Chronological

Another visit to the USA – Late summer and early autumn.
Not the first but to revisit and see new places, do new things, use the time available …
And make things happen so often discussed and talked about.

Make it in different stages … motorbike … off-road … road cruising … get around flexible with a motorhome.

Stage 1 – The Bike
Road trip with a Harley Davidson Cruiser through mountains and deserts.
Use the famous routes of the Rocky Mountains.
Depending on weather to northern or the southern part of the West.
All from Denver, Colorado.

Stage 2 – Off-road
The Jeep Wrangler should be the vehicle to visit the Desert National Parks – and more.

Stage 3 – Cruising the Pacific
California and the Pacific Coast.
From Las Vegas to San Francisco.

Stage 4 – the Great Lakes
Around the Great Lakes with an RV for maximum flexibility.
All from Chicago.

I would like to document these 80 days in this block. I guess it will be less with words than with pictures.

It is getting closer. Collecting gear, looking into details in the map, book first accommodations, …

Starting to get exited!

T-13d

Create your dreams – every day

Create your dreams – every day

A round trip of about 2,500 mi.

• Denver
• UT 150
• Poudre Canyon
• Casper
• Basin
• Billings
• Yellowstone National Park
• Grand Teton National Park
• Starvation Reservoir
• Flaming Gorge
• Ouray
• Durango
• Redstone
• Denver

Create your dreams – every day

The game commences – A380 upper deck (unfortunately not biz class) …

Let’s see how it will continue.

10 hours later: Denver International Airport

Food for thought:

Should the Airline passenger wideness be limited to the width of the booked seat (esp. in economy class)?

Create your dreams – every day

Takeover of the Harley Heritage was the easiest. RidersShares seems like a good opportunity and Jared’s bike is awesome.

Get used to the bike while riding out of Denver … not nice but necessary. Fortunately the hills start soon – and the Hwy 14 is beautiful.

The Cabin for the night is basic …

… but including nice visitors.

Create your dreams – every day

So much landscape, so much countryside.

Nice start at 12 Celsius (53 Fahrenheit)…

… with a second coffee…

… crossing state line to Wyoming…

… shopping (?) in Saratoga…

… crossing I 80 …

… crossing Pacific Railway …

… reaching Casper at 37 C (99 F).

Meanwhile I’ve learnt, that South Wyoming is one of the windiest areas. You could lean the bike into the wind, if (!) there would be no gust and sharing winds. It is no fun and unpredictable.

Create your dreams – every day

Starting early to avoid the heat in the end of the day.

Heading West (first) and then North. Straight, flat, dry. The country is so wide.

Countryside delights have other varieties …

After long flat highway routes the Wind River Canyon gave nice changes.

The day ends with a great Bunk-a-Biker hospitality from Margarete and Bill. It is always a pleasure to sit together with other bikers and sharing stories – either as a host or as a guest (currently my position).

Check it out … https://www.bunkabiker.com/

Create your dreams – every day

Fun not from the beginning to be clear. Gusty and cold (!) wind on the way to Cody weren’t that pleasant. Interesting always leaning sideward to drive straight and even better being straight in a left curve.

After refuelling found the way to the entrance of Chief Joseph Scenic Byway

Winding up – up to the first top

For Beartooth Pass (US Route 212) the road is getting worse for the first miles. With an altitude of 10,947 ft (3,336 m) it is remarkable up there. Yeah, quite cold also. Nevertheless the curves and turns are wide and the speed limit even doesn’t allow real floating and leaning in the turns – if you respect it.

To be honest – both passes were beautiful – especially the view you have from even every part of the road – … but definitely not difficult. OK – I compare to the Alps … e.g. Passo die Stelvio. Maybe I am not the one to judge.

Landing in Billings MT concludes the day with some local singer songwriters live.

Create your dreams – every day

Saturday in Billing … Sure not the Center of the World for sightseeing, but good for relaxation and shopping.

Yellowstone County Museum

Small collection of artefact describing history around Billings. Actually history since 150 years ago.

Pictograph Cave State Park

Create your dreams – every day

National Park Service at Yellowstone really wants you to enjoy the nature.

No mobile phone connection (T-Mobile) and no Wi-Fi at the park services.

‘Sorry, do you have WiFi here?’ ‘No, but – hey – we have running water!’

Create your dreams – every day

Second crossing of Beartooth Pass – now from the North.

Even it is Sunday morning, only few cars are on the street and the very beginning was the perfect flow on the turns (see comment at day 4!)

Entering Yellowstone

When entering from the North it is Bison area. And so it was. And it is a difference passing with a hard shell (in a car) then in a soft shell (on the bike).

And the problem is the quite loud engine which irritates a calf … but all went fine and the adrenaline is degraded now.

Canyon Campground in Yellowstone

First time setting up the tent during the trip. All easy. But the recommendation to have Bear Spray with you (in the tent) is a really expensive one.

And to finish the day with a (small) fire and the respective dram (shot) is the perfect fade out …

Create your dreams – every day

Good morning – how was the night? Not too bad and not too cold.

Putting together what was collected earlier for breakfast.

Most importantly: some hot tea. And the instant oat meal is not too bad!

The day was warm – up to hot. But cruising at the Parks standard speed of 35 to 45 mph makes it enjoyable.

Covering all (?) the roads in the Park was the goal.

Let’s make it major roads with some smaller bypasses – and the exit way to the south tomorrow.

Of course…

Diner Buffet in Old Faithful’s Inn – was the reservation (actually early diner at 4.30pm – the only slot available beside everything after 9pm)

Stomach full after the very tasty buffet was the challenge for the one hour ride back to Canyon Campground.

Ah – there was a Bison … again.

Create your dreams – every day

After all camping gear packed and sorted on bike (quite a work) it is time to head south.

Staying at Canyon Village of course the Canyon trail is part.

Later at Yellowstone Lake for a coffee.

Continuing further south – through the woods – along the rivers of South Yellowstone, including first drops of drizzle.

Weather is still not the best reaching Jackson Lake – but it makes for a gorgeous scenery.

The peaks are always special.

And finally a short round trip through Jackson – funny tourist city.

Create your dreams – every day

Original plan was: Chill, Cruise & Distillery

But rain, heavy rain and thunderstorm gives the clear guidance for the day – stay dry and chill.

Hope I will be able to escape to South without getting too wet tomorrow.

What is skipped:

• Swan Valley
• Grand Teton Distillery
• Teton Pass

Create your dreams – every day

After replanning during the wet day yesterday – it is again to hit the road. Leaving Glen the biker and bike collector and his Swiss Mountain Motel which gave me shelter from the rain.

Cruising south under clouds towards hopefully sunnier parts from Wyoming to Idaho to Wyoming to Utah.

Then you could smell it: smoke and wet ash.

Thanks to all Firefighters – and especially these packing together after killed the fire just beside Hwy 89.

From Geneva to Montpelier and further to Paris (not taking the way towards Bern).

Later passing Bear Lake – quite touristic area.

And in the end of the day it is the farmers market and live open air music in Evanston.

And I could not resist the little girls directly selling their Mint-Oreo-Something – sugar shock ;-).

Create your dreams – every day

Late departure from Evanston to avoid the last rain showers passing through the area of my route.

Actually, my planning was not proper enough. At one point the 171 turned into a gravel road. However, let’s make it and hope the tires will be fine afterwards.

In the end, all went fine.

Accidentally I am passing by the Piedmont Charcoal Kilns State Historic Site.

After some miles on I 80 (horrible with the bike) leaving at Fort Bridger.

Now the landscape raises with gorgeous formations (at that point many in grey colour).

Turning into red was the title. Latest at the red Canyon it was.

And all this water is dammed at the Flaming Gorge Dam.

To get there to cross the bridge.

Thoughts in the end of the day: the road really crosses the border of the States regularly …

And the real end of the day while writing this and preparing the pics – Little J‘s Bar. Too Lord and too many young guys …

But ‚805‘ is not too bad.

Create your dreams – every day

Today’s leg is not too long, so I can start late … meaning at 10am.

Heading into to late morning sun (therefore SE) enjoying the fresh air and recognizing…

Fog rising behind cliffs – see first highlight.

Highlights today:

Short stop at Dinosaur National Monument. But not spending time for a tour (done this decades ago – therefore only seconds related to the age of the bones).

But the cliffs and mountains are still gorgeous.

Hwy 139 climbing up to the Douglas Pass …

… and going down.

From Grand Junction – the point you more or less always pass when cruising the southwest – the direction is again south to enter the Colorado National Monument.

Behind there is the AirBnB accommodation I booked, wondering what I will get after reading the description. Actually it is gorgeous.

Calm cabin beside the horse range of Jake Stephens in Glade Park – a gem in AirBnB. Unbelievable – and …. just see the pictures.

Create your dreams – every day

Coffee on the veranda looking into the sunny wide … what a start of the day. Again Jake and its offer is awesome.

Down into the valley on the Rim Drive of the National Park and passing the Independence Monument!

Hwy 141 – just not to go the direct way to Silverton … BUT what an amazing ride.

I don’t know how many pictures to post … after any corner the canyon narrows and the view is even more spectacular than before.

And this is really dangerous to ride … you want to look left and right – up and down … but please stay on the road. Plus it was getting warmer and warmer. However – never wanna miss this!

Finally get back on Hwy 550 – the famous Million Dollar Highway – just north of Ouray. And the southern direction is not looking too good wheatherwise.

OK – I can claim – I just did it in cold rain!

Silverton – stay in the Grand Imperial Hotel … the place to be.

With its restaurant and bar.

And again, it’s also about meeting people. Today at  the bar a couple served in the forces and she is working with a (big) supplier of Airbus. Both are in the voluntary search and rescue in Utah just preparing for the final test. Crossing fingers!

BTW – just was lucky as the route will be closed for construction by day after tomorrow. The highway south of Silverton was closed last week.

Create your dreams – every day

Monday, September 1st and Labour Day.

Short leg planed for today. Just about 100 miles. So easy and relaxed start into the day after yesterday‘s long ride.

Leaving Silverton in Million Dollar weather (clear air, sunshine, blue sky with some clouds)…

… and continue southern part of Hwy 550 to Durango.

Event in between: Speed limits in case of curves are really a topic for the safety on road. Fortunately I only got a friendly reminder to reduce my speed (which was definitely too fast.

Campground above the lake …

Thunderstorms are passing by – leaving only some drops of water for my setup.

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Create your dreams – every day

This point at the Navajo Lake in New Mexico is the most southern point is stage 1 tour.

Early morning crawling out of the tent. Sky has cleared up and it is a nice and sunny day.

Finally it need 3 hours (without hurry) from getting up to departure.

Just 10 minutes on the road the stop. A crashed working truck is recovered – with closing road for 40 minutes – the guys doing the recovery are real professionals 😉

Hwy 149 along Rio Grande…

… with the town Creede …

… and Bear Creek Pass

Sheriffs department seems always be nice to me – reminding me about my speed – this time when entering Lake City.

Create your dreams – every day

From Lake (Fun) City starting at some chilly temperatures. Air clear, blue sky with some clouds …

What is left and right of the route

Entering Cimarron Canyon over the Blue Mesa Dam

Following the Rim

Arriving in Redstone – the stay for two nights to relax. For what ever reason the town is called Redstone. The small town is awesome and I will explore tomorrow.

The town is stretching along the river – perfect to relax behind the lodge.

Create your dreams – every day

Long sleep in the morning. Then planning for the next stage which J has perfectly prepared. Still steps open and additional arrangements are made.

In the afternoon a short ride to Carbondale to do some groceries.

Then the Fry Pan Road up to enjoy the valley. This seems to be a fly fishing dorado …

Up there visiting a Swiss fellow – Hans Ruedi. Okay in reality the John Ruedi Reservoir.

Back in the White River Valley – just be lucky not to have the rain on the way back home.

Evening again at the neighbourhood ‘Propaganda Pie’ for – today – a pizza Boston style.

Create your dream – every day

Trip to the final destination before stage 1 comes to an end.

But waiting until rain stops is necessary. Nice ride to Aspen, even though the wide part of Hwy 82.

But then up to the Independence Pass – still Hwy 82. In the end at an altitude of 12,095 ft (3,687 m) sea level.

AND on the way rain starts which turns into hail. Also a new experience!

The advantage of hail is that it simply bounces away and doesn’t soak everything like rain/water does.

It does look a bit like the Alps. But you have to realize that the valley is already at an altitude of over 3,000 meters – and then come the mountains.

Final miles lead through Central city – a centre of gambling and casinos.

In the end, arrive at the nice  accommodation booked on AirBnB. And actually enjoying coffee and an evening drink in the sun. 

And unbelievable – the day ends in the sun …

Create your dreams – every day

Enjoy lazy morning. Continue planning for next stage. Making calls home.

After making some final groceries cleaning up the bike a bit (will go back tomorrow).

In the evening some live music at the ‘Very Nice Brewery’ – of course accompanied by a beer.

Create your dreams – every day

Final one hour ride down to Denver returning bike.

Again another amazing road – through Bolder Canyon to Bolder City. Lot of tough guys climbed up on their bicycles – seems like a organised Sunday morning event.

Uber brings me into hotel were I will wait for J to arrive.

Reorganised the gear and doing laundry is the topic for the rest of the day.

Create your dreams – every day

Covering the distance off 3,222 miles in total.

Altitude between 1,600 meters and 3,700 meters. 

Weather influences – I discovered a lot

• Temperatures between 38°C and 0°C
• Winds with gusts and sharing winds
• Rain and hail, fortunately only in showers.

Due to weather and personal reasons 😙 less campgrounds than originally planned.

Create your dreams – every day

Let’s see how much hiking my hips will bear.

Rough planning:

• Crawford
• Arches National Park
• Canyonland National Park – part Island in the Sky
• Moki Dugway
• Valley of Gods
• Monument Valley
• Canyon de Chelly
• Paria Wilderness – The Wave (if lucky to get permit)
• Rocky Mountains National Park

Create your dreams – every day

Pickup of vehicle – frog green Jeep Wrangler.

Still in Denver: Bass Pro – the event to stock up your Outdoor gear.

Heading away from Denver – mainly in westerly direction. And then reaching the ‘pre‘ Black Canyon – Curecanti Natl Rec Area.

Crawford for the night AirBnB with beautiful Sunset Terrace.

Create your dreams – every day

Getting up early and leaving Crawford.

Even not planned, just had four the black Canyon of Gunnison – only 15 miles away.

What an amazing detour. Continuing what we have seen the day before, but rougher, deeper and … what to say … cooler.

Entering Utah and the landscape is even more empty. Having this in mind the small changes I even more remarkable.

The jewel in Cisco:

Have a great conversation with the lady about music of the 60s and the 70s and the performances of these actors up to today.

Without even really prepared to – entering the Colorado Valley with Highway 128.

Finally reaching Moab up with town centre Campground …

…and the beloved Moab brewery.



Create your Dreams – every day

Going to sleep early provides the chance to get up early. And this is necessary. Entering national park from 7 am to 5 pm requires an additional entry permit. So let’s be there before sunrise. 

Delicate Arch (from different views)

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Devils garden with Landscape Arch

Skyline Arch (from both sides)

Way to Tower Arch with some nice detours.

At that point, bones were aching (particular knee and hips) – so decision was easy: let’s get out, have a shower, go shopping (Canyonland supplies also have to be considered for tomorrow on) and reenter Archer National Park for sunset and a self prepared dinner.

But back for sunset at Double Arch!

And leaving with a glance into Park Avenue.

Create your Dreams – every day

The White Rim Trail of Island in the Sky Part of Canyonlands National Park keeps us busy for the whole day (and more!).

What an entry – the Shafer Trail.

This part of the park is the triangle built by Green River and Colorado River. Their meeting point is its edge in the south.

Nothing more to say than the pictures now following.

And the weather is getting more and more interesting.

I admit – this was just the beginning – even more remote as expected. But wait for tomorrow.

Sunset is calm.

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In between again … it is full of stars … and the Milky Way … and the satellites … and the shooting stars …

Create your Dreams – every day

The night was quite windy and brought rest only in the morning.

Morning is bright and beautiful … dark clouds seem to be far away in the Northwest.

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Finish the White Rim Trail of Island in the Sky Part of Canyonlands National Park with this start:

Around we see rain and thunderstorms.

But – what was nice and beautiful at the beginning finished with a bit of a challenge.

What goes up…

… must come down.

Now the western side of the park and therefore the trail is the Green River.

And of course the weather again. Receiving the warning about thunderstorms causing flash floods. In the end we are lucky – seeing the clouds and the rain around us, but hit only with short rain.

Sand road after leaving the park in the north covered with only some water.

With the gorgeous exit up to the Horse-thief trail.

The facts: 117 Miles – driving time for us rookies 13 hours.

BTW – the remains of the real challenging weather we see when returning to Moab. Street cleaning with wheel loaders are still ongoing.

Just for the records: Blanding is a dry town.

Create your Dreams – every day

Rough tracks was fun – and enough. So easy day planned in the Needles – the southeastern part of Canyonlands. Needles named according the numerous sandstone peaks.

Just pick up the ‘latest’ information at the newspaper rock. Some additional info received!

Nice start with short hike.

Second stop at the Potholes – nice micro universe. But the rock formations are even more fascinating.

It ends fast as a grey / orange / black wall is emerging.

And the fun – fortunately in the car – with the heavy hailstorm.

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BTW – another entry into backcountry of Canyonlands would have been challenging due to heaviest thunderstorms.

Despite the weather along the day we decide to stick to the plan and use the Devil Canyon Campground. Good decision!

My God, it’s full of stars!

Create your dreams – every day

Good cold but sunny morning.

Moki Dugway – called one of Americas scenic byways – and it is.

Valley of the Gods – a great detour from the highway (again 4×4).

Mexican Hat – seen just from the road.

Where is Forrest … only suicidal people in the middle of the road.

Monument Valley – and of course the small (open to public) circle through the valley.

And at the end the light that the sun casts into The Valley.

That’s real great cinema!

Create your dreams – every day

Day starts as stunning as yesterday ended.

‚Only‘ Target is to get and enjoy Canyon de Chelly (spell :shay:).

With a short hike to the (real) White House. One of the Navajo ruins down in the canyon.

And a second approach at sunset.

Create your dreams – every day

Spider Rock in Canyon de Chelly was missed yesterday – so in the morning sun.

And there is an interesting and effective way installed to find the ancient dwelling down in the valley.

Nothing special about the way to the City of Page – especially the Taco Bell was not special.

A short evening sunset walk around the so called ‘New Wave’ – actually the Beehive Trail.

AND now we are in the vicinity to enter the daily lottery for the entry permit towards The Wave. And … drum roll … J succeed! We will go there day after tomorrow!!!! Actually one of the dreams come true – after trying over the at least the last 22 years.

We celebrate at the Grand Canyon Brewery and Distillery. Locals normally will not go there – our host told us. Too expensive and too much hype. True but it is exactly what you need to good as tourist (good food, interesting beers – I mean it in the German way of the expression, nice talks to others).

But the Whisky is not too bad … will try it further on. Current favourite – Bonfire.

Definitely the bottle designer did a gorgeous job.

Remark – it is laundry evening.

Create your dreams – every day

First things first – 8am receive the permit for Paria Wilderness North including the mandatory safety briefing.

Also mandatory stroll around Lake Powell and the Glen Canyon Dam. Water level is definitely dramatically low.

Stocking up the supplies (no services for the next days probably).

Checking out the last miles for the trailhead for tomorrow (might be dark if we will get up early enough) and …

… having a biker lying on the track. Fortunately no real harm to him (beside the fact he was full of adrenaline). The bike? Hey it is a GS … only one case mounting broke.

Now at the accommodation for the next two nights … unbelievable.

Create your dreams – every day

Get up early, stuff packed … drive in darkness and start hike at sunrise. We made it to be the first starting an being up there – despite the volunteers taking care also of us.

Actually it is a hike of 6.4 miles for both ways. With a little detour we make it 12 km.

I only have headline followed by pictures, pictures and pictures. These pics are not able to transport the feeling, the view, the emotions you might have stepping in there personally.

Nature has created something beautiful, gorgeous, awesome, unbelievable, … Unique in the world in this extend.

Judge yourself…

On the way

Entering The WAVE

Once in a lifetime

From above

In the Details

The Second Wave

In between

Way back

The moving pictures

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The detour along Wirepass Trail in the slot canyon

BTW – the accomodation is perfectly situated. And we had the pleasure to sit together with the landlord in the evening. We had the honour and pleasure to taste two bottles of Joe’s Tempranillo while discussing about wine, family, history and politics.

Create your dreams – every day

Leaving Joe and his nice accomodation directly in Northern direction.

K7000 – the Cottonwood Valley Road. The direct connection to Kodachrome Basin.

I haven’t seen so many different rocks and rock formations as along this road.

Even surreal formations to be found.

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Short circle in the Kodachrome Basin.

Along the Escalante Staircase

Following Capital Reef

Campground in Hanksville … decorated as the Wild West. And selling Ts with: „Where the hell is Hanksville?“. Hanksville is where Carls Critter Garden is!

But we are here for another reason – see tomorrow.

Create your dreams – every day

We are in Hanksville due to Long Dong Silver Spire. Not too well known (e.g. not to find in Google Maps!). But I follow recommendation from Utah guys I got in Silverton.

No signs, no marks are leading us … only car tracks and footsteps in the sand. And it is worth! The peak rises up in a basin not visible from street.

Next Goblin State Park – the crouching part. So funny to see these creatures … sorry, rock formations.

Time to kill till arrive at the accommodation. Oops there is a vineyard offering tastings.

The AirBnB could only be called funny (as the landlord).

Create your dreams – every day

Today not too much to report.

Back to Denver – having first signs of Indian summer.

Neighbourhood in Denver Uptown is quite nice.

Car is cleaned. Gear is sorted and packed for the flight to LAS.

Finally in the Crazy Mountain Brewery.

Create your dreams – every day

In total 2,104 Miles according meter.

Challenges mastered never had before on the track, but all went well and the JL done very well.

And again there was the proof – you need some tie raps when riding your Wrangler. For us it was necessary to fix the plastic wheel arch covers.

The highlight of the stage – and I think it is clear from the post – was The Wave. Still with the distance of several weeks this incredible creation of the nature is hard to handle.

Create your dreams – every day

Landing in Las Vegas inbound from Denver is the start of the next stage.

The plan:

• Pick up rental @ Las Vegas
• Death Valley
• Kings National Park
• Sequoia National Parks
• Highway 1 – Big Sur
• Sonoma Valley
• Russian River Valley
• Nappa Valley
• San Francisco

Create your dreams – every day

Car return – just put it back on the parking slot, make pics and report to Turo (the intermediary for this ‘privat’ rental).

Denver Airport – nothing to report.

Las Vegas – arrival a bit delayed. But after rental car pick up (with an upgrade due to availability) the necessary drive along the strip.

But laving the crazy city fast via Hyw 95 to west-north-west

Late arrival at the Tarantula Ranch Campground and setup of tents in the dark.

Create your dreams – every day

Death Valley – with the absolute overview of the valley from Dante’s view. And there was water in – as there was flooding last week which blocked the road to the lowest point ‘Dead Water‘.

So we reached down there the lowest point of the trip with the highest temperature.

Place for the night: Whitney Portal – as name gives indication: the entrance of the trail to Mount Whitney.

The campground is amazing. Walk three steps or just look into another direction … need to take the next picture.

With different lights the trees look enchanted.

And again – it is full of stars.

Create your dreams – every day

Intentionally got up early to see sunrise below Mt Whitney.

Quit a long drive to reach a point which is actually only on the other side of Mount Whitney – Sequoia National Park.

It is beyond description approaching the biggest living beings on the planet – the huge Sequoia trees.

And we are able to proof – ‘Be Bear Aware’!

With a dram after dinner …

Create your dreams – every day

First of course to pay General Sherman our respects.

And along the Congress Trail …

… including a quite good view on the separation of powers.

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But also the tribute owed to the fires – especially in the last 10 years – are seen everywhere. In the woods in general…

… and at the Sequoias in particular.

Actually last fire was less than 2 weeks ago.

Next in the row: Kings Canyon National Park. Especially it’s way in going down more than 1,000m in altitude.

We then pull the emergency stop button after all when returning to the campsite.

We drive to a room in a nice barn down in the valley. Dry!

BTW – ‘It never rains in Southern California’ – Albert, you should reconsider …

And again, a beautiful drive at the edge of clouds, rain and sun – into the 🌞.

Create your dreams – every day

Strengthen after a good (dry) sleep we head down into Central Valley.

But only to cross and to get as fast as possible to the Pacific.

Pfeiffer Beach State Park – hard to find …

… was the place for the Sunset!

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Create your dreams – every day

Heading north again in typical hazy cloudy pacific weather.

Coffee break at Mr. Toots in Capitola. Nice and touristic.

Goal is to reach friends north of SF.

Finally absolutely nice evening with old friends of J!

Create your dreams – every day

Leaving late after unbelievable breakfast and more chatting.

A must after I have realised that: Charles M. Schultz Museum in Santa Rosa.

Just driving around, crossing Russian River and had very good tasting with real nice chat at Porter Creek Vineyard.

BTW – who is allowed to park here? – ok, from German perspective.

Create your dreams – every day

San Francisco – let’s do the Tourist things.

Of course the Golden Gate Bridge.

I was looking for Clamp Chouder – where? – Pier 39 with Alcatraz in the background as all the Tourists do.

Getting overview – from Coit tower.

A bit spooky – but mainly funny. Let‘s let the Jaguar drive. There are so many Self driving (uncrewed) Taxi. And the driving shows overview, sovereignty and sobriety – from my point of view. We always felt safe. It seems there is even a routine for NOT letting rude drivers in coming from the side (I love the respective situation).

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For the records – the drive was to Chinatown for diner.

Create your dreams – every day

Along the Piers – Ghiradelli. Calories Not to miss!

And of course the Cable Car – inclusively funny chat with the Operators.

Using public transport through the city.

The other overview point – Twin Peaks.

Coffee served by Marvel?

And – believe it or not – in Pacifica we had to go to the Brits for fish diner (unfortunately typically fried) cos there was nothing about seafood around – just to remind: we are at the border of the Pacific.

Create your dreams – every day

Distance covered – ‘only’ 1,333 Miles (2,146 km).

Findings?

Not every area is good for wine making (includes stage 2) and not every vineyard is able to extract the best out of the grapes. Nevertheless we found and tasted some very nice ones. BUT – the prices could be exorbitant compared to the European level.

Unscrewed taxi was a special experience – and we always felt save in the traffic of San Francisco. This is also owed to the display of situational awareness to the guests – as long as they are interested and understand the information.

My highlight of this stage (and this was more or less clear from the beginning) were the Sequoias – but also the negative impact of fires since my last visit.

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Car return and next flight from San Francisco – J back home, me to O’Hare airport Chicago.

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Starting in Chicago with a E350 C25 motor home.

More or less around the Great Lakes with a detour south to Kentucky including Louisville.

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Slow start into the day with first real action at noon when taking over RV.

After welcoming Erika the rest was shopping and equipping the RV.

Bad decision to stay for the night at a truck station (noise!) – only because it was legal.

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Start with … the water – respectively Lake Michigan.

Main activity is to get deep introduction into the architecture in Chicago Center along the Chicago river.

Where the glass is mirroring the environment.

But also recognise the setup of movies like Street on Fire and the Blues Brothers.

And to end the day with a drink at one of the rooftop bars along the river.

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Further enjoy the details of this modern architecture. Starting with the view down the Willis Tower.

With the thrill (?) of the glass boxes – the Ledge.

Chicago? Blues Brothers! Final run against the Illinois Law Enforcement (also under the metro tracks) to deliver the money at the honourable Richard Daley Center 😉

And for the days final: NHL start of the season at the United Arena for the Chicago Blackhawks.

Entertaining show and a mid-quality game which the Blackhawks unfortunately lost 4:0 against the St. Louis Blues.

Remarkable: due to massive health problems using the Chicago river as sewer delivering all mud into Lake Michigan the flow of the river was reversed and drain towards the Missouri.

Have a look on the documentary about this immense undertaking. On YouTube:

https://youtu.be/-OP20CnNFus?si=1x3WTdbkBo74C0bk

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Quite a lot of driving along the Lake Michigan to the North.

After coffee in Kenosha a short stop at the Wind Point light house.

Further sight seeing was the Wisconsin Quilt Museum with its exhibition of 83 year old Mrs. Rosemary Ollison.

Night at a typical RV Park in the City close to the Fair and Sports Arena.

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What’s in this town.

Start at the Harley Davidson Museum.

A bit historical detour: Friedrich Eduard Johannes Müller born in Riedlingen became brewing master in Sigmaringen. He emmigrated early 19th century to the US. His brewery founded 1855 is the second biggest of the US today.

The night in a beautiful county park …

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… Indian Summer in the forrest.

Along the Lake …

… with lunch somewhere.

Over the Mackinac Bridge – the seperator of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.

Nearly full moon at the beach in Wilderness State Park.

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Mackinac Island is a pitoresc island without motorized vehicles (ok ebikes an allowed meanwhile).

Short boat Trip with a view to Mackinac Bridge.

Actually a recreational island – even though controlled by military – French then Brits then US Army. Never a shot in action was fired.

But all for the tourists …

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Before leaving – a flight of wine for tasting (interesting Taste) … PBJ – Peanut Butter Jelly (a wine was called). Reminds me of the saying of a winemaker in California: You need to be open when tasting there.😏

Also numerous beers are available – and without the German Reinheitsgebot (purity requirement) there are so many variations possible …

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Waking up after a cold night in the bright sunshine.

I love the small county / provincial or state parks with their small campgrounds. Really missing something similar I Germany.

Cruisin‘ along the smaller road – now direction south.

I have to give my regards to the hero’s of the woods at the Lumberman Monument.

Including a remark seen at these times.

Everything is prepared for Halloween – also at the state park campground …

For the weekend they expect about 1,000 kids running around here.

For us, it is just to say cheers and good night and being a bit glad that we will leave tomorrow.

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Frankenmuth – even though founded by Franconian Lutheranians, it is the US-American interpretation of Bavarian.

Everything is exegerated, a bit too colourful and a bit too much kitsch. (maybe just cross out ‘a bit’).

Further heading to Detroit, with the evening night live …

… with Jazz in the music Hall Center – down in Aretha’s Jazz Cafe.

And a drink in a Rooftop Bar – even though a bit chilly.

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The Henry Ford – actually a misunderstanding expecting a car museum. It is the museum for ‘American Innovation’.

Of course with old cars.

With presidential cars.

With race cars.

With planes of the early decades.

With heavy machinery.

And lots of other things as trains, weapons, furniture, agricultural machinery and, and, and.

For lunch the best meal during this travel – in the Arabic influenced neighbourhood of Dearwood. Sheeba – Yemenite cuisine.

Then heading over the bridge – crossing border to Canada.

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Strange enough a submarine on land at the lakeshore.

A Canadian one – the HMCS Ojibwa – served from 1965 to 1998 – and no one heard of … that’s the major message delivered including – confidentiality.

Nevertheless several movies were produced in the sub after decommissioning – first K-19 with Harrison Ford and Liam Neeson.

Further just passed by the Norfolk Country Fair – the biggest fair in Ontario! With our tourist RV we received a special guidance for parking – an a nice chat with the guys organising the parking lot.

What’s on there? Beside the driving attraction, standard food trucks … all about farming, herding and horses!

And prices for everything! On the plant side …

The hay impresses me most!

Of course also cattle, the poultry, …

But most important the barn with music (awesome music played by three high school kids – including Jimi Hendrix) where drinks are offered.

One hour later we found our campground – finalizing the day after diner at the campfire.

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BTW – it is Columbus Day. So have in mind that nearly everything is closed.

Just down the street we can buy some cheap firewood – along with the usual chat with the couple who are there.

Fortunately the gas stations are open to acquire the necessary fuel and propane.

Now we arrive at a provincial park near (more or less) Toronto.

Columbus? The required essentials we were able to buy in the Indian Food Market.

Even having no picture from the day, a classic evening one is always available.

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It is always a necessary planning: where to park the RV and how to get into the city.

But being there these are different topics of the impressions.

And finally – following a recommendation – we have a reservation in the 360 restaurant.

Benefit – skip the queue and no tickets necessary.

But diner is overpriced and in total … ok. Nevertheless to mention the service was very friendly and professional.

However and overall – nice experience on top of Toronto. One turn in about 90 minutes.

Finally a collection speaking for itself.

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The goal for today – experience the Niagara Falls. And so we do…

Heading back to the US.

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Before heading back to the US a short stop at the Duty Free. Remarkable the shelf of US Whisky. I believe the Bourbon is NOT sold out.

The night planned with Otto 😉 at East Otto State Park. Beautiful area here in the North.

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Morning in the local campground in the woods – East Otto State Park.

Heading towards Cleveland along the Indian Summer (again) I-90.

And there – Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

The music attacks with all the songs, riffs and voices you know for sure. And this on a mix while you move forward.

It is a collection of memorabilia of numerous mega stars – nevertheless some are missing.

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Visit in the prison – the old Mansfield Reformatory.

It was site for several movies, including ‘The Shawshank Redemption’.

Local mini concert at Happy Hour in Natalie’s Grandview later in Columbus.

Just started the way towards a stay for the night it made a bang and one of the rear double tire lost pressure. It shows a quite big whole – from a bolt or similar caught at the interstate.

Phone call (professional handling by Cruise America), waiting (which always sucks) and then on site exchange of the tire (the guy did a great job). In total 3 hours.

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Due to the delay of the tire incident we decided to spend the night at a truck stop just at I-90. Even there you have nice chat in the morning.

Then entering the National Aviation Heritage Area. All around Dayton, Ohio – where the brothers Wright improved their jumps … sorry … flights.

Even though the first flight of the Wrights was in 1903 – the brothers improved their machine here in Dayton at the Huffman Prairie Flying Field.

Unfortunately the shutdown hit us again – this time really hard.

Beside the National Museum of the USAF, also the Wright Heritage Museum is closed. 🤬

The day ends on a more conciliatory note with live music at an exceptional location near the Ohio River.

Thank you Justin to let us stay for the night.

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The tomb of the first US President passing away during his presidency – William Henry Harrison, 9th President of the United States. He died after just 32 days as President.

The legend that Harrison contracted fatal pneumonia in the winter cold during the longest inaugural address in American history has never been confirmed.

National Underground Railroad Center. It is not about trains but about the network slaves were able to flee into the free states.

What to do on a rainy afternoon in Kentucky? Taste some Whiskies – at a nice little distillery – Neeley Family Distillery.

Thanks to Shaun for the great walk through.

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Short walk in General Butlers estate (state park) – where we have stayed for the night.

City life on a Monday – no way at Louisville. We need to come back Wednesday earliest. Nevertheless one dram was possible at the shop Kentucky Bourbon Experience.

Also lots of distilleries are closed – but we got something at Bulleit Distillery …

Thanks to Ash (the scottish-austrian guy) – he gave us a very nice introduction.

And there is a new game: Whiskey flight ping-pong.

And finally the day is over.

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All west of Louisville …

Driving through beautiful North Kentucky landscape.

The Oscar Getz Bourbon History Museum. The collection Oscar – as owner of the Barton Distillery – brought together over years.

And with lots of old old old bottles – empty and full.

Followed by a real (and huge) distillery – Heaven Hill with all its brands.

The number of warehouses (not all are on the picture) might give an idea of the size).

Finally passing by Fort Knox – unfortunately already closed to make withdrawal of gold.

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An old mill (Boone Mill) propelled by the water coming out of …

… an amazing cave (Esquire Cave).

Back in Louisville – the Rabbit Hole Distillery.

Not too bad, even I’m not able to talk to Alice (“Who the …?”). But from the rooftop…

Just around the corner – The Whiskey Thiefs.

A very nice version of guided tasting directly out of the casks (here called barrels).

The real plan for the night – meet Bob Dylan at the Last Refuge.

Even Bob did not show up, it is an amazing venue. It is said there an around 5,000 bottles on display. And yes, they use the ladder.

And this was the 3rd flight of Whiskey this afternoon.

And what to do afterwards? Last time it was sightseeing in a liquor store. And this time with the lady …

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Thomas Alva Edison lived and worked in Louisville – before he started his inventions (in the end 1,093 patents). In his house a small museum was setup. There we received a comprehensive overview of Edison’s early days in Louisville, his later inventions and the history and development of the area butcherville.

On the way a stop at one of these big antique malls you are able to find along the interstates.

Slippery Noodle – the goal for a live gig.

An EMS conference is held and lots of the participants popped in. So we had nice chats with first responders from Alaska and one of the inventors of the PET Scanners in the breaks of the gig.

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Landscape, landscape and landscape. So you find different farmer’s markets…

Dinner at the Fish Camp – very good fish dishes!

Create your dreams – every day

Just to state own impression – downtown Indianapolis is missing flair, life and all these little things (e.g. Cafes) that might make it attractive during the day. And I repeat: this is my impression after one and a half day strolling around. Maybe we were just at the wrong Place.

Nevertheless you find venues with music for every taste – and we found our next after the Noodle yesterday: the Rathskeller. No, not for the German Bier, Bratwurst or Schlachtplatte – but for the music live at the Biergarten.

During the exchange with the band and friends we learn more about the music around Indy.

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After the cloudy day yesterday – today is beautiful sunshine.

Always interesting town name we are passing by. This time it is Valparaiso (we definitely didn’t make it to Peru).

It is Fall, it is Halloween season – so let’s go something with pumpkins. 🎃 so there is a farm … the County Line Orchard.

First surprise – the through road is closed. Only open for / to the event.

Second surprise – a huge field prepared for parking already with masses of cars (and not even full).

Of course they want to sell their products.

And of course lots of entertainment for kids. But also a stage with third surprise – the band plays real cool stuff.

Fourth surprise – when I ordered a cider (which is the non alcoholic apple juice) … I got it for free!

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Night at Indiana Dunes State Park – of course with some campfire and additional fun…

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Morning hike in the sand – just to remind, we are in the Indiana Dunes State Park.

And again in the adventure shop – Bass Pro.

Actually alcohol is prohibited in the State Park. This explains the existence of these beverage covers you might buy. We also found these in our gear.

Following the classic bowl used for Clamp Chowder used in our dinner for tomato soup and Mac’n’Cheese.

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The holidays come to an end – and this gets obvious. Together with the fact that Illinois countryside is not able to offer the spectacular sites we are just driving around, stop at several malls and strolling through little towns.

Frankfort, Illinois is such a village – quite nice.

So nothing more interesting to report.

At the State Park Campground celebrating the final US campfire.

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Good Morning – did I already mention that I love the small State Parks?

Just a short reminder – we are close to Chicago and to Route 66.

And further down the road …

… till have a stop in Elgin.

Search engines on the web are really nice. Ok, this is not a new finding, but we wouldn’t have found this restaurant – and not recognised it from the outside – without. It is part of a Golf Club in a luxurious living area. Looking at the guests around, this seems to be famous seniors retreat.

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Early get up at Walmart parking and discovering… fog. The States don’t want us to be sorry about leaving? 😂

Final cleaning and refilling of all storage.

Some notes about the RV and the return.

The toilet lid was jammed from the beginning – and it kept happening. When I complained to reception, they brushed it off with the comment that it was just a minor jam – in fact, the foot pedal mechanism was defective.

The shower was leaking—which we noticed very early on, thanks to the dripping water outside. Unfortunately, we realized too late that the water was running through the luggage compartment – and thus through one of the bags. Resulted in buying a new one.

Chicago o’Hare airport. Actually it took us less than 15 minutes for baggage drop and security check. And this despite of the warnings given due to shutdown.

Even the departure seems to be on time.

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Welcome similar to farewell … fog in Munich.

And finally in Munich central – while waiting for the bus to the lake: the welcome lunch.

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Distance covered 3,209 miles (5,164 km).

Remarks

Bourbon is better than I experienced it in the past.

Already mentioned – I miss the options to stay with an RV in Europe as the state and county parks offering. This might be owed to the huge space the states have. Only comparable with the places offered by farmers.

Street conditions are unbelievable bad – which made some terrible noice in the RV.

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