The Alliance

There and Back

Sometimes I know exactly where I am going. In that case it’s easy, pick a route and go.

More often I have an idea where I’d like to end up, and generally speaking a direction to go.

Once in a while I just follow the front wheel and see where it takes me.

If you've been around here long enough, maybe once read some of the stuff I've posted, and have a really good memory you might remember that opening bit.

Yesterday, I was in second mode. I was in bad need of some air in my face, so I headed to Julian, CA. I really thought I'd be in time for the spring bloom, but I was mostly a little early...

Julian and Back.png

I was out for a ride, and don't do a lot of 'fooling around'. I needed some time to think and my best spot is on the seat of a motorcycle.

Pictures of Lilly

I've always said I'd rather be lucky than good. I was. I am an old man, and when it's time for me to pee, it's time. I planned a stop at Box Canyon, but I couldn't make it. I pulled into a wide spot an a very lightly used road. As I started I saw this, a Desert Lilly. The are quite rare, and don't last long.

Box Canyon

Box Canyon Grounds

Box Canyon is a state Historical site that commemorates the Mormon Battalion's efforts widening this canyon with picks and shovels to a width where a wagon (or later, the Butterfield stage) could go through. It was the first overland route into Southern California and saved travelers hundreds of hard miles. The canyon is cool, but the grounds are a real representative spot for high desert flora. Prominent in this photo are Ocotillo, Agave, Bitterbrush and Cholla cactus.

The road is wonderful from the time you leave the I-8 freeway until you rejoin it. Mostly very good paved county roads. With lots of corners and very little traffic. The last 10 miles up to Julian is like a carnival ride...

North Main, Julian

A sleepy Thursday look at Julian. I talked to the two deputies parked there, and told them I was glad they were here and not on Banner Grade (the previously mentioned 10 miles) when I was coming to town. I think that made them nervous...

Jack's Grocery

That long bench outside Jack's is a wonderful place. There were lots of hikers from the Pacific Crest Trail getting supplies and a hot meal. Several used the bench throughout the time I was there.

The Miner's Diner where I ate lunch is visible on the right side of this photo at the end of the block. Bison Burger, French Fries and a Chocolate Shake, thank you! It was terrific.

The Bluebird

This was really taken for a friend. When she owned part of it the name was "The Bluebird Inn". It's not, anymore. I met her there to go hiking and birding with her a couple of times...

So. It was a really good ride, and a good run. It's also really good to be posting about it (or anything). I'm not sure that it'll last at all but it's good to be back.

All words and photographs in this post are mine. For better or worse Photos taken with an Apple iPhone 14 at normal setting.

Thanks for the banner below, Kitty.

Comments · 15

@goldgrifin007(61)· 475d
I am glad meet to you! Dear @bigtom13 ! I visited your blog a long time ago and remember you living in Oregon! I am an eastasian! I hope you understand even though my English is awkward!

I was amazed by the sight of you traveling the vast North American continent on a motorcycle! Do you sleep in a tent at night while you travel?

I wonder how you manage to travel alone in the vast wilderness, enduring danger! I have always been amazed by the vastness and beauty of the North American continent! I am currently talking to a few friends who live in Oregon. I wonder if you would like to be my friend too!

I hope your health and long life!
@thealliance(74)· 502d
What exactly is 'birding'?
@hivebuzz(74)· 508d
Congratulations @bigtom13! You have completed the following achievement on the Hive blockchain And have been rewarded with New badge(s)

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Your next target is to reach 73000 upvotes.

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@unitmaster(66)· 509d
I've been to Julian a couple of times, it sure is a cute town. My uncle lives not far from there in Borrego Springs. I've never been to Miner's Diner, we ate at Julian Beer. Co last time we were there.
@mengao(70)· 510d
Wow nice ride! You came all the way from Yuma! I’m in SD and go to Julian every once in a while. We love the ciders, apple pies and all the good food.
@rufajane(67)· 510d
It is indeed a nice adventure.
@acidyo(85)· 510d
Nice to see you pack to posting @bigtom13

Hope you've been well!
@thekittygirl(74)· 510d
I love your pics and stories from the road! And that meal sounds fabulous! 😋
@grindan(71)· 510d
Sounds like a lovely journey! I always think best on a long drive as well, something about an open road organizes your thoughts imo 😄

!PIMP
@hive-up(57)· 510d

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Curated by grindan
@cmplxty(78)· 510d
Good to see you’re still hitting the road tom! Looks like an enjoyable ride that’s for sure!

Hopefully those cops weren’t waiting for you to head back lol
@bozz(83)· 510d
Looks like it was a really great ride! Nice to see you are still keeping the rubber on the road! I was really hoping to see some wagon wheel ruts when my wife and I traveled out to Colorado this past summer, but it just wasn't meant to be. Next time I guess!
@lizelle(79)· 510d
Hi @bigtom13, what a nice surprise seeing you here! You may call yourself an old man, but you're still riding and seeing the country. Interesting history about the Mormon Battalion and Box Canyon! Happy riding and happy Hiving, hope to see you here more often!
@hive-174680(68)· 510d
We appreciate your work and your publication has been hand selected by the geography curation team on behalf of the Amazing Nature AN Community. Keep up the good work!
@jlufer(81)· 510d
Good afternoon, dear friend @bigtom13

Welcome, it's great to read about your adventure trips again.

Beautiful places you've visited on this trip.