It has been said that we need just three things in life: "Something to do, something to look forward to and something or someone to love."
I have all three and after my runaway to CA again this year, it is even more evident of the degree of blessings in my life.
Originally I had expected to take the sidecar rig on the road with my husband. We packed the rig like the proverbial pack-horse and rolled down the highway.
To our dismay winds and malfunctions of the sidecar resulted in an almost unbearable fight against Mother Nature and mechanical misalignment.
In one last ditch effort to continue our journey we stopped at the first motorcycle shop we noticed which happened to be a Harley Davidson in OK. I found a short term solution in a "Throttle Boss" to continue down the road.
So after a valiant fight to prevail we gave up the sword and returned home for the car. At this point we were ready for a rest and the luxury of an air conditioned ride after the ordeal of the previous few days.
We were still determined to enjoy the westward journey despite of mode of transportation. So we stopped to enjoy food, drink and sights.
Enjoyed a few nice lodgings along our journey...
Always a good stop as you reach the desert...
Of course the first course of action when we arrived to CA and the family's home was a ride to the local dealer in downtown Bakersfield... and that was the first mistake or fortune to the next stage of Serendipity. [emoji2]
My cousin and I share a love of the road and in specific motorcycles. I spent the first few days with him checking out advertisements of motorcycles and other nonsense while enjoying the CA lifestyle… cool drinks and pool fun.
We checked out the Penny Bar at the McKittrick Hotel. Well it hasn't really been a hotel for over 40 years but... many people have been here...
We enjoyed scenic drives…
Then I saw “The Ad” A Goldwing Trike that was a beautiful sight to behold. Everything I thought I wanted and in my price range too. I could not wait to hop in the car and drive to Santa Barbara.
Well you know that I looked, I rode and I wrote the check. It was MINE!!!
After the initial thrill was over then the reality hit me… How was I going to get it home? My husband’s health was such that he could not safely drive by himself the distance home. So with calculation of costs in different scenarios I opted to drive home and catch a cheap Las Vegas flight back and then drive a rental car to CA.
Now this was ground breaking for me because I had evaded flying for my entire life. I had a fear of flying… flying through the air on motorcycles didn’t faze me a bit but off Terra Firma scared me to death.
However, I admitted to myself that I would face any fear for the prize of owning that beautiful Goldwing so off I went into the blue yonder.
Everything went smoother than I expected and I am sure the lady in the adjoining window seat is fully recovered from me grabbing her hand as we took off. I was much more calmer with the rental car. So with the rental car returned I was ready to start my real vacation. Riding the GW Trike.
First order of business was to meet up with the UUIAM. I was elated to be finally in his presence. I did not know if I should bow, curtsey or what so I just gave him a hug.
He was so delightful. We enjoyed a meal, good conversation and laughter together. I could not have had a better day. Thank you kind sir!
The ride home from his home could not have been any better. Cool breeze and wonderful scenery.
More riding was in order so off I went with family and friends to the beach. Another great day!!!
Some nice looking T-Bird…
All good things must come to an end and the family was calling me wondering when I would be home. In the back of my head I’m thinking to myself… never. Naw that is not true. My bank account says otherwise and I was glad that I was being missed. So the journey home began…
First day began about 6:30am with hopes of getting some miles in before the heat. Well I could not resist stopping way too much to see what peaked my interests along the way.
First Stop was Peggy Sue's 50’s diner. I swear I was expecting Flo from “Alice Diner” to walk over any minute. The staff were exceptionally friendly and wished me well on my journey home.
By the time I arrived in Las Vegas I was hotter than a two dollar pistol so I got a cheap room in a Casino. Now how lucky was that? Since life was running good I put a few coin in and got a few out. As always didn’t lose but didn’t walk away with the bank either.
The next morning (Day 2) would be riding north on I-15 towards Utah.
The scenery was magnificent and I was rejoicing in all of nature’s beauty.
Cave Fort
http://www.covefort.com
It was a long day until Grand Junction, CO.
Day 3 was a day of fantastic Colorado roads and scenery.
I even rode a train…
In the rush I did not have lunch so while aboard the train I enjoy the only available snacks… A Coor’s Lite, bag of chips and peanut M&Ms.
Now look at that tree… huge is the word.
The day could be described as "Mind was happy but my Butt was ready to rest" in Pueblo, CO that night.
Day 4 would be as hard as the first day with heat and winds… Toto we are in Kansas.
I had frequent stops for wetting down the cool vest and sipping on cool drinks.
As I approached Garden City I remembered Pepperide lived there. As luck would have I was able to reach her and set up a lunch meet. It was great to finally get to meet her. We enjoyed a lunch of BBQ and good conversation.
The heat would not let up & I was determined to make Wichita by that night. So I by passed all my plans to see Dodge City close up and personal.
I made it to Wichita and collapsed into bed. I had some leftover food from lunch in the cooler that served for dinner. I was too pooped to move out of the room. [emoji99]
Day 5 was the last day on my journey home. I woke early to get on the road and back home to family before lunch.
I came across several interesting towns in my journey home. Here is an impressive little town of Iola, KS.
I did not know there was a Gas, Kansas. There was plenty to think about as a person rides along.
Somehow my heart leaped as I saw this sign… I was almost home.
These were among a few faces that were there to greet me home. [emoji2]
It was a great adventure, new experiences and wonderful vacation. I only hope that you have enjoyed the picture journey as much as I had taking it.
So long Curt you are missed.
(putt putt putt)
oops I got off topic. 
I have found he left a hole in my heart and I miss him. He was a good friend. 
