A spontaneous ride emerged with the onset of Mother’s Day, since it had been several months since I had seen or spent time with my mother. So, In near perfect weather, I packed up the Bandito, routed a quick map in google and asked Gary to clone it onto the GPS and off I went with promises to return in a couple of days. Well, almost…

Leaving at a somewhat reasonable hour, I had an amazing ride under partly cloudy skies knowing that some serious goat awaited me as I headed to Antelope Lake. The windy Hwy 49 was a great introduction to what lay ahead.

Route to PDX

Downieville

Hwy 49

The back roads to Antelope Laker were all Forest Service roads that wound up in elevation through an area that had been badly burned several years ago. The underbrush rich and vibrant grew up around the skeletal remains of the tall threes. The skies shed a quick downpour and I used caution over the newly wet roads. As I rose, I couldn’t believe just how many shades of green covered the hillsides. It was a new birth to the area, lush and ripe.

A quick rainfall…

Descending towards Janesville and looking into the valley below.

Highway 139 is one of my favorite roads to traverse north of Susanville and working toward Oregon. Eagle Lake is located off 139. I have wanted to stay here and at one point or another will make it so!

These flowers were prolific along the highway in NorCal and Southern OR.

The sun was getting low in the sky and the reflection in my lens was a treat though a far cry from the natural lighting.

Love the sky, which immediately brought the image of Monty Python’s god in the clouds.

I had called ahead knowing I’d arrive in Klamath Falls rather late, and made a reservation. I came to learn just what a good idea that had been once I arrived at the hotel filled with dogs and owners for the American Kennel Club and Klamath Dog Fanciers big “best of show”.

Well amid the dogs, I discovered that my room had been changed from a ground level room to an upstairs, which at this point a room at all was a delight. As I pulled in, I discovered that my room and key did not match and my room was in a different building. Oh my…I was tired and just wanted to get the bike and me situated. Two lovely girls came to my rescue with a glass or vino and they called the office and asked for them to send someone to sort out my right room. In the meantime, I took a deep breath and a big swig of wine. It worked out wonderfully and I made two new human friends and six new dog friends.

After a solid night of sleep, I rose, got coffee and decided I had never seen a dog show and that it was high time. I packed up and checked out and off I rode to the fairgrounds to see some dogs.

I got numerous shots, but these were my favorites.

One dog show later and I was on my way riding along Klamath Lake where I spend two of my teen years living in Modac Point, between Klamath Falls and Chiloquin.

The lake looked as pretty as ever.

As did the house where we lived. located right across the street from the lake.

When we were kids, we’d ride our skateboards down the driveway. They were the old skool ones with metal skate wheels. Anyway, my father usta tease us that if we didn’t stop at the bottom, either the highway would get us and if not that the trains on the train track or if we lucked and and made it past both then we’d probably drown in the lake. Yep, that wasn’t the safest place to ride skateboards.

When I reached Hwy 58 any semblance of desert disappeared as everything greened up into a layer cake of textures. I kept thinking how much CA could use some of OR’s water.

I succeeded in surprising my mother as I walked into her door. My sister and I had planned this clandestine campaign and did well. Mom was thrilled and introduced me to her new canine pal, Bindi.

My mom, always reluctant in front of the lens, neglected to sit for even one photo, so instead I thought I’d give you mom at 20. Yep, that will work. 😉

The next couple of days were spent hanging with Mom and my sister and even seeing my best pal, Karetta. I must admit to being sorry I didn’t get any photos, but you’ll just have to take my word that a good time was had by all.

Tuesday morning, I left with every intention of riding straight home via I5. But noooooooo…at Grants Pass, I had to veer off the 5 and head to some twisties. I just couldn’t do it.

Here’s my route to Red Bluff.

Red Bluff to home

Much better…

I stopped in Cave Junction for coffee and had the best ever espresso shake. Wow!! Loved the decor as well, and got a kick out of the coffee angel chain saw carving, complete with her wings and her coffee cup.

The road between Cave Junction and Happy Camp is one amazing road abounding with awesome twisties and wonderful surface. I saw one other rider enjoying the road, but otherwise the road was my own.

A map of the road…

Between Happy Camp and Willow Creek on Hwy 96 another wonderful road.

Once I reached Red Bluff I found the motel that Tyler and I had stayed in last year, the Sky Terrace.http://visitredbluff.com/ I must have been on auto pilot since it was dark and I had no idea where it was, yet I ride right to it. YEA! I was done for the day!!

I pulled in next to a group of sport bikes but didn’t really pay them any mind. The following morning I met the owners and discovered they were riding two busas and two R1. The R1’s were brand new and owned by young military men and the Busa’s custom owned by older gents. We talked roads and I sent them on a way better route than they had planned. I ended up seeing them a couple more times during the day. They all had big grins!

The day was cloudy and warm and the roads empty. Hwy 36 east toward Lassen.

The road to Bucks Lake is fairly goaty but then it changes to Oroville Quincy Hwy and it’s AMAZING!!

I love all the Oleanders along the roadways in CA.

Upon my arrival home, Hayden my grandson, was quick to greet me with his new pals purchased by a neighbor. For what reason you might ask…well, I wish i knew, but by nightfall, we were setting them free.

I must admit to loving the sound of them.

You may have noticed my day glow green jacket in the reflection of my mirror. Well, I finally bought my High Vis coat and absolutely adore it. It’s an awesome three season jacket that I feel is well seen and I know is comfortable. Woohoo!!

I hope all of you that were able, got out to celebrate Mother’s Day. It’s a most auspicious and fine day to appreciate those wonderful women we call mom/mum!