#trestle bike park

[teamfreewill2pointo]

Visiting the Supernatural shooting locations Part 2

Please find part 1 here.

On our final day, we did Deer Lake and Riverview as the main viewing points.

The thing y'all gotta keep in mind is that there are so many locations, that we drove by countless of them just driving around, so I'm not showing you most of what I saw because I didn't get pictures of it all and also because tumblr wouldn't allow me to post so many photos.

That spot that's highlighted in Riverview? They shot 1x05, 1x10, 1x13, 1x18, 2x01, 2x19, 3x15, 4x06, 4x09, 4x13, 4x16, 5x04, 5x11, 6x10, 6x21, 7x02, 7x03, 7x10, 7x17, 7x21, and 10x09 there.

And that's just one building in Riverview.

It's a beautiful park and we got really lucky with the weather and it only poured rain for half of one day. Even with the bright light, it felt very creepy and I can only imagine how it would look and feel with fog or on a cloudy day. There were a lot of signs warning people not to enter the building or stay on the premises after dark.

A lot of the finale was filmed around Deer Lake. Unfortunately, the Burnaby Village Museum was closed because apparently it's only open to the public in the summer. We weren't able to visit there, but we were able to visit several other filming sites.

One of the things I noticed is that often episodes are filmed in clumps. For example, Regarding Dean was filmed in a few locations, but they grouped together the filming at the various locations to make it easier to film. The restaurant they went to was the Denny's near the motel they went to.

At this Deer Lake location, they filmed multiple scenes from the finale Sam playing catch with son, Dean's funeral pyre, the tree scene, the house the vamps broke into, Sam going for a run, and the pie scene, plus scenes from other episodes.

We found the tree where Baby was parked

which was in a slightly different location than the map said, but close enough that we found it easily. This place looked so different

But we're at a different time of the year and we're visiting 14 years later, so it's probably due to that.

One thing that I forgot to mention on the earlier post is that while Bobby's house is gone, the junkyard is still standing and an active business.

We had read online that the owner is very friendly, but it felt kinda awkward going in there and taking photos while people are hard at work. There's a giant dog that barks at you when you walk in.

One place I wanted to visit, but didn't get to was the Spur 4 Bridge where the finale ended.

There's a few shooting locations up there including the spot where Sam and Dean split up in 5.02 and the purgatory scenes in s15, but the Spur 4 Bridge is a hike since it's on a private road. Most people access it through the Fisherman's Trail

Although it's rated as easy here, someone who hiked it recently said that due to a rockslide, bring boots. You can also bike around it.

Since it was such a long hike, I decided to save it for next visit, when I'll plan a whole day around it. I also want to visit the place where they defeat Chuck, which is up in Minaty Bay and visit the area south of Richmond where they filmed Mystery Spot and several BM scenes.

As for getting around in general, the city of Vancouver is very bikeable and there's different bike rental options available. I don't know about transporting them between locations, but you can do this section by bike easy

We had a car, which enabled us to travel to a wide variety of sites and visit locations such as the Lulu Trestle (1x07, 3x07, 4x03, 4x13, 9x14, 12x22, 15x18).

Now you can get to the Trestle by public transportation, but it'll take you an hour from Burnaby Village Museum by bus versus a 16 minute drive. If you don't have access to a car, I'd focus my visit on the cities. At one point, we split up and I took the Sky Train from Burnaby to Westminster and it was very safe and easy. I also took a few buses to get to and from various locations. Vancouver was, in my experience, a very clean, safe city, with lots of public restrooms. Just don't continue going east of Gastown. There may be other parts that are unsafe, so if you are unsure, send me a PM and I can tell you exactly where we went.

I also recommend Salmon n'Bannock, which is an Indigenous restaurant that had some of the best food I've ever had.

Hope this helps! It was an amazing experience and I highly recommend that you visit. I'd pick out your favorite places before you arrive because there's so many places and it can get overwhelming looking at the map!

[gravelish]

Snoqualmie Pass

2 July 2023

Today’s ride might have just been a simple 40-mile out and back, but I decided to throw in an additional loop that added 20 miles, including the only really hard climb of the day. I parked at Rattlesnake Lake/Cedar Falls and began pedaling around 8:00. I was back to the car by 2:30 and back to Seattle by 4:00, with a stop for a burger and a shake in North Bend.

It’s 20 miles of easy railroad grade to the summit at Hyak, including the 2-mile tunnel at the top. I considered turning around and heading back, but opted instead to check out a new route (for me) around Lake Kacheelus to the east. I crossed I-90 to Gold Creek and then followed Forest Road 8432, which parallels (sort of) the interstate on the hillside north of the lake. It climbs steeply almost 1000’ toward the trailhead for Margaret and Lillian Lakes before eventually descending back down to the paved Kachess Lake Road. Then it’s back across the Interstate and a mile or so on the Stampede Pass Road before returning to the rail trail (10 miles east of Hyak).

Hyak was busy with families out walking or biking, many to the tunnel. The final 20-mile ride down from the pass was fast — 15-20 mph all the way on a gentle downhill grade on good dirt and gravel. There were plenty of other cyclists and hikers, but they were spread out and most of the time it was very quiet. There were the usual clusters of climbers on the cliffs at the trestles above Exit 38. The parking lot at the bottom had been pretty quiet in the morning, but cars were parked on the road for half a mile when I headed out (mainly for the lake and the hike to Rattlesnake Ledge, not for the rail trail).

This ride is a great reminder of now nice it is that the I-90 corridor has been kept fairly free from large scale development (Mountain to Sounds Greenway). The highway is never out of earshot, but it’s usually out of sight. It’s not wilderness, but it’s not bad, especially for being an hour from downtown.

I talked to a young guy at the bottom with a loaded bike. Turns out he was five days from La Push and eight weeks from his home in New York State. I always find it inspirational to chat with folks doing these long rides! It’s also a reminder that today’s ride was on the Great American Rail Trail, a somewhat aspirational concept since large segments remain incomplete or at least hard to ride, but the basic idea is that if you want to ride from coast to coast, this isn’t a bad route to take.

[thinkragelive]

2022 : Concrete Arches [Bike Trip : WA]

Concrete Railroad Trestle Arches at Seattle’s Gas Works Park.

[sa7abnews]

Idaho Springs hopes to strike gold again with scenic gondola, mountaintop attraction

New Post has been published on https://sa7ab.info/2024/08/06/idaho-springs-hopes-to-strike-gold-again-with-scenic-gondola-mountaintop-attraction/

Idaho Springs hopes to strike gold again with scenic gondola, mountaintop attraction

From a mountainside aerie 1,300 feet above Idaho Springs, on a 19th-century mining claim called the Sun and Moon, Mary Jane Loevlie savored a broad panorama that frames Mount Blue Sky and its sister fourteener, Mount Bierstadt. Loevlie saw the future here years ago, and her vision is finally beginning to take form. “Coming up here for a sunset cocktail?” she mused with excitement Wednesday morning, imagining an evening when her long-held dream becomes reality. Loevlie and her business partners broke ground last week on a $58 million project to build a 1.2-mile gondola that will haul 22 10-person cabins up the mountain from the historic Argo Mill in town. When the project is finished, the gondola’s upper terminal will stand beside a three-level facility called The Outpost, containing the Sun and Moon Saloon, a whiskey bar called Loevlie’s Salon, food and beverage options in an area called the Gold Bar, an elevator with stops on all three levels and a pedestrian plaza with seating and tables. There will be a 300-seat terraced amphitheater suitable for musical entertainment, weddings and other events. A trestle will be built, allowing visitors to stroll out and above the slope of the mountain to an observation platform on a straight line toward Mount Blue Sky. Argo Mill and Tunnel in Idaho Springs, Colorado on Wednesday, July 31, 2024. (Photo by Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post) The gondola will be called the Mighty Argo Cable Car, named after the Mighty Argo tunnel from Idaho Springs to the mines of Central City that was built at the dawn of the 20th century. The Argo Mill, which dates back to 1913, houses a mining museum and is open daily for tours. The mill and tunnel were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. There’s a recreational component to the project, too. In partnership with the city of Idaho Springs and the Colorado Mountain Bike Association, the 400-acre Virginia Canyon Mountain Park is being built on slopes above the mill. In time there will be more than 20 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. Hikers and mountain bikers will be able to visit The Outpost free of charge, or they might want to do it the way Loevlie has in mind. “It’s a wonderful hike,” said Loevlie, an Idaho Springs native. “My thing is, I’m going to hike the trail up, have my mimosa and take the gondola down.” Loevlie and her business partners are hoping the gondola, which will be built by Doppelmayr of Switzerland, will begin hauling visitors in the fall of 2025. Sixteen towers will be constructed on a mountaintop near the future site of The Outpost and transported by helicopter to be set in concrete foundations. Forward progress Idaho Springs officials see the project as an economic driver that diversifies what the town has to offer tourists while paying homage to the town’s rich mining heritage. And they give Loevlie the credit for imagining the project — initially envisioned in 2019 — and then seeing it through after she and her first group of investors accused a title company of defrauding them out of millions of dollars. “That lady, I don’t know how she does it,” said mayor Chuck Harmon. “Instead of feeling sorry for herself, she dusted herself off and said, ‘Oh, well, we’ll go with other folks.’ Like water off a duck’s back.” Related Articles

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Her undaunted attitude is in keeping with the miner’s spirit of Idaho Springs that dates back to 1859, though. “Very much so,” Harmon said. “I probably would have felt very defeated after I had $4.3 million ripped off. Most people would have thrown in the towel. They had done so much work. And it cost them a lot more than $4.3 million, because by the time they were able to get new investors, interest rates about doubled on them. Construction costs probably went up at least 40%. “But Mary Jane has such tenacity. She made it happen out of sheer will, went and found other people that believed in the project as much as she did. It looked very bleak a few years ago when they got the FBI’s financial fraud department involved,” he continued. Ever the optimist, Loevlie prefers to focus on the future, not the scam that could have doomed the project, especially now with construction set to begin. “We won an $8.7 million judgment, we haven’t been able to collect anything yet, and the FBI is prosecuting them,” is all she wants to say on the subject. “The trial is in April.” Bryan McFarland of Evergreen, whose background is in commercial construction, is her partner in the Mighty Argo Cable Car Company. Major investors include Gondola Ventures, a firm which recently bought and reopened the historic Estes Park Tram after it was shut down last year and left for dead, along with Doppelmayr and a German investment fund. “We’re all building this project for Mary Jane,” McFarland said. “It’s her vision.” The past and the future Visitors on a guided tour in the Argo Tunnel above of Argo Mill in Idaho Springs, The tunnel was built from Idaho Springs to Central City at the dawn of the 20th century. (Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post) The Argo mill and tunnel have a fascinating history. Construction of the 4.2-mile tunnel began in 1893, and it was completed in 1910, according to “The Great Argo Project,” a book by Terry Cox. Its purpose was to provide a means for transporting gold ore from mines in the Central City district to Idaho Springs for milling. It also drained groundwater from those mines. “We’re building a gondola on almost the same line,” Loevlie said. “We had a vision, just like they did. This is going to bring an economic engine to the region.” After the tunnel was finished, the Argo Mill was built in 1912-13 and operated until 1935. An estimated $100 million in gold ore — $2.6 trillion in 2020 dollars, according to the Argo tours website — was processed there. Today visitors get to see machines that pounded and smashed up to 300 tons of rock per day, preparing ore for a multi-stage extraction process using dangerous chemicals that included cyanide and mercury. The site was abandoned in 1943. Because contaminated water continued to flow from the tunnel long after the mill closed, the EPA declared it a Superfund fund site in 1983 and built a water treatment plant next to the mill that began operation in 1998. Today mill tours take visitors about 100 feet into the tunnel, where they encounter a five-foot concrete bulkhead built to dam water in the tunnel. Water is diverted through the treatment plant, which can handle 700 gallons per minute. Loevlie acquired the mill in 2016. The lower terminal of the gondola will be adjacent to the mill. They haven’t set prices for the cable car yet, but they expect them to be in the range of $30-$40. There are plans to expand parking to accommodate cable car visitors, which could be many. Loevlie said a feasibility study found they could see 500,000 annually. The Virginia Canyon Mountain Park will be free to use. The Mighty Argo Cable Car Company has pledged 50 cents from every cable car ticket sold to build and maintain those trails, and they have advanced the trail project $400,000 toward that end. A downhill mountain bike trail from site of The Outpost to the bottom, called Drop Shaft, has been completed with a wooden corkscrew finish at the bottom. The gondola will include bike carriers for hauling bikes up the hill. An adjacent 4.9-mile hiking trail is already in place. This corkscrew finish for a downhill mountain biking trail above the Argo Mill is part of the Virginia Canyon Mountain Park being built as part of the Mighty Argo Cable Car project. (Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post) Near the trailhead, just above the mill, is an abandoned mine tunnel called the Double Eagle. There are plans to open it, possibly next summer, so visitors can explore about 800 feet of it safely on paid tours. “It’s a gorgeous, cool, hardrock tunnel,” Loevlie said. Hundreds of thousands of visitors already visit downtown Idaho Springs annually for food, drink and shopping, making parking difficult during peak periods. The city has plans to build a transportation hub at that end of town, adding more than 200 parking spaces. The Argo operation is about 0.7 of a mile east of there, where parking is less of a challenge. “This is an area that can handle additional traffic,” said Harmon, the mayor. “It’s really going to complement the visitor experience. We’re very excited to have such a cool item that is so Idaho Springs, the perfect blend of history and adventure. Everybody can have fun. If you’re bringing grandma or a toddler, you can ride the gondola up and enjoy the view. For those who are more adventurous and bring their mountain bikes, they’ve got that option. I couldn’t ask for a better fit for the city.” Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Adventurist, to get outdoors news sent straight to your inbox.

[dougrobyngoold]

Picture Canyon - Flagstaff, AZ

We found this awesome urban hiking area on the east side of Flagstaff. Lovely historical portion of the trail and then you can just wander around on a variety of trails, before looping back to the parking area at the trailhead.

Old remnants from the train trestle are located near the beginning of the trail (if you go counterclockwise on the loop).

Doug, checking out the train trestle remnants.

Nice waterfall along the way.

Cool petroglyphs - what Picture Canyon is named after.

We always wonder what the petroglyphs represent, it is nice to learn what the experts are thinking.

If you want to get out for a short, easy hike before indulging in the many brewpubs in Flagstaff - we would recommend Picture Canyon! Wonderful urban hiking and biking trails.

We stopped at Dark Sky Brewing for a cold one, then headed back to our site near Walnut Canyon.

[realtorsherrybowman]

What Makes Cheatham County a Hotspot for Real Estate Investment?

Are you considering investing in real estate? Cheatham County could be an excellent choice with its access to numerous amenities, superb school system, peaceful natural surroundings and desirable housing market. From exclusive neighborhoods perched atop the rolling hills to small-town living nestled among lush timberlands, this Tennessee locale has something for everyone looking for a place to call home or a good investment opportunity. 

In this blog post, we'll discuss what makes Cheatham County such a hot spot for real estate investors so that you can make an informed decision. So let's dive right into it.

Economic Growth and Development

Economic growth and development in Cheatham County is on the rise with the emergence of new job opportunities and businesses. The county's strategic location and access to major metropolitan areas create an attractive environment for both small and large industries. With an increase in businesses, the demand for skilled labor like real estate agents and more has grown, leading to a surge in job openings. 

This not only offers employment opportunities for residents but also attracts individuals from neighboring counties. As the economy continues to expand, more people are moving to Cheatham County, causing a rise in population growth and demand for property. This trend has significant implications for the county's economic future as it presents new opportunities for investment and innovation.

Location and Accessibility

Cheatham County is located in Middle Tennessee and is conveniently situated near Nashville and other major cities, making it an accessible area for both residents and visitors. With its proximity to Nashville, the state capital, residents of Cheatham County have easy access to a variety of cultural and recreational activities, including music venues, museums, and sports events. 

Additionally, the transportation infrastructure in the county makes travel easy and convenient, with major highways and Interstates connecting the area to neighboring cities and states.

Natural Beauty and Attractions

Cheatham County offers a wide range of natural beauty and attractions that make it a great location for real estate investment. These attractions include:

1. Outdoor Recreation Opportunities: Cheatham County has a variety of opportunities for enjoying the great outdoors. The Ashland City Bicentennial Trail is a scenic 1.3-mile paved trail ideal for biking, walking, or jogging with beautiful views of the Cumberland River. The Harpeth River also offers opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and boating as well as hiking, camping, and exploring the river's stunning beauty

2. Historical and Cultural Attractions: Cheatham County is rich in history and has several cultural attractions to offer. The county is home to the Bell Witch Cave, a historic site known for its spooky tales and folk legends. It also has Civil War sites such as Ashland City Railroad Trestle, Sycamore Mills, and Port Royal State Park. There are also other museums and historic sites that offer interesting exhibits and events throughout the year.

3. Parks and Festivals: Cheatham County is home to several parks and festivals that offer plenty of family-friendly activities. Harpeth River State Park, Cheatham Dam & Locks Park, Harpe's Creek Wildlife Management Area, and Carlisle-Gordon Access Area all offer picnic areas, camping grounds, and many activities for the outdoor adventurer. In September, the county hosts an annual river festival that features live music, food trucks, and other fun activities for everyone.

Low Cost of Living and Affordable Property Prices

Cheatham County is an ideal location for real estate investment due to its affordable cost of living and property prices. Below are some factors that make Cheatham County a great destination for those looking to live comfortably without breaking the bank:

Comparison of Home Prices in Cheatham County to Surrounding Areas

Home prices in Cheatham County are significantly lower than in the larger cities in the area such as Nashville and Brentwood. Median home prices in Cheatham County is around $190,000 while in Nashville it is around $315,000. This means that buyers can save thousands of dollars by opting for a property in Cheatham County while still enjoying access to the charming suburban lifestyle that defines the area. The lower home prices make it a great place for families, first-time homebuyers, and retirees.

Cost of Living Index in Comparison to Other Cities and States

The cost of living in Cheatham County is lower than the national average. This is excellent news for those looking to live in the area without incurring high costs of basic needs. Cheatham County’s cost of living index is 85.5 which is lower compared to the national average of 100. It is also lower than other big cities like New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles which have a cost of living index of over 150. As such, residents of Cheatham County can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without having to break the bank.

No state income tax in Tennessee

One significant benefit of investing in Cheatham County is that Tennessee has no state income tax. This means that residents can keep more money in their pockets and have more to spend on things that matter to them. This can be a significant financial advantage for homebuyers, especially those that operate small businesses.

Potential Future Developments and Investments

Investing in potential future developments is a wise strategy for those looking to grow and diversify their portfolios. By researching planned projects and developments in a particular area, investors can gain insight into where the greatest opportunities for growth and return on investment may lie. As cities and suburbs continue to grow and expand, the potential for increased property values also rises. 

However, it is important to approach a real estate agent for any investment with caution and thorough analysis, to ensure that the potential for growth aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance. As with any investment, there is always some level of uncertainty, but by staying informed and proactive, investors can position themselves for success in a changing landscape.

Conclusion

Cheatham County is truly a real estate investor’s dream area. With its low cost of living, consistent population growth, and the potential to buy undervalued properties, you can find success in any investment opportunity you choose. Real estate investors should consider buying in this highly appealing region now while they still can—opportunities won’t last forever. 

By understanding the local market conditions and staying informed on the latest trends, you will be able to maximize your return on investment. With patience and dedication, Cheatham County may just become your next successful venture.

Visit these pages to learn more about real estate investment through Realtor in Cheatham County: 

Socials:

Sherry Bowman's Facebook Page

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Sherry Bowman's YouTube Page

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Citations:

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[newfngs]

Michael heard the tell-tale roar of a bike long before it joined him on that hill. He knew the sound of David's bike almost as much as he knew his own, a buzz low in his ears that made his body sense with static. He knew someone would come for him, though Michael had assumed all the Lost Boys would eventually be on his tail, fully prepared to drag him back to their cave kicking and screaming before the sun rose over Santa Carla. Michael had expected himself to react that way too, kicking and resisting until his skin began to burn. Or whatever it is vampires did in the sun. He learned some rules from Sam, sunlight and invitations and garlic and holy water and mirrors, a whirlwind of information that only made Michael certain of one thing: He'd never get to be human again. As David climbed up the hill and parked the bike, Michael didn't even bother to turn his head and look. The fight he'd be envisioning, some climatic final showdown in which he gave one last-change show of rejection, refusal, some unbreakable will was nowhere to be found, a dream that dissipated just like cigarette smoke. Lost into the night air. Everything was lost into that night, Michael realized. His hands loosened from around the handles and he, too, leaned back in his seat. His arms crossed in front of his chest as David spoke, his eyebrows knitting less in fury and more in subdued irritation. You'll get used to it, as if there was anything he could ever get used to. No more sunlight. No more family. No more freedom. A life restricted by the night and ruled by blood. David's instance on helping him, however, sat heavy on his head. Weighed down his thoughts - Michael had thought that true, once. In a way. He had thought David was so certain of everything, that David never asked him for more than he could give. Never asked him for anything he wasn't willing to give. Michael must've been insane for hanging off the train trestle and letting go into the fog. He figured David had done something, crawled into his head and made that trust happen, some vampire power or whatever Sam would be able to tell him about. But that trust had existed long before Michael had taken that blood. And David still caught him in the end.

" I never asked for this, " Michael repeats, his voice less heated. Just cold. He never asked nor wanted this. He wanted... something, but turning into a monster was never part of it. Michael still doesn't turn his head, almost unwilling to pry his eyes from the Boardwalk. As if its lights alone were enough to chase away the darkness.

" I didn't want this. If I knew what you all were, I never would've done any of this, " He never would have gone this far. David had asked him when they first met, ' How far are you willing to go ? ' and Michael didn't answer. David must've thought that was a good thing, no hard limits, a way to push and push until Michael was falling into whatever David wanted him to. David must have his answer now. Michael finally turns his head to David, prying his eyes away from distant lights.

" It was that night in the cave, wasn't it? Star wasn't lying when she told me it was blood, " Michael had plenty of time to think on that hill. His thoughts had raced from himself, to his family, to the Lost Boys, to vampires and blood and violence and everything in between. Michael wasn't stupid. Star had told him the truth despite how unbelievable it had been.

" Why'd you do it, David? Why did you do that to me? "

    𝖒𝖎𝖈𝖍𝖆𝖊𝖑  𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖈𝖙𝖊𝖉  𝖊𝖝𝖆𝖈𝖙𝖑𝖞  𝖍𝖔𝖜  𝖍𝖊  𝖊𝖝𝖕𝖊𝖈𝖙𝖊𝖉  𝖍𝖎𝖒  𝖙𝖔,   full  of  emotion  and  complete  outrage,  it  was  almost  disappointing  that  he  didn't  reveal  in  the  feeling  because  there  was  absolutely  nothing  like  it.   david  can't  help  but  smirk  as  he  watches  the  other  scramble  away  from,  pure   𝖉𝖊𝖓𝖎𝖆𝖑   in  his  voice  as  he  yells  at  him.   he  senses  the  others  moving  to  try  and  stop  him,  looking  back  at  them  and  shaking  his  head,   "   let  him  go.   michael  needs  a  moment  to  adjust,    "   david  tells  them,  looking  back  in  the  direction  that  michael  had  run  off  to,  hearing  the  sound  of  his  motorcycle  disappearing  off  into  the  darkness  of  night.   shaking  his  head  again,  he  knew  by  now  that  every  single  one  reacted  differently  and  all  it  took  was  some  time.   he  just  knew  that  he  had  to  find  michael  before  sunrise.

    𝖍𝖊  𝖈𝖑𝖊𝖆𝖓𝖊𝖉  𝖍𝖎𝖒𝖘𝖊𝖑𝖋  𝖚𝖕  𝖜𝖎𝖙𝖍  𝖙𝖍𝖊  𝖔𝖙𝖍𝖊𝖗𝖘,   removing  any  trace  of  blood  as  he  knows  if  he  had  any  chance  of  convincing  michael  to  come  back  with  him  tonight,  he  needed  to  not  be  a  reminder  of  something  that  clearly  he  was  trying  to  forget.   telling  the  boys  to  stay  at  the  hotel,  that  he  would  be  back  once  he  had  found  michael,  with  or  without  him.   climbing  back  onto  his  motorcycle,  kick  starting  the  engine  and  taking  off,  david  knew  that  time  was  against  him,  but  he  wasn't  ever  one  to  give  up.   he  knew    𝖊𝖝𝖆𝖈𝖙𝖑𝖞   what  he  wanted  and  michael  was  definitely  not  someone  he  was  about  to  give  up  on,  he  was  one  of  them  and  he  wasn't  going  to  let  him  be  alone.   yet  if  michael  really  thought  that  he  could  hide  from  him,  he  really  had  no  idea  about  anything  that  was  going  on.

    𝖎𝖙  𝖒𝖆𝖞  𝖍𝖆𝖛𝖊  𝖇𝖊𝖊𝖓  𝖒𝖆𝖓𝖞  𝖉𝖊𝖈𝖆𝖉𝖊𝖘  𝖘𝖎𝖓𝖈𝖊  𝖍𝖎𝖘  𝖋𝖎𝖗𝖘𝖙  𝖐𝖎𝖑𝖑,   but  it  was  something  that  he  hadn't  ever  forgotten.   the  power  he  felt,  the  thrill  he  got  from  it,   the  strength  that  was  just  something  to  be  desired  over  and  as  much  as  it  was  intense  to  wrap  his  head  around,  it  was  worth  it  for  the  chance  to  live    𝖋𝖔𝖗𝖊𝖛𝖊𝖗.   at  least  michael  didn't  have  to  deal  with  what  he  had  to  deal  with  after  his  first  kill,  his  sire  wasn't  exactly  the  most  comforting  and  he  was  going  to    𝖙𝖗𝖞   to  be  better.   as  much  as  michael  thought  he  could  hide  from  him,  there  was  no  where  he  could  go  that  david  wouldn't  be  able  to  find  him  and  it  didn't  take  long  to  locate  him  on  one  of  santa  carla's  highest  points  overlooking  the  boardwalk.   david  couldn't  help  but  wander  what  michael  must  be  thinking  right  now,  he  wanted  to  be  one  of  them,  he    𝖈𝖍𝖔𝖘𝖊   to  be  around  them  and  he  was  never  forced  to  do  anything.

    𝖇𝖗𝖎𝖓𝖌𝖎𝖓𝖌  𝖍𝖎𝖘  𝖒𝖔𝖙𝖔𝖗𝖈𝖞𝖈𝖑𝖊  𝖙𝖔  𝖆  𝖘𝖙𝖔𝖕,   killing  the  engine  right  away  and  he  leaned  back  in  his  seat,  a  small  smirk  pulling  at  his  lips  as  he  looked  over  at  him,   "   did  you  really  think  you  could  hide  from  me,  michael?    you've  got  so  much  to  learn  and  i'm  going  to  teach  everything,    "   david  shook  his  head,  hand  moving  to  his  pockets  to  pull  out  a  packet  of  cigarettes,  slipping  one  between  his  lips  and  lighting  it,  taking  a  drag  as  he  looked  over  the  view.   it  really  was  a    𝖇𝖊𝖆𝖚𝖙𝖎𝖋𝖚𝖑   spot  that  michael  had  picked,  the  view  of  the  boardwalk  was  stunning  with  the  lights  glowing  in  the  night  sky,   "   are  you  going  to  continue  to  be  dramatic  about  this?   you  can't  run  or  hide  from  what  you  are,    "   david  asked,  already  knowing  his  attempts  to  be  more  comforting  where  definitely  failing,  but  he  was  still  doing  better  than  his  sire,   taking  another  drag  of  his  cigarette,  he  looks  over  at  michael,  a  sincere  look  on  his  face,   "   i  am  going  to  help  you  with  this,  michael.   i  won't  you  be  alone,  you're  one  of  us  and  you  always  will  be   .   .   .   i  understand  it  is  a  lot  to  take  in,  but  you'll  get  used  to  it,    "   he  admits,  his  tone  actually  sincere  for  once,  not  a  trace  of  mocking  found  within  it.   david  thought  that  michael  trusted  him,  he  just  needed  to  make  sure  that  was  still  true,   "   i'm  not  leaving  without  you,  but  we  both  have  to  be  inside  before  the  sun  comes  up,    "

[ridestoke]

Ridestoke Ride Series #5 | Spicy Chicken Trail Trestle Bike Park Ridestoke Ride Series #X | Spicy Chicken Trail Trestle Bike Park Trestle Bike Park Spicy Chicken Trail is an all fun, all flowy, jump and pump track line rated at intermediate for the beginner riders looking for that next level up.

[pivotcycles]

Visiting Trestle Bike Park with a group of friends?

Here is where you can find trails raced on during well-known events such as the big mountain enduro Series and USA Cycling’s National Championships.

Check our latest mountain bikes and your suitable models to participate in Trestle Bike Park. Visit pivotcycles.com for more updates.

[wanderingwarrens]

Northwest Wanderings Sept 2020

During the pandemic, we have all felt isolated and homebound. Thankfully, we have found that we could get away by taking our home (our motorhome) on some travel adventures.

Traveling during a pandemic of course is different. We had to be overly cautious about the virus when stopping for food/fuel and checking into campgrounds. Planning takes a bit more work, as we needed to have our meals planned/prepared to have less contact with others. States and counties all have different lock down protocols, so we weren’t sure what would be open. Overall, we felt comfortable, we were very careful and there were less people out traveling.

At the beginning of September 2020, it was time for more “Wandering Warren” Adventures! Becky’s brother and sister-in-law, Rod and Denise, recently purchased an RV, so we gained some traveling companions! Our nephew Jarrod joined us on our adventure as well. We ended up calling our trip SWAT. (Stroud Warren Adventures and Travels) Experiencing our beautiful country is wonderful, but seeing it with others adds so much to the joy.

Our first stop was Crater Lake National Park. What an wondrous place it is!

Our travels took us up through Spokane. Washington into Idaho. We found a gem just over the state line in Post Falls, ID. Falls Park was a beautiful spot to stop, walk some trails with views of the dam and gorge, and have some lunch.

It wasn’t easy to find a good campground so we could ride the Hiawatha Trail. Last minute, we found a place, though it was further away than we had hoped. As it turns out, we found one of our favorite places to be. The sites sat right on the Coeur d’Alene River, with the Coeur d’Alene bike trail behind us. What we thought was going to be a one night stay turned into a three night stay. Kayaking on the river was so much fun. Biking on the trails was very scenic. We were able to see a moose along the trail. It is definitely a place we want to revisit and spend a good amount of time.

Rails to trails are converted unused railway tracks that are often used as cycling paths. The Hiawatha Trail is about 15 miles of railroad track that has been converted into a scenic and gentle downhill biking trail. There are ten tunnels, including the first which is 1.7 miles long. You must have a light on your bike to see as you ride though a dark and wet tunnel. There are also seven trestle bridges that are up to 230 feet high. At the end of the trail, a bus takes you and your bike back to the parking lot. We have found several rails to trails and this is one of the best!

Wallace is a small historic mining town in Idaho that is charming and fun to visit. We especially like going to the Red Light Garage there. It is an antique store and restaurant with the sweetest employees and the best Huckleberry shakes.

From Idaho, we traveled through Montana back into Idaho. Island Park, Idaho is one of our favorite spots. Years ago we stumbled upon it and have spent quite a bit of time there.While there, we kayaked a fork of the Snake River several times. 

Rod, Denise and Jarrod had never been on a UTV, so we rented one for the day. Island Park is a playground for riding ATV’s and we had so much fun on the playground!

The drive from Island Park to Yellowstone National Park is only about 30 minutes. We spent a few days enjoying the park. It had snowed a bit the day before, so it was absolutely beautiful. It was not at all crowded, so we were able to pull alongside the road wherever we wanted. The rivers, wildlife, geothermal features and beauty of the park is spectacular.

Having seen Shoshone Falls in Twin Falls, Idaho before, we knew we had to show family the grandeur of it. They were overwhelmed and we once again were awed by it.

It was a much needed getaway. We all came home thankful that we live in such a beautiful country and blessed that we have family to make great memories with.

Thank you for following our wanderings! Love, Joe and Becky

[gravelish]

Anacortes

1 September 2021

Sightseeing by bike. I feel that sort of sums up my strategy to cycling these days. I suppose, like hiking, it’s because I’ve always been more interested in the place and the landscape (natural or built) than in the activity itself. On the other hand, exploring by bike, or by foot, gives you a different sense of the sights than doing it by car. Maybe because it’s slower. Or you feel you’ve earned it. Regardless, it’s fun to visit places I’ve seen many times before, but to do it on the bicycle.

Today’s ride was roughly 30 miles. I parked at Weaverling Spit, which meant my first and last segments were on the Tommy Thompson Trail, which leads directly into downtown. My route basically involved three major highlights of Fidalgo Island (all of which are within the expansive city limits of Anacortes): Cap Sante, Mount Erie, and Washington Park.

LINK: RIDE WITH GPS

Cap Sante (200’) is a stiff climb, but really it’s just a little warmup for Mount Erie (pretty obvious from the profile). The rocky top provides a great view of the city and the area I’d spend the next few hours exploring. Then it was back through downtown and residential neighborhoods until I picked up Heart Lake Road south of town, where the grade starts to increase.

The road up Mount Erie is a couple of miles each way and climbs around 1000’. This means the average grade is around 10% and some pitches were 15% (it took me about 25 minutes to climb, with a couple of brief stops). But it’s all paved and I think I only saw two or three cars the whole time. The views from the top are always spectacular. The ride down is too steep and curvy to ride without constant braking, but it was still over very quickly.

Rosario Road and Marine Drive were not particularly bike-friendly, but they weren’t crowded and they didn’t last too long. Kingsway through Skyline was wide and empty, but the endless tract homes of that neighborhood have always irritated me. But then there was the wonderful 2-mile one-way loop road through Washington Park, which I’ve driven many times, but never ridden. It’s basically a really fun bike path that just happens to allow cars, but on a weekday there were few of them. The pedestrians (dog walkers, joggers, bird watchers) were a bigger challenge. I was tempted to go around a second time, just because it’s such a perfect ride.

On the way back toward town, I took the Guemes Channel Trail along the water, until it dead-ended at a chain link fence. This is a great little rail trail - and makes a great complement to the Tommy Thompson Trail on the other side of town - but it’s completion has been stymied by property ownership and access. Rather than backtracking to Ship Harbor, I carried my bike up the several flights of steps below Roadside Park and back to the main drag. I stopped for lunch at Dockside Dogs, right on the T.T. Trail near Cap Sante Marina, then headed back to the car. Since I had time, I rode across the bay on the old trestle before turning around.

[thinkragelive]

2022 : Rainbow Arches [Bike Trip : WA]

At Seattle’s Gas Works Park, in the Concrete Railroad Trestle Arches.

[mshumlas]

Day 17, June 8th

We made breakfast as we packed up one more time, in the rain, from The Nugget in St. Regis, MT. It’s a cute little town but not a lot in terms of activities. Which is odd because the billboards along I-90 indicated otherwise. Kudos to the people running the marketing for that municipality.

The one thing that everyone said we need to check out is the Hiawatha bike trail. It’s an old railroad bed that was created in 1909 by the Milwaukee Rail line. The history is amazing when you look at the terrain of the Bitterroot Mountains and how they did it all in 4 years time. From surveying possible routes in 1906 to the first freight car rolling through in 1909; 9,000 men working year round (yes, through the brutal winters) and establishing several new towns along the way. The Hiawatha trail today is 15 miles in length, 2% downhill grade the entire way so you more or less don’t have to work that hard, 10 tunnels with the first one being 1.6 miles long from Montana into Idaho, 7 trestles that give you incredible views of the surrounding mountains. Some of the trestles are over 200’ above the ground, taking you across mountain valleys and depositing you on the next mountainside. It took us about 3 hours to complete the trail. The first tunnel as I mentioned is the longest and you need a flashlight to get through it. If you don’t have a light, you can’t see your hand in front of your face. It’s misty cool and smells like earth in there with the constant drip of water from the carved stone walls.

The fun part of the Hiawatha bike trail was at mile seven, my friend says “I lost my truck keys.” So somewhere between parking lot and mile seven is a set of key to a brand new GMC Sierra diesel truck! No way we were going to backtrack up through the mountainous trail, so we decided to finish the ride and then hunt for keys. At the end of the trail you are shuttled back to the 1.6 mile St. Paul tunnel that you first exited. You then bike back through the tunnel the opposite way you started to the parking lot. We had the shuttle workers radio in for a lost set of keys, if they were on the trail someone would likely pick them up and turn them in. No keys turned in. So we form a line across the tunnel and begin to walk back through with eyes fixed to the muddy, wet tunnel floor. I mean if you don’t stare down at every inch of the tunnel you pass over, you are not getting the full experience of the Hiwatha trail! We decide to send the boys ahead of us and check the parking lot. We are now about three quarters of mile through the tunnel when the boys make it back to us and say “The keys were in door of the travel trailer!” All relieved, we hop on the bikes and enjoy a cold beer in the parking lot before we head out for Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

We left the parking lot of the Hiawatha trail and drove about an hour and a half to arrive at Blackwell Island on Lake Coeur d’Alene. Upon checkin we asked about eating and were given the recommendation of The Cedars. It’s a floating restaurant within walking distance of our set up. So we made the kids dinners at home and then the 6 adults went out to dinner. Shanna ordered halibut and I had mahi mahi. Both were excellent and a nice change from our routine!

[biketrip2019]

After crossing the trestle, and rechecking the weather radar, I raced the last couple of miles into Woodward. I needed to get to Perry, another 11 miles west, but the storm was lighting up in Perry and heading my way.

I parked my bike under a wide awning (hard to see in photo) and walked across the street to a cafe where I could wait out the storm. The rain began shortly after my coffee and peach pie showed up. An hour later, I was on my way (below).

[railbikes]

Route Review: NPOV Lion’s Club Rail Riders - Washington

The North Pend Oreille (”pon-der-ay”) Valley (NPOV) Lion’s Club Rail Riders commenced their second season of railbiking on the tracks of the Pend Oreille Valley Railroad on the weekend of June 15th and 16th, 2019. Running six full weekends through the season, this all-volunteer run service organization dedicates itself to betterment of the community of Ione and the “Forgotten Corner” of northeast Washington.. I pedalled the route though the valley from Ione on June 15th, 2019.

Vitals

Phone: 844 RAIL RIDE (844-724-5743)

Email: lionsrailriders@gmail.com

Website: https://lionsrailriders.com/

Check-in Address: 101 Railroad Ave, Ione, WA 99139

The Site

Check-in is at the station in the small village Ione, which formerly served the NPOV Lion’s Club excursion train (and across a parking lot from a bar and grille).

While the history of the line is summarized below, I’ll also share this direct quote from the NPOV Lions Club, describing the contributions they’ve made to the region over the years.

In 1981, NPOV Lions Club started a train ride...with a single flat car, wooden benches with chicken wire fencing...that carried 60 passengers along the scenic Pend Oreille River from Ione to Metaline Falls. The success of the ride over the years had increased to 7 train cars (including a caboose!) and ridership to over 10,000 guests each season. From humble beginnings, North Pend Oreille Valley Lions Excursion Train Ride rolled to a stop after 35 years of providing family fun on October 23, 2016.

This created a new challenge for NPOV Lions Club.  Funds raised from the train ride supported local, regional, and international projects. Nothing could replace the train but NPOV Lions now have a new, exciting, family fun event…RAIL RIDERS!

The Route

The initial route is a 6-mile (9.7 km) round trip from the Ione station along the river to the turnaround at the trestle overlooking the magnificent Box Canyon Hydroelectric Dam. Upon return to the station, riders are offered an additional 3-mile (4.8 km) round trip through farmlands and forest south of Ione.

The line was originally constructed from 1909 to 1911 as the Idaho and Washington Northern (I&WN) to carry lumber and cement from the valley to larger, mainline markets. I cannot readily find evidence of passenger service, although it is easy to imagine that locals used the freight services as connections to mainline passenger services. Through various financial transactions, operation of the line was taken over by the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad before being sold to the Milwaukee Road, who ran the line from 1916 until bankruptcy in 1979. This was followed by the public creation of the Port of Pend Oreille, which took over maintenance and operation of the newly named Pend Oreille Valley Railroad (POVA).

While the new venture initially served cement, newsprint and lumber operations, the NPOV Lions Club began running excursion trains in 1981. These trains ran a slowly expanding fleet until the cost of regular line inspections led to the 2016 discontinuance of rail service in the northern part of the line, opening the opportunity for railbiking, which commenced in 2018. Freight operations and the Newport Priest River Rotary Club SPORT (Scenic Pend Oreille River Train) continue further south on the line.

The Vehicles

As seen in many railbiking operations around the country, the NPOV Lions built their own bike based on the Railriders aluminum-framed and polyurethane-wheeled design. Lion Larry Pollack showed me the design and construction modifications he and the rest of the Lions made, including converting bolted connections to welds and moving the front wheels and axles to to the extreme front of the vehicles.

Moving the wheels to the front logically offers increased vehicle stability, but also created the challenge of decreasing seat adjustment range, potentially affecting taller riders. Larry explained that he has plans to deal with this and I look forward to seeing his next design update.

Travel Notes

I travelled to Ione as part of a trip through the Pacific Northwest while staying in Spokane, Washington. I didn’t see any good options for using public transit to reach Ione from Spokane for a day trip. Also, given that Ione is 85 miles (137 kms) north of Spokane, it would have been impractical to cycle there and back in the time I had, so I opted for a rental car. The drive was impressively scenic, running through hills and farmlands and ultimately paralleling the Pend Oreile River and Railroad. Nearby attractions include the Seattle City Light Boundary Dam and the Tiger Historical Museum.

The cultural and entertainment offering in Spokane (note to fellow North-Easterners: it’s apparently pronounced Spo-can) far exceed expectation with classic spots such as the Davenport Hotel and contemporary offerings such as the Volstead Act. The Spokane River waterfront is a charming park comprised of bicycle and pedestrian trails and bridges, featuring the Numerica SkyRide aerial tramway over the Spokane Falls hydro-electric generator.

Railfans, and fans of Americana in general, will appreciate Frank’s Diner, housed in a former Barney Smith railcar that once served as the presidential car for the Northern Pacific Railroad.

Amtrak’s once-per-day westward Empire Builder is scheduled to leave Spokane at 02:45. The train was delayed just enough for me to enjoy the sunrise as I boarded.