Day 12: Visalia to Carmel

Not much time to write this morning about yesterday's ride.  I didn't take any pictures along the way.  Curt and I escorted Brian to a Harley dealership for them to check out a primary chain noise, which turned out to be a-ok.  We met the others at the Hog Breath Saloon and took a few pics.  First a few of the ocean and Carmel, then the Pub.

Along the walk to the ocean in Carmel

Guess what Curt discovered in Carmel...Hint:  some kind of a tasting.

The Pacific Ocean

Where we ended up settling in here for the afternoon

Enjoying a cocktail

David, Jim, and Tom

What a cute couple!!

Brian and Joy

Jim

Curt

Hanging out, just having a bit of fun.

The girls

The boys

Bev, Brian, and Curt

"Look Pretty!"

"Look Silly!"

"What happened when you first saw your husband 'au natural'?"

"What did you like about him the most?"

Hangin'

Day 11: Sequoia National Park to Visalia, CA

I think we bit off a bit more than we could chew today...at least for me.  Can you imagine having TOO much fun?  Or, enjoying a meal so much that you say, "Enough!!"?  The ride today was one of the most remarkable rides I've ever done.  I can't even begin to describe the beauty of Kings Canyon Road.  It's a 35 mile road that has a dead end.  Yep!  After seeing some of the most incredible vistas and riding some great switchbacks for about 90 minutes, you have to turn around and go back the same way you came.  Unbelievable.

And, this was after entering Sequoia National Park and seeing some really REALLY big trees.  

Here are some pics of Sequoia:

Big trees

Me, in front of a big tree

David and Joy, posing in front of a big tree

A big tree

Brian and Darlene, with a big tree behind them

Susie and Guido with some big trees behind them..

Curt standing near a fence

This one is for Nan (Jim's wife who normally rides with us).  She couldn't make this trip and we miss her.  We just want you to know, Nan, that we miss you, and the weather really sucks.  Just yesterday there was a jet contrail clouding up the sky.

Then, it was on to King's Canyon Road.  What a drive!!  I'm a veteran biker, and I've ridden many of the best roads in the country.  So, when I say, "I've had enough for today,"  you MUST believe me when I say this was one of the best rides ever.  My pictures don't capture it, because I can't take pics while driving.  But, here are a few I took when we'd stop to rest.

The view over the edge was straight down..I guess that's why it's called a canyon.

Can't capture the magnitude of  the scenery

The bikes at a vista

Getting ready to get back on and hit the road

The Yucca were in full bloom.  They were all over the place.

Time for bed.  Early start tomorrow to the ocean!!  Carmel by the sea!

Mike

Kevin is on his way?!!

We confirmed yesterday that Kevin is on his way to meet up with us!!!  He couldn't make the trip when we left, due to the unexpected loss of a close friend.  But, he's on his way!!  I wonder when he's going to make a blog entry, updating us as to where he will meet up with us?  Last I heard...he was in Amarillo...

Recall, Kevin made the ride with us last year...the ride that started this blog.

Day 10: Yosemite

Long days, and wicked busy nights, trying to keep up with all these people who run me ragged!  I'll try to catch up quickly on Day 10's ride through Yosemite.  It started very cold with ice on my bike.  It seems that the water sprinklers went on during the night, and, since my bike was parked at the end, it got wet, and the water froze.

Ice on my bike...

Some neat falls near Mammoth Lakes, on our way to Yosemite

Group pic #one million

Dave, Ruthie, and Ron

Then, on to Yosemite.  What a beautiful place!  Pictures can't capture it.  You have to see it up close and personal to appreciate its beauty.

Guido at a rest area

Curt

Incredible scenery

Dave and Clara taking it in

My office

Moi

Half Globe Mountain

Curt by Half Globe Mountain

Darlene and Brian

Susie and Guido

Fred and Jim

Joy and David

Hunter allowing a VERY curious Chinese young lady to sit on his bike.  It was hilarious.  She spoke no English, but when she got off, she fanned her butt.  He taught her the word, "Hot."  She said it back.  That was the only English I heard from her.

And, of course, she struck a pose while Hunter used her camera to take a pic, and I used mine.

One of the many beautiful Yosemite falls.

It was just breathtaking

Susie

David and Joy