Bikers Against Child Abuse - 100 Mile Ride 2015

A couple weeks ago, I ran across this flyer in Snohomish. I had seen some some news clips about Bikers Against Child Abuse (web site) before but did not know they had a presence in this area. Being a parent myself, I am completely supportive of any group that acts to keep kids safe from those who would abuse them. It appears that these efforts are very effective too: studies have shown that children associated with BACA have significantly reduced levels of stress.

So yesterday, I rode up to Sound Harley-Davidson in Marysville to participate.

There was a pretty good turnout, too. This was my first such ride and I didn't get an official estimate but there must have been more than 50 bikes in attendance, continuing around the back of the building in the picture above.

 
Around noon, with a police escort out of town, we headed out on our way.

This map shows the approximate route that we took:

- past the Oso Slide area, we rode East to Darrington for a brief stop

- from Darrington, we headed North towards Baker Lake

- heading West on Highway 20, we rode to Sedro-Woolley next

- finally, back to Sound Harley Davidson

Note: advertised as a 100 mile ride, this one was more like 120-125. This really is a group that goes the extra mile(s) to complete its mission!

There was a lot of camaraderie during the ride. One motorcyclist had been having electrical problems getting close to Darrington, with her engine cutting out and her headlight off. Several riders helped get her problem (battery cables shorting)sorted out during the rest stop. The ride was also kept safe through a lot of obviously skilled coordination.

While we were at Darrington I also had a chance to say Hello to the North Sound Chapter of BACA's President, Superman, and find out more about becoming a supporter or possibly even a member.

Local Triumph riders: why was my Speed Triple (above) the only Triumph there? I know we have several Triumph RATs in the area.

Back at Sound HD, this V-Rod tried to convince me that one more bike would be a good thing to have.
 

This is my first 100 mile ride shirt. I'm sure there will be more!

In conclusion, I'd like to note that this is a great group of people gathered together for the worthy cause of keeping children safe from abuse. If you have some time or money to contribute,
please give their site a look!

Back from Whitehorse - the Vancouver Airport sculpture

Off the coast of British Columbia, there is an island called Haida Gwaii. The Haida people were, for a long time, sort of the Vikings of the Northern West Coast, pillaging at will.

Yet they have also always been a creative and artistic people. They may have invented the idea of carving totem poles. They are also renowned for carving argilite, a form of shale.This is an example form the University of British Columbia Anthropology Museum.

 

Between the impact of diseases they had no immunities to and suppression of their culture, colonization by the British damaged their society tremendously. But they have been coming back strong on the last few decades of the 20th century. One of their best known artists is Bill Reid, who carved these pieces also on display at the UBC Anthropology Museum.

A bear

A traditional Haida canoe.

Raven and the First Men

  

Perhaps Bill Reid's greatest accomplishment is a large sculpture called The Spirit of Haida Gwaii, in the Vancouver Airport's International terminal. I've been wanting to see this piece for some time and the return into Vancouver Airport finally gave me the opportunity. Here are the pictures that I took.

Whitehorse - Yukon Territory: Day 3

Murals on the RCMP building.

See? No laws broken and on excellent terms with the constabulary.

We also checked out a Whitehorse gun shop. Mia REALLY liked this stainless Marlin lever rifle in .45/70.

Walking around town a bit in the remaining time.

The SS Klondike.

There are LOTS of great hiking trails around town! A good place for staying fit...

Finally, it was time to leave. This was my last view of the town as my plane flew away. But I WILL be back!

Whitehorse - Yukon Territory: Day 2

Day 2 was to be a road trip, a drive to and from Skagway, Alaska with the goal of getting some really good beer that wasn't available in the Yukon. 

Good morning Whitehorse!

My two partners in crime(*) during this trip, Heather and Mia:

(*) Just a figure of speech. No actual crimes were committed during these adventures.

I had thought that the Icefields Parkway in Jasper was the most visually stunning road in Western Canada. But the Klondike Highway sure gave it a run for its money!

The day started out completely overcast...

And then the clouds gradually retreated to reveal stunning mountains and trees.

I'm told that Emerald Lake is a really gorgeous shade of green. Unfortunately, it was also covered with ice by early November.

As soon as we crossed the White Pass, temperatures rose noticeably.

If you liked those views of the road, hang on...you're going to see them in reverse on the way back!

This cute puppy was hanging out around where we parked the car.

Apparently, Skagway is the secret location of the actual Internet!

Views from the ferry dock. It really is a very photogenic town!

Now for the ride back!

Charlie Brown Christmas tree, located.

Back in Whitehorse. These Little Free Libraries are a GREAT idea!