Diamond Lake, Oregon

Sunday, April 28, 2002

The first thing I did this morning was check the ODOT web cameras that are pointed at the highest points of all the highway passes through the Cascades. It looked as if this was going to be a great day for motorcycling. And since we all know that any day is a good day for motorcycling, I would have described today as an especially great day.

Today's destination was supposed to be my second destination yesterday but I had to scrap those plans because of imaginary snow in the passes. Diamond Lake is located more or less in the center of the state -- okay, just a little to the left of center, just north of the famous extinct volcano known as Crater Lake.

My chosen route took me south on I-5 to Eugene where I executed a left turn (east) along OR-58 and passed Dexter Lake. Fans of the film Animal House will recognize this name from an establishment in the film called the Dexter Lake Club. Otis Day and the Knights played there. "Hit it!"

I crossed the Cascades, Willamette Pass being about 5000 feet, on dry pavement. Snow had been plowed to the roadside but much of it was melted. An inner pair of gloves kept my hands warm if not toasty all the way. Descending on the other side of the Cascades, I caught fantastic views Odell Lake. And I should say "thank you" to the driver of the white Nissan Sentra who tried so very hard to keep up with me through the corners. It was fun. I be fast and you be slow.

OR-58 dumps into US-97 where I continued south and passed through Chemult, a town I visited in 1999. The Wheel Cafe looks just as it did three years ago. Tears in my eyes due to nostalgia, I had no sooner bid farewell to Chemult when I came upon OR-138.

Hwy 138 goes in an almost ridiculously straight line for about 30 miles. I kid you not. Without mentioning specific numbers (because jail is no place for someone as pretty as myself), let's just say that I appreciate the power and agility of the ST1100 and have a new appreciation for its acceleration characteristics. Whee.

Some few minutes later I arrived at a point where OR-138 points northward. And a little while later, I came upon the Diamond Lake Resort; the restaurant therein was my check point.

I stopped for a meal and watched out the window to see the skies clear of clouds and countless individuals boating, teasing fish with bait and otherwise enjoying things aquatic. I didn't see anyone swimming -- let's not forget that this is Oregon in April. Cabins are available for overnight lodging and, since that's not technically camping, I just might bring the other Thompsonian down here one weekend.

I collected my stamp and headed north and then west along OR-138. I've ridden this road before and I was reminded of just how much fun it could be. You descend through several thousand feet, all the while turning, turning, turning along the crooked path. I had a blast.

But the fun had to eventually come to an end at Roseburg where I headed north and homeward on I-5. Freeways are fast, but there's just no substitute for sweepers: gentle and hairpin.

My odometer tells me that I clocked just over 500 miles today. The mapping software I use says something else. All I know is that I'm tired... and very happy.

next >>