June 30th, 2009 | 
Author: Dean was able to update the blog by the photos we sent via the phone. It really helps to have Dean handy for those posts during the day. Thanks again.
And again, we really do enjoy reading all the posts even though we hardly responded to much of them, but we get a good laugh and a boost from reading them and it makes doing the blog worthwhile. It is really enjoyable. And that Video Allen, excellent!
I’m over the worst of the crud I caught earlier in the week– seem to last about a good 4 days. I cough up enough green stuff over those four days and left a trail so I can find my way back to Alaska next year.
This morning we got an early start around 7ish after talking to some other bikers from Pennsylvania who were on a 28 day trip for hitting all the lower 49 states. They were on their way for Hyder to get Alaska off their list (Dean and Lisa – you did that in 7 days???). You meet all sorts of other riders while on the road. Most are on vacation and some turn it into both business and pleasure, like these two from Vancouver who were riding their Beamers for both business meetings and then a pleasure ride yesterday.
Other Riders out for a spin
This morning when we left Prince George there wasn’t a cloud in the sky, and the forecast did not call for rain.
The start of Day 18 - weather looks good!
And we did not hit any showers today. This is the first day we had with absolutely no rain. As the day progress it just got better and warmer.
The skys stayed clear all day and it warmed up as we headed south
The border crossing was rather short. Sure beats the TJ border crossing..
Border Crossing at Sumas
And as soon as we crossed, we called the nearest dealer to hook us up for some new rubber. We arrived at the dealership and 4:30, and at 5:30 we were done and ready to roll again. This happen because BS pulled the tires off the bikes, they would swap out the tires, and then BS would put it back on. By the time I paid my bill, the write up clerk said my tire is at the side of the building. I looked outside and told him I think it is already back on my bike – and it was…
New Tread - wish we had a pic of the old tire - just like this but bald in the center. At least the cord wasn't showing!
We didn’t want to bother with rush hour traffic, so we hit a Sports Bar and Grill nearby and had an early dinner. We planned to ride to the other side of Seattle as to not be bothered by morning rush hour. That meant riding all the way to Olympia.
So it is 12:00 pm – Steve is already sawing logs, and I’ll try and find my ear plugs and get some sleep tonight. We figure we will be home in a couple of days. Not quite sure of our route yet. We may take I-5 through Mount Shasta region, then maybe cut over to Highway 101, or maybe I-5 to highway 101, or maybe I-5 and do a couple of mountain passes over the Sierra’s…. That is the fun part – not knowing yet and not really caring either.
Posted in Day 18
Somehow I missed Day 18 yesterday – didn't refresh my browser? It was 4:30 when Dean posted…I don't go to bed THAT early! And somehow I've lost street view – so I had all the clues and put them all together, but missed the actual answer. Hmmmm….some sleuth.
So glad the weather is clearing for you!! And thanks for the nice images of your cold…since I'm yearning for a road trip, and Alaska in particular, I guess I could follow your trail. Might be washed away by next year, or eaten by vultures…another nice image.
The hotel sleuth says you're at the Best Western, Tumwater Inn. Happy trails today – sounds like a fun, relaxing ride ahead – enjoy!
Sounds like all is going well and i am glad. Good weather, great friends, new rubber, the open road, you can't ask for more than that! You definitely will have to continue these trips because you are getting so good at documenting them. Hope all s well today.