A Trip To Disneyland

April 10, 1999 - Day 1

We headed out on April 11th 1999. Tammy and I loaded up the motorcycle the night before. The weather wasn't exactly right for a long motorcycle ride, but we really needed a break from all that was going on in our lives. And if we didn't go now we wouldn't be able to go for quite some time. So off we went. The day started off wet and somewhat cold and traffic was heavy. All the makings of a really bad day. But we couldn't have been happier. We had each other and we were getting away from all the stress of our every day lives. What more could we ask for.

The plan was to make it down I-5 all the way from Salem Oregon , down to Oakland California in one day. But the wheather had other plans. As we started getting close to close to Grants Pass , we started seeing SNOW on the road. This wasn't a total suprise because we had been watching the reports for the last few days. But once we got into town we had to stop for a new set of boots for Tammy. Hers had started to come apart. They had been in the closet for a little too long I guess. We had a hard time finding any place with snow boots in stock. Winter isn't even over yet and everyone was stocking up on summer clothing. One store did have what we needed. We learned that the pass was being shut down due to an incoming snow storm. Not what we had on our schedule.

The first thought was to put the motorcycle in the back of a rental truck and drive through the pass then go back to the bike on the other side. That wasn't going to happen. We were told by the rental shop that all trucks were being turned around and sent back. Our only choice left was to head down through the redwoods to the coast and then over to the bay area. It would only add about 3 or 4 hours to our trip that day. It would be late but we would still make it. Or so we thought...

It rained. And snowed. And then rained some more. The new path added much more than a few hours to our day. We decided there was no way we could comfortably make it to Oakland today. We stopped for the night in a small coastal town called Fortuna. As we rolled in it was getting close to dinner time and we were both soaked to the skin and cold and tired. We decided this was enough for one day. With all that happened, it only took a hot shower and a warm meal to make everything right again. We still had each other and we weren't at home. Now for a good night of rest. Tomorrow will be a short run.

April 11, 1999 - Day 2

After a much needed night of rest, we loaded up the bike, grabbed a quick breakfast, and headed down the road again. We only got cought in some light rain this time. A couple quick showers and some light sprinkles. The day was great compaired to the one before. At least the riding was better. The time spent together couldn't have been better either day.

As we came into the bay area, I got myself in the wrong lane and missed the turn to Oakland. We ended up going over the Golden Gate bridge and into San Francisco. This wasn't really a bad thing. It only ment we had some in town driving to do that we had otherwise not planned on. Tammy had never been over the bridge before and not seen the city either. She was enjoying this a great deal. I was having a great time seeing it all for the first time again through her eyes. We stopped for gas at the base of one of the well noted hills of the city. Tammy wasn't really sure of what was about to happen.

We made the turn out of the gas station and my heart started to pick up pace. Riding a motorcycle up hills like this isn't something I would normally want to do. And the fact that I had the trailer loaded with about a hundred pounds of gear didn't make the bike any lighter. Every intersection had a stop sign. One foot on the ground, one on the break, a hand on the clutch, the other on the gas. Wait for the opening and off we go. My fear was killing the motor or dropping the bike. At just under one thousand pounds without the riders or trailer, this time we are pushing almost 1,500 pounds on a really big hill. I didn't want Tammy to know that I was coming out of my skin trying to make each stop sign. But I think she realized how much work it was because she kept really quiet and just sat back.

Once at the top, the fun was only half over. We then had to go down the other side. This time the trailer was pushing us along each time we came to a stop. Getting started was the easy part this time. The stress was way down at this point. Tammy couldn't believe the people on the street. We didn't drive through the best part of the city. In my opinion, there is no really good part of down town. Not in San Francisco, not really in any major city. Too much traffic, too many people, everyone in a big rush. We saw some homeless people, street walkers that called out to me rude offers. Hard to believe they would do that with my girlfriend right behind me on the bike. It was quite the experience. But something neither of us would want to live with every day.

Because we stayed the night on the coast and we had reservations for a hotel that night day in Anaheim, we didn't get to stop outside of Oakland to visit with Tammy's relatives. We would be doing that on the way back when there was more time in our schedule. Instead we crossed another bridge, went through a small part of Oakland and reconnected with I-5 to continue our trip South. We were making great time. We would get in late, but we were going to make it. Or would we...

Just south of Bakersfield at the foot of the mountains we get stuck in traffic. Things are at a near stand still. What was going on we wondered. Could it be an accident? How much behind schedule would this put us? For over half an hour we crept forward a couple feet at a time. My hands were getting tired from clutching and breaking in the traffic. And then, just about 20 yards past a on ramp as we crossed under the over pass we could see an information sign. The kind that construction crews put up to inform drivers. It said that I-5 through the pass known as "The Grape Vine" was shut down for the night and wouldn't reopen until some time the next day. If only that sign had been placed just north of the over pass. People could have gotten off the freeway there. but no they put it on the wrong side!

For the next THREE HOURS we crept along trying to get only 2 miles to the next off ramp just so we could turn around and head back to Bakersfield. What a trip this is starting out to be. We managed to find a room. It was more spendy than we had hoped. Especially since we had not planned on an extra night in a hotel. But we were exhausted and it was dark and getting cold fast. fortunately, when we called the hotel in Anaheim and explained what was going on they were quite understanding. They wouldn't charge us for the room as long as we made it in the next day as we planned. So once again we settled in for a good night of rest. The next day was going to be a long one.

April 12, 1999 - Day 3

In the morning we got packed up quickly. Knowing it would be some time before I-5 was opened back up, we headed East on highway 58. We had to stop shortly out side of Bakersfield to switch helmets. We had started out with our half helmets because it was warm. But as we started the climb into the mountains the tempature dropped quickly. While stopped, a bunch of Harley riders went buy. They were dressed in half helmets and leathers. None of them had warm riding gear. They must have been cold.

As we climbed the mountain we cought up with the other bikers. They weren't driving in a very safe manner. Some were passing trucks in the paved portion of the shoulder between the white line and the dirt. Really scary stuff. Even with all our gear, we had enough power to pull past them all up the sharp climbs on the way up and left them way behind. Neither of us were in the mood to be part of any accident they would cause.

About half way to highway 14 we ran into SNOW! Yes, snow on the road. Lots of it. We had to keep going because the snow was behind us too and being about half way it wouldn't make sense to turn around. This being the only the second long trip pulling the trailer, I was a bit worried. But it turned out to be a blessing. The trailer added stability to the motorcycle when the back tire started to slip. The trailer would catch the tire and hold it to the road. It was really cold too. Unless you have done it you can't imagine riding a motorcycle in the snow for a couple hours. We both wondered how the Harley riders were doing. Remember, they only had leathers on. We had heavy jackets and gloves and we were feeling the cold.

At some point between Tehachapi and Mojave we made it out of the snow. We actually started feeling warm just before we got to Palmdale We connected up with I-5 again and begin to make really good time. Before we knew it we were entering the Los Angeles area. Traffic was crazy, people switching lanes without looking, other motorcycles riding down the white line between cars (not us of course). The smog burning our eyes. But it was nice to be warm for a change.

At last we made it to the hotel in Anaheim. What an adventure! We parked the bike, checked in, bought our tickets to the park, and got all unpacked. Then accross the street to grab a bite to eat. No more motorcycle riding until it was time to head home. Our rear ends had enough of that. That night we really slept good.

April 13 to 15, 1999 - Day 4 to 6

Each day we got up and had a great breakfast. We then got on the bus to go to the Disneyland park. Once there we had all types of fun.

This was Tammy's first time at Disneyland. I grew up in Orange so I have been many many times. I even know what an E-Ticket attraction really is. This was one of my favorite visits to the park. Just like the first time I took my children, I got the chance to experience the park through the eyes of another as if it was my first time too. Also, the park had been totally remodeled in many areas so much was really new to me. I did look around and see things missing that I really missed. Like the skyway to tomorrow land (or to story book land depending on which end you are on) This was a set of cars on cables that crossed the park. Thay passed through the Matterhorn a fast bobsled type ride. I think it was taken down because it was becoming too hard to come by the parts needed to keep the ride safe. But it was a great way to see the park when it was around. My kids got to see it at least once before it was removed.

• E-Ticket Attraction - Way back when, Disneyland didn't offer all day passes. The rides were governed by a ticket system. Tickets ranged from A - E and there were also Gold Key tickets which could be used in place of any letter you wanted. The older mellow rides were at the low end (an A or B ticket) and the new, fast, popular rides were at the top end (D and E tickets). So an E-Ticket attraction was the best of the best.

Although the rides and attractions were entertaining, my favorite part was spending all that uninterupted time with Tammy. I think we really got to know and enjoy each other better over those few days than we had time to in the months before. Even though the ride down was a long hard one, I know we wouldn't have traded it for anything.

We managed to see just about every attraction there was to see. We watched the shows, visited the shops, ate at some of the resturants. I must say, the Blue Bayou is by far the best resturant in the park. An extraordinary dining experience in the cool dark of the bayou, where perpetual moonlight gently calms the soul and boats from the Pirates of the Caribbean quietly drift by. While the ambiance is tranquil, the menu is more than lively, with appetizers, salads, sandwiches, seafood, and chicken and beef dishes prepared with a New Orleans flair. All served at your table with gracious hospitality. The pricing was good for the quality of service and food we received. The catch, it is quite popular. In order to have lunch there we had to make for the resturant first thing in the park for our reservations. For dinner we would have needed to make reservations between noon and 2pm. We didn't need to rush to get our reservations or anything, but we weren't about to just show up and hope some other couple changed their minds either. This was what I see as our most romantic meal of the entire vacation.

I am happy the monorail is still a part of the park. I hope it remains for many years to come. With the skyway gone, the monorail gave a great overview of the park. So did the old time rail road. They both offered our feet a rest and gave us the chance to get a look around. We were able to plan our next round of adventures while taking a break. Besides, it was better to ride than walk through the crowds to get from one section of the park to the next.

After three full days of walking, eating, riding, and just plain living in the park, we were getting ready to call it quits and start our trip home. On the final night we actually called it quits early and got a good night of much needed rest. We kept our tickets to the park. We want to remember this, our first vacation together, for a long long time.

April 16, 1999 - Day 7

After a good breakfast, we packed up the motorcycle trailer and climbed back on the bike for the trip home. The weather was wonderful. Sunshine all the way up into the bay area. We still need to stop in and visit with Tammy's relatives in Concord. I was feeling a bit nervious. After all, I had never met any of these people before. What would they think of me?

The trip up I-5 was rather uneventful. Thank goodness! We had experienced enough excitment for one vacation already. We arived in the bay area in the mid afternoon. It took a little driving around to find the house, but once we got there we were warmly welcomed. The house was amazing. It was a great change being in a home again. Hotels are nice and all, but a home is always so much more comfortable. By the time we had dinner I was feeling quite comfortable with everyone. It almost felt like I had been a part of the family for years. It was a very good feeling. Tammy was pleased to see that I was enjoying the stay.

April 17, 1999 - Day 8

Our visit took us on a little trip to see some other family members in the area. Again we were received with warm open arms. I got to playing with the children while Tammy got cought up with the adults. I guess giving the kids a ride on the motorcycle was a great way to win them over because they were stuck like glue to me after that.

Later in the day, I had the opportunity to ride in a 1999 Corvette. I tell you, if I ever get ready to trade in the motorcycle for a car, that would be the one for me. Power like you wouldn't believe. And so comfortable. I didn't get to drive, I didn't dare ask either. But it was a great ride any way.

We gave our heart felt good-bye hugs and hand shakes as we got last minute directions on the shortest way back to I-5 before we went to bed. We were planning on getting up early and heading out before anyone else got up. There was still a lot of road left ahead of us.

April 18, 1999 - Day 9

Before the sun came up we got up and headed down the road. Even at 5am the air was warm. Not enough to ride without our jackets, but I know mine wasn't zipped all the way up. This was a nice change from the ride down. Unfortunately, taking off so early in the morning ment we didn't have the chance to get a good look around as we made our way to the interstate.

Shortly after the sun started to come up, we made it to I-5 and started the long run home. We were on the last leg of the journey. We made it back to Salem in great time. It was nice to be back home again. The trip was long, hard in a few places, enjoyable most of the time, and always unforgetable. The company we shared was wonderful the entire time. It was so nice being able to be just a couple for so many days. The things that didn't go as planned seem trivial when we think back. Even the bad weather and long detours seem unimportant. Tammy and I will always remember will be the time we shared and the good time we had.