WAY UP NORTH - To The Arctic Ocean & Back to Arizona

[dave6253]

The days are getting shorter, so we must stay on the move.









This car is loaded just like many motorcycles we saw on this trip. (You know who you are!)




Hoodoo Mountain









Our shadow is growing...




as we cross the border at Roosville.




Montana




We stop for fuel, then a delay. When we should be using the last light to find a campground, instead I'm doing chain maintenance.



After that long delay we were unsuccessful finding a campsite.
Something happened this evening that was very scarey. It got dark!
Very Dark! At least that what it seemed like since we hadn't seen darkness for days.
We rode on through the forest of tall trees and a cloud of incoming bugs.
The fear of wildlife kept me below the speed limit all the way to Whitefish.
After a late arrival, we settled into the Whitefish Super 8.

492 miles today.

[Bob]

Originally Posted by dave6253

Dave this is Fantastic!

[AndréBigTrailRider]

Dave, will you post pictures of your trip somewhere on the net? (flickr, etc.).
For photos are magnificent! If you post, send the address.

A great trip for you guys!

A big hug

André

[MizzouRider]

Just managed to get through three pages of this excellent RR. Your pictures are amazing. I'm always disappointed in my pictures, they don't capture what I'm actually seeing. Yours actually capture a better image vs what I see!

Thanks for posting.. Fantastic.

I'll ride 10,000 miles to see this.. Wow. (obviously not on page 3 any more..) gotta get some work done..


Jeff

[heatmizer]

Dave,
You can tell that I don't post often; well done. I crossed the GG bridge once on a clear, beautiful evening, and welled up wishing my wife were there with me to enjoy it. So happy you and yours could enjoy such an amazing journey together

Lastly, your photos are off the hook! Any particular threads most helpful in transforming a photo-noob?

Heat

[mundobravo]

Man I love this RR. The photos take me back to the road north. I also had some " side stand" issues, damn thing was breaking off. One thing of note , I was at the Arctic Circle about June 1 and did not see a single mosquito up or back the whole trip.

[dave6253]

Originally Posted by Bob

Dave this is Fantastic!

Thanks again, Bob.

Originally Posted by AndréBigTrailRider

Dave, will you post pictures of your trip somewhere on the net? (flickr, etc.).
For photos are magnificent! If you post, send the address.

A great trip for you guys!

A big hug

André

André, My photography site is here: http://dave6253.smugmug.com/

I don't currently have any of these photos displayed there, as I'm trying to only show them in one place for now. I will eventually place my favorites in the 2012 Collection Gallery and the Slideshow. I'm not sure if I'll display a seperate gallery from this trip there.

Originally Posted by MizzouRider

Just managed to get through three pages of this excellent RR. Your pictures are amazing. I'm always disappointed in my pictures, they don't capture what I'm actually seeing. Yours actually capture a better image vs what I see!

Thanks for posting.. Fantastic.

Jeff

Thanks, Jeff!

[dave6253]

Originally Posted by heatmizer

Dave,
You can tell that I don't post often; well done. I crossed the GG bridge once on a clear, beautiful evening, and welled up wishing my wife were there with me to enjoy it. So happy you and yours could enjoy such an amazing journey together

Lastly, your photos are off the hook! Any particular threads most helpful in transforming a photo-noob?

Heat

Thanks, Heat! Transforming a photo-noob requires a big commitment from the noob. I describe some of my learning process and recommendations in this old thread: The Art of the Ride Report....

Originally Posted by mundobravo

Man I love this RR. The photos take me back to the road north. I also had some " side stand" issues, damn thing was breaking off. One thing of note , I was at the Arctic Circle about June 1 and did not see a single mosquito up or back the whole trip.

The locals told me another week later and the mosquitos would also be gone. So we went during the mosquito window. Thanks, mundobravo!

[dave6253]

After getting to the motel late last night, we decided to sleep in a little. Wise riders would get an early start to
avoid the worst traffic in the park. We need to take care of a few things first. Helen stays at the motel to do
laundry for the last time. I run up the street to a car wash to clean the filthy bike. I think this was the 4th time we
did laundry on the trip.

Next, we visit the Whitefish Post Office. The forecast is for warm weather the rest of the trip. Packing all of the stuff
we brought was easy when we were wearing so much of it. Now, with the warm weather, it is a time-consuming
chore to squeeze everything in. This leaves no room for important stuff, like snacks and drinks.

We stuff sweaters, jeans and other junk we no longer need into the largest flat-rate box.
"If it fits, it ships!"






I know how to squeeze it all in.
This is much more comfortable than the KTM seat.
Maybe I should just sit on the box all the way home.
BTW, The box beat us home.




After lightening our load, we head to the park. Late, as usual.









She's Clean!

[Glenn5995]

Dave,

My friend what can I say but WOW!!! Over the past few years I have watched your passion for and skills as a photographer grow. Your love for motorcycles and adventure predates our friendship. I have many times listened to you describe your dream ride to the Arctic Circle. I know you have planned it a thousand times over in your mind and dreams and I have heard the disappointment in your voice when it seemed it might not happen for many years, probably not until retirement...if ever.

Since your return, I have had the pleasure of hearing you describe the ride while seeing the smile on your face and gleam in your eyes. Your photography, videography, post-processing and narration is superb. I now can enjoy a little of your dream. Helen is a great women (as you are well aware) and this was an incredible opportunity for the two of you. As phenomenal as this ride report is, it pales to the joy I get from it by seeing a close friend and his wife live a dream.

Take care Buddy!

Glenn

[dave6253]

Lake McDonald, Glacier National Park

[dave6253]

This is my second and Helen's first visit here.














I can't really describe the ride here as fun,




with all of the traffic, crowds, and construction delays,





BUT




The scenery is stupendous...




Spectacular!




Even on a hot and hazy day.









Helen snaps away!









Delayed... Overheated...

[dave6253]

Glenn, Thanks for always being there to listen to my neverending drivel of adventures past and future. I love you and your wonderful family.

[dave6253]

..........

Click for an interesting read: Building the Going to the Sun Highway

"Far away in northwestern Montana, hidden from view by clustering mountain-peaks, lies an unmapped corner-- the Crown of the Continent."

--George Bird Grinnell, 'Father' of Glacier National Park

[himv]

Originally Posted by dave6253

Thanks TOTim. There's tons more and maybe a little video as well.