This photo was taken on Flag Day last month, which coincided with the annual Redwood Run of Harley Davidson motorcycle enthusiasts. It's just an ordinary shot of Main Street, but I pulled it out today in honor of the outside possibility that the King of Jordan, Abdullah II, is vacationing in the region. So far it's just a rumor, but some southern Humboldt county bloggers have eyewitness reports of an entourage looking very much like a head of state trying to be inconspicuous, but failing because an entourage is never inconspicuous in Garberville, especially if it involves Highway Patrol escorts and heavily armed guards. We don't know positively, we're "just sayin'". The last intel report had him at the lovely Benbow Inn, which serves beautiful meals in a rustic-chic Victorian setting beside the Eel River just north of our county line.
So why this picture of choppers? Well, the reason the King might be around is to tour the highways on his Harley Davidson! He's a motorcycle fan, and a noted adrenaline junkie, and rode along the coast of Big Sur last year. So, none of this speculation is out of the question. Plus, he was just in Idaho, Colorado, and Oregon in published reports, so it could all fit together. But I'll bet he went to the coast, not through our inland valley. Oh, well, he's welcome just the same.
Well it's official. The King of Jordan did stay at the Benbow Inn last Thursday night. The Benbow Inn blog confirms it.
15 comments:
I would pay to see George W. on a motorcycle but would only be casually interested in an ordinary King.
Hmmm.... So you are posting the picture of the choppers to lure the king to Willits. I would never have suspected you as being a monarchist. But you know, like the Elton John caper, this "king" will probably turn out to be Bill Gates up to his old incognito tricks.
Oooooo! Intrigue!
I'd just turn up for thos magnificent bikes, nevermind the King. I'm not a fan of our own royals, but beautiful bikes oh yes.
The love of a good Harley is something he might have picked up from his father. Somehow I don't think he'd care to be seen tipping back a few at Al's Redwood Inn. I heard somewhere that the Koran prohibits it. Perhaps in a future post you could give us a image of the the sign at night. I love neon.
Our neighbor the King a biker, and in California?! What a scoop! Long live the king.
A very enjoyable piece of writing! And I have to say this to Abe's comment: How long do you think W could stay on a motorbike (referring to the incident with the Segway)?
Abraham - For eight years, I've had to turn off the radio whenever W's voice was on.
Benjamin - I think this hardly qualifies me as a monarchist. Come on, now. Those of us without one can indulge in a sort of outsider historical interest. A family tree that traces to Mohammed is at least as exotic as one that traces to Matilda. But you're right; who the heck else would need/want to go to all that trouble? Puff Daddy? Tony Soprano?
Kelly - I think so too. Willits is a thrilling place, but even our heads can be turned by a good mystery. Mendocino county is loaded with celebrities as it is.
Babooshka - These are a particularly colorful set of bikes. The matching helmet fashion is pleasing. I can just see Princess Beatrice in the blue.
Palm - I think you're right about that, but he might like The Purple Thistle. I haven't managed an interesting photo of that place yet, but I do already have one of the Al's sign. Coming right up.
Dina - You probably knew about his sky and scuba diving already. Lucky for him he didn't expect to be King in his wild youth.
Z - Thanks Z! Maybe that's why Abe would pay money. ;^)
This King must better watch out... There is a paparazza in town! :)
Rose - Hee-hee! But by now, he's long gone. Never spotted him.
Nice writing!
My blog is updated.Let me know your opinion about my photos!
You, too?
:-)
It's funny how he had to come all the way across the Atlantic to be able to ride his Harley. I guess he is a relatively unknown and can easily blend into the crowd without too much effort.
I hope he leaves the waitresses/waiter a huge tip after dinner.
Yet your blog is the one getting all the traffic and comments.:)
Sara - I always look forward to learning more about Mashhad.
Louis - Coffee is essential. Too bad it doesn't grow in this climate.
Ming - When you are constantly under guard, it's hard to blend in. The Benbow blog explains that he didn't want to be photographed, so his "look" won't be so easily spotted.
Petrea - They just must not know about the CDPB community! But I'm pleased to shamelessly use them for my own ends. >8-)
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