Power problems continue, so when I stop the bike I need to plan to sit around for an hour or two as it trickle charges back to a crank-able level.
I had really been looking forward to experiencing Death Valley, but in the time it takes me to skid to a stop, jump off and take a photo the oil temperature on the bike is getting really, really high. So then i make all haste to try and get the temp down from the critical levels.
I think that led to some questionable choices, I am not sure taking the machine down dirt roads to monolake or Sulfate springs was my best idea. I had plenty of water and lots of space gasoline, but dealing with a flat out there, would be a real pain.
On the plus side, it is wide open country so you can really put the welly down, and because not a lot of big things survive here you dont have to worry about a Moose stepping into the road.
I did stop at the gas station in Death Valley and got some much needed water and fuel. It is funny how on a bad day someone can really put a smile on your face. A lady was 100% convinced I was Ewan McGregor and would not take my arguments as evidence, she even came back with a minivan full of people to check me out while I waited for my battery to charge up.
A local Law Enforcments officer was nice enough to confirm in the gas station that they do not worry about motorbikes speeding out here, so if I was running hot, just keep the hammer down.
Manzanar is new to me, I clearly need to learn more about Japanese internment camps.
The switch from the toasty temperatures in Death Valley to the chill crossing the Sierras was not something I had not planned for. By the time I got to 5,000 feet temps had cooled off a lot. But the ride up was stunning, listening to the Audiobook of the Lion, the Witch in the Wardrobe Aslan was busy creating the world as I climbed and started to see nature again.
Power problems aside the Bapper did some Trojan work today, up in the snow in the mountain passes it got really cold after roasting in the heat and she did great. This really has been the highlight of the trip, Death Valley feels like the Moon and to go from that to the ice and cold in the mountains in the same day is a real brain twister.
