Brian A. Hopkins
On the Road Again...

Great Lakes Tour
18 - 26 September 2008

Just back from nearly 4,000 miles on my Triumph Tiger, traveling with my friends Greg and Elaine (on their Goldwing) into the Great White North. Primarily just photos and sparse captions this time around, sparing everyone my usual blathering. (All photos by me or Elaine. You can click thumbnail photos for larger views.) Here are links to a couple pre-ride blog entries that you might want to read first: Prep Work (includes map of route), Locked and Loaded.

On the Long Lonesome Highway...
We ran into fuel problems in Nashville -- basically, there was none to be had at most gas stations and those that did still have gas featured long lines. Here's what we thought of waiting in line to fill up our bikes and Nashville in general. (Addendum: I keep getting puzzled looks from everyone who reads this bit about the gas shortage. "Gas shortage," they say, "what gas shortage?" Don't you people watch the news? Here.)
Barney Fife left his car somewhere in Kentucky.	We saw these Inukshuk statues all over Canada and northern Michigan.	Elaine built her own.
Wing in motion.	Point Iroquois Lighthouse.	Overlooking Whitefish Bay.
Tiger in motion.	Always an amazing view.	Soux Ste Marie Bridge over the Soo Locks.
Canada, eh?

Pennsylvania
One of my primary goals for this trip was to visit my place of birth: Altoona, Pennsylvania.
Welcome home, Wayward Son.	Uncle Jack ... a hero of mine since boyhood.		Aunt Carol ... ageless.
Thought we'd stop in at Punxsutawney and say hello to Phil. He was sleeping with a lady friend.	Hanging with Phil's likeness.		Elaine plants one on him.
I wanted to visit my Grandmother and Grandfather.		I miss you.

Click on Greg and Elaine (at right) to continue...