The Start North ------ Part One

With the tyres changed and new oil in the engine it was time to make a start north, even if it is still a bit wintry at times, we have to make a start and give Scott and Joanne some space again. Everyone tells us that it has been a longer than normal winter and a very changeable spring.

Scott and Joanne rode with us out of Nevada into California for the first day. Moving from the Sierra Nevada mountains and down to the west coast was a magical ride. Through gorges and valleys, moving from dry country to lush rolling green pastures was quite dramatic. To think in a months time all this green will be burnt to brown.

We rode our way across to the 101 North on the coast and had the Redwood Forests on our radar. Wow what a sight to see and to ride amongst them was something else, so tall, so straight and so old.

Crescent City on the coast provided us with our own live view of The Deadliest Catch. Fishing trawlers coming into port and unloading their catches and having them sorted on the docks. Very much hands on stuff and the catch of the day was Snapper.

Two days in the spiritual Redwoods and it was a turn inland to the state of Oregon for a two day ride to Crater Lake. Again, more rivers, trees, trees and more trees. We had a magic ride up to the Oregon Caves. One four mile stretch had 122 bends and switchbacks.

The day we headed to Crater Lake started out fine but soon became overcast. With the elevation we were going to climb to, we were sure to meet some snow on the way, and soon we did. Lots on the side of the road and the higher we went the higher the snow banks. It took some getting there but we were determined to do it no matter what. When we pulled into the parking lot at the top you could see people thinking, “Bloody crazy Kiwis again.”

Crater Lake was cold, stunning between the clouds scudding by and cold. Quick picture and down the hill for a warm coffee.

With a lot of the high mountain scenic byways closed for the winter we travelled across the old trail routes back to the coast and the Pacific Ocean. On the way taking in some of the interesting covered bridges that Oregon is famous for.