Reason: Experience...I learned last year you won't wear half the clothes you pack and I streamlined my camping gear.
With the exception of my sleeping bag, the camping gear is all packed in my Wolfman bag and strapped to my passenger seat, on top of a Rotopax spare gas container (parts of Alaska gas is scarce). My sleeping bag is in one pannier, the other is empty. My rear top box is a third full, holding 2 pairs of jeans, 4 T-shirts, some underwear and socks, a pair of hiking shoes, and toiletries. Lastly an iPad and Pay Day candy bars. That's it for up to 6 weeks!
Monday morning is here and here's the obligatory departure pic...déjà vu from last year...
So it was off to Paradise, CA to stay with an old friend, who I worked with for about 20 years, until he retired in 2003.
CouchSurfing is an awesome setup. Online site, whereby people connect and either host travelers in their home or are hosted by other 'surfers'. I was hosted last year, while on my trip, in Victoria, British Columbia. Patty and I have hosted people from France and Denmark. All of the hosting is 'gratis', which really cuts down on your travel expenses! It's also a great way to meet and make new friends!
It's a pretty ride thru NorCal on my way to Bend, OR. Here's a view of Mt. Shasta peeking out of the clouds!
So, I arrive at my host's (JJ) home in Bend, OR, we get acquainted, then we are off for Happy Hour bier and wine tasting...
After visiting Bend Brewing Co. It was some wine tasting at The Naked Winery, then to JJ's country club for a final 'round'...
Here's a view of the course (looks like Scotland!)...
In the morning it was 'up and at em' and off to meet Mike, who I worked with at LA Center, and recently transferred to Spokane, WA.
On the way to Spokane, out in the middle of nowhere, I spotted this and had to pull in for a photo op...God Bless America!
Mike was hosting me for the evening and after meeting his family and a great outdoor meal (thank you Jenny!), it was off to sample some of Spokane's craft biers, at Manito Tap House...
Mike's family dog, Max, took a liking to me and slept with me all night...
In the morning it was out on the road again and off to Rathdrum, ID to meet up with Scott, my partner for the next number of weeks, as we head up north of The Arctic Circle, in Alaska! Stay tuned...
