When last I left the blog I was chattering about our trip to Vegas on what would turn out to be an amazing 11 day motorcycle tour on the left coast. Our next stop was Yosemite National Park. Driving in and seeing Bridal Veil falls roaring and Half Dome…followed by El Capitan and the majestic Yosemite Falls made my goose bumps have goose bumps. That and they were expecting snow that night in mid May! We stayed in the Majestic Yosemite Hotel with a view of a waterfall. I can’t wait to go back to Yosemite and explore.
Next up was San Francisco. We stayed near pier 39 and saw sea lions and had the juiciest strawberries that we dipped in chocolate from the fruit stand. Later we took an Uber to have dim sum at Ton Kiang. Riding my motorcycle across the Golden Gate Bridge was a sight and feeling I’ll never forget.
Leaving San Fran headed to Nevada, we cruised through Lake Tahoe and on to Highway 50..the most desolate road in America. En route to a spot called Kingston Nevada, home to the Miles End Bed and Breakfast we found ourselves alone for more than 120 miles. Good thing we always fill up the tanks when we travel! Highway 50 boasts of more than 12 snow-covered mountain ranges even in May. We were tired and hungry when we pulled in. Of course we were the only guests but soon we were settled in a great cabin and dinner was being prepared for us. After dinner it was relaxing in the wood-fired hottub. Yes, I said wood-fired. The innkeepers had it built especially for them. There’s something exhilarating about being 3.5 hours from the nearest town.
Next we headed to Park City, UT. Driving through the Bonneville salt flats I felt like I was on another planet. Miles and miles of salt on either side of the road for as far as the eye could see. Park City was great and the food was amazing.
The next morning, my favorite motorcycle man and I parted ways. He was heading back home and I was heading to Canyonlands National Park for one night before ending in Albuquerque. I made it to Canyonlands and took a few roads..wow. another awesome park in Utah.
Next day I was on to Albuquerque to turn in the Tiger and Uber to Socorro to get my Jeep to drive back to NC.
May 2016 was an amazing month. From hiking to motorcycling, I saw some of the most awe-inspiring sights.
When I got home tragedy struck; my stepsister passed away unexpectedly. My sadness overshadowed my writing and I didn’t feel like sharing. We rode to some great places during the second half of 2016 but I just wanted to be present in the moments, not record them.
In late 2016, Hurricane Matthew hit our state hard and we rode for relief and donated to folks who needed help.
Life reminded me to live in each moment and love those around you because in the blink of an eye, everything can change and nothing will ever be the same. I’m so grateful to have known my stepsister and to have made the journey through 2016.
May 2017 allow me to learn and love even more.
XOXO