Mac Goes North to Alaska: Spruce Goose to Bridge of Gods!

Log Entry #3

Wednesday we take time out to visit an awesome air museum in McMinnville Oregon.

The museum is centered around the Spruce Goose, a massive wooded flying boat built by the former Huges Air Craft Company during World War 2.

The Goose formerly resided In Long Beach California but was dissembled in the late 90's and moved by barges and trucks to its new home in McMinnville.

This multi building complex houses 100's of aircraft and related pieces in a lush surrounding of grape vineyard's.

We easily could have spent two days looking at all these cool airplanes but parred it down to 5 hours before heading north to Stevenson Washington.

It was a rough ride through Portland with all the commuter traffic! Sure glad my rush hour days are over!

Thursday was our official first day of the Washington Back Road Discovery Route and both Rhys and I were feeling a little nervous about are ride.

Basically we are trying to ride a fully loaded Yak through a China Shop!

Once we figured out the GPS track we were on our way.

The scenery was spectacular and this helped us cope with some of the more difficult sections of the route.

We also met some great riders on the way including the Yoda of the WABDR.

Claudio an Argentina native now living in San Francisco walked us through the remaining 5 days of our off road extravaganza. He was also riding the big YAK so we at least knew it was possible for someone to make through!

We also encountered our first real obstacle in the form of a washed out road. With a careful review and by walking the site before riding it we were successful at getting both bikes through.

We made into Packwood by 4:15pm and found a room at the Packwood Hotel.

Tomorrow we attempt the ride to Ellensburg!

Looks like the approach is a little low!