Well, I have thus far neglected to impress what it’s like traveling with a celebrity. By celebrity, I mean the CanAm, what else did you think I meant?? At quite every stop, someone will approach saying, “wow, I’ve never seen one of these up close”. That’s just for openers, as what follows is consistent to nearly every conversation, “Does it lean”, “What’s it like to ride that thing?”, Is it like riding a motorcycle?”. And every once in a while you get the, “wow, I would never want to ride one of those” or “it’s both pretty and ugly”. I’ll say this, it’s certainly a conversation starter, that is if you want conversation while you are trying to take a potty break.

Tyler bears it all with good will. She does a lot of explaining how different it is to ride after riding two wheels for so long. She does this will humility and kindness, something I am obviously short of. I tend to funnel any questions right to the source, even if she is out of sight, I know she’ll be back and friendly. The kids are the fun ones. There are those that want to sit on it, or being too shy to sit just want to look at it from afar. I overheard one child say, “look daddy motorcycles”, to which he quickly replied, “there is only ONE motorcycle over there.” Ya…whatever, mate.

I was used to the rhetoric after a day or two and could nearly play Tyler’s role myself. I should have tried it, just to see if I could, but I knew I lacked the necessary finesse.

Well, Tyler finesses all the way and she rides it as well as she explains it. She is fun to watch both in front of me and behind. She handles that big ol’ boy like a pro and it’s not like she falls behind, ever. I’m no speed queen, but I’m not gathering moss either. I ride at a brisk pace and Tyler was right there in my mirror the entire journey. The only place I lost her even for a moment was on Hwy 36 right in our own backyard and I was trying seriously to pace my skills. I have to give the CanAm and Tyler’s skill a standing ovation. She’s got the force.

Speaking of force, Boise was a whirlwind of visiting, one I enjoyed immensely. It was a pleasure to meet those people so important to Tyler’s recovery. All of them that I met, were totally awesome people, but how else could they be. They are angels.

Dennis was Tyler’s first respondent at the scene and I don’t believe I have ever met a more humble or modest man.

Two of Tyler’s nurses, Jana and Paul

As fate would have it, we ended up leaving much past our intended schedule,(ya, what a surprise, i know) but it was all good. The weather leaving Boise was not nearly as warm as the previous day, and the farther north we traveled the more clouds we encountered. By the time we got to the good part of Hwy 95, it was not only cloudy, but offered a sprinkle or two. Between gray skies and land barges the quality of this fine road was tested! I once again understood why I rode the 1250 Bandit over the 650 Versys. I could easily make short order of the 18wheelers and Winnebarges.

Hwy 55 north out of Boise

Talk about a beautiful piece of land. Wow, it was calling to me.

That’s a mighty big lens, Tyler. 😉

Hwy 95

A very clear difference between the GPS speedo and the indicated!

Funny thing, as we approached Grangeville, we broke into some gorgeous open skies. We quickly stopped for a photo opportunity while there was some sunshine!

Love these next two shots!

Well, the next few photos need some clarification. I believe there are many people that would find this Lodge ever intriguing, however for me, it was a bit over the top. When Tyler made reservations, she was told there was pavement, a pool, a hot tub, an excellent breakfast, and lots to do. Well, she was right on all counts, but much of what she said could have been better clarified.

When we arrived after a misty mountain hop to the top, we sat in the road contemplating if we were at the right place. It looked quite different that what we had seen on the website. The driveway was dirt and had been recently quite wet, there were chickens and geese guarding the entrance and Tyler was attacted by the rabbit from Monty Python’s, Holy Grail. We settled the bikes in the least wet dirt and then went seeking the entrance. There was no one around, which in itself seemed odd.

We finlly found the front door and knocked and was greeted by a very cheerful tiny woman, and all we could see through the door was a big stuffed cougar looking about to pounce on us all. Upon entry into the Lodge we discovered what had to have been a record amount of stuffed dead animals. We have since discovered this line on their new rendered website, “We have one of the largest taxidermy displays in the NorthWest. With displays from Africa, New Zealand, Alaska, all Canadian provinces, and throughout the USA. Not many lodges can offer the array of animals that we do. From a Giraffe to a Musk Ox.”

Yep, they are all there.

And to this, I could only say awwwwww.

Oh poppyCOCK

They do have horses to rent and ride on what sounded like some amazing back country tours.

All in all, the place with it’s comfortable bunk beds, wonderful coffee and tasty breakfast made me leave feeling a bit sad.

Note I mentioned bunk beds, yes Tyler and I had a room with bunk beds. It’s not been enough years since church camp for me, I could go forever without sleeping in another bunk! 😉

Next…Grangeville over Lolo Pass to Flathead Lake.