As I was loading the boot of the Miata, I quickly realized there really isn’t much more room than on my BMW R1200R, but weight distribution to the lowest point was now for convenience rather than solely performance. I had all the essentials for a “walkabout” including a newly found Zin that had a great label. Where was I heading…hmmm, that seemed to be the question, but it really didn’t matter. I was going for a joy ride in my little black car, seeking some twisty fun and scenic country.

I didn’t have much to take, as I’m quite used to packing light traveling by motorcycle. Only this time I didn’t need base layers, or protective clothing. I was free of gloves, helmet, and knee pads and I could allow my hair to blow freely in the wind with my top down and still blow air-conditioning if desired! Wow, this was an entirely new mind set!

I headed east after deciding to stop in Reno and grab a couple of old Lincoln Highway roadside attractions. From Reno, all bets were off and I’d simply drive!

Gas stop in Lovelock, NV brought me to this wonderful vintage sign!

At Winnemucca I turned north. I had decided this was as good a time as ever to go and visit my bro who lives in Spokane, WA. I’d be taking the twisty scenic route.

I always knew I’d make it to Rome!

I shot up Hell’s Canyon along the OR/ID border. I have ridden the Beemer several times up the OR side called Rattlesnake Canyon, but this was my first time on the ID side. WOW!! It’s twisty following the Snake River and we all know how much fun those roads can be!

This guy looked content or cunning, I am not sure which!

Young bathing beauties so far away you can barely see them, but that river was soooo appealing.

I love Lily Pads!

Thistles…

Loved this B&B outside of Spokane. Dog Bark Park.

Cool vintage sign in the old Spokane airport.

My Bro, Bruce and his girl, Paula.

My bro insisted we polish the MX5! 😉

After visiting with my Bro, my nephew and my Bro’s girlfriend, Paula, I headed to Moscow, ID to see my cuz who is putting together an awesome B&B on her farm.

I took the twisty back road called Hwy 27 which was bursting with Americana on my way to Moscow, ID. I spent 5 hours on a 2 hour trip stopping at all the towns shooting photos and conversing with the locals! 😉

Rockford

Fairfield

Tekoa and the finest caddy I have seen in a while.

Eden…I thought it would have been more lush. 😉

Palouse

My cuz and second cuz trying to smile as we struggled to put together an Adirondack chair.

I hated to leave Moscow, as the weather was in storm mode and the nights of thunder and lightning were beautiful and alluring. I was only wishing I could have bottled it and brought it back home to CA.
So, I packed the Miata back up and heading south wanting to go to Lewiston and take the Old Spiral Highway then onward to Rattlesnake Canyon! These motorcycle roads are as much fun in the Miata as on my motorcycles!

Old Spiral Hwy in Lewiston.

Always loved this sign!

Rattlesnake Canyon

Top down we had a spirited run up the other side of the snake moving to OR.

In Elgin, OR

Stayed in Baker City, OR and took on some of the fun motorcycle roads around John Day.

You can see I wasn’t having any fun at all.

Heading south on Hwy 395 I aimed for Cedarville. I had seen an AirB&B there that somewhat intrigued me. It seemed like a great place to just get away from everything for a few days, so that’s where I headed.

This is a fantastic place for anyone needing an artistic IV or just wanting to fly solo in an oasis out a dirt road on the NV/CA border. Located 17 miles southeast from Cedarville, you truly get to experience the “outback” feeling, but still have access to wifi and electricity. Though the cabin is rustic, it’s all one needs to cook and kick back. There is no plumbing in the cabin, but there was a bathhouse only a short walk away and let me tell you the sky there while walking to the bathroom, is absolutely amazing. Talk about a star show!

The Rose Cottage

The warm water pond is about 80. It’s a real delight but somewhat of a challenge to get in and out of!

The view from my cabin

Harley the ranch dog with a heart of gold!

Love the flamingo!

My abode for the next couple of days.

Stormy dusk

The amazing sunset

Time for a porter and some art supplies…

Inspiration from Toulous Lautrec!

Leaving, but not forever. A great place to which I will return.

The road to Gerlach and the Black Rock Desert.

The breathtaking Fly Geyser known to the locals as Three Monkeys. Sadly, it’s on private land with no access except for special permission. Luckily, I had “family” connections!

Black Rock Desert

A no longer tumblin’ tumbleweed

Brisk speeds in the NV desert

So for nearly a full week I traversed NV, ID, WA, OR and CA. It was a quick 2K miles and the beginning of a long love for my Miata. What a fun little car for touring and I’m not afraid to take it anywhere. It’s a trooper!

When I arrived home, I had a Ramos Fizz awaiting. Life is good.

Map of my loop…