Travelogue

Photo Break on June Lake LoopAt this point it seemed to me that this trip might finally be coming to a close. Once over the Sierra, it would be back into the agricultural central valley, and then into the major populations centers of the coast. I began to think about dragging my feet a bit to see if I could make this go on just a little bit more.

But first, there was another day of riding, through some of the most spectacular scenery on the west. First highlight was continuing around the picturesque June Lake Loop. It is actually a loop from 395 that people take just to enjoy the views of many picturesque lakes and mountains.

Next up, was the ascent up route 120 to the highest elevation point of the trip, 9951' As I carved the bike up 120 towards Yosemite's Tioga pass, I could almost not believe my good fortune. While the pass was open, and provided the only access to the park from east of the Sierra, it still had a lot of snow piled up on the side of the road. Fortunately, the Park had done a great job plowing and I had a perfect patch of mostly dry asphalt to plant my tires. The views of the canyons, cliffs, mountains, and lakes that drifted by my helmet were not unfamiliar to me. I had seen these very same sights several times before. However, then they were from behind the wheel of a 7 ton motorhome.

View out the TentThe experience of driving a motorhome verses that of a motorcycle could not be more dissimilar. The weight and width of the motorhome is always a concern both ascending and descending the narrow switch backs into the Valley. Conversely, the bike becomes weightless between my legs, and the bike has both power and brakes to easily traverse the steepest and narrowest terrain. I was a state of bliss that could only be achieved by watching the incredible vistas of Yosemite pass by my visor unencumbered by the steel shell of a car/motorhome.

Every sensation is amplified. The smell of the pine trees, the temperature changes as you descend into a valley or out into the sun, the snow melt and gravel on a decreasing radius turn, all serve to restrain the focus upon the present. No concerns about the future challenges that would await me were able to penetrate my helmet and mind.

As I approached Crane Flat, the spell was broken, and I began the exit from Yosemite's magic to enter the flats of California's agricultural central valley.

Making Breakfast in the TentBut the trip wouldn't be over yet. I had planned a few days of rest and relaxation in the sun at a resort outside of Sacramento. With directions from the phone, it wasn't long before I had arrived.

I found a suitable location for my tent. Right on the shore of a lake that would have a perfect view of the sunset. I made my dinner, had an beer or two or three, and fell fast asleep to the croaking of frogs.

In the morning, I knew that I should have some physical exercise. Riding the bike cross-country is not without effort, but it doesn't provide any kind of aerobic exercise like the 3.5 mile trail run that I did that morning.

A morning of lounging and reading in the sun soon turned into a mind race list of issues that would have to be addressed when I was finally reunited with both the Lazy Daze and Subaru Forester that we had left in storage.

A reunion with my spouse was also on the list of highly anticipated items. While traveling alone on the motorcycle the daily routine left little time for loneliness. That, and the fact that I know Lolo wouldn't have been able to endure so many hours as a passive passenger, made it easier to be a solo traveler. That too would soon come to an end.