Smelling the flowers
I stopped for a while to smell the flowers.
Air and Space Museum
The best part of this place was three or four Russians, who spent some time at the Soyuz exhibit. They must have spent at least a good half hour pointing to and talking extensively about the system and its components.
Native American Museum
Final destination
After doing my duty, I was off to see the sights one more time. Let it be known that Washington, D.C. is a great place for walking and seeing those sights — and might I add that one’s most comfortable pair of walking shoes are a necessity! If you think you’re wearing them, think again, and bring an even more comfortable pair.
I was able to plan my route to pass by the Aviation & Space Museum, greatly air-conditioned and almost cool to the touch. In the heat of the day it proved to be a grand respite, complete with cafeteria for a noon-time pick-me-up. Nothing extravagant, mind you, but not bad, nevertheless. And did I say air conditioned?
Security was at a minimum and was mostly concerned with some street work in the vicinity of the Capitol Building. Of course, there was the usual Capitol Police presence in vehicles parked at intersections and bike patrols, but mostly it presented itself as being invisible — which is what it needs to do.
I had a great time walking around mid-week in what I would consider prime vacation time and not being surrounded by huge crowds of tourists — which is what I was on this day. Even the tour busses were half-empty.
The VRE did a great job of getting me to and from Union Station, on time and without delay. I even enjoyed people-watching from a comfortable chair while awaiting my train back south.
U.S. 50, Grafton WV
Yesterday on the Ohio turnpike, I watched dumbfounded as an auto with a driver too stupid to slow down in the pouring rain, did 360s and hydroplaned into the ditch beside me. Dumbass.
U.S 50 east of Grafton, West Virginia, is a fantastic little narrow two-lane road with twists and turns and leafy canopy that covers the roadway and obscures the sky. Grades are seven to nine per cent. There are switchbacks and hairpins, with room for lots of floorboard-dragging. In places it widens out, but for the most part it remains narrow and twisty — just the thing after days of interstate riding.
Here’s what I mean
I’m holed up on the 50 in Romney at the Koolwink Motel. It’s a quaint little place, fully modern with a “retro” feel. It’s been around since 1936, and has been continuously upgraded ever since. It’s well kept up and has all the amenities, including wireless, microwave and fridge. Current owners have had it since 1955.
The Koolwink Motel fits perfectly with U.S. 50 through West Virginia
Meth is bad
Last fall in 2007, while I was on a ride through Montana country and route 200, I noticed quite a few roadside posters bemoaning the problems related to methamphetamine use. While I was in the Lunch Box in Circle, I asked Bobbie what was going on, since I didn’t think the area was a hotbed for meth use or production. She told me that there was a poster competition going on, and that the winner’s poster would be painted onth the side of the local sheriff’s building.
Well, here it is:
Get the picture?
The cards get their name from the legend of it having been the five card draw hand held by Wild Bill Hickok at the time of his murder.
B and B Motel, Lewistown, Montana
Neat, clean and run by good people
Queen’s Hotel
Somewhere on the road
Queen’s Hotel
Where eagles dare
Somewhere on the road
Where eagles dare
Barndancing delight
Somewhere on the road
Barndance, anyone?
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Photos
