CA to Oshkosh for the big airshow -- father & son share the open road

[foobert]

Continuing the Second day of Airventure 2009

Venture Model 20 -- Tiny little wings, yet 61 knot stall speed and and a scream'n fast cruise.

NIKON D70, ISO 320, ƒ/7.1, 1/500sec, 155mm focal L.

Predator -- Never realized how big they were.

NIKON D70, ISO 320, ƒ/7.1, 1/400sec, 50mm focal L.

Buisness end of the Predator -- why do I feal like, somebody's watching me?

NIKON D70, ISO 320, ƒ/7.1, 1/320sec, 28mm focal L.

Just a small bomb -- Also known as a "cookie"

NIKON D70, ISO 320, ƒ/7.1, 1/400sec, 28mm focal L.

P-51D ammo feed -- Note that every 5th round is incendiary tipped (tracer)

NIKON D70, ISO 320, ƒ/9.0, 1/500sec, 28mm focal L.

Yours truly -- Having a seat in a gorgeous P-51D

NIKON D70, ISO 320, ƒ/9.0, 1/500sec, 55mm focal L.

Panel of the P-51D -- Fairl well equiped and IFR capable.

NIKON D70, ISO 320, ƒ/5.0, 1/500sec, 28mm focal L.

Rows of P-51Ds -- Big frick'n prop that the Rolls-Merlin swings.

NIKON D70, ISO 320, ƒ/9.0, 1/400sec, 65mm focal L.

Rows of Boeing Stearmen

NIKON D70, ISO 320, ƒ/9.0, 1/640sec, 28mm focal L.

Not a real Zero -- But, a pretty good likeness.

NIKON D70, ISO 320, ƒ/6.3, 1/1250sec, 92mm focal L.

Rows of T6's / SNJ's -- The T6 category is my favorite at the Reno Air Races -- the competition is fierce!

NIKON D70, ISO 320, ƒ/13.0, 1/200sec, 46mm focal L.

B-25 Mitchell -- Can you believe it was found abandoned in Wilmington, DE in 1975

NIKON D70, ISO 320, ƒ/13.0, 1/80sec, 28mm focal L.

Get your graffiti on

NIKON D70, ISO 320, ƒ/13.0, 1/400sec, 135mm focal L.

Rows of T-28's

NIKON D70, ISO 320, ƒ/13.0, 1/250sec, 42mm focal L.

Double-Decker -- Airbus A380

NIKON D70, ISO 320, ƒ/13.0, 1/200sec, 300mm focal L.

Just a few tires to change -- not exactly a shocker that they use Michelin's...

NIKON D70, ISO 320, ƒ/13.0, 1/200sec, 300mm focal L.

Stunt it! -- No camera tricks being played here. Note the hard left rudder deflection.

NIKON D70, ISO 400, ƒ/7.1, 1/1000sec, 300mm focal L.

On the binders

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/7.1, 1/500sec, 300mm focal L.

Like a sore thumb

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/7.1, 1/640sec, 220mm focal L.

Who says choppers can't do tricks?

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/6.3, 1/400sec, 300mm focal L.

Twin Beech Model 18

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/6.3, 1/500sec, 300mm focal L.

This was truly an elegant show to watch. Very graceful maneuvers.

Twin Beech Model 18

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/6.3, 1/800sec, 300mm focal L.

Look Ma, no hands!

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/6.3, 1/800sec, 300mm focal L.

Arrr! Thar be a treasure that'away

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/6.3, 1/500sec, 300mm focal L.

T6 team heads in to show center

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/10.0, 1/400sec, 300mm focal L.

Opposing loops

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/6.3, 1/640sec, 300mm focal L.

The sound is awesome -- You can hear the throttle adjustments being made as each pilot works to keep the same speed as their lead.

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/6.3, 1/640sec, 300mm focal L.

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/7.1, 1/640sec, 300mm focal L.

T-28's are look'n good -- Thus, starts the hour of warbirds.

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/6.3, 1/640sec, 170mm focal L., map

A Mustang feels for the runway

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/6.3, 1/640sec, 300mm focal L. ~0ft from prev photo, map

Corsair flyby -- All sorts of stuff during the warbird hour.

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/7.1, 1/640sec, 300mm focal L. ~0ft from prev photo, map

Ford Tri-motor -- Love the tail-cone on the landing light.

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/11.0, 1/125sec, 42mm focal L. ~0ft from prev photo, map

Heritage flight -- P-51, A-10, F-86

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/11.0, 1/320sec, 155mm focal L. ~0ft from prev photo, map

T-28 puts on an aerobatic show

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/9.0, 1/320sec, 300mm focal L. ~0ft from prev photo, map

Smoke rings -- The T-28 was doing aileron rolls and left these behind.

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/7.1, 1/640sec, 300mm focal L. ~0ft from prev photo, map

And so concludes our time at the show. It went on for another 4 days, but, that was all we'd get to see. The next day we hit the road and started east.

[rajflyboy]

Awesome Pics

That P51 cockpit was a refurbished modern cockpit and not an Original Cockpit  

[foobert]

That P51 cockpit was a refurbished modern cockpit and not an Original Cockpit  

Ohh, most definitely!  They didn't have HSI's or digital radios back in the day  

Snarfed this photo from here of a more original panel.

[rajflyboy]

Ohh, most definitely!  They didn't have HSI's or digital radios back in the day  

Snarfed this photo from here of a more original panel.

Cool  

Great Ride Report.   Best One to date on STN  

[stew71]

Great report!! As a pilot myself, I'm insanely jealous of you. Not just for making the trip to Oshkosh, but for sitting in that P-51.  

Alas, I can no longer afford to fly enough to stay proficient...That and my wife hates flying.  I sure miss the ol' Cessna.

Look forward to your return trip posts!

[foobert]

Thanks Stew!  Yeah, I know what you mean about fundage flying. For me, the problem is my needing 5 seats to go anywhere as a family -- it eliminates every single airplane I've ever logged time in.  So, for now, I'm just happy to be on the bike and I'll worry about flying another day.

Raj:  Best every?!?    Golly gee, thanks -- awful lot of great reports here...  

The return trip is underway. I'll be getting some of it posted tonight.  Thanks for your patience...

[bluepoof]

Fantastic!! I grew up in Wisconsin (Milwaukee area) and despite having relatives in Oshkosh, I've never made it to the airshow!  

I'm loving the cross country pics -- they're bringing back happy memories of my own rides back to Wisconsin.  

[foobert]

Day 9 -- Beaver Dam, WI to Watertown, SD -- 502 Miles

[ Click to go interactive ]

Our time at the show ended before it got old. I could have easily stayed another day and visited the seaplane base, or just explored more of the show at Whittman. But, my wife was hauling the kids up to Idaho, and truth-be-told, I was missing the family a bit. Also, my sister was due to have her baby any moment now. All things considered, we decided to hit the road and make it an easier 4 day trop to Idaho rather than take in more of the show and have hurry back in 3 days.

I must have been tired from all the walking the last few days -- I didn't pull the camera out until at least an hour into the trip.

WI-16 -- Twas a nice road.

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/7.1, 1/400sec, 55mm focal L. @65 MPH, map

We popped onto I-90 for a few miles to get to MN.

Limestone spires -- Along I-90

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/7.1, 1/250sec, 62mm focal L. @70 MPH ~48mi from prev photo, map

I'd read it was a gorgeous ride following the river up. Probably should have stayed on the Wisconsin side, but, US-61 worked out well.  Indeed it must have because I didn't bother to take a picture until 30 miles off the interstate in this boring little stretch where the river was hidden from sight. Ohh well...

And, BTW -- welcome to Minnesota and all that; missed another sign. What am I, 2 for 7 at this point?  Have to go back and tally the score.

US-61 -- Following the Mississippi toward Minneapolis

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/6.3, 1/640sec, 50mm focal L. @70 MPH ~107mi from prev photo, map

For the near 100 or so miles we followed the river, I didn't see a single barge or ship. 'Twas a stark contrast to the southern portion of the river that I recall from other trips. Maybe they were all hiding in the sections where the trees blocked the view.

Lock and Dam #5 -- Built in 1935

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/6.3, 1/1000sec, 34mm focal L. @67 MPH ~2.0mi from prev photo, map

No boats. Must be because it's a weekday...

Reservoir behind the dam

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/6.3, 1/1250sec, 18mm focal L. @60 MPH ~29mi from prev photo, map

Marina -- I don't really think of sail boats on a "river", but, this isn't just any ole river now, is it?

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/6.3, 1/1000sec, 18mm focal L. @28 MPH ~8.9mi from prev photo, map

Limestone outcropping

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/6.3, 1/800sec, 38mm focal L. @46 MPH ~20mi from prev photo, map

Should have stopped in this town. Something about it that just made me curious. But, instead, I kept the hammer down and we pushed on.

Red Wing, MN -- Love the "old" brick buildings.

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/6.3, 1/1600sec, 22mm focal L. ~1.1mi from prev photo, map

More corn -- This all looks so familiar. It's like deja vu, or something.

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/6.3, 1/400sec, 18mm focal L. @59 MPH ~18mi from prev photo, map

One thing I'd starting taking note of is all the "toys" for sale along the sides of the 2-lane roads. Lotta Harleys, a few dirt bikes, an occasional ATV. Perhaps this area is struggling worse than others. I tried to take pictures of all of them, but, I was too slow on the camera most times. This proved even harder than state-line signs....

Toys for sale

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/6.3, 1/320sec, 22mm focal L. @37 MPH ~1.0mi from prev photo, map

US-61 -- Said goodbye to the river.

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/6.3, 1/800sec, 40mm focal L. @62 MPH ~5.9mi from prev photo, map

Irrigation!   -- Hadn't seen that since leaving Colorado.  Didn't think they needed it out here...

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/6.3, 1/800sec, 18mm focal L. @62 MPH ~641ft from prev photo, map

I'd had a fuel stop plotted out that I'd been watching on the GPS for the last 50 miles or so. I could sense that Dad was getting nervous and I was stretching his comfort level a bit far -- both in fuel and just getting off the bike comfort. Such a bad son, I am.  At least I bought the coffee

Coffee Break -- I was slave driving without stopping till we needed gas, so, we could afford the time for coffee and to check out the map.

Canon PowerShot SD870 IS, ISO 400, ƒ/2.8, 1/320sec, 4.6 mm focal L. ~18mi from prev photo, map

[stew71]

Hey...nice shot of that Skycrane. My dad used to work for the guy who started that company, Jack Erickson, out of Central Oregon.  Quite an impressive machine. Got to sit in it a few times.

Keep those pics coming.

[tjhess74]

NAME THAT PLANE:  i believe it to be a pilatus pc-12.

im hooked on this r/r!  motorcycles AND airplanes??!! hells yea!

im a few days into my first ride report (yellowstone and back).  seeing some of the same roads i travelled is a great memory jogger! its alot of work but is very rewarding.  i can appreciate how super detailed youve been in labeling and linking everything together...very nice work and excellent photos! massive kudos sir!

i hit sun n fun most every year, but osh kosh has eluded me so far!  soon...very soon!

[foobert]

NAME THAT PLANE:  i believe it to be a pilatus pc-12.

You got it!  

And for those that might be curious what the rest of the plane looks like, here's one at the Reno Air Races in '05 that my lovely bride of just 1 year was modeling:



We went to the races to celebrate our first anniversary. I almost feel guilty saying that, but, she had a great time and wants to go again  

[foobert]

We skirted south of Minneapolis, and I had the GPS set to fastest route, but, we ended up meandering through lots of stop lights and surface streets. Just as we were about to make some time, we started getting heavy drops of rain so we pulled over to suit up. Dad had been following the storm on his Nexrad capable GPS, and he was ticked that I hadn't followed the plan we had talked about at the coffee shop.

I hadn't realized the "plan" was so formidable and I was really just letting the GPS do the navigation work. The confusion seamed to be about the same road that's labeled with multiple designations (like US-212 and MN-25) and where those designations part company. Somehow it became my fault for leading us directly into the rain. I just bit my tongue and kept it to myself that since he had the superior GPS with weather capabilities, perhaps, maybe he should have taken the lead on a different direction if there really was a way to avoid the weather.

Ohh well, the rain doesn't really bother me. I already had half of my rain suit on (for warmth), and it wasn't anything to put the rest on.  I don't really see what the big deal is with riding in the rain in any case.

Gonna get wet

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/6.3, 1/60sec, 18mm focal L. ~26mi from prev photo, map

We got some mild-moderate rain for maybe 20 minutes and then it spit on us for a while longer and then it was done. No big deal.

Out of the rain

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/6.3, 1/1000sec, 18mm focal L. @69 MPH ~46mi from prev photo, map

My daughter would love this town -- The planets and spaceship painted under the water tower is classic.

Camera corrupted the file -- no info @33 MPH ~37mi from prev photo, map

Round about Clara City, the road was blockaded over the railroad bridge and they had detour signs up.  It would have been trivial to get past the signs and see if we could have weaseled our way through the detour. I probably would have investigated more if I was solo.  Alas, I just followed the signs and played the good sheeple.

Race'n the train -- Wasn't much of a contest, but the detour was annoying.

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/5.0, 1/640sec, 62mm focal L. @52 MPH ~48mi from prev photo, map

Right around Granite Falls, Dad had built a bit of a lead on me when I saw an oncoming LEO.  Of course, I was speeding, (but only a little bit). However, just after he passed me his brake lights are on, and I watched in the mirror as I saw what looked a U-turn. But, I was just rounding a corner at that moment and he was of sight. I didn't know if he'd actually turned around to follow or not and coming out of the turn, all I saw was a pair of headlights. I was totally freaked out -- was he testing me to see if I would speed up thinking the coast was clear?  Why weren't the headlights overtaking me? How many miles would they follow me?

I probably spent a solid half-hour doing the speed limit and checking six out of sheer paranoia from those headlights that just stayed a few hundred yards behind me. Finally someone came and passed us both, and I relaxed enough to step it up. Dad had gotten so far ahead of me, he'd just about pulled off the road by the time I'd caught back up him. In hindsight, it was all rather silly...

Around the detour -- by this time, decided there was nobody

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/5.0, 1/2000sec, 18mm focal L. @65 MPH ~34mi from prev photo, map

Rows of corn... -- Can you tell I'm fascinated with the Midwest's corn?

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/5.0, 1/500sec, 62mm focal L. @65 MPH ~3.3mi from prev photo, map

Rays of sunshine

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/5.0, 1/2000sec, 24mm focal L. @67 MPH ~28mi from prev photo, map

The day was starting to wear on, especially with the detour adding another 30-40 minutes more time than we were expecting. I'd stuffed a bag of trail mix in my pocket and so I pulled it out to keep the energy up.

Turns out it's damn hard to actually eat anything while wearing gloves and a full-face helmet. Most of the trail mix ended up on the side of the highway as rabbit food.

Note the bag of trail mix tucked into the bars.

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/5.0, 1/400sec, 18mm focal L. @71 MPH ~17mi from prev photo, map

After about a 12-hour day, we finally made it to Watertown. The Motel 8 parking lot was full of hogs, I reckon going to Sturgis.

We did the "where-to for dinner" routine, and I saw a brewery in the search and made the call. It was Dempsey's Brewery and it was fantastic. Might have been the road weariness and hunger, but the beer was excellent, and the Wiener Schnitzel & Spätzle hit that spot that needed filling; I slept good that night.

Best beer of the entire trip -- The glass was layered in frost -- just a hint of it left at the bottom by the time I snapped this

, ISO , ƒ/, sec,  focal L. ~38mi from prev photo, map

[foobert]

Day 10: Watertown, SD -- Bowman, ND  -- 360 miles

[ Click to go interactive ]

We got a fairly latish start, getting out of the motel about 0930 local time -- which could only be my doing as Dad's an early bird.  Of course, no sooner than we're out the door, we have to make the mandatory Starbucks run, and I can't remember why Dad wouldn't have gotten his fix already, given the hour.

Tanked up on coffee, we are about to depart Watertown when Dad pulls over unexpectedly and begins removing the side panel on the Wing.  The charging voltage is lower than normal, especially with a load on the system (like brake lights).  He's wired in an analog voltmeter, and it registers a small increase as the engine revs, but it's definitely lower than normal.  Well, shit.  Now what?

We pop over to a gas station and find out there's a Honda shop a few miles down the road.

Trouble with the Wing -- The alternator wasn't alternating so well.

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/7.1, 1/400sec, 35mm focal L. ~2.5mi from yesterday's last photo, map

They had a good digital multimeter and we find that with most of the electrical load removed (tail lights, head light, etc) that it'd get up to 12.9 volts at highway RPM; little more than treading water.  The Goldwing has a 3-phase alternator and we figure that one leg of it has gone tango uniform.  With a clamp-on ammeter, we'd have been able to know for sure, but, that's more diagnostic tools than most shops have.  I've probably not mentioned this, but, both my Dad and I Electrical Engineers; how many EE's will it take to change an alternator?

Well, as it turns out, it's full day's job to yank the engine in order to gain access to the alternator. Ohh, and it's about an $800 part to buy new.  Tough call -- we decided 12.9 volts should get us home...

Checking the wiring

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/5.0, 1/320sec, 27mm focal L. map

After our already late start, we finally made our way out of Watertown a little after 1100 local time.  I follow Dad just to make sure there's no problems.

Finally out of Watertown

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/6.3, 1/500sec, 18mm focal L. @74 MPH ~36mi from prev photo, map

Too close to the lake

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/6.3, 1/500sec, 56mm focal L. @73 MPH ~1.4mi from prev photo, map

There are so many natural lakes around here, it's hard to believe. Click on the link above to get an idea.  Looking at the terrain map for the above/below photo, the water literally has nowhere else to go.

No outlet -- Looking at the terrain map, there's no outlet for this lake. Not exactly the best place to build...

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/6.3, 1/640sec, 70mm focal L. ~0.3mi from prev photo, map

The plan after coffee was to get down the road and stop for breakfast.  We rolled into Webster at the crack of noon.  So much for plans...

Webster, SD

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/6.3, 1/640sec, 18mm focal L. @15 MPH ~5.1mi from prev photo, map

We pulled into a diner for brunch and were greeted by this feisty little rat dog.  It was none too happy about us being there;  it was seriously pissed. And all at the same time, ridiculously funny with its yappy little bark leaning way out guarding the car.  I egged it on a little bit just to keep the laughs going -- I'm sure the dog's owner was watching the entire scene and getting equally pissed.

Attack dog

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/6.3, 1/640sec, 40mm focal L. ~0.8mi from prev photo, map

[foobert]

Following lunch in Webster, SD, we turned west on US-12.

So many little lakes

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/6.3, 1/2000sec, 27mm focal L. @75 MPH ~17mi from prev photo, map

More ethanol

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/6.3, 1/1600sec, 34mm focal L. @74 MPH ~26mi from prev photo, map

It's interesting how interruptions like a train crossing cause an insatiable need to do something else. I twittered and took pictures. Dad cleaned the windshield. Priorities...

As good a time as any to clean the 'shield...

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/6.3, 1/1600sec, 18mm focal L. ~25mi from prev photo, map

So, I might have mentioned this already, but the ability to absorb so many smells in the air is one of my favorite parts of motorcycling. Although, with that comes the need to endure the not-so-pleasant smells that are also out there.

Fresh carrion, anyone?

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/6.3, 1/2500sec, 25mm focal L. @70 MPH ~51mi from prev photo, map

Among other things, my dad is a beekeeper. The Adee family is a well known in apiary circles because of the size of their operation: the run something like 80,000 hives! To put that into perspective, my mom and dad run 300-400 and that keeps them more busy throughout the year.

And since I'm on the subject, here's a plug for my dad's online store if you happen to need some fresh honey. It's good stuff

Dad made special note of Adee's bee operation -- Largest beekeeping operation in the world.

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/6.3, 1/1600sec, 70mm focal L. @50 MPH ~6.9mi from prev photo, map

So far, the Golding was holding up OK. There were a few times that I wished he hadn't pulled the fuse for the brake light, but, fortunately, not excitement.

[foobert]

We got down the road a ~140 miles and stopped for gas. Dad was awfully worried about the battery giving out on him in the middle of nowhere. A service station had a battery that was about the right size, and he bought and had them fill it and put it on the charger.

Gett'n a backup battery

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/10.0, 1/500sec, 70mm focal L. ~0.7mi from prev photo, map

We had some time to kill while the backup battery was on the charger. I walked about and took a few photos. Oddly enough, we'd been following these railroad tracks since Webster, and I hadn't yet seen a train. These 2 locomotives were the sum total for all the miles we following these tracks.

Time to kill -- Wait'n for the battery to charge.

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/6.3, 1/1600sec, 29mm focal L. map

Saw this in the convenience store.

A proud lot here in Roscoe, SD

iPhone. map

After about 45 minutes or so, we called it good enough and loaded the spare battery into the trunk of the 'wing and continued on down US-12. Awfully nice having all that space!

Hoffman Farms roadside art -- It looks like it's trying to be tumbleweed person, of sorts.

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/10.0, 1/1250sec, 52mm focal L. @72 MPH ~26mi from prev photo, map

As the afternoon wore on, we were starting to get a quartering headwind -- had to pay the price sooner or later for all the tailwinds we got going east.

More lakes

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/10.0, 1/640sec, 56mm focal L. @73 MPH ~9.5mi from prev photo, map

The Oahe Dam is supposedly the 15th largest earthen fill dams in the world largest earthen dams.  A measly 200 feet of water height from the dam creates a pond that is 231 miles long -- 4th largest reservoir in the US.

Oahe Reservoir -- aka: the Missouri River

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/4.2, 1/6400sec, 34mm focal L. @49 MPH ~44mi from prev photo, map

Crossing the Oahe Lake (reservoir)

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/4.5, 1/8000sec, 29mm focal L. @50 MPH ~563ft from prev photo, map

There's many arms that spider around from the reservoir.

Arm of Lake Oahe

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/4.2, 1/8000sec, 38mm focal L. @61 MPH ~3.2mi from prev photo, map

Rolling hills and fighting wind -- even the 'wing is getting some lean going.

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/4.5, 1/4000sec, 70mm focal L. @73 MPH ~4.5mi from prev photo, map

This is the third time crossing this reservoir.

Another arm of Lake Oahe

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/4.2, 1/5000sec, 34mm focal L. @69 MPH ~7.3mi from prev photo, map

I was starting to get bored and tried a portrait at speed...

Bugs -- just a light crop that afternoon.

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/3.8, 1/6400sec, 22mm focal L. @76 MPH ~33mi from prev photo, map

Field of purple -- (focus focus focus!)

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/10.0, 1/640sec, 70mm focal L. @71 MPH ~62mi from prev photo, map

Gorgeous farmland

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/10.0, 1/640sec, 40mm focal L. @77 MPH ~7.4mi from prev photo, map

[foobert]

All along the route in South Dakota, I saw these "Why die?" signs.  The other side has "Think!" in large letters. I have to admit, I thought they were marking the locations of underground electrical or gas lines and the red "X" had some words around it to say "no digging"; all just a clever reminder to call the utility company before digging.  Most of the time, they put the signs far off the side of the road, about where a buried pipeline would be.

But, after spotting one closer to the lane, I finally noticed all the words: "X marks the spot" and "Drive Safely" at the bottom.  And, then, just as the imperative suggested, I did think.  And shortly after that, I saw several of the signs grouped together in one location on a bridge. It seams that bridges, corners, and very near to city limits are the most fatal places on the roads. Some states put crosses, but, I can't help but think these might have slightly more impact.

Sobering reminders

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/10.0, 1/640sec, 70mm focal L. @61 MPH ~9.3mi from prev photo, map

So, welcome to North Dakota, and all that -- missed another sign.

We were slowed by repaving operations and had to wait for the "follow me" car.  Throughout most of US-12, I'd been thinking to myself how nice the road surface had been. As I'm sitting there waiting, I took a good look at the old pavement and tried to find any sort of flaw in it. All I could think is this must be the result of the stimulus spending.  Creating "make-work" projects because politicians really only know how to do one thing well: spend other peoples' money. Doesn't mater to them *what* it's spent on, so long as they grab the biggest slice of the pie they can get their greedy mitts on.

Working on a perfectly good road -- complete waste of our money

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/10.0, 1/640sec, 18mm focal L. @15 MPH ~49mi from prev photo, map

OK, I'll get off my soap box now.  Thanks for letting me vent....

This is what they were paving over -- Do you see anything wrong with that tarmac?

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/10.0, 1/1250sec, 18mm focal L. @58 MPH ~1.1mi from prev photo, map

For most of the miles along US-12, this railroad followed a similar route. Didn't see a single train (not counting the 2 engines) on the entire route. I suspect it's mostly used during harvest to get the crops out.  

The jointed rail certainly isn't built to be a high speed mainline railroad.

Unused railroad

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/5.0, 1/2500sec, 22mm focal L. @69 MPH ~19mi from prev photo, map

More idyllic farm land

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/7.1, 1/1250sec, 48mm focal L. @69 MPH ~10mi from prev photo, map

We made our way to Bowman, ND, just fine without any battery troubles on the 'wing. As soon as we got off the bikes our phones were a ring'n with news that my sister's baby was born. I became an uncle; fourth grandchild for my Dad.  Just 2 more days on the road and we'll be able to visit the little tyke.  We celebrated with a steak dinner.

[stew71]

Hey...congrats on becoming an uncle. It's plenty o' fun let me tell you!

Keep those reports comin'...

[bluepoof]

Congrats to you and your dad for the new family member!  

Awesome pics and story as always.  

[foobert]

Day 11: Bowman, ND to Butte, MT  -- 522 miles

[ Click to go interactive ]

We got out of Bowman early as we had a fairly full day's worth of miles to cover to get to Butte.

Early start -- On the road at 6:45 local time.

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/7.1, 1/500sec, 18mm focal L. @71 MPH, ~12mi from prev photo, map

It was chilly in the morning, mid 50's -- I had all my layers on, including the top and bottom of my rain suit. Looking west, I was glad to have already been dressed for rain.

Looking ominous -- We're gonna get wet.

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/5.6, 1/250sec, 29mm focal L. @69 MPH, ~25mi from prev photo, map

The terrain in in this area was a welcome change from that of the last few days heading across the Midwest.

Dirt mounds -- These were all over. What's with the "ledges" sticking out of them?

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/4.5, 1/250sec, 18mm focal L. @65 MPH, ~1.9mi from prev photo, map

So, welcome to Montana, and all that ... lousy amateur with a camera who couldn't shoot the broadside of a barn if it was standing still.

Alkali beds at the bottom of the wash

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/4.5, 1/500sec, 18mm focal L. @71 MPH, ~14mi from prev photo, map

Rain -- just a brief pause allowing me to snap a photo. Still got water on the lens...

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/4.5, 1/400sec, 24mm focal L. @58 MPH, ~71mi from prev photo, map

We stopped in Miles City to get gas and breakfast. It was one of those long, lingering breakfasts where you look outside the window and then try to get the waitress to bring by some more coffee just to have an excuse to linger some more. She became wise to the ruse by the second or third cup after we'd already finished eating. With the cold shoulder from the waitress, we finally motivated and took the cold shoulder of the weather.

Strata buttes -- I like how the layers continue into the next peak at the same elevation.

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/5.6, 1/1000sec, 55mm focal L. ~55mi from prev photo, map

After a brief run down I-94, we took a right at Forsyth to continue on down US-12. It finally stopped raining and it was time to shed a layer -- which amounted to me changing my gloves since I still wanted the rain suit for warmth.  Gave me a moment to look over the train yard from the bridge.

Coal yard

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/6.3, 1/400sec, 44mm focal L. ~56mi from prev photo, map

This part of US-12 through Montana was all kinds of fun. Narrow, marginally maintained, and full of stuff to look at.  My kind of road!

Gnarly outcropping

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/6.3, 1/2000sec, 18mm focal L. @63 MPH, ~5.6mi from prev photo, map

Old school house? -- Note the boot on the fence post in the foreground.

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/6.3, 1/1600sec, 65mm focal L. @74 MPH, ~18mi from prev photo, map

But, there was one heck of a wind from the cold front that was pushing the rain through.  The strong crosswind keeps you nimble on the bars.

Crosswind -- A nice lean into the gusts.

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/7.1, 1/1000sec, 18mm focal L. @79 MPH, ~64mi from prev photo, map

[foobert]

US-12 through Montana had quickly become a favorite road of mine thus far on the trip. Something about high, often rolling plains that were interspersed with hills and peaks. Few towns and very little traffic -- what more could you want?

US-12 -- One of the many hills between the valley planes.

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/7.1, 1/1250sec, 50mm focal L. @79 MPH, ~10mi from prev photo, map

Eroded cliffs

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/7.1, 1/1250sec, 18mm focal L. @75 MPH, ~6.3mi from prev photo, map

Seeing all the river/water erosion through this valley made me wonder at the time if it could have been part of the Glacial Lake Missoula flood that shaped the scab lands of eastern Washington.  Judging by this map, it clearly wasn't.

Must have been one heck of a river through here once upon time.

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/7.1, 1/1250sec, 35mm focal L. @79 MPH, ~1.7mi from prev photo, map

The windsock at this small grass airport was pointing about 60-70˙ to the runway (and the road in that area).  Good day to practice crosswind landings

Crosswind -- It wasn't howling, but, it was a good stiff breeze.

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/5.0, 1/2000sec, 50mm focal L. @60 MPH, ~56mi from prev photo, map

Sandstone ledges

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/8.0, 1/1250sec, 29mm focal L. @65 MPH, ~5.2mi from prev photo, map

It fascinates me why different layers of the strata can be strong enough to resist the erosion and form the ledges at the top.  Or, maybe it's just that the water cut down below and spent more time chewing on the lower layers?

More evidence of an old river wash

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/8.0, 1/1250sec, 25mm focal L. @64 MPH, ~0.7mi from prev photo, map

Rock climbers paradise?

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/8.0, 1/800sec, 70mm focal L. @76 MPH, ~16mi from prev photo, map

It was pushing 1300 local time and I was hitting the "need food now, don't talk to me" wall. My stomach turns off my brain and I lose all patience and manors; it's not my best character trait.  I don't remember what it was that set me off, but it ended about halfway through a roast beef sandwich at a cafe across the street from this locomotive in Harlowton.  

Sorry, Dad, for not quite growing up yet after all these years.

Electric locomotive

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/6.3, 1/500sec, 18mm focal L. ~40mi from prev photo, map

After lunch, I was in much better spirits to check out the prime mover.

3000 Volts DC -- That'll light you up!

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/6.3, 1/1000sec, 18mm focal L. map

And now, the rest of the story -- beats typing

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/6.3, 1/1250sec, 18mm focal L. map

Back on the road, I couldn't get enough of the wide open spaces, capped off with formidable hills in the distance.

High plains

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/6.3, 1/2500sec, 24mm focal L. @74 MPH, ~27mi from prev photo, map

And, occasionally, those hills cross our path.

Rolling hills

NIKON D70, ISO 500, ƒ/6.3, 1/1600sec, 40mm focal L. @73 MPH, ~13mi from prev photo, map