:clapping: Your pictures, narrative and videos (to quote Jack Nicholson) make me want to be a better biker. Or at least take some tours of my own. THANK YOU for letting us share in and enjoy your journeys.
Pic Heavy Ride Report - MS to Bella Coola & Back 11,000 Miles Heat, Hail & Bears
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Day 25 Continued-
Ok, these next 20 pics and video are the final installment on the ride from Bella Coola back to Nimpo Lake.
Remember, we had put the bear spray in the tour pak at the bottom of the hill.......
Coming around a corner, there was a BIG Grizzly Bear about 60 yards in front of us!
I stopped. He turned and looked at us, then continued walking away from us. We watched.
I then remembered where the bear spray was. After moving a little to the side of the road, I put the parking brake on (good thing I had adjusted it, because the hill was pretty steep) and got the bear spray out...never turned off the engine. When I put it back in gear (clunk) the bear turned and looked at us, so I waited a bit longer before moving forward.
He just kept walking down the road...
...we did move forward twice to keep him in sight...but we really did not know what we could do, other than wait. He did not seem inclined to leave the road, and no way we we going to try and ride past him. Grizzlies can move extremely fast when they want to.
We remembered what John Edwards had told us-
John just said make yourself big, and if that does not intimidate the bear then yell a bit...that is, only if it is coming toward you, otherwise, just be still...never turn your back, never run, never make any fast movements.
So we waited and watched...
...After a few minutes a truck came by and moved him off the road. We were really excited to see the pics when we got to Nimpo Lake. Mary thought she had taken 20-25 pics of him.
She took 4 pictures.
We were already on what is probably the most dangerous road in North America, and then we were right up on a Grizzly. Her adrenaline just shot through the roof.
Fortunately the video camera was going. Here is the video that has some of the highlights of the ride up "The Hill". The bear encounter starts at about the 4 minute mark-
After the bear excitement, we continued on up the road...
...which is exciting and awe-inspiring, in and of itself.
One last look behind us, thinking about the bear we had just seen.
What an amazing view...again, pic taken while we were moving...not such a wide section of the road. lol
At the highest point of the pass.
Things leveled out a bit. No more cliffs.
More in next post.
Ok, these next 20 pics and video are the final installment on the ride from Bella Coola back to Nimpo Lake.
Remember, we had put the bear spray in the tour pak at the bottom of the hill.......
Coming around a corner, there was a BIG Grizzly Bear about 60 yards in front of us!
I stopped. He turned and looked at us, then continued walking away from us. We watched.
I then remembered where the bear spray was. After moving a little to the side of the road, I put the parking brake on (good thing I had adjusted it, because the hill was pretty steep) and got the bear spray out...never turned off the engine. When I put it back in gear (clunk) the bear turned and looked at us, so I waited a bit longer before moving forward.
He just kept walking down the road...
...we did move forward twice to keep him in sight...but we really did not know what we could do, other than wait. He did not seem inclined to leave the road, and no way we we going to try and ride past him. Grizzlies can move extremely fast when they want to.
We remembered what John Edwards had told us-
John just said make yourself big, and if that does not intimidate the bear then yell a bit...that is, only if it is coming toward you, otherwise, just be still...never turn your back, never run, never make any fast movements.
So we waited and watched...
...After a few minutes a truck came by and moved him off the road. We were really excited to see the pics when we got to Nimpo Lake. Mary thought she had taken 20-25 pics of him.
She took 4 pictures.
We were already on what is probably the most dangerous road in North America, and then we were right up on a Grizzly. Her adrenaline just shot through the roof.
Fortunately the video camera was going. Here is the video that has some of the highlights of the ride up "The Hill". The bear encounter starts at about the 4 minute mark-
After the bear excitement, we continued on up the road...
...which is exciting and awe-inspiring, in and of itself.
One last look behind us, thinking about the bear we had just seen.
What an amazing view...again, pic taken while we were moving...not such a wide section of the road. lol
At the highest point of the pass.
Things leveled out a bit. No more cliffs.
More in next post.
I really enjoy your posts and photos.
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Day 25 continued-
A breath-taking view-
Here we are at the official End of The Hill.
I asked Mary if she wanted to turn around and do it again...she did not, but if it was not so rough, we both would have done it in a hearbeat.
Another meadow and great cloud pic-
Here is a pic of a fellow traveler. He was headed toward Bella Coola on 2 wheels, pulling a cargo trailer.
He had the biggest grin on his face that I've ever seen!
He was also the only other motorcycle we've seen since we left Nimpo Lake a few days ago.
Looking back as we left Tweedsmuir Provincial Park.
We've been getting a few sprinkles, but you can see from the road that we have missed some pretty heavy rain.
Fun road, great views, and no cliffs!
Some cattle in and about the road...we are getting close to Anahim Lake.
Back on the asphalt! We've ridden TG's many hundreds of miles on dirt and gravel roads, but they really like the asphalt better.
Back at Nimpo Lake, our destination for the day.
The last 60 pictures, are just what I picked out of 874 pics. It was a whopping 100 miles. But it is amazing land.
We arrived at Nimpo Lake at 2:30, so we went out on the lake. I will share some pics from that in the next post in a day or so.
Kevin
A breath-taking view-
Here we are at the official End of The Hill.
I asked Mary if she wanted to turn around and do it again...she did not, but if it was not so rough, we both would have done it in a hearbeat.
Another meadow and great cloud pic-
Here is a pic of a fellow traveler. He was headed toward Bella Coola on 2 wheels, pulling a cargo trailer.
He had the biggest grin on his face that I've ever seen!
He was also the only other motorcycle we've seen since we left Nimpo Lake a few days ago.
Looking back as we left Tweedsmuir Provincial Park.
We've been getting a few sprinkles, but you can see from the road that we have missed some pretty heavy rain.
Fun road, great views, and no cliffs!
Some cattle in and about the road...we are getting close to Anahim Lake.
Back on the asphalt! We've ridden TG's many hundreds of miles on dirt and gravel roads, but they really like the asphalt better.
Back at Nimpo Lake, our destination for the day.
The last 60 pictures, are just what I picked out of 874 pics. It was a whopping 100 miles. But it is amazing land.
We arrived at Nimpo Lake at 2:30, so we went out on the lake. I will share some pics from that in the next post in a day or so.
Kevin
Gorilla
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Very nice, I bet your glad to have seen the bear. A memory you will never forget.
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- #226
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Out on Nimpo Lake-
I apologize for the delay in posting.
After we got checked back into the cabin, we rented one of the little boats at the dock below the cabin.
Leaving the dock-
Heading out, Mary is pretty happy...She likes riding, but I think getting out on a boat is a close second.
Sorta different than a bike, but this one is still a matter of twisting the grip to get to full throttle. lol
This next link, you can click on it to watch a 13 second video of how speedy this was.
http://vid1088.photobucket.com/albu...Nimpo Lake 2/64 Full Throttle_zpswx7d6owm.mp4
We got to the other side and drifted a bit. Mary was clicking away!
A beavers "bank lodge". Yeah I had to look it up on google to see what a beaver's house is called.
Not far from there we tied up to a tree that was overhanging the lakes edge. Had some lunch...
...and enjoyed the view. This next pic is a panoramic, might look better if you click on it.
While there are some houses along the shoreline, it is only in a few spots. There are miles and miles of shoreline like this.
More in next post.
I apologize for the delay in posting.
After we got checked back into the cabin, we rented one of the little boats at the dock below the cabin.
Leaving the dock-
Heading out, Mary is pretty happy...She likes riding, but I think getting out on a boat is a close second.
Sorta different than a bike, but this one is still a matter of twisting the grip to get to full throttle. lol
This next link, you can click on it to watch a 13 second video of how speedy this was.
http://vid1088.photobucket.com/albu...Nimpo Lake 2/64 Full Throttle_zpswx7d6owm.mp4
We got to the other side and drifted a bit. Mary was clicking away!
A beavers "bank lodge". Yeah I had to look it up on google to see what a beaver's house is called.
Not far from there we tied up to a tree that was overhanging the lakes edge. Had some lunch...
...and enjoyed the view. This next pic is a panoramic, might look better if you click on it.
While there are some houses along the shoreline, it is only in a few spots. There are miles and miles of shoreline like this.
More in next post.
DK Custom Products
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Nimpo Lake continued.
Mary taking a pic....
...of me taking a pic of her.
She is really happy out on the water.
This is a large lake, we followed less than half the shoreline. Here we are cutting across, heading back to the cabin. This panoramic is not capturing 1/10th of the lake.
Putting along. Those snow/glacier covered mountains in the background probably have something to do with the water being so cold.
Almost back at the cabin.
Back at the dock.
Today was a "red-letter" day. Fantastic, crazy, fun road, grizzly bear, and on a boat out on the lake....an early birthday present for Mary.
Tomorrow is her birthday, and we'll be on the road to Cache Creek.
Kevin
Mary taking a pic....
...of me taking a pic of her.
She is really happy out on the water.
This is a large lake, we followed less than half the shoreline. Here we are cutting across, heading back to the cabin. This panoramic is not capturing 1/10th of the lake.
Putting along. Those snow/glacier covered mountains in the background probably have something to do with the water being so cold.
Almost back at the cabin.
Back at the dock.
Today was a "red-letter" day. Fantastic, crazy, fun road, grizzly bear, and on a boat out on the lake....an early birthday present for Mary.
Tomorrow is her birthday, and we'll be on the road to Cache Creek.
Kevin
Happy Birthday Mary!!! Couldn't ask for a better birthday gift!!
Happy birthday Mary, I've enjoyed the post you guys are doing and the bear on the road was great. I thought it was great seeing black bear in Yellowstone but a big grizzly, well I might of had to change my pants.:AGGHH: Have a safe trip and enjoy your day.
Very nice enjoyed the video and all the stories Thank you. Stay well and please keep
:clapping:Very nice enjoyed the Video and all the pic and stories Thank you stay well and please keep posting..
:clapping:Very nice enjoyed the Video and all the pic and stories Thank you stay well and please keep posting..
Gorilla
Senior Moderator
Happy Birthday Mary
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- #233
Mary's not a forum person...but I passed on your wishes, she says thank you!!!
It was definitely a great day of making memories!
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- #234
Day 26
Today we re-traced our route from Nimpo, thru "no-mans land", back to Williams Lake and then on past 100 Mile House and down into Cache Creek.
Leaving out of Nimpo Lake. BC is just filled with amazing countryside...and today was a great cloud picture taking day for Mary also.
Back on the road where there is no center line...not really wide enough for one, but it is a fun road for sure!
From our ride out here, there is very little traffic, and we did not see in LEO's, so I'm wanting to get to Cache Creek early for a nice Bday dinner for Mary.
Mary in the mirror.
The road is a bit wider, but still a ton of fun!
I had been hitting it pretty hard all the way up to Lee's Corner...but I always slow down before topping a hill, never know if there is something in the road on the other side.
Well, this wasn't right on the other side of the hilltop, but I did see the first Police Checkpoint in all our travels in Canada...right about 1/2 mile down the road. Right at Lee's Corner.
They were stopping everybody, checking license, registration, insurance. We got to talking with the Officer that stopped us. He rides, and hopes some day to tour the USA.
Long Sweeping Switchback=More Fun!
Great pic Mary took of the sky, mountains, river, bridge....we are getting close to Williams Lake.
Passed this Log Cabin Building Plant in Williams Lake.
More in next post.
Today we re-traced our route from Nimpo, thru "no-mans land", back to Williams Lake and then on past 100 Mile House and down into Cache Creek.
Leaving out of Nimpo Lake. BC is just filled with amazing countryside...and today was a great cloud picture taking day for Mary also.
Back on the road where there is no center line...not really wide enough for one, but it is a fun road for sure!
From our ride out here, there is very little traffic, and we did not see in LEO's, so I'm wanting to get to Cache Creek early for a nice Bday dinner for Mary.
Mary in the mirror.
The road is a bit wider, but still a ton of fun!
I had been hitting it pretty hard all the way up to Lee's Corner...but I always slow down before topping a hill, never know if there is something in the road on the other side.
Well, this wasn't right on the other side of the hilltop, but I did see the first Police Checkpoint in all our travels in Canada...right about 1/2 mile down the road. Right at Lee's Corner.
They were stopping everybody, checking license, registration, insurance. We got to talking with the Officer that stopped us. He rides, and hopes some day to tour the USA.
Long Sweeping Switchback=More Fun!
Great pic Mary took of the sky, mountains, river, bridge....we are getting close to Williams Lake.
Passed this Log Cabin Building Plant in Williams Lake.
More in next post.
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- #235
Day 26 continued.
We stopped for lunch at a rest area in 108 Mile Ranch. The picnic area was right at the Historical Heritage Site.
Soon after getting past 100 Mile House we saw the fastest speed limit sign yet in Canada. 110 km...66 mph.
It did not last long, reckon it was there just because there was a long 4 lane, straight stretch for a while.
I know I've said it a bunch of times....
...British Columbia is an amazing place...big country!
Up until now, we've been in areas that are a bit cooler, and lots of trees and water...
...but now, as we drop down toward Cache Creek, there is a pretty radical change in a short period of time....
...It gets significantly warmer, much drier, less vegetation, and very dusty.
The camera battery wore out 10 minutes before getting into Cache Creek, but we have been this way before (a couple of years ago), it is where you can take a turn off and get to the "Sea to Sky Highway".
This is where we stayed in Cache Creek. Bear Claw Lodge. Air Conditioned room and a nice restaurant for Mary's bday dinner.
Tomorrow we're headed to the border town of Grand Forks, CN!
We stopped for lunch at a rest area in 108 Mile Ranch. The picnic area was right at the Historical Heritage Site.
Soon after getting past 100 Mile House we saw the fastest speed limit sign yet in Canada. 110 km...66 mph.
It did not last long, reckon it was there just because there was a long 4 lane, straight stretch for a while.
I know I've said it a bunch of times....
...British Columbia is an amazing place...big country!
Up until now, we've been in areas that are a bit cooler, and lots of trees and water...
...but now, as we drop down toward Cache Creek, there is a pretty radical change in a short period of time....
...It gets significantly warmer, much drier, less vegetation, and very dusty.
The camera battery wore out 10 minutes before getting into Cache Creek, but we have been this way before (a couple of years ago), it is where you can take a turn off and get to the "Sea to Sky Highway".
This is where we stayed in Cache Creek. Bear Claw Lodge. Air Conditioned room and a nice restaurant for Mary's bday dinner.
Tomorrow we're headed to the border town of Grand Forks, CN!
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- #236
Day 27-
Another fantastic day of riding in Beautiful British Columbia, Canada!!!
Today Mary took a bit over 600 pics, I have the first 20 picked out and will conclude with another 20 tomorrow.
Leaving out of Cache Creek. This is the second time we've stayed in this town, first time at Bear Claw Lodge. I think next time we are in CC we will stay here again.
A bit outside of Cache Creek, reminds me of high desert. We have only been in a bit of Alberta, but we've seen a good deal of BC, and this area is quite different than the rest of BC.
But soon we are back where there is an abundance of water and trees. Fun road along Kamloops Lake.
We're taking the 97 toward Vernon, after that the 33 thru Beaverdell, all the way to Kettle Valley, then the 3 to Grand Forks. Not the fastest way, but definitely includes a lot of Canadian 2 lane country riding!
Looking back toward Kamloops.
Lots of logging in these parts. I don't ride behind, or beside, 18 wheelers any longer than absolutely necessary, these 30 wheelers are even more avoided!
Beautiful Countryside with....
...lots of trees and water...
...topped off by fun winding roads!
Too soon we are in Vernon, used the GPS to get us to a Subway. Passed this very cool Rat Rust Salvage truck on the way.
More in next post.
Another fantastic day of riding in Beautiful British Columbia, Canada!!!
Today Mary took a bit over 600 pics, I have the first 20 picked out and will conclude with another 20 tomorrow.
Leaving out of Cache Creek. This is the second time we've stayed in this town, first time at Bear Claw Lodge. I think next time we are in CC we will stay here again.
A bit outside of Cache Creek, reminds me of high desert. We have only been in a bit of Alberta, but we've seen a good deal of BC, and this area is quite different than the rest of BC.
But soon we are back where there is an abundance of water and trees. Fun road along Kamloops Lake.
We're taking the 97 toward Vernon, after that the 33 thru Beaverdell, all the way to Kettle Valley, then the 3 to Grand Forks. Not the fastest way, but definitely includes a lot of Canadian 2 lane country riding!
Looking back toward Kamloops.
Lots of logging in these parts. I don't ride behind, or beside, 18 wheelers any longer than absolutely necessary, these 30 wheelers are even more avoided!
Beautiful Countryside with....
...lots of trees and water...
...topped off by fun winding roads!
Too soon we are in Vernon, used the GPS to get us to a Subway. Passed this very cool Rat Rust Salvage truck on the way.
More in next post.
DK Custom Products
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- #237
Day 27 continued-
Last night we ate out for Mary's Bday dinner, so we did no shopping. So today is lunch at Subway in Vernon!
Leaving out of Vernon we rode beside the Emerald Green Kalamalka Lake for a while.
Almost right away we are in Kelowna. We stopped at the HD Dealership for...
...Gloves!
Mary discovered these 6 or 7 years ago. They are perfect for her in warm weather, and for her picture taking. Even in cold weather she wears a gauntlet glove on her left hand and one of these along with a wool glove on her right hand for picture taking.
She's tried others, but always goes back to these. I think this is her 3rd pair.
Out of Kelowna...
...we start getting into some seriously fun roads!
There is little to no traffic...
...and curve after curve.
The TG just eats it up!
Day 27 to be continued.
Kevin
Last night we ate out for Mary's Bday dinner, so we did no shopping. So today is lunch at Subway in Vernon!
Leaving out of Vernon we rode beside the Emerald Green Kalamalka Lake for a while.
Almost right away we are in Kelowna. We stopped at the HD Dealership for...
...Gloves!
Mary discovered these 6 or 7 years ago. They are perfect for her in warm weather, and for her picture taking. Even in cold weather she wears a gauntlet glove on her left hand and one of these along with a wool glove on her right hand for picture taking.
She's tried others, but always goes back to these. I think this is her 3rd pair.
Out of Kelowna...
...we start getting into some seriously fun roads!
There is little to no traffic...
...and curve after curve.
The TG just eats it up!
Day 27 to be continued.
Kevin
You look like you are in a mouth breathing stupor at the Subway..!!:laugh: Too many choices? Lights too bright? Jared was there and winked at you? Mary slipped some Vodka into that water bottle? Hope you were ok..! ThumbUp
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- #239
ROFL
I have no idea what I was thinking/doing. Maybe I was in shock...we saw more people/cars/signal lights in Vernon that we had in all the previous days in Canada combined. lol
Kevin
It's no wonder....He's exhausted from toting that 3 gallon container of water. Look at the size of that sucker!!!
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