October 11th, Sitka AK
Hitched to town, picked up by Fred Anderson a friend of Knikki's, he's going through some tough times, reminds me of how good my life is. Sushi, saki and conversation for lunch. Shopping, a new travel mug, coffee and AK flags to plant or gift. Too soon it's time to get the shuttle back to the boat. In the soft Sitka rain I melt.
Back on the boat I met up with Joey Jacobson, we go for a beer and meet up with Mariah,Tracey, a friend of Knikki's, Ed and Fred from the AK RR.
Oct 13th
Pre load on the car deck, I think it's all going to fit.
Getting excited. Beautiful days and night on the ferry. Watching the moon come up over the mountains, checking out anchorages. So so stunning and moving.
Tomorrow on the road to Kurt and Deb's in Bow, on the road.
Oct 14
Bow, PO to mail everything that Columbus Day prevented me from mailing in Skagway. Off to Kurt and Deb's. Shopping at REI. Unbelievably they still had my membership on record from 1968 , very cool. Kurt turned me on to Skagit Motorsports for all those last minute things I'm sure I need for the trip. Kurt smoked up some great meat, great camp fire, and a wine induced coma.
Oct 15
On the road to Seattle. Met Knikki at Pike Street market so I could practice my big city riding. A nice afternoon with Knikki and Clover, good bye was to soon as always.
Down to Camas to stay at Marcel and Cathy's awesome. Great talk with Marcel about his writing.
Oct 16
On the road. Coffee with Knikki's sister Dawn Renee and her wife Mary Ellen. Interesting conversation about dementia and the perception of time to those effected.
Beautiful ride down the coast. Camping just S of Florence OR, cool.
Oct 17
Sometime I think I can ride other times I know I ride like a noob. I hope it's just time and miles. Checked out wifi at the Longolis public library all went well except my spelling. Rode through the Red Woods today, they are impressive, kept wonder how many board feet in one of the big ones. I liked the coast ride down from OR to CA the best so far. Even though. I've seen pictures being here takes it to a whole different level.
Camping tonight at Big Lagoon State Park in CA. Sound of the surf as opposed to last nights sounds of truck traffic on 101.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
October 10, 2011
Everything is done that needs to be done. Knikki flew over yesterday, we spent the last night in the house together. She's taking the ferry with me as far as Sitka then back home to Haines. As I ride to the ferry terminal I'm struck, as I often am, by what a beautiful place I live and by depth of the friendships I have.
Picked up my ticket, a goodbye from Denny Bousson, ride onto the Malispina. Bike is tied down, Knikki is waiting by the door off the car deck smiling, a text from Jimmy, a call from Nicki Bunting and we're underway.
Picked up my ticket, a goodbye from Denny Bousson, ride onto the Malispina. Bike is tied down, Knikki is waiting by the door off the car deck smiling, a text from Jimmy, a call from Nicki Bunting and we're underway.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Preamble to the journey
Blog
I started this blog to keep friends and family in touch during this adventure, already I know It will be more than that.
Committing a motorcycle trip to South America was easy. Sitting at The Bistro in the historic Skagway Inn half way through my first Margarita I simply said "sure". The reasons for the question wasn't all that complex. Jim Jewell's son Max had decided not to join his dad on the trip, and they both thought I'd be a good replacement. Fair enough it may seem. The reality was I hadn't owned or ridden a motorcycle in over 40 years. Jim's reply "no problem, you can ride Max's bike and you'll have plenty of time this summer to get back on a bike." Further into my Margarita I believe my reply was "perfect" and so it seemed. Jim said I could think about it, I didn't need to I was in.
As it all worked out Max decided to join his dad after all and I was still on board. I purchased an 09 Kawasaki KLR 650 set up for touring. Did a couple of memorable and meaningful trips in the Yukon. Booked myself on the ferry leaving Skagway on the 10th of October. Took care of the odds and ends; shots, tools, and the house. Beautifully within all of this I met my lover Knikki. And so I begin.
I started this blog to keep friends and family in touch during this adventure, already I know It will be more than that.
Committing a motorcycle trip to South America was easy. Sitting at The Bistro in the historic Skagway Inn half way through my first Margarita I simply said "sure". The reasons for the question wasn't all that complex. Jim Jewell's son Max had decided not to join his dad on the trip, and they both thought I'd be a good replacement. Fair enough it may seem. The reality was I hadn't owned or ridden a motorcycle in over 40 years. Jim's reply "no problem, you can ride Max's bike and you'll have plenty of time this summer to get back on a bike." Further into my Margarita I believe my reply was "perfect" and so it seemed. Jim said I could think about it, I didn't need to I was in.
As it all worked out Max decided to join his dad after all and I was still on board. I purchased an 09 Kawasaki KLR 650 set up for touring. Did a couple of memorable and meaningful trips in the Yukon. Booked myself on the ferry leaving Skagway on the 10th of October. Took care of the odds and ends; shots, tools, and the house. Beautifully within all of this I met my lover Knikki. And so I begin.
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