WE ARE HOME SWEET HOME!!!
9 Days
7 States
4,169 miles
AND
1 trip I will never forget!
Only 7 more states to go!!!
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Canyon Trip - Day 8 - Sept. 1, 2007
We left our hotel around 7:30 and decided to drive back a little bit to visit Cadillac Ranch. This is a place in Amarillo, TX where there are 10 old Cadillac’s half buried out in a field with spray painted graffiti all over them! Very cool! I immediately grabbed a can and began to paint our names. It was really a lot of fun!
Our next stop was in Elk City, OK at the Historic Route 66 Museum. We spent some time here learning about old Route 66. The most interesting item I found was an old Marriage License framed on a wall. What was interesting about it is the fact that it was from Cape Girardeau County! It was a Johnson/Vandivort on December 31, 1882…needless to say, I’ll look for that when I get back to work!
Next stop was one that I’ve wanted to visit for a very long time…the Oklahoma City Memorial. They have created the most beautiful, serene memorial I’ve ever seen. One unfortunate thing was that we were too late to visit the museum, but the Memorial was enough. Seeing part of the building, the chairs in the plush green grass, and the reflection pool just left me very emotional with tear filled eyes. Bruce concluded that it just wasn’t meant for me to go in that museum. Looking back, I think he is right. It may have just been too much. I remember that day like it was yesterday. April 19, 1995. I most remember that famous photo of the fireman carrying the little baby girl, Baylee, who had died in the explosion just one day after her first birthday. This awesome memorial, the reflecting pond, the memorial chairs, one with each of the 168 people’s names that lost their life that day on them, and the remaining part of the bombed building was just more than one could take in. As we left, we passed a fence surrounding the Memorial area. This fence is totally filled with remembrances that people have left of their loved ones over the past 12 years. I definitely want to visit this place again. The grounds are just immaculate and the feeling one gets here is one of indescribable peace and serenity. It is a very calming place where there once was a busy city street.
We traveled on to Tulsa, OK for the night.
Our next stop was in Elk City, OK at the Historic Route 66 Museum. We spent some time here learning about old Route 66. The most interesting item I found was an old Marriage License framed on a wall. What was interesting about it is the fact that it was from Cape Girardeau County! It was a Johnson/Vandivort on December 31, 1882…needless to say, I’ll look for that when I get back to work!
Next stop was one that I’ve wanted to visit for a very long time…the Oklahoma City Memorial. They have created the most beautiful, serene memorial I’ve ever seen. One unfortunate thing was that we were too late to visit the museum, but the Memorial was enough. Seeing part of the building, the chairs in the plush green grass, and the reflection pool just left me very emotional with tear filled eyes. Bruce concluded that it just wasn’t meant for me to go in that museum. Looking back, I think he is right. It may have just been too much. I remember that day like it was yesterday. April 19, 1995. I most remember that famous photo of the fireman carrying the little baby girl, Baylee, who had died in the explosion just one day after her first birthday. This awesome memorial, the reflecting pond, the memorial chairs, one with each of the 168 people’s names that lost their life that day on them, and the remaining part of the bombed building was just more than one could take in. As we left, we passed a fence surrounding the Memorial area. This fence is totally filled with remembrances that people have left of their loved ones over the past 12 years. I definitely want to visit this place again. The grounds are just immaculate and the feeling one gets here is one of indescribable peace and serenity. It is a very calming place where there once was a busy city street.
We traveled on to Tulsa, OK for the night.Canyon Trip - Day 7 - Aug. 31, 2007
We met a man this morning at our hotel from Germany that is traveling on a Harley from Chicago to the Coast on Route 66. Way to go!
We left at 7:30 with very cool weather. Our first stop was in Albuquerque, NM. We visited the old town, and it was very enjoyable. We did a lot of walking, shopping, and looking. Then we hit the road and made only pit stops all the way to Amarillo, TX. We ate dinner at the Big Texan, home of the 72 ounce steak. If you can eat it in an hour, it’s free; otherwise, it’s $72. Needless to say, the Watkins’ passed on this one!
We left at 7:30 with very cool weather. Our first stop was in Albuquerque, NM. We visited the old town, and it was very enjoyable. We did a lot of walking, shopping, and looking. Then we hit the road and made only pit stops all the way to Amarillo, TX. We ate dinner at the Big Texan, home of the 72 ounce steak. If you can eat it in an hour, it’s free; otherwise, it’s $72. Needless to say, the Watkins’ passed on this one!
Canyon Trip - Day 6 - Aug. 30, 2007
We left Loughlin at 5am to avoid the heat. The temperature that early in the morning was already 93, but as soon as we got up out of town and into the mountains, it cooled off and was very pleasant. The main goal for the day was to visit the Grand Canyon and travel toward home.
Upon arriving at the Grand Canyon, the weather was awesome and so was the canyon! We even walked down into the canyon on Bright Angel Trail. It was quite an experience to see such a work of nature. We even saw some Indian pictographs painted on the side of the canyon. What a thing for Bruce to do on his 63rd Birthday!!!
After viewing the canyon we headed for Flagstaff and dodged rain all the way. Once we got through Flagstaff it was sunny, but lots of storms all around us. Our pit stop for the night was in Gallup, NM, and Bruce’s Birthday dinner was at Sonic…..he says that’s A-OK though!
Upon arriving at the Grand Canyon, the weather was awesome and so was the canyon! We even walked down into the canyon on Bright Angel Trail. It was quite an experience to see such a work of nature. We even saw some Indian pictographs painted on the side of the canyon. What a thing for Bruce to do on his 63rd Birthday!!!
After viewing the canyon we headed for Flagstaff and dodged rain all the way. Once we got through Flagstaff it was sunny, but lots of storms all around us. Our pit stop for the night was in Gallup, NM, and Bruce’s Birthday dinner was at Sonic…..he says that’s A-OK though! Canyon Trip - Day 5 - Aug. 29, 2007
We left Loughlin at 8am – hot already! First place to visit today was Oatman, NV, an old western town, kind of like you would picture an old west town in your mind. We ate breakfast at a saloon, looked at the town, and headed out.
Next stop was Lake Havasu City, AZ. This town was nothing like Bruce remembered. It was much larger than he remembered and it was VERY hot…115 degrees! We found Bruce’s Mother’s home. It was much different than Bruce remembered also. Lots of changes have been made, all good. It looked very well kept which made him feel good. We visited a model adobe square home that was beautiful! We also visited the London Bridge and saw the Candle Factory that Bruce considered purchasing years ago, but Craig’s taffy factory was long gone. In fact, not much activity at all at the London Bridge.
We headed back to Loughlin in the 115 degree temperature making lots of stops along the way. Laundry tonight, the head east tomorrow!
Next stop was Lake Havasu City, AZ. This town was nothing like Bruce remembered. It was much larger than he remembered and it was VERY hot…115 degrees! We found Bruce’s Mother’s home. It was much different than Bruce remembered also. Lots of changes have been made, all good. It looked very well kept which made him feel good. We visited a model adobe square home that was beautiful! We also visited the London Bridge and saw the Candle Factory that Bruce considered purchasing years ago, but Craig’s taffy factory was long gone. In fact, not much activity at all at the London Bridge.
We headed back to Loughlin in the 115 degree temperature making lots of stops along the way. Laundry tonight, the head east tomorrow! Canyon Trip - Day 4 - Aug. 28, 2007
We left Loughlin at 6:50 headed for Las Vegas. We detoured at Boulder City, NV to visit the Coffee Cup Café that we had learned about on the Food Network. Upon arriving, we immediately had a local take our picture with our bike outside the Coffee Cup. At this point, I have a feeling we are really looking like tourists! Then we went in, and the first person we saw was Big Al Stevens, the owner. We were so happy to be there and he was such a nice person! We talked about the show and took several pictures. Finally, we placed our order. Bruce ordered the Chile Verde omelet, and I ordered a breakfast sandwich with pancakes. Totally awesome food! Big Al is also a Hamster…you’ll have to get that story from Bruce as well. Anyway, we also met Al’s wife, Carrie. These people were very friendly and this was a wonderful experience.
From the Coffee Cup, we crossed Hoover Dam. This was a truly awesome sight as well. There is a new road being built literally from one mountaintop to another. Extremely tall!!!
Next stop was Las Vegas. It looked just like I thought it would. Very busy! We visited the Venetian, Caesar’s Palace, and several other casinos along the strip. By 2:30 we were ready to head back to Loughlin. The temperature was now at 107 degrees! Hot! 
Once we made it back to Loughlin, we took a look at the other casinos there, and concluded that Harrah’s is the best one there, so, we had the buffet again! Then it was a relaxing evening.
From the Coffee Cup, we crossed Hoover Dam. This was a truly awesome sight as well. There is a new road being built literally from one mountaintop to another. Extremely tall!!!
Next stop was Las Vegas. It looked just like I thought it would. Very busy! We visited the Venetian, Caesar’s Palace, and several other casinos along the strip. By 2:30 we were ready to head back to Loughlin. The temperature was now at 107 degrees! Hot! 
Once we made it back to Loughlin, we took a look at the other casinos there, and concluded that Harrah’s is the best one there, so, we had the buffet again! Then it was a relaxing evening. Canyon Trip - Day 3 - Aug. 27, 2007
We left Holbrook, AZ at 7am and 66 degrees headed for Winslow, AZ for breakfast. So far the weather looked ok. There has been lots of rain due to the tail end of hurricane Dean.
As we arrived in Winslow, we saw the most interesting display. It was two large beams from the World Trade Center and the flag from the Pentagon flew above them. Truly amazing sight!
Breakfast was at the Falcon on Route 66. Very large portions once again, and very good food.
As we arrived at Flagstaff, we decided to head south to avoid some rain and see the Grand Canyon on the way home. We took the beautiful drive through Oak Creek Canyon, which goes down a mountain with lots of switchbacks. A real treat after being in the desert for a few days! This was the most beautiful ride so far. While riding along, I looked around and I would never have dreamed I was in Arizona. All at once, we popped out into the most beautiful red rocks and mountains one has ever seen! Then I saw the sign…"Welcome to SEDONA." This was truly a magnificent place.
We decided we could use some iced tea so we began looking for a McDonald’s. We found one, but not by looking for the yellow arches…here, the arches are turquoise and the building was pink! Very southwestern looking. After our tea, we were off to see Sedona.
Our first stop was at Chapel in the Rocks; a church literally built in between rocks. Another beautiful sight. Across from the church, a southwestern mansion is being built. A local at McDonald’s that we chatted with told us that a Chinese Doctor is building it. He invented a form of laser used in surgeries. The house has taken over four years to build and over $4 million dollars and it’s not done yet!!!
Bruce & I decided we could live in Sedona, in a cute little square adobe southwestern house. We rode through some subdivisions that were just beautiful. After a little riding, the thunder began to roll and the skies grew dark. We decided to try to beat the storm and head to Loughlin, NV. We made it up Oak Creek Canyon before the rain caught us. We put on our rain gear and pressed on. Soon the rains stopped. The drive to Loughlin got hotter and hotter with a high of 102 degrees for today.
We got checked in to our room at Harrah’s and ate at the buffet. Then we relaxed and gambled in the casino a little bit. No big wins!
As we arrived in Winslow, we saw the most interesting display. It was two large beams from the World Trade Center and the flag from the Pentagon flew above them. Truly amazing sight!
Breakfast was at the Falcon on Route 66. Very large portions once again, and very good food.As we arrived at Flagstaff, we decided to head south to avoid some rain and see the Grand Canyon on the way home. We took the beautiful drive through Oak Creek Canyon, which goes down a mountain with lots of switchbacks. A real treat after being in the desert for a few days! This was the most beautiful ride so far. While riding along, I looked around and I would never have dreamed I was in Arizona. All at once, we popped out into the most beautiful red rocks and mountains one has ever seen! Then I saw the sign…"Welcome to SEDONA." This was truly a magnificent place.
We decided we could use some iced tea so we began looking for a McDonald’s. We found one, but not by looking for the yellow arches…here, the arches are turquoise and the building was pink! Very southwestern looking. After our tea, we were off to see Sedona.
Our first stop was at Chapel in the Rocks; a church literally built in between rocks. Another beautiful sight. Across from the church, a southwestern mansion is being built. A local at McDonald’s that we chatted with told us that a Chinese Doctor is building it. He invented a form of laser used in surgeries. The house has taken over four years to build and over $4 million dollars and it’s not done yet!!!
Bruce & I decided we could live in Sedona, in a cute little square adobe southwestern house. We rode through some subdivisions that were just beautiful. After a little riding, the thunder began to roll and the skies grew dark. We decided to try to beat the storm and head to Loughlin, NV. We made it up Oak Creek Canyon before the rain caught us. We put on our rain gear and pressed on. Soon the rains stopped. The drive to Loughlin got hotter and hotter with a high of 102 degrees for today.We got checked in to our room at Harrah’s and ate at the buffet. Then we relaxed and gambled in the casino a little bit. No big wins!
Canyon Trip - Day 2 - Aug. 25, 2007
We left Amarillo at 7am with very nice weather. The first stop today was at Tucumcari, NM at Kix on 66 restaurant for breakfast. Excellent food!
The rest of the day was mostly travel and looking at some shops along the way.
It’s a small world! We have met 2 couples in Arizona from Poplar Bluff. One was a truck driving team, the other were Marines that we met at the entrance to the Petrified Forest, which we plan to tour on the way home.
Now we are settled in for the night in Holbrook, AZ.
The rest of the day was mostly travel and looking at some shops along the way.
It’s a small world! We have met 2 couples in Arizona from Poplar Bluff. One was a truck driving team, the other were Marines that we met at the entrance to the Petrified Forest, which we plan to tour on the way home.Now we are settled in for the night in Holbrook, AZ.
Canyon Trip - Day 1 - Aug. 25, 2007
Our day started when we left home at 3am! Two reasons for this…1) to beat the heat…2) we wanted to make it to Jim & Wanda Thomas’ in Oklahoma City for the OK Chapter J Anniversary Rally and we needed to be there around noon.
As we headed out, the temperature was 72 and the sky was …well…dark! We did fine until we hit rain at Perryville, so we stopped and put on our rain gear, since that will make it stop raining. Let’s see, it hasn’t rained in how many days? Anyway, we did need rain, and it wasn’t too bad. We were lucky enough to keep the 72 degree weather almost all the way to Oklahoma City. The high temperature for us today was 90 degrees, which was not bad at all… it was actually pretty pleasant.
We arrived at the OK Chapter J Rally around 1pm and were welcomed in a big way, then they fed us really well…just what a couple of Goldwingers needed after a long morning of travel. Jim and Wanda took really good care of us. It was really good to see them again. After the meal, we purchased prize and 50/50 tickets and anxiously awaited the drawing. I seem to have a streak of luck going my way lately at these Goldwing functions and I guess luck is still on my side in OK. I won no cash this time, but I did win 6 prizes! We donated them back since we had no room for them. This rally was also a Watermelon Feed, so needless to say we had a huge piece of watermelon that really hit the spot!!! Thank you OK Chapter J and Jim & Wanda for making us feel at home and welcome. It was a very enjoyable afternoon.
Since the rally was over by 3:30 and the weather was so nice, we decided to say our goodbyes and press on and get as far west as we could today.
At a gas stop in Shamrock, TX we met an Iron Butt rider, Kendall Anderson. He was very courteous, but in a hurry! We did get a couple of pictures though! Bruce has the long version of this story, if you are interested.
Our day ended in Amarillo, TX….yes…once again, ahead of schedule, but we like it like that! Great day!!!
As we headed out, the temperature was 72 and the sky was …well…dark! We did fine until we hit rain at Perryville, so we stopped and put on our rain gear, since that will make it stop raining. Let’s see, it hasn’t rained in how many days? Anyway, we did need rain, and it wasn’t too bad. We were lucky enough to keep the 72 degree weather almost all the way to Oklahoma City. The high temperature for us today was 90 degrees, which was not bad at all… it was actually pretty pleasant.
We arrived at the OK Chapter J Rally around 1pm and were welcomed in a big way, then they fed us really well…just what a couple of Goldwingers needed after a long morning of travel. Jim and Wanda took really good care of us. It was really good to see them again. After the meal, we purchased prize and 50/50 tickets and anxiously awaited the drawing. I seem to have a streak of luck going my way lately at these Goldwing functions and I guess luck is still on my side in OK. I won no cash this time, but I did win 6 prizes! We donated them back since we had no room for them. This rally was also a Watermelon Feed, so needless to say we had a huge piece of watermelon that really hit the spot!!! Thank you OK Chapter J and Jim & Wanda for making us feel at home and welcome. It was a very enjoyable afternoon.
Since the rally was over by 3:30 and the weather was so nice, we decided to say our goodbyes and press on and get as far west as we could today.At a gas stop in Shamrock, TX we met an Iron Butt rider, Kendall Anderson. He was very courteous, but in a hurry! We did get a couple of pictures though! Bruce has the long version of this story, if you are interested.
Our day ended in Amarillo, TX….yes…once again, ahead of schedule, but we like it like that! Great day!!!Dragon Run July 26 - July 29, 2007
Nine bikes headed out bright and early Thursday, July 26. Our destination was Pigeon Forge, TN with plans to ride "THE DRAGON." Those going on this adventure were Dave & Linda Bollinger, Dean Riley & Zack Bollinger, Trey & Lisa Chiles, Marc & Becky Fulgham, Craig Goodson, Romey Brockett, Larry Slinkard, and of course, Bruce and me.
Dave Bollinger organized this trip for us, and what a great job he did! Friday and Saturday we took rides on some of the most beautiful roads we’ve ever been on! Bruce and I agreed that these rides were better than anything we’ve ever ridden on. Friday we headed for the Dragon by way of the Foothills Parkway. We all enjoyed the Dragon very much, and it was just as great as I remembered. This time was a different as a passenger. I sure could look around a lot more than last time when I was on my Shadow. We spent some time at the store at Deal’s Gap so that everyone had the opportunity to ride the Dragon again if they chose to. Picky (Dave) went down the road a little way and stayed there to take pictures as some of us went back by. After finishing up at the Dragon, we headed on to the Cherohala Skyway, which was another beautiful drive through the mountains.
Saturday’s ride got off to a little later start than we anticipated. We got a little rain overnight and everything was pretty wet, so we decided to leave around 9am. We began our ride by riding through Gatlinburg and Smokey Mountain National Park into Cherokee, NC. Picky was kind enough to plan this ride to make sure that those of us collecting little stars on our maps for riding all 50 states got as many new states as possible. It worked out really good because the roads he chose were awesome and we got the three new states we were after, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. Today’s ride was one of those that looked bad weather wise at times so we had the rain suits off and on several times but never did run into rain!! We did a good job of dodging it all day.
Sunday we headed home. After 4 days, 7 states, and 1,409 miles, this was the perfect ending to a great weekend on the ‘Wings with great friends.
Dave Bollinger organized this trip for us, and what a great job he did! Friday and Saturday we took rides on some of the most beautiful roads we’ve ever been on! Bruce and I agreed that these rides were better than anything we’ve ever ridden on. Friday we headed for the Dragon by way of the Foothills Parkway. We all enjoyed the Dragon very much, and it was just as great as I remembered. This time was a different as a passenger. I sure could look around a lot more than last time when I was on my Shadow. We spent some time at the store at Deal’s Gap so that everyone had the opportunity to ride the Dragon again if they chose to. Picky (Dave) went down the road a little way and stayed there to take pictures as some of us went back by. After finishing up at the Dragon, we headed on to the Cherohala Skyway, which was another beautiful drive through the mountains.Saturday’s ride got off to a little later start than we anticipated. We got a little rain overnight and everything was pretty wet, so we decided to leave around 9am. We began our ride by riding through Gatlinburg and Smokey Mountain National Park into Cherokee, NC. Picky was kind enough to plan this ride to make sure that those of us collecting little stars on our maps for riding all 50 states got as many new states as possible. It worked out really good because the roads he chose were awesome and we got the three new states we were after, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. Today’s ride was one of those that looked bad weather wise at times so we had the rain suits off and on several times but never did run into rain!! We did a good job of dodging it all day.
Sunday we headed home. After 4 days, 7 states, and 1,409 miles, this was the perfect ending to a great weekend on the ‘Wings with great friends.
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