Maui in Winter

For several months now, Lori and I have been planning a trip to Maui with Loris parents Roy and Opal. With all the planning and prep, it was hard to believe the day was actually here.

Lori and I were up at 330 and after a sad goodbye to Walter, we were on the road to Puyallup and picking up Roy and Opal. It w warm (45) and pretty high winds as we headed east. Soon we were all loaded and off to the airport. No traffic, quick check in at the parking lot and soon we had cleared security at the airport. We were three hours from takeoff. This is a first for me, as we are normally late.

We sat and ate breakfast and I played with Lori's new phone. Soon the plane was loading and we even got out about ten minutes early. We were actually headed to Maui! What a great birthday present. Plane rides are so boring and seem to take so much longer than they are. We passed the time sleeping, watching videos and reading.

We landed to 78 degrees and partly cloudy. It was a little muggy, but we love it here. After a long wait for luggage, we were on the shuttle headed for the car rental place. I got a car at Budget this time as the price was very good. I walked in to see several dozen people in line. It went fairly quick and when I got to the counter they had a Chevy Malibu ready for us. Only problem was they could not find the Chevy. They then hooked us up with a Ford Fusion. She told us it was being brought up, handed us the keys and we walked out to see it driving past us to the lot. Roy and I walked over and started to get in when a lady told us the car was not assigned to us. I showed her the paperwork and soon we were off. Lori insisted on stopping at Costco, and after asking where she intended to put the case of water, pop, eggs, and other stuff. The trunk was full and I was wondering just how much more the car could take? Out they came with a full cart...crap, what would we do, and how would this car do with riding on the axle.

We got her loaded, had just enough room to get us in and we carefully headed for Kihei and the condo. We are staying at Menehaune Shores #501. When we got here, what a nice place and beautiful room. Only problem is we are at the very end and although can see the water from our lanai, we are near the road. Not a problem. We got everything into our room and headed for dinner. We went to Moose Magilcutties for some dinner. Roy and I had the Seafood platter and Lori and Opal ordered the Hobo chicken. Opal does not like fish and cannot stand to eat most fish.

They brought our dinner and we dug in. Lori gave me a weird look and told me had me try some of her "chicken". It tasted like fish! We all looked at Opal and watched to see her reaction. She was enjoying her meal and Lori and I figured it was some type of fish they were eating. Lori gave Roy a taste and he felt it had to be fish too. We told Opal we thought she actually was eating fish and she looked, had another bite and finished her dinner! The waiter made a mistake and ordered both the Mahi Mahi fish dinner. A couple beers and we were fading fast, after all it had been a long day. We settled into the room with the breeze blowing in and soon all were asleep. Day one in the books and I give it and 8 for the day.

Day Two

We woke up and just took it easy in the morning. Not sure what to do, but we will think of something. Oh Ya, Winery tour. We saw there was a winery on the side of the volcano south of Kihei. Only problem is you have to take the long way around to get to it. It is 8 miles from Kihei as the bird flies but about 30 to get there. It was a beautiful drive up and around and when we got to the winery, we were treated to very good wine. We tasted and had some shipped home while getting one bottle to sample at the condo.

Then it was across the sugar fields to a old hippie type town called Paia and the famous Paia fish market for lunch. This place is famous for fish taco's. Parking here is always a bit of a problem, but we got in and even Roy enjoyed the fish Taco's. Lori and Opal had hamburgers. After lunch, we stopped at a county park just down the road and watched the surfers and sun bathers. Soon we were back in Kihai. Lori, Opal and later Roy all checked out Hilo Haties store while I sat at Starbucks. A late dinner at Fat Daddy's barbecue. All was going well till we ordered and found out they were out of ribs! Can you believe that, a rib joint out of ribs. Pulled Pork and Brisket was a nice substituteand we let with full bellies. Today was a nine for scenery and food

day 3
Today was our cruise to Lanai. The forcast called for high wind and rain, but we awoke to broken clouds, calm seas and lots to see. I prepared my 'Hawaiian' Surprise which means adding pinapple to my ham and scrambled eggs. We loaded up and were dockside in no time. After we loaded, I could see the smiles on Roy and Opal's face. We headed for Lanai on calm seas with lots of warm sun. After we docked, Lori and I walked to the beach and enjoyed the sun and great beach. Roy and Opal sat and watched people as well. We decided to take a tour of the island as Lori did this alst time and loved the talk about people and events. This time, the guide was nice, but pretty boring and offered little about what the island is about.

We got back to the dockside and a barbecue awaited. We were served Barbecue chicken, stir fry and Peas. They kept coming around and even Roy got full. This would turn out to be a bad thing later. As we were finishing dinner, the captain asked that we hurry up as the winds were getting stronger and we needed to get going.

We were loaded and warned about sitting forward as the seas and wind would get us wet. Lori and I chose to sit up front with another couple and three others chose to lay on the tarps covering the open area of the bow, We were off and all I could hear was the theme to Gilligans Island in my head as we turned into the wind and boom, high wind, lots of water and heavy seas. We were in at least ten foot seas and it was dangerous to move around. Opal didnot want to get wet and chose to stay in the cabin. Roy stayed with her as Lori and I took on tons of water. At times we could not see as there was so much water. As we crossed the channel, it got so bad, Lori wanted out of there. We got her to the side as the captain decided to hoist the sails. The wind was so strong, it pushed us south and he was having trouble keeping on course. Soon, I could hear some distress in his voice as he ordered everyone to the cabin as the crew tried to get the rigging down. I forgot to mention that Lori decided to leave the bow after a wave hit and bounced the people on the tarp almost over the side. It acted like a trampoline. We went down one side of a wave and the bow dipped under the wave twice! I am a little nervous now.

I made it back to the back of the cabin and watched as the crew struggled to get the sails lowered. Another guy was next to me and we assisted those getting in the cabin. One woman demanded to know how long before getting back as her husband had an upset stomach. I jokingly told her about two hours and she almost freaked. We calmed her and explained her husband was most likely seasick but she would have none of that. I figured she was bucking for a refund or very ignorant...or both!

Remember that big lunch we had talked about earlier? As the seas got heavier, several people got sick. I looked over to see Opal lose part of her lunch. About this time, Roy looked at her, turned green and...well you can get the visual. He even had to retrieve his dentures!!! About this time, Lori was turning green and got a little pissy about it. I had her come out side and we helped her to a seat at the stern of the boat...Diaster averted...for now anyway.

After what seemed like days, we made it to calmer waters and people were allowed back out to walk around. After docking, all Opal could say was thank you for the adventure and so much for the Trilogy trip. She was outright mocking me and being kinda mean about it! A different side to her on this trip...kind of like it, but put me on my heals. We headed to Starbucks for coffee and back for an early evening. Today started out as a 10, but quickly faded to a four.

Tomorrow is a free day with only an anniversary dinner planned. We need a catch up day after the trip from hell!

Day 4
Not too much to report today as we hung out and went to the pool. We drove back up to Lahaina and had dinner at Kobe Japanese restaurant. It was a very nice dinner and a relaxing day.

Day 5
The winds are calm and the morning is beautiful. We drove into Kihei for breakfast at the Kihei cafe. What a great breakfast. After we sat and picked our teeth, it was time to travel up around the north end of the island. I love this drive as it is so scenic and there are such wonderful places to pull off and enjoy the surfers and waves. We pulled into Lahaina and stopped for lunch at Cheeseburger in Paradise. This place has the reputation of some of the best burgers in Maui. We finished and Lori started her twitching as there were stores galore. Off Opal and Lori went to shop the afternoon away. I found benches along the way and enjoyed watching people. We made it to the jewelry store on the beach and Lori got her flower pendant she had been jonsing for. We finally made it to the car and headed for coffee. Now it was time for our Luau. We arrived about 15 minutes early and were able to park in the main lot. Soon we had a Mi Tai in hand and enjoying a wonderful sunset with lots of drinks, great food and great company. The show was great as usual, but seemed shorter to me. A quiet ride back home to the Condo and shortly everyone was asleep. Me, Lori and Opal rated today a ten, Roy a 7 or 8 as he thought there would be fire eaters and swords...we were not in Figi...maybe next time we can fly there for a show.

Day 6

This morning, we hung out and went for a later breakfast. Not very good and terrible service. We then drove down the coast and looked at all the golf courses and resorts in Wailea and kept going till we got to Makena. We drove through the lava fields ending up at a park and beach. We spent sometime exploring the lava blow holes and little pools which held fish and other critters. We headed back up the coast with the obligatory stop for coffee and then back to the Condo.

Lori and I went down by the pool and explored the beach and jetty out front. We waded out all the way to the jetty only getting the bottoms to our bathing suits wet. We went around the other side and later talked to some folks from Canada. Back to the pool and it was time to head to dinner. We went to Anthonys in Kihei. It was our best meal yet! We all had something different and gave this place two thumbs up. Today was an 8.5. Only rated down as we needed more time in the tidal pools.

Our last day in Paradise... we went back to the Kihei cafe and then it was off to the mall in Lahaina. Wow, another day shopping...just what I came to Maui for! I understood they all needed to buy stuff to take home, but I didnt sign up for this much shopping! I found a bench and wasted the day away watching people come and go out of the mall.

We had a late dinner at The Outback and returned to pack. Where did the week go? Today I rate this as a boring 2.

Day 8

We are packed and after one last walk around the condo's, Roy and Opal bid farewell to the island of Maui. We stopped for coffee, returned the car and ate lunch at the airport. A quiet trip home and finally to bed around 0230, but Walt was sure glad to see us. He was so happy and has not left my side since.

As I reflect on our trip: I had a great time as did Lori and I feel Roy and Opal did too. We saw lots of the island and exposed them to the island culture. The food was terrific and we had few issues which made for a very pleasurable trip. Down side, not enough relaxing at beaches and pool time. We knew the vacation would be a little different style for us, but with the condo setup and things we did, it was a very nice time. Would I do it again you ask...Of course, how can you go wrong in Paradise!!!

Shopping, Shopping, Shopping

We all heard the stories and other posts about Black Friday. I have succumbed to this ritualistic self inflicted pain for several years. Every year, Staples had something I just had to own (many items still boxed and in the drawer). I remember sitting or standing in line with hundreds of others in 30 degree weather just to get that door buster special. I even stooped to parking my kids in line telling them frostbite is good for you just so we could score 2 thumb drives. I was so sneaky!

This year I told the wife, I would not lower myself to that demeaning position in line right behind the family of eight who slept there over night and are wearing adult diapers so they dont have to leave the line. I would wait till Saturday and partake of what I titled it as 'serene' Saturday. We spent a few days at the cabin right across the river from Astoria, OR. Rumor has it, they built a new Costco and it's only a half hour to the outlet Malls were my wife assures me the deals will be great.

I chose to get the outlet mall thing out of the way. How many 50% off sales can there be. As I looked, that sweater was originally marked $75.00, wow what a bargain, only a few dollars more on sale than what we saw it for at that other store. Crowds didnt seem that bad here at the sale of the century. Maybe this will work out as I expected. We finished up and as usual, my wife walked away with several "good buys".

I'm getting hungry, so off to Costco. My neighbor told me he was headed there to 'graze' at the booths and told me of steak samples and the like that served up as full meals. He was excited that he could head over and just walk around eating. He did tell me hoped there would be a few more drinks available to wash down all that food.

When we arrived, the parking lot was huge, so huge, it seemed it was only about half full. We parked and walked past several people with 50" tv's on them and others with carts so full, they had trouble pushing them.

As I entered the massive fresh smelling store, I stopped dead in my tracks and realized why the outlet stores were so empty. This place was packed. I had three 'incidents' just entering the store. One lady rushed in front of me to get a cart 2.3 seconds faster and I was already loosing my serenity. As I made it past the hoards of tv shoppers and several just watching football, I managed to get to the jewelry counter where the wife ran full speed to. She already had a pair of earrings picked out. The wait was on to get someone to open the door to look at them. Shopping cart rage was setting in. As we headed through the store, it was worse than a New York traffic jamb. There were crowds of 50 to 100 people around the hand out vendors. I could'nt even get close enough to smell what they were offering. Soon dismay gave way to rage and I escorted my wife to the checkout. We stopped and bought a hot dog on the way out and went back to the cabin. I am a true believer now of Cyber Monday

Happy holidays everyone

Daydreaming

It seems most of the country is under water right now. Here in the pacific NW, we are bracing for our fourth storm this week. The generator has had good use and I am glad to announce if our Mountaineer was going to leak, it would have. As I look across the hall here at work ( I dont have a window) I see dark grey skies with heavy rain. Oh and the wind is coming up. Here on the coast, it has been brutal. I work for awhile and then break out the map programs. I plot vacations to warm dry climates and then reality sets in that summer is so far away. If I could escape this area right now, I would. I long to sit under the awning and complain a little how hot it is outside today...Ahhh, those are the days...

I dont read this site much this time of the year. It is way to painful to hear campers talk of moving to an area where the temps are a little under 80 this time of year, or those of you who plan your picnics in Florida...you are just to cruel...

The phone is ringing and time to check in with reality! Going to get the raincoat and boots. 3 to 5 inches of rain tonight which is actually a bit less than the last storm...God I need a vacation.

Rain, Wind, and a rockin Trailer!

Lori and I decided to head out for the weekend and just get away from it all. Our quick escape to Ocean Mist is only 40 minutes away, but far enough to feel like we are out on an adventure.

It's friday and the trailer is loaded and waiting for Lori to get home from work. I was watching the weather forecasts and it called for heavy rain and high wind to move in by 5 pm or so. It was a little after two and I was getting antsy to get out there and set up before we got soaked. After all, should it start to rain and blow, I didnt want Lori getting soaked having to do all the set up in that weather!!!

We were loaded, hitched and ready to move by 3pm. We were off and of course, had to make that first stop at Starbucks for coffee. Now it was going to be alright. Soon we were at the RV park and given the good news that we had been assigned the only pull through site. It is fairly easy to get in the others, but may be helpful with the weather. We pulled in and found this lot was level side to side and not as much of a drop front to back. Nice spot and you could really hear the ocean pounding as we set up. It was windy, but still no rain.

Soon we were inside and I had set up the satellite dish. Oh no, I forgot which antenna dish to pick from the menu. Was it number 12 on the list? No that didnt work...After several tries and no luck, I remembered I had the information in an earlier blog. No one to call or help out. Finally, One hour and Forty minutes later, Mark logged in and went to the blog. We found it was number 6, and I decided I needed to write it down and leave it in the trailer. Just about this time, the rains picked up and we knew we were in for a fun night of weather watching.

As the evening wore on, it seemed as though the heavens were looking to set records for rain fall. I carefully checked out the trailer to make sure we were not leaking. Everything was good to go an dry. I really appreciate the max air covers in this weather, I had two vents open and no leaks. Several times a high gust would hit the trailer and shake us a bit. I felt it was pretty secure and solid with the JT's outside, but what I didnt count on was the movement once we went to bed. As I layed in bed, I looked out the bedroom window next to me and could hardly see across the park. It was awsome to watch the power of nature. However, remember all those tales of issues with heights etc, we would shake and have some noise up top that was unsettling for me. I knew it would be a long night.

Right before bed time, I had the dubious duty of walking the Walt! Lori gave me some crap about not wanting to get soaked and not her job etc. I donned the rain coat, hat and opened the door. Walt went out with not problem and decided it was time to explore. It was raining and blowing so hard, my pants were soaked immediately and I had to hold my hat on. I finally convinced Walt it was time to go in and the two drowned rats went inside. Even with being dried off, Walt layed and shivered on his bed. Lori took a towel and covered him. He was snoring in minutes.

Saturday brought a glorious morning with warm sun and calm wind. We had a good breakfast and walked down to the office to check in as they close early in the winter. We got back and went for a coffee in town. I walked back to the truck and Lori looked at me stranger than normal and got in wondering what I was up to. I drove down to the beach and we sat, enjoying the sun and drinking coffee. We watched two spaniels playing on the beach and then one of them turned, lunged and a shorebird gumming it up pretty good before the owner got her dogs away. Interesting how it all went down. We headed for the casino and donated some money. We decided to eat lunch and although good, both of us got sour belly soon after and suffered most of the evening.

As the Halloween night came upon us, it started to get a little foggy around the edges, and then an almost full moon rose out of the east. Lori was sitting at the table when Walt and I went outside. I snuck around the corner and tapped my fingers on her window. She jumped almost hitting the ceiling, screamed and called me several vulger names. It was then she spent an extended amount of time in the bathroom. He he...I love Halloween.

Sunday we both felt better and after breakfast, I cleaned all the tanks a little extra as this was the time of year to winterize. I drained water lines and soon we were headed home. I backed in on the first try with a little correction but when it came time to back into the parking spot, Lori felt I was too far over, so I tried again and after at least 8 tries, was finally parked. As usual, we enjoyed our time "roughing it" nad hope to get in at least a couple trips this winter.

Sand, food and Fun

After a whirwind and taxing two weeks, I was looking forward to some quad riding and fun in the sand. This is an annual trip with the family and includes pulling the 5vr to Sand Lake with Shawn hauling the bikes down. It is somewhat challenging as we have no hookups there and tight quarters with that many people.

Lori and I headed out early Thursday afternoon. Mark pulled in from Cheney in time to catch a ride south. We made good time and wanted to stop for dinner in Astoria when our first challenge of the weekend hit. Walt and I took a quick walk as Lori and Mark ordered Pizza. As we rounded the back of the trailer, I always check everything to make sure we are ok. Walt and I noticed something wrong with the left rear trailer tire. Oh crap, some rivet or stud in the corner. At least I was in a parking lot, so changing the tire should not be a problem. I looked at the time and hit tire shops on the GPS. There was an open tire shop less than a mile away. I called and they had a tire in stock. I pulled in and of course as luck would have it, the rivet was in the corner, so it could'nt be fixed. $145.00 later, we were on the road and headed south. We found our spot, loaded water and were were soon tucked in and getting ready for bed. Shawn and Don arrived with Chad around 11 or so. We settled in and dreamt of sand adventures to come.

I was apprehensive with what we had just done with the bikes. I was second guessing myself over the decision to trade in the Goldwing for the 550 Yamaha. Would the ride be enough of an improvement to make it worth what I had done? Would I look down at the 550 because of what I had done? I just told myself, this was a positive move and we can always get another Wing if we decide this was not for us.

Friday morning was crisp but clear and perfect for riding. As we looked around, we were almost the only ones out there. This is what its all about. I managed to talk Lori into allowing me to ride the 550 first. She reluctantly allowed this and off I went.

As soon as we hit the sand, I knew this was the right bike. It had lots of power and a very smooth ride. The throttle response was very positive and I was livin large. It was a little hard getting used to the suspension as it rolled side to side absorbing the shock. I was ready for the ultimate test...the trails. This would be the test to make or break. I headed off into the trails on the east side and soon was floating through the turns, hills and whoops. As I rounded one set of turns, I banked right, sand filled grin on my face and oops!!!, this quad is a little wider than the 450 and I had just put the first mark on the plastic. I went into a narrow trail, realized it and stopped. I slid sideways and hit a small tree. I hit a second as I backed out. Oh well, now it looks ridden.

I returned to the camp and Lori was patiently waiting. She had her helmet on, waiting...rumor has it a couple stopped by and gave her a dollar...something about Lori and Helmets. I jumped on the 450 and we backed out. Still apprehensive Lori pulls out with stern instructions to stay on the level and let her get used to riding a quad. We headed out, turned west and worked our way toward the ocean. As we continued, a smile broke across her face and the speed increased. We rode for about 45 minutes and upon our return, she declared it was fun and not what she thought it would be. I was happy as the bike was a hit and Lori was having fun.

I hung with Lori, Walt and Chad off and on all day. Late in the afternoon, Chad, Lori and I took Walt for a walk and boy did he enjoy his time with Walt. We ate way too much for dinner and it was time for the obligatory sunset ride. Off Lori and went with Mark in tow. We headed up the hill and watched the sun go down over horizon. Friday was a hit. Later in the evening, Jennifer, Peyton and Eric, Jenn's brother were at the sand and as is the Fretts' tradition, settled most of the worlds problems around the campfire. It was cold this evening, but clear. We were asleep as soon as we layed down. Life is good!

Saturday, Lori went for a ride and then got the twitch to head south for shopping. Soon, she and Mark headed out. This meant, I had the 550 all to my self. Peyton and I hit the sand and both enjoyed the ride. I did notice that his quad was heating up at times and would start to smoke. We shut it off and it did better.

That evening, Peyton wanted to go up to the sunset and we headed out. Lori and Mark got back and Lori stayed behind. I do remember at some point, we were riding around and I saw a truck I felt looked like Shawn's. It was Shawn with Chad in the child seat with an ear to ear grin. They were out 4 bying and he loved it. Sorry, got off topic a little, as Peyton and I headed up the hill, his bike started to loose power and smoke. Don was with us and all of the sudden, it seized. Something major went wrong and his quad was toast. Mark was in the area on Shawns quad and went to get Shawn. Soon, here comes Shawn, Jenn and Chad to the rescue. They load the broke bike up on the truck and off we go. Peyton rode back with me. Peyton was sad, but a real trooper and understood what had happened.

Lori and I went out Sunday morning for a last ride. It was great to have her out riding and enjoying the sights. I was having a great time and things were going as well as we could expect. I went back to camp and grabbed Peyton and headed out. I took him on some lower trails and climbed some small hills. I laughed as he never quit talking the whole ride. What a trooper.

We got back to camp and reluctantly packed up for the trip home. It was a great weekend and I think everyone had a great time. A couple hours of cleanup and unloading gave way to Lori and I resting in the comfort of our recliners catching up on tv shows we recorded earlier.

I feel better now knowing two things were accomplished. A smoother ride allowed me more time riding and the enjoyment Lori and the others had eating sand makes you feel real good. It did me.

A quick Detour to OUr Cabin

Still in the learning stage, I wanted to find a quiet and secluded area to help Lori get more riding time on the new ATV. We had discussed how we have not been to the cabin in such a long time. We loaded the Quad and riding lawn mower in the trailer and headed south for the weekend. Lori had called her folks and invited them down for a later summer get away. Not much argument there and the best part was Frank, their dog got to go too.

Friday night, we vegged and didn't accomplish much. In the morning, we went to breakfast and soon headed back to the beach. Roy and Opal arrived and soon plans for a Costco run were being made. I chose to stay behind and get the lawn mowed. I was able to cut it a little wider as I try to do and everything looked nice again. I unloaded the quad and had it at the ready when the shoppers returned.

Last spring, Shawn told me how a tree had come down and he cut enough to get down the drive. I looked at it and could see alot of firewood in the alder. This would not be a simple task as the tree was still partially suspended on another one and the brush was very heavy. I did not want to be under the tree or close as I went to cut it as I didn't want the tree to snap.

After a couple of hours, I had cut out three smaller trees, and then cut the brush back. Now I could escape if the tree split. Glad I did. As soon as I started to cut, it popped and split. I got out of the way and was able to clear it safely. I sawed the tree into sections, but they were heavy and I needed a way to get them down or at least to a place I could cut them out. Enter the 550 Yamaha. Lori picked up a couple tow straps for me and after a couple quick lessons, Roy was now enjoying the quad and seemed to be at ease with all it had to offer. He would come down the drive, spread the strap and we would load brush on the strap, hook it and off he would go. It worked very well for towing large amounts of brush. Then we were ready for the logs. He backed up to the edge and I hooked the straps to the three lengths. I dropped it in 4wd and started out. It towed without hesitation and now the trees were at the shed and ready to be sawed up. Both Roy and Lori rode the quad for quite some time that afternoon and Roy could be heard weighing options about what he could use one for at home.

We had a very relaxing time and it was great to be back at the beach. We need to spend more time there.

Times, they are a changin!!!

After we got back from vacation, I have been tormented with what to do. I had ridden just three times in the past 1.5 years. Although I enjoy it, my back hurts every time I get on. I recall our 2008 vacation on the bike. We were bored with our travels and looked to spend less time on the road and more time in one place ( not a full week though!). I labored with the thought of selling the bike as we were not into riding anymore. Vacation 2008 was ok at best and we have to admit, we are spoiled with our 5vr. I dont know why, but it always seems to work out with things like this. As Lori and I weighed our options and talked about our future, I sat down and a tv show would make the decision for me. I am an avid ATV rider as well as road bikes. I love the woods and sand. I record a couple ATV shows every week and sit and enjoy them in the evening. This week, they tested out a brand new 550 class ATV with power steering and fuel injection. I had longed for a mid range ATV with not onle the above options, but independant suspension which should make for a much softer ride.

I showed the segment to Lori and you could see it in her eyes. She had a possible outlet for the outdoors. I told her I wanted to trade in the 450 or sell it as I had a couple buyers. She nixed that and we started to talk about selling the wing. I spoke to some people I know in the industry and all seemed to think Goldwing sales were still strong. Well, withing three days, a dealership made me an offer, I could not look down at. Almost retail book for the 1800, a great price on this atv along with freebe's and a check for the diffreence. It was a win win as far as this deal was concerned. I rode the wing down to the dealership. By Elma, I was hurting and the ride no longer enjoyable. By the time I got back home, I was miserable and the decision was made for me. Get the value now and reassess getting another wing whn and if I can get my back fixed.

Lori and I were now the proud owners of a new Yamaha 550 with power steering. I gently showed Lori how everything worked and she eventually asked if she could ride it. After a few starts an stops, she was hooked and I couldnt get her off the bike. She rode loops down and around the back yard, down the drive and anywhere she could ride. She wants to take the atv class and with us still owning the 450, we can go ride together. The real test will be Shawns birthday in a couple weeks. We all head to Sand Lake and Lori has her helmet and is ready to eat some sand!