Uber | Peaches Prattlings

{September 15, 2026} Day 11: 355.9 Miles, 7:24:13 Hours, 5 Cities, 2 Lakes, and 1 Pass

Day 11: Get up, pack up, load the bikes, get breakfast, get on the road! Sounds so tedious! HA HA. Since breakfast wasn’t great yesterday, even though it’s included, we found a place while we were out walking last night to dinner.

We loaded up and headed to the Outpost Restaurant, our server served, but not much else. Do you ever get that feeling that your server wished they could be anywhere else in the world than standing in front of you? Do you see the one pic in the collage below ‘If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.’ Yeah, that was our server, we tried, but cracking a smile didn’t seem to be his jam, oh well….speaking of jam, I did buy a little jar of their huckleberry jam, it is sooo sweet, but you can only get it in some parts of the US and I wasn’t missing out! Small jar, you never know if you’re going to like it and one of the advantages of motorcycle travel…you only have so much room!

We headed out of West Yellowstone towards Missoula, MT. I just realized, well I probably realized it a long time ago, I should get commission from some places, I always add the web address for the place, hopefully it gives you an idea of where to go and what to do when you get there!

Look at that view!

We rode through Drummond, Bearmouth, and Lolo Hot Springs, all cities and towns in Montana. Looking at these websites for theses places makes me want to pull up a chair and stay a while! Especially in the winter! The images covered in snow, quiet and tranquil look amazing! We rode the Lolo Pass, unfortunately, the visitor center was closed, how do I get my patch, magnet, and sticker?! There are a few theories on how the Lolo Pass got its name, one of them is it’s a nickname or ‘corruption’ of a French name, like Laurence or Laurent and used by 18th or 19th century fur trappers. The Lolo Pass is along US Highway 12 on the Montana-Idaho border. Apparently there is a myth about the Montana-Idaho border, which you can check out here!

As we rode, we passed by Earthquake or ‘Quake’ Lake, which was formed August 17, 1959 when a massive 7.3 magnitude earthquake triggered a huget mountain landslide that dammed the Madison River! We also rode by Hebgen Lake, a scenic man-made reservoir, about 15 to 16 miles log and up to 4 miles wide, reaching a maximum depth of 70 feet, and sits at 6,240 feet abov sea level. Don’t you love learning something new every day?!

Riding by Hebgen Lake. Riding the Lolo Pass. Riding the Lolo Pass back. Highway 12.

I know what I haven’t told you, at least I don’t think I’ve told you… The orange bike is DJH, the black bike is VGT, the white bike is PSM, and my bike is the blue one, which you’ve seen Eunice before!

We stopped at the Bear Cave Bar & Grill, which is part of the Lolo Hot Springs Pools Resort. It was the perfect spot for a break, it wasn’t crowded, the staff was nice, the regulars looked like regulars, and the food was decent, exactly what we needed to take a breather!

Back on the bikes for more twists, turns, switchbacks, twist the wick, hammer down on the throttle to our next destination, the Baymont in Missoula, MT. Very glad we had a reservation because they were sold out, along with almost every other hotel in town. Felt bad because there were a few guys trying to get a room after being on the road for work and someone had messed up on their reservations. We found out the next day, there was a Post Malone concert, and he was joined by Jelly Roll and Carter Faith.

The rooms were comfortable and clean, this was one of the places that DJH stayed by himself, we both admitted it would be a little weird! He was going to miss my back scratching to wake him up! HA HA. No pool, but we could keep our bikes under the porte-cochere, don’t worry, I didn’t know what it was until just now! It’s basically the sheltered area outside the front door of the hotel that helps keeps vehichles protected from the elements and when we’re lucky, the hotels have let us keep our bikes there, to protect from potential rain.

After showers and a bit of a rest, we walked across the parking lot to Sean Kelly’s Stone of Accord Irish Pub! You know I love a good Irish Pub!!! The atmosphere was welcoming, the wait staff charming, the food delicious, he boys all had corned beef and cabbage and were not dissapointed, and Guinness for PSM, of course, happy fella! For me… they had sticky toffee pudding! Sticky Toffee Pudding is a gooey sponge cake drenched in warm toffee sauce. I discovered it on The Great British Bake Off, could have been before that, but…I finally found some when I was in Scotland and fell in love with it! I’ll be honest, it’s not always the easiest to make and sometimes I’ve had it when it tastes burnt, which ruins it, but this was grand!

Best part of the evening…walking back across the street to the hotel! No Uber, taxi, long walk, ride, just a nice liesurely stroll, up to our rooms, relax, maybe work on our Relive videos, and lights out!

Day 11: July 21 Relive

Day 11: 355.9 Miles, 7.24 Hours, 1 Pass, 2 Lakes, tomorrow…shhh..a surprise!

{September 2, 2026} Day 8: 369.7 Miles, 7.5 Hours, 2 States, 1 National Forest, 1 State Park, 6 Cities, 1 Amazing Pass

Day 8 started about 7am, load the bikes at 730a, breakfast right down the road at the Pony Expresso! Do you love it!? It was a drive through/walk up coffee/breakfast place with a sign on the door that says “STOP, Employees Only, try our walk up window to the right”…guess where the guys tried to go? VGT earlier for his first cup of coffee, next DJH when we walked up to get some food.

Did I mention that VGT is a bit of a coffee snob? Yeah, and he didn’t sleep that much on the trip, so…there were many mornings he would be up early and go in search of coffee, sometimes happy, sometimes not so much. So, we got breakfast, chatted about our upcoming ride, so excited, we’re going to ride Beartooth Pass!

Oh! I think I mentioned yesterday that it was also the Riveton Rendezvous Balloon Rally weekend, well, it definitely did not disappoint! I wish we could have stayed and watched, but we did get to see a few hot air balloons as we were loading up. I’m not 100% sure what this was, but it looked like a turtle with, I don’t know, 20 legs! lol

Now we’re off! The GoPro was aimed and ready to go, finally getting the hang of controling it while riding! There are tricks to it, especially controlling it with your phone. First, when you put a new battery in, if it takes a battery, is to turn it on, so it talks to the phone, if you don’t, then sometimes they don’t talk, and when you’re riding, not fun!

We rode Hwy789, which reminds me of the bad dad joke “Why was 6 afraid?” “Because 7 8 9!” Say it out loud, you’ll get it! HA HA. Here are a few videos to enjoy the scenery! 30 seconds 4.5 minutes

The hard part, with the scenery as amazing as it is/was, limited battery and SD card space, you have to pick and choose what you’re going to take pictures and video of. PSM and I always had 2 batteries constantly charging in our saddle bags, they went fast!

Eventually, we entered Shoshone National Forest, just look at it! wow! Then we were on US Route 212, a section known as Beartooth Pass or Highway, in Montana and Wyoming between Red Lodge and the NE Entrance of Yellowstone National Park. It is 68.3 miles and is comprised of steep zigzags and switchbacks, you may remember us talking about them a few days ago, they are hairpin turns and wonderful! The first time I did Beartooth Pass was in 2023 when we did our first 3 week trip, and I did it without a helmet, no, I am not a fan of going without a helmet, it definitely wasn’t intentional! After that experience, I totally get why some people choose not to wear a helmet, but I promise, I am not one of them!

The half-way point of Beartooth Pass is Top of the World Store, it’s also a vacation rental destination. This is a biker’s hangout if you ever saw one! You have every type of bike, rider, skill, everyone just hanging out, sharing stories, a drink, food, enjoying the camaraderie, kindship, and common interests. The store has all the good touristy items you’re looking for; patches, stickers, magnets, tshirts, and all the other branded stuff you might want! You heard that, patches and magnets, who’s in heaven? You guessed it!

After a brief stop, purchase, and bathroom break, we were off again! The sky, the road, the view, there is nothing like it! And…it’s July and there is still snow on the mountain, I hope you can see it in some of the pics and videos! We stopped at at Quad Creek Scenic Overlook to marvel at Mother Nature and three green MGs pulled up, what are the odds?!

Here are a few more videos of our ride: 5.2 Minutes, 11:51 Minutes. I’m working on creating a YouTube channel that can host all our videos, I’ll share when it’s up!

We came down off Beartooth Pass into Red Lodge, MT, yes, somewhere along we crossed into Montana and I missed my Google Maps State screenshot, and stopped at the Red Box Car for lunch. It’s a 100-year-old boxcar! They have burgers, fries, salads, ice cream. It’s a 1903 Box Car from the Rocky Fork Line that ran from Laurel, MT to Red Lodge, MT. 1903, how fitting, Harley Davidson started in 1903! It was right next to a stream, so peaceful!

The, back on the bikes to Livingston, MT, we were staying at the Comfort Inn Bozeman. The funny thing…it’s called Comfort Inn Bozeman, but it’s in Livingston, MT, go figure! We settled in, then headed down to the pool for a dip, then tried to get an Uber to one of the restaurants I found, but it turned out there were a few weddings in town and we wouldn’t be able to get an Uber or taxi for hours, so…we walked across the road to Big Sky Thai and what a treat that was!

There was only one other person in the restaurant, I have a feeling everyone was at one of the weddings! But…while we were there, several people came in for to-go orders, a good sign. Our server was great and her helper, the son of the owners, a charming and spirited 8 year old who charmed DJH! And the rest of us, of course! He was so excited to take our order, but jumping all over the place, it was great!

The food was really good, again, another great meal, we’re on a roll! After dinner, we headed back to the hotel to chill, then crash. Tomorrow, we’re heading to Yellowstone and guess who’s meeting us there?! PSM! YES!

Day 8: July 18 Relive

Day 8: 369.7 Miles, 7.5 Hours, Hot air balloons, Twists, turns, and switchbacks! Tomorrow…Yellowstone!

{August 31, 2026} Day 7: 308.2 Miles, 4 Hours, 2 States, 6 Cities, A Bad Meal, A Car/Motorcycle Parade, and a Good Meal!

Day 7 started kind of liesurely, I think I mentioned I had an interview, so we waited for me to complete it before we took off. Since it was going to be a later departure, we slept in until 730a, well, the alarm was set for 730a, DJH is really good at sleeping in, unlike me! We met at the bikes to load up about 8a, then breakfast about 830a, could have been earlier, not sure. And no, I haven’t heard anything about the interview results, after a month, I don’t hold much hope, not losing sleep over it!

We got on the road, destination Riverton, WY, and heading closer to seeing PSM! He would be joining us Sunday! And…DJH put his GoPro mount on my handlebar, and I was going to be taking video of our rides! So…the images should be much better! Some of the pics when I first starting using it might not be the best, but with practice, they definitey got better!

There were some really, really, really, long stretches of road, some pretty, some not so much, but it was wide open road and allowed us to drop the throttle and get up there, wind therapy, here we come! And…if you’re thinking just because we’re moving fast, 99+ degrees is refreshing, hot wind is hot wind, no matter how fast you’re going! We rode from Loveland, CO into Wyoming through Rawlins, The Buttes, and Laporte, CO.

We stopped for lunch in Rawlins, WY, unfortunately, the town was a bit dead and there weren’t a lot of food choices, but we were sticky hot and hungry, so we settled on Shogunz Pizzeria & Bar, the atmosphere was welcoming and the decorations were fun, DJH had a great sandwich, VGT wasn’t thrilled with what he got and I ordered a flatbread, well, a pizza with no cheese and the toppings I asked for weren’t there and what I asked to be removed, there, so, one out of three of us had a good meal. I believe I mentioned that all but a few meals weren’t great, this was one of them. The people were nice and the beverages were cold, that was a big plus!

After lunch, back on the bikes heading towards our destination for the evening, the Super 8 Riverton, it was a place to crash and rest our heads. We rode through Three Forks, finally getting to Riverton, WY. Turns out, they messed up our reservation, they only had 2 king rooms for us, I ended up getting a cot, which was fine for me, and gave DJH the bed. The only bad part for DJH, was that I was right in front of the AC and if he could, he would probably sleep inside it! lol. He loved to turn the air down to 60 no matter where we were! Let me just say… brrrrr!

As we were riding down Federal Blvd towards the hotel, it seemed like everyone from Riverton was setting up their chairs on the road for something, and it looked like Main Street was blocked off for a block party, good for us? Turns out, we arrived just in time for the Rocky Mountain Rebels Car Show and Riveton Rendezvous Balloon Rally weekend! It started with the parade of cars, it went on for a very long time, felt like there were at least 100+ cars, both classic and modern, motorcycles, trucks, busses, you name it, they were there!

As we stood there watching, there was a family next to us, and luckily for them, they were throwing candy from the parade to the spectators, those kids lucked out! After the parade, we were trying to get an Uber to take us to Main Street, but that wasn’t going to happen any time soon. But…we were in luck, County Commissioner Ron Fabrizius and his wife offered us a ride to Main Street! He is a 3rd generation farmer, rancher, and manufacturer. They were lovely people who seemed to know everyone!

We got out at Main Street, walked up and down, looking at the cars, bikes, and other vehicles that had been in the parade. We also tried to go to one or two of the restaurants I had on my list, but they were closed for the event. We ended up at Taqueria Los Amigos, unfortunately, they don’t have a website, but if you’re in Riverton, WY, definitely go! They are at 712 E Fremont Ave, Riverton, WY 82501. They offer authentic Mexican street food, the staff was friendly, and the food was terrific! It wasn’t on my original list, but it is now!

We tried to get an Uber back to the hotel, but…because of the street fair, it was proving very difficult and we eneded up walking back. VGT had taken a shower when we got to the hotel, unfortunately, DJH and I were still in our riding attire and our riding boots, my feet needed to breath! It wasn’t that far from the hotel, just under a mile, but when you rode all day and it was hot and sticky, then walked the few blocks of the street fair, even a quarter mile feels like 20!

All-in-all, a good day of riding that ended with a parade and a festival, what more could you want?! And tomorrow…we’re off to Montana!

Also…this is when I started recording our rides using the Relive app. It’s an app that tracks whatever you ask it, could be hiking, cycling, running, skiing, boating, driving, fishing, you name it, it can probably track it, and for us…motorcycling. It tracks from whenever you click start to finish, and it will add any pictures or videos that you take. It gives stats: Duration, Distance, Elevation. It also shows different cities and states that you enter and cross, speeds you may achieve, and it shows you the route you took. I’m still perfecting how I use it, but I’m going to start including the recordings, I hope you enjoy!

Relive: Day 7

Day 7: 308.2 Miles, 4+ Hours 99+ degrees, and a parade! Tomorrow…Montana!

{August 30, 2026} Day 6: 357.6 Miles, 8.5 Hours, 4 National Forests, 8 Cities, and a Hornet Attack

Day 6 started casually, VGT’s bike was at the dealership getting attended to, so…wake up at 8a, what? oh yeah! You know me, I don’t sleep a lot, and this trip was no different despite riding for 6/8/10/12 hours, some nights I just couldn’t sleep past 3 or 4am, fun…

We met at 830a for breakfast at the hotel, took our time, when we were done we went outside to sit on the patio, finish our coffee and tea, chat, and just enjoy the liesurely morning. At one point DJH went inside for something and VGT and I moved to another table, all of a sudden I felt something, turns out it was a hornet, actually several hornets…not sure if you can see how swollen my wrist became, but it wasn’t fun. And boy howdy did it hurt! We looked under the table and there were 2 nests, terrific. When we went inside, I told the front desk, they said they would take care of it, but…I spoke with a maintenance worker who was stung last week, and told the hotel…

I put some ice on it, which helped a little. VGT looke up stings and ice and a wet teabag were the immediate solution, and it helped a lot! As the days wore on, I realized there were more and more stings, I lost count after 7!!! Eventually the swelling and itching went down and then away.

When VGT got word that his bike was ready, I offered my bike to ride over and I jumped on the back of DJH’s, that was surreal, I’m not usually on the back of a bike. When we got to the Teddy Morse’s Grand Junction Powersports, I asked VGT what he thought, first thing he said “Can you say back rest?!” I don’t have one and I don’t really mind. When I have my bag strapped to the bike, then I use that as a back rest, but the rest of the time, I’m ok.

VGT went to the service area and DJH and I walked inside, first thing I see…little Amira, an 11 week old Doxie puppy. What a doll baby! We walked around, DJH needed a new rain jacket and I got a t-shirt, just a momento from the dealership. PSM and I have a stupid number of dealer t-shirts, it’s a great way to remember where we’ve been and we have quite a few Harley Davidson ones, especially if there isn’t an Indian Motorcycle dealership nearby. Well, VGT was ready to roll and we all headed back to the hotel to load up and take off!

And they’re off! We headed out on I70W, a major westbound highway that spans about 2,150 miles across the United States, running from Maryland to Utah. We rode through Fruitvale, Paraschute, Silt, White River National Forest, Dotsero, McCoy, and a bunch of unknown locations until we stopped for gas at this really charming gas station, Egeria Fuel Station and Liquor Store in Toponas, CO, very unassuming on the outside, but inside, the front had all these great framed alcohol advertisement images, and quite the colleciton of wine, hard alcohol, and moonshine, just to name a few, for sale. And the guy who worked there…charming! I bought PSM some wee dram bottles of things I knew he liked and one local for him to try. Since I’m not sure what he would like, outside of what we have at home, I never buy him anything more than a nip bottle, just in case it’s not his cup o’ tea, so to speak!

We rode on and stopped in Walden for petrol, more unnamed roads, Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, Arapaho National Forest, Roosevelt National Forests, and Pawnee National Grassland, you could see where some of the wild fires had taken its toll on the trees, and finally making it to Loveland, CO, where we were spending the evening at the Hampton Inn Loveland.

We got settled in, DJH and I went for a dip in the pool, VGT went to grab a shower and a rest. Eventually I called an Uber and we went to the Lazy Dog Bar & Grill. Our driver to the Lazy Dog Bar & Grill was great, very chatty, in a good way, talking about Loveland and other things, our driver back to the hotel, not a fan…the music was really loud, don’t get me wrong, I like the volume in my car to be up so loud the mirrors shake, but I’m alone, not driving other people around, hoping for a tip… just saying…

The Lazy Dog Bar & Grill was enjoyable! The atmosphere was great, it was a sports bar, but it was also very dog themed! All the pics on the walls were dogs, the signs for the restrooms, you name it, it was kitschy and I loved it! The food, really good. So far… except for the first night, we’ve had some great meals!

Back to the hotel, let’s get some laundry done, it’s about time! A later start to the day tomorrow, I have an interview at 1130a local time, so…breakfast at 8a, I’ll do my interview and then we’ll head out!

Day 6: 357.6 Miles, 8.5 Hours, hot temps, a hornet attack… tomorrow Wyoming!

{August 29, 2026} Day 5: 176.2 Miles, 8.5 Hours, 1 National Forest, GoodBye Durango, Hello Silverton, Million Dollar Highway, Hola Ouray, At Last…Grand Junction!

It is Day 5, we are in Durango, Colorado, at the Junction Hotel & Hostel, our clothes are 98% dry, a little chilly putting them on, but…it’s going to be warm today, so they will dry as we ride, works for me! We were excited to get on the road, but sad to be losing MB. We assembled at the bikes and convinced MB to join us for breakfast, you know where… The Durango Diner, of course! We had to, DJH woke up “The Cure, The Cure, The Cure”!

I ordered an Uber, off to the Durango Diner. What a cute place! They have been Durango’s hometown diner for over 60 years! They have a long counter and about tables, and it’s very narrow. We took the last 4 spots at the counter and DJH and VGT ordered, what else, The Cure, “Hashbrowns topped with melted american cheese, your choice of bacon, ham or sausage, and two eggs. All stacked and smothered in our Durango Diner Green Chile Sauce.” That’s the classic/original, you can get it 5 different ways, whatever takes your fancy.

MB and I ordered something different. One of my favorite breakfasts is huevos rancheros, I ordered it from the ‘lite’ menu options, which I didn’t realize I had, it was ok, but not enough. Luckily…we would be back in Durango in 4 weeks and I would be able to get something better, and…PSM would be with us, so he wouldn’t have to miss out. It really was a great place for breakfast, did not disappoint on atmosphere, service, and charm!

Back to the hotel, MB took the Uber to the airport, we checked out of the hotel, got on the bikes and took off. Just a note…until Day 7, all photos of the scenery are taken with my phone, then I got to use DJH’s GoPro, they will get much better! We headed out of Durango on US Route 550, lots of twists and turns, here’s an example of a video with my phone, you’ll see what I mean! DJH and I had done US Route 550 in 2023, it hasn’t lost its charm! I know VGT agreed, we could ride it over and over, I’m sure we will again!

The halfway point, and start of Million Dollar Highway is Silverton, Colorado, home of Silverton Harley-Davidson, their claim to fame, The World’s Highest Harley Store, at 9,318FT! The woman who runs the store, Kathy, remembered us, maybe it was the hair, or she has a really good memory! It was nice catching up with her, she is from South [I hope I got that one right!] Carolina and spends her summers here in Silverton. Ruby was her new pup, unfortunately the sweet pup she had the last time had gone over the rainbow bridge. Ruby was worn out! They had gone for a walk and she jumped in a stream and had a good long doggie paddle, she was wiped out!

Back on the bikes and it is time to ride the Million Dollar Highway! It’s 25 miles that runs from Silverton to Ouray. It was constructed in the late 19th century as a wagon trail. Today, it is a scenic byway winding through the San Juan Mountains, starting in Silverton, the highway climbs up and over Red Mountain Pass, reaching an elevation of 11,000FT! The road narrows and winds, has shart curves, and steep drop-offs, it can be challenging for any driver, and then heading down towards Ouray, you have switchbacks, which make up Million Dollary Highway!

If you look at the Frequently Asked Questions at the bottom of the page, you’ll find out why it’s called the Million Dollar Highway, and as it says, it all depends on who you ask! One of the questions, which I just discovered and had to chuckle…”Is it dangerous?” It is one of the most dangerous roads in the United States, I can understand that, especially since there’s no guardrail, riding in one direction can be nerve wracking! The reason there are no guardrails? In the winter, they plow the snow off the side of the highway, that makes sense! Yeah, tell that to PSM and his dislike of heights!

Part of US Route 550/Million Dollar Highway was through the Uncompahgre National Forest, we stopped for some pictures at Bear Creek Falls. DJH is getting so much better! One of the things I rib him about is not stopping enough to take photos! This was stunning! The pics just don’t do it justice. And no, DJH and I did not dress alike intentionally! He’s had that flannel for years and I got mine, happens to be the same color, that I got at Hills City Harley Davidson in 2023. I have to tell you, I la la la love this flannel! It goes with me almost everywhere, and it’s definitely on every bike trip, it’s a great layer or could be a light cover. I digress. This stop, along with the views along the route, were breath taking!

We wound our way along Million Dollar Highway to Ouray, the Outdoor Recreation Capital of Colorado, situated at 7,800FT above sea level and surrounded by 12,000-13,000FT peaks, dramatic cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and scenic mountain valleys that create some amazing and breathtaking landscapes. It also turns out this year is the 150th anniversary of Ouray, lucky us!

We stopped at the Ouray House Brewery the sign outside said Grumpy Pants Brewery, loving that! The guys had cold bevereages, and I had a pb&j, I was hungry! Remember my lighter side huevos rancheros! This was just the pick me up I needed! We were also a wee bit toasty, it got up to 101 out there!

Back on the bikes, we wound our way to the Grand Vista Hotel in Grand Junction, CO. We were happy to be there! And…lucky too, VGT was having some issues with the computer on his bike, so…off to Teddy Morse’s Grand Junction Powersports the guys went to have them look at his bike and I went to change into a bathing suit. I have to say, there were some very nice pools at some of the hotels, with really pretty murals on the walls. I’ll have to share some pics of all of them in another post!

When they got back, VGT went to relax, DJH and I went to the pool for a nice relaxing dip and a relaxing soak in the hot tub. After cooling off and feeling refreshed, we went back to take showers and meet VGT for some dinner. We went to Oliver’s Restaurant & Bar for dinner and we were in for a treat! They had really good Indian food! We all got a different curry and it was delicious! Happily, for me, it wasn’t too spicy! I don’t always have luck with Indian food, this was yummy!

The nice part of dining in the hotel restaurant, we don’t have to get on the bikes, take an Uber, or even leave the building, just go back up to our rooms! Tomorrow is going to be a late, casual start, we need to wait on VGT’s bike to be ready to pick up, here’s hoping it’s something they can fix so we can be on our way!

Day 5: 176.2 Miles, 101 Degrees, 8.5 Hours…. tomorrow… Loveland!

{August 26, 2026} Day 2: 351 Miles, 4 States, Hello Kansas! Day 3: 494 Miles, 2 States, Hello Colorado!

Day 2: KSU [don’t forget, that’s kick stands up! and I’ll remind you a few more times, and then you’re on your own!] 7a. We were very done with this hotel, it was time to get going!

We packed up the bikes and we were off, first stop… gas, we didn’t get a chance when we got to the hotel because it was raining and we were done. We try to get gas just before we get to the hotel so we don’t have to think about it in the morning, we can just get up and go.

We decided to get on the road and stop for breakfast somewhere on the road. We rode for almost 2 hours, about 140 miles. We took I-70W, crossed into Illinois, you may have noticed that I have screenshots from when we cross a state line, it’s dorky, but it’s something I enjoy trying to catch. I love the icons they use for each state and I just found a site that has all of them!

We were looking for a place to eat and get gas, first order of business…gas, then food. There was a sign on the highway about the world’s largest golf tee in Casey, Illinois, we were SO close, but didn’t go to see it, but…we did pass by the Giant Antlers in Casey, Illinois! One of these days we’re going to visit every silly world’s largest things! Did I tell you a few years ago, when we lived in Missouri, we went to see the world’s largets bottle of Catsup?! It’s actually a water tower, but who cares! It was sooo cool!

Not finding food at that exit, we got back on the highway, found a gas station, then I got a text from DJH, he was at Niemerg’s Steak House in Effingham, IL, holding a table for us! Sounds good! The joint was jumpin’! We had a good breakfast, made up for the crappy evening we had, we are off to a good start!

After breakfast, we got back on the bikes and headed towards Kansas, riding through Missouri. As we were riding, we were passing a lot of the places PSM and I had spent time in while we lived in Missouri, it was bringing back such good memories, we really did enjoy our time there, we made the most of what Covid tried to shut down, we didn’t let that stop us! We stopped for gas near where PSM was headed for the week and here we said see ya, So long. Farewell. Auf wiedersehen. Aloha. Did that sound a little like the Sound of Music, you’re welcome! But sadly…we had to say see you soon to PSM, got back on the bikes, we headed towards Kansas and he was…. let’s just say… outta there!

A few hours later we crossed into Kansas and about 4p we were at the Ramada Topeka Downtown. It was a decent hotel, it reminded me a little of an Embassy Suites, where the rooms open over the center courtyard of the hotel. We got to our rooms, explored a little, ended up in the basement and when we got off the elevator, this statue scared the you-know-what out of DJH and I! At first it really looked like a person! I went to take a picture with it, pretending to sit on its lap and the entire top half moved, no thanks!

We got settled into the rooms, DJH and I took advantage of the pool and hot tub, some took a nap, then showers, I ordered an Uber, we were NOT getting back on the bikes! Let’s just say, when we got to our hotels, if we didn’t eat at the hotel, unless the restaurant was less than a 5 minute walk, it was Uber or taxi for us! It was the start of steaks, steaks, and more steaks! Not for me, no, but the fellas! There would be a lot of steaks on this trip! We went to The Weather Room, for dinner, the guys had steaks, and I had a really good strawberry and spinache salad, not as good as my mom’s but good! and grilled asparagus, I was very happy!

Then it was call an Uber, head back to the hotel for some well deserved R&R! The people in Topeka were very nice, both of our Uber drivers, the wait staff at the restaurant, the hotel staff, but downtown Topeka, there was a lot of construction happening, but not much else, unfortunately. It looked like it would be a nice city to explore, when they finish renovating.

Day 2: 351 Miles, Sunny Skies!

Day 3: Meet at the bikes at 7a, load the bikes, grab some breakfast, then take off by 8a. The woman at the front desk when we checked in, very nice, raved about the breakfast, we think she over sold it! But…we had some food, then it was KSU at 8a, we were heading to LaJunta, Colorado.

One of our stops, about lunch time, was in Hayes, KS. While I was pumping gas, a woman at the next pump started asking me questions about my bike and riding, she was about my height, and I let her sit on my bike to get a feel for it. She was very nice, she actually approached me and said “This might be creepy, but you’re about my height and that’s a big bike! could I ask you some questions?” Of course! We chatted for a while, her husband is 6’3 and rides a much bigger bike, she’s interested in learning and she showed me the bike she was looking to buy for a first bike, a very good choice!

We chatted for a few more minutes and she gave us a recommendation for lunch, Thirsty’s Grill and Pub, that’s where she was going! sounds good. We went and it did not disappoint! In the waiting area to the side, they had a red pickup truck, kids version, of course we had to pile into it! I tried to get in, I was able to get my head in, that’s all, so we piled on the truck bed! We got a table, and it was an eclectic place. Sports bar, lots of tvs, KS Chiefs memorabelia, astroturf looking floor, a stage with a piano, then decorated like a beach hut, driving scenes painted on the wall, and Marilyn Monroe. While we were there, I saw the woman from the gas station, we greeted each other like old friends! The food was as good as she said!

Back on the bikes and a few hours later, we crossed into Colorado! I was home! Some amazing winding roads we were on, DJH knows how to make what could be a boring road more fun. We stopped for gas and finally made it to the Hampton Inn La Junta. Unfortunately, the pool was not available, they were having some issues, no worries, cool showers for us! Then regroup and walk across the parking lot to Felicia’s Mexican Restaurant. The service was good, food was good, wait staff friendly, what more could you want?! Back to the hotel to crash and do it all again tomorrow!

Do you know those videos ‘tell me you xx without telling me you xx’? Well…look at my picture “Tell me you ride a motorcycle without telling me you ride a motorcycle!” This was just Day 3, more to come!

Day 3: 494 Miles, Sunny Skies, Hot Wind, Hot Weather, and it’s only getting hotter!

Tomorrow… Durango…then the real fun begins! G’night!

{June 8, 2024} Oh Goody…More Rain…Stop Us? Never! Bar Harbor, here we come!

We got up on our own, by that I mean no alarm, love that. I actually woke up before everyone at the ungodly hour of 4am, why…why why, why Delilah? I don’t know! And I’m sorry for the ear worm! I do love that song! And I do love Tom Jones, who doesn’t?! Back to it, I woke up stupid early, so I practiced my Italian and thought about the day ahead of us.

Everyone was eventually up, we took showers, got dressed, straightened up the house, loaded up the bikes, set out for gas and breakfast, which for some…could give you gas, ha ha, sorry! We went to White Mountain Bagel Company. This was the beginning of Laconia Bike Week, the world’s oldest bike week, at 101 years old this year, imagine! That being said, as we were pulling into Lincoln, NH last night, the bikes were on their way in and this morning, even more so, and it’s going to get even more crowded as the week progresses, good time to get out!

We headed out on the road, we were going to take the Kancamagus Highway, also known as New Hampshire Route 112, it’s 56+ miles of highway that winds across the state, connecting Bath to Conway through the heart of the scenic and mountainous White Mountain National Forest. Stunning scenery, and the Kancamagus is truly a fabulous road to ride. Not everyone does all of it, but apparently I did a few years ago! When I started riding in NH with PSM and friends. It’s also not the easiest road to ride, I didn’t know that, so…. of course, I looked for a shirt that says ‘I conquered the Kanc!’ can’t find one, go figure, might have to make my own!

We pulled over at one point to discuss the next leg of the trip and there was a crash, boom, crack…thunder and lightening, I suggested we get across the street under some cover at the gas station and just as we did, the sky opened up and dumped on us! The rain was coming down so hard, within seconds, you can see it rushing out of the downspout! On went the rain gear, goody!

We rode most of the way to Bar Harbor, or Bah Habah I called it yesterday, in the rain, fun. The rain finally stopped, but it was still cold and wet, my feet were ffreeezzing! I really do need waterproof/leather motorcycle boots! We made it to the Edenbrook Motel, drenched, but happy. Even riding in the rain is better because you’re riding…sort of.

We got into the rooms, there was a very, I mean very hot shower in my future! Everyone else was not too far out and once they got there, we decided to meet by the office to head down together to dinner. I have to say, I prefer a hotel, but…one of the nice things about motels is that for the ones we are staying at, when you ride a motorcycle, you can park right outside of your room, you don’t have to climb stairs carrying your stuff, bonus!

We met at the office, hugs all around, meet and greet two new people for us, hang out a bit, talk about how cold we still are, but looking forward to the evening and this trip! No Uber in Bar Harbor, so taxi it is! They could get 8 comfortably in the taxi, so I called a second taxi while we waited and they sent the taxi back for us, but our other taxi arrived a few moments later, very sweet!

We went down by the water, a five minute ride, and went to Paddy’s Irish Pub & Restaurant. It was in a prime location, looking out over the water, we were cozy at a large high-top table, had a great waiter and settled in for some food, drinks, and frivolity.

We told stories of past trips, got to know each other, and overall had a fabulous time at dinner. I think a sign of good things to come. One of the things we did discuss…who was getting up to watch the sunrise at the top of Cadillac Mountain?

That would be me, PSM, and CDH, he’s our ride captain, he put this trip together, he’s good like that! We work really well together, he plans the rides, I figure out meals, and hotels, we do together, mostly. I say that because for this trip, he found all the hotels, last year, it was a team effort. They don’t call me Julie McCoy for nothin’!

It was such a gorgeous evening, the rain had done some magic with the sky! Isn’t it beautiful! Oh my, I do love being on the water, sigh… After dinner a few folks went in search of ice cream, and the rest of us headed back to the hotel, we had an early morning coming!

So now, dear friends, my feet are starting to warm up, but I am going to say goodnight and pretend to try to sleep, I have to be up at 330am! But I cannot wait to see the sunrise and share pics with you!

Good night! [I tried to find a Bar Harbor phrase for goodnight, but came up empty!] Night!

{May 25, 2024} Indian Motorcycle, New York New York, Yum, Freemont Street, and the Strip!

Was that enough? Well…there is one thing I left out, but I will tell you about that in another post, promise! Let’s start with Saturday morning first thing.

We got up, no alarm, thank you very much! Headed downstairs to grab some food, ran into Uncle A, Auntie L was still asleep, he had already had breakfast, but stayed and sat with us while we had breakfast. We chatted, caught up, it was a lot quieter this morning than it was last night at Nacho Daddy, and of course we couldn’t talk during the show! Well, some of us had nodded off, so that would pose a problem for chatting!

PSM and I were heading to the place we always look for on our travels…an Indian Motorcycle Dealership, of course! We invited Uncle A, Auntie L, and dad, they were all in. I checked with SDL and J&S, they were all going to chill at the hotel and maybe go to the pool. Sounds good. So…we called an Uber, met in the lobby, went to pick up dad at the Paris Hotel & Casino and off we went to Sin City Indian Motorcycle, a very nice dealership and showroom. We hung out for a bit, looked at bikes, bought some t-shirts and we were good to go.

Order Uber. Back to the strip. On to the next adventure! Dropped off dad at Paris, he was going to see how friendly the tables were. PSM and I got off at the same hotel, Uncle A and Auntie L went on to the Mob Museum, National Museum of Organized Crime & Law Enforcement. It’s a great museum, in an old retired courthouse. You can rent it for weddings and other events, there is a distillery, and a speakeasy! I went years ago and really enjoyed it!

After we said goodbye to everyone, PSM and I hopped in a taxi and headed to the New York New York Hotel & Casino. I may have mentioned how much I love this hotel…I’m not that interested in the casino aspect, of any of the hotels really, not my thing, but the hotel itself, how they design it, how they style it, now that…I love. The Paris Hotel & Casino have a giant Eiffel Tower growing right up through the middle of it, you can to to the top, you can have dinner way up, the casino looks like Paris of the 20s, the restaurants are themed, it’s great!

New York New York holds a special place in my heart, being from there and all! But I just love the hotel, the casino is just fine, you’ve got different aspects of NYC, a nod to the Chrysler Building, there are man hole covers, shop fronts, the skyline, what more could you want?!

New York style eateries, that’s what you could want! When you head to the eateries, you’re right there in the alleys and back streets of NYC! You are transported, I promise, the street names, the lights, the wires, the lamp posts, the store fronts, all of it!

We went to one of my favorite places I discovered years ago, Greenberg’s NY Deli, part of the NY Eateries. It’s your average good, NYC, Jewish deli. The sandwiches are huge, the prices are ok, but the food is really good, and all sandwiches come with a pickle! PSM got corned beef and I got an egg salad sandwich, it was sooo good! Oh, we also had Dr Brown’s Sodas. As the slogan says, Drink One, You’ll Understand. PSM will have different flavors, I am a Black Cherry only kind of gal, and I’m ok with it! Soda is on my no-no list, so when I treat myself, I treat myself and it’s hard for me to pass up a Dr Brown’s soda! There was also a black & white cookie, some people call them half-moons, but they will always be black & white cookies to me! I prefer the more cookie version versus the cakey version, but it’s all up to the individual. We couldn’t finish it, so we got it to go! It was nice to share this experience with PSM.

We headed back to the hotel to get ready for something…not telling at the moment, but… after the something, PSM, SDL, Miss A, S&J, and I all walked down the street from the restaurant to Freemont Street, in the evenings, it turns into the Freemont Street Experience, a giant party, great for people watching!

Freemont Street itself, is where Las Vegas began, it’s considered Old Las Vegas, the Las Vegas Strip is New Las Vegas, as it were. A little history: The street was first established in 1905 as the center of the fledgling city where business and pleasure came together. Fremont Street was a busy travel route, with Las Vegas’ first train station just a few steps away, so it catered to travelers looking for a place to relax and unwind.

It’s wonderful to see it during the day, less people, and you get get a sense of it, at night, with, well, it seems like everyone not on the Strip, is at Freemont Street! But.. at night, aside from the people watching, you have the signs, the bright, lit up neon signs for the hotels, the businesses, and everything! I recommend it highly, but if you don’t like people, not a great fit! Just be prepared! Oh, and hang on to your wallets, I was told there were not so nice people who might decide they need your wallet more than you!

We started to walk through and take in all the sights, Miss A was loving on the music. We walked as close together as possible, just so we didn’t lose each other! Then we found out there was a free concert tonight! Seether was going to be playing. If you’re not familiar with Seether, they are a rock band from South Africa, Fake It is a song you may know. I like Seether, they are not everyone’s cup o’ tea, as it were.

We listened to one song, then headed out towards a less crowded area so we could get an Uber back to the hotel. Along the way, we saw a Bonafede fight, this guy was hitting on this gal, the other guy didn’t like that and threw the first punch, then they were on the ground punching the crud out of each other, fun! By the time we started to look for a cop, they were already on it. Yup, exciting!

Back in an Uber, back to Planet Hollywood, drop off and say goodbye to J, they were leaving in the morning, PSM, his brother S, SDL, Miss A and I went across the street to watch the Bellagio Fountains nighttime show. Same great show, choreographed to music, but this time, set to lights. Ahhh

Gotta love some MJ!

After watching twice, S went back to him room, we said goodbye, then PSM grabbed a taxi or Uber back to the hotel and SDL, Miss A, and I went off exploring!

We walked down one end of The Strip, people watching, listening to music, walked into a few hotels, the goal on this side of the street was The Venetian Hotel. What a spectacular hotel! There are gondola rides down the grand canal, this is something I’ve always wanted to do in Las Vegas, but haven’t gotten to yet.

We saw some awesome stuff… like this electric harpist!

A first for us too!

We crossed the street and went by the Mirage, which was the home to Siegfried & Roy and their tiger show for 14 years. We walked to Caesar’s Palace, which is a city in itself! We were too late by the time we got there to go in, not to the casino, but to the shopping area, which is the fun part, I know, I know, the casino, but the shopping area, mostly because they have a circular escalator!

So… after we saw Caesar’s, we’ll go back, we found the first spot we could get an Uber and headed back to the hotel. By now…it’s about 1230am, I’m done! Miss A was done! SDL was done! What grand adventure does tomorrow hold!?

Join me tomorrow and find out!

{April 3, 2024} London Day 5: Covent Garden, Transportation Museum, Picadilly Circus, Soho, oh my!

What a day! It was a very nice start to the day, no alarm! We got up liesurely, Miss A kept trying to dig herself deeper into the bed, and under the covers, we totally get that feeling!

Got up, dressed, and headed to breakfast. Muffin for Miss A, waffles for SDL, and my usual…hard boiled egg on multi-grain baguette, y u m! And a cup of tea with sugar cubes, of course!

Back to the room to get our stuff to get out to greet the day. We went down to the lobby, called for an Uber, and headed to Covent Garden. The driver dropped us off, we got out and started to wander. It’s a beautiful area, classic architecture, as always, beautiful walkways with shops set in, something to see around every corner, nook, and cranny!

When we got into the center courtyard, well, even before we got there, we could hear the musicians, one cello, and four violinists, how wonderful! Later, there was an opera singer, and later, there were two violinists playing the opening overture from Barber of Seville, my favorite opera.

We walked, explored, looked, touched, admired, bought a few things here and there. Then we went to the Transportation Museum, that was a lot of fun, and full of wee tots! Since it’s a charity, it’s one of the only museums not free in the UK, goes to a good cause, we’re good with that!

After the transportation musem it was time for some lunch, we walked around and found someone to help us with the lift, elevator, to get to the lower level and we went to the Punch and Judy pub, a very nice establishment, very friendly staff, warm, and cozy place to spend some time. I had pea and mint soup, it was quite good, SDL had fish & chips and Miss A had some fish & chips, peas, and sweat peas, there was sticky toffee pudding for dessert, but she wasn’t interested. Truth be told, it wasn’t very good, I think some of the toffee they made was burnt, oh well.

Back outside, we walked around a little more and headed towards Picadilly Circus. On the way, we stopped in a theater, I’ll tell you more about the theater tomorrow, and we got tickets to see Six, the musical about the wives of Henry VIII, I can’t wait! i saw it in Boston with MGS, GES, my dad and Lala, can’t wait for SDL and Miss A to see it, Miss A is going to love it, it’s a 90 minute concert basically!

We continued on to Picadilly Circus to see all the pagentry! The sights, sounds, people, movement, nothing stands still! Sometimes reminds me of Times Square in NYC! We stopped at the Hard Rock Cafe store, of course! I didn’t buy anything because I got GC’s pin at the other location and I got him one at this store when I was here two years ago.

We ventured out of Picadilly towards Soho, which was another thing on our list. It’s beautiful, lots of shops and pubs and people, so much to look at. We were taking photos, someone offered to take ours and then we asked for food recommendations and they pointed us towards Kingly Court.

This was lovely! It’s outdoors with canvas covers at the roof, so you could sit outside comfortably. There were trees in the center, benches and tables for different restuarants, with heat lamps to keep you warm while you sat outside, since the seating was limited in some of the restaurants. There were only restaurants in the Kingly Court, all on the permiter at each level. It really was lovely.

We ended up at Paradiso Burger & Cocktail Bar. Most people were sitting downstairs, but they had room for us upstairs, where the kitchen happened to be. It was kind of nice, we had the place to ourselves. I had a viking vegan burger, no idea why they called it that! SDL had a chicken sandwich, and Miss A had a sweet potato with some butter and magnos, then for dessert, avocado and mangos, not a bad meal overall!

Back out onto the road, wandering around Soho, the sights, sounds, people, feeling, experiences, and finally back onto a main drag to get an Uber back to the hotel, we were done!

Miss A and SDL went down to the pool, and I stayed behind to talk to you! I’m so glad I did, so much to share with you!

Tomorrow is a new day, the alarm is set, not as early as yesterday, but we’re going to see he crown jewels, gotta be up and ready to go in case one happen to land on our heads, gotta look our best!

Until then…g’night!

{April 1, 2024} London Day 3: Changing of the Guard! Here we come!

It’s a new day, day 3 and we have lots to do! First, I want to take you on a tour of the restaurant in the hotel, it’s fun!

It’s a nice restaurant, wide, open, and inviting, if that makes sense. They have a few walls with animal heads, but just wait…the animal heads are all made of newsprint! Most likely paper mache on the outside, if you look closely, you can see headlines and typeset in the ears and on the face, horns, etc. It is very clever, if you take the time to look at it all!

The food presentation is nice, they have everything you might want or need for breakfast, pre-made scrambled eggs, eggs made to order, potatoes, grilled tomatoes, grilled mushrooms, think full english breakfast, then there are pancakes and waffles made to order, breads, cheeses, yogurts, fruit, breakfast cereals, muffins, coffee, tea, juices, you name it, they probably have it!

It was time to head out and say cherrio to London, and btw…they don’t say that, just in the movies, and if they do, I haven’t heard it!

They do say love at the end of every sentence, and I have to tell you, I like it, it doesn’t bother me, like in the south when someone , who I don’t know, calls me hun, or sweetie, it’s syrupy sweet and I’m not a fan! But call me love, it works, it’s just part of their vernacular. Ooh, I love that word!

We’re off…we got an Uber to Green Park, we were meeting our tour guide by the Constance Fund Fountain of Diana, isn’t she stunning!? I could just imagine, when it’s summer and the water is flowing.

There were so many tour groups meeting there, we finally found our guide, Alan, who was fabulous, by the way! I always thought if I was retired or we were living somewhere for PSM’s job and I couldn’t work for whatever reason, I would get a job as a tour guide, I would love it! One of these days I’ll tell you about a tour business…shhh…

We started walking, and Alan was very knowledgeable, giving us all sorts of tidbits and history and also very conscious of where the steps would be that we would need to get Miss A’s chair over. For the whole tour, everyone in the group was very aware and helpful where we were and if we had to pull the chair over something.

We started off, our first stop was by this amazing statue, across from the guards station on Marlborough Road, at St James Palace. We were waiting for the band to come out, we had such a great vantage point! While we waited, Alan gave us lots of great information, like there were only 2 guards there, that meant the king was not there. Interesting!

I love that I got Alan’s audio! He was telling us that when you look at their hats, the higher the hat, the higher the rank. There was an inspection first, I hope they pass!

Sorry it was slightly shaky, I was holding my hand up above my head, harder to keep it steady, everyone was so much taller than me!

Alan was trying to guess what they would play, would it be something serious or something light hearted. These are the Scottish guards, apparently they passed muster, here comes the band. Do you recognize the song?

Did it make you think of Shrek?!

We hated to leave the band, they were so very talented and I love that song! But…if we didn’t leave, we wouldn’t have the fabulous spot we did for the next phase of the tour and changing of the guard! [a lot of really cool background in that link!]

Next stop…right near Clarence House, where King Charles and Queen Camilla reside. We watched and listened as the band marched and played down the road and then the Horse Guards came, cool fact, they have female guards now! Women first joined the regiment in 2018, and for Queen Elizabeth‘s Platinum Jubilee, it was the first time female members of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment participated! Go girl power!

As we waited for the guards, we learned a few things. King Charles does not want to live in Buckingham Palace, understandable, with 775 rooms…it’s more of an office, so that’s why he and Queen Camilla are taking up residence at Clarence House, which only has 5 bedrooms, a little more manageable, which, was where William, the Prince of Wales had their residence, but since the King and Queen are there they’ve moved to Kensington Palace.

Since there were only two guards, that meant that the king was not in residence, if he was, there would be more. Also…the reason they walk back and forth, about every 10 minutes, is because it was a rule set down by Queen Victoria, if they are walking back and forth, they are proving they are not drinking or gambling! Oh my!

And from where we were standing, we could have reached out and touched a horse, we didn’t, but we could have! oh wow! such precision! such beauty!

Here are the guards walking back and forth!

Here comes and there goes the band! I don’t know if I said this, they only have the changing of the guard on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, mainly it’s dependent on the weather! Check out the full schedule in the link!

Here’s Alan telling us about the women in the guard! We definitely saw one! And the police officer at the end was a woman, again, girl power!

Next, we walked through the Household Calvary Museum courtyard to get to the entrance of St James and Buckingham Palace to watch the horse guards come in. This is actually the Punishment Parade!

This was so exciting to watch, and this up close. Normally, you might be outside the gate or across the street, we were up close and personal! Turns out this is punishment duty! Oh my, that is quite the punishment!

After the tour was over, we got to stand and take pictures with the horse and guard! It’s definitely allowed, as long as you don’t touch their reigns or bridle, I think that’s what it was. I was ok, I didn’t touch anything! But…it was awesome! The horse we were standing/posing with put his head on my shoulder! He did!!!

After the pictures and me squealing about the royal horse putting his head on my shoulder, you are welcome for the ear worm! We walked to Trafalgar Square, it was right up the street. It wasn’t overly crowded, unusual, but nice. The fountain was doing it’s thing, people were walking around, climbing on things they weren’t supposed to, oh well, and the traffic was going by as if nothing would stop it.

I don’t know about you, but we were hungry! So…we went to The Clarence Pub in Whitehall. Thing thing about The Clarence…I was there with my dad in December 2022, then again with my dad, PSM, and my sister’s family in December 2022, a few days after dad and I discovered it. The food is good, they have a great veggie burger and sticky toffee pudding! I think I first saw it either on Gordan Ramsay or The Great British Bake Off and I first tried it in Glasgow, Scotland and fell in love with it and now, I try it whenever I can!

I just had to introduce it to SDL and Miss A and it did not disappoint! They went out of their way to find us a table, SDL had steak and ale pie and a beer, I had their veggie burger and a pot of tea, and Miss A had, you guessed it, sticky toffee pudding with ice cream, she was happy.

It’s a great atmosphere, warm and inviting, cozy, friendly, great staff, great food, great ambiance, what more could you want!? Would I go back? You bet, it might be my go-to for London trips for a good, affordable, convenient lunch!

It’s time to explore again! No the day isn’t even close to being over! We walked back down Whitehall looking at the architecture, the people, listening to the sounds of every day life in London, all the way down to Big Ben and Parliament. We learned somewhere that Big Ben is actually ‘just’ the clock and the tower itself is called the Elizabeth Tower, imagine that!

As we walked back down Whitehall, we were treated to another changing of the horse guard, but we were on the outside this time.

Let’s keep walking… we walked back to Buckingham Palace in all its glory and then we walked Constitution Hill to the Wellington Arch. It started to rain while we were walking, but did we care, nope, not at all! We were in London, the sun was out, and we were having a grand time! As we came out of Constitution Hill at the Wellington Arch, what did our eyes spy…THE Hard Rock Cafe! London!

Now…when I say THE Hard Rock Cafe, I mean THE Hard Rock Cafe, the very first, established in 1971, a very good year, if I do say so myself! The cafe was established June 14, 1971 and it was just that, a cafe. We decided we had to go in! [We really needed a looooo!] We maneuvered in, got a table, SDL ordered cheesecake for herself and a piece for Miss A and I had a pot of tea, there honestly wasn’t anything there for me, and we were just looking for dessert, I was happy with my pot of tea. Let’s just say the cheesecake was a big hit!

After we relaxed a bit and Miss A enjoyed the music, it was cool, they were playing classic videos on the TVs, things I haven’t seen in years! Next, you know we had to, we went across the street to the shop. I don’t know if I told you, but…wherever we go, we always look for the Hard Rock, SDL likes to collect their t-shirts, if it’s cool and the price is right, for me, I have a friend that I always get a pin for! I got him one when I was here the last time, at the store on Piccadilly, and I wasn’t originally going to get one this time, but it’s the original cafe/store! Shhh…don’t tell him!

As we were walking around, this guy who works there offered to take me on a tour of the museum downstairs, SDL wasn’t interested, so I went and it was cool! They had the corset Madonna wore in the Express Yourself video, Slash’s guitar, John Lennon‘s lyrics to Instant Karma (We All Shine On), a chair from Freddy Mercury and more! It was quite the treat!

When I came back upstairs, I found them waiting and Miss A was nodding off in her chair, it was time to go! I got us an Uber back to the hotel, there was no way we were walking! It was 3.2 miles and we had just walked how many miles, no thanks! 15 minutes by car or 60 by foot, hmmm…

We got back to the hotel, ordered some takeout and chilled out, it was a great day, but we were tired! I might fall asleep as I’m writing this to you, could you blame me?! What does tomorrow hold?! It’s only day 3, we have so much more to see!

Have a fabulous evening!

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