DevCon Day 22

Breakfast at the hotel in Rexburg, ID, continued North on Highway 20 in to West Yellowstone, MT. Crystal and I got some hot coco and then did some shopping before we headed in to Yellowstone National Park.

In Yellowstone National Park we stopped to see the Firehole Falls, Fountains Painted Pots, Old Faithful, Old Faithful Inn (We Had Lunch There), and the Continental Divide (Elevation 8391 FT). You need at least a week here to really enjoy the park and some hiking would be nice.

If you go to Yellowstone National Park you should make time to see the Teton Mountains National Park. For some reason I'm drawn to this place, especially Oxbow bend on the Snake River. I have taken many photos of the Teton Mountains here every time I visit the Teton Mountains National Park area. This is my fourth time here.

It was getting late so we headed to Jackson, WY and checked in to our hotel. The Motel 6 here in Jackson, WY is a great place to stay, it is one of the best Motel 6 I have ever visited.

We had dinner at the Lotus Cafe, Crystal found this place on Yelp.

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August 31, 2010 • OR

DevCon Day 21

Breakfast at the Homestead Cafe in Weiser, ID before we headed South on Highway 95. In Payette, ID we continued Southwest on Highway 52.

In Emmett, ID I had to take another route (Back on to Highway 52) because we could not continue down Frozen Dog Road. At Horseshoe Bend, ID we turned South on to Highway 55 and in Meridian, ID We continued West on Highway 84 and stopped for Lunch at the Smoky Mountain Pizzeria Grill in Mountain Home, ID.

After lunch we found the Sun Valley Highway (Highway 20) and rode through the Soldier Mountain Game Preserve.

We stopped at Moon Crater National Park, they say it looks like the moon here. Met John Rodman here at the park, he has a great blog John's USA Motorcycle Odyssey, check out his weblog.

We stopped for the day in Rexburg, ID

Crystal turn down the Taqueria El Rancho Bus and we had dinner downtown at Original Thai Restaurant, Crystal like it a lot and I thought it was OK.

It was a nice easy day and we kept dodging the rain all day.

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August 30, 2010 • Rexburg, ID

DevCon Day 20

Headed West out of Sumpter, OR on Highway 410 after having a great night sleep and a awesome breakfast from our hosts Barb & Jay Phillips the owners of the Sumpter Bed and Breakfast. We Continued West on Highway 7 through Baker City, OR, The headed North East on Highway 86 To Oxbow, OR in the Hells Canyon area.

Before heading up Hells Canyon along the Snake River, we grabs some lunch at Hells Canyon Inn & Cafe. Lunch was good but nothing to brag about.

We cross the state line in to Idaho and headed north on Hell's Canyon Rd along the Snake River to the point of no return at the Hell's Canyon Dam. This was a great ride!

After checking out the Hell's Canyon Dam area, we headed South back down Hell's Canyon Rd and hopped on the Brownlee-Oxbow Highway near Oxbow, OR and continued South along the Oregon state line and the beautiful Snake River. ,

When we reached the Brownlee Dam we crossed the state line in to Idaho, waving good bye to Oregon. Highway 71 took us away from the Snake River Further in to Idaho.

Somewhere in between the Brownlee Dam and Cambridge, ID at the Summers S7 Ranch we were held up with a delightful road crossing of cattle, Crystal mooed the cattle on by and we were on our way after a short break.

Highway 71 took us us to Cambridge, ID, By the way, Highway 71 was a very scenic route, one not to miss. We made our way South on Highway 95 to our Destination for the night in Weiser, ID.

We found a Colonial Hotel, which Crystal dubbed as a X-Files Hotel. the Colonial Hotel was a great and inexpensive place to stay.

We started our laundry at a near by laundromat and grabbed us a late dinner at the Ridge Rock Eatery down the street. This was a good choice and our only choice for dinner.

Another great day!

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August 29, 2010 • OR

DevCon Day 19

We met up with Larry Overman a friend of mine for breakfast at the Apple Peddler Restaurant. It was good to see Larry again and our goal today was to follow Larry to Sumpter, OR and check out his gold mine.

We headed West out of Prineville, OR on Highway 26 with some light rain. Our first stop, was for fuel In Mitchell, OR. We met Hugh Reed, a very interesting person, he talked about his properties, (Basically the whole town) & Henry The Bear. Henry was not there, but his cage was. If you are ever near Mitchell, OR, stop and have a chat with Hugh, you won't be disappointed. You may even get to meet Henry.

Highway 26 is a beautiful ride even in the rain. After twenty miles riding through Umatilla National Forest, we continued West on Highway 7 and five miles South of Sumpter, OR we turned North on Highway 410 and arrived to our days destination.

We had lunch at the Scoop-N-Steamer Restaurant, Larry said he eats here all the time. We met some other bikers there from Portland, OR that rode here just for lunch.

After a really good lunch, we wonder over to Sumpter Valley Dredge Heritage Area, I really like seeing things like this, I had a great time. It is amazing that they build big machine like this in 1935. This is a state park and it is closed in the winters.

We hopped in Larry's Jeep and he took us up to his gold mine, the only way to get there is in a 4x4. This was my first time to walk in a gold mine, and what a blast! This has to be one of the coolest things I have done this year.

The view up there was spectacular! Let it snow!

Larry put us up for the night (Thanks Larry!) at Sumpter Bed and Breakfast, and what a wonderful place! Crystal & I were the only guest for the night and Barb & Jay Phillips went out of their way to make us feel at home. Thank You Barb & Jay!

What a great day, and thanks to Larry for being a great host and guide. There have been may highlights for this trip and today was a great one.

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August 28, 2010 • Sumpter, OR

DevCon Day 18

Crystal and I had breakfast at the hotel and headed out of town North on Highway 62. Highway 62 is a very scenic ride and will take you directly to Crater Lake National Park.

We stopped in Union Creek Resort where Sherri and I stayed last year after visiting Crater Lake National Park. I love this place.

Crater Lake National Park is a beautiful place to visit, if you never been here, make sure it is on your bucket list.

After our visit of the park, we headed North on Highway 97, we stopped in Crescent, OR for fuel, break, and a snack (We did not stop anywhere for lunch). We met three guys riding down from Canada, A father, son, and a friend. They promised to email the video they were taking. Nice guys I hope to hear from them.

We continued North on Highway 97 to Redmond, OR then headed East on Highway 126 to Prineville, OR, our stop for the day.

We found a Hotel, The Econ Lodge for a good rate and checked in for the night.

We had a great dinner at Mazatlan Mexican Restaurant.

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August 27, 2010 • Prineville, OR

DevCon Day 17

Headed North on Highway 5 to make up some time to be able to pick up crystal at the airport in Medford, OR on time. Stop in Shasta Lake, CA for at quick breakfast and fuel. I saw The World's Largest Grindstone in front of the Valero gas station. I'm not sure if this is true, I seem to remember reading or seeing somewhere (Discovery or History Channel) in Michigan where they made these huge Grindstone during War World I.

I continued North on Highway 5 (Blue Star Memorial Highway), Highway 5 run through the Shasta National Forest and Despite the 18 wheelers I-5 is a very scenic ride,

I stopped for fuel in Weed, CA and you could see the Shasta Mountain area very good from there.

I continued North on Highway 5, I took the exit to Yreka, CA to follow the Historic Highway 99 for a short distance then I hopped back on Highway 5.

Just after the Oregon, California State Line I took the exit for Old Highway 99 S, it great ride and a great view.

I arrived early enough to check In to The Courtyard Marriott in Medford, OR next to Medford Airport and shortly Crystal arrived.

Later, Crystal and I had dinner at the 4 Daughters Irish Pub. It was a very good meal.

A great day and it was good to see Crystal!

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August 26, 2010 • Medford, OR

DevCon Day 16

After Breakfast at the hotel I headed North on Highway 29 to Napa, CA and hopped on Highway 121 (Silverado Trail), I Turned Left on Highway 128. Highway 121 & Highway 128 are a great ride!

Somehow I missed my turn on Berryessa Knoxville Rd and rode on Highway 128 (Sage Canyon Road) towards St Helena, CA. I turned around in Rutherford, CA and headed back towards Lake Berryessa. Sage Canyon Road was a great ride, so I did not mind much missing my turn.

Berryessa Knoxville Road was very scenic and enjoyable ride, until I reached North of Lake Berryessa. Berryessa Knoxville Road became very rough and narrowed down to one lane, at one point part of the road was missing and I barely had enough room for my motorcycle to pass through. My average speed for that 30 miles stretch of road was about 30 mph. Even though the road was crapy the area was beautiful.

Once I got to Lower Lake, CA, I turned Right on to Highway 53 on much better road. I stopped for a break and some lunch in ClearLake, CA. I asked one of the local cops where the best place for lunch was and he pointed across the street to the Main Street Bar & Grill. He was right, the Main Street Bar & Grill was an excellent place to eat.

I headed back North on Highway 53, turned East on Highway 20 to Highway 5 and headed north to Redding, CA, where I stopped for the night and checked in to the Local Motel 6.

What a great day!

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August 25, 2010 • Redding, California

DevCon Day 15

After Breakfast at the hotel, I headed North on Highway 99 and West on Highway 580 to Dublin, CA and stopped at the Arlen Ness Motorcycle Shop to check it out and to get a new front tire put on my motorcycle. If you are ever there check out the museum on the second floor, It's way cool! Another thing that was cool, is their service department was on the third floor. They have a big ramp in back that you ride your motorcycle up and down on to get your bike serviced.

After my tire change I headed North on Hwy 680. I paid the $5.00 toll to cross the Benicia-Martinez Bridge. I continued North On Highway 780 and Stopped for lunch in Vallejo, CA at Taco Jalisco. I would not recommend this place to anyone!

I headed North on Highway 29 and decided to make this a short day on the road and I stopped for the day in American Canyon, CA. I check in to the local Fairfield Marriott.

I took a short nap, then enjoyed the hot tub for the evening. I grab some dinner at Ristorante La Strada, I got a recommendation from one of the local. What a great meal! I highly recommend this place.

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August 24, 2010 • American Canyon, CA

DevCon Day 14

Great night camping in King Canyon National Park. Headed out this morning, after having breakfast in Grant Grove Village. Rode out on Hwy 180, the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway. The Kings Canyon Scenic Byway is a great ride!

I turned North on to N. Academy Road In Fresno, CA and hopped on Hwy 168 after going through Prather, CA I turned on Auberry Rd. Hwy 168 and Auberry Rd were very enjoyable rides. In Auberry, CA I turned left a the Y, on to Power House Rd ( Route 222 ), This took me in to the Sierra National Forest, Route 222 is a great road, Don't miss this one!

Route 222 took me to North Fork, CA, just at the city limits entering North Fork the Welcome sign stated I was in the Exact Center of California. After checking this out on the web, I found out that there is some debate where the Exact Center of California really is, Bass Lake, CA also clams that they are in the Exact Center of California. North Fork, CA and Bass Lake, CA are about ten miles apart from each other. I don't know if I was really in the Exact Center of California, but I'm going to claim I was in the Exact Center of California anyway.

I continue North on Route 222 which did take me through Bass Lake, CA to Hwy 41, Hwy 41 is a very scenic road. At the time I did not know I was by passing the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway, I'll have to catch that one next time I'm in this area.

Hwy 41 is a excellent road, don't miss it! Hwy 41 takes you to and through Yosemite National Park.

I stopped for lunch in Yosemite National Park in the main visitor area. Ater lunch and getting my National Park Passport stamped, I headed out on Hwy 140.

On my way out of Yosemite National Park on Hwy 140 I was delayed because of a landslide that happen in 2008. They have added two one lane bridges and two traffic light to let one way traffic go through. It was only a 20 minute delay. My photo of Landslide. Hwy 140 is a beautiful and scenic road.

I hopped on Hwy 99 in Merced, CA and headed to Turlock, CA and checked in at the Fairfield Marriott for the night. It was great to get a shower, there were no showers at the campsite last night.

An awesome day today!

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August 23, 2010 • Turlock, California

DevCon Day 13

My goal today is to end up camping in King Canyon National Park. Left out of my hotel in Bakersfield, California and headed towards the Sequoia National Forest and the Sequoia National Park.

On Hwy 178 was grassy plains with mountains in the background, I stopped fuel in Lake Isabella, CA and topped off my tank. I turned North on Hwy 155 and rode along Lake Isabell into the Sequoia National Forest.

I turned Left on the Kern River Hwy, the Kern river runs along the Kern River Hwy, there are rock mountain on both side shooting up to the skies and it is a great ride!

I stopped for lunch at the Brewer's Ponderosa Lodge (Photo Above) in Ponderosa, CA. I had the Bacon Ortega Burger and it was good! I met some new friends, Star Riders from Fresno, Ca and Kevin & Denise, it was a pleasure to meet all of you.

I continued North and had to exit out of the Sequoia National Forest Through Springville, CA on Hwy 190 to Hwy 65 and back to the Sequoia National Forest on Hwy 198.

I enter the Sequoia National Park after 30 min., The Sequoia National Park and King Canyon National Park is in the middle of the Sequoia National Forest.

On my way to King Canyon National Park there was road work that held me up for 30 min. After my wait I continued North to King Canyon National Park.

I stopped for Dinner at Wuksachi Lodge in Sequoia National Park. It was a good break and a great dinner.

I made it to King Canyon National Park at sunset, I found a near by camping site, put up my hammock in the dark and went to bed.

What a great day!

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August 22, 2010 • King Canyon National Park

DevCon Day 12

My goal today is to end up camping in Sequoia National Forest.

Headed North on Hwy 33, as I was riding through Ojai, CA I saw a sign that said Car & Bike Show, so I stopped and checked it out. Ojai Car & Bike Show Map was really cool, I had a great time checking out the cars, bikes and watching the motorcycle stunt show. Also the Blue Vice Band was great.

After spending a almost two hours at the Ojai Car & Bike Show I continue North on Hwy 33, I did not get far when I decided to stop for lunch at the Deer Lodge. I had the three tip BBQ sandwhich, which was great. While I was eating Jonathan McEuen was singing on the patio, wow! He is good and I hope to get to hear more of him.

I finally got to the Los Padres National Forest it is great ride, be sure to catch this ride on Hwy 33 if you are ever in this area.

On Hwy 166 I turned to check out the Carrizo Plain National Monument, I did not check out the Monument, but I was able to ride about ten mile of the Carrizo Plain. I turned around when the road became gravel.

I stopped for the day in Bakersfield, CA to check out Valley Cycle & Motorsports and bought some new gloves.

Had dinner at Hooters and check in to a hotel for the night.

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August 21, 2010 Bakersfield, CA

DevCon Day 11

I was able to book a boat to Channel Islands National Park at Island Packers for noon today. I also extended my stay at the Motel 6 for another night.

I grab breakfast at the local Denny's and headed over to the Channel Islands National Park visitors center to get my National Park pass stamped.

I boarded the boat at 12:45 PM and we were on our way to Santa Cruz Island, the largest out of the five islands.

On arrival, kathryn (Park Ranger) gave us the rules. I had my choice to wonder around on my own or hike with kathryn on a four mile guided tour. I chose to hang with kathryn. She did a great job, I learned a lot about the history of the island & it was a wonderful & scenic hike.

As I sit here on the boat taking me back to Ventura Harbor and enjoying the ocean view. I was thinking it would be very cool to spend a few days there camping, hiking, and kayaking.

Ate dinner at Denny's across the street from the hotel.

What a great day!

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August 20, 2010 Ventura, CA

DevCon Day 10

Woke up next to the ocean in San Elijo State Beach, a great way to wake up and the Hammock worked great.

Had breakfast at Pipes Cafe in Cardiff, CA, I recommend the sausage scramble, it was great.

I continued North on Hwy 1 and stopped at the Post Office in Encinitas, CA to lighten my load, and sent home some DevCon stuff.

At Oceanside, CA I hopped on Hwy I-10, because of Camp Pendleton. At San Clemente, Ca I hopped back on Hwy 1 (Pacific Coast Hwy) heading North.

I stopped in Huntington Beach, Ca to check out the pier and the beach. There were plenty of people at the beach today.

Stopped for lunch at Frisco's Bar & Grill In Long Beach, CA, the waitress were all on roller skates, I guess they were Car hops with no cars to wait on. the food was good.

I continue North on Hwy 1, and stopped in Ventura, CA for the night at the local Motel 6.

In between Santa Monica, Ca and Oxnard, CA the ride was awesome!

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August 19, 2010 Ventura, CA

DevCon Day 09

Attended sessions all day, I left the hotel at 5:45 PM and hit the road and headed North.

I stopped for dinner at Red Robin in Del Mar, California I met a guy that recommend a place to camp and to have breakfast in the morning. I wish I could remember his name, I do remember that he was a chef and he was going to start his own gourmet food truck. he gave me some great info.

I stopped for the night at San Elijo State Park for the night, set up my hammock at one of the camp site.

A short ride today, but a good one.

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August 18,2010 San Elijo State Park

DevCon Day 07 & 08

Day 07:

Sessions all day, and for the evening there was a dinner for the FileMaker Business Alliance Members, which I did attend. A good day.

Day 08:

Sessions all day, and for the evening there was a dinner on the USS Midway, which was very cool. I was disappointed That I did not get to tour the lower decks of the ship, otherwise I had a great time.

Photos • USS Midway

DevCon Day 06

Left the Courtyard Marriott in Palm Desert, California around 9 AM after having Breakfast at the hotel. Palm Desert is the cleanest town I have ever seen, I did not see any trash on the streets, parking lots, or yards. They must have a very strict trash police in this town.

I headed South on Hwy 74 Through the Mt. San Jacinto State Park. This is a great ride!

I turned on Hwy 371, then on to Hwy 79 and continue through some great country side and roads. This also was is a great ride!

I stopped in Santa Ysabel, California for some lunch At the Apple Country Restaurants. The Bison Melt was wonderful! Right next door was the Julian Pie Company, I had a slice of their famous Dutch Apple Pies, yes it is heaven!

After at wonderful meal I headed South on Hwy 78 then on to Hwy 67 on some more great roads. I continued South on Schpps Poway Pkwy, then on to Hwy I-15, off on Hwy 163 in to San Diego, California.

I found my way to N Harbor Dr to the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina where I'll be for the next three days.

Today was a great day!

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DevCon Day 04

Grabbed breakfast at the local Mc Donald's next door to the hotel and headed West on Hwy I-10, took the exit for South Houghton Rd and headed North, turned Right on East Escalante Rd and a Left on South Old Spanish Trail to Saguaro National Park East.

Last time I was here I was in a rented car while my motorcycle was being fixed. It is much better on a motorcycle. Saguaro National Park East has a eight mile loop to enjoy the view. I stopped many times to take pictures. If your here on the weekend watch out for the bicyclists.

Afterwards I headed to the Arizona Victory dealership to get my bike it's 12,000 miles service. The guys did a great job and got me in and out in about an hour. Thanks Ron DeVito!

After my service I had to go over to the Apple Store to get my iPhone fixed after getting it wet (Don't Ask). Surprisingly they replace my phone with no questions asked.

By this time I was starving and looking for a place to eat. I stopped at the Thunder Canyon Brewery, it was some great food or I could of been just really hungry.

I headed West over to Saguaro National Park West and got there before the visitor center closed and was able to do a little hiking & photographing.

I hopped on Hwy I-10 and headed towards Phoenix Arizona, I stopped in Chandler Arizona and stayed in the Fairfield Inn for the night. After checking in I ate at Villalpando's Mexican Restaurant and had some pretty good Fajita.

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