Utah Hillside Colors

September 26, 2012
Torrey UT

Woke up to clear skies and a moderately warm temperature.  It looked like it was going to be a nice day for riding from Baker to Torrey.  I was up around 8 am and started loading the bike.  This morning I planned on having a breakfast and then heading out to the Visitor’s Center to find out what the Great Basin is all about.

After finishing the loading and checking the room for any forgotten item, I rode around to the front of the Café.  Terry was sitting there having breakfast and enjoying his usual glum self.  But despite this personality he responded to my greeting and, letting me know the restaurant is closed, he willingly went and got me a breakfast of cold cereal with banana and a cup of coffee.  Pretty good start to the day!

 

While sitting there eating breakfast a town neighbor came up and Terry and he began talking about fluoride in the water….seems fluoride is a poison and putting it in the water and toothpaste is affecting American children’s brains… at least according to Terry’s neighbor.  Prior to departing, I got the neighbor to take a photo of Terry and I…..doesn’t he look happy with my hand on his shoulder??

Nevada Surprise!

September 25, 2012
Baker, NV

Woke up well rested but hungry.  Drank a ton of water while loading Sophia but really needed some protein in addition to the nice continental provided at the American Best Motel.  My decision for a full breakfast was reinforced by an early morning conversation with some other bikers out of the Phoenix area that attended the Reno Street Vibrations Rally.  Unfortunately I have forgotten the names of the 4 riders on 1 bike and 1 trike but one of them advised me to go to the Nugget for the best breakfast in town.  Seems his sister owns the restaurant and ensurs bikers get a good breakfast….so that is what I did since it was only 2 blocks away and on my way outa town.  Parking was not a problem at this hour so I left Sophia at the front entrance and sauntered inside, past all the slots, and into the restaurant.  I was hungry.

The restaurant was very nice, clean, staffed well with waitresses and empty.  Ahh, my kinda timing!  As I walked in I caught the eye of the cook behind the grill and gave her a smile.

I selected a swivel at the counter and asked first for water….just can’t seem to get enough of the clear liquid….any other time I’d rather it be amber from Maker’s Mark.  The waitress took my order for 2eggs over medium, hash browns and ham with coffee.  A brief chat with her determined that the cook is the biker’s sister!  Sure am glad I smiled at the cook!  Then, since drinking water all morning, I went to the men’s room.  When I returned Snoopy was not in the swivel next to mine where I had left him!  Upon my query the waitress said she last saw him heading out towards the slots! 

Sure enough, that’s where I found him!  I can’t believe this mutt…and he had a ton of quarters in his paws from his winnings!

 

Apology for Extremely Late Postings

November 14, 2012
Lake Forest (El Toro) CA

My postings are over a month behind schedule and I apologize for the delay in getting my posts written and then posted to the blog.

Currently I am working on assembling the albums that I need to submit to the Southern California Motorcycle Association to validate the various rides and visits for which I will receive recognition of having accomplished the rides/visits.  These albums will contain the photos and receipts to substantiate my visits to Parks and Missions in Ca, the 15 Best USA rides, the USA Four Corners ride and the Three Flags Classic.

So, my excuse?  I’m not good at this and it is taking some effort to really sit down and get it all organized.

Three days ago I finally completed assembling the album for the California Missions Adventure.  This album contains the Missions Passport and photo’s taken at each of the 21 missions that I visited beginning with Mission Santa Cruz, the first mission that I visited on October 1^st.  And that story has yet to be written and posted to the Blog.

Today I will complete the California Parks Adventure album.  The remaining album for the 15 Best Roads in America Challenge will be the most challenging as I must sift through a pile of gas receipts to validate my riding the 15.  But I have optimism that the albums will be completed by the 17^th, delivered to the Chairman of the various events, and then I will resume my blog writing and posting.

The next stories to be posted are the riding of US-50 from Carson City to Ely NV and then riding UT-12 from Torrey to Bryce Canyon.  After those two stories the postings of the parks and missions will begin. 

Assembling the albums brings many memories to mind of my visits to the Missions and the wonderful folks that I met and that volunteered to be photographed with Snoopy.  I really look forward to not only posting those stories and pics but also to sending you copies of your respective photos that I have had printed.

C ya mañana,
Gonzo
Twitter: @GonzoCrossUSA
Email: GonzoCrossUSA@gmail.com
Cell: 949-433-0761

Veteran’s Day USA

November 11, 2012
USMC Camp Pendleton, CA

Extending my sincerest appreciation to all our Veterans of the past, present and future. 
 

To our Veterans of the past, your service and sacrifice shaped USA’s leadership in the world and ensured the democratic and economic freedoms we have today. 

To our Veterans of today, your service continues to keep America safe in so many ways, but especially from the terrorism confronting our nation.  Your service and sacrifice demonstrates to the world that America’s leadership has a depth unparalleled by any other country.  We hope for your daily safety and soon return home. 

And to our Veterans of the future, you are our young children of today.  We hope that the challenges being addressed today will allow you to serve in our military only to maintain a strength of readiness to deter foreign groups from ever violently affecting our country. 

C ya mañana,
Gonzo
Twitter: @GonzoCrossUSA
Email: GonzoCrossUSA@gmail.com
Cell: 949-433-0761

Happy 237th Birthday MARINES !!!

November 10, 2012
Lake Forest (Formerly El Toro) CA

Today is the Marine Corps' 237th Birthday. 

 

Memories of attending many a Marine Corps Ball abound.  The most notable would be those attended in Hawaii when I was stationed at MCAS Kaneohe.

Riding out to the old MCAS El Toro brought more fond memories.  I won’t be at the ball this year but I can still reminisce and wish many joys to all those Marines celebrating at their respective locations.

But most especially I wish a Happy Birthday to those Marines in foreign lands that are standing watch and having a very limited celebration.  Most sincerely, I wish those Marines a safe reurn home.

Happy Birthday and Semper Fi Marines,

C ya mañana,
Gonzo
Twitter: @GonzoCrossUSA
Email: GonzoCrossUSA@gmail.com
Cell: 949-433-0761