West by Northwest Day 14

The last day of the trip part of vacation.
Woke up after a good nights rest.  Had hotel breakfast (Waffles!!) and got packed up and ready.

Headed out for the day around 7:30 local time.  Temperature was about perfect and the skies were very clear.

We crossed the Mississippi for the 16th time on two wheels and headed into one of the less pleasant states to cross.  Although, Interstate-74 was light on traffic even compared to usual and we only had one real jack-ass IL driver through the whole state.  It is curious how nice the traffic usually is on I-74 compared to I-70 and 80 not that far away.

Illinois went by fast and we crossed into Indiana at Danville.  The temperature warmed considerably with humidity going up as well.  As we went through Indiana, we realized we would probably be home in time to get the dogs today.  Without the beagles at the house, it just doesn't feel like home so we called the kennel, knowing that at this late time they would not get baths.

Past Indianapolis, we took a way home we've never taken before, taking US52.  This was a pretty nice way to get through Eastern Indiana even with a very long construction area.

As we were gettting close to home, we did not bother stopping for lunch, although we talked about it.  In short order, we were home.

The Goldwing was very buggy, but not near as bad as it has been on previous trips considering there had been no rain since Wendover, UT.  Although the dry weather probably resulted in less bugs than usual, things had greened up considerably from several inches of rain while we were gone.  The lawn may even have to be mowed this weekend.

Mileage for the day was 419.8.

Total mileage for the trip was 5694.6 miles.  It has been a great trip.  I love traveling through the midwest with the friendly people and hearty food.  People loath the big empty, but South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Nevada, Nebraska, etc. all have unique and pretty scenery coupled with endless miles of low traffic.

We've had great food and met some interesting people on the trip, traveling through three states I haven't been through yet on the motorcycle.  It has been great to see family we don't see often as well.  We'll have a gigantic credit card bill when it comes, but there is no doubt it is worth it.

Traveling by motorcycle is totally different than traveling by car.  There are no frames around any vision and we are part of the scenery, not removed from it.  We enjoy the sights, smells and weather in a more intimate way.  I can't wait for the next one.

West by Northwest Day 13

Got ready with the kids in the morning to head out relatively early.

Packed up, said goodbye and hit the road.  One odd thing about Alliance is that many of the side streets have no traffic control (lights, signs, etc.) in either direction.  To avoid confusion, we went back to the main drag and headed out on State Route 2.

"Hell, I even thought I was dead 'til I found out it was just that I was in Nebraska." - Little Bill Daggot from Unforgiven
The drive started out very pretty with perfect temperatures as we continued through the Nebraska Sandhill region.  Nebraska is a long state east-west.  Around the time we got on State-91, the drive started to get monotonous.  This was made worse by a few construction zones with pilot cars and one of the most painful fuel stops ever encountered.  I won't list the gas station, but Mullen, Nebraska has only one station on State 2 and apparently, slow motion is even too fast.

We continued through Nebraska as the Sand Hill region gave way to flatter hills with more trees.  Beef ranches gave way to agriculture fields.  By the time we approached Blair, Nebraska, the interstate was looking like a welcome change.  This is atypical since normally the interstate is avoided.

We got on the interstate shortly after entering Iowa.  There was no lunch stop as we wanted to pour on the miles, but snacked at gas stations along the way.
Passing through Des Moines, I-235 was a parking lot due to an accident, but luckily I-80 remained relatively free flowing.

As we got to Iowa City, it started to get dark to the point that shortly after the construction on I-80 in Iowa City, I had to trade the dark glasses for clear lenses.  The sunset in the rear view mirror was a pretty orange.

As we approached Davenport, we stopped at an exit with a few hotels, but the intersection was unpleasant with trucks and no good restaurants easily seen.  We went a few exits down and found a Days Inn with reasonable rates right next to a restaurant called The Shed.
After checking in we walked to The Shed for a pork tenderloin and all-I-can-eat ribs.  The food was phenomenal.  The food would have been good anyway, but everything tastes better after more than 700 miles.

Finished the evening with...Oreo Cakesters!
Mileage for the day was 718.8.

West by Northwest Day 12

Woke up to more trains across the way and headed out for a few hours on the bike to Alliance, Nebraska.

The drive from Cheyenne was pleasant, taking mostly state roads.  Predictably in this area, traffic was nonexistent.

The ride took us through the Sand Hills region of Wyoming and Nebraska.  The scenery is an arid landscape of rolling hills and towering bluffs.  This area is near the Black Hills and the badlands and is  somewhat similar in nature.  It really is a pretty area of the Country.

At one point, we passed a field of mobile homes, looking worse for age.  I always wondered what eventually happened to mobile homes once they reach the death stage.

We got to Alliance and found Troy and Sherri's house.  We unpacked and talked for a bit before dropping Cole off to school.  Alliance seems like a very nice small-town midwest city.  You could walk just about anywhere if desired, but it is still large enough to have many businesses.  It is the county seat for Box Butte County and has significant jobs in agriculture and the railroad.

Unfortunately, we got to see the local repair shop as Sherri got a flat tire.

After getting the car roadworthy, we toured through a local museum.  This is the kind of small-town museum that locals probably rarely go to, but as outsiders, it was interesting to see some of the local history.  The area is home to some interesting events and carries much in its history.  As with any place on the planet, there were sad episodes as well.

We picked children up from the zoo - I mean school and after a stop at the house to unload school stuff, headed to Car Henge.  Car Henge is a facsimile of the less-important British Stone Henge made out of old American Cars.  Originally, gearhead druids were thought to have built it, but the sculpture was actually created by Jim Reinders as a memorial to his father.  It is now operated by the Freinds of Carhenge.  This is a must-see of American kitsch.  It sits on 10 Acres just outside of Alliance, Nebraska.  It is currently for sale for a mere $300,000.  Hmmmmmm.

After a short visit to a park in downtown Alliance, Zane had a football game.  I'm not sure there were any strict rules but the kids seemed to have fun.  Pizza and catching up ended the night before turning in.

Next we really begin to head home.
The day's mileage was 165.9.

West by Northwest Day 11

Got a bit of a late start this morning and missed Karl as he was heading to work.
We had thought about going to Preston to still see Napoleon Dynamite sites, but it was a few hours out of the way, on 2-lane roads, past national forests on a vacation weekend.  The deck was stacked against this as a good idea.  More directly east is a better idea, and we are now starting to get in go-home mode.

Got ready and packed the bike.  The last few days seeing family was wonderful and the cabin is an almost perfect place rest and have fun, but it is good to get back on the bike.

Left a little later than expected but we weren't in a hurry today.  Headed out of Salt Lake City.  When leaving by the interstate, the salt lake valley can be seen spread out to the west.  It is easy to see why the Mormons chose this as their home after being chased out of previous locations in the east.  The area is beautiful.

Headed out of Utah and into Wyoming.  The southern part of Wyoming is very scenic with mountains, canyons, eroded buttes, etc.  Normally we would go through Flaming Gorge, but we are headed to Nebraska to visit more family and the Flaming Gorge area is likely very busy with the holiday weekend.

The scenery along Interstate 80 continues to be nice.  Traffic is light and temperatures are perfect.  We have a great lunch in Green River at Penny's Diner.

We quit a bit early so we can get to Alliance at an appropriate time, stopping in Cheyenne, Wyoming.  A Motel6 is our quarters from the night, right down the hill from a train.  Hope there is not a derailment in Wyoming tonight.

Dinner is better than average for an Outback Steakhouse.  Now back on the road, Zingers fill the dessert bill.

Mileage for the day was 473.9.

West by Northwest Day 10

(No Map since not time on the bike today)

Woke up early and read a kids book for a while as coffee was brewing.  Karl had to leave for work and the rest of the cabin came to life.

In contrast to the previous days, the sky was clear and there was an absolutely stunning sunrise, casting shadows over Dead Man Mountain.  Breakfast consisted of yeast raised waffles and eggs as the entire group visited some more.

After breakfast, I took Jon and Joe up to the end of the ATV trail on Dead Man Mountain.  The trail used to go farther, but it now stops two miles form the main (dirt) road.  Once at the trail head we hiked up the mountain to the top of the first crest (or knoll or whatever it is called).  This took quite a while and the elevation change was significant.  From this vantage, it was possible to look miles away and make out the cabin.

The other views from Dead Man Mountain where also stunning in the bright morning sunlight casting shadows across the few clouds.

We made it back to the cabin in one piece as the group was starting to disband to go separate ways.  We stayed at the cabin a few more hours, playing games and eating lunch.  Then it was time finish cleaning, packing and head back to the house.  The cabin is a perfect place to relax and catch-up for a few days after 4000 miles on the bike.  We are ready for the next few legs on 2-wheels.

Once back at the house, we unpacked and did a few chores.  Dinner and a movie with the boys rounded out the night.

West by Northwest Day 9

(No Map since no time on the bike for this day)

Karl, Rich and I got up early to go out hunting, with them carrying their bows and me mostly being a tag-a-long.  As we got up, the sky was beginning to lighten and it appeared mostly clear with a few clouds.

We got on the 4-wheelers and made our way up Dead Man Mountain.  After parking, a plan was formed where Karl and Rich would go to the top of the mountain.  I would hang back for 20 minutes and slowly make my way towards them by a different route.

As they left, it began to sprinkle.  I settled in to wait.  It began to rain harder and the lightning and thunder started.  For about 10 minutes, there was a rainbow in the distance, at times with lightning firing behind it, the scene looked almost surreal.  The rain showed no sign of letting up.
  As long as they were in for it, I was too.  After 20 minutes I began walking.  I got about ¼ mile down the road and Karl and Rich were already making their way towards me.  We were all extremely wet.  The hunting was not to be this morning.
We made our way back to the 4-wheelers and headed down the mountain.  It continued to rain, and rain harder at times.  By the time we made it back to the cabin, we were exceedingly cold and wet.

After drying and warming, we visited for a while, followed by lunch and general goofing around by the cabin.  A group of us went exploring down by a river for a while and Rich went fishing (he got drenched again on the way back later in another thundershower).  Compared to most of the previous days racking up miles on the bike, it was a day of rest and relaxation.

One oddity of staying in this pristine area is the din of ATVs pervades.  This isn't a bad thing as they are a great recreation source.  It is pretty easy to get away from the noise, but the easiest way to get away is by ATV.  Still, mornings are crystal quiet.

Gourmet dinner that night was excellent and consisted of fish, fresh veggies, finger potatoes  and lot of conversation.

West by Northwest Day 8

Woke up at the Casino and slowly got ready as we were not in a hurry.  Packed up the bike and got ready to leave.

The parking lot had emptied out of a lot of the gearheads overnight.  There were many piles of salt left marking the spots of the cars that had been on the salt.  As we got ready to leave, we saw Dave Perowitz walking toward the vehicle next to ours.

Left Wendover and headed east on I-80.  It has to be the straightest interstate ever seen.  The salt flats go on for about 40 miles.   Places can be seen where people have driven in them and some of the places appear to be more mud covered with a thin crust of salt.

Drove by the Great (stinky) Salt Lake and into the Salt Lake City area and headed to Dort and Karl’s.  Got turned around near their house since so much construction has been done in the area in the last three years.  Got to Karl’s as he was getting ready.  Parked the bike and packed the truck to head to the cabin.
The trip to the cabin was nice, with a stop for Subway in Evanston.

Got to the cabin and unpacked.  Rain was in the area, but the area immediately around the cabin was nice.  Took the 4-wheelers out with Karl on a bike ride.  The terrain was rough, but both of us got through it (one person got stuck once).  The ride took us through gorgeous treed trails and up mountains.  In one place, the trail went through a burned out area that has since started to regrow.

Near the half way point, it started to rain.  Then it rained more.  We got quite cold and wet but made it back to the cabin in one piece and not too cold.  Diane and Rich were here unpacking when we got here.
Got changed and dried as we talked in the cabin.  Ate elk steaks and many other good food as we caught up for the night.

Mileage on the bike for the day was 148.4.