Portland, Seattle, Vancouver
Day 6: Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Seattle to Yreka

Up at the crack of dawn (for me)
a fine farewell and thanks for the hospitality
and I'm on my way
51.8 / 26,225 / 7:40.
My head is thick, a bit of a cold.  Just what I need is to
have a running nose inside my helmet all the way home
A stop at Bartell Drugs; some zinc lozenges and Contac.
Sucked a lozenge, hope I don't have to dope up.
53.3 / 26,227 / 7:55
First stop is Lacey.  Fuel, food, look around at
Northwest Harley Davidson Dealer
114.8 / 26,288 / 9:05

There was a hot air balloon in the parking lot
shared with a remodeled motel

They have a nice Indian on display.  I'm imagining
it may stay on display for some time.

The displayed bikes are under a roof.  Not usual for a
HD dealer.  Wonder if it says something about the climate.
0.3 / 26,289 / 9:22

Local Burger King service was slow but filling
0.7 / 26,289 / 9:25 to 9:42


Toutle River Safety Rest Stop
Looks like the day is going to be really nice.
Folks are picnicking on the really nice lawn
57.7 / 26,346 / 10:35 to 10:50
Baldock Rest Area in Oregon now
138.2 / 26,427 / 12:15

I've got to say, these rest stops in Washington and
Oregon are really pretty.  And, reasonably well kept.
Time for food, my stomach says.
Woodburn McD to the rescue.
148.4 / 26,437 / 12:30 to 12:50

Then time to feed Lola.
148.5 / 26,437 / 12:55

  
Heading happily down Highway-5 without a care in the world,
traffic suddenly slowed to a full stop.

At first, a bunch of cars turned and drove backwards up an
on ramp.  I joined them thinking I could head West and
catch Highway-99 South around whatever the trouble was
A very troublesome cop parked himself on the top of the ramp
and refused to let us proceed.  We all had to turn around
and go back down the ramp.  This was particularly difficult
for several big-rigs since the ramp is very narrow.

In Oregon, its illegal to split lanes so I could not advance
between the two lanes of stopped traffic.
No choice but to wait it out

Eventually, after over 8 miles, I got past the trouble point
There was an accident involving a motorcycle,
a cop and a fatality.  No wonder they were being thorough (i.e. slow)

The North bound traffic was backed up also about 8-10 miles.

Finally a rest area.  Coburg.  I was ready.
Tired and needing to stretch.
Aha, the map has a "You are here" indicator. Good show!
66.0 / 26,503 / 3:20 to 3:40

 
Now I'm anxious to make some progress.  I've decided
I'd like to get home in two days rather than the planned three.

Sutherlin, Oregon.  Burger King for chow. Oops, too slow, moved on
Chevron for fuel.  It does have an A&W, root beer float and burger.
136.2 / 26,573 / 4:45 to 5:08

Next stop, Cow Creek Rest Area
54.1 / 26,627 / 6:08
Fuel at Ashland, I've made some good distance.
I proceeded onward, a little energy left.
Cold has not been too troublesome.
116.7 / 26,690 / 7:05
I reached Yreka in California and I know I'm within a relatively
short day's ride from being home.

An ABC photo for an exotic "Y" city

I hole up at the Comfort Inn and tumble into bed.
43.6 / 26,733 / 8:15

  
508 miles for the day, about 12 hours and 35 minutes
1,712 miles for the trip, about 42 hours and 45 minutes
  June 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th

Next Day

 

 

Updated: July 17, 2017 08:04 PM