Today, a much-needed departure from politics…
The three-day Veteran’s Day weekend opened with an unusually beautiful Saturday, for the cold, soggy Pacific Northwest. Heidi and I were busy with errands, but that didn’t stop me from making a quick call to her dad, Joe … “We have got to go for a ride.”
All three nephews came over Saturday afternoon, and the rest of the day was spent playing video games, taking them to the YMCA, making home-made pizzas and more video games. (I learned that my “old” Xbox isn’t cool anymore)
Sunday morning, after fixing the boys a blueberry pancake breakfast, their folks picked them up and I checked in again with Joe. He was game, the weather iffy. It had become much colder and the rain had been threatening all morning.
About 2 p.m., we set out – joined by Chris, the three nephews’ dad. Our route would take us from Puyallup up the valley to Orting and following the Carbon River into the woods past Lake Kapowsin and into the Ohop Valley. Final stop would be a late lunch in Eatonville and a highway speed sprint home on Pacific.
The photo to the right shows a farm along the road between Kapowsin and Ohop Valley (taken on a much nicer day!).
Chris has a very nice 2003 Shadow Aero. Joe and I ride much smaller and much older Honda Shadows (mine is a 1985 and Joe’s is an ‘83). They’re nearly museum pieces, but what the heck? I’ll work on getting a newer bike next year.
Back to today … Two words: Damn cold! But very fun. The rain held off and we caught some glimpses of the mountain. The roads were sufficiently windy and there was no ice to be found.
Today’s ride paled in comparison with our ride two weeks ago. Then, it was crisp and sunny with bright blue skies and fall colors. Our route then took us to the little-used Carbon Glacier entrance to Mt. Rainier National Park. A stop at a Carbonado biker bar for chili cheeseburgers capped that day.
Funny thing is, we had intended to make trips like this all summer – when the weather was actually nice. Now that winter is closing in, we’re finally hitting the road. Better late than never. This may well be the last ride for the winter.
