April 29, 2005 - The first day of what I hope will be a fun and successful around the world trip.  I was off to a slow start; but, since I am not in a hurry, no worries. 

Packing up the 1150 GS Adventure took  little longer than I expected.  Over time I am sure I will be able to load up in a matter of moments.

My first stop, the first annual California Adventure Riders Rally in Ballarat, CA.  a 'ghost town' right outside of Death Valley. 

Here I am switching from street tires to more useful off-road knobby tires (getting a little help from my camp mates breaking the bead on the tire).

Changing tires on a motorcycle is hard work so your campmates better have plenty of beer for you to drink.

Getting together with fellow riders to discuss possible routes to take in the Death Valley area.

Everyone lined up for the days ride.  Mostly GS riders, but KTM, Triumph, Suzuki, and others were well represented.

Taking a little break for a photo opportunity.

Some of the riders taking a break.  The riding was challenging but not impossible.

The view from our lunch stop near the top of Cerro Gordo Peak, next to the preserved Ghost Town of Cerro Gordo. 

Here is the view with the Cerro Gordo Ghost Town in the shot.  This little mining town is almost exactly as it was from the early 1800's.

The saloon is still operated by the town's owner and has the best root beer you will find anywhere in the Death Valley area.

After a long day riding everyone gets together for a beer and some stories.

After 2 days of riding in the Death Valley area it is time to move on.

Not to many people drive through Death Valley.  I have the whole road to myself.

Some of the beautiful countryside I passed.

Utah - Outside of Salt Lake City.

Utah - Outside of Salt Lake City.

Utah - Outside of Salt Lake City.

My KOA campsite at Rawlings, Wyoming.  Not too difficult a life.  It was a little cold, but the fire made it a nice evening and the wi-fi connection the campsite had made keeping in touch with friends and family a breeze.

  

I had many furry friends keeping an eye on me during my ride across Wyoming. 

This couple is loosing their winter coat.

Some more of Wyoming's beautiful landscape.

It doesn't look like much does it?  Just a building less then a mile off of interstate 90 in South Dakota.  You would not even look twice at it. 

Turns out that this is a Minuteman II missile command center for the 66th Missile Squadron based out of Ellsworth AFB, SD.  All part of the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site.

A picture hanging on the wall inside the building shows the crew of the 66th Missile Squadron.  Everything inside the building is as it was the day the were told to abandon their post.

A little 'Cold War' humor from the crew of this Minuteman II command center.  This is the paint job the crew placed on the vault door of the missile launch control room.

A side angle of the vault door.  Built to withstand a nuclear attack.