Best. Campsite. Ever.

The road from Henderson to Joshua Tree National Park is a piece of work. First, you cruise on the Joshua Tree Highway (no association to the park). There are joshua trees everywhere, ten times as many as in the National Park. Then you make your way through the Mojave Desert National Preserve, which, as you rise and fall in elevation, you go through strata of dense* vegetation of a certain type (e.g. a nice big cholla patch). Next, you reach a long stretch of road with no gas, even though the map has a number of towns listed. Who ever heard of a town without gas!? Then there is a nice little highway underpass perfectly suited for passing the time until the AAA man comes with a spare gallon of gas. Then you cruise into Joshua Tree National Park. I've been through JTNP once before, but only for the briefest of visits. This time was longer, but only barely. There was time, however, to discover possibly the best campsite ever (pictured above). The campground was nearly empty, and I got in just after sunset. The spot I selected was nestled between two gigantic boulders. The temperature was perfect and there were no bugs around to disturb me and my Little Cesear's Pizza which I picked up in 29 Palms. Waking up, the campsite looked just as good (and the leftover pizza wasn't half bad either). Yep, Joshua Tree National Park will need to be visited again. Then, I might even stay a whole day!

Wednesday May 9 2007

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on Wed 09th May, 2007 06:44 pm PDT Jule said: Hey kids, who wants to drive through the cactus patch? (for those of you who don't watch the simpsons, ignore that one.) Nice campsite though! ************************ on Wed 09th May, 2007 09:06 pm PDT Saxtor said: Thanks for the Joshua Tree pictures, as it is more than I saw when I visited. When I was there, the rain was so heavy, we couldn't see the front of the car, let alone the road in front of us. You've never lived until you've driven in a car with the other passenger in full "WE'RE GOING TO DIE RIGHT THIS SECOND!" panic-mode. Oi. Did you see the cool fence made of junk as you enter the park from the North? ************************ on Wed 09th May, 2007 10:28 pm PDT Mom said: Oh Geez, I was just going to cancel your AAA because, hey, who needs it with a scooter. So did you send smoke signals to get AAA or what? ************************ on Wed 09th May, 2007 11:57 pm PDT Ryan Walters said: Joshua Tree! Did you visit Ryan Mountain?? ************************ on Thu 10th May, 2007 07:27 am PDT amanda said: mom makes a darn good point. and those towns without gas, isn't that what we are striving for? ;) ************************

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Colorado River Edutainment

The Hoover dam is one impressive structure. I learned all about it one morning (after enjoying a lovely, cheap, off-strip breakfast) as I sat in on the free video offered at a nearby casino. Then the opportunity for a more immersive learning experience presented itself, thanks to my hosts being so well connected. Emily and I found ourselves afloat the Colorado River just down stream of the dam on an oversized pontoon boat driven by the all-knowing, ever witty river guide Rick. We learned about the history of the river and dam, the geology of the area (including hot hot springs), the local flora and fauna, and so much more. We saw lots of big horned sheep, a peregrine falcon (which excited Emily more than should be normal), lizards, vultures, and more. Since I have been in the desert heat all day, my mind-brain isn't working so good. I can't think of a clever way to fit in this picture and this one Oh wait, I just did. Does that count? Anyway, it was a good good time. If you ever happen that way yourself, be sure to do the trip and ask for Rick as a guide. You won't be sorry (except maybe when he gets going on the cow jokes...)

Tuesday May 8 2007

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on Tue 08th May, 2007 09:28 pm PDT Emily said: A right good time it was. BTW Peregrine Falcons are amazing! To stoop down at 200 mph and snap the neck of your prey on the wing...it definitely IS something to be excited about! For those of you in Skagit Valley, the peregrines are around come fall...the folks at the Padilla Bay Reserve will help you find them!. :) ************************ on Tue 08th May, 2007 09:47 pm PDT Wren said: Emily, you should tell the good people what tour company Mr. Rick works with so they know who to go for for the best river tour ever. ************************ on Tue 08th May, 2007 10:03 pm PDT Jule said: I think the president in the rock looks George Washington...or John Edwards! is he not president yet? ************************ on Tue 08th May, 2007 10:39 pm PDT Mom said: I think it looks like Lincoln laying so the blood rushes to his head. Oh, yes and with a hippie headband on. Who's right? ************************ on Tue 08th May, 2007 10:47 pm PDT Mom said: BTW--is that a new shirt? Nice. ************************ on Tue 08th May, 2007 11:30 pm PDT Horge said: President made of stone? Hmmm... Is he currently residing in a white house?Otherwise, I'd place good money (appropriate since this a Vegas entry) on either William Henry "Hank" Harrison, or good ol' Abe. Anyway to contact a bookie there to make the betting side of this post true? ************************ on Wed 09th May, 2007 06:03 am PDT Nesbitt said: I say Lincoln. ************************ on Wed 09th May, 2007 07:20 am PDT Sean said: Looks like legs spread wide with a bright blue dress down below to me. ************************ on Wed 09th May, 2007 07:34 am PDT Emily said: We went with blackcanyonadventures.com -our trip was the Raft Tour. Wear Sunscreen. ************************ on Wed 09th May, 2007 10:51 am PDT Sara said: My vote is for Lincoln too. ************************ on Wed 09th May, 2007 02:33 pm PDT Quynh said: it's def. LINCOLN man! ************************ on Wed 09th May, 2007 03:56 pm PDT ACC said: Reagan? ************************ on Wed 09th May, 2007 05:55 pm PDT Kate said: Will you be stopping by San Francisco on your travels? ************************ on Wed 09th May, 2007 06:32 pm PDT Wren said: Well, all you Abe-sayers got Rick's answer. No one, however, got mine (although extra credit for the creativity needed to find Reagan, Edwards, and WHH). It's Teddy Roosevelt. Don't you see it? ************************

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Oh, O!

The rematch between Vegas and me was epic, let me tell you. For those of you who put your money on Vegas, however, I have some bad news. Team Wren triumphed mightily in this second matchup. With the excitement of fight night, the magic of cirque du soleil, the teamwork of wonderful company, and the stresslessness of having it all figured out before hand, Vegas didn't stand a chance. With all my circusy interests, I figured I couldn't leave Vegas without seeing a cirque show. The popularity of those spandex-clad body magicians is such that almost every casino has their own show, including Zumanity: The Sensual Side of Cirque at New York New York. We opted for O, one that I have been wanting to see for ages. Basically, take a cirque show, and put it in, around, and above a multi-million dollar custom pool, and you get O. Even before the pool was revealed, we were amazed by the spectacularness of the theatre. The show didn't disappoint (although did slightly suffer from a lack of juggling). After the show, we wandered the strip gazing at the lights and people. We even caught 3 Bellagio water shows! The evening was just what I needed to counter the frusteration of the previous experience and put Las Vegas back in my mind as the amazing, unique, sometimes-sketchy/sickening/depressing-but-always-interesting place that it is.

Monday May 7 2007

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on Mon 07th May, 2007 07:48 am PDT cardboard said: you rawk wren, Also note that I rawk because someone finally beat saxtor to first posting on the old BDW ************************ on Mon 07th May, 2007 07:49 am PDT cardboard said: you rawk wren, Also note that I rawk because someone finally beat saxtor to first posting on the old BDW ************************ on Mon 07th May, 2007 07:49 am PDT cardboard said: ahh crap ************************ on Mon 07th May, 2007 08:01 am PDT Wren said: Well, cardboard, not only did you make first comment, but you also scored the first double comment since the technical redesign of BdW. I thought I had that problem licked. ************************ on Mon 07th May, 2007 08:24 am PDT amanda said: isn't vegas total sensory overload? but definitely in a good way, unless you end up selling Scoot Scoot to pay off your gambling debts, but i know you wouldn't do that ************************ on Mon 07th May, 2007 09:46 am PDT Saxtor said: Chill out dude, it's not a race...the only reason I often post first is because I probably also hold the record for incessant refreshing of BdW since I am so seldom away from la computadora. That said, it really sounds like you are having a great time in Vegas! You should check out the Pinball Hall of Fame and the awesomely strange hallways that link Mandalay Bay Casino to "THEHotel at Mandalay." ************************ on Mon 07th May, 2007 07:29 pm PDT Jule said: If you thought the water filled "O" was good, you should see the sequel: "P". ************************ on Mon 07th May, 2007 11:48 pm PDT Horge said: But did you ever find your buffet? When I was there, I went to a few of them, was dissappointed that they weren't really so cheap, but I think the Excalibur one was my favorite. But I think I won out over Vegas, too. I lost a whopping quarter on the way of out of New York New York, 'cause they kicked me off the floor for being under 21, so I had to sneak a chance at the one-armed bandit... ************************ on Tue 08th May, 2007 06:39 am PDT Chris said: I'm glad you're not starving on the strip (althought I might submit that as a new show idea to Fox), but I think the real question is whatever happened to the proxy system I was offered. I've got some singles burning a hole in my pocket. Oh, and on a selfish note I wanted to mention I finally think I got IHJ back on its feet pemanantly, sorry for the hiatus. ************************ on Tue 08th May, 2007 08:01 am PDT Sean said: Fear and Loathing is based on Wren's crazy antics.I always come in last on these comment races... ************************ on Tue 08th May, 2007 09:10 pm PDT Wren said: Chris, I thought of doing the whole betting by proxy thing, but then I decided against it....True story....And then I found $5. ************************ on Thu 07th Jun, 2007 08:56 pm PDT Wilbur said: I always see the cirque shows when i'm in vegas, just love em...the music is gorgeous...i've seen most of em i think, but not Zumanity...next time...yea i know i'm postin on some really old stuff here, but i was just reminded of the blog tonight so i'm hittin it up for the first time...got some catchin up to do. :-) ************************

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Vegas -1, Wren - 0

While pondering this little blog post, I considered quite a few different headlines: Unlucky in Vegas, but it wasn't just about gambling; Vegas Failure, but that was that extreme. Plus, I'm hoping to have a chance to even the score tomorrow night. The way it goes is this: last night, I stayed at the Sahara at the far north end of The Strip. Dinner at the Cheesecake Factory went well and we saw the Volcano at the Mirage on the walk back to the hotel. All in all, a good start. The morning, however, was a different story. Determined to find a cheap all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet, I set out early. Three urban, street-crossing, back-tracked, construction dodging miles later and still no cheap breakfast. Strike 1. On return to the hotel (after a repeat of said 3-mile trek) just before checkout time, I made some calls to find lodging for tonite. Not a single place in all of Vegas or Henderson for under $129. It's fight weekend. Strike 2. I hopes of finding better deals and other sage advice, I tried to turned to our friend the internet. "Free WiFi" the sign at the monorail station tauts. Well, not for my computer. Strike 3. Feeling rather dejected by it all, I turn to our friend public transportation. Getting to the bus stop, through the transfers, and to my destination cost me some nasty blisters on my feet*. Strike 4. The happy ending to my tale is that I made it to a happy place where I smile more than I should and want for nothing. There were even cookies after dinner! Being taken in and treated as one of crew is so nice after the impersonalness of the big city. Stay tuned for notes from the rematch.

Saturday May 5 2007

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on Sat 05th May, 2007 12:52 am PDT Saxtor said: Ahh yes, the legendary cheap food/accommodation in Las Vegas. You REALLY have to work hard to find it, which means going to Old Town part of Las Vegas, and even then it's a cheap room if you're really lucky, and a "cheap" $12.99 buffet. One time I was there, Phish was playing, but so was Jay-Z at one casino, Beyonce at another, Beastie Boys at another and some Naomi Campbell fashion show at another. There wasn't a room to be had for under $450 and all three hostels were booked, so I slept on the floor the whole weekend at the Stratosphere in some random people's room whom I met just wandering The Strip, getting a ride to and from the show every night. That's the best part of Vegas, you might get put through the grinder while visiting, but be damned if you don't have a good story to tell. ************************ on Sat 05th May, 2007 10:24 am PDT Saxtor said: PS: It wasn't the Beyonce show... ************************ on Sat 05th May, 2007 12:04 pm PDT Nesbitt said: Wren and Vegas....as long as I've known you I have never been able to reconcile the two. You are a man of mystery. ************************

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Road Food

In my experience, road trip food is rarely exciting and almost never healthy. I've done my best to combat both these things but eating from grocery stores (parking lot picnics with bagels and cream cheese or granola and yohgurt have been popular), but I admit I've stopped at a few greasy spoons along the way. Even when I try to cook for myself over my hobo stove, I end up getting something out of a can or box. Not to say there is anything wrong with this, but it can get a bit old. Enter the oven. For the past few days, I've been hanging out with a friend who lives in Hendeson, NV. Last night, we atteneded a get together so I could meet some of her friends. It was to be a pizza party. Rather than more take out food, I volunteered to engineer the pizza, as I consider pizza one of the 6 or 7 dishes in my repertoire. We did a BBQ chicken with onions and a breakfast sausage with green peppers, both with only cheddar cheese. (Yes, of course it was on homemade dough.) The BBQ chicken esp. was met with smiles and rubbed tummies. As for me, I was happy enough to eat a meal that came from more than one package. Next on the culinary agenda: the casino buffett!

Wednesday May 2 2007

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on Wed 02nd May, 2007 07:28 pm PDT Saxtor said: My favorite in my road-tripping days was the spaghetti sauce sandwich, which was just that, and maybe a little cheese if I felt like splurging. There was also the hobo-stove falafel tacos.....mmmmm. I think I need a road trip. ************************ on Wed 02nd May, 2007 08:42 pm PDT Andrew said: Poor? No stove? Climbing? Gotta go with a famous Myke Hall "Hueco Wrap". Fresh tortilla, peanut butter, and bananas. Roll it up and get ready to crank v3. Take that Darlene! ************************ on Wed 02nd May, 2007 09:11 pm PDT Jule said: and look at how skinny Mike IS! What you need is some lard, or better yet SPAM. throw an olive on for garnish. ************************ on Thu 03rd May, 2007 06:34 am PDT gretchen said: so that whole vegetarian thing is going really well for you, huh? ************************ on Thu 03rd May, 2007 09:11 am PDT Wren said: Gretch, I'll have you know that the sausage and chicken purchased for said pizzas were bought on May 1st, officially after the experiment in non-meat purchasing (although, since I know you are interested, the experiment didn't go so well.) ************************ on Thu 03rd May, 2007 03:03 pm PDT Ryan said: Yes, yes, I remember how well the pizza went at the last movie night. You didn't try to cook more than one at once again did you? ************************ on Fri 04th May, 2007 06:26 am PDT me said: i know this doesn't relate to your post, but i wanted to share with everyone who reads your blog- b/c this is totally you! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ooa8nHKPZ5k ************************ on Fri 04th May, 2007 07:55 am PDT amanda said: the youtube math video is hilarious! thanks me for sharing ;) ************************ on Fri 04th May, 2007 07:56 am PDT amanda said: oh right, and wren, you make the best pizzas and these sound especially gourmet! ************************

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See America!

I came across this postcard at the visitor's center at Lake Mead Recreation Area and I just couldn't pass it up. It fit so well with the blog post that's been brewing in my head over the last couple days that I promptly bought it and found a spot to scan it. Why does it fit with what I've been thinking about?, you ask. Well, on my little road trip so far, I've been through about 10 or so National Parks, Recreation Areas, Forests, Scenic Areas, etc. I guess I never realized there were so many out there or how cool they are. Take Crooked River National Grassland in Central Oregon. So cool. There are hikes, places to camp, view points, etc. I don't really know what the politics are of this particular one (e.g. who pays for it, who manages it), but all I know is that I am glad it is there. A number of other such experiences made me really think about the National [Parks/Forests/Grasslands/...] and how lucky we are as a country to have that amount of land set aside. Sure it could be more, or it could be more accesible, or it could be better managed, but at least it is there, and this time, it served my purposes. In my internet meanderings, I came across this representation of the U.S. Budget. To see how little gets spent on public use lands like this compared with some of the other programs, it really makes me wonder how things could be... Thanks Teddy*!

Tuesday May 1 2007

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on Tue 01st May, 2007 01:52 pm PDT bob said: personally i think more accessibility would spoil some of the parks. it would turn them into yellowstone, with traffic jams and rv parks and huge billboards lining the roads. i say, in most cases, the parks are better just left alone. what do you think? ************************ on Tue 01st May, 2007 03:11 pm PDT Saxtor said: For a short period of time, the State of Washington imposed a use-fee on the state parks system. $5/visit or $50/year and it cut access to a terrible low. It was later dropped while they went back to the drawing boards. What it made me realize is that these parks aren't for the middle- and upper-class, they really do belong to all of us, and we all have a right to be able to enjoy them. If you ask me, any action that limits access, or fails to promote access does everyone a disservice. To prevent "another Yellowstone" (which is quite deserving of it's popularity, IMO) is to increase awareness on how the parks should be used, not deter those who might use them. ************************ on Tue 01st May, 2007 07:22 pm PDT Jule said: Recent storms did their best to limit access to northwest national parks, but they are now mostly reopened. However, many roads in Olympic National Park (motto: national PARK, not forest) are closed and will probably remain so due to lack of money. This makes the hikes longer, but visitors fewer. sooooo, take your pick. by the way, saxtor, I agree!!! what low income family can afford 50 bucks a year to enjoy lands they have already paid for in taxes? On a good note, WA states new budget dramatically increases funding for state parks. whooohooo! ************************ on Tue 01st May, 2007 10:31 pm PDT Mom said: Based on the drawing and your comments I can only say "All power to the peephole." Go Teddy, we need another roughrider in power. ************************ on Wed 02nd May, 2007 09:20 am PDT Siri said: This is a good spot to plug Native Forest Council (a non-profit my friend Dave canvasses for). . . check out the website nativeforest.org. Tim Hermach (the founder) could be your rough rider in shining armor (or flannel), Marg. Although I don't think he'll be running for office anytime soon. ************************

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Postcard from the Desert

flip flip When they say "the hottest place on earth", I believe it. As I dropped in elevation while entering the valley, I could feel the temperature rise. At one point, I had to stop to strip off the layers of clothing I had been wearing for the previous week. Never would I believe elevation drop could lead to such a drastic temperature change. Anyway, it is beautiful here. I scooted along the curvy roads which I had nearly to myself. I slept out under the stars last night near Furnace Creek and got up early this morning to travel while it was still cool, and see some of the sights in that dawn light. ~Wren

Sunday April 29 2007

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on Sun 29th Apr, 2007 11:18 am PDT Saxtor said: VERY cool post! Though, I was hoping for a "Saxtor, WOOOOOOOOOP!" one, but this will do. ************************ on Sun 29th Apr, 2007 02:09 pm PDT Andrew said: Weather is here! Wish you were beautiful! ************************ on Sun 29th Apr, 2007 03:36 pm PDT Trista said: $.24, is that what they're up to now? Geeze, where have i been. ************************ on Sun 29th Apr, 2007 07:25 pm PDT Wren said: Yeah, $.24 caught me off guard too. I was thinking maybe $.19 or something. Man, I feel old. ************************ on Sun 29th Apr, 2007 09:36 pm PDT Mom said: oooh, this is really cool. I nearly got tricked by the tiny flip notice and I would have missed the whole message. Wren, did you take this Pix? ************************ on Sun 29th Apr, 2007 09:37 pm PDT Mom said: Okay, I'm a dummy, now I see the photo credit. ************************ on Mon 30th Apr, 2007 04:50 am PDT Sara said: Very cool post and pics. I like the postcard. :-) ************************ on Tue 01st May, 2007 02:28 pm PDT Sarah said: Very creative! ************************ on Wed 02nd May, 2007 12:29 pm PDT Katherine said: I love Death Valley- nice and warm- like a blanket. Wren, this is amazing trip you are taking! ************************ on Fri 04th May, 2007 04:27 am PDT Andrew said: Yeah. Nice one "Sarah"! Like adding an "h" to the end of your name really makes us think you are two separate people. For shame. Double post! ************************

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U.S. 395

When roadtripping, road selection is everything. Well, okay, maybe not everything. Who you are going with plays a big part too. But since I am stuck with little old me, road selection is key. The right road offers views, interesting local flavor, and something more than just McDonald's and 7-11s. When you are talking road trip on a scooter, add to that little traffic, frequent enough service stops, and slow speed limits, if you can manage. U.S. 395 between Carson City and Mammoth Lakes fits the bill perfects (except for the slow speed limits, but you can't have it all, eh?) When thinking about this adventure and what routes I might take, Saxtor suggested 395. Not knowing anything about what I would be looking for in a route or road, I committed to nothing, but did commit the suggestion to memory. Through a funny occurrence of out of date maps, local suggestions, and weather, I ended up on 395. I can't say I've been on a more breath taking stretch of road. Anyway, since I am sitting on a sidewalk in the town of Lone Pine, CA writing this with the most tenuous of internet connections, I'm unable to add the usual spice of wit and pictures. I'll write more soon.

Friday April 27 2007

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on Fri 27th Apr, 2007 04:06 pm PDT Emily said: Sounds and looks like this leg of the trip is treating you a bit better than the last time we heard from ya' in the frosty mountain. Happy Travels. ************************ on Fri 27th Apr, 2007 06:46 pm PDT Mom said: The North Cascades Highway opened yesterday--it is a really pretty road--and close to home :-) ************************ on Fri 27th Apr, 2007 07:38 pm PDT Jule said: Wren, I found those tent stakes. they were in my clean laundry. ************************ on Fri 27th Apr, 2007 08:30 pm PDT Mom said: Oooh,ouch, those poles must have played havoc with the washer and dryer. ************************ on Sat 28th Apr, 2007 01:41 am PDT Saxtor said: I've seen my share of US highways, and I really can't think of another more spectacular than 395. And to top it, that very section is precisely what cinched it for me. Did you, by any chance, stop by Travertine Hot Springs while passing through Bridgeport, CA? It's so close to the road, but so out of this world...The only other piece of road that has rivaled 395 in my travels was OR162>OR138 from Klamath Falls, OR, through Crater Lake to Roseburg, OR. Maybe on the way back... ************************ on Sat 28th Apr, 2007 01:52 am PDT Saxtor said: Also, I meant to commend you on making such good time. By my estimates you've gone over 1100 mi. in 6 days or ~183 mi. per day. Not bad for Scoot Scoot. Any geocaches? ************************ on Sat 28th Apr, 2007 08:57 am PDT Jule said: Saxtor! You are a human calculator! ************************ on Sat 28th Apr, 2007 06:42 pm PDT Andrew said: Hey Kid! I'ma Computer! ************************ on Sun 29th Apr, 2007 05:17 am PDT Sean said: Have you peed anywhere cool? ************************

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Harry, I Cant Feel My Fingers

Last night, I camped near Eagle Lake, just NW of Susanville, CA. Elevation: 5000 ft. Pulling in just at sunset, I set up camp under a juniper(?) tree and fixed some Frito chili pie over my hobo stove. As I sat watching darkness slowly fall over this weird and wonderful landscacpe, I reflected on what diverse countryside I saw in just 1 day at 35 mph. Flash forward to morning. Being able to see your breath while still in the tent isn't a lot of incentive to get up. Camping where you probably shouldn't be is. Lo and behold, it is even colder outside the tent than in. Heavy frost covers scoot scoot. Wearing almost every item of clothing I brought, I still had to stop every 20 minutes on the ride in to Susanville to warm up. Luckily, hot chocolate and hash browns were waiting at the local casino. As the sun starts to rise and the elevation falls, it looks to be shaping up as a great day for my ride into Reno and beyond! For those who don't get the picture or headline, listen to this

Thursday April 26 2007

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on Thu 26th Apr, 2007 11:02 am PDT Saxtor said: KICK HIS ASS, SEABASS! ************************ on Thu 26th Apr, 2007 11:12 am PDT Wren said: I haven't decided if I am Dumb or Dumber. (Thank you smart alecs, but "Dumbest" wasn't one of the choices.) ************************ on Thu 26th Apr, 2007 11:43 am PDT Jule said: What about dumberest... I think you need some leather! that will warm you right up. ************************ on Thu 26th Apr, 2007 12:10 pm PDT Amanda said: For some reason I can't picture Wren in leather... or maybe it's that I don't want to. :) ************************ on Thu 26th Apr, 2007 08:36 pm PDT Jule said: I meant pleather! ************************ on Fri 27th Apr, 2007 06:44 am PDT Sean said: Don't you hate pants!?! ************************ on Fri 27th Apr, 2007 07:35 am PDT amanda said: i thought the outback was just like that? ************************ on Sun 29th Apr, 2007 07:26 pm PDT Wren said: FYI, my ride so far has be leather free. Pleather free too. ************************ on Tue 01st May, 2007 02:21 pm PDT Sarah said: I just knew you'd end up with snot frozen to your face sometime during your trip! ************************

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The Columbia River

The Columbia River is just awesome. Not "awesome" in a "totally tubular" or "Mom, those were some awesome potatoes" kind of way. We are talking "awesome" like aweinspiring, full of awe, etc. Driving along the Columbia gives you vistas around every turn. Driving along the Columbia on a scooter surrounds you with the vistas as well as the sounds, smells, and even temperature and humidity changes (which do add to the overall feeling.) As I proceeded east, the sky ahead was blue and the sky behind was grey, which is quite typical of east of the mountains vs. west. Having that great weather made for the morning's scoot all the more enjoyable. I crossed the river at The Dalles and before I knew it, I was out of beautiful river gorge country and into beautiful rolling hills grasslands country of Eastern Oregon. (Oh, but just before I crossed the river, I came across this sign that I couldn't help but take a picture of.)

Tuesday April 24 2007

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on Tue 24th Apr, 2007 05:52 pm PDT Saxtor said: The Dalles is somewhat of a special place. First, my Dad spent a better part of his adolescence there. Second, Celilo Falls is located very close to The Dalles, and has been a fixation of mine for many years. I hope to be able to see it at some point in my lifetime, and get very excited when there are rumblings about opening the Columbia dams to showcase the falls. Third, The Dalles is home to Project 02, aka goo ************************ on Tue 24th Apr, 2007 05:55 pm PDT Saxtor said: I think I broke the comments... ************************ on Tue 24th Apr, 2007 06:37 pm PDT Andrew said: Gretchen just laughed out loud at your error, Saxtor. ************************ on Tue 24th Apr, 2007 07:33 pm PDT Saxtor\'s Boss said: typical ************************ on Tue 24th Apr, 2007 09:25 pm PDT Mom said: Oh, Columbia, you gem of the ocean, you. Wait, didn't someone already say that? But I don't think anyone has compared her to my potatoes before--cool! ************************ on Thu 26th Apr, 2007 10:07 am PDT jenelle said: on the wroad again... i just can't wait to get on the wroad again... the life i love is riding scoot scoot to the end, and i can't wait to get on the wroad again. ************************ on Sun 29th Apr, 2007 03:24 pm PDT Trista said: well, i hope you stopped to get some Doritos and AJ... that's some fantabulous prices there in Googleville! ************************

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