“…its about the journey, not the destination…”

Just a thought…when I got up this morning I reflected on the fact that the “fastest” way to get somewhere has never been a factor. The ride this morning from Ontario Oregon to Rexburg Idaho would be faster if I used the interstate highway. However i’m going to stay on US 20 across Idaho to Rexburg. Not worrying about what is fastest makes this a more enjoyable trip. I go out to breakfast at a local restaurant rather than the “free” breakfast at the motel, I stop when I want, have lunch when and where I want, as often as possible at an unique place like the Oasis Cafe yesterday. It really doesn’t matter what time I arrive at the motel, simply because I’m not in a hurry. Its very liberating. 

Meechan’s Brig Haus Grill in Payette Idaho.

     I looked on the iPad for breakfast places and found Meechan’s Brig Haus Grill in Payette Idaho, which was 12 minutes away. What a GREAT decision. I had a really good breakfast, and talked to a number of guys about motorcycles! The first one was Larry Phelps. He was on his way to the men’s room and stopped by my  table on the way to talk. 20 minutes later he still hadn’t gotten to the men’s room! Larry is planning a TWO MONTH trip east with the goal of seeing Nova Scotia. I suggested Prince Edward Island and the Gaspe’ Peninsula might also interest him. He rides a Goldwing Trike and pulls a camping trailer. Two bikes are going along with him. 

Tracy is on the left and Larry is on the right.

     After breakfast I went outside and there was Larry looking at my bike. He is seriously considering buying one and I extolled the virtues of my R1150GS. As we spoke another of his friends, named Tracy Laufer, walked up and joined the conversation. Over the next 1/2 hour or so several other guys walked up and joined us. These were guys, like me, that REALLY loved motorcycling! After about 45 minutes we said good bye, with me giving Larry my number and an invitation to call me if they come near Delaware. On the road at the crack of 9:45!

You can see the road twist as it climbed up into the mountains.

     Once again a spectacular day of motorcycling. The scenery was dramatic and captivating. At times the road was twisty, particularly before lunch. I took several pictures trying to capture the panorama but I just can't seem to capture the depth and breath of the country I am passing through. 

My bike sitting out front of the Soldier Creek Brewing Company.

     By 1pm I decided to stop for lunch. The next town was Fairfield Idaho,  out in the  middle of nowhere. By this time you could see a change in the ecosystem. I started seeing grass growing along the side of the road, and the mountains ahead began to have green on them. As I rode by Fairfield I didn't see a restaurant that attracted me. Then I decided to turn down the main street of the town, which was about 3 blocks long. Outside of a pub called the Soldier Creek Brewing Company a guy was sitting at a table drinking a bud from the bottle. I asked him if this was a good place to eat and he said, "...yeah." I parked and went inside. Another neat place. I had a great  turkey on  pita bread, and a glass of water. The service was excellent and the waitress was very pleasant. Often if you want to find the place where the locals eat just ride down the main street. Usually the best restaurants are there. 

     Another surprise of the day awaited as I left Fairfield. I rode into a bizarre landscape called the craters of the moon. Created by volcanic eruptions they stretch for quite a ways. The volcanic rock is mostly black and it does look otherworldly. After this the road really straightened out for the next 60 miles or so to Idaho Falls. From there I took a left and rode up to Rexburg Idaho. Tomorrow on to Casper Wyoming.