12/30/2017
HEADING HOME:
Mary's regular co-pilot duties included, but not at all limited to, such things as multiple camera work (8,000 pictures!), GPS use (she has her own velcro'd on back of Bob's jacket) for various activities i.e. relaying info to Bob in extreme traffic, checking for alternate routes), 'off-bike' gear organizing, being an invaluable 'extra set of eyes' in various 'demanding' conditions, co-planning route options and, most often, applying a good dose of common sense as required.
However, one particular activity that Mary applied herself to has proven to be critical in retracing our steps throughout the whole ride: a Travel Diary. Dedication to this task was consistent and thorough. Below is a picture of that diary.
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On Saturday, July 8th, it was time to leave family and head back on the road. Jesse, Dani, Ella and Sophie stood waving as we rode south for the Canada/USA border (located at the Peace Arch - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peace_Arch - between
Surrey, B.C. and Blaine, Wash., where B.C. 99 meets U.S. 5) and the road east home through the U.S. mid-west.
Although we had many stories to tell about the chills at the beginning of our journey a month prior, we were now venturing onto the flip-side of that coin: heat. Our plan was to be at a BMW motorcycle rally in Salt Lake City, Utah on July 11th. The temperature was already hovering around 98 F (37 C) there. We will camp there for five nights. But first we ride 2,000 km (1,600 mi). Heat and long days with frequent stops. Hotels/motels - with air conditioners - will be cherished each of those three travel days.
Pictured below is the three day route plan plus the daily route between overnight stays. The final map is at the rally site. We arrived there at noon and set up our tent. It was very hot but we did have a bit of shade. A bit.
Following this post we will load a few pictures of the road trip to the rally and then move on to the rally itself.
