Hello all, Richard said that many of you would like my take on the trip to Talkeetna. I don't know how many of you know that this trip down was to see if I would enjoy traveling around with Richard for a week this summer along the western US coast.
I had gone to my back doctor the day before to get an adjustment, and tips for travel. There are times when I travel on an airplane that I can't sleep because my back really bothers me. He recommended a pillow for lumbar support, and to keep my knees bent, not straight. To prepare for the trip I also downloaded podcasts and audio books.
Since I had to work on Friday we planned on leaving around 3:00. The last hour I could barely do anything since I was so excited for the trip. 3:00 came. Some teachers gathered out front to see the rig. Here is where I would insert the before trip picture that I can't seem to add to this blog. Richard is somewhere playing with some home made air thingy for the bike. Hey, I figured it out! There is my "selfie" for the trip, and our friend, Jed, riding ahead of us.
It was in the 70's when we left. I had the air vents open in my jacket, and the electronics all set to go. I wish I could say some exciting things about the trip, but it was pretty uneventful. We stopped every hour. I was very comfortable and entertained. The scenery was fantastic, much better than my camera could take pics of. Denali (Mt. McKinley) was huge and beautiful. We saw a caribou. We arrived in Talkeetna around 10:00. The only complaint I had was that I was tired of the helmet for the last hour. The further south we got, the cooler it got, so I had to keep putting on layers. That's Alaska.
Talkeetna is a very interesting little town. Lots of Alaska history there. It is one of the oldest towns in Alaska. It was built as a stop for barges and ships going up the river. There is a historic Road House there that served delicious meals, and huge breakfasts. The picture isn't of the roadhouse, but of the general store.
Friends Bob and Sharon only came on Saturday. Sharon and I spent hours in the gift shops. I was glad I left my purse back at the campsite. I did go back later and purchase a beautiful quilted wall hanging of sandhill cranes.
The camping in a tent part was fun. I was very cold the first night. The second night must have been warmer because I was very comfortable. The was a building with a flush toilet and a sink with only cold running water. I found two places in town with warm water. Being a teacher I am very used to having clean hands.
The other activity I did in Talkeetna was geo-caching. I found 4. The last one was hard, but I had a young lady along with me anxious because it advertised to have books. Sadly, it had only magazines in it.
I really bundled up for the trip home. We were concerned that we would run into rain. Luckily the only rain we had were sprinkles. The next time I travel I will go in my winter skirt that Richard bought me for Christmas. It would be easier than the blanket I had wrapped around my legs. The heated jacket was a must for the trip home. It could be why I slept so much on the way back. Cozy and warm.
I had gone to my back doctor the day before to get an adjustment, and tips for travel. There are times when I travel on an airplane that I can't sleep because my back really bothers me. He recommended a pillow for lumbar support, and to keep my knees bent, not straight. To prepare for the trip I also downloaded podcasts and audio books. Since I had to work on Friday we planned on leaving around 3:00. The last hour I could barely do anything since I was so excited for the trip. 3:00 came. Some teachers gathered out front to see the rig. Here is where I would insert the before trip picture that I can't seem to add to this blog. Richard is somewhere playing with some home made air thingy for the bike. Hey, I figured it out! There is my "selfie" for the trip, and our friend, Jed, riding ahead of us.
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| Jed ahead |
It was in the 70's when we left. I had the air vents open in my jacket, and the electronics all set to go. I wish I could say some exciting things about the trip, but it was pretty uneventful. We stopped every hour. I was very comfortable and entertained. The scenery was fantastic, much better than my camera could take pics of. Denali (Mt. McKinley) was huge and beautiful. We saw a caribou. We arrived in Talkeetna around 10:00. The only complaint I had was that I was tired of the helmet for the last hour. The further south we got, the cooler it got, so I had to keep putting on layers. That's Alaska.
Talkeetna is a very interesting little town. Lots of Alaska history there. It is one of the oldest towns in Alaska. It was built as a stop for barges and ships going up the river. There is a historic Road House there that served delicious meals, and huge breakfasts. The picture isn't of the roadhouse, but of the general store.
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| There are 5 bikes in this pic. 4 are Urals. |
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| Bob and Sharon leaving |
The camping in a tent part was fun. I was very cold the first night. The second night must have been warmer because I was very comfortable. The was a building with a flush toilet and a sink with only cold running water. I found two places in town with warm water. Being a teacher I am very used to having clean hands.
The other activity I did in Talkeetna was geo-caching. I found 4. The last one was hard, but I had a young lady along with me anxious because it advertised to have books. Sadly, it had only magazines in it.
I really bundled up for the trip home. We were concerned that we would run into rain. Luckily the only rain we had were sprinkles. The next time I travel I will go in my winter skirt that Richard bought me for Christmas. It would be easier than the blanket I had wrapped around my legs. The heated jacket was a must for the trip home. It could be why I slept so much on the way back. Cozy and warm.
Wait a minute everybody.......I just read the blog from 2 days ago. MONKEY? That's what I am? Oh well. yes, I am ready to cover the continent now. I hope you enjoyed my blog..
ReplyDeleteA great write-up Bridget! I think you should be the main writer for the upcoming trip....it'll give more time for Richard to pull maintenance on the rig. ;)
ReplyDeleteSo very glad you liked riding in the tub....
Richard is solo on the upcoming trip except for one week when I join him down in Oregon. I can't be gone for 2 months. I have work to do!
DeleteYeah Bridget - I'm so glad you enjoyed the test ride and are ready to explore the world (or at least the continent to start) in the sidecar. Also glad to finally hear your voice. So when do the two of you plan an Eastern visit via the Ural? I have lots of hand sanitizer I'd be happy to share.
ReplyDeletePS: Don't know where the term 'monkey' came from but I've got to wonder who's the monkey? Is it the one swinging from the handle bars or the one sitting snug and warm reading her kindle, enjoying the scenery from the side car?)
Richard is riding solo this trip, except for one week when I join him in Oregon. I have company coming in July, a trip to Seward with a few friends, and a house to declutter.
DeleteMaybe when I retire we'll go east.
Great write up Bridget!
ReplyDeleteSounds like that Ural side car is the cocoon of warmth and comfort, and not the rattlecan of misery I suspected.
Well done you two. You may have found retirement adventure heaven.
Thank you. I didn't realize so many would like my writing.
DeleteGood job, Bridget! I like your style. Good photos, too.
ReplyDeleteThanks, I wasn't sure if anyone would really enjoy this.
DeleteLovely write-up, Bridget! I hope that we will read much more from you while on the big road trip.
ReplyDeleteI believe the term "monkey" is commonly used in sidecar-moto cross races, meaning: you are a pro!
SonjaM is correct, just google for videos showing sidecar racing, you'll note the "monkey" throws himself about the sidecar in order to keep the rig from flipping over during the high speed turns ....
DeleteSorry, no monkeying around for me, well, it does sound like fun.........
DeleteI am glad you enjoyed the trip Bridget.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds as though you are a go for riding with Richard this summer. Maybe one day we'll even get to meet since we are in Corvallis.
Thanks for doing your trip report.
I will be seeing you in Corvallis. I look forward to meeting you.
DeleteBridget, so good to hear from you in this format. I'm really hoping that this is only the first of your posts....and rides! More please?!
ReplyDeleteHi! Yes, more rides and more posts. I'll write when I'm traveling with Richard in July.
DeleteBridget, tell Richard you need a little iPad work station in the side car, with a work light, vibration dampers and a Bluetooth keyboard, with a dongle to import photos from a camera card. Also, you'll need camera and GoPro mounts, and electrical feeds to keep it all running.
DeleteLastly, tell Richard to by one of these for the monkey to launch repeatedly during the trip:
Lily camera drone
Large pictures! Nice. I am fairly certain one of them shows someone in shirt sleeves so I assume the "camping" was carried out in an indoor movie set?
ReplyDeleteHello Bridget! Nice to hear from you! what a lovely adventure! I think the side car would be great gun to ride in and take in the sights. I have seen side cars that are covered with a roof so to speak, it would be nice in rainy weather. The advantages of side car rigs is storage
ReplyDeleteOy Autocorrect on my ipad is driving me nuts! I meant to say 'I think the side car would be great FUN to ride in and take in the sights.
ReplyDeleteNot sure if I could snooze in it with a helmet on though and I tend to get sleepy when I am a passenger. I wonder if you could get one of those fancy enclosed side cars that I've seen, they would keep the rain off, but not sure what the helmet requirement would be for that.