IDAA Spokane 2025 - Harley Motorcycle Ride Vancouver to Princeton

I through the Cascades.  Departure was easy.  Loading the Harley Nighster Special Motorcycle was a non event since I was planning on staying in motels versus camping.  Just a bag of clothing, flash lights , can of oil, and the electronic, computer lap top and such I needed to maintain work for the week.  I’m going to the Spokane 2025 annual IDAA conference, I took my 28 year cake last week at Burnaby Fellowship. As George was recovering from cataract surgery Marty graciously gave me my cake. It’s definitely a milestone.  Then the International Conference of AA followed with the meetings in the Vancouver Convention Centre and the big meetings at the BC Place.  I’d last seen Paul McCartney there. The Delta Police Band had played the bagpipes for the Mull of Kintyne song when he was here, They opened for the ICAA.  Laura and I attended the Al Anon meeting and there with some 50,000 others at what the speakers called the ‘greatest 12 step call to Vancouver’.

Now I’n in ACE Hotel Princeton where I’ve stayed offten for Deer and Grouse Hunting on Copper Mountain.  It’s been a while since I’ve had the camper for a few years. Last years I was camped on Copper Mountain.  I didn’t get any deer but shot a few grouse to the delight of Madigan my grouse fetching cockapoo.

I left Madigan with Laura in the new Thor Hurricane Motorhome.  I missed the little guy but confess I’m glad for the break and thankful for Laura house and dog sitting.

The ride was a rush.  Not too much delay in Langley.  Wind Therapy all the way to Chilliwack. That’s when the traffic thinned out.  Chilliwack I stopped for gas and had a Red Bull.  I’d hoped to stop at Mountainview Harley for a brief visit but it was closed on Monday. I stopped next in Hope for a little container for fluids. I was going through the mountains and realized I’d forgotten my thermos.  Reading westerns this last week and thinking about horses and canteens in the desert.  The ride from Hope to Princeton is a hundred a fifty km but the Manning Park Resort is half way. It really was a great ride. Hot sunny, blue sky.  Winding rising road through evergreens along side the shallow river.  I fueled up at East Gate.  Then I was riding into Princeton coming on 6 pm having left Burnaby Vancouver at 1 30 pm.  I thought of continuing on to Osoyoos but was tired.  Weary indeed.  I’m not used to long rides yet.  

Great to check in. Nice room.  I walked down the Main Street but the town was closed.  The great outdoor store, the great Harware store, my favourite places, closed,  I did get some chicken deli and fruits at Save On Foods .  Back in my room at ACE I ate and watched the Calgary Stampede on tv.  Fond memories of going as a child with Dad and Mom and Ron when I was a kid.  Now I’m riding my iron horse across the country wearing a helmet rather than a white cowboy hate.

Thank you God. Thank you Jesus. Time to get showered , dressed and check the oil before heading south.  Thank you Creator. Thank you Harley.