192 Sunshine and motorcycles.

    Early the next morning the sun was already warming the spacious transient home.  After her morning workout ritual Michelle was working at her heat press catching up on Bandana orders. 
     It was Sunday and Mike the home owner arrived with two of his riding buddies.  They were going for a ride and asked us to join them.   



The café reminding us that
it's just a pet and not some
ones lifeline.

    We rode up along the carefree highway and cut north on Highway 17 to a favorite motorcycle destination.  Take exit 242 on old Black Canyon highway you will find a family owned business since 1918.  Early travelers from Flagstaff to Phoenix stopped at the natural springs that still exist to this day.  Rock springs café, a quaint little spot with memorabilia and great food known for their pie.  

Not a great first date, but
she did have free drinks.

 From there the fellas were heading up to Wickenburg Arizona while the three of us headed back to Cave Creek.  We knew it would be busy as people that didn't ride all week would have their cycles out today


. 


Evidently related as their drinks
look the same!

Cave Creek is famous for Motorcycles and horses.  There are several tourist favorites in the little town from olive oil tasting to art and souvenir stores.  To keep up the western theme some even had live rodeo events.    One of the favorite stops for bikers is the Hideaway bar.  By now the parking lot was full and at the turn a guard was motioning the cycles to go past.  Signaling Michelle to go in with the comment "you, we will find room for" what! are we chopped liver?  Reminds me of famous 


Michelle belting out
the blues! Sing it girl!

night clubs. 

    I guess Michelle and her "Indian" have celebrity status.   Good for her!   Have you heard the one about a man that walked into a bar?  Or maybe a man walked into a bar sign?  Well here is a little twist on it.   Ruthie and I went to find a parking spot and comfort the feelings of our not so celebrity trike.   As we approached the area leading to the bar we seen Michelle visiting with one of her vendor friends.  Rather than walk around I cut across a small raised area with large rocks under the sign for the bar.  I had to duck to get under the sign (not a normal movement for me) and was turning to help Ruthie under the sign.  Unfortunately the sign was made into a "Vee" so traffic could see it

Donna?

from both directions, who knew?  I came up under the unseen sign and almost went to my knees, my God that hurt.  I think Ruthie made an unkind remark like "are you trying to kill yourself?" Even the perhaps naughty joke Michelle's friend was telling about his watch and the two lesbians didn't help.  Evidently this was not Michelle's first trip to the bar as she was acknowledged by many patrons and sang a couple of songs with the band to her mothers delight.  Not wanting to ride across the desert to Rio Verde after dark we called it a night early. 
     The next morning while the ladies were getting ready I rode to Scottsdale to pick up Ruthie's sister Donna.  She had flew down with a friend from Minnesota that was attending a workshop in town.  Ruthie was anxious to see her and had planned a day of riding to help her pass the time.  I should probably apologize for the picture above as Donna is actually much more attractive than the picture indicates.  Earlier I had found the "Freddie mask" and pulled a prank on Michelle, fortunately she has a strong heart and survived.  Hey, no one was hurt.  So get over it!  Finding it on the counter Donna not fond of having her picture taken used it as a shield. 

  Soon the ladies were ready and we headed off into the desert.   I felt pretty lucky escorting three pretty ladies.  Michelle has rode the area several times and led us out to Saguaro lake dam and marina for lunch.  A scenic area within 50 miles of the home we were occupying.  It was a great ride and I think Donna enjoyed being chauffeured around by her "little" niece and her Indian companion.  As often happens when we return to the bikes people were admiring what Michelle refers to as her "shiny bike".   I guess over 20,000 Swarovski crystals will do that.  It usually takes a little bit to get mounted wait for pictures and explain "why all the glitter". 

Hey! watch where
your putting your
hand!

It had been a great day and one more stop on the way home at "The hitching rail" just outside of Apache Junction was all we needed.  A photo opportunity inside their jail with some friendly tourists and we returned Donna to the motel and called it a day. 
    The possibility that we would be able to return and share Michelle's house made it even better.  A larger quarters to finish this years winter trip seemed very inviting.  I don't know if I have the heart to tell "Bobbie".  Tomorrow we leave to finish the other half of our circle ride back to Hemet.  After all we have guests coming to visit.  I do hope they like our tiny house.

 

Superstition Mountain. 

 

191 A circle ride

      The plan is simple.  A circle ride going East on interstate 10 to Phoenix Arizona see as many people as we can in a short time, drop down to the bottom of the state and return by another route.  However the frequent rain might make it a challenge.  

A quick stop for dental records and this car
from Idyllwild confirms why we
winter in the valley.

    Wednesday the 25th we bundle up against the cold knowing it won't be long before we are warmed as we pass thru the windmill pass and into Coachella Valley.

 

     Leaving Hemet valley the rise and fall of the road gives us glimpses of the Big Bear mountain and just before we enter the freeway by Beaumont it comes into full view, pretty impressive. 

         With freeway speeds it doesn't take us long to enter the pass between the mountains we have nicknamed windmill pass.  Both sides of the valley lined with windmills to catch the wind coming between the mountains.  On the other side temperatures ranging form 10-15 degrees warmer.  Feels good! 


      On the way to the Phoenix area we stopped at Indio and stayed over night with our vendor friends Larry and Lee Annette. They were making their signature thank you meal to the local moose lodge and we were invited to join in. A seafood feast. What a treat. And the best part we got to sit back and listen to Larry tell stories about his life. Lee has them to but she has to say “shut up Larry” to tell hers.

Reminder to drink your orange juice.

     One time I interjected that it was my turn to talk, I don’t recall that working.  For the most part we just relax and listen.  At one time one of them said he has told his stories so many times he has them numbered and on cue Lee says #98 and they both burst into laughter.  Fun couple.  A couple of days later.  Yeah, it takes me a while, I remembered the rest of the joke.  A man walks into a bar and people are yelling out numbers and the crowd is laughing.  After the bar tender explained what I just told you the newcomer thought he would try it and shouted out a number.  The bar was deathly silent. Looking puzzled the bar tender explained “some people can tell jokes and some cant”. 

      Both of their lives are filled with events that people not living on the edge may not understand. The ups and downs have made them what they are today. From the rolls Royce they owned that got 3 miles to the gallon, a pilot in Viet Nam, owning a motorcycle dealership to the time he almost rode the bucking bull. On a whim riding a dirt bike on a cross country track . Perhaps showing off a little on a jump spinning the handlebars cockeyed at the height of the jump apex for the traditional photo opportunity, that being the last thing he remembers of that ride. Waking up in the hospital broken ribs, broken arm, skin missing from his hand, said they cut a slit in his stomach to put his hand in to avoid infection. His comment on not being able to use either arm “Now that was inconvenient”.  
     Neither of us slept very well that night and after breakfast at Sloan's in Indio we were soon up to freeway speed on interstate 10.   Passing thru Quartzite with the qypsy RV'ers scattered across the desert almost made us feel normal.   The desert floor rising as we head East is offset by the Sun rising and it remains comfortable to us as we fly toward Phoenix.   About a hundred miles from our destination it warms as we lose altitude.   I feel a little strange mentioning that the cactus's that now appear in the desert give me a sensation of home coming.  How can a cactus give you comfortable feeling?   Got to be something wrong with me.  However ever one is different, some like the Mormons Joshua trees seem to have their arms (is that what they are called?  I would feel strange calling them appendages.) outstretched as if to welcome us.  Is the heat getting to me?  However there were 3 over by themselves that in my opinion had their arms displayed in an inappropriate gesture.  
     Arriving at our North Dakota friends Rod and Linda it felt good to get off the trike and relax.  Always friendly and caring it felt good to be among friends.  Linda is a great hostess and planner and today was no exception.   Today relax dine and play cards until late.  The 27th we hit the Mesa flea market, a traditional stop for tourist and bargain hunters.  At least a block or more of vendors offering wonderful deals and aisles of goodies to wander thru. 
     Prairie friend Wes comments often when planning a ride with Ruthie wondering how many people she will talk to.  So here we are a couple of thousand miles from Minnesota in a Valley with around five million people.  What's the chance.   Of course a shout of  "Hi Ruthie!"  across the crowded market space and Jackie approached  giving her a big hug.  A school mate of mine from Dover-Eyota High school.  We spend a few hours at the market.  Again more great food and cards until the wee hours.  Linda wisely retired early informing us of the next days schedule.   I believe there may have been a cautionary warning in there for Rod just to make sure he didn't stay up to late and miss tomorrows roll call.

January 28. Let's title this day Thrift shop marathon Saturday.

And the instructions said leave the house at 8:30 as there will be a line at Goodwill trying to make use of the 50% off sale. As soon as the doors open grab a cart, scatter thru out the store, fill your cart, text when your done, we will meet and sort our items. Then on to the next thrift store. Are you serious? We were on a trike filled to 110% capacity, there were only a couple items I wanted and one brought skepticism from our hosts. I mean seriously what are the chances of finding passenger armrest for a 1999 Valkyrie trike. Well that's what Ruthie wanted and by gosh I was going to find them. Since they weren't manufactured for them my plan was to manufacture a set for it. I remember seeing office chairs with arm rests on a single piece of metal that went straight down and then curved and bolted to the bottom of the chair. I figured if the metal strength was sufficient I could bend them to go down beside the seat and bolt to the fender underneath it. Its 8:30 ready set go! Not real good at following directions. I didn't think it was necessary to grab a cart. Trying to be a joker I tried to sneak some extra items into Rods cart, didn't work, evidently when you are in a thrift store you need to be vigilant and monitor your cart. I'm sure if we had been in a grocery store I could have put a couple of boxes of breakfast cereal in there and he would have paid for them and not been the wiser. But no, try and sneak one 6x18 inch decorative plague into his cart and Rod becomes Mr Security guard. So much for some fun. Checked out the office chairs, no arm rest. Found one to sit on until every one was done. A reprimand from Linda, you were supposed to text me when you were done! In my defense I thought before we entered the store she had said to tell her when I was done and I replied "I am done". Should have been sufficient I thought. Okay fine off to the next thrift store. This one was already open, I headed directly to the unsuspecting and unmarked Valkyrie arm rest section. Eureka or some other shout of joy. They had choices, a faded green office chair with cigarette burns on the seat and a tear on the side, however the arm rests were adjustable and the metal holding them was substantial. The other one was a safety hazard as I sat in it and almost went over backward to the delight of a couple of fellow thrift shoppers. Again the metal uprights were substantial. I phoned my co-rider for her opinion since they were a gift for her. I told her I was back by the furniture as the Valkyrie accessory section was not clearly marked. I didn't know if she would like the extra thickness of the one with the adjustable height or go for the sleekness of the solid ones. She went for comfort. It was half price day, of course that's why the hordes of shoppers were here today. I grabbed my prize and started pushing it to find an employee. It pushed like a shopping cart with a broken wheel. Avoiding several near collisions with my half tag shopping associates I finally found a blue shirted saint. Explaining that I wanted to pay for the chair, remove the armrests, and re-donate the chair back to Goodwill. He didn't seem to think it was as strange as our host did. I didn't think it necessary to tell him it was for a motorcycle. A hex head wrench a little monetary tip for his generosity snuck under our blog card since he wasn't suppose to accept tips and we were at the checkout. Half price brought it to $2.99, probably the cheapest motorcycle add-on ever.





Eureka!
I was done, went outside bought some Samoa cookies from the little girl scout outside, walked to McDonald's for some coffee, around the block to a bank for an ATM, back to Rods truck and relaxed for the next store. Ruthie was out almost immediately followed by Rod. After a crushing blow at the initial store I think poor Rod was a little disillusioned with todays mission. Even though he had rejected my addition to his precious cart he had managed to select several key items. However when he met for the prearranged group meeting to sort the items the group leader made him put every thing back. Evidently there was an undisclosed guide on what was an acceptable purchase. Perhaps the antique wall phone missing the speaking horn for $49 cut today to less than $25 that he had to put back was the deal breaker. He seemed crushed and although he tried to smile I'm not sure if he will ever be the same. He tried to joke that there was probably someone in there right now buying it with the idea of selling it to American pickers for $500 I don't think it helped. I couldn't look at him anymore. He was a broken man. I had hoped that the next store would lift his mood however I have to confess that my happiness with my purchase didn't help. In retrospect I should have just hidden my Valkyrie passenger armrest in the bag and kept quiet. I will have to make it up to him. The three of us visited, watched parking lot traffic and commented on the line of vehicles dropping off donations while smiling shoppers came out the other door with their purchases. Its going out as fast as their bringing it in. Soon, almost immediately, within minutes, before we knew it, after awhile Linda returned to the vehicle. We only had time for the two stores as they had golfing plans and we were headed to Cave Creek to visit daughter Michelle.










I can't believe I missed the

quilt display.

I was made aware of a change in our schedule, Michelle and her friend Bruce had invited us to go with them to a blue grass festival. Since it was South of the area by Casa Grande we met them not far from Rod and Linda's, abandoned the motorcycles and rode In Bruce's vehicle.


I don't believe I have ever been to a blue grass festival. Toe tapping, Leg slapping, hand clapping fun. American fun, and the home of the smallest metal bleachers made. Get to know your neighbor, if the seat is empty in front of you it makes a great footrest, if it is occupied spread your knees on either side of the strangers shoulders. I think there should be a rule that if you bring kettle corn to the bleachers you should bring enough for your new neighbors.






Dwarf car?
A miniature railroad display, hayrides, a car show, food vendors and the air filled with lively music. A great day. Now on to Michelle's quarters. A generous Facebook friend was renting her a huge home they were trying to sell. Sparsely furnished with a bed, card table, a couple of chairs and her bandana business supplies and work station. She seems to make do with what she has.



Michelle is a gracious hostess and we soon had a delicious Rib eye dinner complete with wine. An effort to use the phone's timer to capture the moment turns into a comedy event as I misjudged the timer. Our bellies and hearts full Ruthie and I settled in one of the rooms on a plush air mattress. Half circle complete we will spend a couple of days with Michelle before moving on.

190. Giving Notice!

Fancy personalized key fob courtesy
of Sterling, other side says Action
Actuator! Thank you very much!!

      With rain still around us and a pretty intense cycle ride planned in a few days I figured it was time to give the Valkyrie some attention. Shouldn't be too difficult, oil, filter and a few adjustments. What do they say about the best laid plans? Stopping at my motorcycle parts source, okay Walmart, I picked up my supplies. Pulled the Valkyrie into the barn just a few feet from our tiny home I changed the oil. With 129,827 miles on our trike it needed some attention. Normally we try not to ride after dark however a couple of miscalculations of daylight had brought the headlight adjustment to my attention. 

Bobbie and me,
a selfie.

I had also noticed a little vibration in my front fairing.  This brought to mind our initial trip to Hemet this year.  In an effort to keep up with traffic several times we had flirted on the high side of the speed limit on interstate 10.  Who am I kidding, we couldn't even see it anymore.  Keeping up with traffic on the highway track across the desert and a little acceleration at times makes it easy to run 85mph.  Just seems like the thing to do.  That day as we were coming down the decline to the Coachella Valley a pretty fierce wind was facing us and I detected a flutter in my windshield and fairing.   We were on a tight schedule that day so I reached out and held it with my hand and by the time we slowed at the valley floor it was out of my mind.   Now removing some panels for the headlight adjustment I find the two are related.  Evidently the vibration had stripped a couple of support bolts.   Okay not going to be an easy adjustment here.  Putting it back together enough to make the trip to Hemet I picked up some new bolts, nuts and star washers.  With my ever present sidekick "Bobbie" lurking near I made the necessary repairs.  Not that I don't trust her however since she constantly has to touch every tool I use and that one time when she touched my ear while I was laying on the ground, well let's just say I keep my eye on her.  "We" adjusted the headlight to the height of the blue painters tape I had put on a barn door and "Bobbie" and I stepped back to admire our work.   Better than new, we were both satisfied.  

     It seemed with the passing of the holidays that the joint activities we had enjoyed with our wonderful landlords was on the decline.   Lynda stopped updating their/our calendar and we had some time to access our situation.    Ruthie had been disappointed with the primary bed arrangement on arrival and with a couple of other daily inconveniences it was time to move and explore elsewhere.   But where?  Sterling had already suggested Vista California as an ideal spot and we had an economical lodging offer there, Michelle and friends were in Mesa AZ and we knew we had more areas to explore in Arizona.  Well we had a month to decide.

     Ideally we had wished to give our 30 day notice as a couple however our landlords schedule, the rain and month end pending prevented it and ironically I informed Sterling standing outside in a heavy rain (has it been seven months already?) while he changed propane tanks on our tiny home. 

Mamaaaaaa! They sound
just like a baby crying!



And the rain continues, this certainly has to be what our Coachella employers were warning us about, how did they know.  Record rain, mudslides, over 200% rainfall for the period.   On rainy days we played a lot of cribbage in our tiny home, I don't know if its the rain and lack of sunshine or if Ruthie is just to competitive, my goodness how she hates to lose.  I really didn't know she swore that much.  I try to be a gracious winner however it doesn't help.  Its late, I win again and she doesn't even ask if I want to play again.  "We're playing again".   She says in a commanding voice.  Am I a prisoner here?   "Trapped in a tiny house, forced to play cribbage."  Read his epitaph.  Fortunately our trip is coming up. 


With a hug like this who isn't
going to stop crying!

     January 23   We start making our plans for our little trip, Ruthie wants to see her sister Donna who is going to be in Mesa Arizona for a few days.  We decided to combine it with a little residence hunting, sightseeing and visiting.  Our goal is to be back in our tiny home by February 3rd to meet and. entertain guests.     During the evening hours the rains increased in intensity and evidently my 

I think I can fly!

Thesaurus friend Deanna had some concern about our safety as we were very close to the Diamond valley lake reservoir. 
We both have odd sleeping hours, so while our spouses were resting peacefully we carried on our conversation by texting.   Reassuring her of our safety and texting back and forth she found out we had a slim summer planned and said we might be "living on belly button lint and weenie water."  Certainly a new phrase for me.  She said her mother used to say that all the time.  Kind of made me wonder about her mother.   Who would say that to a child.    Of course now this morning after some thought I realize what weenie water is.  I apologize!  

   

189 It never rains in Southern California???

On our route to Temecula, we finally
took some time to get a picture.  Life size
pretty cool.

     Except this year, Lynda claims we brought it with us.  Rain and cooler weather hit the Southwest this year.  I'm not sure if we can lay claim to ending the drought in California.   however here are the facts, we arrived,  the rains came to the valleys, snow hit the mountains, the lakes and reservoirs are filling up, the aqueducts are flowing with fresh water.   Need I say more?   Coming from Minnesota where water is plentiful I have been intrigued how the area copes with infrequent rainfall.  While in Indio last year we were told that the water that nourished the large date groves was from the Colorado river.   Seemed impossible to me.  And now within a couple of miles of our tiny base camp is Diamond Valley lake formed by damming up the ends between two mountains is supposedly filled from a pipe filled with the same river.  Seems impossible. 
    Evidently there is a "Law of the River". Which sets rules for the amount of water each state can actually consume.  As of last year 60% of California's water supply came from the river. Using 20% more than they were entitled to.  Last year on our trip we had seen news coverage of fire departments rationing out drinking water to residents, seems impossible when Minnesota boasts over ten thousand lakes.  As far fetched as it seems to me the delivery system was originated in the early nineteen hundreds to procure water for the growing population of Los Angeles and the neighboring communities.   The water originates from the Colorado river at Lake Havasu in Arizona with several lift pumps it is raised to over 1800 feet above sea level flowing thru pipes, tunnels, mountains and open aqueducts to Lake Mathews in Riverside county California.   From there distribution lines disperses it to Southern California residents.  It is hard to imagine the planning and cooperation the system required. 
    Fine, you are welcome, glad we could help.   Using our heated gear we were still able to get some quality riding in between rainy days. 

The Stars!

     January 13 Lynda contacted us that a change in the scheduled activity for the evening.   One of her friends was performing at a local winery with a Latin dance club.  Unfortunately our landlords delayed their departure to long and we missed their friends performance.  The  winery parking lot was full, evidently a popular event.   A live Latin band provided the music and we danced and listened until the drizzle increased in intensity forced us away from the open air venue.

     Saturday 14th. Topless tasters?  The name of the convertible club they belong to.  Get it?  No top on their car, we were invited since our trikes has no top also.  And they do wine tasting.  However one of the ladies in the group (a smart Alec obviously) suggested that the "topless" was because the men had thinning or missing hair.  Not very kind in my opinion.    Nice cars Mark and Lisa showed up in their Porsche convertible, Gabe and Eva the Hungarians arrived in a Mercedes sports car and since we rode with Sterling and Lynda our steed was a Nissan sedan.
 Meeting at a Starbucks in Temecula we traveled down interstate #15 to the Belle Marie winery.  Nick from the winery spent a lot of time helping us with wine information and also places we should ride.
  

Lots of good information from Nick

      From there the caravan avoided the interstate and wandered along the scenic side roads to the Firehouse BBQ in Fallbrook,  from the back seat we enjoyed the view and then as we passed thru Vista California Sterling mentioned he thought it was the best place to live in California and would like to retire there.   Good climate and riding roads, I made a mental note to check it out.  We finished out the day playing Canasta and enjoying chocolate cake in honor of Lynda's birthday month. 

Claudine and Dominique,
with their grandchildren.

     Sunday a breakfast 
invitation from Anthony and Juliette to join them and her parents at the "Hangar One" café at the Hemet airport.  They were returning home for the summer back to the Dominican republic.  The conversation was laborious due to their heavy accent and background noise in the bustling café.  They were a joy to be around and at one point we were able to communicate how long we had been married.  He mentioned he and his wife were married in 1966, almost immediately he realized his mustang car was a 1966 and then in broken English he said they were both very comfortable.  His wife and Mustang that is.   I still smile when I think of that comment and the way he punctuated his sentences using mime techniques to tell his stories.  I wish I could spend more time with them.  
     Sometimes it is worth your time to visit the bathrooms on your trips.  You never know the humor that may be hidden there.   The hangar was no exception.   One wall hanging advertised that you could purchase plans for two dollars from coincidently a Mr White (I'm sure no relation to our landlords.) to build an airplane using a motorcycle engine. Another one above the urinal had a more urgent message.  Notice:  Old PT-22 pilots with short stacks and low manifold pressure please taxi in a little closer.  Certainly useful information for all of us. 
     After breakfast we headed out to explore some more.  A few miles away we stopped at the Winchester Arena one of the suggestions from our biker freind at Hells Kitchen.   As we drove down the lane beside the rodeo arena we were wondering if it was open today.  We had come this far we might as well check it out.  A single motorcycle and a couple of cars and two people sitting on the patio were the only signs of life.  Dismounting and heading up the side walk a voice rang out across the distance. "Its the Minnesota trikers"  now this is scary, turns out it was Nick evidently following his own suggestions.   It seems the bar had burned to the ground and was in the process of rebuilding.   The owner extended an invitation to attend a party they were having to watch President Trumps inauguration on Friday.  Not to popular an event in the area.   Might be interesting.


     Our next stop was a weekly Mexican flea market on the way to Temecula.  A couple of square blocks filled with vendors of every description.  You could purchase every thing from a parakeet to a taco, not at the same booth of course, that just wouldn't be right. 

Ruthie seemed interested in the clothes and jewelry.  I just wandered taking in the variety, spending a little time at the tools, new and used. 

       It had been a very busy week, the better part of the day had expired and returning back to our tiny home seemed prudent.  There is always tomorrow. 

 

 

188 Happy Birthday Lee Annette!

January 2, 2017      As previously arranged we met Sterling and Lynda at the San Diego airport returning from their trip to Idaho.  On the way home Sterling treated us to lunch at a Vietnamese restaurant in Escondido.   I think it was my first experience with rice wraps, might be a way to cut down on carbohydrates substituting it for bread.   Just a thought.    As we turned a corner a few miles from our tiny home Sterling's sharp eye caught site of a bob cat relaxing in the sun.   He didn't seem to nervous (the bob cat, not Sterling) as we snapped a few pictures from the car window.   Lynda still blames him for the demise of one of her goats.  
     It seems we try to crowd a lot into a short amount of time.   I think part of our problem if it is a problem is when somebody we care about includes us in something we don't want to miss it.  I've said many times if we don't go people might stop asking.  So off we go again!  
     The 4th we got a call from Lee Annette and Larry, friends we met at the Sturgis motorcycle rally.   Asking if we would like to meet for dinner.   They were hungry for Mexican so we suggested Sterling's favorite Las Vaqueros in Hemet, living a non traditional life style they travel in a class "A" motorhome from motorcycle rally to motorcycle dealer.   He pinstripes helmets and motorcycles and she installs accent lighting on motorcycles.   Imagine this burley Harley rider riding up and asking for an estimate to have LED lights installed on his motorcycle and this petite (I have to be careful here) elderly/ older/ matronly motherly appearing jeweled lady starting to work on your bike.   Interesting!  Always a fun evening the stories these two can tell.  I think at one point one of them said is there any one at this table that hasn't been in jail?   I guess we've lived a sheltered life.   A secret call from Larry the next day invited us to a surprise birthday party for Lee Annette on Sunday.  Great, another place to ride. 

Office Max Richard

      The 5th we rode to Indio to have lunch with "Office max Richard".   That's the way my contact filing system works.  Say I met you at Cactus Jacks you would now go in my contacts as "Cactus Jack Steve or Mary" or perhaps "Steve or Mary on the Blue Harley".   Just kind of a memory crutch for me.  Anyway we had met "Office max Richard" the year before in Indio and had a nice time with him and Patty.  We reconnected when I reached out to get some information on our trip up the mountain to Big Bear.   It was kind of nasty when we left Hemet however as expected as we started thru the windmill pass on Interstate 10 the sky's cleared, the wind subsided and it started to warm up.  That's why we tried to come back to the Coachella valley.   He had suggested we meet at his favorite Mexican restaurant.   

You guessed it, Chili Relleno!

Long before we arrived in Indio Ruthie had her eye on the GPS declaring that she was sure we were headed to the Mexican restaurant she had traveled to many times in her courier service for "Bobbie" and the ranch.  Seems it was a favorite to provide hors d' oeuvres for the ranch guests.  And of course she was correct.  We usually share a meal and I gave her just one request as I headed for the rest room.  "No Chile Relleno, Please".   One of my favorite Mexican dishes the one I had the night before was way to spicy for me.  I will stay away from them for awhile.  It was nice to see Richard again, seems during the summer he had been busy volunteering at a forest ranger tower on Big Bear Mountain and brought us a copy of an article they had done on him.  Of course the meal brought a surprise and Ruthie spent most of the time apologizing and explaining how it happened.  Fortunately Richard had a big combination plate and we did some swapping.  

Larry!

Jan 8th.   We rode over to the moose club at Quail Valley where our vendor friends were parked.   Unfortunately loose lips had spilled the beans and the surprise party was no surprise anymore.   As a gift to the club for allowing them to park there they were preparing a feast.  A huge bowl of jambalaya, a crab boil with shrimp, chicken wings, sweet corn and all sorts of good things.  Delicious.       

A feast. 

  At some point I overheard someone mention Lee Annette's 23rd birthday.  Trying to be delicate here, in my mind I was a little confused.   It seems that with everything she had accomplished, the roads she had traveled, people she had met that perhaps the number should be larger than that.  She kindly explained it to me this was her 23rd year "Clean" and she went on to say some call it clean and sober birthday however in her mind that is just repeating the same thing.   And yes her "belly button" birthday is different however we do not neat an exact number.  

Happy Birthday Lee Annette!

 

 

187 Hell's kitchen!

      Our landlords were in Idaho for a wedding and we were in charge of the ranch.    A world of difference from last year where it would have meant watching in excess of 15 horses some valued at over $100,000 .   This year it was some chickens, Boston terriers, 3 goats, two young turkeys and  "not Bobbie and Bobbie" the large white turkeys. 

     December 28,2017. The sun was shining so as soon as our chores were done we suited up and headed out.   When asked where she wants to go Ruthie's answer is usually "I don't care, I just want to ride".   The last time we went on the Ortega highway we had been in a hurry so this time I thought we would check out a biker bar named Hells kitchen.   Enjoying the ride up the mountain we buzzed past a look out and eatery. 

At the next wide spot we spun around and went back to see what we had missed.   A little hard to describe, inside the old building made you feel like you needed to duck down.   An opening allowed you to look into the grill area, looked cramped.  Knowing our goal was the other biker bar we just chose a soft drink from there large assortment of oddly named soda's.   Going up a couple of steps and thru a door put us out on a patio with a great view.  Lake Elsinore below us and snow capped mountains on the horizon, almost hated to leave.   I think we will return here some day and just relax.

    Just a few miles down the road put us in the parking lot of Hells kitchen, we were lucky we are able to travel on week days.  On a weekend the parking lot would be crowded with motorcycles. 

     Perhaps not politically correct one of the signs denounced opponents of "The real Donald" and a sign as you exited the parking lot warned you to preserve your place in heaven by leaving hell quietly.  We chose the large burger from the menu to share, we could have gotten by with a smaller version.  Very tasty however the highlight of dining here was trip to the "coffin bar".  

        Yes, an actual coffin with specific instructions how to open it.  See the lighted skull?   Pull it toward you to open, push to close. Break it and the sign warned of several thousand dollars to fix it.   We read the instructions several times, can't be to careful.   Joining a biker at a community table "Nick" was soon giving us tips on new roads and hang outs to check out.  Making quick notes our list is getting quite lengthy.  Riders are always anxious to share and give riding tips.  Nick went one step further and gave us two of his favorite music sources, Sara Mclachlan and Enya now I'm doing the same.  Check them out!  Thanks Nick!

De Luz road

       Back at the ranch the animals treated us like substitute teachers while the owners were away.  At night time one of the Boston terriers was nowhere to be found

     How was I going to tell Sterling and Lynda I had lost one of there favorite dogs our first day in charge.  A quick frantic search every where I could think of and still no "Winston". Okay now a methodical search and there he was resting up on a shelf inside the large dog house,  impossible to see unless you got down on your knees and looked up.   Hard of hearing he seemed unconcerned, "like oh, were you looking for me"?  

     Then "Bobbie" taught "not Bobbie and one of the youngsters to fly over to the neighbors.  Horses are definitely easier to herd and corral however these critters were easier to lift back over the fence. 

      The next day with future rain in the forecast and sun shining we decided to retrace  a road our landlords had showed us.   We are starting to learn the traffic patterns now and it is wise not to be headed North on interstate 15 anytime after 3pm anywhere close to Temecula.  

With that in mind we headed south on Interstate #15 and took the East mission road S13 exit toward Fallbrook.    Almost to the west end of Fallbrook you will find De Luz road.   

 Except for the fortunate living on this road there is no reason to be on it as it winds its way up and down the mountains, narrow at times.  And even with a small stream crossing it the scenery is beautiful. 

 No traffic allows you to just wander and check out the ranches and orchards on both sides of the road.  Missing a well marked road (to be honest, we didn't miss it we just made the wrong choice)  

  we went a little further than needed however just far enough to stumble on a different kind of farm.   At first we thought the field had rows of rocks lined up across the field.   However it was a gourd farm, evidently they stack them and remove the vines from the field.  The road had changed from blacktop to sand, and soon the sign warned us it was now a private road.  Time to turn around and head down the correct road. 

      Evidently it is already to late to apologize for the number of pictures on this post.  At least it will give me a chance to  explain what I go through when editing for a post.

      When we ride normally the co-rider sits on the back and snaps shots while we are on the move.  Obviously we see many things of interest (at least to us )  and now with digital cameras we have no limits.  On a ride like the one today the number of pictures taken sometimes even surprises us.   

 
     First I go through and delete duplicates, mistakes, poor quality and pictures of the back of the drivers helmet. 

 

     Next I try and choose a few that will represent the ride and what was the highlight of the ride. 

      Today I just gave up.   This is why we ride, around every curve is a scene to be enjoyed.

      Could be just another tree lined road. 

 

     Maybe a rock the size of truck with a tree struggling to protect the passing trike from disaster. 

 
     And then you reach the summit and there it is a panoramic scene waiting to be remembered. 

     The city of Temecula California filling the valley below and more mountains to climb on the other side.