DDT (12)
Member
Posts: 4116
Sometimes ya just gotta go...
Winter Springs, FL - Occasionally...
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« on: July 08, 2025, 03:25:02 PM » |
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The More Things Change… Watching another daybreak is a regular feature of the typical daily routine when one surpasses the three-quarter century mark in longevity. What is a bit unusual, however, is the witnessing of this phenomenon at 3am! As one travels farther north on our continent during this time of year, daylight hours increase while nighttime hours decrease. On this particular day, the gathering clouds above Fort Nelson, BC, along the Alaska Highway began to turn light gray at that unusual hour. My three traveling companions plus this tired ol’ relic of a rider arrived at this waypoint for a night’s stay on our way to the oft dreamt-of touring around the 49th state! An Alaska ride for most bikers is comparable to thoughts of a pilgrimage to Mecca for Muslims or to Jerusalem for Christians and Jews. Most never make it, although nearly all fantasize about doing so at one time or another. First two riders through customs, the other two at the booths…  All four made it into Canada!  That called for a celebratory breakfast!  DDT (12) leading the group on the way to the next missed turn…  On to Calgary and a visit with dear friends…  Our hostess, Lynda Nickel…  Of course, I made myself right at home…  Mitch showed the Icefield Parkway to Sweet Cheeks…       The last leg before Alaska actually begins… Dawson Creek, BC, and ‘Mile 0’ of the Alaska Highway…  Long road trips have a way of sorting out relationships and putting them into entirely different perspectives. Many are strengthened to previously unimagined levels of keen friendship, while some others are sadly completely dissolved in short order. It’s been said that: “After three days, fish and friends can really start to smell…” Not always the case, of course, but true often enough that seasoned travelers know to be cautiously aware of the possibility. Perhaps it’s the constant closeness to each other that amplifies and/or exaggerates minor irritants normally overlooked without much notice by keeping them continually at the fore and always observable. Whatever it is, the usually ignored or barely noticed imperfections in us all can easily become glaringly distorted ‘offenses’ over time. The composition of our group is an eclectic assortment of diverse personalities with widely varied backgrounds. Dennis Scott (Trout Dude), Mitch Oehmke (MitchO), and Janice McVey (Sweet Cheeks) are the three stalwart souls willing (naively?) to undertake a 7K+ mile multi-week trek with this old bug slayer… What seems to be a thread binding them all to one another, though, is the willingness to be forthright in expressing desires, expectations, and preferences, yet also being willing to find group consensus while subordinating one’s own opinions in favor of the group. No body seeks to become boss, simply one among equals… The group in turn strives to fully accommodate each member possible. Harmony, caring, generosity, and cheerfulness are observable traits of this curious mixture of riders. More so with this small collection of characters, in my own experience, than with any other to which I’ve ever belonged. After jointly deciding to brave the coolness and intermittent rain in the forecast for the following morning, overnight changes to that forecast prompted a reluctant last-minute change in plans… We’d be laying over after all for possibly two more nights before pressing onward. No strangers to adverse weather riding, the thought of temps in the 40s with steady rain rather than sprinkles and occasional showers simply held no appeal at all for any of our members… Consensus at 3am was easily reached in no time at all! Universal disappointment was shared later that day when the weather report/forecast changed yet again… We could have ridden after all! Mid afternoon brought yet another reversal, however, so we’d chosen wisely after all. Forecasting the weather up here isn’t hard… Heck, it’s rather easy to be right half the time! A new day had dawned, and it would unfold unlike anything anticipated by group members. Each day often turns out that way for long-riders… even the toughest among us. The more things change, it seems, the more they appear to remain the same in so many ways… I’m thinking, for example, an earlier than usual nap just could be in my immediate future… not actually a major change in routine, of course, but… DDT (12) |
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« Last Edit: July 12, 2025, 10:08:12 AM by DDT (12) »
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Don't just dream it... LIVE IT!
See ya down the road...
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sandy
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« Reply #1 on: July 08, 2025, 03:45:24 PM » |
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After 6 cross country trips, I always wanted to get to Calgary and Banff. Age has caught up with me and long days in the heat just isn’t possible now. A great report Bruce and I’m jealous of your adventures. Keep it up.
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Serk
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« Reply #2 on: July 08, 2025, 03:47:22 PM » |
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Thanks for the update! Been following along greedily and jealously on Facebook, good to hear from you and see more pics!
Hoping I can shift it from the "To do" list to the "Done, need to go back" list sooner rather than later, but reality being what it is...
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away...  IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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Oss
Member
Posts: 12622
The lower Hudson Valley
Ossining NY Chapter Rep VRCCDS0141
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« Reply #4 on: July 08, 2025, 04:47:10 PM » |
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The stuff of dreams.....
Loved that Icefield parkway
Maybe someday I can do it on a motorcycle
There was an app called gypsyapps It plays over your stereo or phone and tells you where cool stuff like waterfalls, hot springs and lakes are that you would otherwise pass by clueless
We found a great hot spring east of Jasper using it and some cool short trails to waterfalls
I think it was 10 bucks Perhaps one of you can upload it? Does not need cell reception
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If you don't know where your going any road will take you there
George Harrison
When you come to the fork in the road, take it
Yogi Berra (Don't send it to me C.O.D.)
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LadyDraco
Member
Posts: 1871
TISE
Bastian, VA. Some of the best roads in the East
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« Reply #5 on: July 08, 2025, 05:04:16 PM » |
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Thanks for sharing Bruce , great photos!
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Life is what you make of it~If it don't fit make alterations...
One does not speak unless one knows.
Never underestimate the power of a woman !
It's a Poor Craftsman who blames their Tools !
This is the way
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Valker
Member
Posts: 3004
Wahoo!!!!
Texas Panhandle
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« Reply #6 on: July 08, 2025, 06:15:11 PM » |
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Thanks, Bruce. This is bringing back memories of my trips up there but with better pictures. Even last year's trip up with Caleb seems like a long time ago. I'm gonna have to settle for my recently completed PNW and Montana run, my April run to AR, and whatever else I can work in. I MAY get a ride in to the Icefields Parkway this year, but I won't know until later.
Have a blast. I miss the forever daylight.
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« Last Edit: July 09, 2025, 05:22:47 AM by Valker »
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I ride a motorcycle because nothing transports me as quickly from where I am to who I am.
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Rams
Member
Posts: 16303
So many colors to choose from yet so few stand out
Covington, TN
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« Reply #7 on: July 08, 2025, 07:29:46 PM » |
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Living the Dream! Follow that Yellow Brick Road to the End. Envy is all I can think of right now.  Rams |
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VRCC# 29981
Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.
Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.
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Thunderbolt
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« Reply #8 on: July 09, 2025, 03:48:16 AM » |
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Thanks Bruce for posting those beautiful pics. As has been said many times we all can live that dream through them. I'm sure the newbies to AK appreciate that they could twist your arm and get you to show them the sights.
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Valkorado
Member
Posts: 10503
VRCC DS 0242
Gunnison, Colorado (7,703') Here there be twisties.
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« Reply #9 on: July 09, 2025, 03:52:04 AM » |
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Well, there you are! Been thinking about you every day since you'd posted this trip was in he making. Looks like an epic journey with some really great companions. Yeah, the green monster is making his rounds. BREATHE IT ALL IN!
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Have you ever noticed when you're feeling really good, there's always a pigeon that'll come sh!t on your hood? - John Prine 97 Tourer "Silver Bullet" 01 Interstate "Ruby"  |
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HayHauler
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« Reply #10 on: July 09, 2025, 05:37:42 AM » |
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You couldn't have picked a better crew to head to the frozen North with!! This is an epic trip from the start. Keep the pics and stories coming. We are living the trip through you all!! Hay  Jimmyt |
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flsix
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« Reply #11 on: July 09, 2025, 06:19:45 AM » |
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Bruce as always a great ride report. Thanks for taking us along with inspiring pics and commentary. Stay safe and dry on your northern journey.
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2013 F6B
ESCHEW OBFUSCATION
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henry 008
Member
Posts: 1532
BRP
willard, oh
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« Reply #12 on: July 09, 2025, 07:09:14 AM » |
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Great RR! Keep them coming!  |
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Safe Winds... Brother  |
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t-man403
Member
Posts: 1671
Valk-a-maniac
Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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« Reply #13 on: July 09, 2025, 07:47:32 AM » |
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Man, I wish I could have made this trip.  I appreciate the updates you guys are sending me and I can tell you, with each one, I feel an opportunity missed. Work sucks… |
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"Men are like steel. When they lose their temper, they lose their worth". Chuck Norris
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RNFWP
Member
Posts: 424
"What color blue is that?"
Greenville, SC
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« Reply #14 on: July 09, 2025, 09:58:38 AM » |
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Sounds great! Thanks for sharing. Tell the crew I said HI.  |
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"My dog is one of my favorite people"
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Serk
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« Reply #15 on: July 09, 2025, 10:03:15 AM » |
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Sounds great! Thanks for sharing. Tell the crew I said HI. I think they're going to AK, not HI...  |
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away... IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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Bigwolf
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« Reply #16 on: July 09, 2025, 11:04:29 AM » |
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That is a great ride update and super photos! Thank you for sharing the journey with photos and commentary! You know that I am full of envy! However, it does make me smile to know that folks I consider to be good friends are getting to enjoy such a wonderful adventure! Live it to the fullest!
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carolinarider09
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« Reply #17 on: July 09, 2025, 12:01:41 PM » |
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Excellent Ride Report. I enjoyed the pictures. Very good quality.
Well done Sir!
Oh, and while I have considered going to Alaska at one time ( taking the same basic route you outlined), I'll probably just enjoy your pictures and report.
However, if I do get my Goldwing triked next year, one never knows...
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thedon
Administrator
Member
Posts: 512
Wisconsin State Rep.
Watertown Wisconsin
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« Reply #18 on: July 09, 2025, 12:28:26 PM » |
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Awesome adventure and what a great group to share it with.
Ride safe and keep the pictures coming.
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GiG
Member
Posts: 2840
"That's just like, your OPINION, Man!"
NEAR the "In 'n' Out Burger"
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« Reply #19 on: July 09, 2025, 12:48:05 PM » |
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Bruce: you have 2 top shelf mechanics that work as a team to remedy any ailments correctly & quickly! They probably have any needed consumable parts on board. Really Great guys, saved my bacon a few Times when I came wobbling by. Mitch & Dennis are the best - Hi, Guys! AK would be 50 States for me but I’ll have to experience it vicariously Janice, please keep these guys in line - no unmentionables laundry in hotel coffee pots I’d love to give all y’all’s a group hug! Wish I was there |
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« Last Edit: July 09, 2025, 03:27:30 PM by GiG »
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Nothing is Everything.
When you come to a fork in the road - TAKE IT!
(Then be sure to send it to OSS... C.O.D.)
This isn’t Rocket Surgery
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DDT (12)
Member
Posts: 4116
Sometimes ya just gotta go...
Winter Springs, FL - Occasionally...
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« Reply #20 on: July 12, 2025, 09:26:58 AM » |
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Thanks, Y'all!
Yes, living the dream, indeed! Ambient heat is a huge challenge for this aging carcass, as well. Once we reached central Montana, however, a weather front had passed over us, so cooler temps ruled from then on. The photos were almost entirely taken by Sweet Cheeks... I agree she did a spectacular job!
We're nearly to Alaska now, Destruction Bay, YT, with some of the anticipated road construction behind us... but more, we're told, lies just ahead... Some even say the worst of it is still in front of us! Nothing major so far, just 5-11 mile stretches of unpaved road, hard-packed surface with some loose gravel... more in places, less in others. Everybody seems to be holding up well, although cumulative fatigue is setting in and this rider for one is beginning to feel the strain.
I must confess that it is way more than a little gratifying to be this age now and still riding at all... Especially on an epic journey like this! I'm mighty glad Mitch & Dennis kept after me to make this ride with them. I seriously wanted to go, and I was confident I could make it... at my own pace. I was reluctant to be a drag on their plans, but... They assured me it would be OK, and... Like I said, I did really want to come!
Sweet Cheeks is holding up remarkably well, and she's navigated the difficult portions of our ride well. She is seriously checking the prospects of returning to the lower 48 of the US on the Marine Highway, though! We'll see, but my guess is we'll all return together via the Cassiar Highway (an alternate to the Alaska Highway). That is a most senic route, as well, so...
To all who are vicariously traveling along with us, let me assure you we are having a wonderful time! It is refreshing to need daily my heated grips and Gerbig jacket liner plugged in and turned on! The light rain we've encountered was less than thrilling, but that just goes with the ride up here... My companions and I have done what we can to minimize our exposure to moisture, though! We've only encountered one nasty day actually out on the road, with all the rest yielding nice riding conditions. We have laid over two days so far to avoid riding in rain...
DDT (12)
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« Last Edit: July 12, 2025, 09:38:40 AM by DDT (12) »
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Don't just dream it... LIVE IT!
See ya down the road...
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t-man403
Member
Posts: 1671
Valk-a-maniac
Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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« Reply #21 on: July 12, 2025, 10:34:33 AM » |
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Thanks for the update and I’m glad the weather has mostly cooperated for you guys.
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"Men are like steel. When they lose their temper, they lose their worth". Chuck Norris
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Charlie McCready
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« Reply #22 on: July 12, 2025, 11:02:11 AM » |
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Hey Y'all, checking in on ya's every few days. Sounds like the ride is going well. Take care, be safe out there. Charliemac
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Sweet Cheeks
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« Reply #23 on: July 12, 2025, 08:41:07 PM » |
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This has indeed been the adventure of a lifetime for me. I am thrilled and honored to have been invited on this epic journey.
We are nearing the Alaska border now. We had planned to arrive in Tok, AK tomorrow (Sunday), but lodging was not available. Therefore, we will be in Beaver Creek Sunday night and Tok on Monday. From there, I have no idea.
I did consider taking the ferry back, but once I realized I would have to drive these same roads back past Destruction Bay in order to catch the ferry, it lost its appeal. LOL. As much as I don’t like gravel, I should be much more comfortable with it by the end of this trip!
Janice
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« Last Edit: July 12, 2025, 10:40:29 PM by Sweet Cheeks »
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I am pretty sure my last words will be ... “Well crap! That didn’t work!”
2004 VTX 1300 (sold)
1998 Tourer
2003 Standard
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Rams
Member
Posts: 16303
So many colors to choose from yet so few stand out
Covington, TN
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« Reply #24 on: July 12, 2025, 09:03:21 PM » |
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Heads up though, I do have a smart@$$ sense of humor, so if you are easily offended, you’ve been warned. Janice McVey What? Who would have ever thought that? Rams  |
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VRCC# 29981
Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.
Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.
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Serk
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« Reply #25 on: July 14, 2025, 06:33:01 PM » |
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I hope I'm not stepping on any toes but they posted a little update on Facebook, and figured I'd relay it over here...  DDT was thrilled beyond words.  |
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away... IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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t-man403
Member
Posts: 1671
Valk-a-maniac
Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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« Reply #26 on: July 14, 2025, 09:48:39 PM » |
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I hope I'm not stepping on any toes but they posted a little update on Facebook, and figured I'd relay it over here...
Now your it trouble!!! |
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"Men are like steel. When they lose their temper, they lose their worth". Chuck Norris
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JimmyG
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« Reply #27 on: July 15, 2025, 04:27:20 AM » |
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Great adventure ! May the good Lord keep you all safe and well on this fabulous journey |
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henry 008
Member
Posts: 1532
BRP
willard, oh
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« Reply #28 on: July 15, 2025, 05:57:27 AM » |
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AMEN!
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Safe Winds... Brother |
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