Monday, July 29, 2013
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
On Their Way Home
They left Yuma, AZ around 8:00 this morning to head back north! They are planning to ride to Phoenix, Flagstaff, St. George, Boise, Lewiston. When Ken called around 8:40 a.m., it was already 96 degrees F and Yuma was forecast to have 108 today. They are glad to be leaving.
12:20 Ken called - of course, I was away from my desk, but wanted to update everyone that it was 106 degrees F and they are on the north side of Phoenix heading for Flagstaff. I hope it cools down for them as they climb up into the mountains! I will add entries as I can and we'll upload any photos after he gets home (he's hoping at least by Friday).
8:00 p.m. Ken & Father Caleb have stopped for the night in St. George, UT. They rode the north ridge of the Grand Canyon and while they ran into a bit of weather, they had a little bit cooler day at least while in the mountains. It is only 86 degrees F currently in St. George so hopefully it will cool down even more this evening. Not sure if I'll get any photos tonight but we'll get more posted this weekend for sure.
12:20 Ken called - of course, I was away from my desk, but wanted to update everyone that it was 106 degrees F and they are on the north side of Phoenix heading for Flagstaff. I hope it cools down for them as they climb up into the mountains! I will add entries as I can and we'll upload any photos after he gets home (he's hoping at least by Friday).
8:00 p.m. Ken & Father Caleb have stopped for the night in St. George, UT. They rode the north ridge of the Grand Canyon and while they ran into a bit of weather, they had a little bit cooler day at least while in the mountains. It is only 86 degrees F currently in St. George so hopefully it will cool down even more this evening. Not sure if I'll get any photos tonight but we'll get more posted this weekend for sure.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Pictures from the Trip....Enjoy
First, here is the URL for the 2nd video that Ken's partner in crime put together this afternoon It's pretty cool - make sure to like it on YouTube.
Now, without further adieu, here are the photos that Ken took on their trip:
Now, without further adieu, here are the photos that Ken took on their trip:
THEY MADE IT!!
2:40 p.m. Ken Ellis and Father Caleb Vogel have crossed into Mexico with over 2 hours to spare!! Congratulations to them both. It is 103 degrees right now and they are going to find the first hotel with wifi and air conditioning. I am so proud of them and happy that they MADE IT - no worse for the wear!!
3:00 p.m. And they are back on U.S. soil!!
3:00 p.m. And they are back on U.S. soil!!
Day #2 - Afternoon
1:25 p.m. They stopped for fuel in Blythe, CA and am assuming a bite to eat since they have been there for a lot longer than normal for a fuel stop (unless Ken forgot his cell phone there!). I have not had any contact with them this afternoon but they are just 90 miles from Yuma (and the border crossing is just right there). I will keep you apprised as they get ever closer to their amazing goal! It is currently 97 degrees F in Blythe, CA and 98 degrees F in Yuma, AZ so they better be hydrating like crazy and if Ken isn't using his chiller vest today I will be very upset with him.
1:35 p.m. Called Ken and they were just heading out of Blythe. The GPS is taking them on a CA-78 to Ogliby Road and then hooking up with I-8. I wanted them to take 95 the rest of the way. I will let you know as soon as I know when they arrive in Yuma. I'm sure they will be fine as the GPS has been routing them around road construction and other "hazards" all day. I have faith in God and I am asking him to guide them - the GPS is just an electronic device! Keep the prayers coming for just a little over an hour longer! Thanks for all the support, faith, and prayers.
1:35 p.m. Called Ken and they were just heading out of Blythe. The GPS is taking them on a CA-78 to Ogliby Road and then hooking up with I-8. I wanted them to take 95 the rest of the way. I will let you know as soon as I know when they arrive in Yuma. I'm sure they will be fine as the GPS has been routing them around road construction and other "hazards" all day. I have faith in God and I am asking him to guide them - the GPS is just an electronic device! Keep the prayers coming for just a little over an hour longer! Thanks for all the support, faith, and prayers.
Day #2 - Another Early Start
5:09 a.m. When I woke up just before 5:00, the guys were already on the road. After spending the night in an "old" place with no wifi (Ken had said he would upload the videos he took yesterday) but it did have AC and beds - which, I am assuming was their biggest criteria for a room! No pictures/videos today; however, hopefully I will get some tonight and get them embedded here.
As for today, they are once again heading south and should be in Las Vegas within a few hours (does Vegas have a rush hour?). They should hit the Mexican border in plenty of time to make their 5:15 p.m. deadline today. More as it comes in - praying for nice weather for today.
6:45 a.m. Ken sent a text simply saying they were just over 100 miles from Vegas. Less than 2 hours (probably a little over an hour) and they will be arriving in "sin city". LOL....they will probably get fuel and be on their merry way!! More as I get it. Have a great day.
7:15 As of right now, 10 hours and counting!
9:15 a.m. Ken called from North Vegas and I talked to him as they started through town. They have less than 300 miles to (294 from Vegas toYuma) and 8 hours to drive it. No worries there. We are having a few issues current sending and receiving texts from one another - as he sent me a photo of their breakfast spot (my fav Dunkin' Donuts!!) which I have yet to receive and the text message I sent with the gas stops and other information won't send (or so it says!). Isn't the electronic age just amazing!? They will be using State Hwy 95 from just outside of Henderson all the way. And they only ran into rain once this morning and it wasn't bad but Ken said he could tell that they have had a ton of rain recently! Can we say flash floods!? Thanks for the prayers - they are helping. Until the next update.
11:00 a.m. They have arrived in Needles, CA and will stop to get fuel and hopefully drink lots of water. 184 miles to go and 6 hours to do it in. Woohoo! They are going to make it!! I never had any doubt! Did you?
As for today, they are once again heading south and should be in Las Vegas within a few hours (does Vegas have a rush hour?). They should hit the Mexican border in plenty of time to make their 5:15 p.m. deadline today. More as it comes in - praying for nice weather for today.
6:45 a.m. Ken sent a text simply saying they were just over 100 miles from Vegas. Less than 2 hours (probably a little over an hour) and they will be arriving in "sin city". LOL....they will probably get fuel and be on their merry way!! More as I get it. Have a great day.
7:15 As of right now, 10 hours and counting!
9:15 a.m. Ken called from North Vegas and I talked to him as they started through town. They have less than 300 miles to (294 from Vegas toYuma) and 8 hours to drive it. No worries there. We are having a few issues current sending and receiving texts from one another - as he sent me a photo of their breakfast spot (my fav Dunkin' Donuts!!) which I have yet to receive and the text message I sent with the gas stops and other information won't send (or so it says!). Isn't the electronic age just amazing!? They will be using State Hwy 95 from just outside of Henderson all the way. And they only ran into rain once this morning and it wasn't bad but Ken said he could tell that they have had a ton of rain recently! Can we say flash floods!? Thanks for the prayers - they are helping. Until the next update.
11:00 a.m. They have arrived in Needles, CA and will stop to get fuel and hopefully drink lots of water. 184 miles to go and 6 hours to do it in. Woohoo! They are going to make it!! I never had any doubt! Did you?
Monday, July 22, 2013
Evening Details
6:05 p.m. And they are on the road again. They are just leaving Jerome now and will be heading south to Jackpot, NV. My biggest concern is gas. The highway they are taking, while a beautiful route, doesn't have a lot of towns dotting the map. So my hope is there are lots of truck stops along this road and they have no problems finding fuel. Other than that, they are rocking this adventure!
8:45 p.m. Ken called a while ago from Wells, NV where they fueled up ("sucking fumes" as Ken so aptly put it). They are going only as far as Ely, NV because we are not sure if there is gas to be had after that city. There are many hotels there so they will get a room, sleep for a bit, and hit the road again in hopes that gas stations will be opened and available when they need them. Hopefully on the return trip they will use more well-traveled roads so that gas stations are not an issue. Good night, sweet dreams, and I'll see you tomorrow.
8:45 p.m. Ken called a while ago from Wells, NV where they fueled up ("sucking fumes" as Ken so aptly put it). They are going only as far as Ely, NV because we are not sure if there is gas to be had after that city. There are many hotels there so they will get a room, sleep for a bit, and hit the road again in hopes that gas stations will be opened and available when they need them. Hopefully on the return trip they will use more well-traveled roads so that gas stations are not an issue. Good night, sweet dreams, and I'll see you tomorrow.
Afternoon Adventure
1:20 p.m. Ken just called - they stopped in Baker City, OR to get gas and drink lots of water (oh and eat the no bake energy balls I made for them to snack on). Spirits are high and they are making good time. They have gone about 450 miles so far and are heading east on I-84 - less than 100 miles from Idaho border. Ken has been taking some short little videos so hopefully I can share those in a day or two. They are ahead of schedule so keep them in your prayers.
2:16 p.m. They just crossed over into Idaho. I'll bet it is hot in southern Idaho today!
4:50 p.m. Father and Ken have arrived in Jerome, ID and will be stopping for a few (hours or minutes, I am not sure). I just talked to Ken and he will be glad to get off the bike for a bit, get cooled off, and walk around. They have driven in heat upwards of 105 degrees F! He said that they hit a spot that was 102 degrees and it was sooooo much cooler. I guess every degree helps when you are talking about over 100 degree temp. I am home from work and have lots to do so I may not update much until morning (unless Ken calls again). Thanks for keeping them both in your prayers. BTW, unofficially, they have to make it to the Mexican border before 5:15 p.m. tomorrow - I don't think they will have any problem with that timeline. (NOTE: all times are Pacific Daylight Time)
2:16 p.m. They just crossed over into Idaho. I'll bet it is hot in southern Idaho today!
4:50 p.m. Father and Ken have arrived in Jerome, ID and will be stopping for a few (hours or minutes, I am not sure). I just talked to Ken and he will be glad to get off the bike for a bit, get cooled off, and walk around. They have driven in heat upwards of 105 degrees F! He said that they hit a spot that was 102 degrees and it was sooooo much cooler. I guess every degree helps when you are talking about over 100 degree temp. I am home from work and have lots to do so I may not update much until morning (unless Ken calls again). Thanks for keeping them both in your prayers. BTW, unofficially, they have to make it to the Mexican border before 5:15 p.m. tomorrow - I don't think they will have any problem with that timeline. (NOTE: all times are Pacific Daylight Time)
Morning Details
Ken called me while they were stopped for gas. He told me the greatest story about their crossing into Canada. The two border guards (a married couple, BTW) were wonderful. Ken didn't get the Witness forms printed before they left (although he thought it was printed initially with the packet). So the guards printed the forms and filled them out as their witnesses. What could have been a disaster turned out very well for all concerned.
The guys have had a few miscommunications - learning each other's riding style and hand signals - and missed turns; but both are very laid back so all is well. Once they get out of the "back roads" and get on some highways that have a decent speed limit, they will start chewing up the miles. The most picturesque photos are taken on the "back roads" but do not do much for speed!
It was 70 degrees F at 4:45 a.m. at the border - they also broke 100 yesterday close to the border as well. They are prepared for all types of weather so no worries there. Until the next update....have a great day.
BTW, as of this morning, Ken's ride for charity has raised $144 - if you haven't donated yet, feel free to donate on his page.
10:10 a.m. - They are approaching the Tri-Cities (Kennewick, Pasco, Richland), WA and have completed approximately 300 miles so far. That's about 1/4 of the distance they want to complete today. Way to go gentlemen!!
11:05 a.m. - Ken called from the Tri-Cities and they are doing well - stopped for gas and a short break. They just now crossed the Columbia River at Umatilla and will be in Oregon for a few hours now as they proceed south/southeast until getting to Twin Falls, ID then they will progress to totally south at that point.
The guys have had a few miscommunications - learning each other's riding style and hand signals - and missed turns; but both are very laid back so all is well. Once they get out of the "back roads" and get on some highways that have a decent speed limit, they will start chewing up the miles. The most picturesque photos are taken on the "back roads" but do not do much for speed!
It was 70 degrees F at 4:45 a.m. at the border - they also broke 100 yesterday close to the border as well. They are prepared for all types of weather so no worries there. Until the next update....have a great day.
BTW, as of this morning, Ken's ride for charity has raised $144 - if you haven't donated yet, feel free to donate on his page.
10:10 a.m. - They are approaching the Tri-Cities (Kennewick, Pasco, Richland), WA and have completed approximately 300 miles so far. That's about 1/4 of the distance they want to complete today. Way to go gentlemen!!
11:05 a.m. - Ken called from the Tri-Cities and they are doing well - stopped for gas and a short break. They just now crossed the Columbia River at Umatilla and will be in Oregon for a few hours now as they proceed south/southeast until getting to Twin Falls, ID then they will progress to totally south at that point.
And They're Off....
Around 4:35 a.m. today, Father Caleb and Ken crossed over the Canadian border and started their adventure. Father Caleb commented on his Facebook page: "Boy it's early" - LOL. Also, their goal for today is to drive 1,000 miles. I will post updates as I can (someone has to work today!!). Thanks for following.
Father Caleb also created a video last night that is pretty cool on YouTube. Check it out and share, like, etc.
Father Caleb also created a video last night that is pretty cool on YouTube. Check it out and share, like, etc.
Sunday, July 21, 2013
First Photos From the Ride
Ken just sent me some photographs of his trip today. He said the camera worked well; however, the operator needs a little work! LOL
Heading North To Canada
Ken and Fr Caleb left Colfax just moments ago for their relatively short 4 hour ride to Oroville, WA (just a few miles south of the Canadian border). Once they arrive there and check into their hotel room - they'll catch a bite of dinner (before everything closes at 9pm) and then, hopefully get a good nights sleep. Their plan in the morning is to leave early (6-7am?) and start their journey south to Yuma, AZ and then just over the border to Mexico. Fr. Caleb is doing a video journal and promises to share that when he returns. Ken will be taking stills and sending them to be on Tuesday (I'll share them as soon as humanly possible). Collaborating, there should be some amazing scenery and short snippets of their adventure. Stay tuned.
7:30 pm - I received a confirming text from Ken that they, in fact, have arrived safely in Oroville, WA. Step 1 complete!
7:30 pm - I received a confirming text from Ken that they, in fact, have arrived safely in Oroville, WA. Step 1 complete!
Saturday, July 20, 2013
He is nearly ready.....
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Fund Raiser & Pushing Himself
The Ken that we all know and love will be taking another step in his motorcycle mega-rides by riding his beautiful Victory Vision from the Canadian border to the Mexican border. I will post his location, sites, and photos as I get updates during his adventure. You can comment, send greetings, or just watch this blog to see his success. Remember you can help by donating to support him and his journey at his first giving page.
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