The final run.

Leaving Wyoming, I got onto Highway 30 towards Pocatello, Idaho where I would get onto Interstate 86 for my run across the southern part of the state. The scenery is very pretty in a rugged way but there wasn't much to see from the Interstate.

There were some displays of the Oregon Trail at the rest stops that were pretty interesting. It was hard to imagine that I could cover in 2 days what must have taken months for the covered wagons. Plus I could stay in a motel instead of sleeping on the ground with a saddle for a pillow.

I passed a sign for Mountain Home Air Force Base at one point, which reminded me of an old Air Force buddy (whose name is long forgotten) who always talked about how great it was to be stationed there. Back in the 60s this must have been a small town indeed.

I wish I could have explored more but I didn't want to abuse Brunhilda any more than I had to. She was running fine and the floorboards didn't heat up as long as I stayed out of overdrive.

I passed a lot filled with military surplus vehicles but missed the exit and couldn't find my way back to it. Too bad. They had tanks and big troop carrier trucks all done up in various camo schemes. I wonder how much a tank would cost? Or what kind of mileage one would get with a troop carrier?

After a one night stay in Idaho I headed for the Oregon border and crossed over into Ontario, OR with a big grin on my face. When I spotted a small Bi-Mart store I knew I was back home and cheered!

I found Highway 20 and headed west across the high desert. It was beautiful through there. A small river ran along one side of the road and rugged hills on the other. The wind had died down and the sky was bright blue with puffy clouds. Best of all, there was very little traffic so I was able to cruise at 50-55 mph unmolested. I stopped often at pull-outs along the river just to listen to the water and birds.

I pulled into Riley, which is a store and a post office. Population is 3.

Highway 20 meets Highway 395 right there and I had always wanted to explore the area around 395. But again, I didn't want to push my luck with Brunhilda. Staying on the main road seemed like a prudent choice.

It was getting late in the day and the lady in the store said I could park in her campground for 5 bucks! I looked out and realized there WAS a little campground and outhouse. Done deal! The population would be 4 for the night.

I spent the evening drinking chocolate, sitting in the store talking to 2 teachers who had come into "town" for dinner (sandwiches.) They were closing down the school for the summer and needed a break from the cafeteria food. The store owner made me a microwave burger and we had a great time.

After the teachers left, I hung out with the owner swapping tales about life and how it always throws curves when you're expecting a slow ball.

She had led a very interesting life and she and her husband were now raising their grandson. The husband had an archery shop attached to the store/gas station/diner full of stuffed animals and skins.

It was cold during the night and there was ice on my windows in the morning. I woke up just before dawn, opened the sliding door and watched a beautiful desert sunrise from the comfort of my sleeping bag. I finally forced myself out of my cocoon and got back on the road.

It was 0530 and the sky was clear as a bell.

I headed into Bend which I had visited in the 80s. Back then it was a small town with ice cream parlors and sporting goods stores catering to the skiers in the winter and mountain-bikers in the summer.

But all good things pass and I was dismayed to find myself in rush hour traffic in some big city that didn't even resemble the Bend in my memories.

I filled up with $4.00-something gas and got out of there as fast as possible, going south on Highway 97.

I turned right at Highway 138 which runs up to Diamond Lake then down into Roseburg. Traffic was very sparse so I was able to cruise and admire the BIG trees and snow-covered mountains. I even spotted snow still under the trees. Twice I had deer run out in front of me.

I had to stop a couple of times for cat-naps but made it to Roseburg then over the mountains to the coast. Brunhilda was running fine and when I pulled into Bandon there was a fine drizzle coming down.

We made it!

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