After I posted last night’s blog entry onto Facebook (and even though I apologized for the lack of photos), I had at least one complaint that I failed to share enough pictures. I’m looking at you, Brandy Serfazo.

In any case, I’m making up for it tonight with nine pics. Given the famous 1000:1 value of pictures to words, I’m writing less copy. Who am I to disappoint my fans? (I have so few.)

We are at the Olympic Inn in Klamath Falls, OR. Klamath Falls has a large “geothermal district” — meaning many government, commercial and residential buildings are heated by hot water that occurs naturally underground. That’s a great plan until the earth’s core finally cools, I suppose, but if you’re fine with temporary solutions, it’s a good one.

There are many taximerdied animals in the lobby here at the Olympic Inn, as well as a breakfast and snack area where footwear is apparently optional.

We arrived here today via a route that included a stop in a redwood forest as well as spectacular views of the California and Oregon coasts. I’ve never seen redwoods before and they are truly majestic. I pondered today what the European explorers thought when they saw them for the first time. I imagine their immediate reaction was, “I wonder if the bears in the area are similarly proportioned?” This particular example is called (imaginatively), “Big Tree.” It’s more than 300 feet tall and 21 feet in diameter:


I placed Dale and Clive between two of the monsters so I could share this picture of them to help them feel insignificant:


As we passed this tree, I tried to get it to explain what tragedy had struck it but it said it had already spilled its guts:


Of course, not all trees in this forest are freakishly large. Some are freakishly mossy:


After leaving the redwoods behind, we headed up the coast on Highway 101. I’ve been looking for an opportunity to line up the bikes with the ocean in the background so we could do the perfect “poster shot” for printing after the trip. I think I have it:


The big rock in the background is surrounded by mist – it’s stunning and you can see it better here:


Journeys are defined not only by where you go but who travels with you. My traveling companions on this trip ride safely (most important), swiftly, never complain and have wicked senses of humor. However, I realized this evening when I went out to my bike that both Dale and Clive are embarrassed of their motorcycles. So embarrassed, in fact, that they cover them up every night so no one can see what they ride. As a proud owner of a Victory bike, I leave mine revealed for the many admirerers to see — it’s like a sculptural masterpiece parked right outside the door of the hotel. I should ask for a discount for the business it’s bringing this establishment while we stay here.

“Brand anxiety” is a common problem among riders who don’t buy Victory motorcycles. Personally, I think that’s why Dale and Clive brought along a whole bottle of Crown Royal as well as a QUART-SIZE “flask.” They seem to be making good progress on both.


Tomorrow, we’re off to see Crater Lake National Park. According to the Google reviews (4.8 out of 5 stars), it’s an amazing sight and the source of some of the best photos some reviewers have ever taken. You can be the judge when you read tomorrow night’s post.