About an hour down the road and I encountered my first moose crossing of the day. As soon as they saw me they headed for the woods.

Continuing south.

First bear of the day. This one is doing what bears should do, run away.

Another black bear encounter. Have never had this happen before and this makes the third bear on this trip that wants to do the road dance. Stop in my lane and stare at me. If I change lanes, they move to that lane and then finally move off of the road right before I get up to them.

It has been a good trip, some days better than others, but the not so good days are why it is called an adventure. Bike is in "home" mode and now it is just about making miles.

Not quite as mountainous as before

Entering the Okanagan Valley. This region is known for its dry, sunny climate, dry landscapes and lake shore communities. Agriculture has been focused primarily on fruit orchards, with a recent shift in focus to vineyards and wine.

Reached the city of Cache Creek, BC, found a motel and done for the day.

Continued south on Hwys 97 and 97c through Canada's arid region heading toward the border.

Crossed back over the border with no problems and was back in the good ole USA, sate of Washington.

Grand Coulee Dam on the Columbia River.

Went through a section of rolling hills in Washington.

Crossed into Idaho and the road was not so flat anymore. Even though I was running east on I-90, it was an interesting ride most of the way into Missoula. Lot of mountains and curves kept the ride from getting boring.

From now on it is just pounding slab on the way back home.

A few shots from the road.

Heading east across I-90. Long gone are the tall snow capped mountains.

Still running slab and entering the state of South Dakota:

Passing through the Black Hills via the slab.

A ride report from one of my previous trips to the Black Hills is located here:
NatSTOC, Black Hills, British Columbia, Hyder AK - 2009.

Leaving the Black Hills behind me. There be strange animals in them parts of the country.

After turning south on I-29 I soon reached North Sioux City. Home for the night.

Lot of rain in the forecast for today from Bill coming up from the south and traveling to the northeast. I was able to stay ahead of yesterday's afternoon rain storms, but Bill was producing a wide path of rain that was in front of me and to my south that I would have to pass through at some point. My goal for the day was to pass through the rain and have clear skies for the final day riding home.

Continued south on I-29 with the first band of rain coming up on me from the west. I was able to stay ahead of it but could see the clouds building in the west.

Crossed into Missouri, headed east on Hwy 36, and it was apparent that the rain and I would soon be meeting.

South on Hwy 13 and then east on I-70 heading toward St Louis. My luck was quickly running out. Camera was put away and I layered up for the oncoming rain storm. Soon the rain started and the closer that I got to St Louis, the harder the rain became. By the time that I got into St Louis, I was in the middle of a major downpour. Dealing with the traffic, rain, winds, and almost total lack of visibility, I finally made my way south through St Louis on Hwy 141 and then continued south on I-55.

The further south that I got on I-55, the less rain that I had to contend with. By the time that I had reached Cape Girardeau the rain had stopped and the sky was beginning to clear. I left I-55 at Cape Girardeau and took back roads into Paducah, all on dry roads.

Arrived in Paducah, found a motel, and prepared for tomorrow's ride home.

Slow start getting on the road this morning, but the rains from yesterday were still to my north. It looked like that I would have good weather for the final ride home.

With the aux gas tank on the bike, I have a range of 450+ miles. That would make an easy day for only 382 miles. No need for gas stops or to get off the bike until I arrived at home.

Most of the ride was uneventful and I was able to keep moving with only a few slow downs. Traffic was heavy getting through Nashville and Chattanooga, and then again going south on I-75. Other than that I made good time and was soon parking the bike (Mexican Desire) in the garage for a well deserved extended rest.