Sometimes I know exactly where I am going. In that case it’s easy, pick a route and go.
More often I have an idea where I’d like to end up, and generally speaking a direction to go.
Once in a while I just follow the front wheel and see where it takes me.
If you've been around here long enough, maybe once read some of the stuff I've posted, and have a really good memory you might remember that opening bit.
Yesterday, I was in second mode. I was in bad need of some air in my face, so I headed to Julian, CA. I really thought I'd be in time for the spring bloom, but I was mostly a little early...
I was out for a ride, and don't do a lot of 'fooling around'. I needed some time to think and my best spot is on the seat of a motorcycle.
I've always said I'd rather be lucky than good. I was. I am an old man, and when it's time for me to pee, it's time. I planned a stop at Box Canyon, but I couldn't make it. I pulled into a wide spot an a very lightly used road. As I started I saw this, a Desert Lilly. The are quite rare, and don't last long.
Box Canyon is a state Historical site that commemorates the Mormon Battalion's efforts widening this canyon with picks and shovels to a width where a wagon (or later, the Butterfield stage) could go through. It was the first overland route into Southern California and saved travelers hundreds of hard miles. The canyon is cool, but the grounds are a real representative spot for high desert flora. Prominent in this photo are Ocotillo, Agave, Bitterbrush and Cholla cactus.
The road is wonderful from the time you leave the I-8 freeway until you rejoin it. Mostly very good paved county roads. With lots of corners and very little traffic. The last 10 miles up to Julian is like a carnival ride...
A sleepy Thursday look at Julian. I talked to the two deputies parked there, and told them I was glad they were here and not on Banner Grade (the previously mentioned 10 miles) when I was coming to town. I think that made them nervous...
That long bench outside Jack's is a wonderful place. There were lots of hikers from the Pacific Crest Trail getting supplies and a hot meal. Several used the bench throughout the time I was there.
The Miner's Diner where I ate lunch is visible on the right side of this photo at the end of the block. Bison Burger, French Fries and a Chocolate Shake, thank you! It was terrific.
This was really taken for a friend. When she owned part of it the name was "The Bluebird Inn". It's not, anymore. I met her there to go hiking and birding with her a couple of times...
So. It was a really good ride, and a good run. It's also really good to be posting about it (or anything). I'm not sure that it'll last at all but it's good to be back.
All words and photographs in this post are mine. For better or worse Photos taken with an Apple iPhone 14 at normal setting.
Thanks for the banner below, Kitty.
