No further west

Trying to access the blog has been a real trial to say the least. I have traveled across the country on US2 for the most part. A detour to Yellowstone took me off US2 for a little while but a quick seven hour drive got me back on track.

I spent 2 days in Glacier National Park enjoying the diversity of the area from the low valleys to the high peaks. Many short hikes to various waterfalls were a nice diversion but made me realize I am not as young as i used to be. Between the thin air causing me to work much harder to breath to my knees showing me who's boss I will admit I struggled a bit. Heat has been a factor up until the last couple of days.

From Glacier I went to Mt. Rainier. This place holds a special place in my heart since I was born in its shadow. The weather was crystal clear and showed off the mountain in all her glory. I camped here for 2 nights under majestic firs with 210 of my fellow campers in the national park campground. It was fun to have a chance to explore the area a little bit.

Monday I headed to Mt. St. Helens. I am glad to be a morning person and hit the area by 8:00 am. The views were amazing. The destructive power of the eruption in 1980 is still very evident where the reforestation has not taken hold.  I did hike a little here and was rewarded with mushrooms popping out of the ground so I took plenty of pictures of those. Haven't quite figured out what my fasination is with them but.......

Ashleigh and I met up briefly in Portland and will conect again Saturday morning.

I am now driving down 101 along the Pacific. There are amazing views around every turn. The coastal mountains are beautiful but different from the others I have been enjoying. After a rainy and wet night I am happy to be at the Espresso Bar in Brookings, OR.

Life is good

This is an amazing experience and I am enjoying every minute of it. The amazing countryside is contantly changing. It would be impossible to express how grateful I am to my family and especially Jim for supporting me in this adventure. I have driven just shy of 3000 miles and will be on the Pacific coast tomorrow unless I get waylaid. The time is passing so quickly and there is still so much to see. Everyone should have the opportunity to do this. There are more pictures on Google+ and Facebook.

Finally Pictures

This is the swinging bridge over the river outside Libby Idaho.

View upstream looking  east away from the swinging bridge

Just wanted to prove I was on the bridge

 On The Going to the Sun road with Goose Island in the background

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High Plains vs Bugs

Spent the last two days traveling the high plains of North Dakota and working my way down to Cody Wyoming. The high temps were an unexpected annoyance; near 100 both days. The scenery is beautiful and I am really enjoying myself. Yesterday I finally saw the mountains and pulled into Cody just in time to enjoy a wonderful homecooked dinner with Phillip and Judy Jessup.

Today I enjoyed a wonderful breakfast at the Irma with some of the best pancakes I have ever had. Sorry honey but they were really good! This was after we had been garage saleing; found some pretty beads.  Now I am at the Buffolo Bill Center of the West. Howard and Ann you would really enjoy this place especially the firearm exhibits.

For those of you who know Judy my stay here is all planned out. Surprised aren't you?! This afternoon we are going to Beartooth and will grill steaks if the rain stays away. I can't remember what we are doing tomorrow but Monday we will go to Yellowstone and Red Rock. I am hoping to fit in a minute or two at the Sierra Trading Post store. I have decided I need a new sleeping pad. The 20+ year old ThermaRests have met their match. However I did learn they have a lifetime guarentee and am going to see if they are worth anything.

Now about the bugs. Why do they have to decide to complete their sucide mission on the drivers side of the windshield. No matter what the passenger side is mostly clear and I am trying to find a space large enough to peer through.

It Felt Like a Boulder

The things I learned in the first two days:

1. Even the smallest pebble can feel like a boulder.
2. Wilderness camping is very rustic - no water, no potty
3. I should have made the stuff sack for the tent just an inch bigger round. Would have made things much easier!

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Porcupine Mountain and can hardly wait to  go back. The three hikes I took were awesome and I loved having the area all to myself. It will be a riot of colour in a couple of weeks.

Waking up to the sound of the wind in the trees is pretty awesome. Much more pleasant than the huge lumber trucks that awoke me today. Then while I was trying to pack up the squirrels were throwing pinecones at me right and left.

This morning I found an internet cafe in Bemidji MN and am enjoying a cup of coffee for the first time since Tuesday.

I am planning on exploring this town a little before pushing west.

Porcupine Mountains

After spending a wonderful evenng with Steve and Becky Brock and enjoying a tour of the farm and surrounding countryside I headed to Lake Superior and Procupine Mountain State Wilderness Area. It is amazing that I have already driven 784 miles and am still in Michigan. I am all set up in my rustic campsite and ready for a night in the tent. Not sure I have ever tented all by myself before; probably will be thinking bears are on the prowl all night long.

I enjoyed hiking around the enscarpment at Lake of the Clouds this afternoon and am busy making plans for a hike tomorrow morning to take advantage of the crystal clear weather. The temps are in the lower 70's and perfect for hiking. One of the hikes for tomorrow promises lots of waterfalls and was highly recommended by Beth.

The problem with not being able to download the pictures is irritating at best. Hopefully I will be able to figure it out before too long.

My Bags are Packed

My bags are packed and I am ready to go in the morning. We have had fun at our property up north with my parents, brother and sister-in-law, Aunt Doris and Uncle Jerry, and of course my nephew Michael. The guys have spent most of their time building a shed to house their toys and made awesome progress as you can see from the attached pictures. Tomorrow I am headed across the bridge and going to visit my cousins Steve and Becky Brock. I am very excited to finally see their farm and maybe squeeze in a walk with Becky in the morning. Maybe pictures tomorrow; if I can figure it out.

8 days and counting

All the planning is coming together. Today was spent packing the biking clothes and trying to decide what to take if the weather turns cold. Not an easy thing to do when it is close to 90 everywhere you are planning on going but I know I will regret not having hats, scarves, and mittens if they aren't available.

My first planned stop is Porcupine Mountain State Park (in the upper peninsula) where I hope to spend a couple of days hiking and seeing the sights. The next planned stop will be Glacier National Park and then biking on Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes in Idaho. The fire reports are concerning but I am keeping track of them and will avoid those areas; which is why Yellowstone and Yosemite are going to have to be another trip. Hopefully the weather and my physical strength will hold out and I am able to do all the things planned. The next few days are going to be busy!

Equipment List

So I have made out my equipment list. Doesn't seem like too much but I am sure the car will fill up quickly. Had to make a new stuff sack for the tent since it had a rip half way down the side. Now it is bright red and will be easier to find amongst all the other things.

Still working on getting a quick release seat post clamp for my bike. Apparently 34mm is a REI exclusive size and they can't get one before I have to leave. They did give me a regular one to hold me over. Guess that is what I get for purchasing a store brand bike instead of a national brand. The internet buzz reveled some choice comments about the fact these bikes are almost impossible to find stock replacement parts for. Next time......

This week I am going to concentrate on clothing so I have time to order some if I need to. Channeling my dad for quantity should help. Thinking along the lines of 2 pairs of pants, 2 long sleeved shirts, 2 T-shirts, 1 sweater, 1 vest with hood, sweatshirt, and all weather coat. I am limiting myself to ONE suitcase the size of a carry on. I really think I am all set. The hard part is going to be making sure I have the right attire for all kinds of weather. Layering will be my mantra.

And the preperation begins

California here I come!

I have decided to blog my adventure across the country to help keep me accountable and to let my family know I am okay and having the best time possible.

Today marks the 24 day count down. If anticipation is half the fun I am going to have a fantastic time.  I have decided to ride a rail trail in each state I pass through if at all possible. If a rail trail is not within reasonable distance I will find another trail. Having a resource like www.traillink.com is a blessing for finding a trail to ride or walk. It gives you the length, surface, and a map so you have all you need to plan your outing.

Over the next few days equipment needs will be hammered out and making sure I know how everything works/goes together.