With the sale of Dave and Kris’ house being delayed from Wednesday of last week all the way to the following Monday, today, I am waiting on pins and needles to see what else will happen in their whole house saga. Not to mention all the stress from jobs and life in general.

I've been a bit overwhelmed at work with my job situation, and everybody wanting me to get them stuff, plus getting everything else done that I need to. Eric was stressed over a job interview and full-time employment in general, now that he's finally done with school. Dave had a lie-detector test as part of his interview process with a new job, and Kris is stressed about the house and about Dave. She is also worried that they'll run out of clothes because everything's packed or they won't have a place to live soon--even though I told her she could come over and do laundry at our house and they could even sleep on our futon if the whole house-thing crashes--ah, the doldrums of life (not that our lives are that at all, because as I always say, "life is an adventure" and "I could have fun in a cardboard box!").

So on Thursday I told Eric, "If we don't have to move them this weekend, we should see if they want to get away to Jackson Hole". Eric ecstatically agreed, so I emailed Kris; "I would love to get away for a few days; even just a day ride. Although, overnight to Jackson sounds like a fabulous idea! Hash it over with Dave. Let me know what you think."

Kris replied that she was stressed. (I already knew this, of course, and I already filled you in on it too.) "We might lose the new house if [the sale of their old house is] not taken care of by Monday. We won't know anything until the end of the day..." By the end of the day Friday, Kris was convinced that going was a good idea, and a little later on that evening, Eric, Kris and I decided we would have dinner and convince Dave to go to Jackson for the weekend too. Dave had already decided, with the sale of their house being postponed for yet another day (basically through the weekend), there was no point in moving since everything was still being left up in the air, so he was all for the idea to get away for the weekend.

Well, it turns out by the time we got back home our weekend adventure would feel like we'd been gone for weeks if not months! Funny how that works. It was so good to get out and ride, and I took tons of pictures trying out a new camera, although I did have some battery issues along the way – I am also considering doing some camera write-ups for the trips, but I've only used two digital cameras and one film camera for our first few trips when digital was just starting to come down in price.

Also, while we were beginning our little weekend adventure, Mike and Crystal were just completing their 14-day ride through Utah, Idaho, Washington, Oregon and back again (which the four of us were set to go on, but with money, jobs, house, moving issues, it didn't really seem like the best time to take off on a long trip). Mike and Crystal were actually going to a wedding in Washington, (we still think they secretly got married and want to surprise us with the news!) and figured it was the perfect time [for them] to make it a motorcycle trip, with this being only Crystal's second ride on her own bike after the Memorial Day Weekend ride that Eric and I had missed because my brother had decided to get married up in Minnesota on "our annual ride weekend!" (You had better keep her Jeremy, because not only is she the best girl for you on the planet, but I am not canceling another motorcycle trip to attend another wedding!)

So, realizing we were actually taking on this little weekend adventure, our miniature schnauzers followed us around the house, knowing something was up as we frantically began throwing items onto the sofa to pack into the tank bag for the weekend -- this is two of us, mind you, and I do like to read on the back of the bike, so this packing, as always, is an adventure in itself. I thought we were in trouble when Eric insisted on taking his camping pillow because I like to have room for those "just in case we forgot something" or "just in case we find something we must buy" moments. And as I was trying my best to fit everything into this tank bag (it is only a two-day trip, so realistically, how many books do I need? Okay, three! Hehehe), Eric was online trying to find us a place to stay in Jackson that had a hot tub, but it seemed everything online was either booked or he couldn't get through even by phone. We just told Dave and Kris we would be leaving second thing in the morning, because the first thing was getting the bike registered. (Nothing like being prepared, eh?)

The next morning, having everything packed, but debating on sweater or jacket, long- or short-sleeve (okay, both on the shirts and a tank top), I showered, dressed, made a pot of coffee and started straightening the house a little bit because we had asked our friend Brooke to come check on the puppies (Okay, Sam, you are a big dog, not a puppy!) Eric was online and on the phone trying to find us a place to stay that evening. He quickly gave and waited until after 8am when the reservation offices actually opened. Rather than wait around, he took off on the 919 to see about getting it registered.

Eric came back and said they weren't going to pass the inspection due to his dark windscreen -- despite the fact there is no way any person could actually ride the bike while looking through the tiny, short screen anyway! (You have got to be kidding me? Time to write those Utah legislators!) Eric jumped back on the phone with the reservations office and discovered that Jackson was packed because it was the weekend before school started. He did manage to find us a room in Teton Village -- a bit pricier than our usual standards. I phoned to let Dave and Kris know. Kris was worried that I was going to say “pack up the tent”. Despite the fact that the tent was already packed up, in a box, ready for the move to the new house (*crosses fingers, prays silently*). Kris was thrilled that the news was we’d be getting a hot tub, but it was going to cost a bit more.

Eric jumped in the shower, got dressed, then gathered up our gear and got into a little tiff before leaving. (Always brightens every trip to fight over something stupid just before leaving for a trip.) All the while I am thinking, 'Dave and Kris got this one', meaning, every trip we have ever traveled with another couple or couples there is always at least one couple that fights -- it's kind of a joke between Dave, Kris, Eric and I. But Eric got over it sooner than I did which is usual. After we finally hooked up with Dave and Kris, I just ignored him for awhile and called him a turkey behind his back (I am so harsh! See? No mercy!! Ha!)

Leaving the house on the 919, we stopped at the credit union to make a deposit, which nearly turned out to be worthless (I'll explain later), and upon leaving, I was perplexed where Eric was going because he seemed to be bypassing the freeway. He said we needed gas and apparently he has one station in the valley that he loves (good thing it's nearby). While we were taking care of our last minute errands, Dave was phoning us from Einstein's, wondering and getting worried because we are always on time! It is so unlike us to sleep in or be late. Of course, when I woke up this morning, I told Eric that it was almost 7am -- yes, very late for us if you can believe it -- and now this!

Eric had to put air in the tires, but the hose wasn't working, so we decided to take off and do this at the gas station by Einstein's. We arrived at Einstein's and Dave and Kris were relieved to see we were alright. I told them we just wanted them to feel like Mike and Crystal were here too -- as they almost always sleep in and are almost always behind schedule. (Hmm, maybe the tides are turning! Oh, I hope not!) Eric dropped me off, and Kris was nice enough to buy us breakfast because Eric didn't leave me any money.

When Kris and I came back with food and coffee, Eric was back and chatting with Dave about the whole bike inspection and dark windscreen fiasco. At least the bike was now registered with air in the tires. We filled our tummies, and soon we were on our way for the first ride the four of us had been on together this season because of the six weeks of healing time Kris's ankle needed due to a work-related *ahem* injury that pretty much put the riding season on hiatus -- (it was a work-related injury, but that is all I am going to say about that.) Of course we could have done something without her but where is the fun in that? Kris knows how much we love her.

Dave had also mentioned that this weekend was also the Bubba Run; an Christian Motorcyclists Association (CMA) annual ride from Cache Valley to Jackson Hole, and one in which his parents, sister and brother-in-law frequent yearly -- this organization is also how the four of us met.

We put on our gear, left the parking lot of Einstein's and were quickly jumping onto 84E heading up Parleys -- a canyon/freeway that is always twisty and nearly always spirited and fun! The sky was a little hazy with very few clouds but only blue skies ahead of us. We took the exit onto East Canyon [map] and began our twisty and turny adventure. Dave mentioned at our first stop that he was amazed he had ridden East only a few times this season -- maybe three tops! Kris was just happy to be back on the bike and her ankle was doing fine with shifting. Eric was enjoying being on the road again, and I was having a blast taking pictures of Dave and the Speed Triple for a change -- generally when we travel in big groups I don't get many pictures of him, as he is leading the pack and Eric and I are at or near the tail end, making sure that everyone is okay and going in the right direction!

We passed East Canyon reservoir, filled with boaters, jet-skiers, fishermen and overall water-lovers, of which I am definitely one! Having been brought up in northern Minnesota, I had mentioned to Eric only weeks earlier that I was surprised, although quite happily, how my life had turned out. I felt for certain that I would be one of "those" people in my boat every weekend, fishing and of course, reading! What a turn of events in my little world. We passed the totally packed campgrounds near the reservoir and I couldn't help but feel relieved that we weren't tenting this trip and I was looking forward to a glass of wine and soak in a hot tub.

Along East Canyon there are many bicyclists. I snapped a few pictures of them with Dave on his Triumph in the shot. When Dave is not on his two-wheeled Triumph or Hawk GT, can often be found bicycling the canyons or other areas around the valley.

The roads were pretty clear for a weekend. Probably because it wasn't a holiday weekend, and we did get a later start than usual, having left second or maybe third thing in the morning. The sky was still hazy and I kept lifting my faceshield and glasses to make sure it wasn't just me!

We gassed up in Huntsville and noted all the boats and jet-skis on trailers wondering if they were coming from or going to their summer destinations. We cleaned up the facesheilds and got some beverages. Eric mentioned how bad it was that we had only traveled for an hour and were already talking about lunch! Dave, the walking advertisement posed with Eric for a CanyonChaser-Red Bull-Honda Racing ad in front of the gas station [Please note: this ride was not sponsored by Red Bull or Honda -- we only drank it and used the bike which we had purchased both ourselves!] We were entertained while we watched a family rent jet skis then nearly pull out of the parking space with the trailer still chained to the wall. Now that would have been messy!

We headed off again, over Monte Cristo Canyon, through more twisties and some incredible views and varied terrain changes. I was amazed that while moving I was able to capture some photos that rarely turn out. Generally I take the picture and the digital is so slow it takes the picture long after the image I want has passed off the screen. Apparently there are these caves we passed by through Monticello!

In the small town of Randolph, I was scrambling to put my book down (without dropping it off the bike) getting the camera turned on and positioned so I could attempt to take a picture of a teepee for Kris (she really wants one of her own, and will hopefully get one for their back yard once this house thing goes through! *crosses fingers, prays silently*).

There isn't much between Randolph and Bear Lake. It is mostly farmland, quite a bit of flat and straight roads. Eric turned up the throttle and no sooner had we blinked but we were out of Randolph and Bear Lake had come into view. This lake is a shining and nearly crisp, clear blue, which is very inviting. Whether you plan on staying or not, one is almost always thinking, especially on a gorgeous day like today, it'd be nice to take a dip in that lake! The town too was bustling with tourists and locals with water crafts, or just those that wanted to soak up some sun and not-so-much surf, but a grand day at the lake never-the-less. [map]

It could be tempting to ride or drive through this small, and touristy town of Garden City, Utah. Like many small towns that are often just interruptions along the way to a destination, someplace to slow down in case a pedestrian or local vehicle may frequent the short main strip or a quick stop to fill up for gas, maybe grab a bag of chips or convenience beverage. But in this town it's different. Garden City could hardly be called a town. It is more of an intersection to a street that is lined up with varied local walk-up-to-the-window fast-food joints, all proclaiming "Famous Raspberry Shakes". [map]

It is hard to believe that someplace with not much more than dry hills could grow such delicious raspberries. Yet the evidence is there in fresh raspberry stands, jams, syrups, and of course, the "Famous Raspberry Shake!" It is here where many stop, many stand in line in nearly any type of weather -- mind you it is Utah (and Idaho), and most of these places are closed on Sundays, which is amazing since most of these places are only open four months out of the year. But Bear Lake's popularity has slowly been increasing the variety of eating options in this area, and many places are starting to open on 'the Sabbath day'.

Still, we are creatures of habit, and pulled up to our old haunt resembling a renovated barn, the words "Famous Raspberry Shakes" spattered across the rooftop, and the covered wagon (with seating in and out) off to the side of the building. We ordered and soon got our shakes (Eric ordered a vanilla chocolate dipped cone and was teased relentlessly for it!) We found an empty picnic table in the shade out back. Eric did have some of my raspberry shake. Although I was really savoring every bite!

Returning to the bikes and our helmets, Eric noticed a couple of hornets--that is actual bees, not to confuse you with the European name for the 919--that had found to their demise, the entrance to Eric's helmet vent (or is that picture a good or bad advertisement for Shoei?) We cleaned up the helmets, facesheilds, geared up and were on our way once again, traveling along the road with views of the gorgeous, inviting blue Bear Lake.

The lake hadn't been that inviting, the roads were calling, and off we went passing farm after farm until we made it to the small town of Montpelier -- one of those let's-drive-right-through-it towns. We happened upon some loose gravel without any trouble, except for the fact that the road was so very, very straight.

We stopped for gas in Soda Springs, Idaho. One of the old haunts of our friend Brooke. We like to say that she grew up in Soda, but she will refute this with every dying breath. Although, she is still alive and well (just don't touch her ears -- um, never mind!) Dave and Kris had a couple of burritos and some jalapeño poppers at the Taco Bell/A&W -- one of the few eating establishments in Soda -- oh, did I mention it's located in the gas station?

We continued on our way again, traversing farmlands and some mining areas, and this is also where the wind picked up a bit and I couldn't read anymore; with not much to photograph I became a little artsy and took varied pictures of Eric and the bike, and even tried to find out what it looked like when I read -- although rarely do I use only one hand to hold the book! Passing horses, cows and farm after farm, we finally made it to Alpine. With the road being still fairly new, and the Targhee National Forest so beautiful, this is one of my favorite rides for views and pictures. This mountainous road follows the Snake River making it very twisty. The river is a popular spot for river rafting, canoeing and kayaking. Eric and I often talk about taking a rafting trip, or perhaps bringing our canoe out here (I guess I am still kind of a water baby!) But we've yet to fulfill any of those plans. Generally, when Jackson calls it is by motorcycle, or a quick camping trip with the dogs at the KOA with the tailgate down and a DVD playing! Yes, we do know how to rough it don't we!?

The road was pretty clear -- definitely tell it's not a holiday weekend. At one point a bug or water or something (I can just imagine, ew!) hit my camera lens, so I was frantically trying to clean it and not smudge it even worse but really not seeming to get at the smudge -- ah, the things once must do as pillion rider!

At one point, we passed Dave and Kris so I could get some front-on riding shots, as they really enjoyed the remarks they had from a postcard they'd sent one Christmas of the two of them riding along the coast -- "how were you able to get that picture?" -- I had either turned as much as I could in my seat, without jerking Eric and the bike (good thing we work well together), or it was an over the shoulder shot -- our friends are very impressed when I do that! (I am impressed when it works!)

Eric motioned for Dave to pass us again, and I got a couple photos of the sun glistening off of his helmet, jacket, tank bag, and bike as he rode by. I tried the same thing with Kris, and although I only got a few shots of her, I also got some very lovely 'road' shots too!

Upon entering Jackson Hole, we had to pull over and do the tourist thing. It is a must to check out the shops in downtown Jackson, or at least walk around on their plank-board sidewalks and get the kinks worked out after a long ride. We parked the bikes across from the Silver Dollar, and walked almost a block to check out a souvenir and t-shirt shop when Dave decides to give his family a call to let them know we've arrived in Jackson. He starts talking with Roger, and soon we hear, "Oh! You're already here too?" and "You're standing next to our bikes? Sure, we'll be right there!" So we head back to the bikes to find Becky and Roger saying, "we saw the CanyonChasers sticker on the helmet."

We chatted with them awhile, as a gun fight was just beginning a block away -- this was a staged Western cowboy shoot-out, I might add. (Didn't want you worrying about us!)

Becky and Roger went back to find some people from the group they rode up with, while we went back to check out a few more shops. Kris bought Dave a new pair of Oakley Sunglasses, and Dave chatted with Mike on his cell who, by the way, we couldn't get a hold of for the whole entire time they were gone on their little coastal wedding ride.

Apparently Mike was calling to tell us they were back in Salt Lake! ("Oh, well you see, since you weren't able to help us move, we decided to go to Jackson for the weekend, and wait until you got back and are able to help us!" Okay, so we told them the real story after that one--the house sale postponement, the stress, the must get away...now!) We suggested they head out to Jackson, but it was a little late for that...will talk later.

After Dave put on his new Oakley’s, we checked out a few more shops in the Square, some shoe, or should I say boot shops, and sportswear shops, one in which Dave said, "Kris, this is where I bought my belt on our wedding day, remember?" Kris replied, "it is?" and the boys began this barraging the two of us girls and our terrible memories (so apparently I need to write this quickly before I forget...now where was I?)

We decided to pick up a few bottles of wine before heading up to Teton Village -- wine and hot tub, remember? See, we remember... So Kris and Dave start telling us about this great dog that sits at the door of this wine store and greets you, and he runs the shop, and he is such a great dog...and we get there, and the owner decided not to let the dog frequent the shop anymore. Bad owner!

Here I was really looking forward to it too. We picked up a few bottles of wine and made comments about how we miss the dog and wish we could have seen the dog and decide we better head to Teton Village before it starts getting too late.

On the way to Teton Village, [map] we pass haystacks and grazing cows, and of course there are some incredible views of the Tetons. We get our room after a somewhat confusing encounter where I asked for directions. I thought I knew what the guy was talking about, as I was apparently the only one who had noticed a street sign when we pulled in. Of course, I am also the only one not riding my own bike! We found our destination and checked into the Best Western Inn at the Tetons--or whatever it was called, one of the few places that still had availability that morning. (How do Dave and Kris travel without making reservations, we really don't know!) The room had a king-size bed, a sofa bed, a small kitchenette (Hooray! Someplace to keep the white wine chilled!), and a nice little balcony where we could enjoy some crisp, clean mountain air!

Dave got on the phone again with Mike and arranged to meet up with them on our way back through Bear Lake. Little did they know that their motorcycle adventure hadn't yet ended.

We decided we'd better have dinner before it got too late because the hot tub closed at ten -- and we were definitely doing the hot tub thing this trip! The nice thing about Teton Village is everything is right there. We were able to park the bikes, check in and walk to dinner, drinks and the hot tub! We decided to try our luck at the Mangy Moose for dinner, and were told that there would be a fifteen minute wait, so we moseyed on over to the saloon, where Eric was about to order a beer, when Dave said, "but we're having all that wine later! It's a wine night!" and then Dave ordered a whiskey sour -- didn't somebody just say wine?

Kris and I ordered a couple of cosmos, and Eric decided to go with a dirty martini, trying to figure out how on earth this was coinciding with the wine we were drinking later--? Dave started up a conversation at the bar with another drinking patron, and I was reminiscing about a Sundance movie the four of us had seen only a week earlier on DVD--The Matador, in which a traveling salesman meets up with a hit man at a bar and the two, although having nothing in common, are drawn together into this strange and freakish relationship. (I don't think I mentioned this to Dave at the time.)

We received our drinks, that were much stronger in alcohol content than what any of us had ever gotten in Salt Lake, and we were promptly seated in the restaurant, decorated with vintage movie posters and a very eclectic collection of relics crowding the walls and ceiling. Eric ordered the buffalo meatloaf, after having mentioned that at first glance of the menu, then grilling the waitress for the best thing on the menu and asking what her favorite thing on the menu was (both of which were not the buffalo meatloaf). I had a bite, and it was really good. I would recommend it over their fish halibut special, which was way too salty, and although it said Parmesan-crusted, there was only one bite in which I got a big chunk of Parmesan flavor and that was pretty much it. Dave and Kris split the trout, which they said was very good.

Afterwards, we were in somewhat of a dessert mood, but didn't really want dessert, so the waitress suggested we go check out the shop downstairs to see their chocolate selection. Thinking they must have some very fine chocolates. With our mouths beginning to water, Kris and I go into the store to check out their fine selection, only to be greeted by Hershey's, Mounds and Reese’s.

Disappointed, because you can get those pretty much anywhere, we walk into the shop next door where Kris decides she must have a sweatshirt, which does not surprise me, as this is a regular purchase she makes on nearly every trip that we have ever gone on with her. Also Dave has mentioned that she is the only person he knows that will actually wear out a sweatshirt. She picks out a pink camouflage one, upon which we tell her to please go with the blue camouflage and totally ruin her idea of getting the pink one or possibly any pink one ever again. (Sorry we can't share the reasons why nobody should ever wear pink again with you) And actually, the blue one looks so much better on her anyway! Really brings out the color of her eyes! Good choice!

I decided to purchase a wild huckleberry truffle bar to satisfy our sweet cravings. I had never had one before, but Kris said that Dave loved to buy them on trips, and he agreed they were delicious! And it just so happened that they were excellent with wine. I had mine with a very good Riesling that we picked up at the wine store in Jackson. So wine connoisseurs, now you know!

So back at the room, we opened the wine and got ready for hot-tubbing. (I think I may leave out a few details here...) The comment on the hot tub was "it's really hot" reminding us of the infamous trip detour that Eric took us on to check out Mystic Hot Springs... ("There are three hot pools. The first one is about… uh… Well, it's really hot. You probably don't' want to go into that one....The second one is uh... Well, its less hot and the third one is the nicest. Uhm, we don't allow any nudity. Hehehe...") Well, this hot tub was nice. Although, I think we may have scared off everyone else who had been using the hot tub before we got there.

It was a very good soak, and we commented on how nice it would be when Dave and Kris moved into their new house and got their own hot tub -- (of which, still haven't heard any news from Dave and Kris on this sale; the last news earlier today was that he [the loan officer] was going to get with them first thing Monday morning, and so first thing Monday "he wasn't in, then later he had a meeting").

Well, let's get back into the moment shall we? Nice soak in the "hot-hot-hot tub", as Eric later told a friend of ours. I had this awesome buzz after one Cosmo and one glass of wine, and refused to drink any more for fear of getting sick. After a nice long shower, I joined the others outside on our balcony and we talked and reminisced and all agreed what a good idea it was to get away. I slept really, really well, even on the sofa bed, although I was surprised at how much my butt hurt after riding 300 miles the day before. Dave said the king sized bed was a bit uncomfy. Eric said he wished he'd had his pillow. (Isn't that how it always is?)

So we got up the next morning and Dave comes out of the bathroom after his shower saying, "I am very brown", donning brown Cardharts and his brown storm trooper t-shirt. They weren't exactly the same shade of brown, but still quite funny. Kris commented that perhaps she should have packed for him. He couldn't handle it and he had to throw on the t-shirt he wore the day before, at least until he found something else at one of the shops.

We went back to the Mangy Moose for breakfast, and although the dining room was closed, the RMO cafe was open featuring espresso and wi-fi (too bad I didn't pack my laptop). The walls were painted with some very odd murals of moose and other wildlife in some strangely human scenarios, one of which was a moose in jammies and slippers lounging on a sofa, reading "Desire in the Tetons". Highly recommend the pancakes there, but you might not want to order the Irish oatmeal because there is a chance that you won't get it!

We started a discussion which went something like, "Russian or Ukrainian?" Referring to the owner/operators behind the counter. And I started thinking Czechoslovakian because I had just barely started the series Roswell on DVD before we left for the weekend. (You're just going to have to see it for yourself!)

After breakfast, we went back to the gift shop from the night before, which was right next to the café. Dave picked up a new t-shirt to go better with his brown Cardharts. We went back to the room, packed up our tank bags and I found the camera that I was certain I'd lost forever! (Seems to be something I am good at doing lately!)

We got back out on the road, but not before watching a group of Para-gliders drop down onto the field just behind the parking lot. I snapped more than a few pictures, we strapped down our tank bags and put on our gear and headed on our way back into Jackson. I had to stop and note the wildlife, as there were birds in that nest (really!), and then the horses, fly fishermen and bicyclists (yes, wildlife!).

The gang was hoping to get me to my favorite book store in Jackson, but I was certain it was closed on Sundays and it was. Dave even pulled off his gloves to check the time, but um, "it is Sunday." I was hoping for some tape for the Bible that I was reading. (And might I add that if you ever have a need for reading a Bible on the back of a bike, stay away from the onion skin, select a nice paperback with thicker pages--although they are the rather large quality paperbacks, not the small average paperback; and might I suggest a small New Testament--it is so much easier when the book is smaller and the paper not so thin. Better to start with the book of John anyway!) Well, I did have that third book to read, so we had nothing else on our agenda except to get back on the road, so that is exactly what we did.

There seemed to be a bit more traffic between Jackson and Alpine, or it could have been that same RV we passed various times throughout the day. (I swear, every time we stopped, there it was again!) We followed the Snake River back up the way we came, twisty after twisty, then we stopped at Alpine for gas. I ran in to buy some scotch tape and started taping up my Bible so I could attempt to make it through Ezekiel without losing bits of pages on the road.

I think this was the gas station we all started having issues at with our cards. Seems Chevron refuses your card just in case someone steals it and decides to go cross-country -- never mind if it is you that is doing the traveling. Nearly every pump at every Chevron following this one would refuse our card unless we went inside. What a pain! (Might as well have gotten cash from the deposit we made before heading out of Salt Lake yesterday!) After gassing, paying inside, and taping the Bible, we headed back through the farmlands and waved to a couple of motorcyclists standing in front of the "Welcome to Idaho" sign. As we continued on our way, the clouds seemed to grow a bit more threatening. We were certain rain would be upon us before the end of our journey.

In Henry, Idaho, another town where you'd better not blink or you'll miss it, we stopped in front of the historic Henry Store, which was once the summer base for livestock ranchers. I took picture after picture, and Eric grabbed the camera to take a picture of the "obnoxious weeds".

Since Kris had to pee, we decided we'd best be on our way, riding through more farm country and more very open spaces. At one point I looked up from my book (the tape by the way was working wonders against the wind), and noticed what was maybe rain, a tornado or a dust storm up ahead of us. As we rode closer, I noted it was a dust storm produced by some large farm equipment.

Relieved that it wasn't a tornado, or rain, I quickly snapped a picture and went back to my book. By the time we reached Soda Springs, we were certain the rain was upon us. But there was only a very slight pattering of sprinkles, only just enough to make one think that it might be raining, and certainly not enough to hinder my reading on the back of the bike. We gassed up in Soda and then headed off again beneath looming clouds and through very open spaces. The cloud-cover was actually quite nice, making it cool, but not cold -- perfect weather for riding.

When we reached Bear Lake, the sun had come out and the temperature change was very noted. We entered Garden City, only to find our favorite shop was closed on Sunday. We were forced to find a new place. And I was starving.

On the way into town, Eric noticed two Suzuki DR650s. Noting our eatery was closed; he quickly jumped back onto the main road and pulled into a parking lot to check them out. There they were, all geared up and kitted out, with IMS tanks and metal side bags. Eric was in heaven! Well, I was still hungry, and so were the others I think. So we decided we might try out the new BBQ place in town.

I went in to order some onion rings--something to tide me over until Mike and Crystal showed up. Then I went in to change from my long-sleeve to my t-shirt. Meanwhile, Eric noticed this couple with a map and GPS...muddy boots..."it's gotta’ be them!" Eric, being Eric, struck up a conversation. He was right, they were the owners and riders of the DR650s. They were a couple from Arizona on their way home after 5-1/2 weeks riding up to Alaska--they were figuring 11,000 miles by the time they got back. After speaking with them, Dave quipped, "better plan on getting a couple of KLRs next year, honey, so we can keep up with Eric!" Kris and I decided we'd talk... (or, is there anyone out there who wants to hire our husbands and pay them lots and lots of money?)

At the BBQ place, we decided not to wait on Mike and Crystal, because Dave had mentioned "ice cream in Bear Lake", when he'd talked with them, and perhaps they'd already eaten lunch? So Dave ordered the turkey sandwich from a girl with no personality that apparently was from "No Where" (at least that's what she told us), the rest of us ordered the Barbeque pork --highly recommended! Also the coleslaw was way yummy! And they also had tater-tots, a long time favorite of Dave’s.

After lunch, we debated on raspberry shakes again. But we noticed a new establishment with a huge "Espresso" sign, and another sign for "Fresh Mini-Donuts" and yet another for “Famous Aggie Ice Cream”. We decided to try out the "Holey Cow", which had only been open since May of this year. They serve organic Ibis Coffee that we are all familiar with, having at various times frequented Cache Valley, as well as serving Famous Aggie Ice Cream (so famous that I had never heard of it before, or maybe I had and hadn't paid much attention; but Dave had some and said it really hit the spot!). There were also Fresh Mini-Donuts that we were certain after purchasing two bags that we would be bringing some home in our tank bags--didn't happen.

We sat at a table under a patio umbrella, talking about our weekend ride, Bear Lake, noisy diesel trucks (and people say it's motorcycles that are loud -- although I don't like loud pipes either), and speculating what time Mike and Crystal might arrive, hoping they weren't lost on their way trying to hook up with us or spending too much time fiddling with cantankerous iPod’s and GPS devices.

Mike and Crystal finally arrived. Dave, the only one who had a clear view of them from where we were sitting, waved at them nearly a dozen times (we all waved in other various directions, just to tease him). He also began quipping, "nope, they didn't look up," and "now he's fiddling with his iPod," and "now--oh, he must be in trouble because now they're hugging," and "now they're holding hands".

After a lengthy greeting, and asking how their wedding was, and if they were really married now, and how married life was, they ignored us and headed off to get some food. Then we thought they must have gotten lost, or perhaps they were eating elsewhere--mad at us for the "just married" comments. Just so happened they had tried to go across the street, but the line was too long, so they tried kitty-corner from us, and the kitchen line was apparently too long. They eventually returned with food and we chatted about their trip and ours. Soon the six of us went back to the bikes, geared up, gassed up, and were again on our way.

Throughout this trip there had been quite a few cows along the side of the road, some right next to the road. I'd just never had my camera ready to get a shot of them...until now. (Get out of the way!!!) I was also having some battery issues with the camera I was using, so I didn't get as many pictures as I would have liked to. I did get a lot of reading in however.

At one point when I was attempting to fiddle with the camera, a hornet buzzed right up the sleeve of my jacket. I don't think he got very far, and probably buzzed right out no sooner than he attempted to buzz in, but I was really freaking out (especially considering I am most likely, highly, deathly allergic to hornet and bee stings, and I really do not want to find out if I am or not!) Eric could feel me jerking around a bit on back, even though I was really trying not to, only trying to shake out my arm, so he turned a bit and gave me a questionable thumbs up (funny that I could tell it was a questionable thumbs up with his helmet on and all, but it was). I immediately screamed no way! Pull over!!!

I jumped off the bike to a quizzical look on Eric's face, and immediately started shedding my jacket and telling him what had happened. I had him check my sleeve, certain that the hornet had flown off no sooner then he'd found his way in, but still freaking out terribly over the whole thing. I calmed down a bit and threw my gear back on, only to shake out my arm every few minutes, but a bit more lightly than before. (You see, the problem is that although I have gloves with gauntlets and they do somewhat cover my jacket cuffs and wrists, since I have a camera cord wrapped around my wrist, this pulls up the one gauntlet to expose a portion of the cuff of the sleeve on my jacket; just so happened a hornet found its way into that very spot I have exposed, so if anyone marketing gloves out there finds there way to this site and can come up with something other than duct tape -- I wear a size ladies small.)

We both jumped back on the 919 and were on our way, trying to play catch-up, safely. We had to stop again immediately at a turn-out where Mike and Crystal had pulled over. Crystal was in need of a freshening of her visor as it was quite buggy. We're almost certain this is the area that Eric got the two hornets stuck up in the vent of his helmet. Mike made a few adjustments tightening the pixie hat on his Daytona, of which I commented to Eric, "maybe we shouldn't ride behind him anymore" --never know what might fly off that bike! Crystal gave me some batteries for my camera, hoping that would solve my camera issues. And the four of us were on our way again wondering when and if we'd ever catch up with Dave and Kris.

We headed through more twisties, and I got some pretty good riding pics of Crystal (thanks again, Crystal, for the batteries!) We're also pretty sure I have more pictures of them this very short trip than they had over their entire two-week trip to Washington.

At one point we were certain some cows along the road were going to charge one or two of us and the bikes we were on. But we made it past them unscathed.

Smiling in my helmet, I couldn't help but think how funny it was that we started this trip off with Dave and Kris, and seemed to be finishing it with Mike and Crystal. It's a good thing the four of us were together as we came to the turn to Trappers Loop, or wherever that was--really, I am just along for the ride. Mike was about to go straight. Eric, although behind Mike, got over way ahead of time with his left turn signal on, hoping Mike would see him in his rear view. Mike did! No U-turns this trip!

We were climbing up the canyon, en route to the gas station in Mountain Green where Dave and Kris had planted themselves on some picnic tables over a lush green plot of grass. We pulled in to hydrate ourselves and listened to more tales of the "Mike and Crystal go to Washington" adventure, including a story of how Mike thought "this is awesome, I have the coolest girlfriend--she goes fast!" All the while, Crystal was riding along behind him thinking, "as soon as we stop, I'm gonna’ kill him!" Of course by the end of their trip, she thought, "Mike should speed it up a bit". (Yup! She likes fast!)

Mike showed us all a new way to clean our face shields with one fell swoop, and we finally decided we had better head back before it gets dark. We once again, for the last time that day, donned our gear and hit the road, going back through Morgan, down East Canyon and back to Parleys.

While passing East Canyon Reservoir, I had noted just yesterday how many boaters and campers had packed the area. Today, the campsite was nearly empty, and the boaters were few. The East Canyon Dam was dam pretty though (I say this in honor of yet another previous CanyonChasers adventure!) The evening sun was setting and we all made it home. Just in time for my parents to pull up behind us with the puppies happily yipping, "you're back! You're back! Hooray! You're back!"

Jackson Hole, 2006. It's nice to get away! (And Boy! Did we need it!)

________________
w w w . c a n y o n c h a s e r s . n e t

home | travel log | treasure maps | workshop | news | gallery | reference | reviews links | guestbook | about us

enlightened visitors to this page
in the last little while.

Disclaimers

The content of CanyonChasers.Net is for general information purposes only and does not constitute advice. CanyonChasers.Net tries to provide content that is true and accurate as of the date of writing; however, we give no assurance or warranty regarding the accuracy, timeliness, or applicability of any of the contents. Visitors to CanyonChasers.Net should not act upon CanyonChasers.Net's content or information without first seeking appropriate professional advice. More »