Yosemite to Home

Thirty-five days, eight states, two provinces, six national parks, and 7551 miles later I’m ready to come home. I can tell that the trip did its job because I’m as happy to be coming home as I was to be leaving. I’m very grateful to be able to take advantage of this opportunity. I’m sure it will be weeks or even months before I realize the true impact of the trip.

Thank you to everyone who read the blog, rode with me, let me crash at their homes, and in general supported this! For my first motorcycle tour, it was a smashing success. I’m hooked. Who wants to plan the next one with me?

Overall Trip Route:

Yosemite National Park

This was a wonderful way to end the trip. I spent the day exploring the valley, hiking up the Mist Trail to Vernal Falls, and smoking my last Avo. Thanks Pete

I even saw another bear feeding about a quarter mile from camp:

Bishop CA to Yosemite National Park

Lee Vining was recommended to me as a great place to get a hamburger. I came through around 9 am, so darn it; I guess I’ll just have to go back one weekend. I did pay my highest price for gas on the trip here:

The scenery changes almost immediately as you turn into the Sierras

And Hwy 120 through Yosemite is a stunning drive.

After setting up camp at Crane Flat I caught some near sunset shots of the usual suspects:

Half a day here and I’m already feeling foolish that this is my first time to Yosemite. I can tell it is going to be a great way to end the trip.

Today’s Route:

Parker, AZ to Bishop, CA

Today was another hot day (100+) along lovely yet desolate roads in Southern California.

Riding in the desert gives one plenty of time to think. Today I thought through all the people I’ve met along the way.

In Yellowstone, I met a guy from Germany who had shipped his BMW motorcycle over and was touring the states – in six months. And I thought my trip was a long one.

At the Grand Canyon I met a gentleman and his wife and asked them how long they were out. His answer? “No idea.” It turns out that they average 50,000 miles a year on their Honda Gold Wing. He was 77 — she didn’t offer her age. Neither of them looked a day over 60.

And the bus driver in Grand Canyon that was telling about his friend that decided to see if he could hike from rim to rim and back in a week. That’s 9000 feet down, 27 miles, and 9000 feet up, back to back. He made it in 6 days — in celebration of his 80th birthday. Inspiring.

Today’s Route:

Grand Canyon to Parker, AZ

It was hot today — 106 F and I’m way over budget on my Gatorade purchases.

Although Flagstaff to Kingman is one of the prettiest sections of I-40, it isn’t conducive to stopping for photos. Nor is it the same as Colorado, but the desert has its own beauty. I did pause on Hwy 95 to take this shot:

Today at 3:30 was my final interview with what soon could be my new team. I believe it went well and expect an offer early next week. I’m eager to start a new opportunity with a group of professionals that understand growing a business and growing a great culture. This group really seems to fit the bill.

And, with a new job on the horizon, it’s time to (slowly) make the turn and start heading the general direction of home…

But it isn’t too soon to start planning the next one: Hey Keith T. it’s been 20 years since we’ve been on a hike — are you up to dusting off your hiking boots and doing the Grand Canyon?

Today’s Route: