Western Montana and into Canada

Day 4 was a lazy short mileage day riding through some nice parts of western Montana. We wanted to wait until Fri am to cross into Canada. Having the extra time we decided to stop and walk down to the Kootenai Falls and the Swinging Bridge

The day ended early as we took a room at a small motel in Eureka, Mt to avoid a very strong thundershower.

Fri morning we awoke to just partly cloudy skies and began the short 7 mile run to the Roosville border crossing. Less than 2 minutes and we were on our way into south eastern British Columbia. We paused for a quick cup of coffee and a bagel at the first Tim Horton's we found in Fernie. Climbing the hill out of town to the east we found this next photo.

Into Alberta we traveled then turning north on hwy 22 and on our way to visit very good friends Doug and Victoria.

We will be staying with them through the weekend before heading out again Tue morning and working our way through the Canadian Rockies. The following photos are of the Rockies off in a distance.

Lewiston, Id and Missoula, Mt

Day 2 started under grey skies and the rain threatened most of the day but the weather angel worked her magic and we suffered under less than 10 minutes of wet stuff. The skies were BLACK and angry as we departed Enterprise heading north towards Lewiston but they held their water. We arrived in Lewiston to find partly cloudy skies and decided to risk a night in the Hells Gate State Park a very nice facility on the east bank of the Snake River 4 miles south of Lewiston. That was a great choice as the skies continued clearing and we had a wonderful night in the park. We awakened to the birds chirping and very mild temperaures. Photos below are of the roads ridden during the day, and the campgrounds.
Day 3 started as lazy as we could make it. Several cups of coffee as we broke camp waiting for the Discovery Center to open. A quick visit there to find out the location of the Nez Perce National Historical Visitors Center where we would spend an hour exploring the history of the Lewis and Clark expedition and their interaction with the Nez Perce people. Departing from there we stopped for an excellent breakfast at the casino nearby. By noon we were on our way across hwy 12 headed for the Lolo Pass and Missoula. Under partly cloudy skies for the most of the day we had the opportunity to see lots of beauty and a raging river, the Clearwater River. Continuing east we then reached the Lochsa River and the weather started to change as we started climbing toward the Lolo Pass. The skies turned angry the higher we climbed and 20 miles from the top I suggested we adjust riding gear. A quick stop to add some stuff and in the next 1/4 mile we encountered the first of the rain and hail we would ride through. The temperature dropped to near 40 and in a couple of stretches we had slush on the roadway. Safely through the pass we are spending the night at the home of our Motorcycle Travel Network hosts. Tomorrow we will ride the western part of Montana headed north stopping just short of the Canadian border.

Day 1, Burns, Or

Down the road we traveled with the goal for the first day being Burns, Or. That would be the longest riding day of the entire trip a total of 475 miles. That is quite abnormal for the start of our recent trips as I was usually traveling to the east coast in under 3 days to meet Deb and begin the adventure from there.





A short break during the day led to the shot at the right. This was a vista point along 299 just west of Fall River Mills, Ca. The vista overlooked the Burney River with a small water falls. You will note the shadows indicating sunshine. We did not see much sun on this first day as shown by this next shot. This photo is of Lake Albert in southern Oregon along hwy 395.


The weather angel on the bike, Deb, was able to keep most of the rain away. We did however choose to stay in a motel in Burns and both recommend the Horseshoe Inn just east of town on hwy 20/395. Clean good size rooms and very reasonable rates. Tomorrow we will work north at an even slower pace going only as far as Lewiston, Id

On the Road

Canadian Flight 2008 on the "wings of Gold" is ready for departure. Weather will be the biggest challenge as we are forecast for a week of rain, but that will not deter. We have been looking forward to this for too long. More soon.

08 Adventure, Planning in ernest

In just a few short days, or long days as it is, my wife and I will begin the 08 travel season. The motorcycle has been upgraded to an 2000 Goldwing from a 1991 and we are ready to roll. First stop on the journey when we pull out Mon morning is Burns, Or. We will be camping and staying with hosts from the MTN, Motorcycle Travel Network, so I don't know how often the entries will come. Ride along and enjoy the adventure!!!!!!!!!!!