Flaming Gorge Camping Trip!

Last Friday we took off to Flaming Gorge--I rode the bike, Adrienne and Tim rode in the truck pulling the Diva Trailer. It was clear, but chilly--I needed the leathers. We travelled east from Park City on I80 to Rock Springs, Wyo. turned south on Hwy 191 to Mustang Ridge campground. The ride on 191 was out of sight on a bike--huge sweeping turns and great views of snow capped mountains to the south and when you finally see water--it was terrific! I love those winding roads--lots of turns!!! We were lucky to get into Mustang Ridge campground--it is actually in Utah. It is a heavily wooded area--you can barely see your camping neighbors--not to say you can't hear them and their loud cheap generators (must not have been Hondas!!) We had lots of friends there with babies--but they were a ways away--never heard any of them! Flaming Gorge is so unique in that there is a portion to the north west that will remind you of Lake Powell--dry and desert looking--then heading south--it is wooded with red cliffs--all on the same lake!! The water was too cold to get in--but one day we fished, and caught some 13 inchers-cute trout--and ate them for dinner--so tasty!! One day Tim and I rode around the Gorge over the dam and the only bridge (south) and had lunch at the Red Canyon lodge--if you are not into camping--this is the place to stay!
One night we had a mountain pie cook off--you use a square, cast iron "Camp Chef Cooking Iron" available on http://rei.com for only $15.00. This gang acted like we were on some cook off show on the Food Network!! You place buttered wonder type bread on each side of the iron along with ANY kind of filling ---canned pie filling to pizza fixins to eggs and potatoes--put the 2 sides together--slip into the campfire coals--and hopefully don't get distracted and burn!!! You will be well rewarded---the bread squishes and the insides are so yummy! Food tastes so good out in the wilds!!!
You can make reservations for the campsites there at Flaming Gorge-or they do have some first come first served---there are many different campgrounds, but we loved the Mustang Ridge--it even had a little sandy cove within walking distance for the kids and doggies!! The boat ramp was only 8 min. away! No hookups, but showers and latrines. We also checked out Cedar Springs--it's nice and close to it's own little marina and boat ramp. You mnay notice a little deer I saw in this campground--look closely...it's in the woods!!The camp hosts at these places are great people and keep tight and clean campsites. reservations: http://www.recreation.gov/ Tons of activities--especially when the water will warm up--but there were plenty of rafters out there even now!! We rode home the southern route Hwy 191 to Vernal, Utah--through Duchesne then over Wolf Creek pass where there was still a ton of snow at the summit. I could smell the melting snow along with the scent of pine--it brings back lots of memories--I was glad to experience it all on the bike--love those twisty mountain passes!!
Until next week--
Ride Safe and
Viva la Diva

Ride back to Park City

It took 2 days to ride back from Carefee, AZ. to Park City, Utah. I will be here for the summer to escape the heat of Arizona. The ride was glorious--everything from sahauro cactus to the pines in the mountains. Rode by Lake Powell and stayed in Kanab, Utah. We ate at our favorite cafe The Rocking V http://rockingvcafe.com/ Checked in with Rose and dined al fresco(dogs got to sit with us too!)--the best menu with lots of choices and yummy deserts. Make sure to try the cafe if you are heading through Kanab. The next morning, I rode up HWY 89 all the way to I70. I have to say--this ride rates at the top of my list of best rides I have ever done. Pink sands outside of Kanab--huge cliffs around the turn off to Bryce, and twisting through the mountains, with crystal blue skies. I took a picture of the bike while travelling the Provo canyon and as you can see--lots of snow on Mount Timpanogos above Sundance. It's great to be back and will set up my workshop this week to get going on hat orders!

San Diego Rock and Roll Marathon

I just got back from working with the Elite Racing group who puts on these marathons all over the counry.The latest one was in San Diego last weekend.There are pro entrants from all over the world and a lot of non-pro first timers. The finish line was on the Marine Corp Recuit Depot compound. I was lucky enough to meet the Brigadier General who is the commander of the whole base. A WOMAN!! I was lucky enought to help her shop in our official souvenier area, and even luckier to get a photo with her. After listening to her welcome speech on stage...I was ready to sign up and defend my country--she is a fabulous public speaker!! She travels with 2 body guards who keep a close watch on her at all times. Talk about pressure! I also got to meet Corporal Molly--the bulldog mascot for the base. She even had really cute Marine taking care of her and of course she was wearing her fatiques as well!! Seeing some of those contestants make it the whole way is so inspirational--