Day one…Reno to Klamath Falls (short and sweet)

I sleepily wandered to the coffee pot squinting into the morning sun. In a dream-state, I fumbled switching the “on” button. I desperately needed a java jump-start. My morning routine addicted to a good strong cup of coffee was followed by 30 minutes of silence.This morning the 30 minutes was cut short. Even thought the bike was already loaded and mostly ready to go, I needed to get my husband out of bed and on his way a Lake Tahoe wedding he was to photograph. He is not any easy man to awaken and I had to harden myself to those sorrow-filled baby browns and ignore his labored plea, “5 more minutes, please”. Nope, sorry tis time to get up and go, love, as I am leaving in 10.

With my unpaid job complete, out the door I jammed, mounting my moto-steed I headed north to begin my Callelujah ride, so christened in celebration of some of the majestic roads of NorCal and a final summer ride.

Today’s ride would be a kinda lazy mundane journey leaving Reno behind. Hwy 395 northbound screamed for speed, but a major police presence kept my speeds below the taunting 80s. After my previous week’s performance award, I rode cautiously and with good reason. I lost count of the LEOs along 395 and coupled with the smoke from some fire northwest of me, I was glad to escape to Hwy 139 north of Susanville. A twisty assent put an immediate smile on my face and kept it plastered there for several miles of a great windy road.

The portion along Eagle Lake is lined with pine trees that glowed somewhat from the post-apocalyptic smoke filling sky, appearing beautiful but deadly. This year had one terrible fire after another and today was no different. Growing accustomed to the smoky skies this summer had become our reality. In fact, when our son visited us, his comment was, “this place looks like they put it in the oven and forgot to take it out”. Well said, Mr. College youth.

Wildfire

A smoky sun