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Saturday, September 1, 2012

Preparation


Sometimes life gives you lemons and sour grapes, and sometimes it gives you a grand adventure....on a bright, apple red, Italian DUCATI Multistrada!

Have you been there?  You are going along in a lifetime relationship, have achieved the big dream house, a good job, dream vacations, and then, WHOOSH, everything changes in an instant when you figure out it wasn’t really what you thought it was.    Shocked, broken-hearted, and betrayed, I packed everything I owned, quit my job, put my two cats in the car and drove 10 hours out-of state to my mother’s home to lick my wounds...how do I survive such a mess?  Well...

At 38-years old, leaving my old life behind, I am “called” to take on the biggest adventure of my life.  I sold my dream Mercedes and bought a beautiful, stunning, DUCATI Red 1100S Multistrada.  There’s nothing better in the world to take your mind off a broken heart than the sound of an incredible Duc between your legs as you experience the freedom of traveling America’s Mountainous Scenic Byways.  Yep, just me, my DUCATI, my tent, and my camera, on a massive search for myself out on the open road. 

You know, it's not everyday that a single woman rides a DUCATI motorcycle across America solo AND with a budget of only $50 or less per day!   I will be camping and enjoying the sights for at least 60+ days! 




 Follow the blog as I hit the road on an adventure of a lifetime!       



Friday, August 31, 2012

Metolious River

Camp Sherman, Oregon
Deschutes National Forest 


Camping near the Headwaters of the Metolious River at Camp Sherman, Oregon.   The pictures just don't do it justice, it's a gorgeous river and it starts from the bottom of a hillside, just comes right out of the ground!




Such a pretty Ducati off in the distance.   A bright red Ducati parked amidst the Ponderosa Pines along a crystal clear river....life is good.


This scroungy raccoon was determined to get the meal he felt he had coming, he ravaged the campsite in the middle of the night and was running off with my backpacking food when I busted him.   He stood his ground though looking back at me from my tent...and this was after I had tried to run him off.





Thursday, August 30, 2012

The Beginning


Life as I knew it changed as I sat in the alone in the middle of the night learning my relationship of 13 years had been over for a long, long time.  I had believed I was with the person to spend the rest of my life with and was crushed to learn differently.   
In the following days I moved back to Oregon, to stay with my mom and to get my head back above water.    

I’ve never experienced major grief so my goal the first couple of weeks was to just trust my way through and allow whatever surfaced to just be there. What happened during these weeks still seems amazing to me.  

Amidst the darkness were the usual suspects: sadness, anger, tears and pain and, they were crushingly overwhelming.  But there were other things too,  an underlying positiveness, a deep-seated strength and hope, which I hadn’t felt in years.  

...And a message that kept creeping in...“Now is the time, now is the time to be free, go be...whoever you really are.”
So begins my journey...
come with me if you like.


Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Pretrippin'



Astoria, Oregon
First major trip on my bike, a week in PDX.  Had 30 mph cross-winds for about 50 miles to start the trip which was supposed to be the enjoyable part of the trip but it was just flat miserable.  Then, coming up over Mt. Hood it started raining and to my chagrin it got really foggy.  I Felt like a sissy until I passed another bike doing 35 mph, then my ego quieted down.   

My fingers told me I was getting a good dose of cold weather riding and that my gloves suck. 
Fresh, yummy razor clam
I started grinning about Gresham though, it warmed and dried up and I was able to enjoy the rest of the ride.   Now a week in PDX watching Sarah’s dogs and it’s supposed to be awesome weather.   

Looking forward.


My Sister's Piglets

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Packing to leave - Poignant moments



I am at my mom’s;  they just left to go on a camping trip for a couple of days and I am packing up my bedroom so I can leave on my trip.   I find myself just standing here, staring at my belongings spread out on the bed.  Some of it’s going with me, some of it to Tennessee some of it out to storage.  My life is spread out on the bed, the next couple of months can fit on a queen bed and I’m splitting that into three smaller categories!

  My life has changed so very much since I left Idaho and is about to change again, I’m truly leaving my old life behind and jumping off from the safety of my mothers house into the unknown to, for the first time, truly rely on myself.   It’s a big deal, it feels like very significant and poignant moment, like I’m standing on the edge of a cliff looking out at the ocean on a bright and sunny day.  I am scared of the unknown and sad from the losses and excited about the future.
With God all things are possible.

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Day 1 - Mt. Bachelor, Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, Oregon


Well the first day was tough, I have to admit I was a little scared of leaving the nest.   

But, here I am, in a wonderful little campsite near Hosmer lake, there was still too much snow at Devils Lake so I had to keep riding south.   

It’s only 7:00 and I’m ready for bed, my back is all tide up in knots from the stress of today.  I woke up this morning wondering what the hell I am doing and now as I sit here at the campsite, it’s a little unnerving, I’m not exactly sure what to do with myself....
I got everything set up without a hitch though and I had Mountain House Chicken and Mashed potatoes for dinner...it’s my favorite.   Did I mention how tired I am?

Starting Mileage: 11,850
Expenses:
Gas        $13.98
Food        $0
Lodging    $10.00
Total      $23.98
Saved      $26.02+
Trip =/-   $26.02

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Day 2 - Hosmer Lake, Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, Oregon


3 Sisters Mountains

Boy was I tired, I crawled in my tent at 8:00 and slept for 12 hours!  My mind needed a “reset” and I feel so much happier today.   My $9 air mattress instead of my $150 backpacking pad was the best investment I’ve ever made.   
A lady tentatively stopped to say hello at camp this morning, she said her and her husband were curious because I seemed to be by myself.  Once I confirmed her suspicions, the chit chatting really took off.  Bob & Nancy, they are the first people I’ve met and they were so nice and excited for me.   Thanks for making my first encounter with strangers so wonderful, it was a pleasure chatting with you. 
It was a beautiful 80 degree day.  I backtracked North on the Cascade Lakes Highway to just below Mr. Bachelor to get some good pictures. Then rode South to Cultus lake, the resort was so adorable that I booked a cabin for tomorrow night, it’s supposed to rain like the dickens.   Tonight - thunderstorms, hail and rain, tomorrow 3/4 of an inch of rain.   My mom is coming to join me for 4 days tomorrow, kind-of a send off for my trip.   So I say let it rain, I got my momma to keep me company and giggle with.
Mt. Bachelor
Starting mileage:  11,935
Expenses:
Gas        $0
Food       $14.95
Lodging    $10.00
Total      $24.95
Saved      $25.05+
+/- Trip   $51.07+

Friday, August 24, 2012

Day 3 - Elk Lake, Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, Oregon


It rained 1” today!  Thank God my mom joined me today!  We spent most of the day in her Tahoe, exploring the different lakes and campgrounds along the byway.  Quinn River turns out to be my favorite, it had a natural spring with fresh, cold, delicious water.

We played scrabble in our rustic little camping cabin, and did I say rustic?  Propane was plumbed in supplying gas to a wall heater that you lit with a match which promptly filled the sleeping loft up with enough propane to feel like you just stuck your head in the oven.  We decided to sleep without heat, but hey that's why we got a camping cabin right, just to get out of the weather.


No riding today, just tooooo wet.  
Starting milage:  11935
Expenses:
Gas        $0
Food       $0        
Lodging    $32.00
Total      $32.00
Saved      $18.00+
+/- Trip   $69.07+

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Day 5 - South Twin Lake, Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, Oregon



No riding today, just had fun with my mom exploring together.



The best lake, hands down, was South Twin, it’s small, clear and beautiful.  We walked the mile loop around its’ banks and ate lunch, this is one we would both go back to, they have cabins, a restaurant and we got to see an Osprey dive into the water for it’s lunch!   Our exploring took us the remainder of the way down Cascade Lakes Highway all the way to Odell Lake, we both prefer the Northern portion of this Scenic Byway, the mountain views of Mt. Bachelor and the Three Sisters just can't be beat.
Starting milage:  12006
Expenses:
Gas        $40.00
Food       $0        
Lodging    $46.00
Total      $86.00
Spent      $36.00-


+/- Trip   $12.93-

Day 4 - Cultus Lake, Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, Oregon


Today we woke up to snow!!!  It also rained ALL night.   Our rustic cabin we stayed in kept us dry and comfortable.   
We rode to Cultus Lake Resort this morning (yes, freezing cold ride) but the resort is worth it.  It feels a bit like stepping back into the 1950's at the lake but with updated amenities.  The cabins are cute and right on the lake with a fireplace, electricity and a full bathroom!  Big upgrade from last night.    I could stay here a while.
We hiked up to Blow Lake today, about 2 miles rt.   At the foot of the trail was a note someone had left stating they had sighted a cougar a couple of days in a row.   So with a bit of pause, we trekked up the trail, both of us a bit nervous.  We were noisy so we wouldn't startle him...neither one of us have ever been so vigilant about keeping a watchful eye on a hike as today.  But, all we saw was beautiful scenery and a doe.  :(

Tonight, splurging for dinner, we had fall of the bone ribs and slow cooked chicken at Cultus Lake...it exceeded both of our expectations! 

A hot shower, a roaring fire, pj’s and more scrabble for the rest of the night.
Starting mileage:  12006
Expenses:
Gas        $22.00
Food       $28.00        
Lodging    $46.00
Total      $96.00
Spent      $46.00-
+/- Trip   $23.07+

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Day 6 - LaPine State Park, LaPine, Oregon


We packed up and left our little cabin early this morning on the way to LaPine State Park.  We stopped and hiked into Osprey Observatory, but um, only large mosquitos live there BUT on our way up the trail we found Quinn River Springs which is ice cold water, bubbling right out of the ground and is so delicious!  Quinn River is now my favorite campground on the entire Cascade Lakes Highway.

It felt good to ride the bike after a couple of days away, although it was a short ride.   Lapine State park is nice, the Deschutes river runs through it and the camping sites are luxury compared to National Forest campgrounds.   Also burgers and beer and Wickiup station were oh so good, if you are on Highway 97, stop and eat here!!  


There are lots of great walking trails here, so my mom and I are looking forward to getting some miles under our belts.    The weather is starting to shape up and is supposed to be nice again in a couple of days.   Happy day.
Starting milage:  12056
Expenses:
Gas        $0
Food       $34.00        
Lodging    $11.00
Total      $44.00
Saved      $ 6.00+
+/- Trip   $6.93-

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Day 7 - LaPine State Park


We woke up to rain again!  Grrrrr.   Cold and grumpy, we made a big, hot breakfast and went for a hike.  Our hike took us 6 miles along the peaceful Deschutes River and by the largest Ponderosa Pine in existence, over 500 years old.
What started cold ended in gorgeous clear skies and two tired but happy hikers.   Tomorrow we pack up, my mom and I part ways in the morning, which is sad.  The rest of my trip will be solo.   I have had a wonderful time with her and wish she could just come with me on the trip.
Starting mileage:  12056
Expenses:
Gas        $0
Food       $0        
Lodging    $11.00
Misc.      $7.50
Total      $18.50
Saved      $31.50+
+/- Trip   $38.43+

Monday, August 20, 2012

Day 8 - Diamond Lake, Oregon


Rode on today...Hwy 97 to Diamond Lake, Oregon.  It’s and easy ride.  I found myself enjoying passing people and grinning from ear to ear to be on the bike.

Diamond Lake is stunning, it jumps out at you as you round the bend on Highway 138 then the blue water peaks out through the trees as you ride along it’s shores Mt. Theilson and Mt. Bailey are shy enough that it's hard to decide whether to ride through that upcoming corner or stop and take that picture.

...It’s like a small city here compared to where I’ve been the last week with two restaurants, a lounge and a store, not to mention wifi in the lodge.  I have no time to hike.  :)  
Starting mileage:  12056
Expenses:



Gas        $10.50
Food       $13.50        
Lodging    $16.00
Misc.      $ 3.00
Total      $43.00
Saved      $ 7.00+
+/- Trip   $45.43+

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Day 9 - Crater Lake, Oregon




Well, you know, Crater Lake really is breathtaking.  I took lots of pics cause I just couldn’t help it.   It was a great ride, lots of curves, lots of scenery, not too many cars.   Put this on your list to see if you haven’t and make sure you ride it with your favorite tunes. 
I also rode around Diamond Lake again today, it’s a fun little road to ride and about 15 degrees warmer than it’s sister, Crater.   This is gorgeous country...Oregon is so, so beautiful.
I’ve sat at Diamond Lake Lodge and soaked up their wifi getting the blog up and running most of today and my eyes are blurry from staring at the computer screen.  I think bedtime is early tonight.




Starting mileage:  12170
Expenses:
Gas        $16.50
Food       $32.00        
Lodging    $ 0.00
Misc.      $ 3.00
Total      $51.50
Spent      $ 1.50-

+/- Trip   $52.50+

Monday, August 13, 2012

Day 10 - Rogue River Scenic Byway, Oregon



OMG, seriously.  This ride...Hwy 230 and Hwy 62, starts mellow and crescendos at the state park where you can nap on the lawn 
(what...? I was sleepy).


Here’s a few pics just to try and show you how cool this ride is.  Make sure you see the Rogue River Canyon...big river into a little slot created by lava tubes makes awesome raging waters!


The ride from Diamond Lake to Eagle is only 70 miles or so, but there is so much to see that make it a great all around ride.   I ended up a Willow Lake...nope I’ve never heard of it either but it’s a pretty spot below Mt. McCloughlin.

Mt. McCloughlin and Willow Lake
Today’s challenge was trying to relax into the unknown...I had no idea what I would see, where I was going or where I would spend the night.  Made me a little anxious.  But, I kept riding and kept in the moment and ended up fantastic, safe and happy.
Starting mileage:  12245
Expenses:
Gas        $16.50
Food       $32.00        
Lodging    $16.00
Misc.      $ 0.00
Total      $64.50
Spent      $14.50-


+/- Trip   $38.00+

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Day 11 - Rogue River Scenic Byway, Oregon


Please put this road on your list if you are ever in Southern Oregon:  Elk Creek Rd off of Highway 62.  I happened upon it exploring today.  Corner after corner after corner of 35 mpg sweepers! It was a good clean road, zero cars and I think it was good scenery but I’m not sure I ever looked away from the road long enough to see it.   It was an utter blast.


Hiked to a couple of killer waterfalls...near the town of Prospect, Mill Creek Falls.  Here’s a few pics.
                                                                                    Today’s challenge:  
 I took off on a hike around Willow lake, 7 1/2 miles.  Three quarters of the way through the hike the trail disappeared on me and left me on a paved one lane road.   
    I’ve never gotten lost before...I ended up walking about 12 miles before I actually had to flag down a passing fisherman who hauled me the last 3 miles.   
    Did I mention it started raining and I was literally soaked to the bone?   And, did I mention the first pussies I tried to flag down wouldn’t stop?   
Starting mileage:  12363  
Expenses:
Gas        $26.50
Food       $0        
Lodging  $0
Misc.      $0
Total      $26.50
Saved      $23.50
+/- Trip   $61.50+


I'll be out of range for another week...see you then!



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Saturday, August 11, 2012

Day 12 - Hyatt Lake, Oregon


Found the sweetest campground today, it’s BLM land along the Pacific Crest Trail, at the end of Hyatt Lake.   It is a hiker campground with parking less than 100 feet away...

There’s firewood stacked up by the campsites (mine already had a fire in pit)...
it has a fantastic shower and bathrooms and the best part...
all for $2 per night!  Nice.   I pretty much moved in here for a while.   Tomorrow I float the lake.  


I thought for sure I would be down for a couple of days after my hiking debacle yesterday but with aspirin as my savior, I woke up feeling awesome.



Starting mileage:  12490  
Expenses:
Gas        $0
Food       $0        
Lodging    $2.00


Misc.      $0
Total      $2.00
Saved      $48.00
+/- Trip   $93.00+