I made it to Prince Rupert. The ferry was two hours late leaving KTN (4am instead of 2 am) but I am now in my first foreign country. I'm writing this at a cyber cafe in downtown Pr.Rupert. I met a guy on a large BMW GS motorcycle while on the ferry. He is just coming back from a long ride into Alaska. He said he stayed in our state too long as he hit ice on his way out of Anchorage riding down to the ferry. Slid down several times. He is on his way back to Utah. I told him about the ferry tomorrow to Vancouver Island and I believe he is going to try to go on it as well - since he says he wants no more to do with icey roads.

I told him about the hostel I stay at here in this town so I believe he will be there if he gets a space on the ferry tomorrow. He wasn't looking forward to riding the roads into interior B.C. We might ride Vancouver Island together if he gets on the ferry. The ferry leaves for Port Hardy at 1pm tomorrow. I have to be there 11 am. It gets there at 9am on Saturday. I would like to get his advice on long distance cycle travel since he has been out for 2 or 3 months.

I've left the bike at the hostel and am waiting for the sign-in clerk to come back. Already met 3 other folks at the hostel who have been traveling. I will get out my POW Island vistors guide and show them where we live.

The sun is shining here in Prince Rupert. That is a good sign!!! And the Cannuck customs let me into their country. So things are looking up.
Bill

i came via vancouver island and ran into the rain. i am now in wanatchee, wa on my way to see katie in moscow, id. i hope to get the valves adjusted on the KLR either tomorrow in spokane or in boise.
the pass thru the cascades was clear. snow on the side of the road but none on it. fall is in full swing here. beautiful colors. suppose to be in the 70's today. i'm ready for it. i guess there is one good thing about global warming. makes the riding season longer.
bill

I am in southern Idaho now. Was able to visit daughter, Katie, and Jenny Mae in Moscow, ID where they are attending the Univ of Idaho. The Fall colors are beautiful. I have experienced beautiful weather so far. It was below freezing last night in Boise, ID, but warmed up quickly after the sun came out.

I rode with two guys yesterday for a while who had bikes like mine: one guy was Swiss and the other fellow was Canadian. They are headed for Panama so I may see them again later on in the trip. I should be in Utah before noon tomorrow.

I spent night before last with a couple in Boise who own the business which made my motorcyle panniers. I wrote them an email saying that I wanted to come by the business and see the staff and they invited me to stay with them. They are members of the Christian Motorcycle Association. I met some very intersting motorycle enthusiasts while at their shop. Very positiive experience.

On the road South,
Bill

I am still looking for somebody to show me how to download photos off my camera chip onto a computer so that I can send via email.

Yesterday, 29 October, I was able to get my heated grips and heated vest electrical plug-in's working again. The mechanic in Boise, ID must have reversed two wires. A young mechanic at a small townKawasaki shop in Central Utah was able to correct the problem. It is very good now to know that I have these accessories working again - especially since I have been riding in late October in an area of the country that has altitudes that exceed 6000 ft.

I came through Central Utah after spendin the night in Salt Lake City. I had perfect riding weather with temps in the 70's and little wind. That can be important here, I've found out. The wind really blows. I spent last night at a motel literally out in the middle of nowhere in the high desert. It was getting dark and all the little towns on the map did not seem to acutally be towns once I got to them. I guess if a place around here has at least two buildings, then that location gets a mention on the map. I kept running into these places, but no motels. Was starting to think about pitching the tent, but the terrain looked like excellent rattlesnake habitat. And it was getting dark. So I kept going.

Found a motel WITH a cafe. Got a big plate of B-B-Q ribs with a big plate of curley fries with drink for a total of five bucks. Really good too. Seemed like the small cafe was filled with ranchers. Got to talking to a gentleman in his '80's who wanted to know all about the Alaska Highway. He said he applied to home stead in Alaska in the 50's but didn't go through with it.

I am in the last UT town before AZ.
The Grand Canyon is just a few hours ride away.
Getting close to MEXICO!!!! Getting a little anxious about that.
Bill (on the road)