> > > Wet Leather : The Gather 99 : How Low Will She Go? : Crater Lake

9 August 1999



Stopped in Ashland to pick up my hair dryer, which I had left behind Friday
morning. Thanked Suzanne again for her hospitality, then off to Medford. And
to re-run the road that JC crashed on.

I thought I needed closure -- I had considered heading north, doing a
U-turn, and re-running the ess when I left on Thursday. After all, I was
pointed in the right direction. But declined, deciding instead to follow the
wrecker. Now I felt the need to see the turn again, corner it successfully,
and 'get on' with getting home. This meant, at best, an extra hour's ride.
So with the decision set, I gave myself permission to find a motel when I
got to Bend. 

Two things surprised me -- one, the curves heading north seemed to be "better
posted" than those on the south side. Two -- the curve in question is now
posted! That curve was not posted on Thursday, but it was on Sunday. Well,
with two accidents within a week ...

Can't say I felt any differently after navigating the turn on my side of the
road .... but I did it and am now back on track for Crater Lake. The
southeastern road up to the lake (62) is magnificant -- huge trees provide a
roof overhead. There's a feeling of peace and grace. And it's straight as an
arrow. <g>

Turn left into the lake entrance and feel the back end slide a bit. Hmm. Is
that gravel? <exasperation> "Freshly Oiled Road" reads the sign at the gate,
50 yards ahead. "How far is the road oiled?" I ask. "Only to the perimeter
road," says the money collector. So I pays my way and off I go on freshly
oiled chip-and-seal. (It's the trip for adventurous road surfaces.)

Even though I have on my vest -- and it's Plugged In -- I find I'm cold. The
bike is running OK considering the elevation, but it does chug-a-lug a bit.
I finally pull over (still on chip-and-seal) and pull on my polar fleece
jacket. Seriously bundled up, but still cold.

Well, no wonder -- elevations range from 6,000-9,000 feet -- and it was a
Grey Day and late afternoon. AND there was Snow Everywhere! (Instant Air
Conditioning)

Even under threatening skies, the vistas are awesome. I now regret
(slightly) the detour -- otherwise, I could have done the complete loop
around the lake. Take some snaps ... sit at one of the viewing areas and
just absorb the view. Well, I can't sit here all day; I'll freeze, for one
thing, and I need to make tracks for Bend as well.

At North Entrance, I take a right onto an arrow-straight road to 97. But not
before having a moment of target fixation -- there are what seems like
dozens of cars at the "west" exit. What's going on? A guy (civilian) is
directing traffic at my (east) exit. "There's been a bad accident," he says.
I turn west, pull over, see if I can be of help. Nope -- there's a former
EMT --  a guy talking to the emergency techs on a cell phone -- ambulances
called ... all I do is clutter the scene. I leave.

A few miles up the road, I see (and then smell) a huge black cloud in front
of me. Find a wide spot; pull over; don the rain gear. Hah! I'm warmer
(temporarily). Less than five minutes later, I hit hard, sleet/hail-type
rain. Stinging. 

Find a car headed North on 97 that's "in a hurry" ... will use their lights
(it's getting dark) and their bulk as a deer shield. Zip up the road
handily. Am getting tired when I pull into Bend -- checking motel signs, not
for "vacancy" but for "Hot Tub!" The Best Western says "Spa Open" and I'm
There. Park beside three beemers, a Gold Wing and a Honda.

Order a pizza -- and into the hot tub (not hot enough) I go. Ahhhhhhh. Maybe
I'll get warm now. 

It was a 410 mile day, with some emotional moments. All in all, a day well
spent.


 

Sticks and Stones 



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