|
|
OREGON JOURNALS
Photography by Steve Wallstrom
Journals by James Mallory
January 31, 2003
Better weather. Finally some vestiges of warmth filter through us en route to Bend, Oregon. Leaving the home state helps provides the first sense of actually beginning this adventure. Besides those pesky Oregon gas station attendants the ride goes smoothly. Strange looks from the locals seem to follow us, I suppose we stand out a bit with all our gear. For the first time we see fellow motorcyclist on highway 97 near Bend. For a short period of time I actually feel too warm underneath the 17 layers of clothing. An unusually warm front is blowing through Oregon and the temperatures reach the mid 50's. I have no complaints, it feels wonderful.
We reach my grandparents house by late afternoon and are greeted with a warm house, great food and cold beer. If only the whole trip involved hospitality like this. Ruth, a friend of my grandparents, visits and raises our hopes with connections to National Geographic. We've learned these large organizations are quite difficult to access without a personal contact. The meeting was encouraging and gave us a desire to fully document our trip.
After a restful night and a big breakfast we check the weather report for the upcoming roads. Snow level falling, storms gathering, it looks like one more day of punishment before we can relax. Fortunately the clouds abated and the day rose cold and clear. While stopping for a brief warming session we had the brilliant idea of getting a photo of the bikes in the snow. Artistic yes, but foolish nonetheless. We must have looked quite funny on the side of the road with Steve plowing his bike needlessly through a pile of old snow. Anything for the camera. After removing the luggage we easily plucked the bike out of the deepening rut. Enough of these shenanigans, we need to cross the Siskiyou before nightfall. Back into the cold we ride.
-JM
|
|
