Listen to The Wind

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Archives for October 2007

Zion-Angels Landing-WOW!!!

October 17, 2007 by bobcatou

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I’ve been wanting to do some serious hiking in some of these parks. Well I have now. I also wanted to know what the parks considered a “Strenuous” hike and whether I could handle it. Yes…I found out I can. (BARELY)

The first day in Zion I planned on doing a moderate hike to Hidden Canyon. I got off on the wrong bus stop and decided to hike Angels Landing instead since I was at the trailhead already. I didn’t realize what the hike was and if I did, I probably would not have gone. I’M VERY GLAD I DID. This was the best hike I have ever had.

Angels Landing is a 5 mile/4 hour hike that the Natl. Parks consider strenuous and a little dangerous.

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An average of 1 or 2 people a year fall to their death on the Angel’s Landing hike each year. I know why.

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There is are parts to Angels Landing that are only 5 feet across with drop offs on both sides of the ledge. I no longer have fear of heights, I have decided. Once up at the top, you get get some great views.

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Eric, Notice I got good use out of The ATL BMW shirt you gave me. It is holding up well.

Most of the hike up was steep and hard. I took breaks to see what was around me and it was pretty as well.

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This little guy came up and said “Hi”

I made it back down and didn’t get a heart attack so I guess I am still in “decent” shape. This was a funny hike. Once you hit the halfway point, you have to make it to the top. People coming down inspire you so much by their comments. I did have the occasional person that didn’t go all the way and say…”You are crazy to go.” Well I sure was glad I did. This was an experience I will remember my entire life.

Filed Under: Southwest Fall of '07

More on Vegas

October 17, 2007 by bobcatou

I stayed in Boulder City, NV last week for about 4 days so I could get some odds and ends completed. As usual everything took longer than I thought.

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David Earl from the motorcycle group “The Chain Gang”, (a group of bikers who own BMW F650’s,) was kind enough to loan me his garage so I could take care of an ongoing fork seal leaking issue on my bike.  I also changed my engine oil.  Both were a success.

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Other things I had to accomplish was to return some camping REI stuff that didn’t work, get new tires on my bike and other minor things that just took too darn long.

I did make it to the Las Vegas strip, but I wasn’t too excited about it.   I think you need to be with friends to enjoy Las Vegas.

My plan after Vegas was to go to Texas and the Harvest Vintage Bike Rally near San Antonio. I stopped in Zion Natl. Park in Utah first and fell in love.  This was view from my campsite the evening I arrived. Right then I knew I wouldn’t make the rally in Texas.

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More soon…

Filed Under: Southwest Fall of '07

Les, The Biker. Man of Inspiration

October 12, 2007 by bobcatou

Les, Gold Wing Rider

I met Les in Stovepipe Wells in Death Valley. After a much needed shower, I walked back to my bike to see Les and his Honda Goldwing parked next to me. I asked him how many miles he had on his bike and he told me 275,000 miles and this was his 14 motorcycle over the last 40 years. Right then I figured this man was worth chatting with a bit more.

Les works in Death Valley 5 months out of the year in the fall and winter. He then rides the country with his dog the rest of the year. He’s married too. Understanding wife I imagine.

He chitchatted about standard biking stuff. Places he had seen…several times over. The types of bikes he had. He had a peace and confidence about him that was to be admired. We didn’t exchange addresses or anything. He was just a friendly guy that was a pleasure to meet on my trip.

Filed Under: California, Death Valley, National Parks, Southwest Fall of '07 Tagged With: Profile

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