Virginia City via the 49 highway Day 2

September 17, 2012

Inside the Restaurant w/ a great view

The next morning, still in Springville: We had been told there would be breakfast included with the room. We all gathered in the dining room and were treated to homemade Spinach and Cheese quiche. Also fresh fruit, raspberry scones and fresh coffee and juice. All very yummy and we all agreed we would return to this place on another adventure.
We took off for today's adventure through Sequoia National Park. We rode out of town and traveled through farmland with winding roads and overhanging trees. The air was crisp and it was a gorgeous day. The wild Turkeys, Deer, and other Critters were out along the road. Farm animals like horses and a baby Mule were also out. It was a beautiful ride.

Waiting for the escort

We then started climbing up into the trees. We encountered some road construction when we entered the park. We stopped at the visitors Center for a quick break and took off. We were told that they were escorting people through every hour and we didn't want to have to wait.
We stopped in the shade and waited for the escort along with a line of other people. We all got off the bikes and pulled out the camera's. It was a beautiful spot and the time passed quickly.
Soon everyone started piling into their cars and we started out. The road was muddy and not exactly suited to our Harley's. We road up and up until we finally passed the construction. I kept thinking that a year ago, (with my inexperience as a rider), I wouldn't have been able to handle this. I was feeling good about my accomplishment of the last two years.

Huge Redwoods

We road on and arrived in the big trees of Sequoia. It was a beautiful and enchanted forest. The trees were ginormous and beneath them were all sorts of ferns. I had heard about the beauty of Sequoia but it is something that you have to experience.
  Bob had read about steps that were carved into a large...very large... granite rock called Morro Rock to take you to the top. They were carved into the stone at the time of the New Deal prior to WW II. Bob talked about someday climbing to the top. Grace and I decided there was no time like the present.

The path to the top of Morro

 Rock

We parked at the base and just started climbing up a little, while taking pictures. The views were spectacular. It was funny how people along the way were suddenly your friends and we were all encouraging each other to continue to the top.
Grace and I continued up until she disappeared around a corner. ( I have a very severe fear of heights, but I also don't like to miss out on things. I work very hard to overcome my fears to not miss out on amazing experiences). I followed Grace on up until I found myself at a point where there was an overhang. When you turned the corner to the right, the climb went up again and the handrail disappeared. It was replaced by rocks jutting up beside the steps. Well this was more than I could overcome. I attempted to make myself continue and the rush of panic was more than I could handle. I decided to turn back.

Made it to the top

I stopped at at the point where there was a turn and you could stand next to the railing. At this point the three guys caught up with me and went on. I didn't feel that I had missed out as I only missed about 20 steps. The rest of the group were all feeling very accomplished as they reached the top. Lots of pictures. I conquered my fears as far as I could go. Maybe next time...
We continued on up the mountain and out of the park to Oakhurst which was our next stop.

The view was Awesome

just got lost for a little while

but adds to the adventure

As we were heading down the mountain I had something hit my right arm and start stinging me. (I have an allergy to  Everything and I never know how bad a reaction will be) I wasn't sure what it was that stung me, I just knew it hurt. I rode on until the road widened and pulled over. Joe who was leading the pack turned around and we all stopped. I wasn't having trouble breathing or feeling like my throat was closing, so I considered this a good sign. I do carry EPI pen with me just in case. The spot was burning rather badly though.  Ted had these little swabs for stings and I stuck it on the site with a band aide and we continued down the road. We came across someplace to eat called the "Old School House Restaurant". The bar was open for Monday night football and we were all starving. Joe and I had a beer and one of the best burgers with garlic fries I have had in a while. The restaurant was about 100 years old and had been preserved to keep its historical value. It is marked as a spot to return to on another trip.
We were heading down a highway through farmland. Joe saw a sign that he and I thought required a left turn. Joe got out the GPS and found we were wrong. Esmeralda (the GPS' name), got us back on track with a little detour. She had us turn right to get us back to the highway. You know it is not a good sign when there is a sign at the entrance that says "Rough Road". Well we did it anyway. The sign wasn't kidding. We bobbed and weaved along as the sun set.( Later we found that Grace had taken the most amazing picture on that road.) We finally got to the right turn to take us back to the highway and we were back on track. Good to have Esmeralda. Thank you Justin for a wonderful Christmas present.

An old School House turned into a restaurant & sports bar

Restaurant

Sports Bar...worth the stop, just east of Sanger on hwy 180

We kept going through fields and finally arrived in Oakhurst and checked in to our Motel. Ted and Bob told me that I didn't have a taillight and they were making it a point to stay close as I wasn't readily visible from the rear. I was very grateful for this. Joe and Ted went in search of  a taillight bulb and after a glass of wine were were out for the night.