(August 12, 2009) We are currently in Iowa at dear friends, Danny & Judy, in Centerville, IA.  Our first day started Sat. Aug.8 at 4AM to beat the heat (that's a joke).  WE FROZE!  Got to Vegas for breakfast at 8AM and enjoyed a few moments of warm until we entered the restaurant...needed our coats to eat...again we froze.  We had a wonderful ride to Cedar City, UT.  We arrived at our exit to have the bike quit.  It acted like we were out of gas, but the gauge said we had a 1/4 tank and we had only gone 165 miles.  Our friends came to meet us at the freeway and we called rescue-plus...after giving us gas we were fine...combination of possible causes...high altitude, steep grade, and bad gas (water)...had no problems since.  God has been so good to us.  Once at our friend's house, Bryant & Penny, Bryant got his bike out and we went for a 2 hour trip thru Cedar Flats...a small Bryce (canyon), but just as beautiful...again cold.  We had a family barbeque that night and went to church and Sunday school the next morning.  We left Cedar City, UT around 1PM and headed for Meeker, CO.  Beautiful drive...arrived in Meeker around 8PM, but had to watch carefully for deer and antelope grazing.  We stayed with a GWRRA family (Bruce & Peggy).  Very interesting couple...natural health food people and had made slumgullion for us out of elk...very good.  Peggy was a retired professor at a medical school and was an inventor of exercise equipment for recovering knee surgery patients.   We left Meeker, CO around 9AM for Denver area.  Since we had a shorter ride day, decided to go north thru Steamboat Springs (first Wing-Ding) and north thru Rocky Mountain Ridge road to Estes Park; absolutely gorgeous!  It was slow going, road construction one lane, and having to stop for elk in the road.  We were at about 12,000 ft. with snow and high wind...so guess what?  Again, we’re freezing!  We got a few sprinkles for a few minutes on the way to Commerce City, CO (northeast side of Denver) where we stayed with Mike & Becky, an MTN family (Motorcycle Travel Network).  They had dinner for us and had a nice visit.  After breakfast we headed for Manhattan, KS ...a long hot day 500 miles where we stayed with Barry & Karen, another MTN family.  They each had beautiful Harleys.  Again, God protected us as the day before in that area we would have traveled thru a storm with torrential rains and 100 mph winds.  God has been so good to us.  Today we had an easy ride of 300 miles and nice temperatures.  We are now enjoying the company of dear friends transplanted from Lancaster.  Tomorrow we hope to get as far as Elkhart, IN and next day Niagara Falls, Ontario, both 8-hour riding days.  Catch you up when I get a chance. Love you all...wish you were with us. Bob & Nancy Clark

(August 18, 2009) We left Centerville, IA on the 13th, 8AM and started traveling east.  We did not have an arranged place to stay, but thought we could get to South Bend, IN.  When we arrived there, we discovered we could go further, which would shorten our ride the next day to Niagara Falls.  We went as far as Toledo, OH, arriving about 8:30 PM, and stayed at a Super 8 at a truck stop.  What can I say?  At least it was a bed!  We couldn't find a store to get a bottle of wine, so had to settle for diet Mountain Dew.  Left again on 14th after having breakfast at a local restaurant where we were given great directions by the locals and the waitress.  They told us to take Lake Shore Drive along Lake Erie instead of the toll road interstate all the way to Cleveland, OH where we picked up the interstate again. We arrived at the border, Buffalo, NY about 3:30 PM only to creep in the line to cross the bridge and go thru customs; the only hot part of the trip that day.  GPS got us directly to our home to stay in St. Catherine's, ONT where we stayed with MTN member, Walter.  He was very interesting as he had come from Austria 46 years earlier, met the love of his life at Niagara Falls, and never moved back.  They had been well traveled on their motorcycle and had great plans for this year also, but Marge, his wife, died suddenly this last March.  He loved talking about her.  He showed all around the area where we had dinner in Dalhousie.  Next day 15th, he gave us a tour of Welland Canal...like the Sioux Lock in Sioux St. Marie...on the St Lawrence Seaway...we saw a ship go thru the locks...then we went to Niagara-on-the -Lake...the original capital of Canada...with many historic homes and buildings...from there we traveled to Niagara Falls....What A Wonder!!!   We went on the Maid of the Mist where we went right up under the falls...well as close as the water pressure would let us.  Needless to say, we got wet, but it sure felt good as it was very hot and humid that day.  We spent hours at the Falls, before returning to Walter's.   Left Walter's the morning of the 16th traveling to Michigan, via London (Ontario).  Again, we had to wait at the border to cross the bridge and go thru customs.  When we arrived in the US, we decided to take a longer route by way of HWY 25 which loops the thumb Lakeshore Drive around Lake Huron.  We drove into some rain for about 2 min, again which felt good as it was hot.  God blessed us as we could see how much rain had been dumped before we got there.  We ran into a few more short showers, again no more than a minute.  We arrived at Reed City, MI about 6PM.  Saw my folks car at the Moose so stopped.  They were not home earlier so we were not able to call and let them know we were coming.  They were surprised when we arrived, and at first didn't recognize me in my helmet hair, so were confused when I said we were staying the night.  It took a few minutes, but then they were tickled pink to think I came for her birthday.  We will be staying until Aug. 23 when we’ll head out for Chicago for 2 days with my cousin.  Only problem we've had is that my intercom cord has shorted out my mike...could be a blessing for BOB!...but he gets upset when he can't hear me when I tell him what exit to get off on...we've managed.  Update you from Chicago. Having a great time. Bob & Nancy Clark

(August 25, 2009)   Hi everyone, Sorry for the long silence...we have been in Michigan at my parent's since the 16th..where we have no email access.  The weather was good for us all across our traveling miles and then rained while we were at my parents.  We spent the week going to their Dr. appointments and going to the VFW & Moose clubs.  We had a nice family reunion for my mother's 80th birthday on the 22nd.  It was great to have all us kids together under one roof with several grandkids and 2 great-grandkids.  We left Reed City, MI on the 23rd for Chicago.  Again we had rain-free travel even though we saw the rain clouds off to the west of us.  We arrived in Chicago in about 5 hours.  We are staying with my cousin and her husband, Marilyn & Gary, in their condo on Lake Michigan waterfront...12th floor...across from Soldier field...what a view!  Monday, the 24th, we took a lake & river architectural tour that was great...then we walked all over Michigan Avenue, the magnificent mile, and Navy pier, and then met Marilyn & Gary for dinner downtown at Water Tower Plaza.  They had given us bus passes to travel around the city.  Bob has been suffering with a stiff neck, so a soaking in the hot tub and the a massage chair and heating pad seemed to help.  Today, Tues. 25th, we set out on a double-decker bus tour of Chicago, on & off all day...it was great.  Now we are awaiting dinner...Chicago stuffed pizza...can't be in Chicago without a  true Chicago pizza.  We are leaving in the morning for Rochester, MN where we will be staying with Tom & Mary (MTN family)...about 350 miles.  May not have internet access for a few days so will fill you in as the opportunity arises.  There are supposed to be thunder storms tomorrow, but I'm hoping they will be short as we will be traveling in the opposite direction as the storm.  Back to you soon, Bob & Nancy

(August 29, 2009) Hi Everyone, Bob & I left Chicago Wed. AM Aug.26, in the rain.  We thought we’d waited out the rain, but it started up again as we got ready to leave.  But again we were blessed as we were traveling north out of the rain...we had about 40 min. of light rain and 20 min. of road spray and then we were out of the wetness.  It was the first time we put on our rain gear.  We traveled to Rochester, MN where we stayed with a MTN couple, Tom & Marge.  They ride BMWs and have traveled a lot.  They have rode to the Arctic Circle, Nova Scotia, New Zealand, and most US states...quite the adventurists.  The next day we traveled to Sioux Falls, SD and stayed with Jord & Linda, a GWRRA couple.  After dinner they gave us a tour of Sioux Falls (to the falls...yes they have falls) and then to a baseball game...had a great time.  Friday, Aug. 28 we headed for Rapid City, SD...lots of wind and cold temps.  We avoided the rain that we could see both to the north and south of us.  We took a side trip to Mitchell, SD to see the Corn Palace...a huge palace decorated with murals made of corn cobs...amazingly elaborate and changed each year.  We also took the badlands loop thru Badland Natl Park...beautiful country.  Only interrupted by an urgent call from my son to tell me he was going to lock up my dog as he was tired of him and his dog getting into mischief.  We arrived at our next host, James & Dorothy, a GWRRA couple, in Rapid city, actually about 20 min. up into the mountains in God's country...I think we could retire there.  We had dinner of spaghetti made from the buffalo Jim had killed earlier this year.  Jim is a safety instructor for GWRRA from SD to Chicago and has 5 gorgeous bikes.  We left early this AM, Sat., Aug.29, to travel through Keystone, SD, down to Casper, viewed Crazy Horse Monument (partially completed), on down the Needles HWY, rocks with eye of needle and 1 car tunnels, then over to the Iron Mtn Hwy and the pigtail.  On this curvy switch-back road we encountered several occasions of buffalo herds owning the road.  You just have to wait them out...you don't argue with a buffalo.  One baby decided to nurse from her mama buffalo in the middle of the road so traffic was backed up in both directions for over 10 min. until she was full.  Further down this road we went thru 3 separate 1 lane tunnels each which framed Mt. Rushmore as you went thru them...amazing.  During this stretch of road the road does a complete 360 turn looping under itself via bridge twice...thus the name...pigtail.  We went on to take pictures of Mt. Rushmore, full face and also the profile view of George.  From there we went to Deadwood to see the old cowboy town and the graves of Wild Bill and Calamity Jane.  We are staying in Spearfish, SD tonight at a great Super 8...the GWRRA member got back to us after we had already checked in so missed out on meeting another fellow rider.  Tomorrow we are going down thru Spearfish Canyon and hike 2 of the falls...from there we think we will move north and west to Devil's Tower and from there we haven't decided...we'll be looking over the map tonight.  Weather has been great..actually a little cold.  Having a great time..Get back to you later. Bob & Nancy

(September 2, 2009) Hi Everyone, Well, where was I?  Oh yes...Spearfish, SD.  Sunday morning, Aug.30 we left touring down Spearfish Canyon along a beautiful stream with back hills on both sides.  We stopped at Bridal Falls along the road and then further down hiked about 1/4 mile to the bottom of Spearfish Falls....amazing.  We looped the canyon ending up back in Spearfish.  On to our next destination.. Casper, WY.  Along the way we detoured up to Devil's Tower.  Thought it was going to be just a big rock sticking out of the desert, but what a surprise...it is a volcanic plug of geometric columns fused together...breathtaking...we even were able to see 3 crazy people climbing the vertical shears.  On to our next stay with Ken & Debbie, a GWRRA couple.  We traveled down a lightly traveled road with extreme winds.  We arrived where they put us up in their motor home with freedom to stay as long as we needed.  But we needed to travel on the next day to Salt Lake City, UT for Aug. 31.  Update you later....be home soon. Bob & Nancy

(September 2, 2009)   Hi Everyone, Sorry for the short entry earlier, but breakfast was calling and had to sign off.  Before we left Casper Mon. AM, Aug. 31, we went by Fort Casper (the oldest original fort still standing...according to the locals).  Leaving Casper, WY, we took HWY 220 to 289 to pick up the I80.  It was a chilly AM, but a wonderful ride thru the open range where the deer & antelope play...really!  We only saw another car about every 3-5 miles, but lots of wildlife.  Bob said it reminded him of what the pony express must have experienced. We experienced extreme winds all day, but comfortable temperatures. Along the way we took a side trip by Fort Bridger...a fort that was the splitting point for travelers going to Oregon, California, or Salt Lake.  Mountain men and trappers still come once a year to trade their goods at this fort. One thing you do not want to do in WY is to miss a gas station...the next one maybe 150 miles away!  We know because we had a scare...missed the truck stop and only had about 40 miles left...pulled off at an exit that had a building with big sign "GAS"...it was closed...boarded up.  Nothing around...didn't know if we should turn back 35 miles or try for further west...God took care of us again...a guy in a company car pulled off at the ramp from the west...he thought he was lost and called his company for directions...he didn't know he wasn't lost, but was our little angel sent by God to tell us there was a gas station just 15 miles up ahead to the west. On to Salt Lake City, UT where we stayed with Dave & Beth (MTN couple).  We were glad to get out of the wind.  We feel like such babies when we hear all the adventures all of our hosts have had.  Dave & Beth also had gone to the Arctic Circle and they go to all the MC rallies as CMA sponsors. They were getting ready to go on a 7 day river raft trip with their raft the next day.  They also are very involved with Ride For Kids...and Dave is "Santa" every year in Florida.  They took us to dinner and then fixed us a great breakfast in the AM and scooted us out the door so they could get ready for their rafting trip.  Off we went...Tues. AM, Sept.1,..destination Reno, NV....530 miles of salt flats, desert and strong winds. We finally used our cool vests. Again we were told to gas up at any station you see, because the next one is 100 miles away or more. Off to Reno where we stayed with, Doug & Sara (MTN couple) in a beautiful home above Reno, overlooking the city.  We had a wonderful time visiting...Bob & Doug admiring bikes and sharing adventures.  This couple had a map of all the roads they had traveled...amazing.  They have a new bike, as they had recently taken out a deer and lived to tell about it.  We will have to go back and stay with them again for a few days when we can ride the roads around Reno & Tahoe with them.  Again after being fed with great food and conversation..Wed. AM, Sept. 2 we headed for home.  The ride started out beautiful and cool...along mountains, streams, Mono Lake, and down to Lea Vining where we were told to be sure to eat at "Whoa Nellie Deli", then on to Bishop.  We donned our cool vests, scarves, etc. and headed home.  Air quality was very bad due to fires in Yosemite and finally here in Lancaster...also needed to make several stops to cool us down...but WE ARE HOME! A couple things I have learned...don't assume that because it is August that it will be warm everywhere... and jacket liners won't be necessary...also in Wisconsin, Minnesota, S. Dakota, Wyoming, & Nevada, get gas when you see a station...long time between anything out there...and last, but most important...you don't want to follow a livestock truck, and when passing, you want to do it quickly.  If I think of any other words of wisdom for traveling, I will let you know.  Thanks for traveling with us...we had a blast...now on to district rally in Bakersfield...see you there. Bob & Nancy