adamson adventures: The Plan

Monday, September 10, 2007

The Plan

When I was just a boy growing up in Edmonton Alberta I remember always wanting to go that extra block away from home on my bicycle.I had to see for myself what was around the next bend or over the next hill.When I was 22 I took my 1972 R75/5 BMW from the west coast of Vancouver Island to St. Johns NFLD and back to Montreal were I sold the bike for a ticket on a ocean liner to Europe.It was pretty close to 4 years before I was back home. I worked in London England,Norway,Israel,traveled some in Northern Africa, and a little in western Asia.When I came back To Canada I went to Vancouver to find work and some how ended up in Williams Lake B.C were I have spent the last 28 years of my life.I guess the plan has always been to ride a motorcycle around the world?I have been to all the provinces and most of the states on my bikes in the last 10 years so now it is time to assault central and south America.Myself and Peter Dechsler(who I met on the HUB)http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/ will be leaving Vancouver on Oct 1/07 heading south leaving the Canadian winter far behind.This blog will be about our adventures....................................enjoy and please respond ..................................................... Wayne " The difference between an adventure and an ordeal is attitude"(unknown)-2007A-21 KLR650(it's a manly Fire Engine Red)-1995R100RT-1991VW Westy GL-ABC 6461 MOA-71007

14 comments:

Anonymous said...: Hello Wayne:
I for one will be following your adventure as you post and ride. Be sure to include a ton of pictures. I can hardly wait to read your blog, so I can't imagine how excited you are about going.
If at any time you need help or anything along the way, you know, if your in a bind and I can help, count on it. I'm rooting for you.

Al M
Edmonton; September 13, 2007 at 3:27 PM
Wayne Adamson said...: Thank you Al.The last week has been insane around here.I sold my house,retired,and married off my daughter in a 3 day marathon of activity. I have 2 more weeks to tie up all the loose ends and then we are gone.I will keep in touch through cariboodualsport and my blog.
Wayne " The difference between an adventure and an ordeal is
attitude"(unknown)-2007A-21 KLR650(it's a manly Fire Engine Red)-1995
R100RT-1991VW Westy GL-ABC 6461 MOA-71007 http://wayneadamson.blogspot.com/; September 13, 2007 at 10:33 PM
tegwen said...: Dad, I am so excited for you and cannot wait to see your pictures and hear about your adventures. I love you very much, be safe and take nurses advice!; September 25, 2007 at 5:14 PM
Fall Guy said...: Hey there Wayne, thanks for the Yahoo post re: new photo. I still don't know how to sign up for your blog so I get anything new sent to me :0(

I'll keep trying.

Stay safe and enjoy the ride!!!; October 2, 2007 at 6:43 PM
Al McMillan said...: Well Wayne, you're in Seattle and your riding partner is getting his seat redone? I can't believe he wore it out already. You guys have a ways to go, so I'd maybe get a spare at that rate.

Com'on... where's the stories and pictures?

Can't wait in Alberta

Al M; October 7, 2007 at 1:12 PM
Wayne Adamson said...: Al,give me a chance:>{))))).We have been interstating for 6 days.It sucks!! We are in El Centro California looking for new tires before we head into Mexico.I will post pictures and more detail when we have a more relaxing day in the near future? Sure is hot here,how's the weather in big"E"???
Wayne " The difference between an adventure and an ordeal is
attitude"(unknown)-2007A-21 KLR650(it's a manly Fire Engine Red)-1995
R100RT-1991VW Westy GL-ABC 6461 MOA-71007 http://wayneadamson.blogspot.com/; October 7, 2007 at 9:31 PM
Al McMillan said...: Hi Wayne,

Well it's good to see your in sunny California. Mexico should be a real blast. Lucky SOB

The weather in Edmonchuck has been holding out nicely. We were riding the last couple of weekends and not freezing out nuts off.

Can't wait to see the route your taking. Man, I wish I was doing the ride too.

Al M; October 19, 2007 at 9:49 AM
Anonymous said...: Your updates are awesome !! I can almost feel the humidity. Sounds like you're having a blast - some great hotels too !!! LOL Take good care - and keep the updates coming. Deb (from Edmonton); October 23, 2007 at 12:03 PM
Anonymous said...: Hi Wayne,

So you're on your way to Buenos Aires where we'll meet end of January. Long way from Yanks Peak and Barkerville. Keeping an eye or two on you, great pictures from Copper Canyon, looks like an unpaved Stelvio Pass in Italy we rode with Ken a couple of years ago !
Keep them pictures coming, please, and watch for Montezuma's revenge, stick to beer, a lot safer than water. But so is Coke in the liquid kind.
Ride safe, keep the rubber down.
All the best. Michel Kaslo; October 28, 2007 at 11:42 AM
Anonymous said...: Hi Wayne,

Stumbled across your site when searching for my own name on the web (as you do).

Had a read and really enjoyed it! Sounds like a tremendous adventure keep up the good work, i'll check back for more updates!

Have a great one....; November 1, 2007 at 9:40 AM
tegwen said...: Dad, I love seeing all the pictures!
Amazing, I want to go to Antiga!
Love you, monkey; November 2, 2007 at 9:19 AM
Anonymous said...: Awesome pictures !! Looks like a travel book in the making. Hasta Luego mi amigo. Deb (from Edmonton); November 4, 2007 at 10:33 AM
Anonymous said...: Feliz Navida!! I'm so enjoying your blog and the photos - looks like the beach in Peru is most relaxing, beautiful countrysides along your travels. Ahhhh...living the dream, just living the dream. Take good care and keep the rubber side down. Deb; December 23, 2007 at 3:45 PM
Anonymous said...: good morning Wayne. Our weather has been hovering around +3 for the past few days and we have mighty winds. My freshly plowed driveway is covered in wind blown snow and then I read of your adventures, see your pictures, hear the pleasure in your writings and I begin to ponder.........once again. Happy, safe travels and know we are with you as you move along on your way. I enjoyed talking with you on ny's day.
K
150 Mile House; January 5, 2008 at 8:22 AM

September 22/07

Well the house is sold,I am retired,my daughter is married and all my household stuff is sold or given away.It has all been a blur for the last two weeks.I still have to put my van on blocks for storage at my friends who is nice enough to let me store it on her property while I go on my adventure.I will be leaving Williams lake on September 25 to spend a few days with friends in Vancouver and Nanimo before Peter and I leave on October 1/07. I don't think the reality of what I am doing has really sunk in yet,it has all happened so fast. Even though I have planned this trip for some time the fact that I am sitting in a empty house waiting to tie up the loose ends just seems too good to be real.I am going to miss my life here,but I know what lies ahead will be one hell of an adventure.
Wayne " The difference between an adventure and an ordeal isattitude"(unknown)-2007A-21 KLR650(it's a manly Fire Engine Red)-1995R100RT-1991VW Westy GL-ABC 6461 MOA-71007 http://wayneadamson.blogspot.com/

The Gringo Trail-Please read this as it was written with tung firmly implanted in cheek!!

The Gringo trail......what is life on the gringo trail,its just like real life but not so pale?It opens a world for you to see,what others won't unless they follow thee.The trail is long and full of quests,with lots of prizes if you take the tests.The people pose for you to see,as they live their lives it's how it has to be.The roads,the valleys,the fog,the sun,its always changing and its never done.The colours,the smells,the danger and fear,make you wonder sometimes why your even here.The excitement,the beauty the joy and elation,make you want to visit every nation. Sometimes its cheap,sometimes you have to pay,but you never regret what you had to-day.The friends you meet along the way,will always be with you until your dying day.The names of places you can't properly say,make speaking a challenge every day.The food is good but challenging too,your never sure what it will do to you.The money is different in every nation,by time you get it right your in another location.There are beaches and mountains and deserts and streams,we have them at home, but that's not how it seems. Ever day is a challenge,but a pleasure too,I can't think of anything that I would rather do.Sometimes you wonder what you will do to-day,but it always works out,you seem to find the way.Some people think you must have lost your mind,to sit on a moto until you burn your behind,but those same people are of a different kind,they will never imagine what is in my mind.So what is life on the gringo trail,its just like real life but not so pale?

Final Update Aug 17/08

I left William's Lake on September 25/07 with 13105 km on the clock.I came back to William's Lake on August 7/08 with 68877 km on the clock.55772 km in 11 months,not a bad run???I used 3 sets of sprockets and 3 chains.The last set is still on the bike and still in good shape.I went through 5 sets of tires,kendas wore the worst and Continental Conti escape lasted the longest.Remember this was mostly riding on pavement with a very loaded down bike.All five sets were dualsport tires.I changed the oil approx. every 5000 kl using mostly synthetic m/c oil of whatever brand was available.I changed the oil filter with most oil changes and the air filter when ever I had been riding in dusty conditions(I carried a spare air filter)At the end of this journey the rear spring is completely worn out.The shock seems to be OK?I went through 4 sets of front brake pads and 3 sets of rear.I left WL with every spare part that I would possibly need and every tool I would need to service every possible situation.Most of my tools and spare parts were stolen in Antigua Guatemala.This was all a waste of time and money as I was able to find all the parts and all the very reasonably priced expertise to service my bike wherever I was in Central and South America.If I didn't have the experience of servicing KLR's this may have been a different story as I had to watch the mechanics closely to avoid possible problems.On the next phase of my journey I will carry very few parts and tools.I would like to thank all of the wonderful people I met on the road for your camaraderie and friendship and all of the South and Central American people who opened their hearts and homes to me with no expectations.The hospitality of people in the southern hemisphere of the Americas is second to none.Adamson Adventures II.................Will begin in the fall of 2008.Biker Bob(Arizona),Mike Ellsworth(Colorado) and I will be flying our bikes to Australia from California and then riding overland to Europe.I met Mike in Mexico,and Bob in Panama,they are both seasoned travelers and will make good riding buddies..........................................................Thank you all for listening to my rants and being with me on my journey.If you don't want to get my updates from Adamson Adventures II just let me know(no explanation is necessary)I am signing off of this blog now,but it will be at Google as long as they keep it there.
Tan de largo para ahora mis amigos.........................
-Wayne" The difference between an adventure and an ordeal is attitude"(unknown)-2007A-21 KLR650(it's a manly Fire Engine Red)-1995R100RT-1991VW Westy GL-ABC 6461 MOA-71007 http://wayneadamson.blogspot.com/ Never regret.If it's good, it's wonderful.If it's bad, it's experience.Victoria Holt

Update July 22/08

Well I am back home in Canada riding the back roads of Saskatchewan.I will slowly work my way back to B.C over the next few weeks stopping along the way to visit friends and relatives.This has been a great adventure with lots of ups and downs,much like real life.As this adventure comes to an end Biker Bob and I are already planning the next one.We are going to fly our bikes to Australia and then work our way overland through South east Asia,hopefully into China and Russia ending in Europe.With this in mind I am reluctantly offering my 1995 R100RT BMW Motorcycle and My 1991 VW Westy GL for sale.We will be gone for at least another year and they have already been up on blocks for a year.This is not good for any vehicle so I have to let them go.I want $5000 for the BMW and $20000 for the VW.I have way more money invested in both of them so my price is firm.Any of you that have seen these rigs know that I have kept them in excellent condition.So if you know anyone who might be interested please spread the word.I will be signing off on this blog soon and setting up another one for the new adventure.So long for now..............................
-Wayne" The difference between an adventure and an ordeal isattitude"(unknown)-2007A-21 KLR650(it's a manly Fire Engine Red)-1995R100RT-1991VW Westy GL-ABC 6461 MOA-71007 http://wayneadamson.blogspot.com/ Never regret.If it's good, it's wonderful.If it's bad, it's experience.Victoria Holt

Update July 17/08

Tonight I am in Dickyville,Wisconsin.I have been following secondary roads since I finished the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia.It is great to be back in North America were most people speak a form of English that I can understand.All the roads have been very twisty with great scenery.I am thinking I will go straight north from here and check out the http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/index.html They have many items that I need as my helmet,jacket,pants and boots are just about worn out from use.They have the best quality but also the most expensive gear available.I guess if I am going to do a RTW tour I should get good gear.(talk me into it)????I should be back in Canada (Saskatchewan) by next week.I have two set of friends to visit there and then Alberta to visit relatives and hopefully back home to B.C in late August. Things are going very well now and I am looking forward to being back in Canada eh!
-Wayne" The difference between an adventure and an ordeal isattitude"(unknown)-2007A-21 KLR650(it's a manly Fire Engine Red)-1995R100RT-1991VW Westy GL-ABC 6461 MOA-71007 http://wayneadamson.blogspot.com/ Never regret.If it's good, it's wonderful.If it's bad, it's experience.Victoria Holt

Update July 9/08

I left Miami this morning and have followed #27 north.Tonight I am staying in Mayo Florida.It was a nice ride but very very hot.I will be in Alabama tomorrow still heading north.I don't have much to report so will continue this update as I work my way through Dixie...........July 12/08..........Well it was Gatlinburg in mid July,I just hit town and my throat was dry,so I thought I'd stop and have myself a brew,at a old saloon on a street of mud,sit'n at a table deal'n stud,sat the dirty mangy dog that named me.............sssing along if you know the words:>{))))))) The last few days have been great,I rode through Alabama,Tennessee and North Carolina.Fantastic M/C roads through the Smoky Mountains.I did the Dragons Tail at Dells Gap http://www.tailofthedragon.com/ ,the Foothills parkway through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.I am staying in Gatlinburg Tennessee tonight(hence the song).The people here are very friendly and there are bikes of every kind from all over the states here because of the great twisty roads.On the advice of some of the locals I am going to do some of the not so well know back roads around Gatlinburg tomorrow and then will be heading north east to ride the Blue Ridge Parkway.This is a 469 mile road that follows the highest ridges between the Shenandoah mountain range and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.It covers three states NC,TN and VA.The riding in this area is very much like parts of B.C,especially the Kootneys.Tonight I was down at the Piggly Wiggly and they ID'd me because I was buying a six pack of beer????They actually put my date of birth into the till?It says age confirmed on my receipt.Isn't that weird???Well I don't have WiFI in the motel so I will have to send this later,I may even update again before I send it off.................................................July 13/08..............I am in Boone NC tonight,it rained all day so I didn't get many pictures.I have been on the Blue Ridge Parkway http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/ riding north east,it is a great twisty road with little motor traffic but lots of bikes even in the rain.When the fog would clear I could tell that it would be spectacular scenery if the sun would come out.Maybe tomorrow? I have added another slide show to my blog...............TTyyalllL................................
-Wayne" The difference between an adventure and an ordeal isattitude"(unknown)-2007A-21 KLR650(it's a manly Fire Engine Red)-1995R100RT-1991VW Westy GL-ABC 6461 MOA-71007 http://wayneadamson.blogspot.com/ Never regret.If it's good, it's wonderful.If it's bad, it's experience.Victoria Holt

Update May 30/08

Yesterday I flew into Miami from Sao Paulo.No matter how many times I fly it still amazes me.You get in a machine with hundreds of other people,climb to 10,00 ft,go 500 MPR for 8HRS and come down on the other side of the earth!!! I know it is simple science but it is still so much like magic??I am now dealing by e-mail with the company that is supposed to ship my bike to Florida.Last week they said it would fly out on Friday May 30, to-day they say that they are having problems with the paper work.It may be a week before it finally gets here.I will keep bothering them every day but there is really not much I can do but wait!!The only thing in my favor is that I haven't paid them for the job yet.But I am still stuck in Florida without my bike!!!It is hot and muggy here but I have a air-conditioned hotel room so it isn't so bad.I think I may head south to Key west depending on when my bike arrives.I have been there before but not on a bike and it is only a days ride.I don't have much to report right now so will update when my bike arrives ............................................................ -Wayne" The difference between an adventure and an ordeal isattitude"(unknown)-2007A-21 KLR650(it's a manly Fire Engine Red)-1995R100RT-1991VW Westy GL-ABC 6461 MOA-71007 http://wayneadamson.blogspot.com/ Never regret.If it's good, it's wonderful.If it's bad, it's experience.Victoria Holt

Update May 22/08

I am in Sao Paulo staying at the Hotel Formule 1 in centro Santo Amaro.Formule 1 is like Motel 6 in the states,except these are all 20 story's high.They cost about $60 a night but that is very cheap for most of Brazil.I have been in four major cities in Brazil in the last week trying to find a way to fly my bike to Miami.Every one I talked to would send me somewhere else and on and on.None of the airlines could do it without a cargo forwarder and all of them(DHL etc.) said that they only work with businesses not individuals?I have finally found a company that will do it but it is going to cost big time.A Alternativa in Sao Paulo will ship it by air for $2500 amd estimated.They will crate it tomorrow morning,do all the paper work, truck it to the airport and then I will get an exact price.I have to also book a flight to Miami for myself that will cost a least $1000,Until I know the shipment date for the bike I can't book my flight,but they said it usually takes about ten days for all the customs red tape.I don't know if I can get it out of customs in Miami without an agent,but it will probably cost me at that end as well?I had hoped to fly me and my bike for around two thousand dollars American but what the hell its only money????Sao Paulo is a really impressive city.It is the biggest City in S.A with everything you would expect to find in a big modern city.I guess I will be wandering around here for the next ten days until my bike leaves,but that will be OK as there are lots of great restaurants and things to do and see right at my door step. I won't update again until I am in Miami,but I will post some new pictures of Sao Paulo on my blog.I hope to be back in Canada before the end of June/08. So long for now........................
-Wayne" The difference between an adventure and an ordeal isattitude"(unknown)-2007A-21 KLR650(it's a manly Fire Engine Red)-1995R100RT-1991VW Westy GL-ABC 6461 MOA-71007 http://wayneadamson.blogspot.com/ Never regret.If it's good, it's wonderful.If it's bad, it's experience.

Update May 14/08

I am now in Rio de Janeiro Brazil.I arrived after dark last night and could not find a hotel to save my life.I found two love motels and probably should have stayed in one of them.They start at about $40 FOR 3 HRS and go up to $100 for 12 hrs.I ended up staying at a airport hotel and it cost me $200 for the night $%$#^@&! This morning I started checking out all the cargo carriers at the airport for a flight for myself and my bike back to north America.It isn't as I easy as I imagined it would be to arrange this from here.I now have a agent who is trying to set things up for me.I have told him right from the start that if the price is too high I won't be doing it.All of the SA airlines that used to do this for a reasonable price have stopped flying to north America and all of the NA airlines are not very keen on flying M/C because they are considered dangerous goods?A women from American airlines suggested that I could stay at the sunshine hotel because it is close to the airport but not as expensive as I had paid the night before.So she made reservations for me and my agent lead the way in his car to the hotel.Guess what??? It is a love hotel!!! It has mirrors on the sealing and walls,a hot tub,but no place to hang your clothes.I have taken a couple of pictures of myself in the mirror on the sealing above the bed.You ladies can hang these pictures up at the women's auxiliary meetings,but I don't want any of you guys hanging them up in your garage????I don't know what is going to happen in the next few days but I have decided that I want to come home for a month or two before continuing my round the world tour.My buddy Biker Bob from Arizona and I have roughed out a plan to start in Oz this fall and ride to Europe over the winter.This sounds like a good idea to me,but I want to see friends and family first.Check out my Blog for"HOT NEW PICS"................................................................. -Wayne" The difference between an adventure and an ordeal isattitude"(unknown)-2007A-21 KLR650(it's a manly Fire Engine Red)-1995R100RT-1991VW Westy GL-ABC 6461 MOA-71007 http://wayneadamson.blogspot.com/

Update May 7/08

I made the crossing into Brazil this morning.I am staying in a town called Cascavel about 180 klm down BR277 from Fez do Iguacu.I plan to head straight to the east coast and then move north toward Rio De Janeiro.As always I don't know exactly were I will end up until I get there?Brazil seems like a nice clean and modern Country so far.It is very big and has so much to see that I doubt the one month visa I have been granted will be enough...........................May9/08.I have been in Curitiba for two days now.This is a very big City http://www.yesmagazine.org/article.asp?ID=1258 and interesting because it is so clean and green.I think there are about 3-1/2 Million people but there are very few cars on the streets and very little pollution.I will leave here in the morning and hope to be on the coast road heading north to Rio by tomorrow night.It is cool here right now,I hope to hit warmer weather as I move north.......................May 10/08............HELP_BRAZIL IS TRYING TO KILL ME......................This morning as I was leaving Curitiba I was tail ended by a guy at a red light.He knock me forward and right off the bike.I thought for sure there would be damage to the bike but it is OK.His bumper hit my rear tire and nothing else.I looked it over very closely before leaving the scene and to my amazement nothing was damaged!!!So I head on down the road with bleeding shins and sore wrists but no serious damage.When I got to a town called Peruibe I took a wrong turn somewhere and ended up on a side street in the middle of town.As I was coming up to a stop sign some kid comes flying around the corner right into my lane.For a second I thought this is it,over for good!!I grabbed both brakes as hard as I could and he slammed on his brakes skidding to the left.We both stopped just before hitting each other head on.I did a tuck and tumble to the right unto the sidewalk(it probably wasn't as graceful as I imagine it was) and by the time I got up the bastered was gone down the street.I finally made it to Sao Vicente around six pm and it took me until nine pm to find a hotel.This is a beautiful beach town much like the west end of Vancouver,full of high rises,but very few hotels.Lots of Motels,but you all know the story on motels in Latin America.I am sore all over from the spills I took,but I think it will be ok,we will see if I stiffen up over night.I guess this is just another day in the life of an adventure tourist:>{))))TTYL..............................................................-Wayne" The difference between an adventure and an ordeal isattitude"(unknown)-2007A-21 KLR650(it's a manly Fire Engine Red)-1995R100RT-1991VW Westy GL-ABC 6461 MOA-71007 http://wayneadamson.blogspot.com/

Update May 5/08

My P.C has been down for over a week so I am a little behind in the updates.While in Bolivia I met a great bunch of people on motos from Santa Cruz.I road with them most of the way from Cochabama to Santa Cruz.They helped me find a hotel and I was invited to Kurt and Adriana's home for lunch the next day.They have a very nice home in the center of santa Cruz and we enjoyed a wonderful meal and they made me feel very much at home.In the evening we went to Oscar Foianini's brothers home just outside of Santa Cruz for dinner.Again I felt very much at home and was treated to good food,good people and wonderful hospitality.I will post a slide show of all of this very soon..............I am in Foz Do Iguacu now waiting for my visa so that I can enter Brazil. -Wayne" The difference between an adventure and an ordeal isattitude"(unknown)-2007A-21 KLR650(it's a manly Fire Engine Red)-1995R100RT-1991VW Westy GL-ABC 6461 MOA-71007 http://wayneadamson.blogspot.com/

Update April 25/08

I'm in the Copa-Copacabana(move over Barry Manilo).I don't think this is the place that the song is about?:>{))) I left La Paz this morning and made it to Copacabana around two o'clock.It is a very nice twisty road most of the way.The ferry ride across the lake is more of a raft ride then a ferry ride.The lake is very big and the town seems to be full of South American and German tourists,with the odd Canadian thrown in.This place is at a very high elevation (3841m)and is cold unless you are in the sun.I will stay here for one more day and then move south unless something exciting happensto make me stay???..................I just got back from dinner and a walk to almost every street in town.This is a nice place with lots of friendly locals.It is very much a tourist town,with farming and fishing as secondary industry.I am paying 60 bolivianos for my room in a nice hostel.That is about $8 Cnd.There are many hotels and hostels and the one I am in is probably in the upper 50% price wise.I paid 45 bolivianos for a trout dinner with two glasses of wine..........................................April28/08 I left Copacabana yesterday morning and road to Cochabamba were I spent the night.As I was coming in to Cochabamba I past a bunch of motorcyclist on the road.There were two Harley Davidsons,a V-strom,and two BMW's.They had Bolivian plates and it was getting late so I didn't make an effort to stop and talk to them.Well to-day we ran into each other again in the morning on the way to Santa Crus.I found out they are part of the Santa Cruz motorcycle club and were on a week long ride to a rally in La Paz.We road together for the rest of the day into Santa Cruz.They are some of the nicest people I have met on this trip.They helped me find a hotel in Santa Cruz and I am invited to lunch tomarrow at noon and a BBQ tomarrow night.We road the twisty road from Cochabamba to Santa Cruz and they are all very good riders.My KLR thumper was working pretty hard to keep up with these much bigger bikes,but it was a great ride and not over taxing for the mighty red beast,or its rider. -Wayne" The difference between an adventure and an ordeal isattitude"(unknown)-2007A-21 KLR650(it's a manly Fire Engine Red)-1995R100RT-1991VW Westy GL-ABC 6461 MOA-71007 http://wayneadamson.blogspot.com/

Update April 21/08

I left La Paz this morning for a little side trip to a place called Coroico.It is about three hours NE of La Paz on a typical Bolivian highway.Some good sections,some cobble stone with plenty of washouts and semi cleared avalanches.You leave La Paz at about 4000 Meters and climb for about an hour or so and then start to descend to tropical Brazil type rain forest.It was raining or really foggy for most of the ride so I didn't get many pictures.I hope it is clear on the way back because I think the photo ops would be spectacular.The road up to Coroico is a cobble stone one lane road up into the mountains.The elevation is ??? but it is nice and warm,not like La Paz which is freezing especially at night.Coroico is a small village built in the mountains,in the middle of no were.When I can get on line again I will google it to find out more about its history .http://gosouthamerica.about.com/od/coroico/Coroico_Bolivia.htm..........................I I just got back from dinner at a pizzeria in the town plaza.It blows me away that you can get a pretty good pizza in the middle of no were high up in the Andes in Bolivia.These people have Internet cafes full of kids playing video games.There are no hick towns left anywhere in the world!!!I have been told you can ride a twenty mile section of the old road of death from here.It is only open to bicycles and motos.I will try to find out more in the morning.It is truly amazing how they get everything up here.Anything bigger then a pickup would not be able to pass oncoming traffic in most places on the road that I took to this place.I did not meet any traffic on the way up.I almost turned around thinking I might be on the wrong road to nowhere..........................................April 22/08.....This morning I went in pursuit of the elusive highway of death.... This is my take on the story..... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yungas_Road.Some time ago they built a road from La Paz to Coroico,it was through mountainous terrain and was not a good road.It got a bad reputation because trucks and busses full of people kept falling off the steep embankments.So they built another road and it turned out that it wasn't any better.In 2006 they finished the latest road that is better,but a long way from north American standards.There are many roads going in and out of Coroico,only two will take you to the new road going to La Paz.I came in the back way which is a one lane cobble stone road.The main road is a one and one half lane cobble stone and gravel road that I will leave on in the morning.To-day I went on every road that leaves Coroico,none of these roads are anything close to what I would call a dangerous road.We have many roads in B.C that are much more challenging.This is beautiful mountain terrain with roads that have to be respected by those who use them.It is amazing how many people live up here? I will put several pictures of the roads and mountains in this area on my blog when I can get my PC online.I looked real hard to find a place that looked really dangerous to no avail.I am sure there are sections of the original road that are inaccessible,but I have not been able to get any information about were it is,or if it even exists.I think it is exaggerated,but I have been wrong in the past so who knows???...........April 23/08..........I am back in La Paz and able to get online so I will add some slide shows of what I have seen................................................................................... -Wayne" The difference between an adventure and an ordeal isattitude"(unknown)-2007A-21 KLR650(it's a manly Fire Engine Red)-1995R100RT-1991VW Westy GL-ABC 6461 MOA-71007 http://www.blogger.com/

Update April8/08

I left Filidadelfia Paraguay on April 7/08 with the intention of getting to Villamontes Bolivia by night fall the same day.It is about a 750klm ride and I was told about 80klm of it was gravel.I found a gas station about 200klm down the road at La Paria,and was able to buy gas again from a local out of a jug in Infanti Rivarola just before the Bolivian boarder.I crossed the boarder with a full tank of gas thinking I had about 350klm to go to the next gas station in Villamontes.As soon as I got across the boarder I was on the road from hell!!Mud road,dry in spots with big ruts,wet in spots with big mud puddles,and the rest was sand,some deep and some not so deep!Ientered Bolivia about three PM and it gets dark about six P.M..I came across several military check points and a few work camps for oil rig workers along the way.The only traffic I met were three 4x4 pickups.About five thirty in the afternoon I figured I was getting close to my destination when I came to a river running across the road.SHIT,it was way to big for me to try and ford by myself and it was getting dark fast.About ten klm back I had gone by a herd of goats so I figured there had to be locals in the area.I went back and by this time it was dark but I was able to find two woman too ask about another way out of the area?We verbally stumbled around in the dark until I came to the conclusion that I was going to have to set up camp in the dark.Iwent a little further down the road and found a abandoned adobe type house and proceeded to set up my tent with the head light from the bike.It was way too hot to light a fire so I just went to bed.This was about 7pm and who can go to sleep at that time?There are very strange sounds in the jungle when it gets dark:>{))) I made it through the night and actually had a good sleep when the sand man finally arrived.In the morning I went back to find the women I had been talking with to try again,this time with a pen and paper to find a way out of this area.They showed me which way to go,so off I went.The road they sent me down was hardly a road but I made it around the washout.A little later I was in Villamontes only to find that they only had one bank and the ATM machine was broken down.I was in Bolivia with no gas and no money,plus I had not eaten since breakfast the day before.God bless America,I remembered that I had some Yankee pesos tucked away,so I found a money changer and was able to get enough for a tank of gas and eggs with coffee.I headed down the road(paved) until I came to a town called Camiri,they have a ATM and gas and a hotel!!!!!This is were I will stay fora couple of days until I get used to the new money and culture in Bolivia.Everything is really cheap here,but it seems more like a central American than a south American country.I like it so far and will work my way up to Santa Cruz and then up into the high country around La Paz.I guess the last couple of days has been what adventure motorcycle touring is all about.I think I will try to stay on paved roads while I am in Bolivia.This country has a reputation for bad roads amongst motorcycle adventurers so I kind of expected something like this to happen.All and all it was a great experience..................................................Update April12/08.................I stayed two nights in Camiri,very nice town with cheap good food and accommodation but no Internet access except cafes.Next I headed on to Santa Cruz,another nice but very large city.I stayed there for two days as well in a very nice and reasonably prices hotel.I walked for hours exploring the central shopping area as well as the local market,which is one of the biggest I have ever seen.I left Santa Cruz this morning at around 9am heading for Cochabamba.It is about a 700klm trip,the first half being flat paved road through mostly jungle,with lots of banana and palm trees everywhere you look.The second half of the trip is climbing very bad roads up into the Andes.Every couple of miles the road turns to gravel were it has washed out or an avalanche has occurred.The road is full of broken down,or slow moving trucks so it was very slow going.It also rained for most of the second half of the ride,so I didn't get into Cochabamba until dark,I finally found a hotel after looking for one for over an hour.This is a big city and I guess I just wasn't looking in the right area.The one I found is a four star hotel and will cost me about $50 for the night.That is very expensive for Bolivia,but I was ready to shut her down when I found the place so what the hell!!I really Like Bolivia so far,it is kind of a mixture of Mexico and Peru.After spending the last couple of months in Argentina andChile(which are much like north America) it is kind of hard to go back tothe third world conditions of a country like Bolivia.The people are very friendly,but the poverty is obvious in many areas.They have a middle class population but it is much smaller than some of the wealthier nations in Latin America.I will add a couple of slide shows to my blog soon.Take care my friends............................ -Wayne" The difference between an adventure and an ordeal isattitude"(unknown)-2007A-21 KLR650(it's a manly Fire Engine Red)-1995R100RT-1991VW Westy GL-ABC 6461 MOA-71007 http://wayneadamson.blogspot.com/

Update April 4/08

I have been in Paraguay for four days now.The first three were spent trying to get the mechanic in Asuncion to put my new sprockets and chain onproperly.My tools were stolen in Equador so I have to rely on others to do some of the servicing on my Bike.The problem is that most mechanics here have never seen a KLR650 and like mechanics everywhere they don't like to be told they are doing it incorrectly.So we have to play little games before we finally come to a satisfactory result for all the parties involved.Add a language problem and you can understand why it took three days to get the job done.I am staying in a small town on Ruta 9(Filadelfia)about 400 klm toward Bolivia from Asuncion.The people here are small town folk and very friendly toward the gringo from Canada.Most of these folks don't even know where Canada is?I have never come across that before!But they are very nice and welcoming.Ruta 9 turns to dirt for the last 80 KLM before Bolivia so I hope we don't get any rain for the next couple of days.This is cattle country and very remote territory.It is very green with palm tree forests,Ihave never seen country like it anywhere else.There is very little traffic on the road and lots of road killed animals.The hotel is costing 70,000ml,dinner was 22,000 ml.$100.00cnd is 426,000 ml,that is very cheep living and it is all very good. Hell I'm a gizzillioniar in Paraguay???It is 830pm and I just went outside for a short walk.The stars in the southern hemisphere are entirely different from north America.I couldn't find any constellations that I recognize,but the stars and planets are brilliantwhen you are in remote areas just like at home.(Vic,I know you will have some comments about this subject) April 5/08.................I think I will stay here for a couple of days.I have found Internet access and meet two guys from Germany on old BMWs.I will try to put a small slide show of Paraguay on my blog soon................................................... -Wayne" The difference between an adventure and an ordeal isattitude"(unknown)-2007A-21 KLR650(it's a manly Fire Engine Red)-1995R100RT-1991VW Westy GL-ABC 6461 MOA-71007 http://wayneadamson.blogspot.com/

Update March 22/08

Argentina is such a diverse place.The last couple of days I have discovered the jungle-rain forest part of the country.Getting here took me through farmlands,then pine forests with lumber and pulp mills and then suddenly it becomes jungle.I am in Puerto Iquazu,right on the Brazilian boarder.This is were the big waterfalls are,it is also a national park.If you want to know more about it check out http://www.iquazujunglexplorer.com/ I have not been able to get online for the last couple of days but I hope to add a slide show of this area to my blog soon.I am in a tourist town on the busiest week-end of the year so I had to take a very expensive hotel,but I guess I am lucky to find anything on Saturday of the Easter holiday?I came into town during a tropical downpour,it even slowed down the normally manic driving behavior of Argentian motorists.I have worn out another set of sprockets and chain.I don't know if they will have replacements in stock here,but I will check it out when things open on Monday or Tuesday.The after market parts never seem to last as long as the original and I doubt I will find any Kawi parts in Argentina.I was talking to a local who told me that Paraguay is the cheapest place to buy anything in S.A.I don't know if he is correct,but I am in need of several things for the bike and myself so I will check that out as well................................................................Update march 29/08.........................................I am in Posadas Argentina now because this is were I had to go for a visa so I can enter Paraguay.I arrived yesterday but the council was closed.I found out this morning they won't open until Monday so I guess I will probably be here until Tuesday?It is a nice and very busy little City so I don't mind.I have added two new slide shows to my blog.That is all for now my friends.Take care.................................................-Wayne" The difference between an adventure and an ordeal isattitude"(unknown)-2007A-21 KLR650(it's a manly Fire Engine Red)-1995R100RT-1991VW Westy GL-ABC 6461 MOA-71007 http://wayneadamson.blogspot.com/

Update March 20/08

This past few weeks I have not felt much like posting anything.With all that has happened since I entered Argentina I feel like I have been on a mental rollercoaster.I have meet a whole bunch of great people here that have made me very happy and I have witnessed the death of a good friend that has made me very sad.I entered Argentina in early January so I guess I have been here over two months now.Argentina is a very big country with many types of landscape.The people are very much like north Americans except for the language.I have really been struggling with learning to speak Spanish.I don't think it is going happen!!!I understand a lot more than I did when I entered Latin America,but I can't speak anything more than a few words.Every time I think I have learned a phrase or a real sentence,it is gone from my head the next time I try to use it.It is frustrating because I have meet many other gringos who seem to pick Spanish up very easily.The Argentinean culture is similar to ours in many ways but there are also many differences.They start their day early,have siesta in the midday and end their day very late.Most restaurants don't even open until 9pm and people don't usually start to arrive until 10pm.The streets are full of people until 1am even in the small towns and villages.I am heading north now up to the falls in Cataratas del Iguazu in the province of Misiones on the Brazilian boarder.These falls make Niagara look small so I am looking forward to seeing them.After that I will go back to Peru and Bolivia for a while before moving north into Brazil. I guess this is more of a rambling than a update,but I just felt like posting something?Take care my friends,I will update with pictures and more news as it happens.......................................... -Wayne" The difference between an adventure and an ordeal isattitude"(unknown)-2007A-21 KLR650(it's a manly Fire Engine Red)-1995R100RT-1991VW Westy GL-ABC 6461 MOA-71007 http://wayneadamson.blogspot.com/

Update March 09/08

I am still in B.A staying at http://www.dakarmotos.com/index1.htm .I have been here for one week and will head north in a few days.This week-end we all went to Azul http://www.laposta-azul.com/la_posta_index1.htm to another m/c hostel for travelers There are people from all over the world who meet in these places to work on their bikes and enjoy the camaraderie of other riders. I will add another slide show with some great pictures of some of these people.I am having a wonderful time with no real spare moments to post so this will be it for now.....................keep your stick on the ice................................................ -Wayne" The difference between an adventure and an ordeal isattitude"(unknown)-2007A-21 KLR650(it's a manly Fire Engine Red)-1995R100RT-1991VW Westy GL-ABC 6461 MOA-71007 http://wayneadamson.blogspot.com/

Tierra Del Fuego-Gad Zooks

I am in Ushuaia,Tierra Del Fuego,Argentina!!!The most southern city in theworld.Far F*&%kn out!!Ever since the seventies when Frank Zappa mentioned Tierra Del Fuego as a exotic place to go,I thought I would do it one day?Well I did it!!!!Some of you may not know what I am talking about,but some of you do:>)))))))Ushuaia is a full tilt tourist town with cruise ships in the harbor and shops full of over priced stuff for the gringos to buy.It is in a beautiful setting with the ocean and snow capped mountains allaround.This is their summer but it is very cold.Everyone is wearing sweaters and even winter jackets.The heat is on in all the hotels,all year round I think? I have thought about going on a Antarctic cruise if I can find a good last minute deal?Well guess what,in all the travel agent windows there are last minute deals on cruises to the AA for USD 4000. and up.I think if you book ahead you still get a last minute deal???I doubt that I will find anything in my price range but I will continue to look.I will stay here for a couple of days at least,once I start back north the whole dynamics of my adventure will change.I will not have a ultimate destination until I decide on one?This has been a very strange month,I have lost a good friend in a tragic way and fulfilled a life long dream in a two week period.It seems that all of the good things in my life have always been countered by something equally bad.I guess that is just the way life is?I will post another slideshow of Tierra Del Fuego and Ushuaia on my Blog.Take care my friends................................. -Wayne" The difference between an adventure and an ordeal isattitude"(unknown)-2007A-21 KLR650(it's a manly Fire Engine Red)-1995R100RT-1991VW Westy GL-ABC 6461 MOA-71007 http://wayneadamson.blogspot.com/

To Ken Rogers R.I.P

I am trying to find a way to start my updates again after the tragic death of my friend Ken Rogers in Chile.It is really difficult.The CDS ride to Argentina was a big part of my whole adventure.I wanted to ride with my friends to the most southern city in the world.The group had ridden to WhiteHorse Yukon in 2003 and we were planning a ride up the Dempster to Inuvik in the future.Ken was a natural leader who had the ability to relate to people from all walks of life.He was a educated man that could get down in the real world with the rest of us and act like a adolescent when he wanted too.We have shared so many adventures and misadventures together.Ken lived for his family,he loved his wife Judy and his children and grandchildren were his pride and joy.He also loved riding motorcycles.He was one of the best riders I have ever had the pleasure to motor with.He had logged many kilometers on every kind of bike from dirt to goldwings,to his latest acquisition the burgman.I think he would agree that the mighty KLR was the best but we may have disagreed on what color is the most appealing?R.I.P I have dedicated a slideshow of the CDS in Patagonia(Argentina and Chile) to Ken's memory on my blog.You can view it at http://picasaweb.google.ca/home or go to my blog and click on slideshows in the upper right hand corner.. -Wayne" The difference between an adventure and an ordeal is attitude"(unknown)-2007A-21 KLR650(it's a manly Fire Engine Red)-1995R100RT-1991VW Westy GL-ABC 6461 MOA-71007 http://wayneadamson.blog/

Update Jan 18/08

Buenos Aires is a very large City with many lovely parks and squares.The Rio del la Plata runs through the northern part of the city.It also boarders the south Atlantic ocean to the east. The population is close to 14 million people.They drive like Latin's,but for a city this size the traffic is not that bad in the parts of the city that I have been.After this trip to central and south America I will never complain about Calgary drivers again:>{)) This morning I followed Ave. Cabildo for miles to the south.It seemed like it never ends.I finally gave up and found Ave. del Libertador that runs parallel to the north which took me back to my hotel.I want to be able to lead the C.D.S guys out of the city when they get here.It won't be hard as we just have to get on the Autopista going in the right direction and then just follow the signs?Moto's have to pay on the toll roads in the city and that has not been the case since Mexico.I am making a slideshow of the city that I will blog in a few days.It is hard to decide what to shoot as it is so big and kind of looks all the same?............................I just came back from a ride down Ave.Cabildo to the north,it is the same as to the south?It goes on forever.I finally turned around and came back the same way!It is like driving in downtown Vancouver all the way to Hope!!!I am going to post this now,but will add more pictures and text as the days progress................................... -Wayne" The difference between an adventure and an ordeal isattitude"(unknown)-2007A-21 KLR650(it's a manly Fire Engine Red)-1995R100RT-1991VW Westy GL-ABC 6461 MOA-71007 http://wayneadamson.blogspot.com/

Update Jan14/08

If you have Randy Bachmans"I was Born in a Prairie town",play it while you watch my next slideshow.I felt emotional while riding through this part of Argentina.I don't think of the prairies as my home anymore, except you can take the boy out of the flatlands,but you can't take the flatlands out of the boy??Any of you who were raised on the prairies will know what I mean?It felt like when I go to visit Bill and Pat in Saskatchewan or when I go to Calgary and Edmonton in the summer!I rode from 9am to 8pm through this region and it was hotter then hell the whole time,just like a prairie summer day when you know you will get a massive thunder storm in the evening?The roads are straight as an arrow and the terrain is flat as a pancake!I am staying in a small town much like Wetaskiwan, Camrose or any other Prairie settlement.The people here are extremely friendly and look very much like the people you find in rural Alberta or Saskatchewan.I just got back from the restaurant in my hotel.Not being able to speak or understand Spanish I let the waitress pick my dinner again?They seem to think that gringos love green olives and ham with cheese and boiled eggs.This is OK, but not for every meal?I must learn to speak a little Spanish or I will overdose on green olives,ham and egg:>{)))))This seems to be a Argentina thing!.........................Jan 16/08..........I am in Buenos Aires now.A very big city with lots of traffic and lots of color!I found http://www.dakarmotos.com/index1.htm with ease,but decided I would find a hotel in a different part of town closer to the place I will meet the guys from C.D.S on Feb 1/08.The people from Dakar are wonderful and very helpful.Javier will service my bike and mount new tires on Monday Jan 21/08..........................I AM GOING TO CHANGE HOW I PRESENT THE SLIDESHOWS ON MY BLOG?FROM NOW FORWARD YOU WILL HAVE TO GO TO http://picasaweb.google.ca/adamsonwd IN ORDER TO SEE THE SLIDESHOWS.Or you can click on "All the slideshows" on the top rh side of the blog? You may have to sign in with google?I have to do this as it is taking forever for the SS's to download on my blog.If this is not working for you I will not know unless to tell me.I would love feed back from anyone.Adios Amigos from sunny and hot Buenos Aires............................................................................ -Wayne" The difference between an adventure and an ordeal isattitude"(unknown)-2007A-21 KLR650(it's a manly Fire Engine Red)-1995R100RT-1991VW Westy GL-ABC 6461 MOA-71007 http://wayneadamson.blogspot.com/

Update Jan 12/08

I updated in Arequipa Peru last I think?I am in San Pedro de Atacama Chiletonight.It took me one hour at the boarder to cross,very easy!Chile is very cheap,and very dry?It is desert from the border down to Tocopilla and then desert to Calma and on to San Pedro.I followed the Pacific ocean down to Tocopilla and then turned east to get to San Pedro.I have just about had enough desert,it is very beautiful,but windy in the flat sections.The coast road had a land slide and I had to take a detour up a mountain road that was a bit challenging,but no big problem.Iquique is a big coastal city with a giant sand dune right in the middle.I stayed there my first night in Chile.It is very Americanized but still very cool!San Pedro is a must see if you are in Chile.It is full of tourists from south America.I will post some pictures when I can get online.It is mostly adobe houses and is kind of a maze to find your way around.I wish I had more time to spend here,but I must push on to Argentina in the morning. Chile is two hours ahead of Peru time wise,so it stays light until 9pm. I will finish this update in Argentina when I can get online..................Update Jan 10/08 Today was a day I will always remember!I woke up sicker then a dog.It must have been the pasta I had last night.I felt dizzy and sat on the crapper for a long time!I had breakfast about 8 am and felt fine?I left San Pedro at 10 am on my way to Salta Argentina.The road climbed up over a pass that was so high the KLR did not want to run properly.It cough and farted and chugged along,but it kept on thumping!I don't know how high we were but it was very high When I reached the Argentina border it was 12 noon,I took off into Argentina at 12:30??A new record for crossing into another Country!!I fueled up in Jama,350 klm from San Pedro.People with small tanks on there bikes have to carry gas to make this crossing.I got some money at a ATM machine,and headed out for the next pass into Argentina.This one wasn't quite as high,but was fogged in really bad from half way up to half way down.It was also very cold and I froze my ass off! Suddenly it all turns to lush rain forest type terrain.It started to rain really hard,but warmed up to the point that it was to hot??I made it into Salta on some great twisty roads in the rain.I found a hostel down town,had a beer and went sleep for the night..............Jan 12/08........I left Salta this morning around 9am and have been riding interstate type roads all day.This part of Argentina is mostly flat and very green.I made it to Santiago Del Estero at 6pm and found a hotel with Internet.I think I will stay here for a couple of days as I feel I have been pushing too hard since Lima and it is becoming kind of a grind??Time to stop and smell the roses so to speak:>{))After all I am retired?????I will post some new slideshows on my blog. So long for now.................... -Wayne"The difference between anadventure and an ordeal isattitude"(unknown)-2007A-21 KLR650(it's a manly Fire Engine Red)-1995R100RT-1991VW Westy GL-ABC 6461 MOA-71007 http://wayneadamson.blogspot.com/

Update Jan 6/08

Tonight I am in Arequipa Peru.I left Lima on Sunday morning and have been following the Pacific coastline south.I have posted a slide show of the coast road on my Blog.I decided that I had better get my ass in gear in order to make it to Buenos Aries by Feb 1 when the C.D.S guys arrive for our trip to the the southern tip of Argentina.It is a little over 3000klm from Lima to Buenos Aires and I would like to have a few days to see the city before we leave for Tierra del Fuego..............Jan 8/08...............Now I am in Tacna Peru,40 klm from the Chile boarder.The roads getting here are a blast.I have been riding all day for 3 days since Lima and I am still in Peru.If the roads in Chile and Argentina are as good as this it may be difficult to get to Buanis Aries by Feb 1.But I will do it no matter what??I havn't been able to get on line since Lima.Thats it for now....Adios Amego's................................. -Wayne" The difference between an adventure and an ordeal isattitude"(unknown)-2007A-21 KLR650(it's a manly Fire Engine Red)-1995R100RT-1991VW Westy GL-ABC 6461 MOA-71007 http://www.blogger.com/

Update Jan 3/08

I am in Lima Peru,have been since January 1/08.I am staying at http://www.homeperu.com/ .I have added another slide show to my Blog.This is a very upscale section of Lima.I have had a Starbucks coffee very day that I have been here.That's pretty west coast???I don't have much more to say today except that I am having the mighty Red steed canyon cut here in Lima.From now on he will have his mind"only on the twistes".I will post pictures as soon as the job is done. -Wayne" The difference between an adventure and an ordeal isattitude"(unknown)-2007A-21 KLR650(it's a manly Fire Engine Red)-1995R100RT-1991VW Westy GL-ABC 6461 MOA-71007 http://wayneadamson.blogspot.com/

Update Dec30/07

This morning I picked my bike up at the mechanics shop.This guy has two old KLR650's sitting in his garage.He fixed my waterpump seal,put in a new spark plug.changed my oil,serviced my air filter,serviced my battery,fixed the wiring for my heated grips,put new sprockets front and back,and added a new chain(I supplied the chain and sprockets) all for $120 cnd.I watched him do everything except the waterpump seal,he did that over night.He probably charged me more than he would have charged a Peruvian but it was still very cheep considering the time he spent doing it.So I decided I would take a run up to Huallanca and check out the mountain scenery.About half way there I was passing a truck that was going very slow and was pulled over by the policia for passing on a solid line.The guy spent 10 minutes trying to explain to me what I had done wrong.I finally got him to understand that I knew what I had done.Finally he says no violation,but he wants me to voluntarily give him some money for gasolina for his police car.I said no!He wasn't being aggressive with me and he didn't seem pissed,so I just said no, shook his hand,and left!He smiled at me as I was leaving so it all turned out OK.I had a great ride and was back in Huaras in time for dinner.I am going up in the mountains on back roads tomorrow.I will stay here for New Years eve and than go to Lima on NY Day. Happy New Year to everyone............................................ -Wayne" The difference between an adventure and an ordeal isattitude"(unknown)-2007A-21 KLR650(it's a manly Fire Engine Red)-1995R100RT-1991VW Westy GL-ABC 6461 MOA-71007 http://wayneadamson.blogspot.com/

Update Dec 28/07

I am staying at a hotel in Huaraz for a few days while I get a new set ofsprockets and chain installed on the bike.Go herehttp://www.andeantravelweb.com/peru/destinations/huaraz/index.html to findout more about Huaraz.It is a really cool town,very inexpensive andcolorful.Tonight I went out to the Chilli Heaven Restaurant and had a very good Indian beef curry.The place was recommended by Brian from Williams Lake who's son knows the owner.Unfortunately the owner (who takes people on motorcycle tours around Huaraz) is in Lima for the next few days.It was a good meal anyway!I have posted another slide show on my blog.Happy New Year to everyone......................................- Feliz Navidad -Wayne" The difference between an adventure and an ordeal isattitude"(unknown)-2007A-21 KLR650(it's a manly Fire Engine Red)-1995R100RT-1991VW Westy GL-ABC 6461 MOA-71007 http://wayneadamson.blogspot.com/

Update Dec 26/07

I left Colan this morning at about 10:30 heading south across the desert.I made it all the way to Trujillo.The ride was mostly through desert,in some sections there were no trees at all just sand dunes as far as you could see in every direction.The wind was blowing pretty good for a few hours in the afternoon so I had a bit of a sand blasting to clean any rust off the KLR.I hope to head up into the mountains tomorrow if the weather looks good.They say the rainy season is fast approaching in the high country so if it is going to rain I will stay along the coast until Lima?.............................Dec 27/7 I left Trujillo this morning around 930 and headed south toward Chimbote.The weather looked good so I thought I would take the turn off at Nepen that goes east to a highway that takes you to Huaraz.There were two Polizia sitting at the turn off in Nepen so I stopped to ask them if I should take this road or go up to Casma and turn east there.They told me to go to Casma because the road from Nepen is very rough.Ok so off I go thinking I had just saved myself some time and the hassle of a bad road.I turned onto the road east to Huaraz from Casma at 3pm.It is a great twisty paved road with fruit trees corn and other crops for about 25klm.It constantly climbs as it moves eastward.Soon I came to a little town called Yautan.There was construction on the main road through town so I followed the detour signs such as they were? Pretty soon I was out of town and on a very rough road,climbing all the time.There were some people on the side of the road so I asked them if this is the road to Huaraz?Si this is it so I kept going,climbing all the time?The road kept getting worse all the time and I just kept on climbing?I started to think that Maybe I should turn back,but people kept telling me that this was the road to Huarz so I kept going and kept climbing.After about a hour of this it started to rain.The road was half washed out in places,I had to go through big mud holes and small creek crossings.But it just kept climbing higher and higher into the mountains.There were several little settlements and small farming communities along the way,all built on the sides of very steep embankments and switchbacks as I climbed higher and higher in the rain!.Each time that it would sort of level off I would think that we can't possibly climb any higher?I would meet trucks and busses coming the other way on some of the switch backs and that was a little unnerving to say the least!Around 5pm I came to a small village with a one pump gas station.There was a guy in a Toyota van blocking the road so I had to stop because there was only room for one vehicle on the road.I asked him if there was a hotel anywhere near?He said to follow him so that is what I did.We climbed,and switched backed for another hour until we came to what seemed like the top of the world. This road was like some of the worst old logging roads that we have in the Cariboo.It would have been fun on a nice day when and if I knew were I was?Anyway we came to the very top of the highest mountain around and suddenly I am looking down on a very large city way down at the bottom of a narrow valley.Right at the top there is a road marker that says 25klm.So we do 25 klm of switch backs down into the valley,still a very bad road but at least I know that Huaraz awaits at the bottom.I don't know for sure.but I think I was as high 4500 Meters to-day.It was a good ride and I sure am glad to be in a nice hotel room in Hauraz.Thats all for now..........Audios Amigos.............. - Feliz Navidad -Wayne" The difference between an adventure and an ordeal isattitude"(unknown)-2007A-21 KLR650(it's a manly Fire Engine Red)-1995R100RT-1991VW Westy GL-ABC 6461 MOA-71007 http ://wayneadamson.blogspot.com/

Christmas In Colan Peru/07

Last night I had Xmas dinner with Alfred and his family whose home I am staying in.Theyprepared a turkey dinner and served it at 11pm.I had eaten dinner withLorraine at around seven so I wasn't really hungry,but they insisted that Ijoin them so I did.It was a good time with lots of laughs in very badEnglish and Spanish.We drank Champaign and beer and that kept the laughs andXmas spirit flowing?They played all the usual Xmas songs on a tape deck,butit was all in Spanish.I really enjoyed this as it was a typical Peruvianfamily Xmas dinner.Tonight Lorraine and I took a motto taxi out to a resort hotel on the far edge of town for Xmas dinner.We drank a bottle of Chilean Merlot and watched the sun go down as we eat another great meal.I am really going to hate leaving this place.The local tourists are starting to show up and they say more will arrive every day from now on so it is time to leave here with my next destination being Huaraz..- Feliz Navidad -Wayne" The difference between an adventure and an ordeal isattitude"(unknown)-2007A-21 KLR650(it's a manly Fire Engine Red)-1995R100RT-1991VW Westy GL-ABC 6461 MOA-71007 http://wayneadamson.blogspot.com/

Update Dec 24/07

Colan is such a laid back place.I get up in the morning around 830 or 900and have coffee on the balcony overlooking the south pacific ocean.Most daysthis takes me an hour or so before I am ready to start my day.There is notreally much to do here,but that is part of its charm.You don't really needanything to do,the day just kind of unfolds as it goes along.Now that wehave a Internet cafe you kind of feel you should go check your e-mail acouple of times to see if anything is happening.Most days I ride my bike fora couple of hours.We go for walks along the beach or on the road that runsbehind the beach front homes.The locals seem to be busy most of the time,butare never in any kind of a hurry?I was thinking today how different my lifewas just three short months ago?It is so great just to live in the momentand not be worried about were you have to be or what you have to do later!Ithink I have felt like this ever since Mexico,but this place has reallytaken me to a new level of relaxation and sloth:>{))Sloth isn't the rightword because that implies letting things go to the point that nothingmatters,and everything here just seems to work out as it should....................................Dec 24/07 When I went for my morning ride today I discovered two more little beach towns about one half hour south of Colan.I will post the pictures on my blog..................Merry Christmas.........................................- Feliz Navidad -Wayne" The difference between an adventure and an ordeal isattitude"(unknown)-2007A-21 KLR650(it's a manly Fire Engine Red)-1995R100RT-1991VW Westy GL-ABC 6461 MOA-71007 http://wayneadamson.blogspot.com/ /

Update Dec 22/07

To-day I noticed that several business in town have put up Xmas decorations.It seems out of place to see Santa and his elves in neon in this sleepy little Peruvian beach town?I am told that the weekend is always busy with people coming here to spend a couple of days away from the routine.We went to a restaurant way down at the south end of town last night for dinner and it was very good.Most of the restaurants that are clustered around the center of town serve basically the same dishes,but this guy cooked us a really delicious beef dinner.This morning I went for a ride on the KLR to Paita were I took more pictures of the moto taxis and some of the fishing fleet in the harbor.I have posted them as a slide show on my Blog.It is hardto believe that Xmas will be here in a couple of days.I keep calling the place I am staying a Hotel but it is really someone's home.Kind of like abed and breakfast in north America.They speak a little English so we get along fine...........................................................-FelizNavidad -Wayne" The differencebetween an adventure and an ordeal isattitude"(unknown)-2007A-21 KLR650(it's a manly Fire Engine Red)-1995R100RT-1991VW Westy GL-ABC 6461 MOA-71007 http://wayneadamson.blogspot.com/

Update Dec 21/07

I am almost becoming one of the locals in this town.One the local gringo'sanyway?Lorraine and I are still the only gringo's in town,she has been herefor four months and I have only been here for four days.In four days Isuppose I have seen many of the locals quite a few times because it is sucha small place.The Internet cafe that opened to-day appears to be a greatsuccess on its first day.I left the place at 830 PM and it was full ofpaying customers.To-day I did the hour ride into Piurac to try and findsomeone who can weld aluminum.I want to get my panniers canyon cut so I canlean the bike over in the twisties without worry of scraping them on thepavement.I went to five different shops and everyone sent me to a differentshop saying that the next guy can do it but they can't?I finally gave up andcame home.I think I will have to get it done when I get to Lima.This town isa great place to just kick back and be totally relaxed.I don't think it willbe the same when all the Peruvian and European tourists arrive afterXmas,but right now it is a dream come true.It has perfect weather,abeautiful beach,good food and it is very "inexpensive".What more could aScottish boy want??I have sat on the balcony of the place I am staying andwatched the pelicans and other sea birds fish for hours at a time.The oceanis fascinating to observe.It is kind of like starring at a camp fire,youalmost become hypnotized? - Feliz Navidad -Wayne" The difference between anadventure and an ordeal isattitude"(unknown)-2007A-21 KLR650(it's a manly Fire Engine Red)-1995R100RT-1991VW Westy GL-ABC 6461 MOA-71007 http://wayneadamson.blogspot.com/

Update Dec 20/07

I think I have died and gone to mango heaven!Southern Ecuador and northcentral Peru are major suppliers of mango's to the world and I am right inthe middle of mango season.There are highway trucks full of green mangosgoing north and probably south.There are pickup trucks with mango'soverflowing the box going to market in all the towns and villages.There aremango's in the stores and kiox's on every corner.There are mango's on treeseverywhere you look.There are big mango's,small mango's,round mango's,oblongmango's and really odd shaped mango's.In case you don't get the picture ILOVE Mango's.When we get them at home they are expensive and quite often donot ripen properly.I am going to eat mango's every day for all threemeals.They are so juicy and delicious!I guess that is enough aboutMango's????To-day I crossed the boarder into Peru.It was a pleasure dealingwith the officials at every crossing in south America so far.It is a totallydifferent experience then all of the central American countries.I am in atown called Sullana,were I found a hotel for about $10.00,but I have to payto park the moto.I don't know the cost but it won't be much?I plan onworking my way down the coast to Lima.I am back into the humidity again butit wasn't too bad to-day.I am going to meet Lorraine in Colan tomorrow.Shehas invited people from the Hub(Internet m/c site) to spend Xmas in Colon,Idon't know if this will work out or not but I want to meet her because shesounds like a seasoned traveler who has spent a lot of time kicking aroundsouth America.Plus she looks hot on her website!!I should do a update on thebike for those who are interested----I left Williams Lake on September25/07with 13105klm on the clock.I now have 29423 on the clock in SullanaPeru.That's 16318klm in a little over two and one half months.I have changedthe oil four times and the filter twice.I have changed tires threetimes,started out with kendas(they suck for this kind of riding),went to MCEkaroo's in California(not much better) and I now have 7000klm on a set ofContinental-conti escape that I put on in Guatemala.They are still lookingpretty good at 7000 klm.I will try to get to Argentina with them,but timeand klm will tell.The bike still has the stock chain and sprockets,I amgoing to ware them right to the max.I keep the chain well oiled with 80-90wt oil and it still is looking OK.The waterpump seal has been leaking eversince I left home(it should be covered by warranty)but I just top it upevery week or so and it is not a problem?The brake pads are still lookinggood,and I have never even topped up the oil between oil changes.So themighty KLR650 is living up to its reputation.I still think it is the bestbang for the buck of any M/C made to-day or any day!!!I rode this bikethrough all the great twisties from Mexico to Panama without any problems todo with the big oversize aluminum panniers.In Colombia I touched first theleft side and then the right side going into corners.The third time ithappened it actually lifted the wheel and put the bike off in a differentdirection.Lucky I was going slow and there was no oncoming traffic or Iwould not be telling this story.Ever since that day I have been very carefulabout leaning it over.I don't know if the roads in South America are builton a different angle or camber,or if six days on the boat with thesuspension bottomed out lowered the bike just enough to make thedifference.But I do know that as soon as I can find a welder who works withaluminum I am going to have the panniers canyon cut.This will solve theproblem and I can enjoy the twisties again.It will mean less room in mybags,but I have too much shit anyway!!I will send some of it home as I havebeen saying since Mexico:>{))))When I get to Argentina I will do a completemajor service on the Bike.Before I left I installed a new doohicky with thenew torsion type spring.I have adjusted it twice since I left,I assume it isdoing fine?I have been riding with four different guys on BMW f650s since Ileft Vancouver.They have all had minor problems with their bikes while Ihave had none.I have been able to keep up with all of them,although they doget marginally better gas mileage......................................................................................................................................................Update-Dec18/07 I have been in Colan Peru for two days now.It is a very nice tourist town on the pacific ocean with no tourists at this time of year.After Xmas the place fills up with Peruvian and European tourists and all the prices for accommodation and such doubles.I am paying $10cnd for a room right on the beach.I will stay here for Xmas because it is a beautiful place and cheep!I meet Lorraine today and she is a very charming women with interesting stories to tell. We had dinner tonight at the restaurant in my hotel and watched the sun go down as we eat fresh caught fish and drank the local pilsen callao.This is a very small town with a gorgeous beach,the roads into and out of town are made of sand.The locals are all very friendly and accommodating.There is no Internet service right now,but there is supposed to be a Internet cafe opening tomorrow?I hope so as this will allow me to phone home for Xmas without driving over one half hour to the nearest Internet cafe?.......................The Internet cafe has opened and is working fine so I will send this off now and update my blog wth some pictures............................................................................................................................................................ - Feliz Navidad -Wayne" The difference between an adventure and an ordeal isattitude"(unknown)-2007A-21 KLR650(it's a manly Fire Engine Red)-1995R100RT-1991VW Westy GL-ABC 6461 MOA-71007 http://wayneadamson.blogspot.com/

Update Dec14/07

Dec11/07I left Quinto today at noon.It took me two hours to find my way out of townand another hour before I was sure that I was on the right road?Quito is aanother very Big City that is built in and around the mountains.The roadsigns are difficult to find to non existing.I finally just gave in to thefact that I had to stop and ask every time I was not sure which way to go?Icame across a hostel at around 4pm in the rain and I thought it would wiseto check in rather than risk trying to find accommodation in the dark.I amjust outside of Latacunga Ecuador.There are several volcanoes aroundhere,one who's peak is the furthest point from the center of the planet.Ihope it is clear in the morning so that I can go take a picture.The signsays 21 kilometers,but there is no point in going if you can't see it!It isvery cold here,not freezing but very cold.This is on the equator,so why isitcold?They have no heating units of any kind but the bedding is like we haveat home.I may get out my down sleeping bag?----Dec12/07----Tonight I amstaying in a town called Chunhi way up in the mountains of Ecuador.The firstpart of this day started off pretty good,lots of cloud but not too cold orwet.Around noon I stopped to eat in RioBamba and then carried on along thePan-American highway.The road climbed higher and higher and got worse andworse as I went along.It also became foggier with every kilometer until Icouldn't see two feet in front of the bike.I thought I must have taken thewrong road ,but I was afraid to stop or turn around because there was a lotof traffic.I just kept going with my bright lights and left signal lighton!Soon the pavement ended and the road became even worse.Finally we came tolittle town so I could pull over to get my wits about me?A guy in a Suv wentby me and than stopped,backed up and asked if I was all right.I said yes,butis this still the Pan-American highway.He said yes,it is like this for aboutanother hour or so?I tucked in behind him and some other vehicles followinga big highway truck that was going very slowly.This was all right with me.Ifelt a little safer?Finally at around four PM we came into Chunhi!The roadis still very bad here and I can't see across the street from my hotelwindow because of fog.But you know what,the trucks keep going by even in thedark???I thought it would be best to start again in the morning.The hotelroom is $8.00,$2.00 to park the moto,and a nice dinner cost me $1.90 .Itwould be easy to think of this as a bad day,but at the same time it is notboring????I hope the fog lifts so it is safer to ride,but I also think I ammissing some spectacular scenery? ...............................................................................................................................- Dec14/07..........I am in Loja .I arrived last night after a spectacular day of riding the hills,and Valleys of southern Ecuador.I will stay here for a few days before moving on to Peru.I have had trouble finding a place to get my pc online for the last few days.I will update my blog and send off some e-mail now just in case I have the same problem in Peru...................................................................Feliz Navidad -Wayne" Thedifference between an adventure and an ordeal isattitude"(unknown)-2007A-21 KLR650(it's a manly Fire Engine Red)-1995R100RT-1991VW Westy GL-ABC 6461 MOA-71007 http://wayneadamson.blogspot.com/

Update Dec 7/07

I haven't really updated since Cartagena partly because I have been busy andpartly because Colombia is a very complicated place.The roads here are amotorcyclists wet dream.Mostly mountainous,deep valleys and high passes withlots of traffic and no rules.We stayed in Medellin at the motorcycle hostelfor several days.Medellin is a nice safe city with good restaurants and lotsof night life.Next we went on to Bogota were we stayed for several days inanother hostel that was very nice.Bogota is very big (7.5 million people)city.We went to lots of good restaurants and generally played the touristgame.Bob left to stay with his Colombian girl friend and Mike and I are nowon our way to Ecuador.We are staying in Cali tonight and will try to make itto Quito tomorrow.I will be slowing down in Ecuador and Mike will boggie onto Peru.He is going to store his Bike in Lima while he does a trip to Africawith a friend from Colorado.He will meet his friend in the states and thenfly out after Xmas.I am going to explore Ecuador in some detail if I like itthere.A little bit about Colombia-Colombia has a very bad reputation as aunsafe place to travel.There is a lot of gorilla and bandit activity in manyparts of the country that has everything to do with the cocaine trade and Ithink class,poverty,and politics.There are police everywhere you go alongthe highways,on all the bridges and on every street corner in every town andcity.All of the people we have meet and been involved with have beengenuinely friendly and helpful in every way.We are in one of the mostdangerous areas of the country right now and everyone makes a point oftelling you not to travel after dark.I hope before I send off this update inthe next day or two that we will have some good news,but as it stands rightnow one of our traveling buddies is missing in the Darian region.Geoff fromIowa has not been in contact with his parents or anyone else since November15/07.We left him when we boarded the Melody in Portobelo Panama.He wantedto find a cheaper way to get to Colombia.Dec7/07..............Good news,the state department of the USA and Geoff's father who flew to Panama in search of his son have information that he is on a boat.The boat was also unaccounted for many days.The state department will hold Geoff at the next POC so he can contact his parents.This was quite a scare for us all,because we left him on the dock in Portablo and were his last known contact for almost three weeks?On to more positive things..........I am staying in a hostel in Quito,Ecuador tonight,$22 AMD and that includes breakfast at a pancake house.It is more like a nice hotel than a hostel?Quito is right on the equator but it is cold.I guess because we are so high in elevation?You have to ware a light jacket if you go out in the evening(don't you hate it when that happens:>{))))))))))))) I will stay here for a few days and then go explore the country side of Ecuador................So long for now...................................................................................................- Feliz Navidad -Wayne" The difference between an adventure and an ordeal isattitude"(unknown)-2007A-21 KLR650(it's a manly Fire Engine Red)-1995R100RT-1991VW Westy GL-ABC 6461 MOA-71007 http://wayneadamson.blogspot.com/

Update Nov 28/07

I am still in Medallion Colombia.Mike left yesterday for Bogota and Bob and I will stay for one more day before we leave.We will take at least a couple of days to get to Bogota as there is lots to see between here and there.I went for a ride around the countryside to-day and it was beautiful.I couldn't take any pictures as it is cloudy and that doesn't make for good pictures.We are still in the motorcycle hostel.There is one guy here from Austria who has been riding around South America for the last four years on a f650.He has given us lots of tips on were to go and what to see.Not much is really happening right now,but we are eating and drinking well.I will update again when I have more to report.Keep your stick on the ice.............................................
Wayne " The difference between an adventure and an ordeal isattitude"(unknown)-2007A-21 KLR650(it's a manly Fire Engine Red)-1995R100RT-1991VW Westy GL-ABC 6461 MOA-71007 http://wayneadamson.blogspot.com/

Update Nov 24/07

We left Cartagena this morning and are on our way to Medellin.We have heard about a motorcycle hostel in Medellin that we want to check out.We were stopped by the Colombian police twice to-day and they were both good experiences.They are more interested in our bikes than anything else although they do want to see all the correct paperwork? I will update again in a few days
Wayne " The difference between an adventure and an ordeal isattitude"(unknown)-2007A-21 KLR650(it's a manly Fire Engine Red)-1995R100RT-1991VW Westy GL-ABC 6461 MOA-71007 http://wayneadamson.blogspot.com/

Update Nov 22/07

Wow,have I had a incredible six days?We loaded the bikes on to the S/VMelody,a 42ft sail boat owned and operated by Mark and Paola Matson inPortobello Panama.Portobello is a small village on the Caribbean side ofPanama about forty kilometers south of Colon.We loaded the bikes into asmall aluminum boat and motored them out to the sail boat and then winchedthem up on to the deck of the Melody.We tied them down until the suspensionwas bottomed out so that they would not move even if we encountered roughseas?We had three bikes on board,Bob from Arizona,Mike from Colorado bothhave BMW f650's and I have the Mighty KLR650.I covered the metal parts of mybike with a can of white litho grease to try and protect it from the seasalt spray,but I don't think it really made much difference in the end.Wealso tarped them for the same reason.Also on board were four backpackers.Stenna,Sophia and Peter from Denmark,and Mena from Japan.I may bespelling their names wrong(sorry guys) but they were all wonderfulshipmates.I should also tell you a little about Mark and Paola,they weregracious hosts.Paola is a great cook and Mark has been sailing since he wasa young boy.Paola is from Columbia and Mark is an American whose parentspretty much raised there kids on a sailboat.He has sailed all over the worldever since he was a child.(did I already say that?)They both have a greatsense of humor and a lot of patience for us land lovers.We departed at sixAM on the fifteenth of Nov heading south toward the Archipielago De SanBias,a group of about three hundred and sixty small islands along theCaribbean coast of Panama and Columbia.We sail the first day for abouttwelve hours and dropped anchor around six PM.Mark told us we would wake upin one of the most beautiful places on earth.We went to sleep and woke up tofind out that he was right.The place we had stopped has several Islandsprotected from the Sea by corral reefs.There were a few other boats in thisspot and a couple of native families who survive on one of the Islands byfishing and Coconut sales.They are not commercial fishermen,just subsistenceusers of the resource.They tried to sell us crab and other sea food,but as you will see onmy blog we caught our own.The women also tried to sell us bead work,but wedidn't buy anything from them at all.They canoed out to our boat with thisstuff the first couple of days that we were there.The other boats that wereanchored in this spot were people who spend most of their time living ontheir boat.One couple have actually live there for ten years,only goingashore when it is absolutely necessary.Mark and Paola stop there every twoor three weeks so they bring supplies to the fulltimers. We stayed herethree days just snorkeling,exploring the Islands and eating great mealscooked by Paola.We had a full coarse turkey dinner one night with all thetrimmings,great Lasagna the next and a pork tenderloin on another night.Shealso made a really good spaghetti for another meal.We were eating verywell!!! Mark would take his spear gun when he took us out snorkeling usually in groups of three or four people.We saw sharks,barracudas and all kinds of exotic fish right up close.We ate some of the fish he took and the rest he gave to the other boats.I think he only took three fish the whole time we were there so we weren't over utilizing the resource?We stayed in this spot for three days(one day longer than planned.We set sail on the nineteenth of November early in the morning heading for Cartagena Columbia(Paola's home town).It was a long trip because the winds were not in our favor.We arrived in Cartagena on the twentieth late in the evening so we had to sleep on the boat one extra night.We unloaded the bikes in the morning and went to find a hotel for a shower and some clean cloths.The last two days were a little bit uncomfortable for some of the people on board because of the high winds and rough seas,but overall everyone agreed that it was a good experience.We are just clearing our bikes through customs to-day(Nov 22/07)We all went out for dinner last night to sat goodbye and take some more pictures of each other.We will stay in Cartagena until Saturday or Sunday and then head for Medellin and on to Bogota. Audios for now Amigos...........................PS........you can reach Mark and Paola at Fresh Air Charters freshaircharters@yahoo.com ......................................... Wayne " The difference between an adventure and an ordeal isattitude"(unknown)-2007A-21 KLR650(it's a manly Fire Engine Red)-1995R100RT-1991VW Westy GL-ABC 6461 MOA-71007 http://wayneadamson.blogspot.com/

Nov 12 Ramblings

Well I am back in my Hotel room on a Monday night with nothing to do butwatch TV(AAAGGG)or write something for my blog?I decided I would get a hotelroom rather than stay at the hostel.They only had dorm rooms left and I amcarrying way to much stuff to keep in a room with bunk beds and five or sixback packers.There was also the fact that there is no air conditioning atthe hostel and it is very hot and muggy!I was invited out for dinner by Mikeand the young folks from the hostel but I am not keen on Sushi so Ideclined.We are right in down town Panama city right across from thenational bank of Panama building.Everything around us is open twenty fourhours a day,we have KFC,Mickey D's and all kinds of trendy shops andhotels.Tomorrow we will try to find the BMW Motorcycle dealer so Mike canget his bike serviced.I am ready for a service as well,so I will look for aKawasaki dealer but I don't think I will find one that has any KLR650service parts?The last month and a half have gone by so fast and I have seenand done so much.It seems like I have been on the road for way longer thansix weeks?The way things are going I may be home for the spring? I guesstime will tell,but I am already starting to think about other adventuresthat I want to do?I guess that is kind of crazy talk because there is somuch left of this adventure?We will be crossing the gap from Panama toColumbia on a 40ft sail boat.It takes five days at sea with some stop overat Islands along the way.This will be an adventure within an adventure.Ihave heard of people being seasick for the whole trip.I don't think thatwill happen to me,but I am taking graval along just in case!We heard a storytoday about a couple of bikers who took a boat and the captain supposedlylost his mind half way across.He freaked out and broke the steering of theboat so that they ended up adrift and on some Island part way across?Youhear a lot of these kinds of story's about drug runners and pirates.Isuppose some of them are true,but life is too short to let story's stopyou!!!My fantasy is that we will stop on some tropical Island and barebreasted women will run to greet us on the shore?I will leave the rest ofthe fantasy up to YOUR imagination?More on Panama,there are a lot of blackpeople here.There were some in Costa Rica,but Panama has a very bigpopulation?English seems to be widely understood,but they mostly answer inSpanish.I am learning new words every day,but still have trouble putting asentence together.Numbers are hard as well,but I am learning slowly butsurely?I don't know if I have mentioned this before but from Costa Ricasouth they understand the toilet seat??I don't know what they do with themfrom Mexico to Nicaragua but there must be a very large warehouse full ofthem somewhere because you won't find them on toilets!Nov 13/07..........Mike and I are meeting the captain of the boat today at 3 PM.I may not be on line now for several days so always remember to keep your stick on the ice..............Wayne " The difference between an adventure and an ordeal isattitude"(unknown)-2007A-21 KLR650(it's a manly Fire Engine Red)-1995R100RT-1991VW Westy GL-ABC 6461 MOA-71007 http://wayneadamson.blogspot.com/

Update Nov 12/07

Update Nov 12/07. I am in Panama City.We are leaving from Colon to Cartigina Columbia on Thursday Nov 15.It looks like Mike and I will be going on the same boat and Geoff will be finding another way to cross the gap.I hope we can meet up again in Columbia.I meet up with Geoff in Costa Rica,he is a Canadian who has lived most of his life in Iowa.We road together for a couple of days but entered Panama separately.Mike is the guy I left in Guatemala after our stuff was ripped off.He got it all together and beat me to Panama.Unfortunately he crashed his bike(No damage to him and cosmetic damage to bike).Panama is very much like an American State,they actually use American money as their currency.The countryside is much like Costa Rica,very beautiful tropical rain forest mixed with rolling hills and lush cattle country type terrain.I haven't explored the cannel much yet but will in the next couple of days.I will post some pictures on the log when I get to an Internet cafe.Adios for now Amigos.................Wayne " The difference between an adventure and an ordeal isattitude"(unknown)-2007A-21 KLR650(it's a manly Fire Engine Red)-1995R100RT-1991VW Westy GL-ABC 6461 MOA-71007 http://wayneadamson.blogspot.com/

Update Nov 5/07

Update Nov 5/07 To-day I entered Costa Rica.The border crossing could have been another disaster but I am learning?It ended up costing me $55amd but it only took two hours because I paid a couple of guys to help me.I remember Dave Graffe telling me to hire the one who speaks the best English and is big enough to keep the rest of them away from you.So I did that and than I remembered someone else advice to negotiate the price first before they start the process,so I told him $5amd and no more.He said Ok so we began.This took about 1/2 hour and then he asks me if I want help to get into Costa Rica now because his friend is very good at that process?I was under the impression that $5 covered it all but no that was just the process to leave Nicaragua?He says it will cost $40amd and that includes insurance to get me into Costa Rica.Well things were going pretty fast so I said yes,what the hell lets get it over with?So the other guy takes over and everything seem to go smoothly except in the end I didn't have to buy any insurance,but he still wanted $40amd.I just paid him and went on my way.Another lesson learned,but at least it was quick?I don't know why the authorities let these guys pull all these scams.I think they are all corrupt and get a piece of the action???? Anyway I got into Costa Rica in two hours so I guess it was worth the money because if I had done it myself it would have been much longer?Costa Rica is much more like North America then any of the other countries since the States.The only thing is it seems to also cost a lot more like North America.I have only been here a few hours so time will tellThe first Hotel I priced was $36amd so I checked a few more and found one for $18amd.That's more like it,it has air conditioning but no Internet.I will post a couple of pictures of Costa Rica when I get online..........TTYL...................................

Update Nov 7/07

Update Nov7/07 Yesterday I headed up into higher country to try and get away from the humidity but I think that is impossible in Costa Rica.I found a Hotel in Tilaran,a little town on the edge of lake country in central Costa Rica.I met Daniele a women from Germany who is back packing around Costa Rica for six weeks and kind of thinking of buying property here to retire.We kind of hit it off so we went out for dinner and a few cerveza.She suggested that I should go to the Caribbean side of Costa Rica because it so beautiful and a little dryer right now.It has been raining or threatening to rain ever since I crossed the boarder from Nicaragua.I didn't leave Tilaran until noon and I road until 7pm in the rain through some incredibly beautiful jungle type rain forest.There were rivers and streams and waterfalls.All kinds of volcano and wild life,but it was pouring rain so I couldn't take any pictures.The main feature of this area is Lagona deArenal.There are lots and houses for sale everywhere,lots of hotels and restaurants.It kind of reminded me of the eastern townships in Quebec except tropical.I think lots of Europeans are buying up property like crazy.Anyway I am in San Carlos to-night and hope to make it to the Caribbean coast tomorrow.Wayne " The difference between an adventure and an ordeal isattitude"(unknown)-2007A-21 KLR650(it's a manly Fire Engine Red)-1995R100RT-1991VW Westy GL-ABC 6461 MOA-71007 http://wayneadamson.blogspot.com/ Nov8/07 I have changed my mind about the Caribbean coast.It is raining way to much here so I am heading for Panama on Friday Nov8/07 ttyl..................................Wayne

Update Nov 04/07

To-day I went for a ride in the country. I went to Granada and then back to Jinotepe on back roads.The pictures that I have taken so far have not really captured the beauty of the countryside.I think to-day I may have done a little better. They grow pineapples,coconuts,oranges,bananas and a whole bunch of fruits and vegetables that I have never seen before?
Wayne " The difference between an adventure and an ordeal isattitude"(unknown)-2007A-21 KLR650(it's a manly Fire Engine Red)-1995R100RT-1991VW Westy GL-ABC 6461 MOA-71007 http://wayneadamson.blogspot.com/

Update Nov 2/07

To-day was a very interesting day.I got up early(I seem to do that a lotlately) with the intention of going to Managua to spend a night or twobefore going into Costa Rica.I didn't leave Esteli until about 930 because Ihad a great Nicaraguan breakfast(rice,beans,bean curd? and eggs with toastand black coffee) and played around on the Internet for too long?I headeddown the road not sure of exactly were I was going.Managua was a lot closer than I anticipated so I went right on through thinking I would do someexploring around Lago de Managua.This is a good size lake upon who's shoresManagua is built.I followed the shore line about half way up the lake andfound campsites and cabins and hovels all intermingled.About half way up Idecided I would do some dualsporting and took a left down a secondary roadheaded southwest toward the pacific and Costa Rica.The road was halfpavement and half pot holes.Every section of potholes had kids and oldladies standing by the side of the road with shovels and their hands out.Iguess they were saying that they wanted money for filling in the potholes.Ikept right on going until I was almost back at Managua were I found theroad(C1) going to Costa Rica.I got on this road at about 5pm and decided Ihad better start to look for accommodations for the night.The road startedto climb up into the mountains and as it climbed it got foggy.I ended up ata town called Casa Colorada(I think).Just as I pulled into town the foglifted for about 5 minutes.The views are incredible.It was just getting darkso I hope it is clear in the morning so I can take some photos.I am stayingat Hotel Y Restaurante `Capri`a really old hotel.but clean with good food!Ireally like Nicaragua as it is very cheap and the people are friendly andtolerant of my very bad Spanish!! I can`t get any Internet service to-nightso I will send this off when I can.........................Wayne " The difference between an adventure and an ordeal isattitude"(unknown)-2007A-21 KLR650(it's a manly Fire Engine Red)-1995R100RT-1991VW Westy GL-ABC 6461 MOA-71007 http://wayneadamson.blogspot.com/Nov3/07.................................................................................WellI got up this morning too more fog so I Didn't get any pictures of CasaColorado.I started down the road toward Costa Rica until I came to a towncalled Dieiamba were there is a road that will take you to the coastCasares(this is were all the Sea turtles come on shore to lay eggs) so Ithought I would go and see.I got about 4 KLM down the road when it turned tomud and ruts with mud.I am so loaded down with gear and running street tiresto boot that after falling a couple of times I turned around,fell down acouple more times before I was back on pavement.This was all before 9am.Ifinally came to a town called Jinotepe that looked really interesting andthat is were I am staying for a day or two.I found a great hotel for $15 anight with Internet service and hot water.I had to wash the bike or theowner of the hotel wouldn't let me keep it in the lobby(this is normal inall of Latin America).I will update my blog with more pictures to-day,socheck it out....................................Adios....Hasta La proximavez amigos............................Wayne

Oct 31/07

I am in Nicauagra tonight in a motel that cost $12 amd per night,has a toilet seat and hot water!!Pretty cool!!!I arrived at the boarder crossing in at 3pm.I said to myself that if I wait until morning before attempting to cross I will just worry about it all night so too hell with it lets go!!!Well dam,It was over in less than a hour with only legitimate charges. $12 amd for one months insurance,$3amd for road tax or ??? I think I even did OK with the money changers.It sure felt good to have a positive experience after the last two boarder crossings.I think I may stay in Nicaragua for a while since I am covered with motorcycle insurance for a month???Time will tellWayne " The difference between an adventure and an ordeal isattitude"(unknown)-2007A-21 KLR650(it's a manly Fire Engine Red)-1995R100RT-1991VW Westy GL-ABC 6461 MOA-71007 http://wayneadamson.blogspot.com/

Oct 30/07

Oct30/07...............I am in San Pedro Sula,Honduras tonight.Yesterday was a day from hell.I showed up at the boarder crossing just outside of Esquioula at 8am.I rode right past all the lined up trucks and cars,full of confidence that I could do this alone with no problems?Well it is a long story but the skinny on it is that they kept me there until 5pm(it gets dark at 6pm)because it says on my paperwork for the bike that my insurance ran out on Oct 8/07.So they are saying that the registration has expired???Around 4pm a very friendly guy is suddenly very interested in my situation.He speaks a little English,just enough to tell me how much it will cost to fix the problem?In the end it cost me about $100CND to get into Honduras with 3 days to get out???It made me sick to my stomach to be ripped off like this but they had me by the balls and there was nothing I could do put pay the money.I felt lucky to find a hotel before it got dark,and with a little help from a wonderful Honduran women(another story)I had enough to get something to fill my belly.I hope to make it into Nicaragua tomorrow or the next day.I really don't feel good about what may lay in store at all the crossings between here and Panama,but what are you supposed to do????I guess I will just deal with each one as it happens and try to keep my sense of humour.ttyl................................................................................................................................. Wayne " The difference between an adventure and an ordeal isattitude"(unknown)-2007A-21 KLR650(it's a manly Fire Engine Red)-1995R100RT-1991VW Westy GL-ABC 6461 MOA-71007 http://wayneadamson.blogspot.com/

Oct 28/07

Well I knew I would have bad days as well as good days and when I awoke this morning it started out bad.We left the bikes outside the hostel on the street overnight and that was not a good idea as it turned out!!The night before we had trouble getting the bikes inside the narrow passage way of the hostel so we thought we would just leave them outside up against the doors and that would be OK.Well it wasn't because my tank panniers with all my spare parts for the KLR were stolen and Mikes tank bag with all his paperwork for his bike also was taken.I will have to replace my spare parts and that will mean shipping from the states or Canada,but Mike is totally screwed because he can't cross any boarders without his paperwork!!So we left Antigua minus some important stuff and headed back to the big city of Guatemala.Mike will have to stay there until the USA embassy opens on Monday and then wait to see what they can do for him.I just kept on going,heading for Honduras.Mike will probably be held up for several days?We will keep in touch via e-mail and maybe hook up in Panama for the trip across the gap?I spent all day riding through the beautiful Guatemala countryside and I am staying in Esquioula tonight,a boarder town in south west Guatemala.I am bypassing El Salvador and will go there on the way back.I had a great ride to-day in spite of the bad stuff.It is really wonderfull scenery here and I will post more pictures when I get a chance.I am not able to get on line to-night so I will update this update before I send it off in the future.Wayne " The difference between an adventure and an ordeal is attitude"(unknown)-2007A-21 KLR650(it's a manly Fire Engine Red)-1995R100RT-1991VW Westy GL-ABC 6461 MOA-71007 http://wayneadamson.blogspot.com/

Oct 27/07

Bueno,It seems like a long time since my last update?It may be that so much has happened it just seems like a long time.I am in Antigua Guatemala right now.I meet up with an American from Colorado who rides a f650 BMW.We meet in Mexico just in time to make the boarder crossing into Guatemala.The boarder crossings in central America are notoriously a pain in the ass.We spent 3 hr. and about $30 amd each getting through the crossing.They want photo copies of all your paper work and have a different person to see for every step of the process.You have to be prepared to spend at least a half day and if it happens quicker that's a bonus.Right after we crossed the boarder it started to rain,and I mean RAIN,like in tropical rain storm.We found a hotel along the way and tried unsuccessfully to dry everything out over night for the ride into Guatemala City.We had to go to the city because I needed tires again and Mike needed a service on his BMW.Guatemala City is a very big and busy place.I won`t even begin to try and describe how they drive,it is totally insane!!!I like Guatemala much better than Mexico,the people seem much more friendly and the scenery and cultural stuff seems much richer,if that makes any sense.I am staying in a hostel in Antigua,it is cheep and clean and their are a lot of English speaking Europeans and north Americans around.I will stay here for a day or two and then be off to Honduras,Nicaragua,Costa Rica,and finally Panama to hook up with a boat to South America some time in early December.I will add more pictures to my blog when I can.I will try to answer those of you who send me e-mails,but if I don`t find the time please don`t stop responding because I really do like to hear what is going on.Adios..................................Wayne " The difference between an adventure and an ordeal isattitude"(unknown)-2007A-21 KLR650(it's a manly Fire Engine Red)-1995R100RT-1991VW Westy GL-ABC 6461 MOA-71007 http://wayneadamson.blogspot.com/

Oct 21/07

--------------------------------- Oct 21/07 Tonight I am at the Hotel Los Angeles In Chilapa,Gro.$1200 peso per night,that's about $12.00 CND.Its not bad,but no toilet seat! Yesterday I made it to Acapulco,it was a nice ride down the coastal highway.It was hot and muggy but still interesting.I got to Acapulco around 530 in the afternoon,just in time for rush hour traffic.I headed straight downtown,looking for a hotel or motel.I stopped to ask and the guy I asked just happened to know of a place in the downtown area with a pool,a place to park my bike inside and it was $400.00 peso.That's about 40.00 CND,I was hot and hungry so I took it.Turned out to be a good deal as it was right in the middle of the restaurant ,club,trendy area with lots of action going on!I had a decent meal and a couple cerveza,went to bed and slept like a baby until someone set the car alarm off on a car parked right in front of my window at 730 am.Oh well I wanted to get a early start anyway.I had a cup of cafe americano and headed out of Acapulco going east because I can't see a way to get to Guatemala without going inland again?I got into Chilapa in the rain,soaked because I didn't stop to put my raingear on!(DAAA)The hotel Los Angeles is at least dry and I am able to plug in my pc,but no Internet service!I will send this update and post pictures on my blog as soon as I can find service.Time for Cerveza and sleep........................ Wayne " The difference between an adventure and an ordeal isattitude"(unknown)-2007A-21 KLR650(it's a manly Fire Engine Red)-1995R100RT-1991VW Westy GL-ABC 6461 MOA-71007 http://wayneadamson.blogspot.com/

Oct 19/07

Oct19/07 My last update was from Durango,I think?When you are retired and on the road it is easy to forget what day it is!!When I left Durango I was headed for Guadalajara,for some reason thinking that this would be a pictures town surrounded by lakes and green rain forest type vegetation? WRONG!! It turns out to be a very large,polluted,hot and muggy City much like I pictured Mexico City would be!I arrived in Guadalajara just as it was getting dark.I found myself on a freeway with six lanes of bumper to bumper traffic.I was looking for a motel or Hotel but was having trouble and everyone I asked seemed to think there was none around.Finally I spotted one and found my way back to it to inquire about the price.Turns out it cost 290 pesos for 12 hours??? HMMM I though,that's strange I think I'll keep looking.Well I couldn't find another one so I went back because I was dead tired and didn't want to keep fighting the traffic.This was a real nice walled complex with over 70 suites each one with its own 2 car garage with an electric door.I think you know were this is going??I told the guy I would take it for 12 hours and he said "you are in number 60 and the girl will collect the money.I said that I didn't want a girl I just wanted to go to sleep!!He said OK but you have to be gone in 12 hours.So I went to the room(I will post a picture on my blog)and it was really nice:>{)),with mirrors and interesting movies on the TV:>{))) I guess they have these motels all over Mexico were people go to cheat on there spouses or spend "dirty" time with their significant other??Any way I was up and out the door by 7am trying to find my way out of Guadalajara to the coast in the dark,and in the rain!!I finally got to Tecoman via toll roads and on to mxc200 witch is the coast highway that will take me to Acapulco.I left Tecoman at 3pm in the rain and it never stopped.I finally grabbed a room in Peurto de Lazaro Cardenas.The roads are washed out in this town and water is running everywhere.I haven't been watching the news or listening to the radio so I don't know if this is normal for this time of year around these parts? I will post some pictures of the area and the view from my room when I get to a place with wireless.I think it is time to go to sleep now..............TTYL.....................................................................................Wayne " The difference between an adventure and an ordeal isattitude"(unknown)-2007A-21 KLR650(it's a manly Fire Engine Red)-1995R100RT-1991VW Westy GL-ABC 6461 MOA-71007 http://wayneadamson.blogspot.com/

Oct 17 Update

I am staying in Durango for a couple of nights just because I like it here and it is cheap:>{)))Once you get past the boarder towns Mexico is a great place.The people are very friendly and helpful.I was able to find some spare consumables for my bike while wandering around Durango.It is good to take a day just to stay in one spot and talk to the locals instead of going down the road at 90 KPH.Tomorrow I will try to make it to Guadalajara.After that I guess I will have to start dealing with the humidity of the coast because I want to avoid Mexico City.I should be in Guatemala by next week.I will update again soon..............
Wayne " The difference between an adventure and an ordeal is attitude"(unknown)-2007A-21 KLR650(it's a manly Fire Engine Red)-1995R100RT-1991VW Westy GL-ABC 6461 MOA-71007 http://wayneadamson.blogspot.com/

Oct 13/07

Oct 13/07.........I have not been able to get online for several days now.Iwrote a long update on Oct 11,saved it but lost it somehow? I am in CreelMexico now.What a town!!This is were all the bikers ,backpackers,bicyclistsand hikers meet to do Copper Canyon.I have been in town since around noonand have met too many people to remember all of their names.It is sort offlike Banff except Mexican?Peter and I left Hermosillo on October 11traveling on route 16 toward Chihuahua.Half way through the first day wedecided that our riding styles did not mesh,so I am now riding solo.I thinkthis was a good decision.Number 16 highway is one of the best mc roads Ihave ever seen in my life.It is a paved road of verying decrees of qualitywithout a straight stretch at all.It winds its way up and around severalmountain ranges and deep valleys.Oct 15/07.............I have still not been able to find a place to get online?On Saturday night we went out on the town in Creel and met a whole lot more people.Two guys from the States,Bob and Jeff were planing to go down to the bottom of the canyon to a town called Batopilas on Sunday so I invited myself along.It is about 125KL from Creel to Batopilas.The first 25 are great twisty paved road and all the rest is log road type mountain switch backs with no room to meet any oncoming traffic. This was Sunday so there were not many trucks,but we did meet a few.The canyons are inhabited by natives(I should have found out there name)who seem to survive by raising goats and cattle.They dress in really loud colored cloths.The town Batopilas is a very old Mexican town with everything you would expect to find in a old Mexican town except that it is in the middle of nowhere.The people are very friendly and must make a bundle of pesos on all the gringos that come to visit them.I will post pictures when I can.This morning I got up early and left Batopilas to head for Hidalgo Del Parrel.I would like to start making some time up,but all the roads that I have been on have been so darn twisty,I can't seem to get the smile of my face!I hope to make it to Durango tomorrow at least.I am trying to stay in the high country as it is very hot and muggy on the coast and I will have to deal with lots of that as I make my way south https://goo.gl/photos/UnfASwot4uJCps1d6

Oct8/07

October 8th/07.......We are sitting in a motel room in El Centro California waiting for new tires to arrive from San Diego.Yesterday we took a quick trip to Mexicali on the Mexican side of the boarder,it was pretty much the same as the California side except for the beggars and street venders. We have to wait for tires so I changed oil and did some maintenance on the bike to-day.When the new tires are installed we will leave the USA and head for Creel Mexico were the entrance to Cooper canyon is.Peter has done this before so I will let him navigate.We got bike insurance for one month in Mexico so that is all the time we will have before entering Guatemala.I will post pictures after we leave Copper canyon but so far there has been nothing but the USA to take pictures of so I have let the photo ops pass? TTYL............................................
Wayne " The difference between an adventure and an ordeal isattitude"(unknown)-2007A-21 KLR650(it's a manly Fire Engine Red)-1995R100RT-1991VW Westy GL-ABC 6461 MOA-71007 http://wayneadamson.blogspot.com/

adamson adventures

Monday, September 10, 2007

The Plan

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Flathead Crossing

September 22/07

About Me

Tegwen in her wedding dress and Dad in a tux

Contact Me

NEW BLOG COMING SOON

All the Slideshows

Cariboo Dual Sport

The Gringo Trail-Please read this as it was written with tung firmly implanted in cheek!!

CaribooDualSport Sept 13/07

Blog Archive

Places I have been

NEW BLOG COMING SOON

Final Update Aug 17/08

Update July 22/08

Update July 17/08

Update July 9/08

Update May 30/08

Update May 22/08

Update May 14/08

Update May 7/08

Update May 5/08

Update April 25/08

Update April 21/08

Update April8/08

Update April 4/08

Update March 22/08

Update March 20/08

Update March 09/08

I made it!!!!!!

Tierra Del Fuego-Gad Zooks

To Ken Rogers R.I.P

Buenos Aires Jan/08

Update Jan 18/08

Argentina-Santa fe zone

Update Jan14/08

San Pedro Chile to Salta Argentina

Chile coast-San Pedro

Update Jan 12/08

Nazca to Tacna Peru Jan08

Update Jan 6/08

Canyon Cut

Lima Peru 08

Ya,I'm a rambling guy<{)))))

Update Jan 3/08

Update Dec30/07

Huaraz

Update Dec 28/07

Truillo to Huaraz

Update Dec 26/07

Christmas In Colan Peru/07

Christmas in Colan Peru/07

Yacila and Cangrejos

Update Dec 24/07

Update Dec 22/07

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Update Dec14/07

Update Dec 7/07

Update Nov 28/07

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Update Nov 22/07

Nov 12 Ramblings

Update Nov 12/07

Update Nov 5/07

Pacific Ocean

La Cruz

Update Nov 7/07

Countryside

Nicaragua

How do say "Poly wanna cracker in Spanish?

Catholic Church in Granada

Coconuts outside my room

The car wash

MMMOOOO

Lago de Managua