Canada & USA 2015
- Thread starter austin
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austin
Well-Known Member
Re: Canada & USA 2015
Over to the Badlands of South Dakota today. Jeez, they are unexpectedly beautiful. Hot too. 39.5c by 1pm and stayed there. Too hot in just a shirt unless it was soaked in water. We gone for a motel tonight as it's too bloody hot to put the tent up and lie in that sweat box all night.
Oh, and the road from Mt Rushmore (Iron Mountain I think) is a proper mountain road and has three corners over 360 degrees - the road passed over itself on a trestle bridge. The longest corner was about 540 degree as it passed over itself twice - think of a corkscrew that's been pushed over a bit and that's how it was. It would have been a fun road except for the Harley's which held everyone up as they teetered around the corners. Utterly hopeless bikes for anything other than long straightish roads.
Sent from my iPhone with a smile
Over to the Badlands of South Dakota today. Jeez, they are unexpectedly beautiful. Hot too. 39.5c by 1pm and stayed there. Too hot in just a shirt unless it was soaked in water. We gone for a motel tonight as it's too bloody hot to put the tent up and lie in that sweat box all night.
Oh, and the road from Mt Rushmore (Iron Mountain I think) is a proper mountain road and has three corners over 360 degrees - the road passed over itself on a trestle bridge. The longest corner was about 540 degree as it passed over itself twice - think of a corkscrew that's been pushed over a bit and that's how it was. It would have been a fun road except for the Harley's which held everyone up as they teetered around the corners. Utterly hopeless bikes for anything other than long straightish roads.
Sent from my iPhone with a smile
Philwhiskeydrinker
Well-Known Member
Re: Canada & USA 2015
Hi Austin, waiting for the next instalment, in the meantime, remember this outfit - now fits (just about)
Phil
Hi Austin, waiting for the next instalment, in the meantime, remember this outfit - now fits (just about)
Phil
austin
Well-Known Member
Nice one Phil and Toby. Anne is cooing over the picture and says she wants another cuddle. He looks like he is going to be a big lad - in size 3-6months at just 3months.
On our trip we are now in Minnesota being eaten to death by Mozzies again. They are the worst we have experienced so far. It is probably something to do with the heat and humidity but we may be renting a camping hut at the next place we go so we can sit somewhere without being plastered in DEET.
The prairies from central South Dakota eastwards were, umm, big, and with lots of fields and not a lot else. We travelled on roads somewhat less travelled but this means there is absolutely bugger all there except field after field of maize, potatoes, wheat, sunflower, clover, and cows in every field that doesnt have crops. Towns marked on our huge scale map were tiny - population 8 was the lowest we saw on the welcome sign with 50 being the norm and consisting of a few usually run-down or derelict houses, a couple of mobile homes and that would be it apart from the huge grain elevators/silos - the bigger the place the bigger and more elevators/silos. Every now and then there is a bigger place of around 500-1000 people which has garages, shops etc. The roads are proper grid going either east -west or north-south. About every mile or so there is a crossing with a gravel road going to nowhere except the fields and perhaps a ranch house, and about every 15-20 miles a crossing with one of the north-south roads = usually a 4-way stop. There is very very little traffic so the riding is easy especially as the roads are arrow straight for tens of miles with just the odd kink to realign the road with a bridge or something. It sounds rather boring and it is and isn't at the same time. The alternative would be an interstate dual carriageway. The riding is not exciting thats for sure but its easy on the bike and rider/pillion as I am only doing 55mph most of the time, but as we have never seen all this before there is plenty of interest really and we have enjoyed it. Some of the ranches we see from the road are spectacularly located with broad views over the valleys and big grand houses surrounded by beautifully maintained dutch style barns.
We stayed at one of the bigger places a couple of nights ago in Faulkton camping on what in the UK would have been the village green for free (again), but when I asked about a restaurant or shop for food it was either a crisps or a hot dog at the petrol station, a burger at the "burger shack" or a 100 mile round trip to the next town where the shop might be open still and they thought there was a steakhouse. We had a burger, went to bed at 9pm and got up at 6am. God, we are living the high life
Other camping options in these parts of the USA are mostly the various state and regional parks but while beautifully located the camping is patchy in quality. Sometimes they are great with free showers, flush toilets, nice sweet water, and a nice grassy pitch, mostly though they are in damp shady woods, on a gravel pitch, with smelly drop toilets and sometimes non-potable water (needs boiling). These siites are geared for self sufficient RVs really. Fees are in the region of $15-$20. Kamp of America (KOA) has become a favourite, which although somewhat expensive at about $30-$35 a night are reassuringly similar in quality and facilities, and have especially good laundromats - or so Anne tells me. Although the one we are now at in Minneapolis is a bit of a holiday park so lots of kids playing around us - which is nice until they all start crying and fighting.
We are about 1 week to 10 days ahead of our "schedule" meaning that if we carried on at our current progress we would be back in Montreal 7-10 days before we needed to be. We are going to slow things down by staying 2 nights at each stop and go the long way round Lake Superior so we get to see it properly as on our way West it was so wet we didn't see anything. We are also going to an Ontario Moto Guzzi rally courtesy of Nick and will stay our final weekend in Canada with nick before the shortish ride in Montreal to drop the bike off. Then its a nice hotel and meal to celebrate our 30th Wedding anniversary before flying home.
And that's the update, pics another time
edit - mileage is now well over 12,000 so another service is technically due but it will have to wait until I get home unless I end up camping next to a BMW dealer doing cheap services.
On our trip we are now in Minnesota being eaten to death by Mozzies again. They are the worst we have experienced so far. It is probably something to do with the heat and humidity but we may be renting a camping hut at the next place we go so we can sit somewhere without being plastered in DEET.
The prairies from central South Dakota eastwards were, umm, big, and with lots of fields and not a lot else. We travelled on roads somewhat less travelled but this means there is absolutely bugger all there except field after field of maize, potatoes, wheat, sunflower, clover, and cows in every field that doesnt have crops. Towns marked on our huge scale map were tiny - population 8 was the lowest we saw on the welcome sign with 50 being the norm and consisting of a few usually run-down or derelict houses, a couple of mobile homes and that would be it apart from the huge grain elevators/silos - the bigger the place the bigger and more elevators/silos. Every now and then there is a bigger place of around 500-1000 people which has garages, shops etc. The roads are proper grid going either east -west or north-south. About every mile or so there is a crossing with a gravel road going to nowhere except the fields and perhaps a ranch house, and about every 15-20 miles a crossing with one of the north-south roads = usually a 4-way stop. There is very very little traffic so the riding is easy especially as the roads are arrow straight for tens of miles with just the odd kink to realign the road with a bridge or something. It sounds rather boring and it is and isn't at the same time. The alternative would be an interstate dual carriageway. The riding is not exciting thats for sure but its easy on the bike and rider/pillion as I am only doing 55mph most of the time, but as we have never seen all this before there is plenty of interest really and we have enjoyed it. Some of the ranches we see from the road are spectacularly located with broad views over the valleys and big grand houses surrounded by beautifully maintained dutch style barns.
We stayed at one of the bigger places a couple of nights ago in Faulkton camping on what in the UK would have been the village green for free (again), but when I asked about a restaurant or shop for food it was either a crisps or a hot dog at the petrol station, a burger at the "burger shack" or a 100 mile round trip to the next town where the shop might be open still and they thought there was a steakhouse. We had a burger, went to bed at 9pm and got up at 6am. God, we are living the high life
Other camping options in these parts of the USA are mostly the various state and regional parks but while beautifully located the camping is patchy in quality. Sometimes they are great with free showers, flush toilets, nice sweet water, and a nice grassy pitch, mostly though they are in damp shady woods, on a gravel pitch, with smelly drop toilets and sometimes non-potable water (needs boiling). These siites are geared for self sufficient RVs really. Fees are in the region of $15-$20. Kamp of America (KOA) has become a favourite, which although somewhat expensive at about $30-$35 a night are reassuringly similar in quality and facilities, and have especially good laundromats - or so Anne tells me. Although the one we are now at in Minneapolis is a bit of a holiday park so lots of kids playing around us - which is nice until they all start crying and fighting.
We are about 1 week to 10 days ahead of our "schedule" meaning that if we carried on at our current progress we would be back in Montreal 7-10 days before we needed to be. We are going to slow things down by staying 2 nights at each stop and go the long way round Lake Superior so we get to see it properly as on our way West it was so wet we didn't see anything. We are also going to an Ontario Moto Guzzi rally courtesy of Nick and will stay our final weekend in Canada with nick before the shortish ride in Montreal to drop the bike off. Then its a nice hotel and meal to celebrate our 30th Wedding anniversary before flying home.
And that's the update, pics another time
edit - mileage is now well over 12,000 so another service is technically due but it will have to wait until I get home unless I end up camping next to a BMW dealer doing cheap services.
itspossible
New Member
Austin, if you're coming through Thunder Bay again the room is still available. Looks like you're having a great adventure...carry on.
Ron
Ron
austin
Well-Known Member
Re: Canada & USA 2015
Three days ago 31c would have been wonderfully cool.. Now we are in Duluth it is back a pleasant 23c with light cloud cover. Perfect. We are also trying out a KOA cabin and liking it so far. Basic 1 room cabin with a double bed. 10mins after arrival we are settled in with last nights wet camping gear drying out on the verandah. I think we might get used to this. $60 a night though.
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nick949 said:Let's hope it's a little cooler where you are. It's stinking hot here today - currently 87/31
I hate it and am hiding in the basement.
Give me this any time:
Three days ago 31c would have been wonderfully cool.
. Now we are in Duluth it is back a pleasant 23c with light cloud cover. Perfect. We are also trying out a KOA cabin and liking it so far. Basic 1 room cabin with a double bed. 10mins after arrival we are settled in with last nights wet camping gear drying out on the verandah. I think we might get used to this. $60 a night though.
Sent from my iPhone with a smile
nick949
Well-Known Member
It looks like you could be heading in to some heavy rain. Check the forecasts Austin and perhaps hunker down until that front has passed through.
A low over Iowa is forecast to strengthen and track over western lake Superior by Wednesday evening. Rain at times heavy is expected to begin overnight. Current indications suggest that total rainfall amounts from this system are likely to be 40 to 50 mm by Wednesday evening. However, rainfall amounts could exceed 50 mm in some locales due to embedded thunderstorms. Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Rainfall Warnings are issued when significant rainfall is expected.
Nick
A low over Iowa is forecast to strengthen and track over western lake Superior by Wednesday evening. Rain at times heavy is expected to begin overnight. Current indications suggest that total rainfall amounts from this system are likely to be 40 to 50 mm by Wednesday evening. However, rainfall amounts could exceed 50 mm in some locales due to embedded thunderstorms. Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Rainfall Warnings are issued when significant rainfall is expected.
Nick
austin
Well-Known Member
Re: Canada & USA 2015
Booked into the cabin until Thursday
Morning. Thanks nick.
We have also decided to go along the south side of Lake Superior. Mainly because we don't want to retrace our steps even though we didn't see much on our way west. Also I get to bag two more US states
Sent from my iPhone with a smile
Booked into the cabin until Thursday
Morning. Thanks nick.
We have also decided to go along the south side of Lake Superior. Mainly because we don't want to retrace our steps even though we didn't see much on our way west. Also I get to bag two more US states
Sent from my iPhone with a smile
Stubbsie
Active Member
Nice one Austin, I rode the Iron Mountain, and nearly came to grief with a Canadian chap wobbling round the bends whilst I was nearly full chat on my FatBob !
Avoided rear ending him just ! !
The Badlands National Park is fab isn't it the colours are totally amazing too, have you seen any Rattle Snakes there, we missed meeting them.
Did you visit the Minuteman visitors centre we didn't but had a Sasparella instead .
Ride safe mate
Avoided rear ending him just ! !
The Badlands National Park is fab isn't it the colours are totally amazing too, have you seen any Rattle Snakes there, we missed meeting them.
Did you visit the Minuteman visitors centre we didn't but had a Sasparella instead .
Ride safe mate
austin
Well-Known Member
Re: Canada & USA 2015
No rattlesnakes but lots of stories from fellow campers and bikers about them. Like bears though they much prefer to avoid human contact.
Minuteman missiles - I "forgot" to go!! Anne had also pulled on of those faces and had said OK in that tone that meant "if we must" so it would have been a quick visit anyway. We were staying at Wall and there's two sites nearby which I sort of planned to visit the next day as we would go past one of them. Anyway as we left I saw a sign for a road that sounded more interesting than the one we were on and which took is away from the nasty big black cloud with flashes of lightning but took us away from the missile sites. Within 10minutes it was too far to go back for. Hey Ho, another trip maybe.
It's been pissing down here for about 24 hours now. We are so glad we got the cabin. It's even heated which is good as it is now just 15c which feels bloody cold after nearly two weeks of 30+. We went to the Aerostich factory shop yesterday and tried on lots of suits but decided they are not for us. At least I know I need a 48L if I change my mind. 15% discount though.
Duluth is also a surprisingly nice place - still an active port shipping coal, ore, grain and more down the Great Lakes and beyond. But a Nice vibe, nice waterfront and some old building make it feel familiar, And the size of Lake Superior just blows your mind - big waves, beaches, and massive ships just don't go together in a lake to my mind.
Sent from my iPhone with a smile
No rattlesnakes but lots of stories from fellow campers and bikers about them. Like bears though they much prefer to avoid human contact.
Minuteman missiles - I "forgot" to go!! Anne had also pulled on of those faces and had said OK in that tone that meant "if we must" so it would have been a quick visit anyway. We were staying at Wall and there's two sites nearby which I sort of planned to visit the next day as we would go past one of them. Anyway as we left I saw a sign for a road that sounded more interesting than the one we were on and which took is away from the nasty big black cloud with flashes of lightning but took us away from the missile sites. Within 10minutes it was too far to go back for. Hey Ho, another trip maybe.
It's been pissing down here for about 24 hours now. We are so glad we got the cabin. It's even heated which is good as it is now just 15c which feels bloody cold after nearly two weeks of 30+. We went to the Aerostich factory shop yesterday and tried on lots of suits but decided they are not for us. At least I know I need a 48L if I change my mind. 15% discount though.
Duluth is also a surprisingly nice place - still an active port shipping coal, ore, grain and more down the Great Lakes and beyond. But a Nice vibe, nice waterfront and some old building make it feel familiar, And the size of Lake Superior just blows your mind - big waves, beaches, and massive ships just don't go together in a lake to my mind.
Sent from my iPhone with a smile
nick949
Well-Known Member
Each one of my 3 nieces visited us from Brum when they turned 16. I was doing some work in the Thunder Bay area so Naomi, the first, came along with us.
On the way up, we stopped at one of the look-outs on the Lake Superior shore (during clear weather Austin). She looked for a while, then said,
"That's not a lake!" "You should be able to see across a lake". "That's some nasty foreign thing."
She was wrong, of course since countless lakes in Canada are far too large to see across. For a bit of perspective - the little lake behind my house, which even local people barely know exists, is as big as most of the lakes in the Lake District.
BUT, it's nowhere near as scenic!
Nick
On the way up, we stopped at one of the look-outs on the Lake Superior shore (during clear weather Austin). She looked for a while, then said,
"That's not a lake!" "You should be able to see across a lake". "That's some nasty foreign thing."
She was wrong, of course since countless lakes in Canada are far too large to see across. For a bit of perspective - the little lake behind my house, which even local people barely know exists, is as big as most of the lakes in the Lake District.
BUT, it's nowhere near as scenic!
Nick