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.