Boneshakerbike

Day: December 27, 2023

  • Ilwaco Adventures: Off the Grid and Loving It

    Hey there, adventure enthusiasts! Let me take you on a whirlwind journey through Ilwaco, Washington, a gem of a spot that’s perfect for those craving a digital detox and a hefty dose of nature.

    After a cozy night at a rest area near Winchester, WA, our journey took an exciting turn. We discovered Yakima and its vibrant tree fruit industries. A drive over White Pass was nothing short of exhilarating. Once we crossed into the Washington Coast’s interior, our destination was clear: Cape Disappointment State Park. Spoiler alert: the park was anything but disappointing!

    The only hiccup? Zero cell service. But hey, isn’t being off-grid the real charm of adventures? Though it did make weather monitoring a bit tricky, the thrill of disconnecting was unbeatable.

    Our first day at the park, we hopped on bikes and explored the paths leading into Ilwaco. The local grocery store was our pit stop for some well-deserved beer. But the highlight? The North Head Lighthouse. Majestic and serene, it was a sight to behold.

    Day two greeted us with torrential rain, but that didn’t dampen our spirits. We embarked on a hike along the North Head Trail, right up to the lighthouse. The tropical rainforest along the way was nothing short of mesmerizing.

    By evening, the rain subsided, and we embarked on our first Beach Patrol on our fattie bikes. Riding along the coast, with the sound of the waves as our soundtrack, was epic.

    Day three was captivating, with the breaking waves hypnotizing us to the point of almost missing our departure. We did pry ourselves away to enjoy a delightful dinner at The Castaway in Long Beach. Fish and chips with chowdah? Yes, please!

    Our next stop was Twin Harbors State Park. So far, the best feature? Definitely the showers. Although we explored the area on our first evening, it was time to move on, filled with memories and stories to tell.

    Resources to Enhance Your Day:

    1. Cape Disappointment State Park Guide: Discover the wonders of this beautifully ironic park.
    2. Biking Trails in Ilwaco: Plan your cycling adventure in and around Ilwaco.
    3. Guide to Yakima’s Fruit Orchards: Explore Yakima’s fruity delights.
    4. Washington Lighthouse Tour: A guide to Washington’s historic lighthouses, including North Head.
    5. The Castaway Restaurant: Check out the menu and ambiance of this Long Beach favorite.

    That’s it for now, folks! Stay tuned for more tales from the road and remember, sometimes the best connection is no connection at all. Happy travels!

    On this day in history

    Let’s dive into a delightful journey through the past with these engaging blog posts!

    • 2022: Is this Christmas? – A winter wonderland experience! A heartfelt reflection on being stuck in a storm and cherishing memories, especially those captured on the website.
    • 2020: Creek Side Talk – This post seems to keep its charm a secret, as the description is mysteriously missing. A creek-side story awaits!
    • 2017: Christmas Eve 2017 – An escape to St George for a walk in the green grass while the country is engulfed in a deep freeze. A vivid description of a vibrant winter getaway.
    • 2011: Late Start – Recounting days spent hidden in the woods at Mystic Lake. A promise to catch up on posts and unpack the excitement of a late start.
    • 2007: Road Riding the 328 – A thrilling ride in Lambert, Montana. Short but sweet adventures in the cold and off-season, marked by fun and clear roads.
    • 2007: Going To The Lake – A relaxing day filled with travel and time trial cycling. Reflections on a trip to Fort Peck with a hint of diplomatic tension.
    • 2004: Moose Poop Pie – A humorous start to the day in Missoula with breakfast musings and a quirky quest to de-starch potatoes.

    Each post is a delightful snippet of history, bringing past moments back to life with charm and wit. Enjoy these nostalgic tales!

  • Is this Christmas?

    Will this be it? Will we be stuck in a winter storm? The answer is YES. I am certainly grateful for the memories. Especially, my web site, where I can go back and relive the good times. https://williammartin.com/0000/12/27/

  • Creek Side Talk

    Creek Side Talk

  • Christmas Eve 2017

    Christmas Eve 2017

    We left M. R. McBear to watch the Ogden vacation home and we bolted to St George. The place that the Mormons created to grow cotton because of its ability to provide summer-like conditions; while the rest of the country is in a deep freeze.  Upon arrival, we went for a walk. In the green grass. To see the lights of St George. Tomorrow we open presents.

    Owly and M. R. McBear wait for thier friend to present gifts
    A peacock out of a pear tree
    Downtown
    Puppy pusher
    Well Red Dragon
    I’ll have a blue christmas …
    Preview
    Ever Green
    Leap frog red
    Big pine lights
    Red Square
    Holiday Plaza
    Palm Holiday
    Red Town Square
    Holiday Fan
    Red Tree
    Even the bathrooms in the park had a sense of christmas
    St George Town Square
    Lights to space
    Christmas ride
    Holiday family portrait
    And the stocking were hung by the do not disturb sign

  • Late start

    Just back from Mystic Lake where we spent 4 days hiding out in the woods. I do realize that I must finish my post of the last race of the season and I am sure I have exhausted all my excuses. So maybe today I will get caught up and unpack. Then tomorrow maybe I will find time to do some more writing. In the meantime just thinking about last weekend. The photo is from our ski-in as night fell. I decided to take a photo to remember all the great snow encountered so far. IT was late because we started our journey to the cabin at 3 PM. The usual for us … a late start.

  • Road Riding the 328

    Hello once again from Lambert Montana where I just got back from a killer ride.  Keep in mind most of these rides are short due to the fact that it is cold and in the off season.  I am out for fun and these are some great rides as the roads are clear and the sky’s are blue.  Today I went up route 328 which is straight North from here.  The route is totally straight with some pretty good climbing. In fact the climb goes over the divide (not to be confused with the continental divide). On the other side of the divide is some groves of trees and some cool drainage.  This is one of my favorite rides so far.

    My Aunt says that a 75 mile loop is possible from taking this route and going right then down to Sidney.

    In other news Marcy is having a great time living in this big house and plenty of room outside to run.  She has even taken back up chewing on a bone (teeth seem to be getting better).  We will be leaving soon and while it will be nice to get back to the grind (not really) it is sad that Marcy will not be able to run and hang out with other dogs as much.  She is really having a great time.

  • Going To The Lake

    Going To The Lake

    Hello from Lambert Montana and good morning.  Yesterday was a day of relaxation, travel, and time trial cycling. I just got done posting the photos of the trip to Fort Peck .

    Lambert Scene

     

    It is getting harder and harder to be diplomatic about some things and with my consistent cycling and becoming slightly over-trained I have not been having any great shinning moments. Going on a trip would either mend the bitter rivalry or make it worse. I sit here this morning alone hiding from bitter comments and trying to re live a great moment yesterday when I averaged over 20 MPH on my bike for over an hour on a uphill route. (click for Google map)(click for profile)

    We jumped into aunt Paula’s diesel truck for the trip to the lake.  I threw my bike in the back so that I could pedal my way back just before the day was to end.  We gassed up at a gas station on the West side of town. It was there that I found a couple elements to take photos of.  Some cool old buildings that give a flavor of the culture out here with the backdrop of a beautiful winter day (although some prefer snow). Soon after a stop at the post office we were off down route 200.

    Birdhouse at Fort Peck

    We made it to the lake and I snapped off a few more photos.  Aunt Paula showed us around and soon the bitter lake winds drove us to head back home but not before a quick tour of the little community.  On the way back I remarked that I would have to cycle indoors this evening because it was 3 PM and too late to be dropped off at 20 miles from Lambert (a quickie ride).  My aunt suggested that they drop me off and that they would go to Brockway Bar in Brockway and wait for me.  I thought it was a great idea.  They said it was 21 miles away and I thought it a great challenge to ride 21 miles before the sun set (1 hr).  The race was on.

    The ride started uphill but the last two before the intersection of route 200 were downhill slightly.  I made the corner and started the long hard pull to Brockway.  First I had to overtake this long hill.  I climbed hard and strong thinking that when I rested it would be rolling or flat the rest of the way.  It was not meant to be.

    Lambert Scene
    Lambert Scene

    I saw hill after hill and soon the hills were getting harder and harder.  Most of the hills were 4 miles long with a slight level spot on top before climbing again.  It was all gradual in comparison with a pass ride but non the less it was all climbing.  I rode above my limits and pounded out the miles.  one hill, then another, then another.

    Finally when it seemed I would never fin Brockway I saw the little village nestled ion a valley.  It would be all down hill (4 miles) to where my aunt and grandma were waiting.  I arrived victorious in spirit.  The sun beat me down but I averaged close to 20 MPH on a mostly uphill route. I recovered with a bag of chips and a Moose Drool beer.

    The drive home was good as I was told about how everyone in the bar was betting it would take me three hours.  It must of been a shock to se me walk in after being dropped off 24 miles away in an hour and fifteen minutes.  My total climbing for the day was 1,787 (11.3 miles of hill climb).

  • Moose Poop Pie

    Good morning. The sun is coming up here in Missoula and I have sat down to breakfast including eggs, hash-browns, and toast. I am on the verge of happiness but a little concerned that I sat around all weekend.

    I have a question; how do you de-startch potatoes? Every time I make hash browns, they become this gluey mess.

    Since Pologra is not adventuring into the Moose Poop Pie, I will lead the way by saying that it is really rich and good. It is best with Ice cream and kalua(?). The pie is like a brownie that has a chewy and crusty top but thick, gluey, and very chocolaty center. It does look like poop, but tastes awesome.

    Pologra, your day sounds so relaxing. I could be there for sure. I cant wait to one day have a cabin in the woods with a crackling fire and the pleasures of the pallet that you speak of.