  "I know the road is open."

By this point I was committed and would venture through Mt. Rainier!

This is a really cool ride.  Had I given it one more week, it would have been awesome.  Stormy weekend, only got a partial view of Mt. Rainier.  I was riding through the clouds near the top of the pass.  In fact at one point, I couldn't see 20 feet in front of me.  Crawling along the road at 15 mph, looking down at the center-line to see which way the road was going.  Now I didn't have any winter gear with me either... so it got a little chilly for a few minutes near the top.

The amazing thing, less than ten minutes later, on the downhill side... sunny, 70+ degrees, I had to pull over and unlayer!

From that point on, I was chasing a storm.  Always in front of me, it wasn't until I got close to Pendleton that I once again layered up and pushed through.

So the picture situation/update.  My phone will not transfer data.  One of the pins on the miniUSB is bent.  I have uploaded them all to the "cloud."  Now it is a matter of figuring out how to pull them back down to earth and paste them in here!  I am eligible for a new phone/upgrade, it's just the $50.00 cost with a $50.00 mail in rebate thing... really!?  Just give me a new phone, cut out the interim step...

PDX > SEA

Monday morning was an early get up,  as I needed to go!

It's about 3 hours from Portland to Seattle and I had an appointment at 11:00 am, so that meant a 6:55 am departure.  Coastal cities are notorious for frequent, usually brief, changes in weather.  Portland is not immune!  My friend said more than once, if you don't like the weather... just wait 15 minutes.

I departed in very light rain.  Yet by the time I was in Vancouver, WA it had stopped.  The rest of the way up to Seattle was a nice ride.  Only the occasional misting of the windscreen... my leathers never got wet, until...

I passed SeaTac at 10:30 am.  Thirty minutes to go 14 miles further.  For those who have never been in Seattle, the I-5 turns into a parking lot!  The electronic speed limit signs indicated 35 mph... In reality, I was in 1st gear, clutching frequently, crawling along averaging about 15 mph.  One mile from my turn off, it began to rain.  Not a light drizzle, a good old fashioned, soaking rain!

I arrived at my appointment with 5 minutes to spare!  Took off my chaps, grabbed my paperwork, and headed in.  When I got to the door, I noticed that I was relatively dry, with the exception of where my chaps did not cover... it looked like I had wet myself!  How embarrassing!  Thankfully, the front desk was understanding and accommodating by providing me a towel.

After about 2 hours, I was done and headed to my motel to check in, shower, and change into some dry clothes.  Ended up taking a nap too!

The rest of the evening was spent getting some dinner, and some more last minute ride planning for my return trip to Pendleton.  Checking the weather forecast, road conditions, etc.

A pic from right outside my hotel room.  Hint: I was on the first floor...  For 100 points, where am I?  For 500 points, name the exact motel?  For 1000 points, name the room number +/- 1?!!!

PDT > PDX

First and foremost, I am dealing with a technical issue, that is not allowing me to upload pics from my phone right now.  So, one way or the other, they will eventually arrive... I promise!

I decided to ride down the Columbia River Gorge, from Pendleton to Portland.  More importantly, I decided to scoot up into Washington State, and take their SR-14 along the North side of the river into Vancouver then down into Portland.

I love taking the not so fast kind of roads most of the time.  The best thing about this particular road, was that it was slower.  Often times, people just whiz on down an Interstate... not taking the time to look, see, observe, experience, and in my particular case, often stop for a few minutes every once in awhile.  The landscape changed three times, from arid highland, to mixed, to coastal.  The Columbia River did as well! 

To give you an idea, my 4 hour ride took almost 6 hours!  Now I did stop a few times... just to stop, visit a particular place, fuel, eat, recycle... my point is this:  Slow down!  If you can't, then build in/add an extra day!  And just stop every now and then!

The winds coming up the Gorge often buffet... which adds to the ride, especially when they are headwinds!  Then there is the mist, not rain, just the gentle wetting that occurs that lets one know they are literally riding through a cloud!  Imagine that for a moment...

When I was working in Flight Medicine, I was blessed by a pilot that recognized a rainbow ahead...  they climbed to an altitude that allowed us to see the rainbow as a complete circle.  And then, we flew through it!  If you ever get the opportunity to experience such an event, do whatever it takes to make it happen!

I arrived in Portland, drove a little farther South than I intended to, and had to back-track up to where I needed to be.  I am old school with cell-phone apps, ended up accessing the Internet, got onto a mapping website, entered my current address and where I wanted to go...  Two and a half miles South!  Oops!  Better pay closer attention to directions next time, mister!  My overnight host was delayed a little... yet being a nomad biker, I was easily able to entertain myself for a few hours.

A very dear friend, from High School days... for those counting, just shy of 30 years for me... took me in for two nights.  I will be forever grateful for their generosity!  I am also grateful that I was able to help them, serve others, and make just a small difference one day. 

I'm still here!

I know...  it has been almost two weeks...  I apologize.

Life is a series of grooves and ruts!  I was lucky enough to get into a groove, and time has literally whipped past me!

Tomorrow is a road trip to Portland, through the Columbia River Gorge.  A few days there then a ride up to Seattle for a couple of days.  A meandering ride back to Pendleton around Mt. Rainier.

Pics coming soon!

Ride planning...

I have a "need to" trip, to make to Seattle, WA in the two weeks.  Started the planning for the ride.  Destination and accommodations are the easy part.  It's the route, fuel, and what are the stops to make along the way that are the interesting part!

Pendleton, OR is in the Northeast corner of Oregon.  About a five hour ride straight through to Seattle.  However... between here and there are some impressive sights!  I am going to basically ride diagonally through Washington State; however, do I take the Northern or Southern route around Mt. Rainier?

On my return, I am going to combine a "want to" trip to Portland, OR.  On my way down from Seattle, I am also planning a side trip to Mt. St. Helens.  Then there is the Columbia River...

I foresee quite a few more pictures being posted in a few weeks!

Ready?

I apologize for the delay.  I actually finished this few days ago.  A little thing called work got into the way of me posting these past few days...

So,

As I mentioned, it was my Grandpa 'G' who first introduced me to this craft.  I actually still have a piece that he made for me when I was younger.  Growing up, I dabbled in it over the years, tried it earnestly a few times, yet it wasn't until I was in my thirties, that I actually embraced it and continue with it to this day! 

Grandpa 'G' was born during WWI, he grew up during the Great Depression, and served in WWII.  It was a very different world then.  There was nothing "disposable."  Worn out clothes were cut into strips and woven together to create something new, food was grown in gardens and the scraps were composted, one could dial 4 or 5 numbers on a new rotary phone to call a neighbor... yet one had to check that another neighbor wasn't on the phone already, as the term "party-line" had a different meaning back then.

Today, the closest single word that I can come up with, that would describe him, is stoic.  I remember that he was usually not very talkative, soft-spoken, and a hand-shake vs. a hug was sufficient.  I was too young to understand the importance of it at the time, yet Grandpa 'G' and I would actually talk all of the time, usually when no one else was around.

Of course my memories have faded over the years, yet I can still recall specific things, conversations, lessons, events, surprises, etc. that Grandpa 'G' shared with me.  He passed 19 years ago.

It was for him, that I started this project. Although I had intent, I knew and realized that the final recipient would be someone else.

So, I started...

If you don't recognize it, this is crochet.  A small hook is used to weave a fiber together, usually in a simple pattern, sometimes intricately; to create a specific use, function, or pattern.  In this case, the fiber is simply yarn, and in this step, it is for pattern/look, to be applied to a function and use later.

Round One, completed.  On to Round Two...

Initially, it may look a little rough, perhaps uneven... yet you are focused.  It is a matter of perspective!

Round Three...

This is where the art begins!  By varying the type of stitch, one can create texture and style.

Round Four...

A completed strip.

Now this is where I will pause.

I am not perfect.  I have my habits, traits, idiosyncrasies, etc.  In every single thing I do in life, I realize, understand, and accept that I will make mistakes.  For me personally, it is a simple reminder.  In this project,  I made a mistake.  Like in life, it is not always immediately known or recognized.  It is only in retrospect, that one identifies or realizes it.

So what does one do?  Scrap it and start over?  Undo everything back to a point, repair/fix, and continue? Or does one accept, embrace, and more importantly, celebrate it!? 

What is it, that makes something one of a kind?  It is the one thing, that makes it unique, like no other!  I choose to accept, embrace, and celebrate it!  In fact, I even highlight it, so as to draw attention to it!

Round One, was supposed to be a progressive shell of six treble crochet/chain one stitches per row.  I found that in one row, I did seven... after I had completed the entire strip!  One down, only eight more to go!

Two completed and joined!

Four completed and joined!

A few loose strands to be woven in.  Yet one can get an idea of the completed project.

The completed project!  Covers a queen-sized bed... will also keep at least two people cozy on a couch!

Skill?  Hobby?  Craft?

For me it is a gift I have been given, that I share and pass on to others.

So in Honor of my Grandfather...

Charles Fredrick Wallace Gierke
b: 1916
Lived!
d: 1995

I share this with you.

Three down...

Almost done with my third week in Pendleton, Oregon.  Although I will be here for ten more, I can already feel the time slipping by!  There are three local items on my to do list, two road trips I want to do, and one road trip I have to do.  I will combine one of the "wants" with my "have to" though.

I am absolutely enjoying Pendleton!  The weather, the scenery, the people, the small town atmosphere... and my peers at St. Anthony Hospital are great!  My last travel assignment was at a facility that saw an average of 70,000+ patients per year... it is nice to be able to slow down a bit, at a facility that sees ~13,000+ patient's per year.

This chapter has barely started, I hardly know how it will end yet...  However, I already know that the next chapter/adventure will be even greater!  I have to wait till later to announce my next assignment though...

6/9 of the way done with my primary project!   Should complete it by this weekend.  Will share the pictures and secret soon!

Fired again!

Three times in a single hour!  By the same patient... who didn't have the ability to recall that I was the same person they fired 20 minutes ago.  Every staff member who attempted to assist me, was also fired as well.  On average, one every five minutes...

It all part of the dance!

Emergency Medicine is a whole lot of non-emergency interventions, with short bursts of adrenalin every now and then.  For the most part, it is now a part of a community Healthcare System, where people turn to when they have no where else to go.  The "social safety-net."

Now, I understand and fully embrace the concept of an "emergency."  When something exceeds one's ability to handle, adapt, respond to... for the individual, it becomes an emergency.  However...

In my tenure, I have had the opportunity to observe, participate, and experience, some very basic and general rules in action.

They are these:

1) Prior proper planning, prevents pitifully poor performance.
2) Lack of planning on your part, does not necessarily constitute an emergency on mine.
3) Reality, does not exist on TV.
4) It takes three minutes to properly poach an egg... test results take at least an hour.
5) Samuel Shem was correct.

and most importantly,

6) When seconds count... help is only minutes away.

And tomorrow, I will start all again!


My first diversion, is almost complete!  I will post pictures soon!  Of course, being the consummate craftsman, I have multiple projects in progress...  Sometimes one has to change focus, to stay on an overall schedule. 

Although I will miss a "soft-deadline," a "hard-deadline" will be met!  Then there are the "when-ever" finished, ongoing, no time frame projects...

Stay tuned!

A little known bit of information...

I was born into a family that has a long history of self-sufficiency, service to others, craftsmanship, and a variety of other skills, that when all brought together in a macro-sense, well... it just makes sense.

Every one experiences stress.  It is how one handles it, that makes a difference in their lives.  I choose to decompress.  The way I accomplish this is to channel my thoughts, emotions, and energy into something creative.  I have a hobby, some have said it is a skill; however, it is a craft... one that was once exclusively executed by men and in some cultures today, still is!

It was my grandfather, Grandpa 'G' that first introduced me to it.  My sister, Beth, also has taken up the craft.  I am an advanced beginner bordering on proficient, she is competent if not an expert!

As I write this, I think back to all of the projects I have undertaken... and I realized that I have given them all away!  There was a brief time that I was asked to complete something for someone, who insisted on paying me, which led to more people wanting customized items.  I only asked for reimbursement for the materials.  The time I spent, was therapy.  I don't do that anymore. 

When I start a project, I never know for who or what it is for.  I have started some, with the intent of an individual, yet as time progresses, it becomes clear to me who the actual recipient will be.  Sometimes it is for who I intended, sometimes it ends up being someone else.


So, what is it?  My family, close friends, and a few recipients know.


Today, or perhaps in the next day or so, I will finish.  Once completed, I will share the finished project.  I promise, some will be surprised!

Sweltering!

I found it interesting, that many of my new peers asked where I was from.  It seems my 'tan' and 'wind-blown face' identified me as not being a local... One person even asked if I was Hispanic!  My reply, "Well, close..."

As I write this, it is 90 degrees here in Pendleton, OR.  Almost every guest, and even some of the resident staff, are poolside!  My windows and door are open, I am in shorts and a t-shirt, and enjoying the cool weather...

A cool down is in store by Sunday, even a chance of rain.  I just smile!  It's a matter of perspective.

One down, only twelve more left...

I finished my first week, and have since started my second here in Pendleton.  Pardon the circular reference; yet, I learned a long time ago, that time is relative!  A quarter of a year, 3 months, 13 weeks, 90 days... all roughly the same amount of time, yet vastly different responses when thought about by some.

My last three Travel Assignments have been in medium to large EDs, serving 70,000+ patients per year.  I decided that I would like to slow it down a bit this round.  I actually turned down an assignment at a super-large ED that serves ~90,000 patients per year!  I also turned down an assignment at a super-small ED that serves <10,000 patients per year.

It is all about balance.

So far, Pendleton has been a nice change!  I have a different perspective than most residents here.  This is something new for me!  I am intrigued by the history, the "touristy" things, the small-town atmosphere.  I am amazed that it takes me less than five minutes to commute to work, that I can walk just about everywhere that I want to go downtown, that at 11:00pm  most of the stop-lights go into a four-way flash mode because traffic is non-existent, that less than a two hour ride will bring me to parts of this Country that few will ever be able to claim they have been too.

The next twelve weeks are going to fly by... and in a way, I am already saddened by that.

First day!

I worked my first regular shift yesterday, 10am to 10pm.  The ED Staff were great!  Accepted me right in, appreciative that I was there.  My shift started out with only two patients, and continued at that pace until about 5pm.  In fact there was supposed to be another nurse that came in at 12 noon, yet they were low-censused (placed on-call at home).  Finally had to call them in around 8pm as the ED was getting full... 9 patients!

I have pretty much found, located, and learned where the important things are already... like the shortcut through Radiology to get to the Lab, where the cafeteria is, staff lounge/locker room, where 95% of the supplies and equipment are, even got some of the administrative projects mastered like the patient follow-up calls.

Of course there are a few things that did, and will continue to pop-up.  Yet everyone I asked for help or "how do I do this," were understanding and took the time to help.  The biggest hurdle has been the EMR (electronic medical record).  It is an older system, and although I got the basics down, there are a few quirky things about it. 

Now, I have a three day weekend!  Return to work on Monday.  After yesterdays rain, I am going to get out and explore a little bit more today... before this evenings rain begins!  Next week, it looks like summer will finally arrive!  Temps will be in the upper 70's to low 80's... hehehe.

Orientation completed!

For the past two days, I have been 'orienting' at St. Anthony Hospital, in Pendleton, OR.

St. Anthony Hospital has a ten bed, plus one trauma room ED.  There are three to four RNs, a CNA, one Physician, and a PA for part of the day, at any given time.  Plus the EKG/Respiratory, Lab, and Rad Techs that provide Ancillary support.

Pendleton is a relatively small town most of the year.  A month after I depart, will be the Pendleton Roundup and the town will more than triple in population as one of the largest rodeo events in the Pacific Northwest occurs!  I overheard a local talking about the Roundup, and how it defines the year... Pre- and Post-Roundup.  In a way, I would like to be able to stay and experience it.

So far, everyone at SAH has been great!  Welcoming, friendly, truly appreciative that I chose to come here.  A second Travel Nurse, actually from my same Agency, will be arriving next week.  Tomorrow is my first "on-my-own" shift.  Although, I will have plenty of resources available to me if I have questions or run into difficulties!

Unfortunately, I won't be able to post many pictures from inside the ED.  Perhaps I will get some of my new peers and friends to step outside so I could introduce you to them as well!

Through the "getting to know you phase," everyone knows I rode my Harley here.  I even met a person who came up to introduce themselves to me, who asked about my ride!  Obviously, the water-cooler is full and busy!  Many have already suggested some day trips and rides to take.  I will integrate them into some of the others I have already planned to take over the next three months.

In the next few weeks, I plan to explore Pendleton a lot more.  Then, start to branch out to the surrounding areas.  Of course... I have a weekend ride to Portland planned to visit a friend!

I'll let everyone know how my first "real day" went tomorrow.

A down day!

Didn't get out much today, only two errands accomplished.

A grocery store run, and a stop at the Post Office.

Otherwise, a completely laid back day, spent watching movies and working on a project... which was almost automatic and easily accomplished in a semi-reclined position!

Saw two signs today, that I thought were interesting:

There were similar themes throughout town.

Something is working here.  I have yet to hear a siren from an emergency vehicle... no Fire, Police, or Ambulance.

Tomorrow is my first day!  Will keep you posted!

Settling in...

When I got to Pendleton, I stayed at a motel within the Wyndham chain, as I am a Wyndham Rewards participant.  I was pleasantly surprised at the accommodations!  4-star experience at a 2-star price!  However, finances are a factor for the first couple of weeks.  So I checked out this morning.

As I was riding down a one-way street, to get to a point to make a couple of turns and return the other direction, I was suddenly overwhelmed to stop.  It was in front of The First Presbyterian Church of Pendleton.  So I did, and attended the service.

It has been many years since I have attended a Presbyterian Church.  I found it interesting that it was so easy to recall the order of the Service, the recitals, and even one of the hymns.  I spoke to the Pastor following the service.  I will return, schedule allowing.

I arrived at my new home, for at least the next two weeks.  Another motel, however they offer a discounted weekly rate.  Formerly part of a chain, now an Independent.  Nice property, has a pool for later this summer, nice rooms - although I don't need much, and understanding and cooperative proprietors!

It started to rain, and I asked if I could pull my bike under an awning.  The owners didn't even hesitate and said sure.  So I have premium, covered parking!

I say I am settling in.  For the first time since I left Phoenix, I actually unpacked!  I am no longer living out of my bags.  Clothes are either hung on hangers or in a drawer, a run to WalMart for some needed essentials today, and a plan for a grocery run tomorrow...


 In my wanderings today, I found something I have never seen before!

A drive-up/drive-through Circle K!  Anything can be ordered and purchased from this window, from a thirst-buster to a hot-dog to a 12-pack of beer!  I obviously have lived a sheltered life...


More tomorrow!

A few extra pics...

On my ride from Phoenix to Las Vegas, I stopped at Hoover Dam.  I wanted to pull into the Bridge View Point, yet just as I was about to, a Park Police Officer pulled his car into the entrance, turned on his emergency lights, and started waiving everyone on.  Apparently the viewpoint was at capacity, in retrospect, there were quiet a few people on the bridge when I crossed it.  So I rode all the way down, across the dam, and then back up to a "free" parking area on the other side.

A short walk down to a spot to take some pictures.

Lake Mead is so low, that I doubt these spillways will be needed for many years:

I started back towards Las Vegas.  As I came upon the Bridge View, the parking lot was now open, so I pulled in.  Here's a view of the pedestrian walkway on the bypass bridge.  Yes, one can actually walk across this bridge!

Not quite in the middle, there were a number of people on the bridge to my right, so a view of the dam and the western side of the road leading across.  Pardon my finger in the upper right corner... I was holding my phone over the rail, and it was quite blustery!  The last thing I wanted to do is drop my phone over the edge, so I had it in a vise-grip!

On to Las Vegas!  Here are a few more pics of the Strip at night.

Next morning, packed and loaded!  Time to hit the road!

I already posted pics from Ely, NV.  I didn't really take many there.

My next stop was Twin Falls.  I posted pics of Snake Harley Davidson's Rider's Lounge.  Here's their logo on the t-shirt I bought:

I also like the front of this t-shirt!

 And here is High Desert Harley Davidson's in Meridian (Boise), ID logo:

More pics later!

Day Six!

This morning I was suddenly awakened by the sound of a delivery truck dropping his lift to make a delivery... a full 30 minutes before my alarm was set to go off!  Grrr... now wide awake, might as well get up and going.

My new friends and I decided to go to a local cafe for breakfast.  Ended up walking around downtown Pendleton to get there, and obviously to get back.  I am going to like it here, I can tell already!  Stores open at 9-ish... and close at 5-ish.  After 5pm, restaurants and bars are the only thing open in the downtown area.

Pendleton actually has a lot of history.  I am looking forward to visiting and exploring the area over the next few weeks.  Likewise, half a days ride and I can be in Portland, Seattle, or Spokane.  A full days ride to Vancouver, BC.

My friends hit the road at 10am, saw them off.  My room was on the exterior (street-side) of the building.  To avoid a repeat of this morning, and to be able to see/get to my bike, I asked to change rooms.  So I got one on the interior of the building, bike parked right outside my window/door.

Today I took it easy.  Did some laundry, read, relaxed, watched a few movies on HBO.  A pretty kick back day overall!  Starting to settle in.

Tomorrow, I plan on taking a ride through town, around the area, a time-run to the hospital, and find where the WalMart and grocery store is.

No pictures today... sorry.  Will take some tomorrow!

Day Five!

My morning started with a free continental breakfast and a waffle!  I love the self serve waffle griddles that some hotels have.  Packed, loaded, then on my way back to where I wanted to go.

This museum is located at the Nampa Airport, and is primarily dedicated to military aviation from WW-I through the Space Program.  I was overwhelmed with the amount of memorabilia, pictures, displays including aircraft and vintage cars.  They also had a very large archive of information on individual soldiers.  I spent over two hours and realized that it would take two weeks to be able to take everything in.

I hit the road and started heading West again.

I had planned on stopping to take a picture when I entered Oregon; however, the "Welcome to Oregon" sign is on the river bank, and the bridge's concrete barrier extended 1/4 mile past the sign.  When I could pull off, there was another sign that said "No Stopping. Emergency Parking Only."  I thought, getting the picture was urgent, yet not emergent.

Now along my route, there is a part of the road that looked cool.  Just to the East of Pendleton, OR:

http://mapq.st/Rc1Ltv


It looked like it would a roller-coaster of a ride.  As one approaches, there are warning signs that read, "FIRST WARNING - 6% Grade for 6 Miles," the "SECOND WARNING,"  then the Speed Limits based on GVW, then the "FINAL WARNING."

The view from a Scenic Viewpoint at the top of the hill.  As I started down, it was actually an easy ride, nice sweeping corners, on a bike it was great!  The poor truckers though... going 18 to 37 mph.  There are runaway truck ramps every two miles on this decent and the second one had been recently used!  The tire ruts extended more than halfway up the ramp!  I can only imagine how fast that truck had to have been going to make it that far up...

When I hit the bottom, I had to hold my breath.  The smell of hot brakes from the three trucks I passed was overwhelming!  It actually burned when I took a breath.


So for those that haven't figured it out, I finally arrived at my destination!

When I pulled into the motel, I met three other bikers who are friends with each other, that had rode in from Seattle & Longview, WA and the other from Boise, ID. 

From right to left, meet Paul, Bill, and John.  We sat and talked for quite a few hours.  It is amazing that complete strangers, who have a common interest, can bond and become friends.  Since my room was on the opposite side of the parking area, they told me to pull my bike over to theirs... "Strength in numbers!"  I did so, as I knew that they would watch over my bike as if it was their own!

Four bikes in three spaces.  Those white signs on the wall... read "Please do not back in."  Right!  John was the only outlier.


Now, a four day weekend to explore, familiarize, and take in my temporary home!

Day Four!

Last night I became confused... I was wide awake and yet it was getting late!  I needed to get to bed.  Then I realized that Idaho is on Mountain Time and they observe Daylight Savings Time!  Whew.  I also started thinking that I am in no great rush to get to were I am going.  I still have several days before I need to be there.  So instead of making a final push, I decided that I was going to take some side trips, visit a few places, and take full advantage of this road trip.

So since I was in Twin Falls, I decided to swing by the local Harley Dealership.  Visited Snake Harley Davidson, named so for the Snake River that runs through Twin Falls.  Now one of the advantages of riding a Harley, is that I can ride up to, walk into, and take full advantage of the rider's lounge, restrooms, get a snack, free water or coffee, and get local advice as to rides & routes to take.

 Now, every dealership has a rider's lounge.  They all vary, but there is usually some basic things, like a big screen TV, leather couches/chairs, water/coffee/restroom/vending machines.

Here is Snake HD's...

After getting a souvenir and some advice, I hit the road.

A short while later, I crossed the Snake River, and pulled over to a viewing point.

If one looks closely in the top third, just were the river appears and where it bends, one can just make out two separate waterfalls.  These are actually springs that just pop out of the side of the canyon.  A few miles down river, there is actually a point called 1000 Springs, where there are literally hundreds of springs like this flowing out of the canyon walls.

This viewpoint actually allows you to walk to a terrace, go under the bridge, and up to the other side of the road.  Here's two views of the bridge.

Got back on the road and as I took the on-ramp to I-84, I braced for a cattle guard... only to laugh!  I remember these years ago even in Arizona!  I got off at the next exit to take these pictures.

Just lines painted across the road.  It is just as effective as the pit covered with the metal rails, and far cheaper to install.

I took a short detour down to Hagerman, ID and stopped at the Visitors Center for the Hagerman Fossil Beds.  They have many fossils found in the area on display and there is a short driving tour that I took.

Back up to I-84 and on I went.

Now as I mentioned before, every Harley Dealership has a rider's lounge.  As I came up to Meridian, ID I stopped in at High Desert Harley Davidson.  Again for a break, refreshments, restroom break and a souvenir.

Not all rider's lounges are equal...  Here is High Desert HD's...

Back to the road, I stopped at another point of interest I planned on visiting.  However, I arrived 30 minutes before they closed.  So I decided to continue on my way.

It was getting late and the sun was beginning to get low, I was driving right into it - beginning to "sun-gaze."  Add to that, it was now rush hour and there was heavy traffic on the freeway.  I decided that I was going to stop for the night and return the next morning to visit where I wanted to.  So I find myself in Nampa, ID for the evening.

Tomorrow, a short backtrack, then my final leg!