The Transcontinental Highway

Monday, June 28,

Driving through Calgary, the day started with curious skies, but soon cleared and gave way to a beautiful day.

Typical of many of the apartment and townhouse complexes surronding the Calgary area.

Taking the Transcontinental Highway.

One quick lesson I learned was not to pass up opportunities to get gas. This part of Canada makes our remote American West look like a densely populated area. Here you don't worry about what brand, or what octane, you take what you can get, and don't pass it up. I nearly ran out and ended up going off the highway to a little town in indian country to get some. Way too close of a call.

You guessed it. Bet you can even smell the bacon, sausage and eggs cooking.

The Canadian flag is a common sight, they are proud to fly their "Maple Leaf".

Gas and a little refreshment at places like this are many kilometers apart.

While not as dramatic as the mountains and streams, mid country is still very pretty. Lots of rolling grasslands and big blue skies.

Trees like these are very scarce. Mostly around farm homes and buildings.

As we traveled farther along the way, we discovered what serious winds can occur. It obvious why they have trees around their building to serve as wind breaks.

Towns along the way are very small, as well as far apart.

Agriculture is certainly big.

A word to all my Texas friends, if you travel much in the mid Canadian Provinces, you will soon find out that Texas is not so big after all.

I dearly love Montana and traveling in Montana, but if you venture across the border to the north, you will discover a whole new meaning to "Big Sky Country".

For all the H.O.G. members, this was Million Mile Monday. For Barb and I we traveled 531 miles today, giving us credit for 1062 miles or 1712 kilometers. Tonight we sleep well.

Kootenay National Park (Canada)

Sunday, June 28,

Departed West Glacier and headed up Hwy US 93 toward Canada, this part of Montana is as beautiful as any other part.
Cafe Jax
If you ever pass through Eureka, MT, you have to stop here for something to eat. Breakfast was awesome.


Crusing northbound, Rockies on both sides.

Great roads. Great views.

Our first glimpse of the Canadian Rockies.

Entering the Kootenay National Park, this sets the tone for what is to come.

A number of sightings of mountain goats, a few big horn sheep as well.

The road follows the Kootenay River much of the way.

The river, lots of trees and towering mountains.

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Downtown Banff

Resevoir just outside Cochrane, Aberta.

It is impossible to properly photograph the mountains in a way to depict their grandeur. The key difference in what one experiences here is that you drive through them on very nice easy roads and view them at a bit of a distance. As opposed to Glacier Park or Beartooth Highway where one drives narrow roads that actually climbs the mountains and goes along the edges. However the Canadian Rockies are no less spectacular.

Glacier National Park

Saturday, June 26

This is a good idea of US 89 from Great Falls to Glacier Park.

Lots of scenic views with the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop.


The Whistle Stop
Nice little local cafe in East Glacier, awesome smoked salmon omelet.

Inside the Grand Lodge at Glacier Park,

Lodge was originally built by the Northern Pacific Railroad to accommodate park guests.

Yes, those are pine logs serving as the main hall columns.

This is my idea of a table!

Beginning the journey through the park.

Beautiful lakes and mountains formed by glacier activity.

A biker's view of "Going to the Sun Road".

Note the "guard rail" in the foreground.

On the sides of the distant mountains can be seen the Going to the Sun Road.

The view speaks for itself.

An abundance of snow caps.

Near Logan Pass and the Continential Divide.

Typical color of the lakes.

The day was capped off with a stop in a cafe in West Glacier for a bite to eat, a huge piece of huckleberry pie and way too much huckleberry ice cream. Then to a little cabin that featured no phone, no tv, no air conditioning, just prop open the window and let the cool mountain air fill the room while we sleep. Perfect!

Headin North

Friday, June 25,

Cruising through Montana

Following a leisurely departure from Cody, we began making our way north toward Montana. Others are working their way east across Wyoming, still others are headed for Utah.

We made a stop in Red Lodge to grab some great breakfast and got back on the road. Since we got a late stop we were taking some of the more expeditious roads. Only to encounter extended road construction, so much for saving time.

After a quick run along a portion of I-90, we turn onto US 89, a nice scenic two lane highway that takes us to Great Falls, MT. A few miles along the road, I noticed there were a few vehicles pulling off to the side ahead of me. As I got closer I could see they were attracted by a huge bull moose grazing out in an open meadow. This guy was BIG! I parked the bike, put down the kick stand and started looking for the camera. (Yes, I wasn't on the ball enough to have it out and ready). Now comes the frantic search, did I put it in the tour pack, not sure, the saddlebag, no, not there, tour pack again, yes, buried under a bunch of other stuff. Got it out, turned on, briefly reacquainting myself with the operation, ready to shoot. Looked up just in time to see him gallop off into the trees and cover.

I know, I know, this all sounds like an old fisherman's story of the one that got away. But we did see him. I am also aware this is not nearly as dramatic as Python's story of being nearly eaten by a grizzly, but it is about as good as I can come up with for now.

US 89 up to Great Falls is an awesome road, especially from White Sulpher Springs on up. The road follows a winding mountain stream nearly all the way. Mountains framed the setting on both sides, all punctuated with a variety of trees, meadows and wild flowers. Traffic was nearly nonexistent, allowing us to just relax and roll peacefully through nature's awesome painting. Well, as peacefully as can be done on a Harley.

Evening has us relaxing in Great Falls and wishing the best for all our other travelers.

Parting

Thursday, June 24,

For many today closed out their time in Cody, much of the group loaded up and headed out to ride through Yellowstone and continued on to Lander, Wy. A few others elected other routes to begin their return to St. Charles.

Following another great breakfast at Our Place, goodbyes and wishes of safe travel were exchanged and motorcycles began their rumbling off down the highway.

As for this author, my lady and I decided to have a casual day in Cody, do a little shopping, catch up on some laundry and enjoy the town. Cody is a special place, teeming with history and charactor. It seems to transport one to a different place and time away from some of negative detractions of the rest of our country. If only all of America could get a transfusion from this awesome little town, quality of life would improve dramatically everywhere.

A perfect cap to our visit was had by visiting the famous Irma Hotel and enjoying a snack at the cherrywood bar that was a gift from Queen Victoria to Buffalo Bill Cody.

The patio at the Cody Cowboy Village is a quiet place tonight. Only us and one other couple remain. The party has moved on, somewhere in Lander it continues.

The Other Side of the Story

Wednesday, June 23

This day gave us all of us a real start. There was a large bright yellow ball rising in the east, and an unbelievable amount of blue color to the sky. Finally someone convinced us that it really was normal and everything would just fine.

As many of us had discovered, the best way to start the day in Cody is to walk across to "Our Place", a local little cafe that features a 25 cent bottomless cup of coffee and the best country style home cooking anywhere. Don't be surprised if you have to wait in line for a table.

Several of our folks who survived the Beartooth blizzard of the day before elected to journey to Yellowstone National Park and check that out. Many coming back at the end of day with tales of Bison controlling the roads and on one occasion a biker being used as bait to attract a grizzley closer to the road so the other tourists can get really close up photos. Reportedly the biker surmized the situation and made the wise choice of departing the scene before he and his passenger would become an enjoyable meal for the bear that has obviously recently awakened from hibernation and has a bit of an appetite.

Those that had spent the previous day exploring the town of Cody selected this as the day they would venture their way up the Beartooth Highway. Contrary to experience of the previous day's adventurists, they were treated to a stellar experience. Beautiful clear skies, nearly unlimited visability. They were able to enjoy to complete experience of riding the best motorcycle road in America. We will retrieve some of their photos and add them to this blog.

A few others took a loop route out to the east through the Bighorn Mountains, including a magnificant ride through Shell Canyon. Wyoming has experienced unusual amounts of rain this spring so the rivers and streams were running full; making waterfalls very spectacular. The bright sunny day and comfortable temperatures seemed to be effective in bringing out the wildlife as well. A few moose and several mule deer were seen grazing casually in the open mountain meadows.

The misadventures of the previously mention ride leader seemed to still be in effect. On the return route from the Bighorn Mountains, the trip included passing through the town of Byron, Wy. There resides in this little burg a police officer that seems to be suffering some form of Dirty Harry syndrome. You sure as heck cannot get by doing 39 mph through his itty bitty kingdom. Future travelers be duly warned when passing through Byron.

Again the day drew to a close with another gathering on the patio to share all the great stories of the day and the company of fellow bike friends. The bonding of the group grew stronger with each day and each adventure. These folks will be forever united through this journey.

Beartooth Adventure

Tuesday, June 22

The big day has finally arrived, after way too many tales of the greatness of the Beartooth Highway by a certain individual, it was time to encounter this momentous experience. If you are suspecting that this is the same individual that had demonstrated limited integrity at weather compentence near St. Joe, you are so right.

With a dozen bikes lined up, many with passengers, they set off for the experience of a lifetime, little did they suspect what lay ahead. Topping off the gas tanks, they set off for an awesome display of mountain beauty and great riding on the famous Chief Joseph Highway. Checking out the breath taking vistas along the way, all were just beaming with the joy of the experience. The whole while their somewhat trustworthy guide constantly remarking that this is only an apetizer for what is to come. That guide could hardly hold himself back, anxious to share the world class views and amazing switchbacks of the Beartooth Mountains.

They press on, nearing the end of Chief Joseph, it is obvious that serious clouds are setting in. A turn onto Beartooth Highway made it obvious that rain gear just may be in order. Pulling off into what may be a dubious qualification for a "pull off"; rain gear was donned with much jovality and some slight concern for weather. Back on the road and starting up the first of many mountains, it was soon obvious that rain gear was definitely necessary.

As if weather was not enough of additional flavoring for the experience, the dreaded sign that a traveler fears most, "Caution, road construction ahead". To spice things up even further an additional sign warns, "Motorcycles use extreme caution". Blissfully they journey on.

Reaching a store up the mountain appropriately named, "Top of the World"; it was time to take a break, visit a bathroom, pickup some more trinkets and briefly assess weather. By this point the rain was taking on a more interesting appearance, better known as snow. Refusing to give up hope in the leader, they ride on. Working their way further and further up the mountain, snow becoming heavier and heavier. snowflakes were now the size of quarters. When they hit you in the face they feel like frozen frisbees. Visiability is now down to barely the tailights of the bike in front of you; forget checking out the mountains that rise miles out in the distance. Carefully inching their way along, around switchbacks, up the mountain, on and on. The sides of the roads were clearly evident by the snowbanks often towering above the bikes themselves. Fortunatley through all of this, the snow was not freezing on the road surface.

Goggles had long ago fogged up and rendered themselves useless, windshields were collecting snow and ice, fairings had become covered. The whole procession had the appearance that one would more likely associate with snowmobiles rather than motorcycles.

Cresting the high point and starting the descent, the backside of the mountain was not under the same weather conditions. They were now out of the snow storm. There was a rest stop that saw the riders clearing windshields and fairings of the accumulation of snow and ice. Amazing, everyone was in great spirits, consumed with laughter and fun. Silliness subsided somewhat, bladders emptied, camera data cards filled, it was time to head on down the mountain. The ride down was much less eventful, no snow, no rain, some ability to take in the views, partially redeming the integrety of the leader.

They arrived in the quaint little town of Red Lodge and invaded a local cafe. The party was still on. There was no end to the joking, exaggerated story telling and teasing. Food was good, the friends and fellowship was spectacular. Following lunch it was time for cruising the stores and getting the obligatory shirts from Beartooth Harley.

Back in Cody the balance of our group had spent the day taking in the local sights, the town, food and all the tourist things. Way too intelligent and boring for the rest of us. The evening was capped off by a visit to the Cody Cattle Company, a buffet and outstanding music. Beverages were hoisted in celebration of a great day of adventure. Quietly a few of were celebrating the fact we made it back.

Rollin into Cody

June 21,


The following morning we departed Scottsbluff and continued on hwy 26. At the town of Guernesy, Wyoming we took a break to relieve severely challanged bladders and take in the sights of Oregon Trail Ruts. Actual ruts worn into solid rock by the wheels of the wagons going west.

Trail Boss got us rounded up again and we continued on through Wyoming. He was intent on giving us a special treat of visiting the Harley dealership in Casper, Wyoming. We did all arrive as intentioned, however Trail Boss failed to notice that it is closed on Mondays. After way too much teasing, we dropped in on a local diner and filled the bellies once again.

Making our way across a somewhat barren and sagebrush infested area of Wyoming we then joined Hwy 120. A beautiful ride north out of Shoshoni through the Wind River Canyon, a winding road alongside the rapid river and a railroad, twisting and turning around a host of remarkable rock formations. Continuing our way on toward Thermopolis, we received our daily allotment of more RAIN...

We made a brief stop in Meeteetse to pay a visit to a HOG instructor but were unable to connect. He did graciously leave an open tab at the local salon to allow us a quenching of the thirst.

The rest of our journey into Cody was heralded by clearing skies, beautiful mountain views and cool comfortable weather. Checkins at the Cowboy Cody Village was a very welcome occasion followed by unloading bikes, kicking off the boots and relaxing on the patio together with pizza, beverages, and lots of laughter and good times.

Cornhusker Run

June 20,

Nearly the entire night in Lincoln was filled the constant rain storms rolling through. With morning the rain had began to subside and once again the previously mentioned fool with the cell phone was consulted regarding the weather prospects. He advised we wait another hour and things should improve considerably. It is still not known why anyone listed to him.

However, the predictions did prove out reasonably true. Back on the road, cruising along hwy 34, 30 and 26 provided comfortable travel on two lane highways with a very minimal amount of traffic. There was a great stop at "Mom's Place" for incredible country style dining and then back on the road.

Much of the route we traveled from St. Joe on was along or very near the original Oregon Trail, the Pony Express route and the Transcontinental Railroad. We were rolling along through areas of rich expansion history.

The farther west we traveled the more that overcast skies were giving way to storm clouds. Checks on the weather radio broadcasts were resulting in the forecasts of possible tornadoes arriving at our destination somewhat in the vicinity of our projected arrival time. Following the brilliant advice of the day before, we decided to fore go one of our planned stops and make a run for the destination.

This time it worked out much better. We did get to Scottsbluff before the weather moved in, and we were allowed to park the bikes in under the covered drive to avoid the chances of hail. Again, it was dinner, more stories and a night's rest.

Hittin da Trail

June 19th.

Promptly at 6 am Daddy O gave the command, "Saddle Up". About 15 bikes and a couple dozen excited souls set out for Cody, Wyoming. A short ride up Hwy 61 we collected another 4 or 5 bikes with riders and passengers. Additionally there were others riding independently or with friends making the journey. All with eager anticipation and a host of dreams of what may come.

Rumbled across Missouri on Hwy 36 making good time, but becoming increasingly aware of dark clouds building in the west. Ride leader was heard to ask his trusted assistant if we could make it to St. Joe before the rain? Assistant checks the radar on his cell phone and with the confidence of a fool replies, "no problem".

It was only a matter of few brief miles that a black wall of extreme storms were encountered. Not exactly sure what the official classification of the storm might have been. But there were numerous sightings of Dorothy and Toto zipping along just above the treetops.

After what seemed like an eternity of waiting out the storm at a truck pull off hiding behind a truck trailer to avoid the effects of horizontal rain, those drenched adventurers were back on the road into St. Joe for a break and souvenir shopping at the H-D dealer.

The troop courageously headed on into Kansas, now in good weather but a bit taken back by the sights of several broken trees and the metal roofing of farm buildings strewn about. We did arrive in Lincoln before the H-D dealer there closed.

Some cleaning up, tending to the bikes, a bite of dinner, lots of embellished stories and we were ready to bed down for the night.
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