As a follower of this blog you have read that fifteen years ago I fled the "Peoples Democratic Socalist Republic of Kalifornia"   I did however, leave some investment properties there.  This year I sold and now free of that "Red Star" state.

Following are some of the adventures in the West over the years;  by motorcycle, RV and 4Runner.
​Fine hotels and sleeping under the stars.  Great memories of my life in the Wild and Open West. The majestic Rockies and Sierras.  The deserts.  Miles upon miles of open travel with hardly a structure in sight!  Unlike the East where it is dificult to escape mans footprint. 

Since there is no reason to return West for business; I will miss the seventy two years of wondering the Western States as a child with a great family and as an adult on my own travels.  Been to many places in all the Western States - California, Nevada, Utha, New Mexico, Arizona, Idaho, , Oragon, Washington and my personal favorates Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana.  Lived in Alaska back in the mid seventies.
Drove the Alcan.  Hint, drive/ride one way and take the  Alaska Ferry Inside Passage one way.     Either by car, RV, or motorcycle however you do it - go West.  Motorcycles alone have logged well over 300,000 miles in the saddle. I do love the West.  Perhaps I will find my way back to live out there again.

Been living in the Mid-Atlantic for fifteen years and can't tell you much of the rides in the East.   Moved here because my son got orders to USNA.   Have been to AMERICADE a couple of times.  Seen the beautiful Fall Colors in New York, Vermont, New Hapshrie and the Blue Ridge.  Maybe later this month will return.  May drive the northern half of the Blue Ridge too.  We will see.  I have become rather satisfied at home with Lynn and the fuzzes.   Do miss my cats when gone.  Yes, dear, miss you too.

Below, my pride:  Sabrina, and her brother Sebastian, Buddy. Graycie May, Baby and Mr. Binks.  All rescues.

Below in the Summer of 2007, my son and I were on two diferent rides he on his R1200 GS and I went out to spend time in Jackson Hole in the RV.  We met up at a great little place in Buffalo, Wyoming.  After a great lunch we went our ways; he back to his command at the Naval Accademy, I went on to
Custer and the Badlands of South Dakota.

Sometimes you have to look up to see the beauty.  Thunder storm in Wyoming.

Wherever you are:  "Go West Young Man"  Just avoid the cities.  Wonder the outback.  Occassionally ride a train or shoot the Snake RIver in a raft or kayak!  Go horseback riding on a packtrip.  Throw yourself off a mountain - LIVE life while you can and are healty.  Don't get old and wish you had done stuff!  Now at 72,  still in pursuit of the next adventure.  

When new before the sidecar 2005 R1200 GS at one of my favoret places - Alibama Hills, CA.  Camp there and get up around 4AM in the summer.  Make a pot of coffee and sit out in the brisk air and watch the "Alpen Glow" on Mount Whitney!  Doesn't get much better.

As seen in full morning glory  from my base camp in early morning light is Mount Whitney. 

Above is the new rig,  2017 INDAIN VINTAGE CHIEF and married to a HANNIGAN MOTORSPORTS
SIDECAR.   Sweet ride!  Sad to give up the off road capabilities of the BMW R12; but this will be a great scoot to the fine hotels and dinning.  After all think I am done with sleeping on the cold hard ground and eating beans over a campfire....maybe.  Still have the 4Runner for the "outback" and for camping.

Again as a reader you have seen in the previous posts that there were issues with both the Indain and with Hannigan Motorsports.  All was made good.  Kudos to Dave Hannigan and the fine folks at Polaris
Indian.

There have been many trips here in the East. In the next post we can explore some and introduce you to places you may wish to go; be it by motorcycle, car or RV.   Come back  to this blog and enjoy the rides!

Oh and if you wish to purchase one of the photos here in the blog. please see them in the blog store or find them at my photography website:  http://www.karlhjohnsonphotography.com.  
Purchases help buy gas and cat food.  Thanks for your patronage.

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As indicated in the previous post, it was a strong and good ride to Maggie Valley.  Hot yes, but enjoyable.  Encounted some good high speed sweepers.  Love the cruise control.  Just overall a great ride. 

​Unfortunately I did not take into consideration the dates of travel - July 4th weekend.  Lodging was not a problem, traffic was not a problem; but I was under orders to be home not later then the 3rd!  

Yes dear!

Maggie Valley and the riding in the area is wonderful.  If you are into the twisties continue through town and pop up and over the mountain to Cherokee. Be advised this is somewhat trecherous and often there are acciedents.  Still a fun ride.  Below is a video of the Chambers site.  You can see lots of activities in the area no matter the season.

I awoke to off and on light rain and theatening skies.   It was time for breakfast anyway.  Perhaps it would let up.  Right across the street from JOHNATHAN CREEK INN is a great palce for breakfast with a wonderful menu.

JOEY'S PANCAKE HOUSE as you can see has been the place to go since 1966.  Now under new owners, Roy and Sandra Milling, it still maintains the excellent reputation.  Better get there early because it is only open for breakfast closing at noon.  Additionally there can be a wait line - it is that good!

  
At the left is the TUSCAN OMELETTE, Italian Sausage, Chesse, Mushrooms, Red and Green Peppers and their special Hashbrowns - Chesse and Onion. That and a good cup of coffee I was ready to take on The Blue Ridge Parkway.

THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY, billed as "Americas favoriate highway."   Certainly one  of the best and gets the ribbon for the longest at 468 miles;  but don't pass up Highway One from San Simion to Carmel, CA,  The Million Dollar Highway from Ouray to Silverton, Colorado, or Going To The Sun at Glacier NP.
Oh, but if you have the time to drive another "must do" is the ALCAN HIGHWAY.  If you d this I would recommend drive it one direction and take the ALASKAN INSIDE PASSAGE the other.

But back to this ride.  I have done Northern part of The Blue Ridge and was looking forward to this section; however the weather was not to coopororate.  Most of the ride was in  light rain or low clouds.  Still a great ride.

Nice thing about the overcast is it was a comfortable day with temperatue in the seventies.  Nice relaxing ride.  You are pressed to find a straight section more then a few hunered yards long; mostly nice sweapers.  A great motorcycle road!  Heed the warning about "gas Stations"  because you will not find any on the "Parkway"  Top off at the start and be aware were you can find a town closeby.

Although there were breaks in the cloud cover, most of the ride was in the overcast.  Find the beauty
​close up. 

                  

They had me on the road by 10 AM and off I went for a full day on the road.  Got home at 8PM.

So, as of this writting all the problems with Indian and Hannigan have been addressed.  Both have
stepped up and are, or will shortly fix the issues.  My love for the rig is slowing returning

It was a mid morning departure June 28, 2018 for the flight to Lexington and drive to HANNIGAN MOTORSPORTS in Murry, Kentucky.  It had been a month since it was shipped from Texas.  Really had not seen the Indian other then the brief moment I saw it at the dealership.  Looked at the BMW R1200GS and saw the Indian as well.  Retuned home and called the dealer buying the Indian.  Never have even ridden an
Indian.  Always been a BMW rider.  I guess in honor of my father, who rode Indians back in the 1920's; thought I'd give one a try.

.Arrived late morning at the HANNIGAN shop.  Was told  that a mishap had occured and a tool was dropped on the fender requiring to be repainted.  Well as they say "Stuff happens."  They were kind enough to put me up for the night in a hotel.  

Wasn't to bad at speed.  The wind keep it resonably "comfortable".  I headed out to the Kentucky "outback" and take the scenic roads to the Blue Ridge Parkway.

There was no BANG  or  BOOM  -  NOTHING!  In the middle of the road the bike just stopped! Dead!
Guess you can say it was a monumental WTF moment.    Wouldn't start.  

I pushed it to the side of the road.  At about 8:00 in the morning it was already HOT the HUMIDITY
stiffling!   It was to get worse.   After trying to assess the problem to no avail.  I called Indian Roadside Assistance.  The cell phone connection was sketchy; but was able to make contact.   Was told they would try to find a tow truck; had to be a roll off since it was a sidecar rig.

There are good people in the world.  Just so happened a lady that lived in the area was driving by and was kind to stop when I flagged her.  At this point I was already feeling the effects of the heat.  Indeed
the beginning stage of Heat Exhautstion was setting in.  She turned around and went back to her home
and within several minutes returned with chilled bottles of water and let me sit in her car - air conditioning!  I honestly think if it was not for her, I may have had a medical issue due to the exposure to the heat and the humidity.  Thank you Deb for your kindness!

  
I waited for "Indian Roadside Assistance"  to get back to me and found out through my own searching for a tow truck that a company named S&S Towing had indeed been contacted BUT Indian was shopping his rate!   Leaving me to sweat in the heat!  I told S&S that I'd pay for the tow.  POLARIS/INDIAN a four billion dollar company and they are shopping to save a couple of bucks!  Really?!   Hey Polaris  - I could have died out there!  Five long hours later the tow truck arrived and $350.00 later was dropped at JPM PERORMANCE POWERSPORTS in Hopkinsville, Kentucky.  I had called these folks with updated arrival time and they assured me they would stay open to fix the problem.  What a great company!  Thank you!

Unbelievable the problem that left me stranded in the heat and humidity was due to a known problem
and yet Indian did nothing to elert the owners/dealers of the issue.  The part was the Volt Regulator.
As of this writing POLARIS INDIAN has yet to assume responsibility!   They are passing the buck to Hannigan.  This inexcusable!  The FAILURE IS AN INDIAN ISSUE!  If they don't step up and do what is right, well guess will have to litigate.

The honorable company is HANNIGAN.  In a conversation with Dave Haningan he has taken complete responsibility for the damages suffered while in their shop.  It is unfortunate that there were issues, but they are making it right.   Life (ride) goes on.

I was so tired and worn out, only got down the road about eight miles from JPM.  Checked into a hotel around 6PM.  Took a cold shower and crashed.  To beat the heat of the next day, left at 2:38  AM CST.

The drive to my jump off point for the Blue Ridge Parkway was Maggie Valley.  Bike ran strong and it was a great ride.  Got in  late afternoon found a great eatery and motel.   More on this and the Blue Ridge Parkway in the next post. 

Most of us started out on three wheels.  In motorcyclcing three wheels are best; well in many ways:
1.  In snow country you can ride all year.
2.  If out adventure riding, you can carry so much gear you will think you drove the pick up
3.  You won't drop it
4.  You will never have to pick it up if it did fall over, and we all have dropped our bikes.
5.  Hot days you can ride in shorts -  I mean, not like you will fall over!

So there I was on a business trip to Houston, Texas and stopped by a BMW INDIAN motorcycle dealership.  Have been riding BMW's for forty-two years.  Was looking to replace my 2005 BMW R1200GS.  Yikes, I have either shrunk or the seat height has gotten taller becausse it was difficult to swing my leg over or to get "flat footed" while on the bike.

Wondered around the dealership and saw this beauty above.  Darn, it was pretty.  Brand new 2017 Indian Vintage Chief and priced to sell.  I bought it!  

Since I love sidecars, had it shipped to HANNIGAN MOTORSPORTS  to have one of their classic sidecars built and painted to match.

Above left, is my first sidecar rig, 1966 BMW R60/2 with a Ural sidecar.  Right, my 2005 BMW R1200GS and a custom built sidecar by Claude Stanley at FREEDOM SIDECARS.  
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As to the build, experiened some issues. Hopefully both INDIAN and HANNIGAN  will step up and make it right.  More on the problems later.  The next post will speak to the issues and how they were resolved.

1944  in many ways not the best year; but America and the Allies were making strong headways to winnng World War II.  

Here now,  we have for years given tribute to those men and women that gave to the war effort.  There are many Air Shows and re-enators events that bring us a glimpse of those days.  

This year was the 28th annual World War II Weekend brought to you by the MID-ATLANTIC AIR MUSEUM.  These folks do a wonderful job in presenting the aircraft, vehicles and the re-enactors of
the war.  Kodos to those re-enactors for all the effort.  Truly they do a outstanding job!

AICHI D3A "Val"  This replica was built for the filming of the movie TORA TORA TORA
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Mid Atantic Air Museum is located in Reading, PA.  The World War Two Weekend is held the first weekend in June every year.   If you are a history buff or an airpalne enthusiast this is a must see.

​If you can't get there - Buy a photo: 

Above is the B-17 built for the movie "MEMPHIS BELLE" .  THE AIR FORCE MUSEUM  in Daton, Ohio 
about a month ago have put on display the real MEMPHIS BELLE.  For those that don't know, it was the first B17 to complete the required twenty-five missions.  This was almost an impossible task and the plane and crew were sent back to the "States" and did War Bond tours.

Thank you to those that have sacraficed for our freedom in this great Constitutional Republic! 
Thank you to those that have servered!  

Like a kid in the candy store, or perhaps the toy store; I can't wait.  As readers of this blog, you know I got cought short on cash in a loss of  a roof on my property in San Luis Obispo.

Bought the new ride.  2017 Indian Vintage Chief.  Was on a business trip to  Houston, Texas a month ago and visisted a motorcycle dealer. -  BMW, INDIAN, AND SLINGSHOT WOODLANDS You know just for fun.  Well it cost me.  Fell for a totally diferent ride.  It just was shipped to have a sidecar put on.   Pick it up the end of June.  Can't wait!   Highly recommend Woodlands Michael and the salesman ,Josh, were a great help with an out of state purchase.  If in the market, give them a  call -  https://www.bmwmcwoodlands.com

First ride on the Indian was certainly different.  The sitting position, the peg, or in this case, foot boards, and let us not forget the rear brake "pedal" on the Indian.  For those not riders; big diference between the Euorpean bikes and the American bikes.  The BMW, Ducatti, KTM, Triumph, etc tend to be for of a  "steeple chase" sitting.  The big American rides, Indian, Harley tend do be a more "laid back" riding possition.  I guess akin to the days of riding a horse.  Here in the great expanse of the Amercan plains or indeed now the long days in the saddle; we tend to sit back as in an easy chair and ride.    My BMW was quiet.  The Indian has a somewhat loud; but pleasent rumble to it. I like it - thumpity thumpity rumble.

Had the Indian shipped to HANNIGAN MOTORSPORTS to marry it to a sidecar.  Below is what it will look like.  My color is a dark blue and cream.

The preceeding blog post was the "Farwell To California".  Following here is the fastest and the longest trip I've done in recent memory.  In one week - seven days -  I drove from the Mid Atlantic to San Luis Obispo, California to close on my last property there. Then I had to inspect other possible investments in Saint George, Utah and the Star Valley of Wyoming. 

Was in the saddle for the eight days with brief stays in hotels.  Logged 6,797.3 miles!  One day I was driving for eighteen hours straight.  Now that is a long day.  Oh did I mention it was mostly in rain.  And that day was an omen of what was to come!  More on that below.
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Saw a lot of this:

The route was Highway 40 to Highway 58 in Barstow, California.  BAck door to San Luis Obispo via
Highway 46. Plesant drive through the wine country of Paso Robles.  Wish I had the time to stop and sip the fine wines of the area.  It was late in the afternoon, and you know, I was tired. Had been a long drive. Left Flagstaff in the morning and the day before was a looooong day; started somewhere in eastern Oklahoma.    All I remember was my departure at around 4 AM; the night clerk told me the highway going east was closed due to ice. All the flashing red and blue lights made it look like a war zone with the police, ambulances and tow trucks attending to the crashes.   Well, I was going West.

By nineish I was in Tucumcari, New Mexico and drove the section of Highway 66 

In the hay days of Route 66 this was a thriving little town.  Now it is just a shell.   But even a shell can hold a pearl!   Been here before on many trips.  And as a regular reader of this blog, you know I don't miss a meal.  One of the best for diner is  DEL'S  and for breakfast KIX ON ROUTE 66.  

Let me tell you, the breakfast burrito above made of eggs, bacon, hashbrowns, cheese, chopped greenchile and smothered in red and green sauce; with the side of spicy  homemade sausage was .... well maybe I will go back tomorrow just for breakfast!  Don't pass this by!

With a full belly and coffee - lots of coffee; I was off again.  

Oh, if you are in Tucumcari in the evening dine at Del's.  Founded in 1956.
Still serving a great dinner!  Both owned by the family and the excellent meals and service shows why they are worth the stop.


Next stop was the Laguna Indian Reservation for a stop at the  San Jose de Laguna Mission.  Built between 1699 and 1701.  Still an active Catholic parish church serving the spiritual needs of the local Laguna residents.  A wonderful and well preserved  example of an old Spanish colonial mission.  You will find it about 40 miles East of Albuquerque on Highway 40.  So, stop in and say a prayer to Saint Christopher for a save journey.

If you have traveled highway 40 in New Mexico or Arizona you have seen them:

BOWLIN TRAVEL CENTERS have been in business for over 100 years.  This family owned business began in 1912 when Claude M. Bowlin started a trading post and traded with the Native Americans.  Today there are a total of ten  "trading posts".  So when you see the signs don't pass it by.  Great place to find a meal or a gift and fuel up.  I remember on one hot long motorcycle trip I stopped for gas and the best ice cream cone ever had!

Arrived in San Luis Obispo and the iconic place to stay is the MADONNA INN

All the rooms at the Inn are unique!  Below are but three.  The resturant is elegant and very good.  The coffee shop is a good bet for breakfast.   

After a quick day in SLO, off for Star Valley, Wyoming   As you may have read above, this was not a vacation.  There was a timeline to keep to.  Over nighted in Saint George to visist a posible property and left in the mid morning.  Blased up Interstate 15 through Salt Lake and took Highway 89 to Bear Lake and onto Afton, Wyoming.  "89" is a beautiful Fall drive.  Below in April, before the trees leaf out it was rather bleek.  

When you get to Bear Lake stop and enjoy a Raspberry shake.  As you can see it is more of an ice cream
Trully a treat!

I arrived in Afton to check the properties I was interested in; but a family emergency required me to depart the night of arrival.  Turned out, thankfully, all was good.  The drive back to the Mid Atlantic on the other hand was not so good.    

It was a light snow at10PM inAfton, as I assended the mountains driving back to Salt Lake the snow intensity increased.  It snowed all day long as I turned East.  In fact as I continued on Highway 70 East of Denver - in the snow - it became a blizzard and found out later the "Colorado State trucks I had seen on the side of the highway were closing the highway as I passed by!  The snow turned to rain and indeed drove home all the way from Wyoming in snow, blizzards and rain.

As noted 6,797.3 miles in eight days.  Mostly in rain and snow.  Not interested in doing that again!

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Born in Hollywood, California - when Black and White TV was relitively rare in homes.   Most of the cars on the "new" Hollywood freeway were American made.  Moved to Sherman Oaks when a lad of four.  Attended Dixie Canyon Elementary.  High School was Ulysses  S. Grant.  School mates were Tom Selleck, Micky Dolenz (The Monkeys)  although I did not know them.  College, well tried it for a couple of years at LAVC; but as a working photographer it was hard to pass up assignments and attend class.  So I dropped out.  

Went to war in Vietnam.  

​After the war, came back to the San Fernado Valley for a year or so and desided to give Alaska a try.   Worked in advertising. Ended up a director/producer for the local ABC TV station in Anchorage, KIMO.  Returned to California and moved to San Luis Obispo.  

All and all, spent most of my life in Southern California.  That was then  -  The best times to be there.

One  of the great excusions is Poso Saloon about an hour north of SLO.  Over the years many a ride  for lunch.  As you can see from the themometer below,   best  to visit in the Spring , Fall or Winter.

​For a great day at the beach go down to Avila Beach.  Short fifteen minute drive from SLO.  For breakfast, lunch or dinner try the Custom House in Avila!

Did a lot of living while in California.  The best place to have spent the early/mid years.  Riding the bikes in the mountains and the deserts, sailing the coast and Lake Tahoe, skiing Mammoth and Heavenly, scuba diving off Avila and the Channel Islands, rock climbing and repeling the great local climbs in and arround SLO, kayaking and of of course flying all over the State.  Cant tell you how many times would fly over to Harris Ranch for breakfast; or up to Morgan Hill for a good meal.  Heck I remember one night talking to a guy that had never been to Tommy's in LA for a burger.  So we jumped in the 210T and an hour later rented a car at Van Nuys airport and drove to Tommy's in downtown LA.
​That's it, about three hours total back in SLO.   The most expensive buger I have ever eaten!

Those were great times to be in LA.  Used to go to Sunset Bulivard spend a few hours at WHISKY A GO GO listening to The Doors, or Johnny Rivers.  Go down to the Golden Bear for folk music.  Spend the summer days on the beach of Malibu or Santa Monica.  

Learned to fly at....wait for it -  Coffin Air Service.  Back then you had to do spins to get your license.  We did them over the Glenn View Cemetery!   My instructor was Hank Coffin and in his seventies.  Great pilot and wonderful instructor.  I soloed under eight hours and was fifteen years old.

Great memories!

Below:  Sailing Lake Tahoe.  Diving of the Channel Islands, Riding th California desserts.
Riding and camping at Alabama Hills,  Rock Climbing, Kayaking the coast off Shell Beach.

Above:  Skiing Mammoth Mountain and "teaching" my son to fly.

​Set aside the nit  wit (communist) politians and California is a beautiful State.  In my opinion the most diverse in what it offers of all the States.   I mean you can really ski in the morning and have dinner at the beach the same day!

Allow me to reminisce .  I have had a blessed life living in California.  

Spent the last morning waiting for the dawn at Pismo Beach.  Left an hour after this photo was taken.
Goodbye Kalifornia - Good Luck!

California - is in my soul.   There is beauty.  There are to be had great and wonderful memories.

And if you are to live there; you will have high blood pressure and learn to swear like a China Sailor when dealing with the State government and many of the local dictators too  -  SLO is one!

​Go there for the beauty and   - - - -  the Assembly and Moonbeam!

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Those of us that are old, rememember the photo above.  To those "youngsters"  television was not always on 24/7.  It was required to shut down nightly to perform engineering maintence.  

If you are new to the blog,  please read the archives.  And all return in May to continue the
Adventure!

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