Day 3: Taking on Newport

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Flip gets his bearings at the Yaquina Head Lighthouse.matched betting calculator

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Flip is worried about Sharon and Jim being bigger than the Yaquina Bay Bridge. Perspective and distance-guaging are not his things.

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The full-deal motley crew. Dang, but we look good.

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Ready to explore downtown Newport.

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The wheel of fortune in the toy store.

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Flip must take a spin.

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Flip still keeps an eye out for possible news of relatives, but in this case, he’s glad they are not related.

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Flip requested that we not visit this establishment.

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Pondering the greater meaning of life on the water.

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Now this one could be related, except tongues are not a Flip feature.

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Back at Depoe Bay at, yep, Gracie’s Sea Hag, Flip sports his pirate best.

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Carl and Muguette take their chances on the one-armed slot bandits.

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Either way, we are all winners.

Day 2: Siletz Pow Wow, Twisted Snout and Tidal Rave!

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Jim whips up our first home breakfast from Carl’s leftover slab ‘o prime rib and some dandy pepper cheese from the Cheese factory

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In order of appearance: Carl’s tail, Laura, Jim/Sharon and Laird/Muguette on the way to the annual Siletz Nesika Illahee Pow-wow.
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Crossing the bridge on the winding, curvy and um, winding road to the pow-wow.

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Flip gets his pig on at the Twisted Snout Brewery/Flying Pig BBQ joint in Toledo, OREGON.

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Miss Piggy has nothing on this babe.

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Um, I just wanted to check your bugling skills not thump your tonsils.

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Better, but a little Listerine would not be a bad thing.

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The much anticipated night at Tidal Raves in Depoe Bay. The view was obscured Sunday night, but the meal was so worth it. We all can’t recommend this enough. All the appetizers, meals, drinks, and desserts were exceptional, but make reservations, regardless the day.

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Sharon corrupts the Flip.

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Laura’s most favorite gin and tonic ever. A single in the glass, tonic to the side. Brilliant!

Day 1, Highway 101 Redux

Off to Depoe Bay where the whales await. The ’08 Gang and amazing mascot Flip are ready for adventure.

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Ready to ride in search of Laird and Muguette.

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First stop: Neahkahnie Mountain.

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The gang’s all here.

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Flip meets Marv-the-Mastiff at Wanda’s Cafe in Nehalem.

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A new perspective on the Tillamook Cheese Factory.

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Sharon, Laird, Muguette and Flip enjoy the first night at Gracie’s Sea Hag.

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Flip takes a dip in Gracie’s clam chowder.

Run 101, year 2? Yep, it’s the Depoe Dive, plus one.

So, how to followup our first grand motorcycle trip down 101 to the redwoods in 2014, well Flip really had a good time in Depoe Bay and he’s the boss of us, so there we go.

The ’08 Club’s new member rides an ’04 Road King, so he is in the club as an ’08 minus 4. All good. We’re sharing a condo just across from the ocean, and after our planning meetings at the Big O Saloon (Thanks, Barbarella (Kathy), we had no clue about where we were going, other than the condo.

Flip is a decider, though. So we hit a wayside, Wanda’s in Nehalem, the Cheese Factory, Pacific City and then GOALLLLLLL!!!!

Beautiful city, people, condo-mates. It’s great to be in Flip’s fan club.

Ready to hit the road! Launch pad is Petco in Warrenton. The second annual Run 101, Depoe Dive edition, commences!
Ready to hit the road! Launch pad is Petco in Warrenton. The second annual Run 101, Depoe Dive edition, commences!
On Neahkahnie. Flip is braver than everyone except Carl.
On Neahkahnie. Flip is braver than everyone except Carl.
Tillamook Cheese Factory celebrating the second annual Run 101.
Tillamook Cheese Factory celebrating the second annual Run 101.
Flip and Laird are ready to have a cool one in Pacific City. At Pelican Brewery in Pacific City. We're close now.
Flip and Laird are ready to have a cool one in Pacific City. At Pelican Brewery in Pacific City. We’re close now.
Flip in his never-ending quest to find his mother at Pelican Brewery in Pacific City.
Flip in his never-ending quest to find his mother at Pelican Brewery in Pacific City.
Flip got a wild hair to stop at a the wayside JUST before Depoe Bay. Really? Hold it 30 seconds longer. OK, it was beautiful
Flip got a wild hair to stop at a the wayside JUST before Depoe Bay. Really? Hold it 30 seconds longer. OK, it was beautiful at Boiler Bay.
All the beautiful creatures hang out here in Depoe Bay
All the beautiful creatures hang out here in Depoe Bay
Flip sports a braid keeper in mohawk style. Always a fashion plate; always thinking.
Flip sports a braid keeper in mohawk style. Always a fashion plate; always thinking.
At our soon-to-be favorite restaurant in Depoe Bay, Gracie’s Sea Hag, head hag and her hagger peruse the options while we wait on our condo to be ready.
At our soon-to-be favorite restaurant in Depoe Bay, Gracie’s Sea Hag, head hag and her hagger peruse the options while we wait on our condo to be ready.
Touchdown. View from our deck. Not too shabby!
Touchdown. View from our deck. Not too shabby!
First sunset. Just chillin’.
First sunset. Just chillin’.

Goodbye, for now, and onward

We decided to make our goodbyes Saturday night so we would not be too teary-eyed, but Shawn still came out early to help pack up and send us on our way. We probably blasted Kim and Jana with our revving.

For Laura, this was the best road day, with not only fun highways, but also most excellent views and beautiful ponies all along the way.

Our only real hurdle, other than my parking in Creston, B.C. (another story for another day) was our border crossing. Here are some words for the wise, or wizened. At the border:

• Just proceed to the stop sign, even if there is no  vehicle in front of you and the sign says stop here until the vehicle in front moves ahead.

• Do not, under any circumstances have your Nexus card ready on a motorcycle if it means holding it in your teeth . If you are on a motorcycle, you can’t hold them in your hands and shift, so at some point, Carl put our cards in his mouth. DO NOT DO THIS.

• Canadian border patrol do NOT approve of things with possible spit on them. Not even a little bit. He even impugned our Oregon traffic laws as we deigned to move forward since there was no car in front of us.  In any case, we were in the wrong, and although he was ticked at us, he was Canadian nice (in a passive-aggressive way) asking if we had stop signs in Oregon, etc.

• So, even though we had prepared for the crossing, we wound up digging for driver’s licenses and answering a bunch of questions. So much for smooth.

Now we are on the poutine trail. Head’s up, U.S. restaurants: You need to offer this Canadian delicacy, but make sure it has bacon attached.

We did have a dandy poutine in Creston, B.C., trying as Kim suggested, pulled-pork poutine. Other spots along the poutine trail failed a little as there was no bacon. We really thought this was one of the four basic ingredients: French fries, gravy, cheese curds and BACON.

In any case, we rolled on, eschewing the ferry trip for a pleasant roll through the mountains to Castlegar. Our Super 8 had a great room with our view was the super slide to the pool. Very entertaining.

Good day.

Heading out of Whitefish, Montana. It was awesome seeing family again after 10 years. Thanks for seeing us off, Shawn.
Heading out of Whitefish, Montana. It was awesome seeing family again after 10 years. Thanks for seeing us off, Shawn.
Glacier Harly-Davidson in Kallispell, Montanta. Wish they were open earlier on a Sunday.
Glacier Harly-Davidson in Kallispell, Montanta. Wish they were open earlier on a Sunday.
Heading to Canada and had to stop in Idaho.
Heading to Canada and had to stop in Idaho.
Umm. Whatever, wiith your trees and water.
Umm. Whatever, wiith your trees and water.
More Idaho friggin’ beauty.
More Idaho friggin’ beauty.
Carl, get your face in the selfie as Flip and I can’t carry the full deal.
Carl, get your face in the selfie as Flip and I can’t carry the full deal.
Poutine at Jimmy’s Pub and Grill in Creston, B.C. This was the pulled pork suggested by sister Kim. It was awesome. Stop 1 on the poutine trail.
Poutine at Jimmy’s Pub and Grill in Creston, B.C. This was the pulled pork suggested by sister Kim. It was awesome. Stop 1 on the poutine trail.
Pretty, Flip. Now what?
Pretty, Flip. Now what?
Stayed at the really nice Super 8 in Castlegar, B.C. The Black Rooster Classic Bar and Grill served up fine fare.
Stayed at the really nice Super 8 in Castlegar, B.C. The Black Rooster Classic Bar and Grill served up fine fare.

Flying high and living large in Whitefish, Mont.

We had an emotional day Friday, with much laughter, hugs, tears and more hugs. Ten years is far too long to not lay eyes on those you love and share your memories with. At times it was overwhelming.

Day 2 in Whitefish was highlighted by a helicopter tour over Glacier National Park.  It was stunningly beautiful … and for some of us terrifying or “head between the knees time.” I wouldn’t trade the experience, but as someone who felt already tested by our motorcycle ride for my MMA (Masters of Motorcycle Administration), I thought this was at least worth an honorary doctorate.

And, did you know they expect the remaining glaciers to melt in 25-30 years? So get your groove on now and see these before they are gone for good.

After touchdown (Dave Matthews’ “Crash” was playing as we landed, just saying) and kissing the ground (kidding, really wanted to) half of us went to downtown Whitefish to shop while the remainder headed to nap, drink, contact the authorities about our awesome knee-knocking adventure.

Before heading downtown, the intrepid shoppers headed to the Whitefish Emergency Services building, which is way swankier than the Whitfish Police Department storefront downtown in the 70s. Our hope was to nab patches to add to our scrapbooks from Marilyn (awesome!).  No humans were in residence, but Jana persisted and dispatch sent a fine young officer to hear our plight. Not only was our dad chief of police in the town, but I had designed the patch the most recent design was based on. The officer tried to dig some up, but then gave us names and numbers to maybe get the job done.

Later, there was jet-skiing and hanging out talking and then another amazing dinner.

A beautiful day, a beautiful family. I am so lucky. Fliptastic.

Flip’s ready to take the Glacier Heli Tours copter over Glacier National Park. He’s wide-eyed and bushy tailed, just without the tail.
Flip’s ready to take the Glacier Heli Tours copter over Glacier National Park. He’s wide-eyed and bushy tailed, just without the tail.
The first explorers taking off.
The first explorers taking off.

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Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter.
Glacier National Park by helicopter. St. Mary’s Lodge below on Lake McDonald.
Glacier National Park by helicopter. St. Mary’s Lodge below on Lake McDonald.
Stalking the Whitefish Police for their patches.
Stalking the Whitefish Police for their patches.
Eerily similar to one designed by Laura in the late 70s. Just saying.
Eerily similar to one designed by Laura in the late 70s. Just saying.
Frozen yogurt in downtown Whitefish, Montana.
Frozen yogurt in downtown Whitefish, Montana.
Capturing downtown Whitefish, facing south.
Capturing downtown Whitefish, facing south.
Having a talking about in Marilyn and Jim’s room at the Lodge at Whtiefish Lake.
Having a talking about in Marilyn and Jim’s room at the Lodge at Whtiefish Lake.
Good times at the Lodge at Whitefish Lake. We should really hang out more oftent.
Good times at the Lodge at Whitefish Lake. We should really hang out more oftent.
Family time at Whitefish.
Family time at Whitefish.
Sunset over Whitefish Lake.
Sunset over Whitefish Lake.
Sunset over Whitefish Lake.
Sunset over Whitefish Lake.
Sunset over Whitefish Lake.
Sunset over Whitefish Lake.
Sunset over Whitefish Lake.
Sunset over Whitefish Lake.
Dinner at the Lodge. Good times.
Dinner at the Lodge. Good times.

The Howard Lavelle Sellers Memorial Swim

The Howard Lavelle Sellers Memorial Day/Cruise

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Dad’s ashes and a lock of his baby hair, which was oddly dirty blonde. Peace.

Ten years ago today, Howard L. Sellers checked out. It’s horrible that this loss of such a force in our lives becomes so apparent in its absence.

At the funeral, only sister Kim had the presence of mind to speak with such a powerful tribute. I’ve admired her, even more, ever since,

A decade later, we gather as the guests of Marilyn and Jim Parke to have a more realistic  parting with someone who changed and molded all our lives beyond measure.

We all traveled from afar: Kim’s family from Canada; Jana’s from South Carolina; Marilyn and Jim from Utah; Shawn hauling tail over the highways from Texas (um, South Texas). Carl, Flip and I undertook our longest motorcycle ride (The Howard L. Sellers Memorial Ride) to meet at the Lodge at Whitefish Lake.

We will add more later as we get photos and videos from the others, but this was an emotional, fun, staggering day. At the end, is a poem for Dad.

 

Thrice the fun in Missoula

So, can Missoula top Coeur d’Alene. Darn close, mainly because we met up with good Associated Press Media Editors Board alum Peggy Kuhr and very cool sister, Barbara Kuhr at Caffe Dolce. We split lamb burgers and sparkling fun and had a great time. Then, brother Shawn hit town and started the family party going.

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Carl needs help being properly scared about selfies on the road. Nuff said.

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Carl found the perfect place to stay in Missoula, the Wingate, across from the Harley dealership and the Big Sky Brewing Co. Unfortunately, neither served food, so we wound up with convenience-store corny dogs and some poppers. Culinary mecca? Not yet.

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So, these things called ground squirrels or prairie dogs, they bear a faint resemblance to a certain Flipster, if you squint your eyes. However, they would not answer the doorbell for a second look.

 

 

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Going to the source.

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Horns are very cool!

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Clean clothes are cooler.

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Hanging out with Peggy and Barbara Kuhr at Caffe Dolce. What great fun!

IMG_0090_2Let’s hit the road and see how the new converts do.

 

Living the Dream