Before this Moment is Just a Memory

I had to chime in before this moment becomes just a distant memory. Here is a photo of Connor's US Team in Canada. The week was full of thrilling bike races and good company. Dave was in top form after a week on the road living his dream. It put a smile on my face to see him so relaxed and happy to be traveling the country (or should I say countries)? Tanner's father, Pat Putt was in Canada also and he is always good company. I am afraid I didn't qualify as "good company". I began getting sick 24 hours after setting foot in the RV and am still hacking a lung. I was almost thinking it might be swine flu but who knows. I don't recall having a cold wipe me out as thoroughly as did this one.
As usual, Connor provided us with first rate entertainment. The US National Team placed 2nd, just after the Canadian Team. He is strong! Oh so strong. I sit in awe of the things that fine tuned machine can accomplish. He had a fabulous experience and loved being with the team.
Oh, and can I say it one more time....the sight of that boy all decked out in USA team gear is enough to make a mother weep.

The Long and Winding Road – Days 16-18

Well Saturday night started an epic drive from Val d’Or. We left following Connor’s race and drove into the night through the rain, watching intently for Moose, as every 15 miles there is a watch for Moose sign (we never saw one). We drove about 300 miles and parked at a Flying J Truck Stop between two idling semis. It sounded like we were sleeping on the freeway.

We got an early start and drove almost 1, 000 miles to Fargo, ND. About 100 miles out of Fargo we lost power and had to nurse the View the last 100 miles (fortunately ND is really flat) to the Dodge Dealer (after sleeping at Wal-Mart) where for the 3rd time they replaced the “Resonator” without which the View just doesn’t sound right.

After a couple of hour delay it was onto Bozeman Montana. In just over 48 hours we Driven 1,800 miles, crossed an international border, been in two countries, two provinces, across 3 states (Minesota, North Dakota and Montana) and joined the throngs of RV’s parked at Wal-Mart.

Driving that long non-stop one has time to think, and below are some of the things thunk:

• Lake Superior is superior, at least when compared with other lakes I have seen.
• The Badlands are just that.
• I-94 between Fargo and Billings is the best stretch of Interstate Highway in North America. It is in great condition, there is very little traffic, minimal construction, you pass National Parks and Monuments (including Theodore Roosevelt National Park, which I had never heard of before), and there is not a single outlet mall.
• There are lots of “Worlds Largest” items in North America. Among those that I have seen are Prarie Dog, Rocking Chair, Adirondack Chairs, Snowman, Moose (2), Wolves (2), Sand Hill Crane, Metal Sculpture and Bison. I am disappointed however to have missed the Worlds Largest Ball of Twine mentioned by Clark Griswold (my mentor) in the movie “Vacation”.
• The slowest drivers in the US can be found in Minnesota. I guess they are so used to driving in crumby weather, they can’t adapt to good conditions.
• Amber waves of grain are a truly magnificent sight.
• Thomas Jefferson was a very bright guy and the Louisiana Purchase was a bargain.
• Lewis and Clark were studs and there Journey of Discovery was the ultimate camping trip.
• I am a lucky man to have my wife and family and appreciate her patience with me, even when I forgot her Birthday (so did she, as we both thought it was the following day). I will make it up to her when we get home in September.

Photo Notes - Mom on her birthday at our Home Away from Home, the Wal-Mart parking lot; Theodore Roosevelt National Park; Dinner in Billings, who knew Montana had Casinos, it was all I could do to get Mom out of that place without loosing everything we own.
Lake Superior

Val I’Gnored – Day 15

Well it has been a few days since the last info. was written, thus the I'Gnored. We do not have wi-fi where we are parked and so it kind of changes my level of interest, knowing I can’t complete what I’ve started until I disconnect the water, power, sewer, bring down the TV antenna, slide in the pop out and secure everything inside so I can drive around and try and sense a wi-fi hot spot. Today is Friday and we needed to go out and do laundry (yes we have clothes hanging inside the View). Mom is out cold and has not been feeling well, so I took advantage of the fact that the View is on the road and parked at the Comfort Inn so I could use their wi-fi. In terms of things to report, Connor and the US Team have done well. They currently have 1st and 2nd in the individual GC and first in the team GC. In the Time Trial yesterday, Connor was fastest out of the Mine, which is a big deal. He will get his name engraved on a huge trophy and there will even be a cash bonus paid to the team. It was his goal to win that, so we are really proud of him. He had a very good overall Time Trial ending up in 21st out of 124 riders. Currently he is at 28th in the individual GC with another road race today (111 Km). The weather has turned cool and wet, with torrential rain last night. We can only hope it dries out before he has to ride this afternoon. Well, Comfort Inn could probably use the 10 parking spaces I am spread out across so I had better make my way back to our hook up for the night.

Val S’Noored – Day 12

Well as you might be able to tell, we slept in this morning until about 8:00. Got up and took a walk to the school where the teams are staying. While we were gone, Pat Putt dropped off results which shows Connor in 48th our of 128 riders. Today is a long Road Race (119 Km) and will arrive in town around 7:00 PM.

Val b’Oored – Day 11

Well, as I said, there is not a lot to do in Val d’Or. I went on a long ride with Pat Putt to a scary little Indian town called Lac Simon, which felt like the setting of a Stephen King novel. Following the ride we all had breakfast for lunch at the View. Spent the balance of the day reading, sleeping, twiddling thumbs and waiting for the race to arrive in town at about 6:45 PM. It was exciting and on the last lap Connor made a break and gained about 10 seconds on the field, only to be swallowed up on the sprint. He did well and again we are proud to be here and see him compete at this level, and of the good young man he is. Back to the View for grilled steaks for dinner, using the portable grill AnnDrew gave me (it works great).

Val d’Or – Day 10

Val d’Or was as we remembered it, a small town with not much to do. We are staying for 5 nights at the CitedelOr, which is an old gold mine and the site of the Time Trial on Thursday. Unfortunately Julie has come down with a cold and upset stomach, so we are hoping she gets better quick. Got to go for a ride and then we went to the official introduction of the teams for the Tour d’l Abitibi. It is exciting to see Connor with the US National Team and certainly a proud moment for Julie and me. He appears happy and excited about the race. Had pizza for dinner with Pat Putt (son Tanner is racing for the Waste Management Team).

Church Almost – Day 9

I was successful in getting an address for the Thunder Bay Ward from Mormon.org. It gave us the start time of 10:00 AM for Sacrament Service. We arrived promptly at 10:00 to hear the High Council speaker wrapping up his remarks with “one more story”. Guess it started at 9:00. We headed to the parking lot, changed clothes and were on our way again. Canada is a big place as we drove from 10:30 AM until 11:30 PM to Val d’Or (our final destination) and passed only a few small towns amongst the trees, rivers and lakes. We stopped for the night at Wal-Mart and slept like babies.

Together at last at last at the Mall of America – Day 8

After driving into the evening to find a place to stay for the night on Friday I wound up at a rest stop (Wal-Mart in Minneapolis does not permit overnight parking (I went to 4 of them)). Saturday morning was beautiful and I went on a quick ride past a scenic lake with nice homes surrounding it. The bike path was a nice wide trail in most spots, which I eventually learned was really for snowmobiles in the winter (it must get really cold here). After my ride, off to pick up Julie at the airport, which went off without a hitch. Our first stop was to the Mall of America, and unfortunately I did not take me camera to record this overwhelming spot with its indoor amusement park (Nichelodeon Sphere), Lego Land, Aquarium and over 500 stores on 4 levels. I told Julie to find herself a birthday present, but she said she could not shop with me.

Following our stop at MOA we made our way north to the shores of Lake Superior, which is like the ocean. We drove for 150 miles along the shoreline never seeing an opposite shore. While driving this two lane road, we came upon a terrible accident where a small car had crossed the road and must have gone airborne over big boulders and finally wound up crashed into a large tree. We stopped, along with others, and were amazed to find the occupants all conscious and coherent. Although they were injured, it did not appear any were serious and after seeing the condition of the car, that is a miracle. We left the accident (there were a lot of people there) and continued north for about 30 minutes before we saw a police car going the opposite direction towards the accident, then about 10 minutes later an ambulance, so the people injured waited about an hour for emergency help, at least from the direction we were traveling.

We crossed into Canada and within about 10 minutes came upon a black bear on the side of the road. We watched as she loped across the street and then saw she had two cubs as well. What a difference from Yellowstone where there would have been 200 people stopped to watch. Here, people hardly take notice.

We drove on until evening and stopped in Thunder Bay at a KOA Campground along with a lot of people who appeared to be staying there for their vacation.

Day 8 - Minneapolis

Today felt like I was getting ready for my parents to visit me at my college dorm room. I want to make sure everything is set for when the love of my life arrives tomorrow. I made a few repairs, cleaned everything, filled the water and propane tanks and even did my laundry and rigged up a clothes line inside the View to dry a few things. I am sitting in a LaQuinta parking lot waiting for my stuff in the dryer to finish (it’s great; I can use their wi-fi and washer/dryer at the same time). On the way into Minneapolis, I made a stop at REI to exchange my watch which had leaked. What a great store, they made the exchange without any problem at all (which is why I love REI and Costco).

Anyway, later today to see Harry Potter and then find a Wal-Mart for the night. Can’t wait to see Julie tomorrow, it does get a little lonely.

Ride Across America?

Today started with a great ride up the Missouri River. Although I expected it to be flat, it was a lot of climbing and again, big time headwinds going out (which made really nice coming back). I ran into a group doing America by Bicycle and today they had just crossed their half way mark. They started in Astoria, Oregon and finish in New Hampshire about 3700 miles later. I rode along and talked with Chuck from Maryland and learned as much as I could. There are 65 people on the trip and it takes almost 8 weeks. Maybe next year.

Later in the day I detoured to take in the Corn Palace. Really, I don't know who thinks this stuff up. Anyway as you can see by the photos, it is a building with the exterior decorated with corn and corn stalks, husks, etc. After seeing the Corn Palace, I realized I could have just come here instead of taking the time to see Mt. Rushmore.

Worlds Biggest Log Chair

Another great day beginning with a two hour bike ride amonst the rolling hills and farm fields of South Dakota. Then to the local fly shop for advice on where to fish. They recommded the upper stretches of Rapid Creek, which must be why they call where I am staying Rapid City. It was a beautiful drive through the STEEP hills of SD to a copper colored stream. At first nothing, then using a weighted nymph started catching some fish. Hardly saw another person. The stream was picturesque. On my way back I saw what may be the highlight of the trip, the worlds largest log chair (yes people really think this stuff up and yes I drove out of my way to see it). Then onto Wall Drug in Wall SD. There is no way to describe this place so I will simply tell you all that if you are ever on I-90 near Wall, dont pass up the chance to see it. Had my first out of the View meal at Wall Drug, roast beef just like we used to get at school hot lunch, what a treat. Next stop was Badlands National Park, which is a lot like Southern Utah. I had no idea there were so many national parks, good thing I bought and annual pass. Unfortunately I did not have my camera ready when I passed the worlds largest prarie dog, but I am learning there are lots of worlds largest things around here. Tonight I am stopped next to an Arbys in Chamberlain which is right on the Missouri River. I was thinking about a bike ride in the AM, but there are 10 billion mosquitos here, so may reconsider.

Remember the days when kids would hide behind the gas station to smoke. Now adults park motor homes behind the gas station to use the free wi-fi at the neighboring hotel.

WHAT A RUSHmore - Day 5

After a restful night at Wal-Mart, I started early this morning with a drive to Mount Rushmore. It is quite a site and I am happy I started early as by the time I left there were big crowds and my favorite, Tour Buses (kind of my sense of what a cruise is like). I did not remember that this was created by the same man who carved Stone Mountain in Georgia. Then onto Crazy Horse Mountain but only from a distance as I had already looked up the noses of 4 American Presidents and did not feel a need to get any closer to the yet unfinished Crazy Horse. I made a stop and rode my bike for about 45 miles in the Wind Caves National Park (did any of you know there was a Wind Cave National Park?). It was a great ride, but seemed a little like riding on gravity hill as it felt like I was riding uphill out and back and fighting a ferocious head wind both ways. I did go on a tour of the Wind Caves, which is an impressive 135 mile long cave system (which they believe only represents 5% of the total cave). Not quite like black water rafting in New Zealand, but still pretty impressive.

I slept like a baby at Wal-Mart and have decided that if I did not need to fill up my water tanks and empty my waste water tanks so frequently, it may not be a bad place to live.

Trout, Trout and More Trout - Day 4

Today started with great anticipation. I had parked last night streamside on the North Tongue River. The drive to get here was another spectacular trip, steep canyons, waterfalls, moose, and as Joe Checchio would say, “Big country”. I am probably at about 9,000 feet, and the wildflowers are in full bloom. Although I love the opportunity I have had to see lots of other places around the world, I am not sure there is anything that rivals our own great Country.

I had planned to ride for a couple of hours this morning, but as the day got started it looked like there would be a serious storm so I decided to fish instead. By the time I got the bike cover on, the weather had turned nasty and it was apparent that not only would I not be riding this morning, but due to lightning, I would have to wait for a while to see about fishing. I am now killing time, waiting until about 8:30AM to see if this storm will break. If not, it is on to Devils Tower a little earlier than expected. The nice thing about this trip is there is no real agenda except to be in Minneapolis next Saturday morning, so I am really able to go with the flow.

I have really had the chance to reflect on how fortunate I am. I have been blessed with a great family, live in a wonderful place, have a testimony of the Gospel, enjoy good health, have had the chance to work hard and make a very comfortable living, have been able to provide for my family and have my wife at home to raise our children (who are all bright, beautiful, have had the opportunity to get a good education, are active and healthy, have had braces and were taught the Gospel in our home), and have the Views, which makes all this reflection on this trip possible. Hope all are well. I think of my family all time except when I am fishing, which appears to now be any minute as the storm has broken and it looks like time to get in the water.

“What a day this has been, what a great mood I’m in, well it’s almost like catching some fish”. Really, after the storm broke I fished the Tongue and although I was a little disappointed in the number and size of the fish for what is reputed to be a blue water special regulations fishery, there were plenty of fish and it was a blast catching them. I fished until noon and then grabbed lunch in the View, then off towards Devils Tower. Along the way, more beautiful scenery, and a stop at Prune Creek, which was better fishing than The Tongue. I really hated to leave but could see the weather changing so made my way east. The wind on I 90 was so strong it almost blew over the View, but other than that the drive to Devils Tower was uneventful. WOW, what a sight. I really could not believe how impressive it is. I’m sure people think I am nuts when I jump out of the motor home and ask them to take a picture of me, but hey, I will never see them again. While I was there the storm was moving in and backdrop behind the tower was a black sky with frequent lighting strikes so it really did look like Devils Tower.

After Devils Tower, I made my way further east and encountered the worst rain storm I have ever experienced. The rain made it impossible to see the freeway, the wind was like a tornado and there was lighting striking everywhere. I got off the freeway and there was a foot of water in the streets of Spearfish and Deadwood (an old western town, know full of Casinos) SD. The rain subsided and I went to Sturgis but unfortunately the annual Harley Rally is not until August. The town was dead and in fact looks like most of the buildings in downtown are vacant and used as temporary vendor space during the rally. After driving today in the rain, and realizing that if you are on a motorcycle trip, you really can’t do anything other than ride (you can’t stop and fish or drive in the rain, etc.) I am now convinced that at Motor Home is by far the best way to travel.

I am now stopped for the night at Wal-Mart, my home away from home, and tomorrow plan to see Mount Rushmore, maybe by bike.

Photo Note - I passed this little place in Shell, Wyoming called Dirty Annies, and lo and behold I found what may be my next vehicle, a sheep camp trailer.

Love to all, and please give my grandchildren Abbie and Andrew a hug from grandpa.

Me and Buffalo Bill

Time flies when you are having fun. That is certainly true in my situation. Friday morning I made my way from Salt Lake and headed to points east. Thanks to TomTom, my constant traveling companion, I took the scenic route through Jackson and Yellowstone. Yes it took a lot longer, especially due to road construction in both parks, but I got to see spectacular scenery and fish in Yellowstone. I fished on Crawfish Creek, another tributary to the Snake and also on the Snake. I was wading in shorts and found out how deceptive a very clear river can be as I stepped off the bank into the Snake and was waist deep in water (it looked like it would only be knee deep). It was refreshing. I caught fish everywhere but the Snake although they were rising all around me. I finally made it to Cody, WY about 8:30 PM and made my way to the local Wal-Mart Super Center where I stopped along with 20 of my closest RV traveling companions.

Saturday started with a 35 mile bike ride to the east. It seems wherever I am riding I am able to find the end of the pavement. I did so in Europe and likewise in Cody. It was a beautiful morning with little traffic except for the occasional hog. Did I mention I am traveling towards Sturgis and it must be Harley Week there as I am traveling with hundreds, if not thousands of Harley riders. I am baffled by this group. Most are my are or older, have long grey hair and full beards and don’t look particularly wealthy, except for their very expensive motor cycles, the coordinating cars and motor homes that follow them. Not sure what they do to make all their money, but I am seriously considering getting a Harley when I get home next year. Did I say year, I really meant month, must have been a Freudian slip. The rest of the day was spent exploring the wilderness north to Montana, where I was told about a secret lake full of grayling. Well I got to the spot after about 2 hours of driving over the highest pass you can imagine and learned that the secret was out. I was there with about 1,000 other people, so packed up and made my way back towards Cody, fishing along the way on the Clarks Fork River. Lots of fish, but again nothing bigger than about 9 inches long. The scenery was spectacular. Saturday night I attended the Cody Rodeo, and cannot imagine why people ride bulls. Of the 8 or so that tried (no one succeeded), 3 were injured and one was taken off on a back board in a neck brace. Some of theme wore helmets, but it was obvious that in making the decision to try and ride a bull they already had brain damage.

Another night at Wal-Mart, this time the place was packed. I made it to church this morning and it was a nice ward. Following church it was off to the Buffalo Bill Historical Center. What an incredible place, five different museums each of which you could spend a couple of hours in. I spent about 3 hours and felt like I really needed more time. I would honestly come back to Cody just to see this place again, it was incredible. This afternoon I am off to the east and north to fish on the North Tongue. It is supposed to be great, but may end up being like the secret lake. Anyway I understand it is beautiful and that there is lots of wildlife. The guide who told me about it fished it last week and said they say 100’s of elk, lots of deer and 13 moose. I will be sure to take my camera.

Having a great time, but wish Connor was with me to bike and fish and Julie was with me to see the sights.

PS I must have done something to offend TomTom as several times yesterday he tried to get me to turn of sheer cliffs or into solid rock wall faces. Today I am trying to be really nice to him.

Time flies when you are having fun. That is certainly true in my situation. Friday morning I made my way from Salt Lake and headed to points east. Thanks to TomTom, my constant traveling companion, I took the scenic route through Jackson and Yellowstone. Yes it took a lot longer, especially due to road construction in both parks, but I got to see spectacular scenery and fish in Yellowstone. I fished on Crawfish Creek, another tributary to the Snake and also on the Snake. I was wading in shorts and found out how deceptive a very clear river can be as I stepped off the bank into the Snake and was waist deep in water (it looked like it would only be knee deep). It was refreshing. I caught fish everywhere but the Snake although they were rising all around me. I finally made it to Cody, WY about 8:30 PM and made my way to the local Wal-Mart Super Center where I stopped along with 20 of my closest RV traveling companions.

Saturday started with a 35 mile bike ride to the east. It seems wherever I am riding I am able to find the end of the pavement. I did so in Europe and likewise in Cody. It was a beautiful morning with little traffic except for the occasional hog. Did I mention I am traveling towards Sturgis and it must be Harley Week there as I am traveling with hundreds, if not thousands of Harley riders. I am baffled by this group. Most are my are or older, have long grey hair and full beards and don’t look particularly wealthy, except for their very expensive motor cycles, the coordinating cars and motor homes that follow them. Not sure what they do to make all their money, but I am seriously considering getting a Harley when I get home next year. Did I say year, I really meant month, must have been a Freudian slip. The rest of the day was spent exploring the wilderness north to Montana, where I was told about a secret lake full of grayling. Well I got to the spot after about 2 hours of driving over the highest pass you can imagine and learned that the secret was out. I was there with about 1,000 other people, so packed up and made my way back towards Cody, fishing along the way on the Clarks Fork River. Lots of fish, but again nothing bigger than about 9 inches long. The scenery was spectacular. Saturday night I attended the Cody Rodeo, and cannot imagine why people ride bulls. Of the 8 or so that tried (no one succeeded), 3 were injured and one was taken off on a back board in a neck brace. Some of theme wore helmets, but it was obvious that in making the decision to try and ride a bull they already had brain damage.

Another night at Wal-Mart, this time the place was packed. I made it to church this morning and it was a nice ward. Following church it was off to the Buffalo Bill Historical Center. What an incredible place, five different museums each of which you could spend a couple of hours in. I spent about 3 hours and felt like I really needed more time. I would honestly come back to Cody just to see this place again, it was incredible. This afternoon I am off to the east and north to fish on the North Tongue. It is supposed to be great, but may end up being like the secret lake. Anyway I understand it is beautiful and that there is lots of wildlife. The guide who told me about it fished it last week and said they say 100’s of elk, lots of deer and 13 moose. I will be sure to take my camera.

Having a great time, but wish Connor was with me to bike and fish and Julie was with me to see the sights.

On The Road Again

This time it is North America. Hard to believe that so far this year we have been to the Grand Canyon and Arizona, Belgium, The Netherlands, Monterey California, The Cayman Islands, Switzerland, Germany and even France overnight. I have had the opportunity to ride my bike everywhere we have gone, and be with the people I love and care about most. Tomorrow marks the beginning of the original plan for Where in the World is Dave O'Leary. It was always meant to be a journey of getting "Lost in America" via motor home ( which happens to be the title of one of the funniest movies I have seen, and includes a motor home); to see the sights of our great country. It has changed a little based on Connor racing in Canada for the US National Jr. Road Cycling Team so now it is a little more hurried, but regardless will allow me to see some incredible sights. This next week will include Cody, Wyoming and the Buffalo Bill Wild West Center, Devils Tower, Mount Rushmore and fishing and cycling every chance I get. I even have a Honda scooter strapped on the back of The View (my home away from home). A week from Saturday I will pick up Julie (my incredibly understanding wife) in Minneaplois and we will continue into Canada where Connor will race in a Nations Cup race. Then it will be a cross country race to Bend, Oregon where the US National Cycling Championships are being held. All in all it will take nearly a month.

To say the least I am excited and feel incredibly fortunate to have the opporunity to take this trip. Although it is not Lewis and Clark it will certainly be jorney of discovery.

I will do my best to keep updating including photos.