Had a great trip out and back, 2,669 miles round trip, eight days on the road, approx 550 pic's taken.
Did not get to hook up with any OK Valk Riders this time but maybe for a Meer's run this summer.
Made my way toward western OK on that Wednesday, 3/28 (day before my birthday, Happy Belated RumbleBee).
This shot taken coming down the hill from Los Alamos.
Stopped for breakfast in Santa Rosa and continued on to Elk City for an overnighter at Ron & Carla's. Also got a personal tour of the new Medical Center built after I left.
I went south from Elk through Altus, Wichita Falls and spent the night in Lampasas, TX. Met a nice couple also doing some touring, from the Midland area.
That next morning, visibility was limited but eventually burned off, eventually.
My plan was to drop down to Shiner Texas and visiting the Spoetzl Brewery before heading east. (check)
The wildflowers were blooming, orange, blue, yellow (sorry no pic's).
I made a lunch stop at a rest area in Weimar TX, along hwy 90 vs I-10. Stopped for a cold coke and pulled out my leftover pizza from last night.
Nice rest area, no trashcans with I-10 just off in the distance.
Side note, this was my birthday so I had opened the gift from my grandkids that morning and was proudly sport'n it...
I hit the destination hotel early evening, grab a Subway sandwich, chat with some fellow riders and turn in for the night.
I passed on the scheduled ride, taking a little cruise of the area and having lunch at a favorite place we don't have out in New Mexico, Pappasitos.
I hit ground zero shortly after for some good meet, greet and eats. Several familiar and many more new faces.
Much fewer campers than my last few visits, I like this area, reminds me of my place in IL...
Serk and his latest additions...
Great looking chow line...
Still full from my lunch at Pappasitos but I managed to force some down, and dessert. :
Another successful event, fundraiser, thanks to HG & FB.
I head back to the host motel and get prepped for my return route.
To make time on Sunday I elected to take I-10W for a good chunk of that days ride... not enjoyable. Miles and hours of 80 plus mph is not my idea of pleasure cruising. My goal was to at least hit the Marathon or Ft Davis area for the night. I made it to Marathon. Nice little place to stay, not much in town...
As you can see, I picked up some of Texas' finest along the way.
The Marathon Motel, just north of Big Bend NP (about 71 miles)
Only one train in the early hours (ear plugs were provided on the nightstand but remained unopened).
This is it, finally gonna hit Big Bend in 70 short miles...
Neat flora
The Rio Grande and Santa Elena Canyon. That's Mexico on the other side of the Rio...
The trail back into the canyon...
Heading out of the park
Picked up a hitcher
Next planned stop, Carlsbad Caverns after a quick rest stop.
Unplanned stop. No roads running through here, hiking only
Carlsbad Caverns. Pic quality lacking but here's a few.
The trail...
Back to daylight and homeward bound. Spent the night in Roswell and saw this little beauty in Vaughn, NM. Later saw several other classic's on the highway which add's to the ride. Today was a bit nippier as I make my way closer to home.
From the desertous Texas heat and terrain to this. Shots taken at the overlook before entering Los Alamos.
Last shot, taken in my front yard.
That's All Folks, hope you enjoy the pic's.
Ps. many, many, many more trip pic's found here if you feel so inclined...
http://rides.webshots.com/album/582600697uoEIbJ
