DAY 5:

Hi everyone --  Boy,  we're loving this captive  audience we have. Thought we would go 

ahead and give  you our impressions of today's ride. We left our Best Western in Bozeman,

Montana early enough to swing by a local McDonalds for a not so good  breakfast, wind

our way through an accident scene,  endure even more Montana roadwork (Interstate no-less)

to "Finally" make it the northern entrance to  Yellowstone National Park.  I've waited

for over 20  years to hear Lynda's impressions of our first  National Park.  I wasn't 

dissapointed.  I can't tell  you how many times I've heard "I feel like a Bobble head,

You know - checking right, left, and center for  a new or different animal or vista". 

We saw Bison,  Elk, Fox, all kinds of water fowl, not to mention the amazing Geothermal

features in the park. After Old  faithful fired off Lyn said "That's one more thing I 

can say I've actually seen".   The ride out of the park saw us riding through some 2"

rain as Lyn called it -- for me it was more like a  1/2" rain -- ept splatting against

my eyes.  We made  it out of the park and into the Grand Tetons by 6:00 (ish) and 

finally into Jackson, Wy. by 7:30.  Got a  great room and are thinking about heading 

out for some  steak and Mushrooms....  Grand Tetons -- Spectacular  -- Jim only wishes

there was a motorcycle route  through them.    More tomorrow, from somewhere in "wide

open  Wyoming"...    Jim & Lyn  

DAY 6:
 
Howdy everyone....
 
   Well today we rode a little over 450 miles,  not a huge long day,  but we didn't 
have any "sites" on our list of things to see, but we were very pleasantly surpised by
the spectacular scenery today and some excellent roads.
 
   We left Jackson, Wy. a little before 9:00 this morning after having a pretty good 
hotel supplied continental breakfast and a discussion with some other Goldwingers about
their trailers (I'm getting closer to getting one for our bike!).  Jackson is such a 
great little tourist town -  a place we'd love to have a home in, butis quite expensive
-  one lady put it this way  --  The Billionairs bought out the Millionairs who had 
bought out the locals.  Oh well - We'll have to plan a yearly sojourn there. We picked
up US-287 just past the Grand Teton/Yellowstone turnoff.  287 turned out to be a really
excellent road for riding.  The highway took us over a 9668 foot Topowwithe pass that
was really spectacular.  Near the summit we saw a sign that said "Road Work for 24 
miles ahead".  Luckily the road work didn't start till we were nearly in Dubois ...  
But oh what a mess that 24 miles was!  We then picked up US-20 and road through the 
Wind River Canyon on our way to Worland for our lunch, and our one big stop of the day
in Greybull at the Bighorn Quilt Shop.  --  Lynda paid their rent for the next month !!
:-)  We took US-14 out of Greybull which took us over the Bighorn Mountains and the
9066 foot Granite Pass.  This is truly a spectactular ride, both up to the top and 
down the other side,  but there is a very long 15-20 mile stretch of perfect high 
altitude meadows and forest land that the highway just meanders along.  The downhill 
side into Sheridan is, as far as I'm concerned, a big bike riders dream - high speed 
sweeping curves and technical switcbacks all on really excellent pavement.
 
Today was yet another really hot day although thru the mountain passes, it was cooler.
Lynda still has to "mist" herself, and at one point, she just poured the whole water 
bottle on her.  That kept her a little cooler.  
 
Although we were "scheduled" to run into Casper, Wy. tonight we decided to call it a day
at 6:00 when we hit Sheridan,  and save the high speed 150 mile freeway ride into Casper
till tomorrow... 
 
More later!
 
DAY 7:
 
   Well, today's update is a little less exciting than the last few days have been.  
We did manage to see both Devil's Tower National Monumnent and Mt. Rushmore today.  We
booked nearly 500 miles today – finally giving up in the intense heat of the late 
afternoon sun in the South Dakota Badlands.  
   We started the day off in Sheridan, Wy. with a picture of us at the Buffalo Bill 
Cody Bar/Resurant/Hotel --  It's a national historic monument,  and very cool!  We had
some really excellent BBQ there on Thursday night.  We were on I-90 heading South East
by 7:50.  We breakfasted in Gillete and continued on down to the US-14 exit - which 
took us directly into Devil's Tower National Monument. We spent about an hour exploring
the area and shooting a picture or 20.  This really is an amazing monument,  as it 
really is out there in the middle of nowhere and suddenly there is this huge monolith
that dominates the landscape.  Very cool, and worth anyone's time that's traveling 
down the I-90 to see.
   We had a brief panic attack after leaving the tower as we were continuing East on 
US-14 when a little fawn darted out in front of us and ran across the highway.  There
was a lot of braking and some squealing tires for a second or two,  but both the deer 
and we survived without a scratch.
    We crossed the border into South Dakota and were almost immediately innundated 
with Sturgis signs.  Not to mention the weather that decided it was the most opportune
time to produce a thunder and lightning storm.   We ducked into a gas station for  a 
short while as it passed over us,  then continued on up to Mt. Rushmore.  Boy has that
area ever changed since the last time I was there 20 + years ago...  I could hardly 
believe my eyes!!  They actually have concessions there now, and an avenue of flags – 
all very cool.  90 minutes of well spent time later we were heading East on I-90 again.
Lyn was soon melting,  and,  by the time we reached Murdo she had melted completely so
we stopped and rejuvinated in our air conditioned Best Western. 
   A really good steak dinner at a local restaurant followed by a great conversation 
with our motel neighbor who is also riding a bike cross country finds us ready to send
this email off and head off to bed...
   Tomorrow Iowa and Jim's High School Reunion...
   More later.
 
DAY 8:
 
First let me say that if you don't want to receive these updates anymore just let us 
know,  and we'll only include you on those "really interesting" ones.
 
Today we started the day with a 7:30 AM Continental breakfast at the Best Western in 
Murdo, Sd. Interesting little town in that it only has 650 people,  but is capabale of
supporting numerous eating, fueling, and retail establishments from the I-90 trade 
alone.  We were on the road by 8:15 and making full use of the freeway speeds.  My 
thought was that there was nothing so important between Murdo and Belmond, Iowa to 
necessitate using any back country roads -  well at least until we got into Iowa,  
where we picked up US-169 in Blue Earth, Mn. and headed South into Iowa.  We stopped 
for fuel in Elmore, Mn. and the gracious lady suggested that because we were "On tour,
after all" that we might want to take a short 15 mile detour to see a local tractor 
pull - We proceeded to Clear Lake instead and got a Motel room for the next two nights!
  We thought it would be a good idea to ride the 20 miles into  Jim's hometown to see 
what the schedule of events would be for the next couple of days -- well of course by 
the time we got there the whole town was closed up and in anticipation of what ever is
going to be happening tomorrow.  We visited the town cemetary and bid tidings to the 
bits and pieces of Jim's past.  It was there that we noticed the Northern sky building
with a huge thunderstorm --  to make a long story short - we got caught in it.  I'll 
let Lyn give you the gory details of the 20 mile ride back to the hotel when she talks
to you.  Went out for Mexican after we got dried off and warmed back up... No pics 
today -- this is after all the Great Midwest!!
 
Cheers!
 
DAY 9:
 
Today we spent all day in Belmond, looking for the 150th celebration activities.  The weather was warm and 
beautiful, which was quite a contrast from yesterday.  Our gloves, boots, and clothes are finally dry.  As it turns out,
we missed Jim's school reunion folks because that was actually held yesterday.  Main Street was beautifully dec-
orated with flags on both sides, and the banner strung across.  Belmond really does have the best 4th of July cele-
bration. 
 
So today, we visited with Aunt Ina (who's now almost 91), and her daughter, which is Jim's cousin, Nancy.  She's
doing just great.   Part of Belmond's celebration included a quilt to be raffled off.  This quilt was made by Aunt Ina's
distant relative, and commemorates the Sesquicentennial (150 year) history of Belmond.  Of course I bought tickets,
 and tool a picture of the quilt, and with the quilter.   Then inside the church was a huge quilt show, with quilts 
draping every pew.   It was fabulous.  Jim was afraid I'd never come out!
 
Then onward to visit Aunt Camilla.  She was so surprised to see her nephew Jim, but very happy.  She just turned
 88 and is still going strong.
 
So today was a very relaxing day, and enjoyed visiting Jim's home town.  
More tomorrow...
Lynda and Jimmie
 
DAY 10:
 
Hi from Illinois,
This morning we left the north-central part of Iowa and traveled down to Winterset on I35.  First stop was the 
Fons & Porter Love of Quilting shop.  I watch their PBS quilt show regularly, so was very happy to actually go to 
the shop.  Neither Fons nor Porter were there, but they were probably upstairs working on their next show.  Then 
just down the street, we learned was the birthplace of John Wayne, so had to take the obligatory picture.   All this
was in Madison County, where the movie "The Bridges of Madison County" was filmed.   We drove by one bridge
that was located in the park, as all the other bridges were located 3 miles off the main road, and the Goldwing is 
not meant to drive on gravel.  This morning's adventures were great. Then most of the afternoon was spent travel-
ling east, stopping to buy Jimmie a new camera (his was destroyed in the Iowa storm), going thru the Amana 
colonies, and crossing the Mississippi River.  It was a long 534 mile day, so we stopped in Galesburg, Illinois 
(60 miles west of Peoria). Gotta love the Best Western hotels!
 
(For those counting, the total Honda miles are now 4064.7)
 
Till next,
Lynda & Jimmie
 
DAY 11:
 
Hi all,
Wouldn't you know....the hotel we checked into last night lost it's internet connection from the rain storm, so no 
report on the 4th of July. But - hope your celebrations were fun.  We traveled from Galesburg, Ill thru Indiana, and
landed in Findlay, Ohio. Basically a travel day, with pretty country roads, and another heavy rain storm at the end 
of the day.  Since the midwest towns had their 4th of July fireworks on the 3rd, we ended up watching TV and saw
the fireworks in DC.
 
Today (the 5th), we traveled on the interstate I90, just to make some time.  We booked it thru Ohio (did you know
Cleveland has the rock 'n roll hall of fame?), a corner of Pennsylvania, and into Niagara Falls, New York.  We got
 in early enough to spend some time at the American Falls (on the US side).  What a beautiful park and falls.  My 
goodness!  The speed of the falls delivers 750000 gallons per second.  That's pretty darn fast.   Tomorrow we will
be winding our way thru New York state, working our way toward Philadelphia.
 
I must admit after 12 days of between 400-500 miles per day, that I am getting saddle-sore.  Didn't want to admit
it, but I think I actually have "Honda-waddle" as well.  I had my first experience with the pay-as-you-go turnpikes.
It's rather interesting how the traffic clogs up with getting a coupon here, then paying there (which is the distance 
you've travelled).  I've learned to keep dollars and coins in my pocket at all times.
  
Lynda and Jimmie
 
DAY 13:
Hi all,
We left Niagara Falls this morning and drove all day thru the Adirondacks.  This was a day of just looking, and no 
real on-and-off-the-bike stops to see a monument or vista.  So it seemed like a long day even though it was only 
427.5 miles.  Since we are not from this area, I guess we can't really appreciate what the locals see.  The scenery 
was basically rolling hills and conifer forests, with one small town right after another.  There were lots of lakes and
rivers, but nothing like the scenery we've scene from previous states.  But I can still appreciate the style of the 
"Adirondack chair".
 
We're now in Plattsburg, New York, which is right on the border of Canada and Vermont. We are looking forward
to travelling thru New England and visiting the cities of the Eastern seaboard (DC, Philadelphia, and visiting more 
friends and family.)
 
We're so lucky with the weather, as there was very little rain today.   Sure hope it stays clear.  Total miles to date 
(drum roll please.....) 5341.4.
 
Lynda & Jimmie
 
DAY 14:
 
Hi again,
 
Another exciting day completing 2 weeks of travel.  Today we started by doing some genealogical research for 
Lynda's "Thayer" family history.  We left Plattsburg and drove to Thayers Corners, which was the birthplace of her
great-grandfather, and probably the initial Thayer homestead.   Great fun.
 
Then we drove all day thru Vermont, New Hampsire, Connecut, Massachusetts, and what ever else is stuck up 
there in that little corner of the world.  Vermont is just beautiful with its lakes and lush greenery, not mention the 
maple syrup!  Again we took mostly U.S. highways, for the scenic twisty roads.  I don't believe we have ever seen 
a "moose crossing" warning.  After a total of 426.7 miles, we arrived in Andover, just on the Massachusetts side.
 
Lynda and Jimmie
 
 
 
DAY 15:
 
Hi all,
 
Today is Saturday and our 15th day of travel.  We left Andover, Massachusetts this morning, early enough, but we
 actually got delayed because Jim had to perform surgery on his ear-piece on his helmet, as a connector had broken
off.  Hence he could not hear the GPS instructions, and that would have been disastrous as we were going thru the 
big cities today.  Luckily he fixed the problem and I was glad he brought along all the tools and parts needed for his
headset. (I am not a good map-reader!)
 
We drove from Massachusetts, thru Connecticut, thru New York City, (crossed the George Washington bridge),
 into New Jersey, then into Philadelphia.  We stopped to have a nice lunch with Jayne's Mom and her sister in 
Piscataway, New Jersey, then 2 hours later we arrived in Philly.  Can't even begin to describe the confusion with the
tolls, turnpikes, road work, pot holes, etc.   We were throwing money all day at the toll takers, and can't understand
 why the roads aren't in better condition!
 
We parked the bike in Independence square at 5:30 pm, and wanted to see the Liberty Bell.  But to our disappoint-
ment, the building in which it is housed was closed.  So all we could see was a glimpse thru the glass window.  We
did however, just take a walking tour of the area, and realized just how important this area was in our American 
history.  We heard a tour director mention that is was exactly 230 years ago today that the declaration of independ-
ence was drafted - not the 4th of July as is tradtionally celebrated.
 
Tomorrow is Washington DC where we hope to do more walking around the Washington mall.  All this tells me 
that my recollection of American history is a little fuzzy.  This tour is a great education.. We were both so tired when
we arrived at our hotel, that we didn't capture today's mileage.  So for you folks that are keeping track, you'll have 
to stay tuned for tomorrow's report.
 
Lynda & Jimmie
 
DAY 16:
Hi everyone --
 
   Lynda informed me that tonight it was my turn to tell today's story - she's tired 
of being the "color commentator!" --
 
   Today's whole intent was to spend as much time as possible seeing the sights of 
Washington DC.  What I remembered from 20 + years ago and today's reality are something
quite different,  both in the getting into the town center and with the mobility around
the Capital Mall.
 
   We left the hotel in Ft. Washington, Pa. this morning on an empty tank of gas,  and 
a malfunctioning GPS - the only gas station it could find was a little over 19 miles 
away back in Philadelphia -- we didn't follow its recommendation - instead we asked a 
couple of locals (joggers etc),  and eventually found a full service station with all 
of .02 Gallons of gas left in the tank.  The attendant was very helpful in getting us 
a route into DC.
 
   The ride into Washington was basically un-eventfull - if you don't count getting 
lost (aka missing turns) at least 3 times,  going through the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel,
and missing the Beltway entrance --  oh well -  the GPS finally started working about 
this time and I have to tell you all (for those of you that own a GPS - you'll know 
what this means --- I got real tired of Henrietta saying "Off Route Recalculating" 
--  )  The routes - exits - roads have changed since the mapset I have for my GPS was 
produced,  causing both it and us a great deal of frustration the last couple of days.
BUT,  we did finally make it into our Nation's Capital.  It's still as beautiful as 
ever,  and the new monuments (Vietnam and Korean,  and the WWII) all brought a very 
solid message home to those of us that either lived through the period,  or,  served 
during it.  
 
   Lynda was quite surpised at the size of the city and the scope of the Mall.  After 
3 hours of walking, we were both very leg sore and weary by the time we made it back 
to the bike and headed out of town toward Richmond, Va., where we are now  -  looking 
forward to a short ride into Virginia Beach tomorrow and spending some time with our 
long time friend Linda K. before continuing on South through the Smokey Mountains, Blue
Ridge Parkway,  and onwards to Florida before turning right and heading back home.
 
Enjoy the pictures - we found the new mode of transportation (I'll call them 
"people-pushers") very interesting.  They are manuevered by pushing forward, and you 
just stand and ride.  Top speed is close to 12 miles per hour!
 
Total Honda miles to date = 6483.9
 
     More tomorrow!!
 
 
DAY 17:
 
Good Tuesday Evening to everyone....
 Well,  we've spent a very enjoyable last couple of days.  We left Washington DC on Sunday,  spent the night in 
Mechanicsville (near Richmond) in Virginia that night,  and then proceeded on into Virginia Beach (with a rather
 major detour to "Colonial Williamsburg") to see our friend Linda K. and her daughter Lindsey.  We left 
Mechanicsville and headed Southeast on I-64.  About 45 miles into the ride we saw the highway sign saying 
"Colonial Willamsburg 4 miles",  well we have both seen television shows aboutWilliamsburg,  and decided to make
a stop there . We really didn't know what to expect,  and were very surprised to see the huge volume of cars parked
in the  visitor center parking lot.  Once after we got into the center we learned that it was the gateway to some of 
amazing American history.  We only had an hour to stroll around the historic - restored colonial village - and we 
tried to make the best of it,  but there was / is just too much to see.  It's definitely on our "Must do" list the next time
we make it back into this neck of the woods.   We continued on down I-64 and soon found ourselves traveling 
under the Chesapeake Bay via the Chesapeake Bay Tunnel --  what a trip that was!  Anyway we followed some 
excellent instructions and were soon enjoying the company of Linda and Lindsey.  Linda was very kind and helpful in
 getting our laundry done (much needed and OH SO appreciated), letting us wash the bike, and showing us around
town.  We spent the evening at the beach -- really a beautiful place,  and a real tourist destination. They are trying 
to keep the beach a "family friendly" place, so you will chuckle at the "no swearing" sign.  We were able to get 
ourselves packed up and headedout of town by 10:00 this morning.   The goal today was to get to  Roanoake,Va. 
via the Blue Ridge Parkway - running through the Smokey Mountains.  All I can say is WOW - this is one of God's
 little corners in the world.  Really beautiful.  The road is perfectly kept, the sights are postcard perfect at every 
viewpoint and in truth can only be appreciated via a personal visit. We only road the BRP about 50 miles today,  
tomorrow we will spend most of the day on it heading South toward our youngest (Chris and Kim,  and the new  
Grandbaby - Levi).  So far its been a most excellent adventure.

More Later.

Jim and Lynda.
 
DAY 19:
 
Hi all,
 
The Blue Ridge Parkway was so beautiful, that we decided to go back and continue south for more scenic and 
calm vistas.  We stopped at Mabry's Mill, which is still a functional original mill dating from early 1900's.  We were
completely impressed with the inventiveness of Ed Mabry (the founder), of his use of the water wheel that powered
his sawmill, jigsaw, and gristmill.  After our walk around the mill, we continued to Blowing Rock, which took us off
the parkway to get gas, and then onto I40 into Asheville, NC.   After 10 hours of riding, we are now in Newport, 
Tennessee, (which is close to Knoxville).  The last hour of riding was spent in bumper-to-bumper traffic as there 
was a dead deer accident followed by a flat bed 18-wheeler that lost his lumber load.  What a (stinky) mess, but 
we got an opportunity to talk to a trucker next to us on the CB for quite some time.