DantesDame is coming to Seattle in May!

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Mark your calendars!

Dan and I will be taking an early vacation this year and spending it in the lovely PNW    We fly in the evening of the 2nd and fly out late on the 12th. Our time in between those dates shall be spent enjoying the beauty of the Pacific Northwest and, of course, the company of my friends  

Plans during our visit include:
- 3 days of sailing lessons off Shilshole
- tour the Boeing plant in Everett
- Columbia tower observation deck (can you believe that I didn't even know about it???)
- katego has offered me the use of a motorcycle, and another kind soul has done the same. Therefore, a ride to Winthrop is in order (the passes should be open that early, seeing as how little snow has fallen this year, right?)
- hiking somewhere. Dan has requested the Olympic Peninsula, but that's as far as he's been able to pinpoint it

Food requests:
-   Kwanjai’s
-   Hattie’s Hat
-   Ray’s (or some other, equally tasty seafood option)

There is talk of a Thursday night meeting at 2Bells with some guys I know from the NW GS list, which would make for a nice group meeting, if anyone is so inclined.

Here’s to seeing my friends and home again!

[stefrrr]

I'm in for food. (as usual)

[bluepoof]

I still think you should teleport down to SF while you're on the correct side of the country.  

[Mrs. DantesDame]

You get the teleporter set up and I'll be there!  

[bluepoof]

You get the teleporter set up and I'll be there!  

I'll have Peter build one.  Nothing could possibly go wrong!

[Mrs. DantesDame]

I'll have Peter build one.  Nothing could possibly go wrong!

Seriously, what's the worse that could happen?





 

[jsanford]

Seriously, what's the worse that could happen?





 

Well...depends if that's a baby or the family cat in bluepoof's photo...

[katego]

yay! can't wait to see you & Dan!

-k

[bubba zanetti]

Lunch in Winthrop !   How about May 5th???

The Dairy Milk is on me !

 

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Lunch in Winthrop !   How about May 5th???

The Dairy Milk is on me !

 

Depending on weather and bike situation, it sounds great! Oh, and assuming that the pass is open by then as well  



Mmmmm - chocolate

[bubba zanetti]

Depending on weather and bike situation, it sounds great! Oh, and assuming that the pass is open by then as well  



Mmmmm - chocolate

Will keep an eye on the pass for updates. Not sure if it is the same in the Cascades, but around here, we seem to have a little less snow this year. So will cross my fingers. I will see if I can drag alphabet man down with me.

[Oxblood]

Cool, hope you have a great time while you are here.

As to Winthrop, the passes may be open by then. The WA SR 20 web page http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/passes/northcascades notes that their march recce has been done, and they only state that it "appears" there is less than the normal amount of snow. However, they give no indication of when they will commence clearing the highway, and also note there are still severe avalanche conditions in some areas (think Liberty Bell).

Photos of their recce can be found here http://www.flickr.com/photos/wsdot/with/6818266450/. Check out the last two at Liberty belll. The last avalanche is pretty obvious.

I sure hope they open the road early this year.

[bubba zanetti]

I love riding through this corner ...  

[djacobsen5116]

Hi, the weather is a little wet in the Seattle area currently.  4+ inches so far this month, Mt. Baker had 110" of snow over the last 6 days.  Ray's Boathouse is good, fabulous view of the Sound and the Olympic Mountains to the west.  May weather can be a little iffy.  I bought my '09 FJR in May of '10 and didn't ride it until early June because I hadn't thought planned for rain and had to buy a few items.  May can also be a great month.  Watch the  local weather forecasts.  KOMOTV.com, KINGTV.com or KIROTV.com are the local stations.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Hi, ...

Thanks for the info! I lived there for 13 years, so I'm fairly familiar with what to expect. I'm just hoping that the wills of the weather gods are in my favor while I'm there. I know that I'm ahead of the game with the shortage of snow in the mountains; that should make the North Cascades opening day early enough for me to ride through, as well as leave some hiking trails accessible for us  

[Oxblood]

Here is to hoping they have the road open by the time you visit. As of now, the weather forecast is not good http://www.wsdot.com/traffic/forecast/Default.aspx?zone=WA518. Looks like a week of snow up there, with the snow level as low as 300 feet. However, we can always hope that things take a turn for the better between now, and the time you visit.

[Oxblood]

Well, Colleen, you may get to ride SR20. According to the DOT SR 20 Web Page they start snow clearing work on Monday! WOOT!

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Ok, things are coming together    I have two bikes lined up for Dan and I to use for the duration of our visit (Guzzis, no less  )  We’ll have the bikes from the 3rd til the 12th, so hopefully some good riding will happen during that span. And some good weather!

Is there a PNW STN dinner planned at some point? And/or a ride to Winthrop?  

[bubba zanetti]

Ok, things are coming together    I have two bikes lined up for Dan and I to use for the duration of our visit (Guzzis, no less  )  We’ll have the bikes from the 3rd til the 12th, so hopefully some good riding will happen during that span. And some good weather!

Is there a PNW STN dinner planned at some point? And/or a ride to Winthrop?  

As dates firm up, I will know if I can make it to Winthrop. I could likely be there on the Friday evening if anyone wanted to make it an overnight. I would likely crab a crappy cabin at the KOA. Saturday good too.

[stefrrr]

I'm in.

[bubba zanetti]

I'm in.

You mean my KOA cabin?  I know I am rather fetching when the light strikes me just so or as some have said, "A certain way " ...er ... But, like geez couldn't you wait for a few drinks, doing the B52's Aligator and like ...er .. I mean.  Everyone knows DD is my St.n gal !  Well except for.... ah ... Her .... But that is another ...ah nevermind!!

[Mrs. DantesDame]

 

Dan said "we'll do whatever you want"    I'm going to see about us heading over Friday as well and taking part in said Kabin festivities. And Jim, you know that I keep a special place in my heart for you, right?


I might even see if I can get the key to my vet's cabin in Winthrop  (although I'm not sure how the Guzzis will like the dirt road to the cabin, especially that early in the season   )

Fun stuff!

[stefrrr]

 
So glad I didn't post "I'm in for anything."

Bubba, thank you for the kind offer of sharing your cabin. I've told my husband and he's happy that you're willing to share with us. I hope you don't mind that I snore. If you use a fresh pair of earplugs and sleep in another room, you probably won't hear anything. It's probably best if you bring a white noise maker, just in case.

[greench440]

Dan said "we'll do whatever you want"  

Gaaahhh!!! LaLaLa I'm not listening, TMI!!!

Bring your rain gear, it's another juicy La Nina year.  We just had a 24 hour rainfall record set at Sea Tac.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Bring your rain gear, it's another juicy La Nina year.  We just had a 24 hour rainfall record set at Sea Tac.

New 'stitch is on order!  

(does this mean that you're getting the rain "out of the way" so that it'll be sunny while we're there?

[greench440]

Last year the rain didnt get out of the way until July.  Jeff Renner is predicting it to end late May this year.

Just make sure you get the waterproof crotch option, Stray Cat forgot to spring for it and paid the price.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Less than a month to go!

I know that someone mentioned a moto-dinner at 2 Bells on Thursday (the 3rd? The 10th?)    Mr. Sunshine (and his charming wife) said that they might be able to make it. Anyone else?

Winthrop is scheduled for 5th (weather pending).

Does anyone else have any plans to get together?

[alphabet man]

Less than a month to go!

I know that someone mentioned a moto-dinner at 2 Bells on Thursday (the 3rd? The 10th?)    Mr. Sunshine (and his charming wife) said that they might be able to make it. Anyone else?

Winthrop is scheduled for 5th (weather pending).

Does anyone else have any plans to get together?

  I have that Friday off, possible shakedown for the new addition , Jersey milk Delivery    

[Oxblood]

If they keep making good progress, the road should be cleared by then. Hope we get good weather for May 5th!

[bubba zanetti]

  I have that Friday off, possible shakedown for the new addition , Jersey milk Delivery    

I can do that too. I was thinking KOA cuz, as you know, I am cheap.  :headscratch



Snow removal progress
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Traffic/Passes/NorthCascades/updates2012.htm

[bubba zanetti]

Nothing cheap about the KOA ... cabin is $56 a night and a two room is $80 ...  I guess May 1 begins "High Season" ... the two room sleeps 6 though the dreaded ST.n snoring may be a factor in that decision !!  

[bubba zanetti]

Oh crap. This is when the guy is coming to pick up the KTM.  .    .    what an idiot I am.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Oh crap. This is when the guy is coming to pick up the KTM.  .    .    what an idiot I am.

 

So how are you going to fix this fine mess?

[bubba zanetti]

With aplomb, charisma and  the usual public apology ... done

Contacting the buyer to beg a different date ... done

Always relying on ST.n to rub my nose in it .. done and done

 

[Mrs. DantesDame]

With aplomb, charisma and  the usual public apology ... done

Contacting the buyer to beg a different date ... done

Always relying on ST.n to rub my nose in it .. done and done

 

Your efforts will not go unrewarded. Thank you, Jim!  

[bubba zanetti]

Very accommodating buyer is willing to wait another week to get his KTM.  

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Very accommodating buyer is willing to wait another week to get his KTM.  

 

If the KOA doesn't work out, I'd love to try the Duck Brand Inn

[bubba zanetti]

 

If the KOA doesn't work out, I'd love to try the Duck Brand Inn

Will talk to Dave as he wheels his new Duc through here, sometime this weekend.  That place looks great and would get my first vote actually. I ate there a couple of years ago and it was pretty good Mex food.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Traffic/Passes/NorthCascades/updates2012.htm

   They have a long way to go in two and a half weeks

[bubba zanetti]

http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Traffic/Passes/NorthCascades/updates2012.htm

   They have a long way to go in two and a half weeks

Yeah, temps have been not great out here and imagine they have been getting a lot of wet snow and rain and the avalanche scenarios.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Fortunately, there are other ways of getting there  

[bubba zanetti]

Fortunately, there are other ways of getting there  

Troo. Gold Bar to Leavenworth is not too shabby of a ride either.  

And didn't you and Dan have your first "date" somewhere along that route? Or am I dislocated ?  

[Mrs. DantesDame]

If I knew that we'd have good weather and the bikes were comfy for us, I'd suggest this route:


View Larger Map

[bubba zanetti]

Yep, that is a good ride AND, they are going to close the Knighthawk border crossing in the next few months. I love that road.  

[Mrs. DantesDame]

I love coming down from Hedley to the Nighthawk crossing - it is one of my all-time favorite valleys    And I didn't want to say it, but I think that convincing Dan that a 9.5 hour ride on an unknown bike is a good thing would be the toughest part about it  

(that, and the fact that we have plans that Friday morning so we wouldn't have time to make the ride anyway)

[Oxblood]

Well, it looks like your wish for a rip on 20 may come true. As of today they have less than 10 miles left to clear on the road.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

 WOOT!

[Oxblood]

They also posted a bunch more photos too. Man, it never ceases to amaze me how much snow they move out of there every spring.

[bubba zanetti]

I am a go for Friday night in Winthrop ... I am gonna stay at the Duck Brand Inn - they Brand ducks? I thought you just banded them ?  

Lunch on Saturday ... so who is coming .... Steph ??

I am booked into Room 6 for Friday May, 4th ! ...  

If you are booking there take note. There are some conflicting phone numbers on their site under "Rooms". The 1 800 is out of service as is the 2192 number.  This one works though ...  509 996-2408

http://www.methownet.com/duck/

[bubba zanetti]

Hmmm  

It is still looking a bit iffy for opening by the 4th-5th ...

[stefrrr]

What's the schedule? I have plans in Seattle on Saturday the 5th @ 6:00.  

[Mrs. DantesDame]

That's ok - Steven's Pass isn't too shoddy of a ride (especially when you compare it to some of the "passes" around here   ).

I like this section from the DOT site:

Two caterpillars and a Kodiak snow blower spent the afternoon cutting through the 40 feet of snow over the roadway below LB #1. The avalanche crew used the howitzer to lob explosives into LB #2 and #3 about mid day, bringing down significant snow.

I think I have the wrong job sometimes  

[Mrs. DantesDame]

What's the schedule? I have plans in Seattle on Saturday the 5th @ 6:00.  

Dan and I are going to head over Friday, mid-afternoon, and spend the night at the Duck Brand Inn. Bubba plans to get there earlier on Friday and stay at the Duck as well. We'll see who else shows up/plans to show up and plan our departure on Saturday accordingly  

[bubba zanetti]

For those of you sitting on the fence about coming to Winthrop    ... let me add a little incentive. It seems that Friday and Saturday will be the kickoff to their new event ... The Bacon Beer Bonanza !!  

And for a limited time SportTouring.net members will receive a free ...

The Bacon Beer Stein !!



What St.n'er could resist ... hmmmm ??

 

[aplejax]

Less than a month to go!

I know that someone mentioned a moto-dinner at 2 Bells on Thursday (the 3rd? The 10th?)    Mr. Sunshine (and his charming wife) said that they might be able to make it. Anyone else?

Winthrop is scheduled for 5th (weather pending).

Does anyone else have any plans to get together?

Colleen - you know you are special because I come out of nowhere and post on STN! We are down for dinner anywhere that you and Dan want to go!

[bubba zanetti]

My route ... in case anyone local might think some amazing roads might be fun ...

Looks like mrs zanetti might come after all.  


View Larger Map



Having bad map fu tonight. Please re route that through Kettle Falls and then to Highway 20 .... Sherman Pass etc ....  

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Colleen - you know you are special because I come out of nowhere and post on STN! We are down for dinner anywhere that you and Dan want to go!

Sounds good - I'll be in touch!

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Looks like mrs zanetti might come after all.  

 

Having bad map fu tonight. Please re route that through Kettle Falls and then to Highway 20 .... Sherman Pass etc ....  

I'm partial to 395 - Boulder Creek Rd (Orient) - 21 (Curlew). I like the pavement on Boulder Creek and the wide valley of 21  

[bubba zanetti]

 

Day 20, April 26, 2012 (Thur. Week 5)

 Due to heavy rain and snow that produced unstable avalanche conditions, clearing work was suspended Thursday and will resume on Monday. The Eastside crew’s progress for the week ended at Liberty Bell Avalanche Chute #3 where the snow is about 60’ deep. The Westside crew’s progress is to just below Rainy Pass. They’re about seven miles apart and the reopening won’t happen next week, but likely the following week. The target remains to be open in time for Winthrop’s 49’er Days on May 12 & 13.

[stefrrr]

 
I can't make it. Colleen, any Seattle-based plans (especially if they involve food)?

[Mrs. DantesDame]

 
I can't make it. Colleen

...any Seattle-based plans (especially if they involve food)?

Nothing STN-based has been planned as of yet. I know that Mr. & Mrs. Sunshine were interested in getting together at some point.

[bubba zanetti]

 
I can't make it. Colleen, any Seattle-based plans (especially if they involve food)?

drat !

[bubba zanetti]

The weather is looking OK for Friday/Sat ...
http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/43.617279,-81.341612

[alphabet man]

Drat and Double Drat, I need to be in Northern Alberta on Sunday for work, sadly I can not make the promised delvery of Jersey Milk, maybe Jim will be a trooper and pick some up for you  

[Mrs. DantesDame]

 

I'm sorry that it won't work out, Dave. "Next time", right?

[greench440]

Weather.com LOL

Here's the real deal.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Yep, looks to be about what I expect  

[katego]

Yep, looks to be about what I expect  

Welcome home!

-k

[bubba zanetti]

Weather and freezing level are not exactly encouraging but I do plan to head out later this morning and should be there late afternoon.

Tomorrow looks much better ...


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Yes, if we can just gt through today, we'l be rewarded tomorrow!



Is anyone else even planning on going?  

[bubba zanetti]

PM and email sent. I am having battery problems. 


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[denydog]

Is anyone else even planning on going? 

I just looked out the window, and it seems to be raining

[bubba zanetti]

3 hours + on the charger and 10.8 V ... yep, I need a new battery. I am out.

Not pleasant on my planned route either... temp is dropping ... yuck what a frickin day.  


The nice folks at the Duck Brand gave me a credit for my room for another night  

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Ok, so Winthrop's out for tomorrow. Since no one else seemed to be planning on joining us, this should make a difference to anyone  

Happy Rainfall!

[bubba zanetti]

Looks like they have made good progress on clearing Hwy 20 and are predicting it to be open on May 10th !

"Day 24, May 3, 2012 (Thur. Week 6)
The crews worked under less than ideal conditions with cold temperatures and snow all week, but they made good progress and we’re making our first reopening prediction for next Thursday, May 10."

I don't suppose you wanna try for next weekend before you leave ???   Hmmm ??  

http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Traffic/Passes/NorthCascades/updates2012.htm

[Mrs. DantesDame]

 

We have plans Friday night and as Dan pointed out, we probably should stick closer to home the day of our flight.  However, great news on Opening Day! I have a feeling that "someone" I know will be making that trip  

[birdrunner]

Drat and Double Drat, I need to be in Northern Alberta on Sunday for work, sadly I can not make the promised delvery of Jersey Milk, maybe Jim will be a trooper and pick some up for you  

What????

I didn't hear from you.

I had two bikes ready to roll Sunday.

I have a 40 lb.er of Rye.

[Oxblood]

Colleen,

Sorry to hear that the pass was not open during your stay. it looked so darned close, too! But, alas, mid week last week there was new snow at the higher elevations throughout the region. I at least hop you managed to get some riding in.

Cheers,

Kai

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Yes, while the passes remain elusive, I took Dan on a tour of the lowlands last Saturday. We buzzed up from Preston-Fall City all the way up to Arlington (some mist near Granite Falls, but otherwise dry and cloudy). From Arlington we headed over towards La Conner and Mt Vernon, spotting that last few tulips left. By then the sun had overcome the clouds and we had a lovely view at Deception Pass and down Whidbey Island, where we were just in time to catch the Keystone-Port Townsend ferry. Port Townsend is going through some serious downtown sidewalk renovation, so we didn't stop. Then we took the usual roads to Bremerton (I saw a minke whale off the Hood Canal bridge!), dinner at Taco del Mar while we waited for the ferry back to Seattle. The ferry ride was lovely, with the skyline popping into view and a hint of the Cascades behind it.

 

[Mr Sunshine]

I need to force some free time summer and make the trip over Highway 20.

[Oxblood]

SOunds like it was a lovely ride, Colleen. I like the road south fro  Pt Townsend down the Hood Canal. Its a nice ride.

[katego]

Highway is opening tomorrow, noon. Who's riding? I am leaving seattle ~8.

-k

[bubba zanetti]

Looks like it would have been a spectacular weekend to ride 20. Would love to see some pics if you did ?

[Mrs. DantesDame]

I didn't, but I know of two others who did (Thursday and Friday) - the pics and reports were spectacular! I wish we could have gone, but the schedule was packed by the time the pass opened.