So I'm having a hard time wrapping this up. I could use humor to just say it all, but that really doesn't seem to be what it's all about. I could use eloquent words but that doesn't fit either. To put it best; I think I have been so very fortunate to have such a wonderful family to have given me life and one to have raised me.
There are so many emotions that go along with this experience it's hard to just place the experience where it should be placed. I'm still on the proverbial high from all the adventures leading up to, at, and away from this journey. It's been phenomenal in every sense. One, I could not have imagined doing this without the three folks that went with me. They were incredibly awesome, and I know I don't say it enough but they really are truly friends. When we were cranky, tired, dirty from the road, snarky, didn't want to get up at 6 am, laughed on the cb after 400 miles of hard riding, took turns on roads with no guard rails, made funny photos, watched people tight rope walk from building to building, ate breakfast in the UFO restaurant, etc. I just can't even figure out how to end that sentence. It seems to be a theme of how I am about the whole trip. Perhaps I can't finish the sentence because it would be acknowledging the trip is over. I learned so much about myself and others and also this great country of ours.
For close to my whole life (since I could understand what being adopted was) I wondered who my birth mother/father were and why or what circumstances were involved to give me up. I wondered what fiber I had been cut from. I never wanted to replace my parents in any way as they had given me a fabulous life and knowing I was "chosen" made it seem so much more special. I just wanted to know circumstances and to get to know my "roots". I know I am one of the few who have ever gotten to experience this and I am grateful. I am home now, and I went to my Krav Maga/MMA class tonight and my partner Katie said to me "holy cow Hil. You look so refreshed and relaxed. I love seeing you this way". She's right. I had to ride 5943.5 miles to settle the questions and to grow new relations with people I felt were important. I was not settled/relaxed during my ride; my mind was always churning on the what if this turns disasterous; or what if things aren't what I thought they'd be, or what if.... I could create any answer for the what if's that had been going through my head the whole ride leading up to meeting my birth family.
What I can say is this: take chances; challenge yourself to go past the what ifs. You may be surprised as what you find. Do things out of character. You only go around this ride once (that we know of) so ride it like it's 6 Flags everyday.
Thank you so much to my family for sending me with your blessings to go figure/learn what my heritage is. Truly who knew I was part indian? wow! Thanks to my husband for allowing me to go with three of my guy friends. That showed a lot of trust, faith, and respect towards the ultimate goal- finding these answers. Without both; I'd still be wondering.
Some have asked me things similar to "what the F are you doing going with three guys! and how does THAT work?" It worked great actually. These three guys can't compare to the regular gene pool. You could see the total admiration, love, caring, etc (whatever you call it) for their spouses as well. When we all talked about stories it was all about family stories. What made each person's family special and unique. From finding a gift for a spouse, or what another spouse would say to a conversation we were engaged in, etc. By the end of the trip; everyone knew everyone in a way that good friends do. I knew Chuck before quite well, but learned so much more about Brian and Munds on this trip. And what I knew of Chuck? he surpassed that for his never ending admiration of Caren; and also that he can talk to an inanimate object about the four corners ride. They are all such wonderful dedicated people. I took away what I could learn from their experiences in life. They were all wonderful supporters in their own way of this journey and they got to see a lot of great things along the way as well. You can't go wrong with Badlands, Glacier, Custer, Needles, Bear Tooth Highway, Skylan, Niagara, Mt. Rushmore, Devils Tower, water slides at the hotels, and big greasy burgers. Then add on a family that is willing to welcome EVERYONE into their lives whether they are blood, or merely just there to participate in the experience.
A few have asked me what I did on my birthday. I know I've posted that already in prior blogs. What happened? My uncle John made me cry. That takes a lot to tap into my waterworks. And so did my birth mother and grandmother. You could see that they wanted to give me something that was so important to them; so here it goes.
First and foremost: Denise my birth mother came up to me and said "I tried to find a card that would summarize exactly everything but Hallmark doesn't make a card Nice to meet you daughter. Happy 40th". I almost died laughing and peeing at the same time. Now you all can understand where my crazy humor comes from. It comes from her and I love that. She gave me some of that green stuff, no not pot (pot is very legal out there if you have a medical card. Everyone has a medical card), money. I decided that I was going to take the boys out for a good decent meal with that on the way home. Hence we skipped the deep fried hot dogs and went to The Keg. One of the best steaks I have ever masticated. Not that I didn't have money (I was loaded with cash from hitting up every gosh dam ATM in the US because it turns out my card doesn't work in Canada), but I wanted to share that gift.
My uncle John, Denise, Steve and my grandmother presented me with a few items that had belonged to my grandfather; who passed away a few years back. I remember conversing with my birth mother, Denise, when he was declining and could hear how very important he was in her life. I learned through my visit with my family that everyone not only loved and adored my grandfather but worshiped him. Very rarely do you find a family that can say 100% absolutely without a doubt he was the most wonderful man ever. When we pulled out pictures of him at the bbq it was a trip down memory lane for them , and a new meeting through moments for me. So my grandfather was a watch man. They gave to me one of his favorite watches. I will cherish this gift forever; it's unfortunate that I have never had the chance to meet him. They also gave Patrick one of my grandfather's hand stamped belt buckles. So very very cool. I have still yet to be able to write thank you cards because I"m still at the choking up stage when I think about this. On top of all this, everyone at my birthday had taken the time to sign a card for me; family or not. Folks that knew about me that were not family, and even my motorcycle family. Cheryl from MA had also taken the time to go buy a cake which to me spoke volumes because I don't believe that was the easiest feet to find. It's not like around here where there's a Dunkin Donuts on every corner and a Shaws or Stop n Shop within a mile each direction. My birth mother's cake (posted pictures in a previous post) was absolutely amazing!! I mean holy chitcakes amazing.
I thank the Sutherlin's for all their hospitality. Not only was it wonderful to learn my heritage but it put a renewed sense of faith in me that the majority of folks in this world may be good people. They certainly didn't have to accept me in, but they did. And they accepted 4 others that were associated with this journey; no questions asked.
My Uncle Steve also gave us all crystal pendants and me a cloak. Unfortunately I could not find any space for the cloak to ride home with.
One thing that was special and Chuck told me about it after the BBQ. While we were there on the first night the family took our "posse" up to the ghost town on their mountain. The history in this area was so rich. I mean so out of the old world that you could almost hear the history of what it must have been like from walking through these ghosted buildings. The houses, the mining building, the numerous mine shafts we drove past. Just amazing. The way things were back then. The mine up there was to gather silver and lead. And much of this was done with using draft horses back then. Chuck told me that he and Munds were given a horse shoe from one of the horses from back in the day that helped out in the mining town. Chuck showed it to me when we had returned to the states. It looked like a belgian's shoe with huge plates and manually stamped cleats in it. Very awesome for them to have that type of history to keep.
John says he's going to try to rally the family to come east next summer for a vacation. I hope that happens.
So again, this journey has to end; for now.
I now have more family in my life and this is a good thing.
The Montana Posse
L-R: Brian aka Chester, Chuck aka Doc Holiday, Hilary aka Sheriff, Bob aka Tonto. These three friends of mine are going with me on my journey to meet my birth mother in July
Monday, August 6, 2012
Monday, July 30, 2012
stalling
So I keep meaning to do a final post and I'm having a hard time with this as I keep getting emotional looking back at this trip. This may take a few rough drafts to get it right. Stay tuned. It will be great, but I have to think all my thoughts through completely to come up with the best way to sum up this trip other than just saying "wicked pissah" or "awesome" LOL
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Home sweet home - tarmac I lurve you
So the title was from Danno. Short post for now. I'm home. 8 hours of driving through crazy storms. I mean CRAZY storms. I'd swear but I'm too tired. Chuck drowned me in a puddle/lake/reservoir on the road in Uxbridge with his bike. I truly mean that my bike was under water. Fully. Anyway. No one crashed, fell off, swam away or sank. I/nor the bike even fell down.
I will update the blog tomorrow. I have to see to this bite on my leg that I got a few days ago. The one where we stayed in some hotel where I think a spider bit me.
Horses were happy to see me as I were them. Same with the cats! I'm officially tired. When I get to open a bottle of wine, So many stories to share. What a great trip, what a great crew of folks. Great people we met along the way too. Ok.
Off for now
I will update the blog tomorrow. I have to see to this bite on my leg that I got a few days ago. The one where we stayed in some hotel where I think a spider bit me.
Horses were happy to see me as I were them. Same with the cats! I'm officially tired. When I get to open a bottle of wine, So many stories to share. What a great trip, what a great crew of folks. Great people we met along the way too. Ok.
Off for now
Friday, July 27, 2012
wrapping up
So we're all on our last night here. Let me re cap what I've learned.... The top 25
One: Once you cross lake Michigan someone has turned off the speed limit signs. By the time I had hit South Dakota my bike was going "seriously? 75 minimum speed?". The nurple wanted to file a complaint. I can't complain my bike did a phenomenal job and has kept me safe throughout this whole journey.
Two.Cutlery: you can never not have enough. And you never know where it's been so better carry your own set.
Three don't declare your cutlery at the border crossings.
Four. Always ride an ATV with a loaded 40 cal hand gun.
Five: If you pack all the necessary parts to fix your bike in the even of an emergency; you will not need to fix anything.
Six: If someone in your group wears rain gear; it will not rain.
Seven: Always carry a straw.
Eight: Don't wink at the female customs officials. However, do wink at the male ones. Do not show the male customs official the nougett bar that you bought in canda called a "Pleasure" bar. They have no sense of humor.
Nine: Chuck has a button somewhere on him where he will just start the talking tour of his four corner's ride. Randome bikers, strangers, customs officials, girls waiting for the bathroom at a gas station, prarie dogs, pine trees, etc.
Ten: Don't get into a cab where the driver has a hearing aid. You have no idea where he'll take you.
Eleven: The QEW is exactly the same as 128 Aye.
Twelve: Always bring plastic bags for your clothes. No matter how much people make fun of you and call you "the bag lady".
Thirteen: Go drink at a bar with your mother, uncle, and grandmother (if they're still alive. Not as fun otherwise). Oh and Mark.
Fourteen: Operate shiny side up and rubber side down (the bike).
Fifteen: Don't be afraid to accomplish life/bucket list goals.
Sixteen: Know you limits. That means I am not on a Goldwing and cannot pass tractor trailer/wide loads in a one lane highway in the pouring rain. I know my limits; I just had to remind the other Goldwing riders that I'm the little person on the little bike.
Seventeen: My riding boots should not have a fish in them.
Eighteen: Don't name hairballs in the shower. Nothing good will come from that.
Nineteen: This was one of the best experiences of my life. It has unlocked a whole past that I never knew about and am so incredibly priveledged to have been able to experience this. So many search but do not get the find/experience this.
Twenty: I want to thank the three people that came with me. They all made this trip amazingly special for me. I have no words to express my gratitude for putting up with me and riding 450 - 500, taking ferries, sitting on bridges in traffic, slipping on pine cones, crying at my birthday party (yes.. hard ass got emotional), smuggling VO (yes a canadian whisky that you can't seem to buy in canada) across the border, sleeping in motel rooms that had spiders and no AC, going down the kids water slides (while the kids were), telling stories, etc. Brian, Bob and Chuck are truly special people and I thank then all for coming along and also their familes for letting them.
Twenty One: Mount Rushmore is a joke to pay the money to go see. Just park 1/2 mile before the gate; save 20 bucks and get you pictures.
Twenty Two: If you're nice to the OPP (ontario Provincial Police) They will cut the patches off their uniform and trade patches with you.
Twenty Three: Vodka can taste good in anything except tap water.
Twenty Four: I ran out of gas unofficially 8 times. My knights in shining armour (notice the french spelling I've learned) always had a gallon or a leeeeeeeetur to get me going.
Twenty Five: Thanks to my family for letting me go and supporting this quest. I can't say it more succinctly than that. Thank you!
I'll be home tomorrow. Look out civilized world. There will be a final blog post to come
One: Once you cross lake Michigan someone has turned off the speed limit signs. By the time I had hit South Dakota my bike was going "seriously? 75 minimum speed?". The nurple wanted to file a complaint. I can't complain my bike did a phenomenal job and has kept me safe throughout this whole journey.
Two.Cutlery: you can never not have enough. And you never know where it's been so better carry your own set.
Three don't declare your cutlery at the border crossings.
Four. Always ride an ATV with a loaded 40 cal hand gun.
Five: If you pack all the necessary parts to fix your bike in the even of an emergency; you will not need to fix anything.
Six: If someone in your group wears rain gear; it will not rain.
Seven: Always carry a straw.
Eight: Don't wink at the female customs officials. However, do wink at the male ones. Do not show the male customs official the nougett bar that you bought in canda called a "Pleasure" bar. They have no sense of humor.
Nine: Chuck has a button somewhere on him where he will just start the talking tour of his four corner's ride. Randome bikers, strangers, customs officials, girls waiting for the bathroom at a gas station, prarie dogs, pine trees, etc.
Ten: Don't get into a cab where the driver has a hearing aid. You have no idea where he'll take you.
Eleven: The QEW is exactly the same as 128 Aye.
Twelve: Always bring plastic bags for your clothes. No matter how much people make fun of you and call you "the bag lady".
Thirteen: Go drink at a bar with your mother, uncle, and grandmother (if they're still alive. Not as fun otherwise). Oh and Mark.
Fourteen: Operate shiny side up and rubber side down (the bike).
Fifteen: Don't be afraid to accomplish life/bucket list goals.
Sixteen: Know you limits. That means I am not on a Goldwing and cannot pass tractor trailer/wide loads in a one lane highway in the pouring rain. I know my limits; I just had to remind the other Goldwing riders that I'm the little person on the little bike.
Seventeen: My riding boots should not have a fish in them.
Eighteen: Don't name hairballs in the shower. Nothing good will come from that.
Nineteen: This was one of the best experiences of my life. It has unlocked a whole past that I never knew about and am so incredibly priveledged to have been able to experience this. So many search but do not get the find/experience this.
Twenty: I want to thank the three people that came with me. They all made this trip amazingly special for me. I have no words to express my gratitude for putting up with me and riding 450 - 500, taking ferries, sitting on bridges in traffic, slipping on pine cones, crying at my birthday party (yes.. hard ass got emotional), smuggling VO (yes a canadian whisky that you can't seem to buy in canada) across the border, sleeping in motel rooms that had spiders and no AC, going down the kids water slides (while the kids were), telling stories, etc. Brian, Bob and Chuck are truly special people and I thank then all for coming along and also their familes for letting them.
Twenty One: Mount Rushmore is a joke to pay the money to go see. Just park 1/2 mile before the gate; save 20 bucks and get you pictures.
Twenty Two: If you're nice to the OPP (ontario Provincial Police) They will cut the patches off their uniform and trade patches with you.
Twenty Three: Vodka can taste good in anything except tap water.
Twenty Four: I ran out of gas unofficially 8 times. My knights in shining armour (notice the french spelling I've learned) always had a gallon or a leeeeeeeetur to get me going.
Twenty Five: Thanks to my family for letting me go and supporting this quest. I can't say it more succinctly than that. Thank you!
I'll be home tomorrow. Look out civilized world. There will be a final blog post to come
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Monday, July 23, 2012
We're in Regina, Saskatchewan. had a very bumpy ride today leaving Alberta through to here due to cross winds. I swear I felt like I was riding a bucking horse for the last 8 hours.. The winds were so horrible that my gas mileage dropped from 50 to 35-40.
Ok... We're all exhausted and going to take a power nap before dinner. Perhaps my sense of humor will return after I nap
Ok... We're all exhausted and going to take a power nap before dinner. Perhaps my sense of humor will return after I nap
Sunday, July 22, 2012
I'm going to bed. Tonight was my night to buy dinner and I took the boys to a pl4ace called The Keg here in Letheridge. It was really good, and add on a martini and a glass of malbec to my blue cheese/garlic topped steak wrapped in bacon and I am done! stick a fork in me- done.
Today was very emotional while riding away from Boulder. Something I never thought would happen, but it was. Lots of great new connections and understandings of why I am and also where I came from.
Good night all. We need our sleep. Tomorrow is a 500 mile day
Today was very emotional while riding away from Boulder. Something I never thought would happen, but it was. Lots of great new connections and understandings of why I am and also where I came from.
Good night all. We need our sleep. Tomorrow is a 500 mile day
Saturday, July 21, 2012
The big 40!
I want to first thank everyone who has either emailed, facebooked me, or tried to call me to wish a happy birthday. I have very little to no cell reception here so I will review messages tomorrow!
I had the most wonderful experience here ever in Boulder, MT. My birth family has surpassed all thoughts of who/what I thought they would be. I have never, honestly, in my whole entire life met such wonderful folks who exude the true meaning of hospitality. Not only did they accept me into their family, but Brian, Munds, Chuck and Cheryl in as well. Such wonderful folks; the type you really never see anywhere. The type that would give you their shirt off their backs if you needed it.
So today we went over to my grandmother's house mid morning and pulled an oil change on my bike. Good choice since my oil looked like tar after all the mountains the nurple has climbed.
We then went out on atvs and got to see some of the history of their land. I have some great pictures to post from my cell phone but since I lack reception they'll have to be downloaded another time. There's a true ghost town on the property that is absolutely amazing that we saw yesterday. Today we played on atvs, and my family and I went through family photos to show me more about my heritage. Really fascinating stuff.
This afternoon, up until 10 tonight everyone held a bbq and birthday party for me. It was amazing fun. Denise had a cake made for me that I will share in the pictures here. I'm still awestruck at the thoughtfulness of everyone, and I mean everyone. When Chuck and I returned back to our motel room he says "so what did you think?" (remember Chuck's adopted too so he knew the emotions I was going through) and all I was able to keep saying was "wow" over and over. I'm overwhelmed by how wonderful everyone is.
So here's some pictures from today and also some pictures from before we arrived (finally got them off the camera). The pictures not related to the b day bash are from Bear Tooth Highway and Yellowstone.
I had the most wonderful experience here ever in Boulder, MT. My birth family has surpassed all thoughts of who/what I thought they would be. I have never, honestly, in my whole entire life met such wonderful folks who exude the true meaning of hospitality. Not only did they accept me into their family, but Brian, Munds, Chuck and Cheryl in as well. Such wonderful folks; the type you really never see anywhere. The type that would give you their shirt off their backs if you needed it.
So today we went over to my grandmother's house mid morning and pulled an oil change on my bike. Good choice since my oil looked like tar after all the mountains the nurple has climbed.
We then went out on atvs and got to see some of the history of their land. I have some great pictures to post from my cell phone but since I lack reception they'll have to be downloaded another time. There's a true ghost town on the property that is absolutely amazing that we saw yesterday. Today we played on atvs, and my family and I went through family photos to show me more about my heritage. Really fascinating stuff.
This afternoon, up until 10 tonight everyone held a bbq and birthday party for me. It was amazing fun. Denise had a cake made for me that I will share in the pictures here. I'm still awestruck at the thoughtfulness of everyone, and I mean everyone. When Chuck and I returned back to our motel room he says "so what did you think?" (remember Chuck's adopted too so he knew the emotions I was going through) and all I was able to keep saying was "wow" over and over. I'm overwhelmed by how wonderful everyone is.
So here's some pictures from today and also some pictures from before we arrived (finally got them off the camera). The pictures not related to the b day bash are from Bear Tooth Highway and Yellowstone.
Munds and Brian at one of the peaks on Bear Tooth highway
Yes.. I'm freezing my ass off. That's snow behind me. I had to put my rain suit on under my riding suit because I was so cold. That's on Bear Tooth Highway as well
Brian with a back drop of snow
One of the many Chuck approved signs
Munds on his ride today around the Sutherlin land
Munds and my cousin Buck
Barbara Sutherlin's (grandmother) home. She too lives in a renovated barn
chuck on his ride. What some won't know is that he has a loaded 40 cal behind him for just in case he meets a moose or something out on the property ride
Cheryl coming back from a spin. She and Chuck left Buck in their dust!
Cheryl Rudloph and I. Had to go clear across the US to finally have a beer together. She brought Sam Adams to Montana!
Denise, Scooby, and me
Denise went for a motorcycle ride with us today
Out in the back yard of the Sutherlins. On my back is my camera and on my left is a self cocking 40 cal pistol in case I met some undesirables out in the back woods. Yes, it's held onto the atv withe a bungie cord through the trigger guard. MA eat you heart out on that one!!! Everyone out here keeps guns in their cars, tables, etc. Its just a way of life. And road beer is just a way to stay hydrated!
Denise, me and Buck's shirt
Denise had this cake made for me for the party!!! I love it! She couldn't find a figuring that wasn't a harley. So she had them take all the harley emblems off LOL
Tomorrow we are heading out of here after breakfast. We'll be heading up to Whitefish to pick up Brian. Brian took off earlier this morning to go see his niece who just had a baby six days ago. Congrats to Brian and his family. Then we're headed up to Glacier and then into Canada to start our return trip home.
This trip has been amazing, and it's still going
taaa daaaa
We arrived in Boulder yeasterday around 4. The ride out here was amazing. We went up Bear Tooth Highway, through yellowstone, etc. We had to ride right by a buffalo walking the streets in yellowstone. No joke, less than 2 feet from our handlebars. We had a beautiful day of riding until two spots. One coming off of Bear tooth at the bottom heading to yellowstone and then heading into Boulder. Boulder weather was wild. The last 15 miles was all downspouts all around us, and lightning storms. To the point I had to comment "Toto, we're not in Kansas anymore!" We made it to the motel literally seconds before the skies really became unglued.
So everyone is wondering about my birth family. They are amazingly fun. denise and I look so similar. There's no mistaking this genetic gene pool. I met my uncle, cousins, and grandmother last night . What a beautiful spot up here. And of course with this genetic component I was in the local bar with my mom, uncle, and grandmother within the first hour!
Here's a few pictures from yesterday. Many more to come!
these pictures are all from Munds. Thanks munds
So everyone is wondering about my birth family. They are amazingly fun. denise and I look so similar. There's no mistaking this genetic gene pool. I met my uncle, cousins, and grandmother last night . What a beautiful spot up here. And of course with this genetic component I was in the local bar with my mom, uncle, and grandmother within the first hour!
Here's a few pictures from yesterday. Many more to come!
Friday, July 20, 2012
Thursday, July 19, 2012
T minus tomorrow
So tomorrow is the big day (cue the music). I have traveled with my friends almost clear across the country because of two reasons.
One, to thank the person who gave me life and options.
Two, because I am curious about my family heritage, where I'm from, stories, etc.
Oh hell, three, this is a fanfriggentastic experience to go on! To see things I never have had the ability to go see. We all agreed that when we went and saw Mt. Rushmore it was like a scene from National Lampoon's vacation where they pulled up to the grand canyon.. Got out of the car, Chevy Chase says "yep. ok kids. let's go.. Been there, seen it".
I just can't wait until tomorrow. I feel like I did when I was a child getting ready for a horse show. I used to be so afraid that I would over sleep that I would go to sleep in my show clothes. No I haven't changed out my pajamas for britches tonight.
I have no idea what I'm in for tomorrow. I know I'll be meeting my birth mother and I'll be meeting my birth grandmother. This is all very very cool to me.
We are in Billings, MT. All the staff, taxi drivers, and even our waitress asked us what we were doing so far from home. They all said "you must be going to Sturgis right ya'll?" When one of us answered back "we're going to Boulder, MT" the looks and comment of "booooowldeeeeeeehhhhr?" brought us much amusement. One person said "you must be going to go see someone there huh" which I would nod my head.
We have gone roughly three galaxies and two time zones to get here. What a great trip it's been. I believe we're close to 2500 miles so far. I'll have to double check with Munds in the morning. I have to say if anyone ever ends up in Billings, MT (no idea why- nor will I ask questions) The Best Western on the south side known as "the bear one" is awesome. The hotel is spotless inside, the rooms beautiful, and they have an indoor water park which Munds, Brian and I played in today.
Who knew I could shoot a basketball while in 3 1/2 feet of swimming pool?
tomorrow we're getting up early, eating, then out of here. We'll be visiting Yellowstone in the morning and then going up to Booooowldeeeehhhr afterwards. The friends I have with me on this trip are awesome. Couldn't ask for a better group of guys. They've been my "shepherds" getting me here. Keeping this one sheep safe the whole time.
Ok, so the basketball net was only 4 feet above the water line in the pool. I'm no Michael Jordan but man for a short red headed girl I have game. (really you didn't think I would stay serious after the heartfelt shepherd comment)
Night all! and PS. Brian didn't check his tire pressure today :) Last night I had a dream that when I put the key in my bike, and hit the ignition it laughed at me (for those who don't know I'm on a honda shadow-aero). Today I rode that bike like it was pack mule! The nurple took a beating and kept going for more. So far the ride has been flawless mechanically (leaving electronics out of this equation). I have only heard the nurple spit once, and that was more than acceptable since we were just coming down from 5500 ft to 4k feet and I was downshifting. Other than that; rock on my purple nurple pack mule.
Ok I'm obviously tired. bedtime T minus 2 minutes
One, to thank the person who gave me life and options.
Two, because I am curious about my family heritage, where I'm from, stories, etc.
Oh hell, three, this is a fanfriggentastic experience to go on! To see things I never have had the ability to go see. We all agreed that when we went and saw Mt. Rushmore it was like a scene from National Lampoon's vacation where they pulled up to the grand canyon.. Got out of the car, Chevy Chase says "yep. ok kids. let's go.. Been there, seen it".
I just can't wait until tomorrow. I feel like I did when I was a child getting ready for a horse show. I used to be so afraid that I would over sleep that I would go to sleep in my show clothes. No I haven't changed out my pajamas for britches tonight.
I have no idea what I'm in for tomorrow. I know I'll be meeting my birth mother and I'll be meeting my birth grandmother. This is all very very cool to me.
We are in Billings, MT. All the staff, taxi drivers, and even our waitress asked us what we were doing so far from home. They all said "you must be going to Sturgis right ya'll?" When one of us answered back "we're going to Boulder, MT" the looks and comment of "booooowldeeeeeeehhhhr?" brought us much amusement. One person said "you must be going to go see someone there huh" which I would nod my head.
We have gone roughly three galaxies and two time zones to get here. What a great trip it's been. I believe we're close to 2500 miles so far. I'll have to double check with Munds in the morning. I have to say if anyone ever ends up in Billings, MT (no idea why- nor will I ask questions) The Best Western on the south side known as "the bear one" is awesome. The hotel is spotless inside, the rooms beautiful, and they have an indoor water park which Munds, Brian and I played in today.
Who knew I could shoot a basketball while in 3 1/2 feet of swimming pool?
tomorrow we're getting up early, eating, then out of here. We'll be visiting Yellowstone in the morning and then going up to Booooowldeeeehhhr afterwards. The friends I have with me on this trip are awesome. Couldn't ask for a better group of guys. They've been my "shepherds" getting me here. Keeping this one sheep safe the whole time.
Ok, so the basketball net was only 4 feet above the water line in the pool. I'm no Michael Jordan but man for a short red headed girl I have game. (really you didn't think I would stay serious after the heartfelt shepherd comment)
Night all! and PS. Brian didn't check his tire pressure today :) Last night I had a dream that when I put the key in my bike, and hit the ignition it laughed at me (for those who don't know I'm on a honda shadow-aero). Today I rode that bike like it was pack mule! The nurple took a beating and kept going for more. So far the ride has been flawless mechanically (leaving electronics out of this equation). I have only heard the nurple spit once, and that was more than acceptable since we were just coming down from 5500 ft to 4k feet and I was downshifting. Other than that; rock on my purple nurple pack mule.
Ok I'm obviously tired. bedtime T minus 2 minutes
In billings, mt
safe and sound in Billings, MT. will write more after my laundry is done at the hotel
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
holy cowshittaki I've been everywhere today
I'm in the land of Red Solo Cup and Jesus Loves you and Think signs.
Today we rode for over 12 hours straight. Most people do the national park and national monument tour in a week. We did it the speed pass way... In one day.
here's a few pics from the Badlands, Walldrug, Mt. Rushmore, Custer State Park and then went to Devil's tower in WY.. I had to have Chuck remind me of where we've been .. originally our itinerary said we were going 169 miles. We did close t 500.
I love my airhawk seat and my throttle rocker.. Oh and my cocktail of crystal light/Svedka. And the best freakin hot dog ever. Mike's special which consists of a hot dog wrapped in bacon and beer battered and deep fried... Yeah Don.. My bike's not the only thing coming home with saddle bags LMFAO!!!
Today we rode for over 12 hours straight. Most people do the national park and national monument tour in a week. We did it the speed pass way... In one day.
here's a few pics from the Badlands, Walldrug, Mt. Rushmore, Custer State Park and then went to Devil's tower in WY.. I had to have Chuck remind me of where we've been .. originally our itinerary said we were going 169 miles. We did close t 500.
I love my airhawk seat and my throttle rocker.. Oh and my cocktail of crystal light/Svedka. And the best freakin hot dog ever. Mike's special which consists of a hot dog wrapped in bacon and beer battered and deep fried... Yeah Don.. My bike's not the only thing coming home with saddle bags LMFAO!!!
The windows program in my head shut down
So I forgot where I was yesterday, the days are drawing into a fuzz. A good blur though. The Days Inn we stayed at last night I was excited to see a whirlpool bath tub in our room, however it looks like no one had cleaned it for months around the jets. YUK... and on top of that, the drain was being held in place by someone's hair . I named the hairball Valerie. No offense to any of my friends named Valerie. Just came to me as I was showering.
Brian is no longer allowed to check his tires beyond kicking them. LOL. He has what they call balls or beads in his tires. they're supposed to increase the balance of the tire. They are also designed to cause great disaster if you decide to try to check your tire pressure with a gauge. They get sucked into the valve stem and then can cause the tire to deflate at a good rate of speed. That happened this morning. Chuck, the fix it man came to the rescue. Knowing what I know now about tire beads I will never use them.. I don't have the ability not to use a tire gauge. I would be the one who checks to see how many beads i could catch in there.
Today was a hot one again. We did 398 miles, all interstate 90. We got here at 3:30 and I did get a little cat nap in while Chuck was planning tomorrow's scenic ride.
Sooooo. I was supposed to update my blog last night. it is now Wednesday morning. We rolled into Murdo, SD. The boys did their laundry and I started looking at IMC headsets. Mine is crapping out. We then all met up to go to the classic car/motorcycle museum next door. The place was HUGE!!! A collector's fascination of all sorts. They had cars, motorcycles, small engines,cameras, rocks and semi stones, lunch pails etc.
When I say the place was huge it was getting exhausted and woozy while walking through. We had eaten an ok breakfast yesterday morning, stopped at all the gas stops and drank water and had snacks, and when I got in I cracked open a big thing of planters nuts for protein. It wasn't enough. With the 97 degree weather, I was exhausted and drained.
I made it to dinner at the diner and I do remember eating. i mean folks this is like 7:30 central time, what is wrong with me!! So I ate everything on my plate I was so hungry. I think I even at the garnish. not sure if it was food or plastic. I must have gained ten lbs from food consumption here just to stay functioning. My liver is actually re growing from lack of consumption. Maybe it's my liver that is gaining weight.
The boys were carrying on, when I noticed over Chuck's shoulder a nasty, sweaty, 4 chin, plastic baseball cap jammed on his mullet with sweat coming down his eyebrows truck driver. I know the idea with the uniform shirt is to make them look professional... FAIL!!!
So he started giving me the eyes and I guess what he felt were the "want to come over" gesture. I would have rather cuddled up to a scorpion.. He was relentless so I decided to just excuse myself from the dinner table. The group was done but they were still yackity yackity and I knew if I was going to stay at the table any further I would have ended up face down sleeping in the remains of the bun from my seadog or saying something to the trucker, which he probably wouldn't have understood thanks to our "accents".
I left the boys, came back to my hotel room, looked at the netbook and said.. Nope... Just because the computer's windows are working doesn't mean my internal windows were...
My windows in my head had shut down.
So today is the fun day.. I'm going to see a lot of great things with lots of great pictures
Brian is no longer allowed to check his tires beyond kicking them. LOL. He has what they call balls or beads in his tires. they're supposed to increase the balance of the tire. They are also designed to cause great disaster if you decide to try to check your tire pressure with a gauge. They get sucked into the valve stem and then can cause the tire to deflate at a good rate of speed. That happened this morning. Chuck, the fix it man came to the rescue. Knowing what I know now about tire beads I will never use them.. I don't have the ability not to use a tire gauge. I would be the one who checks to see how many beads i could catch in there.
Today was a hot one again. We did 398 miles, all interstate 90. We got here at 3:30 and I did get a little cat nap in while Chuck was planning tomorrow's scenic ride.
Sooooo. I was supposed to update my blog last night. it is now Wednesday morning. We rolled into Murdo, SD. The boys did their laundry and I started looking at IMC headsets. Mine is crapping out. We then all met up to go to the classic car/motorcycle museum next door. The place was HUGE!!! A collector's fascination of all sorts. They had cars, motorcycles, small engines,cameras, rocks and semi stones, lunch pails etc.
When I say the place was huge it was getting exhausted and woozy while walking through. We had eaten an ok breakfast yesterday morning, stopped at all the gas stops and drank water and had snacks, and when I got in I cracked open a big thing of planters nuts for protein. It wasn't enough. With the 97 degree weather, I was exhausted and drained.
I made it to dinner at the diner and I do remember eating. i mean folks this is like 7:30 central time, what is wrong with me!! So I ate everything on my plate I was so hungry. I think I even at the garnish. not sure if it was food or plastic. I must have gained ten lbs from food consumption here just to stay functioning. My liver is actually re growing from lack of consumption. Maybe it's my liver that is gaining weight.
The boys were carrying on, when I noticed over Chuck's shoulder a nasty, sweaty, 4 chin, plastic baseball cap jammed on his mullet with sweat coming down his eyebrows truck driver. I know the idea with the uniform shirt is to make them look professional... FAIL!!!
So he started giving me the eyes and I guess what he felt were the "want to come over" gesture. I would have rather cuddled up to a scorpion.. He was relentless so I decided to just excuse myself from the dinner table. The group was done but they were still yackity yackity and I knew if I was going to stay at the table any further I would have ended up face down sleeping in the remains of the bun from my seadog or saying something to the trucker, which he probably wouldn't have understood thanks to our "accents".
I left the boys, came back to my hotel room, looked at the netbook and said.. Nope... Just because the computer's windows are working doesn't mean my internal windows were...
My windows in my head had shut down.
So today is the fun day.. I'm going to see a lot of great things with lots of great pictures
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Monday, July 16, 2012
in minnesota
So we're in Minnesota. Today was a very long ride after the ferry. It was compounded by hitting 103 degree weather without any shade in sight. I used to feel bad that my gas tank will only hold 2.75 gallons. Not today! I needed to stop even 115 miles to get a gatorade and some sort of nutrition.
So today was all about poop. I must have smelled so much cow poop all over farm land, and also a farmer that was spraying his poop that it was coming across the highway in a mist.. Then right when we were crossing the mississippi river we heard someone on our cb channel four, the channel we talk on. This male/female cattle hauling team remarked that they heard us talking and were following us. We ended up carrying on back and forth for the next twenty miles. At one point we were climbing a hill on the highway and the woman in the second truck said to us to "tuck right in behind the first truck so we could get some good speed". Her next comment was "we don't have any female heifer's on right now so there's nothing to worry about. Those females spray their business out the back of the trailer". Again, poop/pee theme.
Brian got his tire fixed at Badger Cycles in Manitowa, Wisconsin. Very nice folks.
We finally got in to the hometown of Spam, Austin, MN about two hours ago. I brought the guys to dinner tonight at the hotel.. Everyone is a bit tired. Chuck looks like a toddler way up past his bedtime.
here's some pictures that I finally got to download. The first one is a picture of us under an under pass getting our rain suits on and Chuck trying to turn off his blue tooth to make a hotel reservation. The second is the same underpass with all our bikes. It POURED!
picture three is of the SS Badger that we took across lake Michigan.. Poor chuck was dismayed that the little buoys he kept seeing in the water were in fact NOT lobster traps... Chuck, it's a lake. And the fourth was the OuterSpace diner that we had breakfast in in Niagara Falls before we left there.
My bike is going great. I'm glad I packed heavy for this trip the mid west winds are fierce! The extra baggage is helping me stick to the road ;P I'm headed to sleep. One more long day of riding tomorrow 400+ miles. Then we get to play around seeing the sights the next day. Will post more tomorrow.
So today was all about poop. I must have smelled so much cow poop all over farm land, and also a farmer that was spraying his poop that it was coming across the highway in a mist.. Then right when we were crossing the mississippi river we heard someone on our cb channel four, the channel we talk on. This male/female cattle hauling team remarked that they heard us talking and were following us. We ended up carrying on back and forth for the next twenty miles. At one point we were climbing a hill on the highway and the woman in the second truck said to us to "tuck right in behind the first truck so we could get some good speed". Her next comment was "we don't have any female heifer's on right now so there's nothing to worry about. Those females spray their business out the back of the trailer". Again, poop/pee theme.
Brian got his tire fixed at Badger Cycles in Manitowa, Wisconsin. Very nice folks.
We finally got in to the hometown of Spam, Austin, MN about two hours ago. I brought the guys to dinner tonight at the hotel.. Everyone is a bit tired. Chuck looks like a toddler way up past his bedtime.
here's some pictures that I finally got to download. The first one is a picture of us under an under pass getting our rain suits on and Chuck trying to turn off his blue tooth to make a hotel reservation. The second is the same underpass with all our bikes. It POURED!
picture three is of the SS Badger that we took across lake Michigan.. Poor chuck was dismayed that the little buoys he kept seeing in the water were in fact NOT lobster traps... Chuck, it's a lake. And the fourth was the OuterSpace diner that we had breakfast in in Niagara Falls before we left there.
My bike is going great. I'm glad I packed heavy for this trip the mid west winds are fierce! The extra baggage is helping me stick to the road ;P I'm headed to sleep. One more long day of riding tomorrow 400+ miles. Then we get to play around seeing the sights the next day. Will post more tomorrow.
On the SS Badger
Hello everyone! We are on the SS. Badger going across lake Michigan. Yesterday we hit a lot of rain showers coming from Niagara Falls through to Michigan. However, every time we stopped to don our raingear, it would stop. By the last rain storm (of course we had taken our rain gear off) it was close to 96 degrees and I welcomed the cool down through my mesh riding suit. Ok side note, I'm sitting in the cafeteria of the Badger and I'm listening to some crazy bad rendition of a polka song promoting the Badger LOL. Next bingo with old people!!! Yes I told the rest of the Tiger Balm Brigade they better come down here off the top deck to feel like youngin's again.
So on a serious note, yesterday Brian got a flat tire but he handled it like a pro. We had stopped for gas and when he rolled away from the pump he only had 4 lbs of pressure in his front tire. So the tire is ok, but the valve stem is crap. So we've pumped him back up a few times to get his monster machine on the boat. He's already set up to have the tire repaired on the other side of the ferry. Great organization they belong to American Goldwing Riders Association. Their book listings have a list of all members nationwide so he's already hooked up with someone at a shop to go get this fixed once we roll him off the boat.
One thing I have noticed, Norfolk folks need to stop complaining about a little roadkill on the road. Holy shitcakes the ride from Niagara Falls to Ludington, I have never seen so much roadkill in my LIFE! You'd think it was like a Jim Jones animal cult out here.
So enough blogging for now. I'm sitting in the midst of a huge bingo game where the callers have a funny mid west accent. I plan to play and beat the pants off of everyone here.
Heck if I don't win I'll just take their pants and run. they can't catch me anyway.
I have a lot more pictures, but I have no cell reception so I can't transfer them to here in this blog post. However, I can text them in in a minute. This picture of us leaving port on the SS Badger
So on a serious note, yesterday Brian got a flat tire but he handled it like a pro. We had stopped for gas and when he rolled away from the pump he only had 4 lbs of pressure in his front tire. So the tire is ok, but the valve stem is crap. So we've pumped him back up a few times to get his monster machine on the boat. He's already set up to have the tire repaired on the other side of the ferry. Great organization they belong to American Goldwing Riders Association. Their book listings have a list of all members nationwide so he's already hooked up with someone at a shop to go get this fixed once we roll him off the boat.
One thing I have noticed, Norfolk folks need to stop complaining about a little roadkill on the road. Holy shitcakes the ride from Niagara Falls to Ludington, I have never seen so much roadkill in my LIFE! You'd think it was like a Jim Jones animal cult out here.
So enough blogging for now. I'm sitting in the midst of a huge bingo game where the callers have a funny mid west accent. I plan to play and beat the pants off of everyone here.
I have a lot more pictures, but I have no cell reception so I can't transfer them to here in this blog post. However, I can text them in in a minute. This picture of us leaving port on the SS Badger
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