Saturday morning we decided to head out for a short overnight trip. Packed up and headed north.
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Google Earth link of route:
S Wenatchee Ave to N Miller St - Google Maps
From Wenatchee, WA we headed up over highway 2 to Waterville, then to Mansfield, then Grand Coulee Dam. Fueled up there then continued north to Nespelem. Headed east over Cache Creek Rd to Hwy 21. There were a bunch of warning signs, "Fresh Oil", "Gravel on Roadway", and my favorite "Motorcyclists Use Extreme Caution". Lovely. Turned north on Hwy 21 and not a spec of oil or gravel in sight. The road was almost perfect.
About 20 miles south of Republic, I see a black blob at the side of the road. I let up on the gas and about fell off the bike when a bear ran across the road. eek!!! Lost sight of him as soon as he hit the tall grass and brush.
Got to the Lake and the campground was almost empty. A shame, cause it sure is a nice campground. Picked a good spot on a hill with a view of the lake. We had picked up some salad and chicken and wine in Republic, and after camp was set up, we had a nice dinner. I decided after that to take a walk on the trail.
Next morning we left around 0830 and headed north to Danville. Stopped in Curlew for some caffeine and had a chat with a guy that is looking to get back into riding. Made it to the border after dodging two dogs , two turkeys and a doe with two fawns. Since we have no passport, we couldn't leave the country (don't you just LOVE being a prisoner!!!). Turned around and headed back to Curlew then east over Boulder Creek Rd to hwy 395. Fueled up in Kettle Falls, then headed south on the Inchelium-Kettle Falls Rd. At Inchelium, we headed west over Bridge Creek Rd back to hwy 21. Saw another bear in Keller, wandering amongst the DOT trucks. Tried to get a pic, but he/she wandered back into the forest.
Back at highway 21, we continued south to the end of the pavement, and hitched a ride on the Keller Ferry. from there we picked up 21 again, south through Wilbur and to Odessa, where we turned west on Hwy 28, back towards home. barely made it to Ephrata, and my bike took 2.7 gallons of fuel. (Never again will I listen to the spouse and pass up a fuel stop
).
Was kinda breezy for the rest of the ride home, there were times when the headwind kept our speed down to 48 mph. Line of cars behind us were not amused. Oh well, no shoulder to pull off on.
It was a great ride, the only bad road was Bridge Creek. The west side was chip sealed and they didn't do a good job of it. The east side is still full of pot holes and frost heaves. if one had a mind to, they could make a fortune picking up all the tossed cans. I guess the folks on the res either don't care about littering or there isn't a road crew that does clean up.
We ended up doing about 520 miles, not bad for a quick local trip. Still trying to get the video camera properly adjusted, I took video of Cache Creek rd and Pine Canyon, but it was just too jittery. I think I have an electrical issue to deal with, as the charger is a USB cable to a 110V. I think my inverter messed everything up. Will be ordering a USB cable that I can attached to the Fuzeblock.
All Weather USB Hardwire Kit*-*Cyclenutz.com
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