pushing the envelope

Bruce_H · 11-06-2009, 02:47 PM

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pushing the envelope, October 31st, 2009

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Saturday morning it was just starting to rain as I lit the afterburners of my rocket ship. Tom (Tank) had invited me to spend Friday night in the barn. Not just any barn, this one has heat, a bathroom with shower, wide screen TV and of course "the tank" I had wanted to get some photos of the fish however the sun had set before I arrived and they are sleeping, safely tucked into the nooks and crannies of the rocks. As I ease out the clutch and glide my ship onto the tarmac it is still an hour or so away from being light, the fish are sleeping. Bill and I will meet up for an early breakfast and then it's off, pushing the envelope. I had checked the internet looking for places most likely not to have rain. Seems like south and east would be best.

Bill and "the tank" from a previous ride...

Finishing up breakfast the rain has increased. I cross check point charlie (agriculture check station) and head into northern California. A few miles south, turning inland, the highway meanders thru a short section of the Redwoods, these are BIG trees! The first thirty or so miles of this road is a favorite and not to be missed. Near the community of O'Brian I pick a road that will carry me over the mountains to Happy Camp. For now this road doesn't have snow however it is just a matter of time.They do not plow over the top so it will be closed until spring.

for now it is only rain...

At Somes Bar I turn along the Salmon River, this area is the most remote place in California I can think of. The road is only a lane and half wide and a real cliff hanger! It follows the river and is carved out of the rock edge. There are no guard rails and meeting "Bubba" squiring thru here in his 4X4 would be a real nail bitter. On a stretch with less cliff and more bank there's a bear on the edge of the road looking at me. Medium size with a shiny black coat, it bounds off the road into the brush.

one of the few pull-outs along this road, photo opts were scarce...

At Forks of Salmon I have a choice, straight or right turn. I will go straight as a few weeks ago it was right. The road squirms around corners, one after the other, right, left, right and the left again, there aren't any straight sections. The next community or town I come to has about a hundred cars parked along both sides of the already narrow road, something is going on here...

when here a few weeks ago it was 85 degrees, I stopped to go swimming...

The road twists like a snake as it follows the river. It is starting to rain, a stump will do as a stool to put on some gear, the sheriff pulls up for a chat. My first question is about the bear as I want to camp in here, are they a problem? His answer was that these bears don't see many people and should I come upon one, flail my arms about and make lots of noise, it most likely would leave me alone. Comforting thought?...

My next question was about all the cars a piece back. Turns out they were having a memorial service for a long time resident and local pot grower. After the service there would be a Halloween dance and most likely a sampling of the crop. He went on to say that the three towns in here do not have electricity and these people just want to be left alone. Law enforcement rarely comes in here and he was heading out. During our conversation about the bear I had mentioned that I didn't have a gun and since he didn't offer one of his I also was leaving. Reminds me of the movie "Deliverance".

Up an over the top, what an view! I had spent enough time talking that the rain has moved off and just the road is wet. The clouds have parted and the sun is shining on the other side. From the looks of things I bet this road also snows in, guess those resident a piece back go out another way, or do they get snowed in?

During my conversation with the sheriff he did tell me where to find something to eat. Breakfast was a long time ago and there hadn't been any lunch. The special was New York Steak! Yes!... French fries or salad, your choice, that's all?... It was fabulous, done to perfection. The waitress mentioned they also had home made pie, a slice of banana cream it would be, also very good. Or... was I hungry? In any case I'd go back.

I thought these houses were fun...

the owner was home and I got permission for some photos...

Full of dinner and after taking a few photos it was time to look for a camp spot.
Got to remember:
"flail my arms about and make lots of noise."
Comforting thought?...

small wood was scarce, fire didn't last long...

No rain the rest of the night, the stars and moon were out. I left before the sun came up, it was going to be a nice day. There is a small diner about forty miles from here, eight stools and two small tables. Would she be open?... YES! The sign in the window said they were voted #3 for pancakes in California, quite good they were. After breakfast I headed west. What a nice day for a ride although my suit was still damp from the day before, it would dry. I know of a shortcut that will take me over the mountains to Orick, I had cut thru there another time. Only problem is I can't find it. The route is a crummy rock road filled with chuck holes but it would have allowed me to bypass Eureka. Oh well.

When I arrived at the beach it was foggy. I stopped and put on more gear, as usually happens, about fifteen miles later the sun came out. I detoured thru a section of the Redwoods and checked out the camp sites, thirty five bucks they wanted!.... Last night was free and here there is sign explaining about the bears, these are used to people?... If you have any food, I didn't, you need to put it into the metal "bear box". Didn't say anything about flailing ones arms about, hum...

blue sky and a green canopy, how nice is that?...

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Today is the first of November, 2009, next weekend's forcast is for a 2000 foot snow level
and two to three feet possible. Pushed the envelope I did, Yes!...
Thanks to Tank (Bill) for the hospitality
Bruce H, Newport, Oregon
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Oldhway · 11-06-2009, 02:54 PM

Awesome report and great photos. Thanks.

CTellman · 11-06-2009, 04:48 PM

I am dreaming of my next adventure. These shots help me be grounded.
Thanks,
Campbell Tellman II
'93 R100RT

franze · 11-06-2009, 04:55 PM

great report, great pix. Very nicely done

Made me remember my trip last Halloween camping in Lassen, cold and deserted. That remote road along the Salmon just got put on my "to do" list. Thanks!!

Semper_Fi · 11-06-2009, 05:08 PM

Your ride report read like a story and your pictures were like a movie - excellent !!

Thanks for sharing

sudani · 11-06-2009, 06:15 PM

Very nice report. Thanks for sharing with us.

11-06-2009, 02:47 PM	#1
Bruce_H Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 7	pushing the envelope -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- pushing the envelope, October 31st, 2009 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Saturday morning it was just starting to rain as I lit the afterburners of my rocket ship. Tom (Tank) had invited me to spend Friday night in the barn. Not just any barn, this one has heat, a bathroom with shower, wide screen TV and of course "the tank" I had wanted to get some photos of the fish however the sun had set before I arrived and they are sleeping, safely tucked into the nooks and crannies of the rocks. As I ease out the clutch and glide my ship onto the tarmac it is still an hour or so away from being light, the fish are sleeping. Bill and I will meet up for an early breakfast and then it's off, pushing the envelope. I had checked the internet looking for places most likely not to have rain. Seems like south and east would be best. Bill and "the tank" from a previous ride... Finishing up breakfast the rain has increased. I cross check point charlie (agriculture check station) and head into northern California. A few miles south, turning inland, the highway meanders thru a short section of the Redwoods, these are BIG trees! The first thirty or so miles of this road is a favorite and not to be missed. Near the community of O'Brian I pick a road that will carry me over the mountains to Happy Camp. For now this road doesn't have snow however it is just a matter of time.They do not plow over the top so it will be closed until spring. for now it is only rain... At Somes Bar I turn along the Salmon River, this area is the most remote place in California I can think of. The road is only a lane and half wide and a real cliff hanger! It follows the river and is carved out of the rock edge. There are no guard rails and meeting "Bubba" squiring thru here in his 4X4 would be a real nail bitter. On a stretch with less cliff and more bank there's a bear on the edge of the road looking at me. Medium size with a shiny black coat, it bounds off the road into the brush. one of the few pull-outs along this road, photo opts were scarce... At Forks of Salmon I have a choice, straight or right turn. I will go straight as a few weeks ago it was right. The road squirms around corners, one after the other, right, left, right and the left again, there aren't any straight sections. The next community or town I come to has about a hundred cars parked along both sides of the already narrow road, something is going on here... when here a few weeks ago it was 85 degrees, I stopped to go swimming... The road twists like a snake as it follows the river. It is starting to rain, a stump will do as a stool to put on some gear, the sheriff pulls up for a chat. My first question is about the bear as I want to camp in here, are they a problem? His answer was that these bears don't see many people and should I come upon one, flail my arms about and make lots of noise, it most likely would leave me alone. Comforting thought?... My next question was about all the cars a piece back. Turns out they were having a memorial service for a long time resident and local pot grower. After the service there would be a Halloween dance and most likely a sampling of the crop. He went on to say that the three towns in here do not have electricity and these people just want to be left alone. Law enforcement rarely comes in here and he was heading out. During our conversation about the bear I had mentioned that I didn't have a gun and since he didn't offer one of his I also was leaving. Reminds me of the movie "Deliverance". Up an over the top, what an view! I had spent enough time talking that the rain has moved off and just the road is wet. The clouds have parted and the sun is shining on the other side. From the looks of things I bet this road also snows in, guess those resident a piece back go out another way, or do they get snowed in? During my conversation with the sheriff he did tell me where to find something to eat. Breakfast was a long time ago and there hadn't been any lunch. The special was New York Steak! Yes!... French fries or salad, your choice, that's all?... It was fabulous, done to perfection. The waitress mentioned they also had home made pie, a slice of banana cream it would be, also very good. Or... was I hungry? In any case I'd go back. I thought these houses were fun... the owner was home and I got permission for some photos... Full of dinner and after taking a few photos it was time to look for a camp spot. Got to remember: "flail my arms about and make lots of noise." Comforting thought?... small wood was scarce, fire didn't last long... No rain the rest of the night, the stars and moon were out. I left before the sun came up, it was going to be a nice day. There is a small diner about forty miles from here, eight stools and two small tables. Would she be open?... YES! The sign in the window said they were voted #3 for pancakes in California, quite good they were. After breakfast I headed west. What a nice day for a ride although my suit was still damp from the day before, it would dry. I know of a shortcut that will take me over the mountains to Orick, I had cut thru there another time. Only problem is I can't find it. The route is a crummy rock road filled with chuck holes but it would have allowed me to bypass Eureka. Oh well. When I arrived at the beach it was foggy. I stopped and put on more gear, as usually happens, about fifteen miles later the sun came out. I detoured thru a section of the Redwoods and checked out the camp sites, thirty five bucks they wanted!.... Last night was free and here there is sign explaining about the bears, these are used to people?... If you have any food, I didn't, you need to put it into the metal "bear box". Didn't say anything about flailing ones arms about, hum... blue sky and a green canopy, how nice is that?... -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Today is the first of November, 2009, next weekend's forcast is for a 2000 foot snow level and two to three feet possible. Pushed the envelope I did, Yes!... Thanks to Tank (Bill) for the hospitality Bruce H, Newport, Oregon --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

11-06-2009, 02:54 PM	#2
Oldhway 2 Wheeled Troubador Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: SE Connecticut Posts: 2,844	Awesome report and great photos. Thanks. __________________ Steve Marquardt, Forum Liaison

11-06-2009, 04:55 PM	#4
franze El Cid Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: "X" cramento Posts: 493	excellent great report, great pix. Very nicely done Made me remember my trip last Halloween camping in Lassen, cold and deserted. That remote road along the Salmon just got put on my "to do" list. Thanks!! __________________ "Plans are meaningless, planning is everything." Dwight Eisenhower

11-06-2009, 05:08 PM	#5
Semper_Fi Runs with Scissors Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Gloucester MA Posts: 1,974	Your ride report read like a story and your pictures were like a movie - excellent !! Thanks for sharing __________________ 2009 KGT1300 Red Apple Metallic (mine), 2005 R1200ST Piedmont Red/Light Magnesium (hers) Luis Roth BMWMOA #143775 BMWMOA Moderator

11-06-2009, 06:15 PM	#6
sudani Enjoying the ride.... Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Glen Ellyn, IL Posts: 252	Very nice report. Thanks for sharing with us. __________________ Susan '03 F650CS “We must not allow other people’s limited perceptions define us.” Virginia Satir "The highways of life are full of flat squirrels who couldn't make up their minds..." Unknown

11-06-2009, 04:48 PM	#3
CTellman Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: North Carolina Coast Posts: 170	Just What I Needed . . . . . . I am dreaming of my next adventure. These shots help me be grounded. Thanks, Campbell Tellman II '93 R100RT