I'm looking North toward Badwater, Death Valley. The rains have produced a lake that is probably 7 to 10 miles long on the floor of the valley. If you look closely, you can see some people standing along the right edge of the lake. 
posted by tom @ 10:43 PM
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Last weekend, we visited Death Valley, CA. Normally baren and windswept, the valley was alive with flowers. Yellow Cup flowers were everywhere and at the bottom of the valley was a lake. I'll try and post some photos in the next few days to show the dramatic change that has come over the valley since California has received sooooo much rain this winter.
posted by tom @ 10:31 PM
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Last weekend was Chapter CA1Y's poker run in Lompoc. We had 5 bikes from our chapter to up there and we met up with 60 ro 80 other goldwings from other chapters that were attending for the same ride.
Several years ago, we rode our motorcycle to Lompoc for the same thing. The weather turned cold and that Sunday, it rained. We were never so miserable as we were that weekend, riding home cold and wet. It was one of our first rides in that type of situation and we were not prepared. We vowed that we would not return unless there was ideal weather. We have since learned how to prepare and are willing to consider less than perfect weather.
But, this last weekend in Lompoc was great. The weather cooperated for us. It was warm and sunny going up on Saturday. We took some back roads going up but when we came to hwy 150, it was still closed due to the floods and rains that we had this past winter. So, we stayed on the main roads where necessary as we worked our way up north.
We stopped in Solvang for lunch at a nice little restaurant called "The Mustard Seed." They didn't have any dishes that featured mustard. Go figure! The worker explained that the name was more of a biblical reference so we let it go.
We stayed at the Best Western in town and had a great room. We had dinner at the little hole-in-the-wall restaurant next door. My dinner wasn't great, but it appeared that everyone else had a good meal. The prices were certainly reasonable. I had a top sirloin dinner for $10.95.
The ride Sunday took us throught the hills to see the vineyards and the fields where all the flowers are grown. It was too early in the year to see the flowers, but the hills were so green from the rains, it looked like we were in Ireland.
On the way back, the ladies persuaded us to stop at the outlet mall at Camarillo so that they could shop at the CHICO store. We spent probably an hour and a half as the women shopped. But they were happy and that makes us happy.
One last stop. Vicki and I and Ray and Nancy stopped at Northwood's for a nice dinner before we went the last few miles home. I love their cheese toast.
posted by tom @ 9:28 PM
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We had a wonderful time in Laughlin. It was a little windy going out there on Thursday afternoon but we got there in good shape. We arrived just in time as the chapter was meeting for dinner. We met them at the Italian restaurant and had a great dinner. We then went on to the hotel.
Friday, Vicki and I worked the registration table. If I didn't mention before, this rally is our motorcycle chapter's annual fundraiser. Participants register, pay money, buy tickets to win prizes, and generally get together to chat, socialize, and ride. After our shift was over, Vicki and I, our friend Mike, and several other people made a trip to Oatman to view the shops and just wander around. If you've never been to Oatman, you're in for a treat. There are burros that wander all over the area and come looking for food.
After Oatman, we continued our drive to the town of Kingman, Arizona and had lunch at a place called Mr. D's. Good burgers and home made root beer. What a treat. After that, we continued on our ride through the hills and desert back to Laughlin.
Saturday, we had the bright idea to try and drive to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. We made it about 130 miles to where we decided it was just too cold. There was snow on the sides of the road and the temperature was 37°. We ended up back at Mr. D's and had lunch before returning to the hotel.
Saturday night was a big banquet for all the riders. There were over 250 people that came to our rally. Many had come in previous years and always come back for more.
Sunday, we headed back home. Wind was still blowing but not as hard. The air had warmed somewhat and it was a pleasant drive. The desert was all green We hadn't seen it like that and just had to take some pictures.
posted by tom @ 9:38 PM
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Big weekend coming up. 4 days of travel on the bike. We will be leaving on Thursday noon heading to Laughlin, NV and then spending Friday and Saturday riding in the area, and then returning on Sunday. Going to be a great time.
This is Chapter CA1R's annual fund raiser also known as "Rally in the Valley." We are expecting over 200 participants and that translates to about 120 bikes or so. Should be great. I'll fill you in when we return.
posted by tom @ 11:15 PM
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Everything travel on the West Coast.
Lets just say I've been there - done that.
