I woke up early again, ready to knock out the last 175-miles to Long Beach as quick as I could so that my “Vespa Venture” would be a true coast-to-coast ride. About five-miles into the last day’s journey, for the first time in several days, I wasn’t ready for the adventure to end. So, I let off the throttle a bit, sat-up in my seat, felt the wind and sun on my face, and enjoyed the views. It was glorious.

I was on the road before 6:00 a.m. this morning in a race against the desert sun and heat. Today’s 250-mile route took me through the middle of Death Valley National Park – the hottest place on earth.

Today’s route took me to the fifth National Park in seven days – Zion National Park. As far as riding a Vespa goes, Zion is my best-loved park to drive through so far. The bends through the conservation area were thrilling and narrowly lined with brilliantly colored rock walls.

I had a pleasant ride driving south in Utah towards Zion National Park, taking a little detour to see Bryce Canyon National Park. I am glad that I took the extra time to see the rock spires and brilliant colors of the canyon. The weather was good, but I can feel it getting warmer.

Today’s route included roads in Wyoming, Idaho, and Utah. I started off in a cold rain driving through Grand Teton National Park. It was a beautiful stretch of road, but I did not stop much because of the weather. I pushed on as I knew warmer and dryer weather was waiting for me about 100-miles south.

I made it to my planned destination of the Grand Tetons, but was unable to do any real sightseeing because rain settled over the area. It is the cold, soaking rain that won't let up.

Today was all about seeing Yellowstone National Park. I drove the Lower Loop to get a glimpse at the more popular sights at the park. It was a cool, gloomy day to be on my Vespa, but I still enjoyed the ride

I made it to Yellowstone! I felt a genuine sense of accomplishment when I pulled up to the brown wooden sign with bold white letters stating that I had arrived in “Yellowstone National Park.” I don’t know what it was about making it to Yellowstone that got me emotional. Not only that, but I may or may not have had a few tears rolling down my face.

Today has been my most relaxing driving day of the trip. I slept in this morning. Had a hardy breakfast at the hotel. Participated in a video work meeting. Then, I drove a short 215 miles in perfect weather closer to Yellowstone National Park. The drive was like being in an old John Wayne Western movie.

During the Covid lockdown planning, I had fantasies of a day like today on a memory loop. I woke to a cool, crisp morning in my hammock. Then, I made coffee and biscuits and gravy.

Today was dedicated to making up miles and snapping lots of pictures of America’s Heartland. I wasn’t originally planning on driving so much today, but I needed to make up for yesterday’s early stop. I anticipated this stretch being hard and monotonous. Was I ever wrong!

Today’s ride was basically 320 miles of me fighting a 20-40 mph crosswind. The winds were only getting worse, so I called it a day 70 miles short of my destination and found a roadside hotel with one room left.

Today was the official start to my Vespa venture across America. I chose to leave a day early to get ahead of storms that will be passing over my route in the coming days.

I took a day off from riding so I could spend needed time with my family and rest by body. Being my mom’s favorite of three kids, we had a great day of conversation, shopping at REI, and eating hibachi.

I left Parkersburg around 9:00 am after a rain storm passed. What should have been a low miles easy riding day across Ohio Route 32 became a rain soaked morning of riding.

Pennsylvania is a beautiful state! When you don’t take the Turnpike. I’ll confess (sorry PA residents), but I was not looking forward to my drive through Pennsylvania.

Today was the official start to my Vespa venture across America. I chose to leave a day early to get ahead of storms that will be passing over my route in the coming days.

Today was the “unofficial” start of slow riding across America on a Vespa. From the first time I imagined the trip, I envisioned it beginning at iconic Coney Island in Brooklyn, NY. So, I got an early start and the bonus is I was able to test and get accustomed to by new 13” wheels and tires.