A new chapter is beginning for me with the Motor Maids – District Director.  “Some of the duties as DD are to cover all events possible in the district, meet members in the district, arrange sectional meetings whenever possible, promote interest in the club and endeavor to get women interested in owning and riding motorcycles of their own.“  It doesn’t sound too difficult plus it gives me a lot more reasons and destinations to ride.  The exciting part is we are a group of women who have one thing in common … a love for motorcycling!

2011 Convention in Grand Rapids was an election year and, except for the Vice President and Supply Officer, all sitting Executive Officers chose not to run for office and new Officer’s were elected.  With new officers comes new ideas and change!

The Executive Board meeting is held in January at various locations … usually on the East Coast.  The Executive Board consists of the Executive Officers, General Counsel (former Presidents), District Directors, and former District Directors.  This year the meeting was held in Tampa … a cold Tampa!  Of course, it was in the 70′s the week before – and after - the meeting.  I did attend the last two EB meetings as an Assistant District Director and this was my first one as PA District Director.  I thought the new meeting formats were well organized and very informative.

I am looking forward to the excitement and challenges as the District Director as well as working  with the new Officers … a new beginning!

 

Another beautiful Christmas with Maureen and Alan …  in their new home in Los Colinas (Irving), TX.  They had a very tight time-line:  closing on December 8th, moving truck December 10th, family started arriving December 21st, and closing on the old house December 23 – THEY DID IT!  The house was ready for us  … warmly decorated and the tree waiting for the traditional Christmas Eve decorating.  Just be careful walking through the garage – boxes and boxes everywhere!!  They decided to put the house on the market in November and see how it went  – it sold within the first week and then the fun began!  I was amazed at how well everything went together for them but I’m sure they felt otherwise.

Traditionally, it is Bob & Nancy and Bill & I (both sets of parents) visiting for Christmas but this year Brian & Will, Al’s brother, also joined us.  It was great … two other people – who each took one turn –  to play Mexican Train Dominoes with Reen, Nancy & I since Al, Bob & Bill won’t play!  This year we played another game I never played - Rummiqub – pretty neat game!  It was also nice for Alan … Brian loves to cook so he was a help in the kitchen.  Mom’s are not allowed in the kitchen and we were okay with that!

Maureen and Nancy went off to Sam Moon for “handbag shopping” while I stayed home, relaxed and read my book.  Those who don’t know me … I HATE shopping … so it was better for me to stay home!   Again, Maureen treated Nancy & I  to our holiday pedicures WITH margaritas!  We were all doing different things … Brian & Will were off sightseeing, Bill was “scouting out” the new area checking for breakfast places and using the GPS to help him get around.  For those of you who know Bill, the GPS was a great accomplishment!  Monday night, Bill & I went to visit my old ICS friends, Ann & Mike, in Fort Worth.  This was their first Christmas in their new home and Mike also spoiled us with a delicious dinner!!  It was really nice just relaxing and catching up with them … we never got home until after 11:00 (Al was waiting up)!

Then it was time to say our good-byes.  On Tuesday, Brian & Will had a 4:00 p.m. flight to Boston – unfortunately, their connecting flight was canceled and they spent the night in Chicago.  Wednesday, Bill & I had a 11:00 a.m. flight to Philadelphia and Bob & Nancy had a 1:00 p.m. flight to New York — and Maureen & Alan got their home back!

Another Christmas with great memories … Love you both!

 

Sunday was the annual covered bridge ride through Bucks County.  Nance has hosted this ride for the last five years.  This year, she had to make some changes due to the aftermath of Hurricane Irene.  The ride usually runs along the Delaware River in many places but more interior roads had to be used this time.

Joyce Nancy Denise Lois Pat

We met at the corner deli at Washington Crossing Road & Taylorsville Road between 9:00-9:30 with planned KSU at 10:00.  Those able to join the ride were Joyce M & Eddie (MD), Denise H (NJ), Lois H, Nancy M and myself.  A few ladies from  the west (Lebanon, Reading area) canceled due to a forecast for heavy thunderstorms in their area.

As usual, it was a beautiful ride over five covered bridges with pleasant temperatures and great scenery.  There were two “hic-cups” during the ride.  The first one was when Nancy had an “early senior moment” (she’s not a senior) when she thought she missed a turn and had us pull off the road to check the map.  We were where we were suppose to be!  The second hic-cup was a little more traumatic for me … I dropped my bike!  We were making a right hand turn from a stop sign and the bike stalled with the wheel turned and I wasn’t able to hold it.  Lois was behind me saying “… let it go …” and I did – ouch!    Denise and Lois helped pick up the bike and check it out – I was not hurt and the bike has a few minor scratches.  Well, I have had the bike for five years and rode over 32,000 miles with it and it finally happened – bummer!  On a happy note, now I’ll get the fender trim I’ve wanted and it will cover the scratch nicely!

We ended the 65-mile ride in Peddlar’s Village where we had lunch.  After our Motor Maid hugs, we all said good-bye and headed home.  Thanks, Nancy, for another great ride.

Today, we headed to Salt Lake City … the last part of my journey.  So, I sat back, relaxed and enjoyed the 6 hour drive to SLC.  The nice thing about the long ride is whenever we needed a “potty stop” (I did it again, Al) or stop for lunch, it was right behind us.  But, for some reason, I could never remember it was back there!

We stayed at a RV Resort Campground – with full hook-ups, nice showers, TV and internet service – life is good!  Reen and Al went off to do food shopping and I stayed back and relaxed.  I worked hard helping to set-up … I swept and vacuumed the carpets!

Thursday, we spent the day being tourists and I didn’t have to wear my hiking sneakers!  Temple Square:  The Tabernacle - home of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir; Assembly Hall – a Gothic-style building with stained glass windows, constructed by Mormon pioneers in 1877; Salt Lake Temple - a sacred building constructed by Mormon pioneers from 1853-1893; South Visitor Center – has interactive exhibits on Strengthening Families and Building the Salt Lake Temple and a replica of the interior of the Temple; North Visitor Center – has an 11-foot marble “Christus” statue, interactive map of Jerusalem, as well as interactive exhibits on scripture and revelations, films on The Testaments, etc.; Gardens – surround the 35 acres of the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  The Joseph Smith Memorial Building, formerly Hotel Utah, houses the Family Search Center for beginners interested in exploring their family history; Lion House – once the residence of Brigham Young; Beehive House – built-in 1854, the official residence and office of Brigham Young.

Off to lunch at the Red Iguana, authentic Mexican food – great!  After lunch we went to the Bingham Canyon Copper Mine.  This mine has produced more copper than any mine in history – about 19 million tons.  The mine is 2-3/4 miles across at the top and 3/4 of a mile deep.  While we were there, they were preparing to do a “blast”.  It was neat to watch but it went quick!

Friday, we went to Antelope Island State Park.  Antelope Island, with an area of 42 sq. miles, is the largest island of 10 islands located within the Great Salt Lake.  On the island is the Fielding Garr Ranch.  In the 1920s, the ranch was home to one of the first mechanized sheep ranching operations in the western United States.  We then headed to the “beach” to check out the Great Salt Lake.  It was very pretty but I don’t think I would swim in it … to many brine shrimp and brine flies.

My last might in Utah, we went to the Gateway Mall for some Ben & Jerry ice cream.  A large stone version of the snowflake logo from the 2002 Winter Olympics forms the shape of a ground-level fountain, with shooting jets of water synchronized to God Bless America. The ‘water dance’ goes off every 30 minutes, for 10 minutes at a stretch.  It was cute to watch the little kids, big ones too, running through the water fully dressed!  Then, back to the trailer and pack.

Then there was Hurricane Irene to deal with.  Weather forecast was she would hit the Philadelphia area Saturday evening and continue up the coast.  I knew there would not be a problem getting out of Salt Lake City, but I had a connecting flight from Detroit to Philadelphia.  All went well and I landed in Philly at 6:00 p.m. and my flight was one of the last ones to arrive before they closed the airport.  Home safe and sound.

Thanks to my great daughter and son-in-law, I had a wonderful journey and fond memories of my visit to Utah!  I love you, both!

It was a beautiful ride to Bryce Canyon.  There is so much of our great country to see.  We arrived at Bryce (I got to use my Senior Pass) around 11:00 a.m. and set-up camp.  This time I had a job to do – sweep and vacuum the throw carpets.

After getting situated, we walked to the Visitor Center and watched a film and walked through the museum.  When we were ready to leave, the skies opened up and it rained for about 15 minutes and then the sun was out for the rest of the day.

Hoodoos!  I thought the sights at Zion were breathtaking, the Hoodoos were spectacular!  Hoodoos are pillars of rock left by erosion and are of fantastic shapes.

At 5:00 p.m., I did the Rim Walk along the Bryce Amphitheater with a Ranger and Maureen and Al hiked the Navajo trail.  Both walks started at Sunset Point and I ended at Sunrise Point where I met Maureen and Al.  My walk was 1 mile and took about an hour and a half while their hike was about 1.3 miles.

After the walk/hike, we went and took showers – $2 for 8 mins – and that sure felt good!  We had water at Bryce but no electric which was not a problem – Al had a generator if needed.  That night we had a campfire, made s’mores and watched the night skies … saw three shooting stars!

The next day, Al went on a bike ride in the Dixie National Forest – he had a lot of uphill pedaling to do - and Reen and I took the 3+ hour Rainbow Point Tour.  There are 14 overlooks along Bryce Canyon’s 18-mile (one way) scenic drive.  The most famous views are found in Bryce Amphitheater, including Sunrise, Sunset, Inspiration and Bryce points.  We all got back about the same time.  Did I mention how much pedaling Al had to do?

After lunch, we rode around the park so I could get pictures of the historical buildings in Bryce and Reen was hoping to see Prairie Dogs – no luck!  Bryce is home to Pronghorns, frequently called antelopes, and the Utah Prairie Dogs.  We then rode out to Fairyland, the last overlook from the Rainbow Point Tour.  Reen and I decided to get off the bus before that stop.

When I was on the walk with the Ranger the day before, he had said to be aware of thunder and lightning because of the high elevation.  The week before, a man was struck and killed by lightning in the park. That evening we had rain, with thunder and lightning, so we just stayed at the campsite and relaxed.

Bryce was an unplanned stop for me and a return trip for Reen and Al.  In a day and a half, I got to see all the “points of views” but only one hike.  That was just fine with me since I was having some altitude issues.  I thoroughly enjoyed the stop at Bryce.  Tomorrow, pack up and head to Salt Lake City.

Wow, where do I begin.  Words and pictures can not describe the beauty of Zion.

It is easy to get around.  There is a shuttle that travels the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive which provides access to beautiful views and hiking trails.  The shuttle takes you to Canyon Junction, Court of the Patriarchs, Zion Lodge, The Grotto, Weeping Rock, Big Bend and Temple of Sinawava.  A round trip ride takes about 80 minutes.  There are hiking trails at all the stops except for Big Bend.

Our first day, we stopped in the visitor center and then on to the Human History Museum where we watched an orientation film highlighting the dramatic landscapes of the park and examined the history of the canyon.  My first hike was the Kayenta Trail and Lower Emerald Pool Trail which was approximately 2 miles (+/-) in 100 deg.  Considering how out of shape I am, I think I did pretty good, I made it to the end – exhausted!  Every evening there was a 45-minute program at the Watchman Campground Amphitheater addressing a myriad of topics which were very interesting and informative.  Of course, I could only sit for a little before my RLS would kick in – guess I did too much walking!

The second day, Maureen and Alan went on a 5.5 mile hike to Angels Landing and I went off on a 1 mile hike with Ranger Angie and 4 other people along the Virgin River.  After the walk with Ranger Angie, I hiked the 1 mile Grotto Trail back to the Lodge and took the shuttle back to the Visitor Center.  Again, it was over 100.  When Reen and Al got back, we went into Springdale to get showers – did I mention there were no showers in Zion  (and no water or sewer hook-up at the campground)!  The public shower left a lot to be desired.  That was the last shower in Zion … just sponge baths with the plastic bucket!  Thank the Lord we had electric … A/C worked!

Saturday was a quiet day.  We took our chairs down to the river – Reen and I put our chairs in the water, Al sat under the tree, and read and relaxed.  A few people came down the river in tubes and went through the small rapids.  One group had their cooler tied to a tube!  Temperature was around 105.

On Sunday, I went to the Lodge for the 8:00 SCAP service – Service Celebration in the Absence of a Priest.  Deacon Bourget was a very interesting speaker.  Reen and Al met me and we took the shuttle to Weeping Rock Trail (.4 miles) where we found the Cables from the Rim historical marker.  Then on to Temple of Sinawava for the Riverside Walk Trail (2.2 miles).  Next stop was Big Ben to see if we could spot any California Condors.  There was a Ranger on the shuttle to the Riverside Walk and she pointed out a condor in a tree.  That was the only one we saw.

The original plan was to stay at Zion until Wednesday, but we decided to leave and go to Bryce Canyon where it was a little cooler; and, I would have the opportunity to see another National Park and get another stamp for my “passport”.  Reen and Al are so good to me …!

I truly enjoyed my time in Zion National Park and my 6.6 miles of hiking/walking.  We took the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway.  This 10-mile scenic drive connects the South and East Entrances.  From Zion Canyon, the road travels up steep switchbacks – great road for the motorcycle – through the historic Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel.  Construction of the 1.1 mile Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel began in the late 1920′s and was completed in 1930.  At the time the tunnel was dedicated, it was the longest tunnel of it’s type in the United States.  The purpose of building the tunnel and highway, was to create direct access to Bryce Canyon and Grand Canyon from Zion National Park.  It was a beautiful ride to Bryce Canyon National Park.

Because I have such a great daughter and son-in-law – Maureen and Alan, I had the opportunity to join them in Utah for 10 days of camping through Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon and Salt Lake City.

My journey started very early on Wednesday, August 17.  David was our “chauffeur” to the airport.  Nate and Amanda had a 7:20 flight to San Francisco, and I had a 9:20 flight, so Bill did not need to drive to the airport … and I’m sure he was very relieved!

In order for me to get to Cedar City, UT, I had to take 3 airplanes and the 3rd one was a very small airplane with just 25 people on board.  The only “snag” was the last one had a maintenance issue from the previous flight and we were delayed about 30 minutes.  Of course it had to be the “puddle jumper” with the issue … sure glad I took the Ativan!  As you know, I don’t do too good in small, confined places!  Arrived in Cedar City about 4:45 p.m.  All in all, not a bad day of flying … and Maureen and Alan were waiting for me – priceless!

Before heading to Zion, we stopped for a lite dinner at the Pastry Pub and then on to food shopping – just like home.  Zion was only about 35 miles away – the way the crow flies – but it took us about an hour and a half to get there.  It was dark by the time we arrived at the trailer … my home away from home for the next 10 days.  Rest and relaxation … yeah, right!

It has been quite awhile since I posted anything and the reason for that is I haven’t really done anything of interest to post except for today.  I finally had an opportunity to get the motorcycle out for a ride.  The Maryland Motor Maids had planned a ride to Waterman’s Crab House in Rock Hall for lunch.  So, I decide to take a solo ride to Waterman’s.  All directions were sending me down I-95 but I wanted to avoid that highway because I always end up in a back-up and have to “walk” the motorcycle – which is not fun especially if it is hot!  I took surface roads and ended up in a back-up, twice, because of construction and I missed a road!  Then, I was about 20 miles from Rock Hall and the sky opened up for a couple of miles and then stopped – it was just enough to get the jeans wet!  Fortunately, they were dry by the time I got to Waterman’s.  The last time I was at Waterman’s, I ordered soft shell crabs and had no idea what they were … and there was no way I was eating them!  I have a hard time eating meat or seafood that looks like it did when it was alive!  This time I ordered crab cakes.

It started getting cloudy so I decided to head home and not hang around.  I got about 10 miles outside of Rock Hall and the skies opened up “big time”!  The rain came down so hard it was difficult to see the road … I followed the white line on the shoulder of the road.  There was no safe or covered place to pull off and wait it out or put on rain gear.  It was a long 90 miles of rain.

My newest hobby is finding historical markers and did find three historical markers on the way home – two in MD and one in PA.  Despite the rain, I will say I had a nice day and rode 220 miles.

The 2011 Motor Maid convention was officially opened at 8:30 a.m. sharp with the Welcome Meeting.  Since the Executive Board was still in a meeting, the meeting was conducted by the Vice President, Glennadine.  There were 327 registered members – now the largest convention yet.  All members were recognized – Regular (less than 10 yrs), Life (10 yrs), Silver Life (25 yrs), Silver Plus (30+ yrs), Golden Life (50 yrs), Golden Plus (60 yrs).  This year, Betty (FL) and Gloria (NJ) were recognized with 65 yrs.  Remember, one of the requirements are you must ride your motorcycle to  convention and Gloria celebrated her 86th birthday at convention!

This is an election year and nominations were opened.  PA district had three members running for an office.  Cathy D. for President, Sammy W. for Treasurer and Diane R. for Publicity Officer … Diane was unopposed and was elected.  Unfortunately Cathy and Sammy were not but we were still proud that they through their “hats in the ring” for an office.  The meeting ended by noon and had some free time until our 4:00 District Meeting in my room, followed by the group picture at 6:00 p.m. followed by the parade at 7:00 - if you want to call it a parade!  Unfortunately, the Town Council and Mayor would not block off 28th St. for us to parade but arranged a route for us through a residential development.  Needless to say, Grand Rapids was not motorcycle friendly as we found out after one of our ladies was ran off the road during the Dot Robinson Timed Run when the police officer commented “… he was not surprised!”

On Wednesday, if you did not do the timed run, it was another free day for riding.  Karen, Rich, Mary & myself went on a ride that ended at the casino.  Of course, I had no luck.  At 4:30, there was a group which left the hotel to go to the “Blues on the Mall” in downtown GR.  We left downtown and headed to Bike Nite at Quaker Steak & Lube for dinner.

Thursday was the Business Meeting at 8:30.  The location of the 2013 Convention was announced – Bend, OR.  At that convention, I will receive my Life Member pin!  After the helmet vote and voting for the new officers, the meeting was closed at 12:15 and we were free until the banquet at 5:00.  Of course, the afternoon was spent packing and getting ready to head for home the next morning.

Denise, Nancy & myself were ready to roll around 7:15 a.m.  Our stop for the evening was in Youngstown, OH and back on the road Saturday at 7:30 a.m. and I was safely home at 3:30 p.m.  The end of another convention.  Next year, Spartanburg, SC ….

 

On Monday, a group of us rode to Holland on the west coast of Michigan.  When we arrived in Holland, some wanted to go shopping and some wanted to head to the water.  Cheryl, Denise, Helen & Nancy went shopping while Karen, Mary, Rich & myself went to the water – no surprise there for those who know me!  So, we headed to Holland State Park which is on Lake Michigan.  Needless to say, it was July 4th and traffic was horrendous through the park and parking was at a premium.  We did get lucky and were able to park our bikes between cars in a shady area on Ottawa Beach Road near a small beach which we thought was Lake Michigan – wrong – it was Lake Macatawa.  Lake Michigan was about 1/4 mile down the road at Holland State Park and were told the parking lot was full so we left the bikes and walked.  It really was a cute little town with some nice “vintage” and “modern” cottages!

Lake Michigan had a great area for swimming and a beautiful beach.  From Lake Macatawa, boaters can use the channel for access to Lake Michigan.  At the end of the channel stood the Holland Harbor Lighthouse, also known as Big Red. 

We stopped at Hog Wild BBQ for lunch … the ribs fell off the bones.

Back to the hotel for registration …. let the convention begin!