Chance Encounters and the Shed Revived.

It was with a little apprehension that we left Richenda's in Vancouver. Richenda was the familiar face we knew and we would be seeing again on our return to Vancouver. It was always nice thinking we would see her again. However now we where heading for the USA and we may not return this way ever again. This could be the last time we meet but I seriously hope not. She was great , looking after us upon our entry in Canada and taking in parcels while we traveled. She fed us, showed us Vancouver and made sure we where comfortable. Thank you Richenda

As we set of for the Canadian Border I could still feel the bike acting oddly, handling badly and begging for attention.

Now let me take you back a day or two. Sandra and I had stopped for some frozen coffee (don't Google this, its not really worth it) at a store in Lac La Hache , a medium size town in BC. The Shed had already exhibited some peculiar handling characteristics in bends and I knew something was up but Sandra pointed out that the rear tyre was a bit squared off. This was not an understatement, it was very square indeed due to the constant abuse of under inflation on a heavy bike. We decided there and then we needed a new one but would wait till Vancouver.

Oddly enough that evening I got an e mail from Roy (one of the chaps we met camping north of the Arctic circle) saying we could use his home for resting. He had already predicted we would need tyres and said we could use his garage facilities to change them. Now Roy's house is in Washington State some 250 miles from the Canadian border which meant running on shot tyres a little further than I should, but we both agreed it would be better. I e mailed straight back saying thank you and we would be there in a day or two. I also asked Roy about mail ordering tyres to his house saying the exact make, model and size I needed. An e mail by return stated that he just so happened to have the exact tyres we needed and we were welcome to them. So from deciding to change the tyres, within a few hours we had a solution. This was the start of quite a few coincidences which happened. I also asked Roy about some tools needed to set up the shed and oil and filters. Roy had them all..... just incredible

Fast forward to the Canadian US border on the way south. Now keep in mind our last crossing into the USA at the most northerly land border crossing. Alone, no queues, no power and a friendly border guard. As we approached this border we could see this was going to be very different. Big queues and guards with there sense of humor gland removed by surgery. The number plate on the shed threw them a little and when we were asked how many times a year we did a trip like this, once was the curt reply and I wondered if this guy knew where Argentina was! We were told in no uncertain terms that after crossing into Mexico we must not come back. All very abrupt and clinical, still we got in without a strip search and the bike in one piece.

The sat nav now fully operational again thanks to Richenda taking in a package from Garmin, we plugged in the post code (Zip) for Roy's and set off. Some 250 miles away. Now it has to be said that we have slowed down a bit and 250 miles just seemed too far that day so we stopped at Isaqhat and treated ourselves to a motel.

The next day I was a little uneasy when approaching Moxee. We hardly knew Roy and his wife Shelley, we had only spoke for a few moments and we would be spending a fair bit of time with them. I know I have been wrong in the past (twice in total I think) but I should not have been the slightest bit worried. Sandra and I where treated as family and welcomed to their home. I can't tell you just how helpful and resourceful Roy and Shelley are.

Roy arranged the tyres to be changed and wheels balanced with the help of the local community - Brad in the fuel station, Dave the Muffler guy,Tom and Pat, (Dave and Brad's parents). Roy even called in favors to have the wheels balanced.... fantastic.


Now all this happened over a three day period in which Sandra and I were treated to some fantastic hospitality. We enjoyed their company and I hope they enjoyed ours. I for one liked them a great deal and hope we remain friends.

As we left, Roy riding the first 60 or 70 miles with us, we filled up with fuel at Brad's gas station in town and we even had the local fire brigade show us around the fire truck. Sandra was more interested in the firemen, but I want a big red fire truck when I get home now. All in all a great few days and thanks guys.


We Stayed in Morton that evening

The next day we took route 101 south. We planned to ride this rode along with route 1 all the way to San Francisco and stopped for lunch at a place called Seaside. This placed surprised both Sandra and I as it was just like your typical seaside resort in the UK. Tacky lights, slot machines, bumper cars and candy floss. Very surprising indeed, a bit like Blackpool.

Next night we camped near to the Oregon coast in Beaver heading south. All a little different now, scenery more gentle and roads much much better. It was the day before our wedding anniversary so we decided to find somewhere nice to stay to celebrate. we hit the jackpot. Heading out of Yachats we saw a small group of buildings in amongst the trees which fronted onto the sand and the sea. A quick look told us it was a hotel and we booked in. What a place it was and fitting for our first wedding anniversary. Fantastic views and very peaceful. We might have blown our budget but it was a special occasion and we both loved it.