Day 3 – Across Iowa State

I managed to cross Iowa state today. The weather started out perfectly – blue sky without a cloud in the sky. I had forgotten how big the prairies look – huge sky and signs that show up in the horizon that take 1/2 hour to reach. I had my first BMW pass me today – no doubt a volunteer at the rally trying to get there early. I later met a gentleman at a rest stop who had an old BMW, a newer Kawasaki 650 and a Harley – none of which he could ride because it hurt his hips. We talked for quite a while sharing stories of injuries (his were on the bike but while in the service). He was driving a large van which he called his ‘small one’. For Florida, he takes his 30 footer for better sleeping quarters. His companion was a rescue dog that he picked up in Florida on one of his trips. Then I saw a one-person plane go right over me – looked like he was having fun. Just as I was pulling out of the rest stop, an older gent (must have been late 80’s I guess) came and asked if I was going to Salt Lake City. He was on his way in his car – hadn’t missed one in 32 years. Hawkins was his name and I hope I see him there.
Cars on the state highways really move along at a clip. The posted speed is 70mph and every car passes me. I see state troopers pulling people over so obviously there is some sort of maximum but I can’t guess what it would be. The good news, no 1927 model T or the like passed me. I came across one section which was fairly fresh asphalt and it sure looked like it was starting to melt. Most of the highway appears to be concrete and as the temperature rose above 30, all the rubber tires on cars and especially trucks yield a high pitch shriek as they go by me.

As the day wore on, the temperature climbed and when I pulled into Bellevue (an old suburb of Omaha), the thermometer was reading 35 Celsius. At the hotel, one of the ladies in the backroom took pity on me and gave me a facecloth dunked in ice water – sure felt better in a hurry. Tomorrow, the prediction for Nebraska is even hotter hitting 39 degrees. So, the only thing I can do is leave at first light and wait while the hotel makes up my room since normal checkin is around 3:00 pm.
So, pretty well an uneventful trip so far which is what I was hoping for. On my return trip, I hope to take less state highways but only if the weather allows me to enjoy walking around.

Day 1 on the road

Had a slow start.  Last night I forgot where I had hid / stored my phone.  Honestly, how many places on a bike are there?  So, had to repack everything after I found it and that upset me so much I couldn’t get to sleep for hours.  Anyway, since I haven’t been on the bike for a long time, I had forgotten how much fun it is.   The border crossing at Sarnia was slick – only 4 cars in front of me and the officer was real friendly.  Got wet for a about 1/2 hour but no lightning.  After that, however, it started to get hot and by the time I was on I-69 heading towards my destination – a burg called Marshall, MI – the temp was close to 30.

So, despite being cut off once and almost side-swiped once, all is OK here in Michigan.  One does have to be vigilant all the time.  The patched concrete roads, however, are hard on the body – it’s like trying to go fast over speed bumps.  Looking forward to getting through Chicago early tomorrow and plan for a relatively short day of riding to Iowa.

West to Salt Lake City – startup

So 2 days to go and my bags are almost packed.  Decided not to travel with all my bags which means I’ll probably regret it later.  Leaving the tail or top case behind because it’s heavy, and, as the name applies, ‘top'[ heavy.  I will be updating my blog site as I travel – I’m travelling using hotels, motels and even one hostel along the way but all seem to have internet.  Also plan to use sherpa service at the BMW rally I’m attending in Salt Lake City.  Sherpa service provides a tent with cot and coffee delivered in the morning.  Not cheap but it’s right on the grounds so won’t miss any events.  I plan to arrive Wednesday July 12 but that’s subject to weather, bike and my noggin’ being all in shape, all the time.

Day 2 and I’m in Davenport, Iowa

Not an exciting day driving-wise which is always a good thing.  The weather was terrific, though with big puffy white clouds and blue sky. It didn’t get really hot (pushing 30) until late in the day. Tomorrow’s weather should be quite a bit hotter so I hope to get out there early and finish early. Got caught in terrible traffic going through Chicago.  They narrowed I-94 to 2 lanes and then split the lanes.  I ended up in the ‘fast’ lane which abruptly stopped.  It was like the construction team forgot traffic would be coming through.  We were barricaded between 2 sets of concrete walls and stopped with engines running overheating.  I was fortunate that it didn’t last  too long but we must have been there for 45 minutes at least.   Went passed a quite a few medical centre offices and signs. One office advertised ‘psychiatric services’ and ‘reconstructive surgery’.  Well it  got me thinking – what if they got the patients mixed up?  Seemed like a place to avoid.  Another huge billboard sign with a picture of a patient of a major hospital advertised  “I got my brain surgery here”   Well, who would believe a billboard like that?


As I entered Iowa, I noticed the big Mississippi river and an ad for Buffalo Bill (William Cody) museum so I dropped in for a 1/2 hour.   Lots of neat stuff of that era from clothes to rifles.  They had bowie knives from Davey Crockett, Jim Bowie- all the big names.  They had the last wooden paddleboat  to ply the river in drydock also in the museum.  Anyway, it was all in Leclaire. IA about 10 miles from Davenport where I’m resting for the night.

Which leaves me to one last thought – guess I didn’t get an A+ for planning this trip as I forgot the time changes.  So I almost arrived before the 3 PM check-in time.  Could have made it another 80 miles or more before packing it in.  Live and learn.

Day 16 to the mountain overlooking Santiago

Preliminary view of Santiago

With both of us suffering from a cold, Dave and I managed to persuade poor Steven and his sore feet to go the extra km (or 5 + km) to get us within 5km of the Santiago cathedral.  We expect to get an early morning view of the city tomorrow, get in line for the Compostela and attend a special mass for Pelegrinos at noon.

The weather today was perfect for hiking. It had rained over night but stopped by 7am which is when we got underway.  The barkeeper from last night served us croissants right out of the oven.  Of course there wAs one gynormous hill to climb and we all asked the same question ” why do they always build  cafes at the base of hills?”

 

 

Day 15 Only 27 km to Santiago.

Because of the view we were encouraged to see of Santiago early in the am, we have scheduled our hikes, in part, to be within 5-7 km of Santiago for Wed moening. So we have roughly 20km to walk tomorrow.

Today was cool but mainly sunny.  There was some fog as we climbed to elevations but not many photographic opportunities.  Still the wild and domestic flowers were pleasant.  Steve’s foot is really bothering him and he moves slowly.  So tomorrow may be a challenge.  We did find a fun restaurant owner who satisfied even Dave,’s palate.

Our delightful barkeeper

Day 13 and the long hike to Palas de Rei

Local city hall
Octupus Spanish favourite dish

A long hike today which for me means 25kms with a lot of hills.  We climbed 450 metres.   There was constant drizzle as well but it didnt really affect the hike but it  certainly removed the opportunity for photos. Dave Scribner joined us last night so we passed the time well enough.  We found a bar that will be showing the Real Madrid  vs Juventus championship game tonight