North America | USA 05:03 PM Paradise To Sunrise on Mt. Rainier
After the embarrassing and taxing bike drop this morning I decide that before taking the Skyline Trail from the Paradise Inn to the colorful sub alpine meadows of Rainier I'd grab a snack in the lodge.
I sit down at a picnic bench of massive cedar with my sandwich, chips and Arnie Palmer. The people watching is astounding. An elderly threesome exchange camera so each can be photographed in a grand chair at the foot of another massive cedar table. A woman and her sister fail to get her husband's attention off the crossword puzzle. Without looking at the woman he says, "I've got to finish this." The woman confused, look at each other and say "Let us know if you need any help with that," and walk out the door up the trail.
A cute Asian family try furiously to use their cell phones and an elderly man wearing a tattered single button blazer, his hair matter from sweat, heaves a leather bag filled with papers on my table and asks if he can sit there. "I've got to write a quick postcard," he says as his finger crooked from arthritis moves the massive flesh back and forth on his nose and sniffles. "Thanks."
The temperature is rising. I grab my tripod and backpack and head up the trail. The Aerostich Combat Boots are great for riding. But combined with the weight of my riding pants and its armor walking the steep incline is tiring and slow. But I'm in now hurry so I keep a slow but steady pace.
Exploring the world and its natural and cultural wonders is fine from the seat of a motorcycle. And even a dual-sport such as the BMW F650GS Dakar will get you off the paved roads, it's important to get off the bike and hike. Though I should've prepared for this the bike drop incident this morning threw me off and I just need to get back into rhythm.
Leaving Paradise might be difficult, but taking a trip to Sunrise is easy. Rising 3,000 feet in less than 15 miles I venture to the northeastern side of Mount Ranier where I gaze over meadows to glaciers and rocky peaks - one named Gilbralter is easy to see how it earned its name.
I'm off to Enumclaw where I hope to find an inexpensive hotel to shower and get my groove back.
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Comments
Hey Allan, What "bike drop"? Were you riding, mounting, dismounting... what's with the suspense? Fill us in! Take it easy boy... you're only in your second week. NO NIGHT RIDING!
Commented by Johnny A On July 29, 2005
Hey, AK, I was going to tell you the same thing, but JOHNNY ANGUS BEAT ME TO IT! Johnny A! AK and JA...MAGNATES!
Be safe, AK.
Commented by Eric Jasso On July 30, 2005
My husband and I were stopped at a traffic light in Kirkland and noticed your bike with the web site posted on it. We had to come home and see what was up. What a great adventure. We will be sure to follow your travels. At least the weather here in the Pacific Northwest is as beautiful as the scenery!!! Be careful...and we will continue to watch your progress.
Commented by Laurie P On July 30, 2005
Not sure Casper but if the bike isn't started yet remember to keep it in gear when parked and when you are shifting weight on it prior to moving on. It will help prevent the roll-back problem into a curb etc. The other trick is to back it into a curb when you park it so you can use the curb as a stabilizer when you are ready to go. Enjoying the hell out of your chronicle so far. (Not sure if the big "W" is super thrilled though!)
Commented by Dave Polett "HarleyDave" On July 31, 2005
Thanks for the link. Glad to read of your progress. Keep posting.
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