September 7 - October 15, 2013… Elko & Lake Tahoe, Nevada

I had a great night sleep and woke up feeling a little sad.  I guess as we head closer and closer to Lake Tahoe, the reality of dealing with "normal life" bothers me.  I don't know if we will be able to make the 9 hour trek today that will land us back at Lake Tahoe, but, we will try.

Nevada continually surprises me!  Just when you think the the landscape could not get any more dreary a mountain range pops up that sweeps your bike through lush valleys.  Why couldn't I see that in the distance I think…No worries, I'll enjoy this wild west scape and imagine American Indian's on their horses peering over the ranges, and enjoy the stimulation.  As I lean into a gentle corner a young herd of Sierra Nevada Bighorn sheep quickly trot across the road.  No doubt there is greener grass on the other side!  I pull over and Kev is right behind.  I open the back box, grab the camera and spend 15 minutes or so watching and capturing the moment.

By 5 pm we were tired and decide to bunk up in Elko.  We are only 4 1/2 hours away from Lake Tahoe now.

This is it…we connect up with the major highways that funnel us into Reno.  We decide to ride in on Highway 50 and see a lit sign welcoming bikers to Lake Tahoe!  Ha Ha, how did they know we would ride in on this day, I think?  Funny that we would ride into Lake Tahoe on "Tour De Tahoe" day.  A 72 mile loop around the lake known as America's most beautiful bike ride.  I once again was captivated by Lake Tahoe's mountainous beauty, crystal waters, pine fresh smells, crisp clean air, and bothersome static electricity jolts.  The final turn onto Kingsbury Grade was exhilarating really and I felt a great sense of accomplishment sweep over my body .  The Grade twisted and turned and led us to our home that we rent, the place where all of this began 2 years ago.  We are back…although we are only about a quarter of the way to our destination….Argentina!

A couple of down days washing and sorting life and then we are back on the road heading south towards our primary home that we rented out 2 years ago.  Our occupants are leaving and now it is time to make an important decision….Do we acquire new occupants, or do we sell?!

We decide to sell, but have some work ahead of us to prepare it for the real estate market.  Here we go!  After being totally unchained from "normal/everyday" life I feel overwhelmed and inundated by this process.  Kev and I struggle to understand and meet the demands of others, but do.  Before you know it we have conformed and uncomfortably settled into the craziness we once left.  The house was listed after 10 solid days of preparation, had offers immediately and sold and closed escrow by day 40!

We did encounter craziness that compelled us to do what we do best….hop on the bikes and ride out of town!  A ride and stay in Monterey, then further south to Morro Bay gave us the distance we needed to decompress before returning once again to the manic suburb.

We encountered a herd of Bighorn Sheep today…picture time!

We encountered a herd of Bighorn Sheep today…picture time!

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It is hard to believe that the bikes are back at Lake Tahoe!  

It is hard to believe that the bikes are back at Lake Tahoe!  

Dinner with our RE Agent!

Dinner with our RE Agent!

We camped out while we spruced up the place.

We camped out while we spruced up the place.

Went on a ride up to Alice's

Went on a ride up to Alice's

A ride to Monterey 

A ride to Monterey 

That is one huge otter!

That is one huge otter!

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How do they do that? Doesn't look that comfy!

How do they do that? Doesn't look that comfy!

ne of my favorite places on earth…Monterey Bay Aquarium.

ne of my favorite places on earth…Monterey Bay Aquarium.

The Jelly fish exhibit is out of this world!  This is an Egg Yolk Jelly.

The Jelly fish exhibit is out of this world!  This is an Egg Yolk Jelly.

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That looks more comfortable!

That looks more comfortable!

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Stopping at the Elephant Seals on our way south to Morro Bay, California

Stopping at the Elephant Seals on our way south to Morro Bay, California

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Morro Bay, California

Morro Bay, California

Woody Show going on!

Woody Show going on!

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A ride over to the rock before heading back.

A ride over to the rock before heading back.

Magnificent Highway 1

Magnificent Highway 1

Bye Bye!

Bye Bye!