March 17, 2017

It's 5:30 am, and we begin the process of packing our bikes, last time for awhile. The hotel offers us a free breakfast, which we enjoy prior to our departure. Down the road, "Ferry Terminal" in sight,we are ready to embark on this final leg of the journey. "Alaska" is the next leg, but will have to wait till late spring, after some bike repairs are completed, and we all get together again. Our plan is coming together nicely, boarding the ferry, on time, on the targeted day, perfect. All we have to do is relax, and enjoy the sailing across the straits. Now with "Victoria" in our sights we become a little anxious, perfectly normal, considering the length of time we have been away from loved ones. Exiting the ferry, with the first wave of cars, we are directed through customs, and must "Import" the motos. An hour later we are on our way. Stopping for a coffee, and to put on extra gear, we meet people who are most interested in our trip. The "Chilean" license plate, a dead giveaway. After some interesting conversations, it's time to bury the last 100 kilometers in the odometer. Jon and I parted ways in "Ladysmith" and will soon be with our families. It has been a great adventure, 27,430 kilometers and "15 countries in 113 days", but it is sure nice to be home. Al Nino

March 16, 2017

It is a cold morning, but the rain has stopped, the sun is rising, looks promising. On the road early, it is chilly, but we are dry, wont be long and we will be in "Portland". Both Jon and myself have things to do there, so we take a few hours to accomplish them, then it's back on the road. So far so good, no moisture, although the clouds are building. It has been a cold day of riding, but we are determined to reach our goal. Entering the "Olympic Peninsula" and joining up with "Highway 101" again, we go through a small pocket of rain. The shower lasted about 10 minutes, then we were back to dry roads. Accomplishing the goal of making it to "Port Angeles" was a great feeling or us, and we booked our passage on the "Coho", for the first sailing in the morning, immediately after we checked into the hotel. Tomorrow we will be home. Al Nino

March 15, 2017

The "Weather Network" seems to be a popular watch for motorcyclists, at least with us it is. Word has it, rain is on the menu for today's ride, can't wait for the thrill, of hardly being able to see what's in front of you. Decked out in our rain gear, it's down the "Interstate" for us. Stopping in "Eugene" for a coffee to warm us up, the rain continues to increase in volume, and by the time we get to "Salem" the decision is made, to call it quits for today. The wind and rain are making driving conditions miserable. Jon is soaked, and cold, so we visit "Cycle Gear", and he aquires some warmer gear. Then we check into a "Motel 6" in the area, nice friendly staff greet us and get us settled in. Maybe the shivering had something to do with it. It is supposed to clear up by tomorrow morning, so we are hoping to make it to "Port Angeles" Washington by days end. Al Nino

March 14, 2017

Foggy morning, bikes are soaked with moisture, looks like the wait is on. Waiting to drive, while the fog lifts, we decide it's a good time to change sparkplugs, and check things over. Rolling over 26,000 kilometers on this little machine in 3.5 months, amazing, talk about a testing ground. Unfortunately a few days ago while in California Andy's bike packed it in. Again, another true test of man and machine, we have put these bikes through hell. It has been a test, both physicaly and mentally for all riders involved on this adventure. Now time to roll, Jon and I will ride up the "101", drive through the "Redwoods" and end up in "Crescent City".The ride falls into place nicely, but temperatures are cooler, next to the water, and dense forest. Stopping for gas and food in "Crescent", we are pretty cold. Change of plan, no more "101", we opt for the "199" through to "Grants Pass" Oregon. Nice road for a bike, and it will connect us to the "I-5", hopefully warmer and drier. Riding till almost dark we stop in "Roseburg" for the evening. Jon gets us a military discount on our room, nice touch to end the day. "Portland" is on our radar for tomorrow. Al Nino

March 13, 2017

The "Golden Gate Bridge" will be one of the bigger highlights of today's ride. Then we plan on taking the coastal route "Highway 1", to "Crescent City" a longer route, but defintley more scenic. Getting through the early morning city traffic definitely keeps you on your game. Finally the road opens up, through the tunnels we go and there she is. Majestic, towering over us, we hit the centre lane, and on goes the helmet cams. Hundreds of pedestrians are walking the bridge, "Alcatraz" to my right, this is a great day indeed. Stopping on the far side of the bridge for photos, and enjoying the views of the bay and city. You can appreciate the views of the bridge from here as well, what an engineering marvel. Onwards we go down "Highway 101" then connect with "Highway 1", unfortunately part of the highway has been closed due to landslides. We are detoured for several miles, but eventually reconnect at "Stinson Beach", nice twisty road down the mountain. Now cruising up "1", the views of the coast beautiful, cool sea air, and really twisty road. What more could a motorcyclist ask for. Enjoying the ride, stopping for photos, and meeting the locales.Taking a break in the village of "Jenner", it is here we part ways with Scott. Jon and I are eager to get home, Scott has a different schedule than ours, seeyou back in "Canada". He continues on "1", we take "Highway "116" to "Santa Rosa", reconnect with "101", and continue north to"Laytonville" where we stay the night.Al Nino

March 12, 2017

"San Francisco" here we come. That is our riding goal for today. Waiting a little for the sun to warm things up, and burn off some foggy patches that grace the highway, we lube our chains, check the oil etc. Down the road we go, not too much traffic, it is still early Sunday morning. That doesn't last too long, the masses are out in full force in a few hours. As long as we stay in the right lane things will be just fine. The tiny "Motos" don't qualify for the left lane, they are too slow, and everyone here drives incredibly fast. Cutting through the landscape like a serpent, the scenery from the highway is beautiful, and we also encounter many large vineyards and farms along our route. Making it just to the outskirts of "San Francisco", we opt to get off the road and will head into the city first thing tomorrow morning. Al Nino

March 11, 2017

Our start today was a bit delayed, heavy dew has our tents soaked with moisture. Thank goodness the bright orb in the sky will help remedy the situation. Gear all dry and packed up, its time to get going. It's a bit chilly riding next to the coast, but the scenery is well worth the chill. Our plan is to just keep pushing north, at a reasonable pace, and enjoy the surroundings we pass through. By late afternoon we are ready to settle down in new camp surroundings. We go to the private campground of "Ocean Mesa" at el capitan, a nice place to hang your hat for the night. Conviently located just off "Highway 101", they offer free hot showers, swimming pool, a store and wifi. Tent pads made of sand, nice and soft for sleeping. We took advantage of the showers, good and hot, with lots of pressure. They have fresh coffee at the store to get you going in the morning, a nice change from camp coffee. Al Nino