I have never felt so ready for winter to be over. Typically the cold doesn't bother me, I don't mind a little snow, nor does the brisk chill get on my nerves. That is, until now. I don't mean to complain, but spring can arrive anytime now - we're ready. Plus, as if to add insult to injury, it's still only February.
It is times like these that make me think about the finer, more enjoyable things in life. Like, for example, being warm. Or, for example, water in its liquid state. Or, just for kicks, the thrill of cruising down the highway with the wind in my face, the excitement and freedom of the open road. It is typically in February, that life-long friend Stewbert and I begin to plan the year's motorcycle trip. This year, we are way ahead of schedule; he already has our route completely mapped out. Perhaps he is just as sick of cold weather as I.
A cross-country motorcycle trip, as predictable as the changing seasons, has become a summer tradition for Stewbert and me. Over the past four years, we have ridden our bikes to Vancouver, Florida, New York City, and Alaska. In the past four years, we have visited every major body of water that borders the United States, including the Arctic Ocean.
One thing I have learned to appreciate is the sheer diversity that is the United States. So many features, so many oddities, and such a rich heritage, that it is a shame to not take in as much as possible. The continuing challenge for Stewbert and me is how do we top the previous trip? Where can we go that is as unique as last year's destination? The question inevitably answers itself, an idea for a route is formed, and voila - come February we have something to look forward to.
Our 2011 motorcycle excursion will take us to an area of the country neither of us has traveled. Departing Monroe, we'll head southwest, with San Diego, Calif. as the ultimate destination. Unfortunately, along the way we will have to make a stop in Las Vegas.
We actually have a few days to make it to Vegas, a mere 1,600 miles. Stewbert's proposed route will dip south of Denver, Colo., to Mesa Verde National Park. The significance of Mesa Verde is profound, in terms of Indigenous America. About 1,400 years ago, a society of people lived in southwest Colorado. They lived there for about 700 years, and then disappeared. Having established elaborate stone structures and cliff dwellings, the people simply moved away, leaving everything behind. Now a national park, Mesa Verde includes hundreds of archaeological sites, artifacts, and serves as an incredible window to an early American civilization; certainly a mandatory stop on any route into the southwest.
From Mesa Verde, we will hit Four Corners, the only site in America where four state boundaries meet. Then, Stewbert and I veer northwest to Arches National Park and Bryce Canyon, Utah, before crossing into Nevada and arriving at Las Vegas.
Now, it must be said that no sane human being should ever, ever, under any circumstances, have the desire to visit the superficial cesspool known as Las Vegas, Nev. In fact, we will not even go into Las Vegas; our true destination is Nellis Air Force Base, on the outskirts of the city. It is there, that Stewbert's and my trip will coincide with my brother's furlough. In a stroke of destiny, my brother will be stationed at Nellis for a short stint this summer. He then has a weeklong furlough before he must report to San Diego with the Navy. As fate and good fortune would have it, we were able to match our trips, to once again include my brother Dave on a motorcycle ride.
From Las Vegas - er, I mean Nellis Air Force Base - Dave, Stewbert, and I will ride our motorcycles east, to the Grand Canyon. Time and weather permitting, which it will, we shall hike the north rim. From Grand Canyon, our route to San Diego will be fairly spastic, with a jog east, and then south, to Tombstone, Ariz. We will get through Tucson as quickly as possible, heading to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. Then, our route convulses north and west, to Joshua Tree National Park in California.
From Joshua Tree, it is an easy stint to San Diego, where Dave and his family are currently stationed. Stewbert and I are allowing nearly a week in San Diego for rest, relaxation, and sightseeing. Mexico is only a short ride away - who knows? Besides, it is 2,000 miles from San Diego to Monroe, no rush to get back.
So, like I said at the onset, at times like these, it is nice to have something to look forward to. As a matter of fact, a large portion of my morning was dedicated to thawing out cattle waterers; my fingers are still chilled. Although it sure seems to be taking its time, I am sure spring will be here before we know it.
Besides, in just a few short months I will be sitting at a beach in San Diego, beverage in hand, hanging out with my brother and best friend. I'm sure by then, the prospect of being cold will be nothing more than a distant memory.
Now there is something to look forward to.
- Dan Wegmueller of Monroe writes a column for the Times each Monday. He can be reached at dwegs@tds.net.
It is times like these that make me think about the finer, more enjoyable things in life. Like, for example, being warm. Or, for example, water in its liquid state. Or, just for kicks, the thrill of cruising down the highway with the wind in my face, the excitement and freedom of the open road. It is typically in February, that life-long friend Stewbert and I begin to plan the year's motorcycle trip. This year, we are way ahead of schedule; he already has our route completely mapped out. Perhaps he is just as sick of cold weather as I.
A cross-country motorcycle trip, as predictable as the changing seasons, has become a summer tradition for Stewbert and me. Over the past four years, we have ridden our bikes to Vancouver, Florida, New York City, and Alaska. In the past four years, we have visited every major body of water that borders the United States, including the Arctic Ocean.
One thing I have learned to appreciate is the sheer diversity that is the United States. So many features, so many oddities, and such a rich heritage, that it is a shame to not take in as much as possible. The continuing challenge for Stewbert and me is how do we top the previous trip? Where can we go that is as unique as last year's destination? The question inevitably answers itself, an idea for a route is formed, and voila - come February we have something to look forward to.
Our 2011 motorcycle excursion will take us to an area of the country neither of us has traveled. Departing Monroe, we'll head southwest, with San Diego, Calif. as the ultimate destination. Unfortunately, along the way we will have to make a stop in Las Vegas.
We actually have a few days to make it to Vegas, a mere 1,600 miles. Stewbert's proposed route will dip south of Denver, Colo., to Mesa Verde National Park. The significance of Mesa Verde is profound, in terms of Indigenous America. About 1,400 years ago, a society of people lived in southwest Colorado. They lived there for about 700 years, and then disappeared. Having established elaborate stone structures and cliff dwellings, the people simply moved away, leaving everything behind. Now a national park, Mesa Verde includes hundreds of archaeological sites, artifacts, and serves as an incredible window to an early American civilization; certainly a mandatory stop on any route into the southwest.
From Mesa Verde, we will hit Four Corners, the only site in America where four state boundaries meet. Then, Stewbert and I veer northwest to Arches National Park and Bryce Canyon, Utah, before crossing into Nevada and arriving at Las Vegas.
Now, it must be said that no sane human being should ever, ever, under any circumstances, have the desire to visit the superficial cesspool known as Las Vegas, Nev. In fact, we will not even go into Las Vegas; our true destination is Nellis Air Force Base, on the outskirts of the city. It is there, that Stewbert's and my trip will coincide with my brother's furlough. In a stroke of destiny, my brother will be stationed at Nellis for a short stint this summer. He then has a weeklong furlough before he must report to San Diego with the Navy. As fate and good fortune would have it, we were able to match our trips, to once again include my brother Dave on a motorcycle ride.
From Las Vegas - er, I mean Nellis Air Force Base - Dave, Stewbert, and I will ride our motorcycles east, to the Grand Canyon. Time and weather permitting, which it will, we shall hike the north rim. From Grand Canyon, our route to San Diego will be fairly spastic, with a jog east, and then south, to Tombstone, Ariz. We will get through Tucson as quickly as possible, heading to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. Then, our route convulses north and west, to Joshua Tree National Park in California.
From Joshua Tree, it is an easy stint to San Diego, where Dave and his family are currently stationed. Stewbert and I are allowing nearly a week in San Diego for rest, relaxation, and sightseeing. Mexico is only a short ride away - who knows? Besides, it is 2,000 miles from San Diego to Monroe, no rush to get back.
So, like I said at the onset, at times like these, it is nice to have something to look forward to. As a matter of fact, a large portion of my morning was dedicated to thawing out cattle waterers; my fingers are still chilled. Although it sure seems to be taking its time, I am sure spring will be here before we know it.
Besides, in just a few short months I will be sitting at a beach in San Diego, beverage in hand, hanging out with my brother and best friend. I'm sure by then, the prospect of being cold will be nothing more than a distant memory.
Now there is something to look forward to.
- Dan Wegmueller of Monroe writes a column for the Times each Monday. He can be reached at dwegs@tds.net.
