Photo by: Mike Hartman
HALIFAX TO LARRY'S RIVER: THE LONG WAY
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THE PLAN
(click on maps or pictures to enlarge and highlighted script to link to webpage)
This trip is similar to the one we did back in 2001 . This time we go clockwise and add some visits not done then. At that time the technology was a 1973 BMW 75/5. It was loaded to the max and, practically speaking, had modest braking capacity. That bike is now retired from such monumental travel. For this trip we ride a 1992 BMW K1100LT with a Uni-Go trailer. Equipped with ABS Brakes, extra lights, heated handgrips, electric adjustable windshield, a Russell All-Day saddle, GPS, Satellite Radio and Pilot/Copilot communication system, digital and 35mm camera and video we have significantly advanced our technology from 2001.
Personal riding equipment is full armored leathers plus mesh jackets for the higher temps, waterproof boots, full-face flip-up helmets, heated jacket liner for Mary and vest for Bob, bicycle shorts (helps prevent 'monkey butt'), wicking enabled jerseys and assorted other miscellaneous items.
We look for cost-effective motels much of the time but on this trip our intention is to seek campgrounds as often as possible. A small two person tent will do. Usually we carry a two room LL Bean tent but our goal on this trip is to travel as light as we can. An unattainable notion to all that know us, as you will discover as you read on in the next chapters.
This trip has a number of 'pivot points'. Originally we intended to go to the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America ( http://www.bmwmoa.org/ )national rally in Gillette, Wyoming (http://www.gillettechamber.com/wygilcoc/doc.nsf/doc/home.cm ) in July. Plans changed when Bob's son Jesse and fiance Danielle decided to get married on June 21st in Port Alberni, British Columbia. ( http://www.city.port-alberni.bc.ca/ ). What a wonderful part of our trip this will be!! We are looking forward to arriving about June 19th.
With the wedding as the 'center piece' of our trip, we began to plan. Major stops (updated March 11): Portland (ME); Ballston Spa (NY); ); New Orleans, Houston, Austin, Oaklahoma City, Amarillo, Grand Canyon, Rt 66 as possible, Santa Barbara, California San Francisco, Seattle, Port Alberni (Vancouver Island), Calgary, Yellowstone, Minoqua (WI), Meaford (ONT), Elora (ONT), Monson (MA); Enfield (CT); Portland(Me) again to visit Bob's family, Brooks (Me.) and then up to our Homestead: Larry's River, Nova Scotia.
The first day on the road starts on our wedding anniversary - May 28th. As on previous trips, we try to cross the border on the first day. The border town of St Stephen, New Brunswick is often quite congested but the bike allows us a bit more room curb-side. Curb-side is important in making your way to the Duty Free store which, as luck would have it, is just across the street from the bridge to Calais, Maine. Calais will be he first night of our trip. Anniversary in Calais!
