tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5548500681741746432024-03-21T03:37:09.646-04:00Venice by BikeA motorcycle ride from Toronto to California and back.Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15050571834380139105noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554850068174174643.post-5213441072216744282011-05-04T01:28:00.002-04:002011-05-04T01:41:57.616-04:00Home Sweet HomeFrom: Portage, IN<br />
To: Waterloo, ON (via Windsor, ON)<br />
Mileage: About 714kms<br />
<br />
After checking into the motel, I decided to check the weather for the next day. I noticed that it was supposed to be rainy all day, all along my planned route. And it was supposed to remain that way for the next few days. The only break in the rain was that night. So it was either I press on, drive through the night, and stay dry, or I get some sleep and hope the rain isn't too bad the next day.<br />
<br />
I got a refund (minus $3 for "credit machine charges" *rolls eyes*) and jumped back on the road. After wasting so much time looking for motels and fighting with managers, it was already late (I think it was 9 or 10 pm). I got onto the 401 and headed East. I stopped only for gas. At one point, I saw a deer on the side of the road. I flashed my lights to warn drivers behind me, and managed to scare him/her off. I guess I don't have the same bad luck as my friend Ryan and his poor Buell... <br />
<br />
As I entered Waterloo region, I started feeling really excited, and proud. I guess I couldn't really believe I'd done it. I pulled off on my exit and started realizing that I'd been gone long enough that I wasn't sure how to actually... get home. I mean I knew a sure fire way, but not the <i>good</i> way. I figured it out though, and as I pulled up to my street I got pretty damn excited. My Hindle pipe roared up the street, bothering all my neighbours in the middle of the night, and I pulled into the same driveway I'd left <b>27 days</b> and <b>10,512.5 kms </b>earlier.I put the bike in it's spot and paused before turning the key. I had serious thoughts about turning around and just riding off toward the sunrise. I really didn't want the trip to end, and I had strong, yet ambivalent feelings. I was happy to be home, to see Ginny, to have accomplished my goals, but I was sad to be ending the journey and getting back to real life.<br />
<br />
I turned the key, put the bike on her stand, and ran inside to see Ginny. I opened the door to:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigayfGfLEvnHhgK2ddUf2lRWt6AL1rWUKTDIi4Ro6jyf8SzxSilD-lBmI-fMMK2wvFr40IVihAGNuBn9QvI9ut7K-JtOU2eW_cKG1_pYS4p6Bte1Hq5As45FrcdvZQ-tpSF6CZKEFWqPL6/s1600/IMG_1362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigayfGfLEvnHhgK2ddUf2lRWt6AL1rWUKTDIi4Ro6jyf8SzxSilD-lBmI-fMMK2wvFr40IVihAGNuBn9QvI9ut7K-JtOU2eW_cKG1_pYS4p6Bte1Hq5As45FrcdvZQ-tpSF6CZKEFWqPL6/s400/IMG_1362.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finish line.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAlJSnTnmqgK-y5lL230OtrI0KFkx-k26rgq5YyHDZWpjn_4VIzisuT4AdpA7sizIMQqAWJAdCi25re6c6_JRWTVOQY5i6s2haqd02OnG4XPhvdK_xV0TiaspVO2mQAd-CbXFJ6ZgaM1T/s1600/IMG_1364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAlJSnTnmqgK-y5lL230OtrI0KFkx-k26rgq5YyHDZWpjn_4VIzisuT4AdpA7sizIMQqAWJAdCi25re6c6_JRWTVOQY5i6s2haqd02OnG4XPhvdK_xV0TiaspVO2mQAd-CbXFJ6ZgaM1T/s400/IMG_1364.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks, Ginny!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>And with that, I was home. After being inside for about 20 minutes, I felt completely at home. Almost as though I'd never left... Seriously. I saw my bags sitting there and started to think "Did I really just live on a motorcycle for a month? Did I honestly just drive to California?" Sitting in my PJs in the exact spot I was in before leaving, everything I did this past month seems surreal and it's hard to believe I ever left.<br />
<br />
Now that I'm back, I need to pack frantically and move out of this apartment. But at some point, I'm going to write another post with some overall impressions and memories, but also a bunch of pictures that haven't been posted. I also shot a few movies while riding, and Ginny might try and work on a video montage, so check back every now and then for some extra goodies. Also, please post (or email) comments and questions, and I'll reply to them. I'd be happy to answer any questions you guys can think of.<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoyed following along - I know I enjoyed every minute of it.<br />
-GrantGranthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15050571834380139105noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554850068174174643.post-7358140151372558742011-05-04T00:55:00.000-04:002011-05-04T00:55:51.034-04:00Motor CityFrom: Portage, IN<br />
To: (to be continued...)<br />
Mileage: (to be continued...)<br />
<br />
Whenever I got a motel on this trip, I tried to stay with the same hotel group and rack up points to use toward a free stay. I'd mostly been staying at Super 8's because I found they give a good mix between value and comfort - only a few dollars more than, say, Motel 6, but much nicer with a breakfast included. Anyway, I called the rewards program to try and use points for a free stay in Detroit. They told me that they weren't showing <i>any</i> stays associated with my account. So no points... WTF? So I told them to do some homework, find my points, and give 'em. Spoiler alert: when I called back later in the day, they said they'd only found a few, and they the points wouldn't be added in time to use for a free stay. What a rip.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I pounded some asphalt and crossed into Michigan. Getting close!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKAfjagLOZTBWXbShbM_ylVDAjvuZHbJY98h2QG7h4MGXPs0_xvquI65bfYPnHLFTzsRX51P6oKeYHl3ARsHzgzj_lX-qDtVZKBwLIk_CqKexoxMxKdeeQcXzumIIFQlMc4MgdxgUFrBKq/s1600/IMG_1345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKAfjagLOZTBWXbShbM_ylVDAjvuZHbJY98h2QG7h4MGXPs0_xvquI65bfYPnHLFTzsRX51P6oKeYHl3ARsHzgzj_lX-qDtVZKBwLIk_CqKexoxMxKdeeQcXzumIIFQlMc4MgdxgUFrBKq/s400/IMG_1345.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I'd been keeping an eye on the trip odometer, and I got pretty excited when I started to reach the big ten-oh. I pulled off to grab a picture of the 9999.9km reading. Unfortunately, I began pulling off when it hit 9999.8kms, giving me 200m to stop. I think I stopped in 200.1m because it rolled off the 9999.9km mark. Fine, that sucks. But it's no biggie, I'll get a shot of the 10,000km reading. NOPE!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0yAoD0UW1q2tcQnAZTJlT4OMA4VwTcjqNDRH02so_5p5x4Tc0kThCxv8FUZ9Si7abwCSrDuzBl439A2ZfXhd-eQYNZcNtslt6GjClTI6fxHecvNLVCLqQc2uNPUv7nJqCfF79CEi32VUt/s1600/IMG_1348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0yAoD0UW1q2tcQnAZTJlT4OMA4VwTcjqNDRH02so_5p5x4Tc0kThCxv8FUZ9Si7abwCSrDuzBl439A2ZfXhd-eQYNZcNtslt6GjClTI6fxHecvNLVCLqQc2uNPUv7nJqCfF79CEi32VUt/s400/IMG_1348.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Disappointing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The thing resets to 0.0 when it hits 10,000!!! How anti-climactic is that! At least the speed says 0km/h this time... Anyway, that's 10,000 km! Nice!<br />
<br />
After a while, I needed gas. I checked the map and decided to stop in Kalamazoo, MI, for no other reason than the name. Almost as good as mukluks. In Kalamazoo, I called the hotel rewards people and learned the disappointing news. I also spoke with an old guy who didn't hesitate to show me his mangled leg from a giant car wreck in his youth. He had holes and pus and stuff... and this was from 30 years ago. He'd been in a coma for 11 months, and had complete memory loss for 3.5 years. Then all of a sudden it all came back to him. Pretty cool. The only problem was he was standing way too close when talking to me... if that makes a difference.<br />
<br />
My next stop was in Ann Arbor, MI. No reason for stopping there other than the fact that it is home to a college/university that's pretty good for physics. I didn't go to it, I just got gas there.<br />
<br />
I'd decided to head into Detroit, and see if I could get back across the border without my passport. If I could, I'd stop in Windsor. If I couldn't, I'd stop in Detroit and have my folks bring my passport across in the morning. Either way I'd planned on heading into Detroit for some slight sightseeing. As I approached, I think the hours of continuous slapping had started to fry my brain. I saw signs for "Bridge to Canada" and followed them blindly. Before I knew it, I was paying a toll for the bridge and waiting in line at customs. Crap. Oh well. The Canadian border guard was not at all interested in my journey. Thirty seconds and a flash of my drivers license and I was through the gates... back in Canada. How weird is this?!<br />
<br />
I went to the waterfront to see Detroit from across the water:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJL-fhj-5pCXewE9ikULWEjtWycqXS17kHQ8u1hQe7pXPnHjSY_Ax9Vtso-1sSAig5hGlWCdIPuCa80RV0VicQafHV7xrlPyZwzWzU7MIsw9zzwr6Jyf-jIEUB_6qjdyhzEKb59qqytUah/s1600/IMG_1354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJL-fhj-5pCXewE9ikULWEjtWycqXS17kHQ8u1hQe7pXPnHjSY_Ax9Vtso-1sSAig5hGlWCdIPuCa80RV0VicQafHV7xrlPyZwzWzU7MIsw9zzwr6Jyf-jIEUB_6qjdyhzEKb59qqytUah/s400/IMG_1354.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ambassador Bridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuoYiQCBDdsz_C6TIxY9xdLs6lwBqz66YHcW-7zusN4n6fFHCnTI8UFTKbdn8SfCW7ANE0yzgWya_L9EgsUdZguiZm1sESp0-3cueUjrSFCp9QC29hhhfff1SZM1dPaLWkZmcKhYv64ZMY/s1600/IMG_1355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuoYiQCBDdsz_C6TIxY9xdLs6lwBqz66YHcW-7zusN4n6fFHCnTI8UFTKbdn8SfCW7ANE0yzgWya_L9EgsUdZguiZm1sESp0-3cueUjrSFCp9QC29hhhfff1SZM1dPaLWkZmcKhYv64ZMY/s400/IMG_1355.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detroit, MI as seen from Windsor, ON</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRBtzCtlEyNoTmYzKJfH3ISZE9uQR9wG-4XHtr-WicssFnGy3YVgqU49Zy-gvMQOgiE7i6e0p1rmfr1F2453Z2xz7ULXPLYaWl8GYM5b5aUESH3LzxgMZk3-yxq5T4LjNSyoVac367MZe2/s1600/IMG_1357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRBtzCtlEyNoTmYzKJfH3ISZE9uQR9wG-4XHtr-WicssFnGy3YVgqU49Zy-gvMQOgiE7i6e0p1rmfr1F2453Z2xz7ULXPLYaWl8GYM5b5aUESH3LzxgMZk3-yxq5T4LjNSyoVac367MZe2/s400/IMG_1357.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downtown Detroit</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVLgTCosUFqoK4TvoRCdHDpbSYYNrb4pr131J_4vwb8PPqta8sbfnSueFdiXhl_MfghF1FVj8QlE3fITGxGpx0LxGwQBHkHthfElpP23fzOdpgGUOp-tOiSh1PZkltjVkfSAcYAiDN_gBo/s1600/IMG_1358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVLgTCosUFqoK4TvoRCdHDpbSYYNrb4pr131J_4vwb8PPqta8sbfnSueFdiXhl_MfghF1FVj8QlE3fITGxGpx0LxGwQBHkHthfElpP23fzOdpgGUOp-tOiSh1PZkltjVkfSAcYAiDN_gBo/s400/IMG_1358.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9zGl2HO4KLtu8tPoiZ1TniXYxt0bdiuEXSZO1god9mCDwEKPnrV03wFi42rQxc4xY1CA5qfWkIrfKFt7DQligMg-xR8i0Kh4EoDgshCVPDj4MYFPJgLspEqvf3p0sfIpJHXqH1f5r1fPO/s1600/IMG_1359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9zGl2HO4KLtu8tPoiZ1TniXYxt0bdiuEXSZO1god9mCDwEKPnrV03wFi42rQxc4xY1CA5qfWkIrfKFt7DQligMg-xR8i0Kh4EoDgshCVPDj4MYFPJgLspEqvf3p0sfIpJHXqH1f5r1fPO/s400/IMG_1359.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I went into Windsor and stopped at the first Tim Hortons I saw. I hadn't planned on it, but when I saw it I realized how sick of garbage hotel coffee I was. Plus I was cold. I downed a medium double double, then went in search of hotels. I'd forgotten how fricken expensive Canada is. All the hotels were outrageously priced. I finally checked into a tiny little privately owned motel after an argument with the owner of the motel next door.<br />
<br />
Here's the story (skip if you don't care)<br />
Get this... I went to check the rate. It was reasonable, but not great. I asked if I could have a look at the room. He gave me the key and said I was wasting my time - why would he rent me a bad room? I told him it was above average for what I'd been paying on the road, and we got into a (friendly) discussion about the difference in prices between Canada and America. I asked about wifi and he said one side of the building was having problems. I said "okay, I wouldn't mind checking out the room anyway". He got frustrated and asked why. I said I mainly wanted to check the wifi in that room. He snatched the key out of my hand, threw it down and said he wasn't renting to me. He started walking out on his way to get a coffee from Tim Hortons. I laughed pretty hard at him and said a few well placed words. Another customer came as I was leaving too, and I told him not to stay. I told him the story and he said thanks for warning him - he ended up checking in next door. Turns out he was looking to rent on a <i>monthly</i> basis since he was a student and didn't want to sign a lease. HAH! You gotsta respek! Mess with me and I'll cost you thousands, jerk. <br />
<br />
While driving around, I passed this street:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTcyjZprYP6oVPp8HGEs0BPtgRBnVUtUP6KJhYP3vgG0oGGUmRc0RToe4G5uJfSH9BBawjL3urG6_QPrG6zrNTtmu6Y2x-KmvJeFFt2cwJMp9tbfwJ_72pJUS0Zf7hRZlBVD4O8SKO2EzQ/s1600/IMG_1361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTcyjZprYP6oVPp8HGEs0BPtgRBnVUtUP6KJhYP3vgG0oGGUmRc0RToe4G5uJfSH9BBawjL3urG6_QPrG6zrNTtmu6Y2x-KmvJeFFt2cwJMp9tbfwJ_72pJUS0Zf7hRZlBVD4O8SKO2EzQ/s400/IMG_1361.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pfft.. that's fake. I've seen the real one. It was warmer.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Anyway, I checked into the motel and started offloading my bike.<br />
<br />
(To be continued...)Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15050571834380139105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554850068174174643.post-21395078772725367042011-05-02T01:15:00.001-04:002011-05-02T01:23:09.981-04:00Gotham CityFrom: Iowa City, IA<br />
To: Portage, IN<br />
Mileage: About 498kms<br />
<br />
First off, if you're reading this shortly after I posted it, go watch the news. Bin Laden is dead. If you're all caught up on that, then read on.<br />
<br />
I left the hotel this morning and hit the road. Again, nothing interesting, and no landscape. At some point I entered Illinois<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK8FVjQ0otFKsqf5Kxaa_REXHmJjGKEboGultluqKlzVIE51eWndEw7KtMNIHtQI1t1O63qW13q1LkoPfn7xefRVx7yki7iNNXYEV9bLuzUzC0m3UliihXkKVH7umu58JhIUj_aHM4qS1j/s1600/IMG_1259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK8FVjQ0otFKsqf5Kxaa_REXHmJjGKEboGultluqKlzVIE51eWndEw7KtMNIHtQI1t1O63qW13q1LkoPfn7xefRVx7yki7iNNXYEV9bLuzUzC0m3UliihXkKVH7umu58JhIUj_aHM4qS1j/s400/IMG_1259.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I spoke to a few people at the welcome center where I stopped to pick up a map. I met Elly and Rob from London, Ontario who offered up a bed near Detroit if I need one. I'm thinking about it, but I'm also going to try and use some of the reward points I've racked up from staying at hotels.<br />
<br />
Riding today was cumbersome. I was tired and had to stop a lot to wake up. While stopped, I decided to try the BK Stackers from Burger King. They looked so good on TV, and they're pretty cheap. But of course, real life fast food is nothing like TV fast food. And of course, it was basically a ball of grease. So I ordered another one. I'm still wondering why... Anyway, no more fast food.<br />
<br />
Further down the road and I started to see the Chicago skyline coming into view. I stopped in Chicago just to look around. I pulled off of Lakeshore to take a photo<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPA-n1_KysAg84RiFzZAj3JBvlpkJeM0aiSSFonpDh3blELFzXvLDfEv2FZgT9jPjBmKMfj7BUT4AUZWyf4qNgsUBAdD_lx14AzTKvYsk2_L_6T7DrGvD0zE9Jiv1aF9WztXDC4rGTe00W/s1600/IMG_1262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPA-n1_KysAg84RiFzZAj3JBvlpkJeM0aiSSFonpDh3blELFzXvLDfEv2FZgT9jPjBmKMfj7BUT4AUZWyf4qNgsUBAdD_lx14AzTKvYsk2_L_6T7DrGvD0zE9Jiv1aF9WztXDC4rGTe00W/s400/IMG_1262.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
From there I went to Navy Pier. I guess it's a famous pier in Chicago and it's now a pedestrian area. So of course I rode my bike onto it...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvkP9qzvmGlkCGd9rQdm2NtQ7xioCyTficc3iXNIyxzu-19QMk5o4St5lgCpGKzRiWpefGmt5309nbqSuy9auJ9i0E0-5N7kng-IUyMYTfsJ0MTxls9E4AgsqGKNlCZnXoIutkSHBUzlId/s1600/IMG_1264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvkP9qzvmGlkCGd9rQdm2NtQ7xioCyTficc3iXNIyxzu-19QMk5o4St5lgCpGKzRiWpefGmt5309nbqSuy9auJ9i0E0-5N7kng-IUyMYTfsJ0MTxls9E4AgsqGKNlCZnXoIutkSHBUzlId/s400/IMG_1264.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On Lake Michigan</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEgR3NCPDe39MdSB9hU-aHjyhK6SXJwiVEBkm2BAhGtF-k1JznPlv-2-aj0UbFohXdNYY-TDlI3yqI-JoEbwE8qzq05c2Ww7TuSHrxBQz-Bsb4t1Ix-XtPdD-ioZKoFPiyMHP8pzqXj4L9/s1600/IMG_1267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEgR3NCPDe39MdSB9hU-aHjyhK6SXJwiVEBkm2BAhGtF-k1JznPlv-2-aj0UbFohXdNYY-TDlI3yqI-JoEbwE8qzq05c2Ww7TuSHrxBQz-Bsb4t1Ix-XtPdD-ioZKoFPiyMHP8pzqXj4L9/s400/IMG_1267.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm pretty sure motor vehicles aren't supposed to be here...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB6k-X94daeMDgn2cRfEdjtkvwwnm0bhtQH5aNMUxLfqrd7DygoJy8YuU0DT4AAMcacUSD2NBkSGU1Au6BekaHIWiyHRe3ucaRgbeskdyswT9SjoT1NolZUFismGn79D16VC0BWGrf7yWd/s1600/IMG_1269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB6k-X94daeMDgn2cRfEdjtkvwwnm0bhtQH5aNMUxLfqrd7DygoJy8YuU0DT4AAMcacUSD2NBkSGU1Au6BekaHIWiyHRe3ucaRgbeskdyswT9SjoT1NolZUFismGn79D16VC0BWGrf7yWd/s400/IMG_1269.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I was wondering why I was able to do drive to that spot... Because here's where I was:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxYOZCyOnZ-MZ_uPdoYPMXEm5jetY5-C9riUB1ZvuBSA-XoPpOHNEePS7T7wWSVfEqEOSZ4Mu8Z5pq3VGQLa820B3XXADOH1skSPfRYMmh2wPUgG1_ePnOpNH09l9vH2D8WIK9-1YDgplR/s1600/IMG_1276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxYOZCyOnZ-MZ_uPdoYPMXEm5jetY5-C9riUB1ZvuBSA-XoPpOHNEePS7T7wWSVfEqEOSZ4Mu8Z5pq3VGQLa820B3XXADOH1skSPfRYMmh2wPUgG1_ePnOpNH09l9vH2D8WIK9-1YDgplR/s400/IMG_1276.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the red circle near top right saying "You Are Here"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Eventually a Navy Pier cop started yelling "Hey! What are you doing?! You can't park there!" I had to smooth talk my way out of that one... After schmoozing my way out, I asked where I can park, and the guy said "well get the bike out of there before someone else sees it and I'll show you." Turns out parking was $12. Eff that... Here are a couple more FREE pictures:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1owWjdZ_AqEvFN6PhTAbzvA-9gLTVz1wARLdk5UZA0S8siOsg08wJOM-B4786WJMuju2-G3PBtU-xPbcmn1TpkwyQ79RGb7miblUppiTxBKlyneDyPjeCFmH9-LQ_mxeb_E_IqLzg3X2x/s1600/IMG_1271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1owWjdZ_AqEvFN6PhTAbzvA-9gLTVz1wARLdk5UZA0S8siOsg08wJOM-B4786WJMuju2-G3PBtU-xPbcmn1TpkwyQ79RGb7miblUppiTxBKlyneDyPjeCFmH9-LQ_mxeb_E_IqLzg3X2x/s400/IMG_1271.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjloQXhy4ggZpOTIcBK8tXHb9iedq7mu4HByHZ-LPe6MSjoNcvA5IZaYn6ODkrC8JU3rkR1NunSJf56TFx-1LLE2Bfw278aBcYnUUWkZCk_PYIZm0iy3ERSSkORl7v5t7VyOIt1gArAdSs5/s1600/IMG_1278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjloQXhy4ggZpOTIcBK8tXHb9iedq7mu4HByHZ-LPe6MSjoNcvA5IZaYn6ODkrC8JU3rkR1NunSJf56TFx-1LLE2Bfw278aBcYnUUWkZCk_PYIZm0iy3ERSSkORl7v5t7VyOIt1gArAdSs5/s400/IMG_1278.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPAgeP9P_AVdOJwvU9LqG42P9Ou_4_mCdSdYHgA3kAWITE-SQKW2jl-hPt4F9MA7rvL2y6H-OCTEgwQNiLam8-I-ZyTlGUF601K5gaS6pStEtCpRnLhbZ-dMa2AJT-XFLS4T8XCS9gCVT_/s1600/IMG_1283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPAgeP9P_AVdOJwvU9LqG42P9Ou_4_mCdSdYHgA3kAWITE-SQKW2jl-hPt4F9MA7rvL2y6H-OCTEgwQNiLam8-I-ZyTlGUF601K5gaS6pStEtCpRnLhbZ-dMa2AJT-XFLS4T8XCS9gCVT_/s400/IMG_1283.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
From there I went to Michigan Ave and Millennium Park. Apparently there's a Grant Park that I didn't go to. Damn! Millennium Park looked cool. It seemed to have some neat art exhibits going on, but I didn't get to go visit them::<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgVoTcH2SH2ejn-Pph7jCiv703eNEEzhRDCuRPUV8qJaRUQ9deUolB0kOUFnyRL0OrGXEz4_9Kvh9CD5T22Yxx3AqxiM4C2ikUDyvjVhkhY33SqEh2NaqAQsBqvGOvX1g-qS_bhUhw7HNv/s1600/IMG_1288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgVoTcH2SH2ejn-Pph7jCiv703eNEEzhRDCuRPUV8qJaRUQ9deUolB0kOUFnyRL0OrGXEz4_9Kvh9CD5T22Yxx3AqxiM4C2ikUDyvjVhkhY33SqEh2NaqAQsBqvGOvX1g-qS_bhUhw7HNv/s400/IMG_1288.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Michigan Ave and the downtown area was interesting too. When I think of a "city", this is what comes to my mind. Los Angeles built up by expanding outward into a large area. Chicago seems to have built up by expanding <i>upward</i>. It's got tall buildings, multi level streets, underground everything, etc. All the buildings have interesting designs and there's nice architecture everywhere. It seemed like a cool place, anyway.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIWJMVwmYbwvbXPNB5Lwi72Jhczz2MRQZ6Joynn0TtRdi4pRzAKpqTH68zM5oIzXy8hEaSqxQyDrZGIPlDi1V1q6cwLaxe-JiRTqn30Eez_CzXFC_u8J4WOIkrCeou1uk_sZKs_snAqqzC/s1600/IMG_1296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIWJMVwmYbwvbXPNB5Lwi72Jhczz2MRQZ6Joynn0TtRdi4pRzAKpqTH68zM5oIzXy8hEaSqxQyDrZGIPlDi1V1q6cwLaxe-JiRTqn30Eez_CzXFC_u8J4WOIkrCeou1uk_sZKs_snAqqzC/s400/IMG_1296.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michigan Ave</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1oHyu8lPIO_vkKWwvQ1SEVBIHmRrzyli_0ZQ7PvH6EckkWGK6-7JeCR_MOJ2cCTAKFlI1AyLECSzjYMtcyllOuhpvkG_jCeNdHmN325LeMyR-J2_aLh3aapThITmBiE7dwL4fBmL3HFni/s1600/IMG_1308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1oHyu8lPIO_vkKWwvQ1SEVBIHmRrzyli_0ZQ7PvH6EckkWGK6-7JeCR_MOJ2cCTAKFlI1AyLECSzjYMtcyllOuhpvkG_jCeNdHmN325LeMyR-J2_aLh3aapThITmBiE7dwL4fBmL3HFni/s400/IMG_1308.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqHaLprPLK00AfNI6loFfs-iPXKC-adZehfDnpY1ZuO42DlSu_TOJQmVsVtraDTNMLSxXh8iUw1Cj_UEkbqLzQf2P5kn3OARMgshlObQye99LgzMlq7bXbtOkFT1ymr9YEmxuSxmqKem8y/s1600/IMG_1319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqHaLprPLK00AfNI6loFfs-iPXKC-adZehfDnpY1ZuO42DlSu_TOJQmVsVtraDTNMLSxXh8iUw1Cj_UEkbqLzQf2P5kn3OARMgshlObQye99LgzMlq7bXbtOkFT1ymr9YEmxuSxmqKem8y/s400/IMG_1319.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEictdKnJa3hGGvo_CM0sAEgqk-pzdd9ckeHgf33bP9dIXyDcSSYmyareQAcnexT6C-MBJywx-e2G1aDRqEuADzFtglBQw8_hViKVy_XhXeyrPhCXyzJacPIrvn_tKNBqjI3vmprBHF3NzDL/s1600/IMG_1326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEictdKnJa3hGGvo_CM0sAEgqk-pzdd9ckeHgf33bP9dIXyDcSSYmyareQAcnexT6C-MBJywx-e2G1aDRqEuADzFtglBQw8_hViKVy_XhXeyrPhCXyzJacPIrvn_tKNBqjI3vmprBHF3NzDL/s400/IMG_1326.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I also took these photos I like:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggg7D6o97xyKy_86UNutUlqFqe2U2bw8v2KD1sSfnDmBZMUgBT2sM0VX0tebdLWgHQSSiUVddahpYhAq7RqgK0bJ-FRuYEhAZ3_VAVqFh2f8m62NGj3MztDkBU9nZ2gM8-0EPjS8M6h5mf/s1600/IMG_1309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggg7D6o97xyKy_86UNutUlqFqe2U2bw8v2KD1sSfnDmBZMUgBT2sM0VX0tebdLWgHQSSiUVddahpYhAq7RqgK0bJ-FRuYEhAZ3_VAVqFh2f8m62NGj3MztDkBU9nZ2gM8-0EPjS8M6h5mf/s400/IMG_1309.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I just find this cool. Don't worry, it's a red light.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgesj4U0zhFgrnwFUCaceFWWh7XdnY0cLzUuALFX2lbVHcLyRnDDb4ECHfcEcfSBQcmzPrcD1N_Xd57nroOt9RgXThVJtQSo0gPQgHJo6Ck216FJBbgf8SqkpwyBJNe1jln9S7laiGsxRjq/s1600/IMG_1301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgesj4U0zhFgrnwFUCaceFWWh7XdnY0cLzUuALFX2lbVHcLyRnDDb4ECHfcEcfSBQcmzPrcD1N_Xd57nroOt9RgXThVJtQSo0gPQgHJo6Ck216FJBbgf8SqkpwyBJNe1jln9S7laiGsxRjq/s400/IMG_1301.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No worries! My bike has a MOTOR!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicIct2P0Vg5NmHGTyAfDdEs0MU0DokaIaCHIrmH6iAAC9PzJdzlX-ZEs9VbcpcPM7zd6VeaAudmbrZ-OnKRt8riaS7CAK28jmWReaU4i97GICbT3Q4dGkdprbB-GAH1E_rP8_d-2g509b3/s1600/IMG_1333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicIct2P0Vg5NmHGTyAfDdEs0MU0DokaIaCHIrmH6iAAC9PzJdzlX-ZEs9VbcpcPM7zd6VeaAudmbrZ-OnKRt8riaS7CAK28jmWReaU4i97GICbT3Q4dGkdprbB-GAH1E_rP8_d-2g509b3/s400/IMG_1333.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now if only I had stayed downtown until sunset...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I left Chicago moving further East. Hotels are outrageously expensive in the city and I had no particular reason to stay there. Shortly after leaving I entered Indiana<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE9hAfOg_oNI1yI8vpIY_fViGpKmfI1jcKeg2XeMrJUQ9qE9Rfq1PMAjtxYE5vVZxfOUFmIZCsar_Ez5o6A1QMVytT_07vKUmRPrUj-_8gxvlO2kb_WXtF1T8-47EH3b-DwcTAiayyZuI-/s1600/IMG_1342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE9hAfOg_oNI1yI8vpIY_fViGpKmfI1jcKeg2XeMrJUQ9qE9Rfq1PMAjtxYE5vVZxfOUFmIZCsar_Ez5o6A1QMVytT_07vKUmRPrUj-_8gxvlO2kb_WXtF1T8-47EH3b-DwcTAiayyZuI-/s400/IMG_1342.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I then went in search of accommodations. It was raining at the time and I think the forecast called for more rain tonight. I stopped in Portage, IN for the night. I turned on the TV in my room and discovered that Bin Laden is dead. I then watched the president's speech and half expected them to... well... prove it.Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15050571834380139105noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554850068174174643.post-25968257954267029392011-05-01T03:23:00.000-04:002011-05-01T03:23:30.933-04:00Black and BlueLook what I just noticed! Now that the swelling has gone down, the bruising has started to show. I wonder what this looked like yesterday when it still hurt much more than today!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGoYDDTy2IJ19IKLxf4op1PXNGWmC5RO3AKxTxNCJvIzt_M9ftgA3Q1ZeVqLeB_0kbB0aKRLqi25cTMUshW80bS6ls0R4nsgy5jkKNfEf75d4i8JRzBBUhfdP4U1LV-2bcldHvq6w4qbww/s1600/IMG_1252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGoYDDTy2IJ19IKLxf4op1PXNGWmC5RO3AKxTxNCJvIzt_M9ftgA3Q1ZeVqLeB_0kbB0aKRLqi25cTMUshW80bS6ls0R4nsgy5jkKNfEf75d4i8JRzBBUhfdP4U1LV-2bcldHvq6w4qbww/s400/IMG_1252.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAArDWMAPtGaBd-DqxWAtheUMEHzRZA02UqTIOx58OIBKjqpgpwWiZNozyDYZ-zYPDx3iwyQuR7evVwT_1gN7Qz0345Clwg_hflaeuHTY-CVeImwuPsyii5EnZP1JKtL6gwHJyWkCbnDud/s1600/IMG_1253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAArDWMAPtGaBd-DqxWAtheUMEHzRZA02UqTIOx58OIBKjqpgpwWiZNozyDYZ-zYPDx3iwyQuR7evVwT_1gN7Qz0345Clwg_hflaeuHTY-CVeImwuPsyii5EnZP1JKtL6gwHJyWkCbnDud/s400/IMG_1253.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Awesome.Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15050571834380139105noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554850068174174643.post-44484645238180909002011-05-01T01:37:00.001-04:002011-05-01T03:24:48.754-04:00Another boring dayFrom: Aurora, NE<br />
To: Iowa City, IA<br />
Mileage: About 599kms<br />
<br />
It's been mentioned that I always start my posts by mentioning some sort of food. So I won't tell you that I ate breakfast at the small restaurant across the street from the motel.<br />
<br />
I hit the highway and continued through Slabtown. I didn't really do, or see, anything interesting today either. I stopped in Lincoln, NE to return the sunglasses I bought in Vegas. They were defective and starting to bother me). I returned the sunglasses and got going again. Eventually, the highways passed through Omaha, though I didn't stop. Shortly after that I must have entered Iowa because when I stopped for gas I was... well... in Iowa. I guess I missed the sign. I stopped to switch to warm weather gloves when the weather got colder and snapped this shot of the sunset:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwYUa0wLcgnLBDyhf8isl5ft_RnLs9V6Fr2nXb02GFaTSfZ4Thi1PO_TXioy5o151hk5Er9zPyRWfbT43Y7XDNN7Qc0uR6jwCk-akbzxPWYf7bocNkEInbr0-EHoi-VoPjSOdq4CYlSf2r/s1600/IMG_1249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwYUa0wLcgnLBDyhf8isl5ft_RnLs9V6Fr2nXb02GFaTSfZ4Thi1PO_TXioy5o151hk5Er9zPyRWfbT43Y7XDNN7Qc0uR6jwCk-akbzxPWYf7bocNkEInbr0-EHoi-VoPjSOdq4CYlSf2r/s400/IMG_1249.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a crap-snap-shot.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I thought about camping, but didn't find any good spots. I stopped to camp at a rest center, but decided against it because there were "no camping" signs everywhere. So I headed into Iowa City and stopped at a motel.<br />
<br />
Sorry, the last two posts were garbage (because the days were garbage). There should be some more interesting stuff on the way with some bigger cities and better areas. So stay tuned.<br />
<br />
And with that, I'm all caught up. Phew!Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15050571834380139105noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554850068174174643.post-73343766093327275702011-05-01T01:24:00.000-04:002011-05-01T01:24:39.992-04:00Boring!From: Denver, CO<br />
To: Aurora, NE<br />
Mileage: About 689kms!<br />
<br />
I left Denver after eating a (sub-par) breakfast. From there I didn't do anything interesting except arrive in Slabtown, USA. Population: Me. (For my non-technical / non-motorcycling readers, slabbing is basically just riding with the point of traveling a long distance on the boring highways.) I did cross into Nebraska:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7yAKU6ggK7yZaQofResDfZp1HLMInJs0Rz53tcCrRqy6Gl9uYMSHvep4ZvTfMkrGCu2hy6e4YkHEIurTX4eCn9k-CyCiiguIevUNP3kNzqKFI4ie2yMXHFwDNwjecWJrZxQkPx680Br1l/s1600/IMG_1237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7yAKU6ggK7yZaQofResDfZp1HLMInJs0Rz53tcCrRqy6Gl9uYMSHvep4ZvTfMkrGCu2hy6e4YkHEIurTX4eCn9k-CyCiiguIevUNP3kNzqKFI4ie2yMXHFwDNwjecWJrZxQkPx680Br1l/s400/IMG_1237.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was (sadly) the only photo I took all day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I arrived in Grand Island, NE, only to find that there was some sort of tournament happening this weekend, and all the hotels were sold out. It was suggested that I try the next small town over (a farm town with a population of 4500). I headed that way and checked into a small motel. I spent the rest of the night posting and recovering from a long day.Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15050571834380139105noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554850068174174643.post-24767812085469859592011-05-01T01:10:00.001-04:002011-05-01T01:11:35.252-04:00SnowFrom: Big Bend Campground (near Moab), UT<br />
To: Denver, CO<br />
Mileage: About 561kms<br />
<br />
I woke up feeling really sick and had to pack camp. Bill came over to tell me they'd moved to another site, and to offer up some breakfast. I wasn't feeling up to eating, and I'd woken up somewhat late, so I said no thanks and hit the road. The rest of the ride through scenic route 128 was amazing! I wish I wasn't feeling so sick - I could have enjoyed it more. Eventually the gallon of water I drank started to sink in and I started feeling better. By the time I reached the interstate I was feeling pretty good and I ate the sandwich I'd bought for dinner the night before. I read a few emails after coming back into cell reception territory, then hit the road. Here are the pictures from the rest of the scenic ride.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTrg09nZX8nlHLcAFuMAVOhr6sOKzkTCQubQw2iLg9yjzgrNKWB4y1vW8TURN7OWK1cRAvGYOXc_U3zjaA2HJCCY5XXLS9mZW06dMznPvdvoiVYxRq6-9khb_X3CzasNwYfyTn2xrpU06y/s1600/IMG_1214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTrg09nZX8nlHLcAFuMAVOhr6sOKzkTCQubQw2iLg9yjzgrNKWB4y1vW8TURN7OWK1cRAvGYOXc_U3zjaA2HJCCY5XXLS9mZW06dMznPvdvoiVYxRq6-9khb_X3CzasNwYfyTn2xrpU06y/s400/IMG_1214.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMCQpc9k9Mnwnpim_XLSVaYARuPB_ocHWfbxWz91jz1YH_RMIN2Nn4ZDZl0KyPWWiHAOCOz5R_EHzFhJK1rwwN3FKULooHPzmVUGTtnKnlvYCQCKo3Sva9B7e2moUS6H_Qv7rn-YZhNmxg/s1600/IMG_1217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMCQpc9k9Mnwnpim_XLSVaYARuPB_ocHWfbxWz91jz1YH_RMIN2Nn4ZDZl0KyPWWiHAOCOz5R_EHzFhJK1rwwN3FKULooHPzmVUGTtnKnlvYCQCKo3Sva9B7e2moUS6H_Qv7rn-YZhNmxg/s400/IMG_1217.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Colorado River</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJx-uZ9YU3GwReF_U5zZcnXvuiZprqD4pHoiYGqX9lATbbEZHo-9wrfea6vCsrEHEPFHwIBfOJEtpmZf_3EJ_0X2P7tq333A0GnzwFr3t6UqsLWJQgfA5xPZWmo9ssub-NhQkk1i1ORLdG/s1600/IMG_1220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJx-uZ9YU3GwReF_U5zZcnXvuiZprqD4pHoiYGqX9lATbbEZHo-9wrfea6vCsrEHEPFHwIBfOJEtpmZf_3EJ_0X2P7tq333A0GnzwFr3t6UqsLWJQgfA5xPZWmo9ssub-NhQkk1i1ORLdG/s400/IMG_1220.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner. The road goes through an open range so there were cows a few feet off the side.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I stayed on the interstate, and eventually I entered Colorado:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_KU62hUlCQpS5C_2WcYC3Q02Why9kajKv6BwF_a8S7gz05QvT8ZEkMXJzMxBrPPyLY7x1vpxBpx3pgWGvxeKmy-ZmQeUTatrv736sfcTdcAv-Inm2yRiuVy7iBc9ohHRDJ0XYGR0rXea/s1600/IMG_1223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_KU62hUlCQpS5C_2WcYC3Q02Why9kajKv6BwF_a8S7gz05QvT8ZEkMXJzMxBrPPyLY7x1vpxBpx3pgWGvxeKmy-ZmQeUTatrv736sfcTdcAv-Inm2yRiuVy7iBc9ohHRDJ0XYGR0rXea/s400/IMG_1223.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very welcoming sign</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I stopped at the welcome center for some route info. I'd been expecting the mountain passes to be a little dicey, so I figured I'd ask. There was a war museum nearby, so<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2_peZ0RS9US48sHvvLsXROjPosL3X-HQdnTiA5HqX7sHYx28kb8KDkWgxchl-IwsPiLsC7fTSlkxx_Ezd44S2i3GR_rHLmMyEgR1S5hyphenhyphenKdH6oCF1xsDeZD9Ysw1BwfnguUIXtN4lAZUj/s1600/IMG_1224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2_peZ0RS9US48sHvvLsXROjPosL3X-HQdnTiA5HqX7sHYx28kb8KDkWgxchl-IwsPiLsC7fTSlkxx_Ezd44S2i3GR_rHLmMyEgR1S5hyphenhyphenKdH6oCF1xsDeZD9Ysw1BwfnguUIXtN4lAZUj/s400/IMG_1224.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The ladies at the information center were telling me not to try the mountain passes since I'd be getting there late at night. I'd be facing below freezing temperatures, snow, possibly icy roads, and dark. I decided to head in that direction and get as far as I could, stopping if I felt it was necessary. As I drove further, I saw more and more of Colorado. It's a really beautiful state and seems a little expensive.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfINVxAVzxIihAXtfTyayOFidhbowDoJumB_XmSOP3E3Hr3KjQysZSODuj-ITE_0vj3VMQJSRbl77YRPwa7zT28IrxwllndEWzn0_TIRg0xSpm4vWyOjBzVQG2v3E-o076zNLiKg_0PQKp/s1600/IMG_1227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfINVxAVzxIihAXtfTyayOFidhbowDoJumB_XmSOP3E3Hr3KjQysZSODuj-ITE_0vj3VMQJSRbl77YRPwa7zT28IrxwllndEWzn0_TIRg0xSpm4vWyOjBzVQG2v3E-o076zNLiKg_0PQKp/s400/IMG_1227.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the houses</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwx55dRwDZ26yKCoAB5kn6ozl8iQHgxkYQMhXAvV1wC2KrdlVgpLDJpFdN-DRJ4edKtvygcb54iJS5FUI_qdlMawaUZzaSROpaPRofIcMdf0uzuFCDwtuJ69SiVCl7kJ7awAMqN0nPXKnL/s1600/IMG_1228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwx55dRwDZ26yKCoAB5kn6ozl8iQHgxkYQMhXAvV1wC2KrdlVgpLDJpFdN-DRJ4edKtvygcb54iJS5FUI_qdlMawaUZzaSROpaPRofIcMdf0uzuFCDwtuJ69SiVCl7kJ7awAMqN0nPXKnL/s400/IMG_1228.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I moved closer to the mountains and started riding some really nice, scenic twisties. But as my altitude started to climb, the temperatures started to drop. Eventually, I stopped at a town in the mountains to add layers and warm up. I pushed on and reached a rest stop further up the way. Check out this depth!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgohkLdZqXaCcI9MgisgYfP3PoSINj5T4FOYZB2VFlqAfW8SpkDqhGdEU18NYnniZKHajD7JY1ADRGYsHIwT_ED2k3s95XtC9vNa-bVhVxUH_JgtfCgTdE8KhlKepUVXSJTUHflCoOg3PuK/s1600/IMG_1231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgohkLdZqXaCcI9MgisgYfP3PoSINj5T4FOYZB2VFlqAfW8SpkDqhGdEU18NYnniZKHajD7JY1ADRGYsHIwT_ED2k3s95XtC9vNa-bVhVxUH_JgtfCgTdE8KhlKepUVXSJTUHflCoOg3PuK/s400/IMG_1231.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglEybJ17hWnYRvHHAi6pVjTb4b26ivJQ0tnjiaoarZTaCs3woR54qeDZeKU45NdxDoUbvP2Xw61ly0uIu2x0BFuP7FvoIj2WcESviH6GaVQwFHRr3m0VcUpTnSfGWs8mqQchmWooi0sEDW/s1600/IMG_1232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglEybJ17hWnYRvHHAi6pVjTb4b26ivJQ0tnjiaoarZTaCs3woR54qeDZeKU45NdxDoUbvP2Xw61ly0uIu2x0BFuP7FvoIj2WcESviH6GaVQwFHRr3m0VcUpTnSfGWs8mqQchmWooi0sEDW/s400/IMG_1232.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBtVHoylXYyN79Vmvn-UlYC71ht8R3p1CksFrlvIGVQWNu0ZlJfQLWqSISfgbu6eHP4bNOeCFnhabT7whJDzgNmPcy1yNIyQ0bWo0JnlpUGKV3cbEBn_MV3G-k3gzvnf6JFnX7ssZuEubf/s1600/IMG_1233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBtVHoylXYyN79Vmvn-UlYC71ht8R3p1CksFrlvIGVQWNu0ZlJfQLWqSISfgbu6eHP4bNOeCFnhabT7whJDzgNmPcy1yNIyQ0bWo0JnlpUGKV3cbEBn_MV3G-k3gzvnf6JFnX7ssZuEubf/s400/IMG_1233.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hooray! Jazz hands!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The sun set and the roads got slippery, but I found them drivable. So I pushed on and eventually I found myself in Denver, CO. I checked into the Howard Johnson after getting them to cut the rate in half. I'm glad I did because even for the $40 I paid I was still pretty disappointed with the quality. Had I paid full price I would have made a st\ink and gone somewhere else! Anyway, I was exhausted and fell asleep while trying to write a post.<br />
<span id="goog_1377103417"></span><span id="goog_1377103418"></span>Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15050571834380139105noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554850068174174643.post-45463262958219263632011-04-30T03:21:00.000-04:002011-04-30T03:21:07.011-04:00Happy Birthday!!!Guess who turned 25!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB7X7pO0PjDd88lx0s8baLeUXDOYQsYxOPUjWiY8v41vEQqSwoGuMg3r84pumOanI26z8IFfEPx8YIRbhVId7Pmh0GZafffRUVKqibNdGoSXLXvFRe6UeSGx9cmrwFgQUsxmhbEAsgD-Yw/s1600/IMG_1248.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB7X7pO0PjDd88lx0s8baLeUXDOYQsYxOPUjWiY8v41vEQqSwoGuMg3r84pumOanI26z8IFfEPx8YIRbhVId7Pmh0GZafffRUVKqibNdGoSXLXvFRe6UeSGx9cmrwFgQUsxmhbEAsgD-Yw/s400/IMG_1248.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Sorry for the barrage of posts tonight; I'm trying to get caught up. I'm now two days behind. I'd keep working but according to the self-adjusting clock on my phone I just lost an hour so I should get to sleep.Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15050571834380139105noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554850068174174643.post-44924137270113407782011-04-30T03:11:00.000-04:002011-04-30T03:11:03.327-04:00ArchesWarning: This post is extremely picture heavy!<br />
<br />
From: Richfield, UT<br />
To: Big Bend Campground (near Moab), UT<br />
Mileage: About 384kms<br />
<br />
I left the motel and followed I-70 through Utah. This has got to be one of the most amazing interstates in America, and one of the most scenic roads out there (even though it's an interstate!) All the way along are scenic lookouts where you can stop and be amazed. Here are the photos I took along the way:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkz1sdeVJpEgZdqt1eE1pZPYLbnhWKqluialhSWewsp_s-0ujp5HZoC9CtOVjf67IIikkTgHM1ShanxKl65x_6f0y2sqo2IiZDSn5NQAI_-aROIzDjScnUiBLYpIG_hGlcmAWPt05pND3W/s1600/IMG_1073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkz1sdeVJpEgZdqt1eE1pZPYLbnhWKqluialhSWewsp_s-0ujp5HZoC9CtOVjf67IIikkTgHM1ShanxKl65x_6f0y2sqo2IiZDSn5NQAI_-aROIzDjScnUiBLYpIG_hGlcmAWPt05pND3W/s400/IMG_1073.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX5Vey2ohpS0dIqUsKOwX-NkxqgtShCMPDuBmGNJ_CkpLcbyoaXxfHriWtrzCtyUfzyvs1e30qDtOmq7CUon4lCjIj1kHIfeXJQMpYqfGTKevA3ykgS9vXkvaE2pVqAEzs4F8mNV0ls2yC/s1600/IMG_1081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX5Vey2ohpS0dIqUsKOwX-NkxqgtShCMPDuBmGNJ_CkpLcbyoaXxfHriWtrzCtyUfzyvs1e30qDtOmq7CUon4lCjIj1kHIfeXJQMpYqfGTKevA3ykgS9vXkvaE2pVqAEzs4F8mNV0ls2yC/s400/IMG_1081.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_c4_LOAIONdxfNIs2U-9UHXf3R9xE5lJYaS78ujZCHHMxq4FILTpTgRs0NGTD6PeN65b9tULrbHF7QxLRpgT7298V9ttxtZhDYQseF_Zjw1SFAQShp318Wjhy7CX-H25XNlAUx3_RpITY/s1600/IMG_1087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_c4_LOAIONdxfNIs2U-9UHXf3R9xE5lJYaS78ujZCHHMxq4FILTpTgRs0NGTD6PeN65b9tULrbHF7QxLRpgT7298V9ttxtZhDYQseF_Zjw1SFAQShp318Wjhy7CX-H25XNlAUx3_RpITY/s320/IMG_1087.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivpN6xr8QdwwLBlxcTPQMEKHJcuOv-oF7jG-QxmsKlmnsVvFqQd_T6-QzdkcQaDOrceJU0NU0dExWQiyF9j9SO83pMNflE0YZOCZa25SzVCBzqWvSgnEcCbox6dft4NB5EyUcJWu0I3TSZ/s1600/IMG_1094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivpN6xr8QdwwLBlxcTPQMEKHJcuOv-oF7jG-QxmsKlmnsVvFqQd_T6-QzdkcQaDOrceJU0NU0dExWQiyF9j9SO83pMNflE0YZOCZa25SzVCBzqWvSgnEcCbox6dft4NB5EyUcJWu0I3TSZ/s400/IMG_1094.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsk8eX2_sD8pfHJ2D7fXoMVFMJLuoARDwWN7tpieTjsH35-aYqA_TmTKDj1caku4OavPA8kMTbyAJw9ybzkQQ7rOCEgHvpi9OQ18A4Xwn5pL-cZKcvumqzaGumPsg0OvhcFLjr1mhjv9eC/s1600/IMG_1101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsk8eX2_sD8pfHJ2D7fXoMVFMJLuoARDwWN7tpieTjsH35-aYqA_TmTKDj1caku4OavPA8kMTbyAJw9ybzkQQ7rOCEgHvpi9OQ18A4Xwn5pL-cZKcvumqzaGumPsg0OvhcFLjr1mhjv9eC/s400/IMG_1101.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfchCSfsKbBjSuwo8QaTS7VlyZrZIADgaLk2YJsOsk3-slr6j8tze2_PVKKd3SOhzFnNJoUPgqa2iOmBgMC8mFotHf7qDQ-CEh51Ued9LjZmVrEVWDfPfdGHuLv16ViI1ihB6oJ9Etk4U-/s1600/IMG_1104.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfchCSfsKbBjSuwo8QaTS7VlyZrZIADgaLk2YJsOsk3-slr6j8tze2_PVKKd3SOhzFnNJoUPgqa2iOmBgMC8mFotHf7qDQ-CEh51Ued9LjZmVrEVWDfPfdGHuLv16ViI1ihB6oJ9Etk4U-/s400/IMG_1104.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmGTYYxKyMB6IpZKGuzjpe5XYmhooLJGpM_7IfcqOIPwN-ESSWEVZRJOQE7J2RBsZo1lGSg-ozsurHXCBUJ6aeXWOiJdMonUnMVazm8Q6ad6aZppIskLuhx0BbTKCJSs6f_Uc39kY2iG_U/s1600/IMG_1123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmGTYYxKyMB6IpZKGuzjpe5XYmhooLJGpM_7IfcqOIPwN-ESSWEVZRJOQE7J2RBsZo1lGSg-ozsurHXCBUJ6aeXWOiJdMonUnMVazm8Q6ad6aZppIskLuhx0BbTKCJSs6f_Uc39kY2iG_U/s400/IMG_1123.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The road ahead. The next pictures are zoomed in on the road.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOnCozU3oF6CV3dfTaKPGJ4UMq_UmHGAU2XNklOsfVGu74C9LMUAY8gXo0rdprC1-OK3-4V4JKC-eJG_ZSP2HbHbRBEILXsIjh-h5KYY5Ch4KYBnrXRs1xINPvhuU5zDAZk6IABFSzRu13/s1600/IMG_1124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOnCozU3oF6CV3dfTaKPGJ4UMq_UmHGAU2XNklOsfVGu74C9LMUAY8gXo0rdprC1-OK3-4V4JKC-eJG_ZSP2HbHbRBEILXsIjh-h5KYY5Ch4KYBnrXRs1xINPvhuU5zDAZk6IABFSzRu13/s400/IMG_1124.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Too fun.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcnbpsE4jGYAIs1G6zdJ-6_je8YvpH7o4lmkzXBjKbTGnB2Fbr9vx0ztn-8w3gpY4xnB46bL_Vv6_0K9QwXz62QdP8h_9qRH_4nkKtoKdM42d13WNAcid0djOR3GKAOdpj2tCPsw30ovEs/s1600/IMG_1127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcnbpsE4jGYAIs1G6zdJ-6_je8YvpH7o4lmkzXBjKbTGnB2Fbr9vx0ztn-8w3gpY4xnB46bL_Vv6_0K9QwXz62QdP8h_9qRH_4nkKtoKdM42d13WNAcid0djOR3GKAOdpj2tCPsw30ovEs/s400/IMG_1127.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeop.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Since I was stopping every 5 minutes to take pictures (several aren't posted) I kept passing the same vehicles when I'd get back on the road. I passed this one RV going the minimum allowed speed about 6 times. Finally, when stopped for gas, the same RV pulled in and the guy came over to chat while I was looking at my maps. Turns out he's an adventure rider who's gone down to Guatemala, up to Alaska, etc. He told me that Moab and the surrounding area was not to be missed. He seemed to know what he was talking about, and Moab was in the direction of Arches National Park (something I've always wanted to see). I hit the road and took the turn off for Moab. The ride into town was phenomenal with snow-capped mountains off in the distance and amazing canyon walls on the other side. I got into town and stopped for some information. From there I went into Arches National Park. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4muxy7I75dZasJivuGIINVXprH14RLcOE9q4iqhXsZ_65-Vmm_B_1TK0FvAlu5C5PFFSGo7MrlPamoEoWBvbtFllcZlt3JXCPbHbQgBrHhit5qkFoNPrqGOCPrnPjiAYgh4AI00W84Cer/s1600/IMG_1147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4muxy7I75dZasJivuGIINVXprH14RLcOE9q4iqhXsZ_65-Vmm_B_1TK0FvAlu5C5PFFSGo7MrlPamoEoWBvbtFllcZlt3JXCPbHbQgBrHhit5qkFoNPrqGOCPrnPjiAYgh4AI00W84Cer/s400/IMG_1147.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDKRhQf-CTnmND6cx0BahgT2pIniyFn82LD6nw5AO9dOIL8XdfmadUh1wVC9_flHjRygE2B9rmbKWO8sJcryxVcFKqqm4LoaUeImbUPKuozqulB20Y0vSycqwW1dN8Q8Wn46jDJNeKRUcG/s1600/IMG_1148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDKRhQf-CTnmND6cx0BahgT2pIniyFn82LD6nw5AO9dOIL8XdfmadUh1wVC9_flHjRygE2B9rmbKWO8sJcryxVcFKqqm4LoaUeImbUPKuozqulB20Y0vSycqwW1dN8Q8Wn46jDJNeKRUcG/s400/IMG_1148.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi0aEsdYRxcF5L2hUYaxQpe3CdRAZI7u0-mWvH9YOMOqPGXZYgkMQsKBtGiSd4jTtpkqsOL_FhUgakkGwZU364C6gu-tlXP0Bgc1wKBoankRStbd0lIPqumpMvhBhN6nCqA06Jpg2di5T8/s1600/IMG_1150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi0aEsdYRxcF5L2hUYaxQpe3CdRAZI7u0-mWvH9YOMOqPGXZYgkMQsKBtGiSd4jTtpkqsOL_FhUgakkGwZU364C6gu-tlXP0Bgc1wKBoankRStbd0lIPqumpMvhBhN6nCqA06Jpg2di5T8/s400/IMG_1150.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpoK616ulODu2dET6nMfI-vgf9U4JED-HrLMBpJ-yCS6_OhOfDzeLAOzE-fNCsNiwnRnRg807ATtR9V77bvTqWqVLubtPQr7lhITaVyHOEVU0LyiF12FnnqyZQzSnsY-YzDuYb0mI4Sq66/s1600/IMG_1152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpoK616ulODu2dET6nMfI-vgf9U4JED-HrLMBpJ-yCS6_OhOfDzeLAOzE-fNCsNiwnRnRg807ATtR9V77bvTqWqVLubtPQr7lhITaVyHOEVU0LyiF12FnnqyZQzSnsY-YzDuYb0mI4Sq66/s400/IMG_1152.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courthouse Rock (or something to that effect)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmnlaxx5r0UlQLli9LEEHCaeYfcEuCNqtyJcb9jBvbdLdeXjLRsxm48Gvb35DWXIcx310eY3Ryllo1VFTgywHpd5YDJ6ak4Xec0ZNpkGUNBwsSvSkgHFnNx_sVckKJXXT_mhzt5KAzz2dg/s1600/IMG_1159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmnlaxx5r0UlQLli9LEEHCaeYfcEuCNqtyJcb9jBvbdLdeXjLRsxm48Gvb35DWXIcx310eY3Ryllo1VFTgywHpd5YDJ6ak4Xec0ZNpkGUNBwsSvSkgHFnNx_sVckKJXXT_mhzt5KAzz2dg/s400/IMG_1159.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Balancing Rock</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV-v3Q-MdhtqE4h_4EROa2tH_QN1SeNb1dncT1S5BA2c9NyLiBQWPKoe_fFuLKhbdfL8DSwrcAsGEY61IHM1gnAFXGnDzX9d0eL2JFcUlftojSnJ8T0-L1EQgxMzsySR9YUqIkxI3RGFhY/s1600/IMG_1160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV-v3Q-MdhtqE4h_4EROa2tH_QN1SeNb1dncT1S5BA2c9NyLiBQWPKoe_fFuLKhbdfL8DSwrcAsGEY61IHM1gnAFXGnDzX9d0eL2JFcUlftojSnJ8T0-L1EQgxMzsySR9YUqIkxI3RGFhY/s400/IMG_1160.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXYRufp_7RWNqY71LJqjtE15JCYTqJh2oCF2OZueqBSFayFIpQoXD4HBetunsV26bpEcXg2NplrENebX2me1E2t298fcCc2u7ryvWd7UyLeRHGESyKyZ_IcLCf0RDyzSmUiLB0MJ6x1u1Z/s1600/IMG_1161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXYRufp_7RWNqY71LJqjtE15JCYTqJh2oCF2OZueqBSFayFIpQoXD4HBetunsV26bpEcXg2NplrENebX2me1E2t298fcCc2u7ryvWd7UyLeRHGESyKyZ_IcLCf0RDyzSmUiLB0MJ6x1u1Z/s400/IMG_1161.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For scale</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMKL8rzcmOF0vbr1hkFTgwiEqtniYBHanlGcUfmRUw8HKwGjc1xAFWO_H4iU2cZ8iKPGGsZ89WVd5wZExQo-S0E3j1l0xQePqqaGcairmcpMpKdP3sz3IXoEA3moya-ahJ4rmxXS4Q13rX/s1600/IMG_1164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMKL8rzcmOF0vbr1hkFTgwiEqtniYBHanlGcUfmRUw8HKwGjc1xAFWO_H4iU2cZ8iKPGGsZ89WVd5wZExQo-S0E3j1l0xQePqqaGcairmcpMpKdP3sz3IXoEA3moya-ahJ4rmxXS4Q13rX/s400/IMG_1164.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqloDiUun9uA41MzHMps3nnmFpC4ZMFR8nr8qKpzfeVj3ElC82sb7UdiMEGwphsjQfVOQ56Kd-UdSBvvBk-VbUP55fyqHWK-Nb-wg445TprwAeTBBeaox3HbQraUHlsnPXpiGv1XbSFeP/s1600/IMG_1171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqloDiUun9uA41MzHMps3nnmFpC4ZMFR8nr8qKpzfeVj3ElC82sb7UdiMEGwphsjQfVOQ56Kd-UdSBvvBk-VbUP55fyqHWK-Nb-wg445TprwAeTBBeaox3HbQraUHlsnPXpiGv1XbSFeP/s400/IMG_1171.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More scale - notice the people climbing</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcIFG2QrZeGSKl6hRjqNTh7nFao8kncRaehOMWlLQ4yRMtUgdHoRM7XU-7JGb_862ZU_42T3k87yVK072VmjqTSpYh7koyU8EaYW0yqiiiNPJ5Z5mcpBgs6JUfWvzXgj7jFLiR0d48zHcU/s1600/IMG_1176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcIFG2QrZeGSKl6hRjqNTh7nFao8kncRaehOMWlLQ4yRMtUgdHoRM7XU-7JGb_862ZU_42T3k87yVK072VmjqTSpYh7koyU8EaYW0yqiiiNPJ5Z5mcpBgs6JUfWvzXgj7jFLiR0d48zHcU/s400/IMG_1176.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the Windows (arches)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjazESZPt44ma38ue0qWs0ZCAuA7x1BFHrSOfSJhtntpr0P7nm5wWdcqabE5bNNInRx8dIxZ9ww4S4bVUY64_IFtbH2MWzyi2ilGeATc6WB1QRmsfhlZSmi20tw-SSm5N83demTBSYOIRfD/s1600/IMG_1179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjazESZPt44ma38ue0qWs0ZCAuA7x1BFHrSOfSJhtntpr0P7nm5wWdcqabE5bNNInRx8dIxZ9ww4S4bVUY64_IFtbH2MWzyi2ilGeATc6WB1QRmsfhlZSmi20tw-SSm5N83demTBSYOIRfD/s400/IMG_1179.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDt_IUh6iQCs8mrExxv4nmNcfBf0BbONUmvQcBWWJdtsgR42ilJXhiTzpxRl5u44mY8EBYXNtU0PwZzheKKvGycuBxvA0iX4KMoBANtMgdkPCBj7N9SOWt2yEYoB5OnPNNHuOMUz2T17uq/s1600/IMG_1181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDt_IUh6iQCs8mrExxv4nmNcfBf0BbONUmvQcBWWJdtsgR42ilJXhiTzpxRl5u44mY8EBYXNtU0PwZzheKKvGycuBxvA0iX4KMoBANtMgdkPCBj7N9SOWt2yEYoB5OnPNNHuOMUz2T17uq/s400/IMG_1181.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjylfoybPC9cpqxbzgUUdEMy7XZ5Wnw9L91i6vtGxUCuul31Su7JUxKPWso6Pg45vVotjJlaLg7KtvJXH44IztqsZPK384o-X23WIqUefyk_rqgjtcs1OklvQMSTJHFEn4usR1_zCBb3ks0/s1600/IMG_1182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjylfoybPC9cpqxbzgUUdEMy7XZ5Wnw9L91i6vtGxUCuul31Su7JUxKPWso6Pg45vVotjJlaLg7KtvJXH44IztqsZPK384o-X23WIqUefyk_rqgjtcs1OklvQMSTJHFEn4usR1_zCBb3ks0/s400/IMG_1182.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For scale</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSj-sm0xSNN_iu9YEbgvnLtfrckVDtzYAwrVdW5qfoFDo1QU1UQGjxylgjF-Iw7N7IlP4n3VJ9PhciiF27kLY-IXcYLxBeok1pDvexQfjv3vYNrsGuiO5Hr7X_pYOBgIIhpzKB7IiBVYMw/s1600/IMG_1183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSj-sm0xSNN_iu9YEbgvnLtfrckVDtzYAwrVdW5qfoFDo1QU1UQGjxylgjF-Iw7N7IlP4n3VJ9PhciiF27kLY-IXcYLxBeok1pDvexQfjv3vYNrsGuiO5Hr7X_pYOBgIIhpzKB7IiBVYMw/s400/IMG_1183.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiChDcbRJt8TwKV2fDE6fp6MRdwVKro0RGQ5UcezBO0R8RybWw7WUZZPmwekexTiBcmznX6p7Nb1nnn1qV7uSn54onmlx4nIHMndN-zZF1XYm4_2-bb4jPOPYPh64SxWqLT1l3FJtyaHKqI/s1600/IMG_1191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiChDcbRJt8TwKV2fDE6fp6MRdwVKro0RGQ5UcezBO0R8RybWw7WUZZPmwekexTiBcmznX6p7Nb1nnn1qV7uSn54onmlx4nIHMndN-zZF1XYm4_2-bb4jPOPYPh64SxWqLT1l3FJtyaHKqI/s400/IMG_1191.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnAMu6aRjTJTcW9rNuBg0BPmMl7xp1S-sn3_Aw3GuYkM81SgcnAxrUWhfab8YtNlSOVyhbSUcH9FPmdopTwHTxy5cvLZC5gJTRTR94kw24U21LLZDcuKiIFUylHG1xBwSbzMd2c1wz89AW/s1600/IMG_1195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnAMu6aRjTJTcW9rNuBg0BPmMl7xp1S-sn3_Aw3GuYkM81SgcnAxrUWhfab8YtNlSOVyhbSUcH9FPmdopTwHTxy5cvLZC5gJTRTR94kw24U21LLZDcuKiIFUylHG1xBwSbzMd2c1wz89AW/s400/IMG_1195.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfdO9AG3C42ta4KUwqmkwjowGKcP3TUqVkn62WgAu8oHo3RVv9qiPe_4ObyVTPYPfkfdxYAvkpA6m-L2KEHDw5By7HxhMECOiXyvhXiVRMyKOLHN31IBRvbufrQ1uJLrLbnbcsSDzqiAGm/s1600/IMG_1198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfdO9AG3C42ta4KUwqmkwjowGKcP3TUqVkn62WgAu8oHo3RVv9qiPe_4ObyVTPYPfkfdxYAvkpA6m-L2KEHDw5By7HxhMECOiXyvhXiVRMyKOLHN31IBRvbufrQ1uJLrLbnbcsSDzqiAGm/s400/IMG_1198.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
There are more arches in Arches National Park, but I just couldn't get to them in time. Also, I didn't want to park and hike in all my gear.<br />
<br />
After leaving Arches, I drove along highway 128 (a scenic byway). Beautiful! The road winds along beside the Colorado river surrounded by cliffs and canyon walls. I think I have a few pics (which don't do it justice!):<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOmpovJZPj47crnKEDbbw1WVVJk0Mkm3l9G9QZM2ukszoXRxyGoCss8fLH4PsA5fCaAjodIzS0gmrWvYGYK0kKzvRdRQfmySCweipFWFzCHhFbZPDnj5GyCampxe3uWud0OnBpEisVoNOS/s1600/IMG_1202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOmpovJZPj47crnKEDbbw1WVVJk0Mkm3l9G9QZM2ukszoXRxyGoCss8fLH4PsA5fCaAjodIzS0gmrWvYGYK0kKzvRdRQfmySCweipFWFzCHhFbZPDnj5GyCampxe3uWud0OnBpEisVoNOS/s400/IMG_1202.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entering the canyon</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirp-EVQ15rV0QETDdxIqrVvBVw_UhLpSZJ74kyz27XbMg6wRwv4ac77ZonP1WI01gd7ALpTGE0Y3nJs9sP3WTfTP-wVlO4P4I_IN20dm9cCbcCgmiaWt3F-VFSTIBnzwtlw9_T42hU0f2j/s1600/IMG_1205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirp-EVQ15rV0QETDdxIqrVvBVw_UhLpSZJ74kyz27XbMg6wRwv4ac77ZonP1WI01gd7ALpTGE0Y3nJs9sP3WTfTP-wVlO4P4I_IN20dm9cCbcCgmiaWt3F-VFSTIBnzwtlw9_T42hU0f2j/s400/IMG_1205.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colorado River to the left</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCIYX5t2WcAsQDAs5lJXMeasGb64mP_qXJpFx-SaWo86EXMBcLmpR1bAoDxEqi_umyx-YWMEDJVc_ID8-V6O20RZofeMT2rP2nMCvr226GNAqwEsgoaTTujrwDizkKwFEfOJB3ixWUzzCQ/s1600/IMG_1206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCIYX5t2WcAsQDAs5lJXMeasGb64mP_qXJpFx-SaWo86EXMBcLmpR1bAoDxEqi_umyx-YWMEDJVc_ID8-V6O20RZofeMT2rP2nMCvr226GNAqwEsgoaTTujrwDizkKwFEfOJB3ixWUzzCQ/s400/IMG_1206.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The river.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Yeah, I wish I'd taken more pictures. But the sun was setting and I was looking for a campsite. There are small government run owned campgrounds all along the river. I didn't find a site because everything was full. Then I saw the RV belonging to the guy I'd been chatting with earlier. He was right where he said he'd be. So I pulled in to continue the conversation. Turns out his name is Bill. We spoke to the campground manager and got him to let me pitch my tent in the overflow area:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOiMxU6hOl72QtDNcjZ1qrQmQC2SiVA5TtgoZCzXM4drLa6pRuHTamZqLMIScuFo6ETlETwnvUauc0Q98SdPRXDEUFI8QhsdeXCQPysYHKqzNVZdBB6VboZOiBRJJTiO7v4FecY5IkYv4T/s1600/IMG_1209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOiMxU6hOl72QtDNcjZ1qrQmQC2SiVA5TtgoZCzXM4drLa6pRuHTamZqLMIScuFo6ETlETwnvUauc0Q98SdPRXDEUFI8QhsdeXCQPysYHKqzNVZdBB6VboZOiBRJJTiO7v4FecY5IkYv4T/s400/IMG_1209.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScVaGrm5nmaI0UjJYq7e4SuVLIo4UKoCdAyNgTPuMegBNq_dS4ezPAZK1kpsMKQmAEgMD2j2D0sl4BcA1TNxOhE0ffEW-2mnJz0MF9zuV_AS4cLSfxiupCTGa7bC84Rk8EJJdWMpMzTNY/s1600/IMG_1210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScVaGrm5nmaI0UjJYq7e4SuVLIo4UKoCdAyNgTPuMegBNq_dS4ezPAZK1kpsMKQmAEgMD2j2D0sl4BcA1TNxOhE0ffEW-2mnJz0MF9zuV_AS4cLSfxiupCTGa7bC84Rk8EJJdWMpMzTNY/s400/IMG_1210.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4EW4iivwy7o3ELL1jzH5o8UPBQLUSwjQZrq7B7F6O7zN8JuRioHDXz1k9zRNY1PO2AVe76MWebObw-I2hOG7RaFmOtTzaXSHMCNhq8Lkvy1-UIAS-IY9TVU9KYEsOnyguzPCDyOLcBvsh/s1600/IMG_1212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4EW4iivwy7o3ELL1jzH5o8UPBQLUSwjQZrq7B7F6O7zN8JuRioHDXz1k9zRNY1PO2AVe76MWebObw-I2hOG7RaFmOtTzaXSHMCNhq8Lkvy1-UIAS-IY9TVU9KYEsOnyguzPCDyOLcBvsh/s400/IMG_1212.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The river flows through that clearing between the walls.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Bill helped me set up the tent, then offered up a plate of spaghetti his wife (Linda) had just made. I happily accepted the offer and ate dinner while Bill and I had a beer. I gave them the address to this blog, so I guess I'll take the opportunity to say thanks for dinner! Bill and Linda sell hand-made Christmas ornaments and travel around selling them. Linda looked over my blog while I ate. Then somehow some scotch made its way out and I was tasting the difference between a 12 and 15 year old. Linda went to bed while Bill and I stayed up talking. The problem here is that I was very dehydrated from having very little water throughout the day. That and the only thing I'd eaten since breakfast was the spaghetti. So drinking was a bad idea, and I woke up feeling extremely thirsty and sick the next morning. I had to drink about 3-4L of water in the morning to start to feel better.Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15050571834380139105noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554850068174174643.post-72208499751808808962011-04-30T00:11:00.003-04:002011-04-30T00:12:51.013-04:00HypothermiaFrom: Las Vegas, NV<br />
To: Richfield, UT<br />
Mileage: About 486kms<br />
<br />
After leaving Las Vegas, I crossed into Utah<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQpn0cPJmH79FJohvudASycoKvYvYceJo4UMG7hLQuIuue8-4StXetRXZjKGqA6ptAw77RGKSH7DBMl1CvCHZSLrI-4ouMqCpL3Wq3YixNeb01bVubV-ELVGzd5sYNFry0ja6QKS6koDk/s1600/IMG_1058.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQpn0cPJmH79FJohvudASycoKvYvYceJo4UMG7hLQuIuue8-4StXetRXZjKGqA6ptAw77RGKSH7DBMl1CvCHZSLrI-4ouMqCpL3Wq3YixNeb01bVubV-ELVGzd5sYNFry0ja6QKS6koDk/s400/IMG_1058.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I said this when I was in Arizona and Utah: "These people really know how to make a state!" It's a really scenic drive and I enjoyed riding through the mountains. It was nice to have some turns! I took a few quick pictures, but I couldn't stop during the middle of a turn in the mountains, there was nowhere to pull off.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi86gqrH-7Z1_tkzmhXj7mxb_dMubJNjXTjy809nY8CpMgwjXcSZxYMOsDkBcRGjTTnmHsYNrTF4kBYjlhIYcrGfTa5IsOQotu0XIML8YIxffjIiNnZu-4p7-hu5sGRZAM5Ym_nmsaXTXfq/s1600/IMG_1063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi86gqrH-7Z1_tkzmhXj7mxb_dMubJNjXTjy809nY8CpMgwjXcSZxYMOsDkBcRGjTTnmHsYNrTF4kBYjlhIYcrGfTa5IsOQotu0XIML8YIxffjIiNnZu-4p7-hu5sGRZAM5Ym_nmsaXTXfq/s400/IMG_1063.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIxTE6xZQRkNp35TwBfrGuyW03N8Glz13L2wZ4RsPuJfVf-plHpYZ1El0KCM_d-DV2c7XBfOWwpDuqLaxCnpx0zLgZJppNfGf-q0jE7USlVxxqGfEJ52vo1mvXdgCCwwgIScvWWPmAo1Du/s1600/IMG_1059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIxTE6xZQRkNp35TwBfrGuyW03N8Glz13L2wZ4RsPuJfVf-plHpYZ1El0KCM_d-DV2c7XBfOWwpDuqLaxCnpx0zLgZJppNfGf-q0jE7USlVxxqGfEJ52vo1mvXdgCCwwgIScvWWPmAo1Du/s400/IMG_1059.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Damn interstate... ruining my picture.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I pushed on, but as the night got later, I got colder. I stopped at a welcome center to pick up a map of Utah and to add layers (I was in hot weather gear coming out of Vegas). I added layers and set off. Again, it got colder and I think it eventually got down to about freezing. Factor in the bike's wind-chill and I started shivering. Since I was in the middle of nowhere, it was hard to find a place to pull off. By the time I did, I was starting to show signs of hypothermia - uncontrollable shivering/shaking, fatigue, slow movements, etc. I went into the rest stop and drank two cups of hot coffee. I also had a toasted sub and stayed inside until I was thoroughly warmed. I then checked the weather and decided not to camp. I set off for Richfield, UT where I got a room for the night. By the time I checked in it was late and dark. I did a load of laundry and worked on posting before falling asleep.Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15050571834380139105noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554850068174174643.post-84392562754590893112011-04-29T23:45:00.000-04:002011-04-29T23:45:09.994-04:00Vegas Baby!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">From: Fontana, CA</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To: Las Vegas, NV</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mileage: About 353kms </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I left my "campsite" in the morning to find that low level clouds in the valley were soaking the roads. I ate breakfast at a local cafe and checked my maps. It was kind of an upscale cafe and I must have made a scene. Soaking wet, smelly, spending forever at a booth on my own, ruining their washroom...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anyway, I hit the road and headed for Las Vegas. Along the way, I was passed by this:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0aYiCQsaMnnDTsDV4foZGuyZgGp6QjXOXh44AgObf3h0NcIKs-HScqjV2LWyxn5XyxNFlFUoGXQau8dL6-KGCQhpb0YolLQs4OgWkJMvlh5wmlfvM9fsvboxr-gysI5NjLoOioO_eUwl/s1600/IMG_0993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0aYiCQsaMnnDTsDV4foZGuyZgGp6QjXOXh44AgObf3h0NcIKs-HScqjV2LWyxn5XyxNFlFUoGXQau8dL6-KGCQhpb0YolLQs4OgWkJMvlh5wmlfvM9fsvboxr-gysI5NjLoOioO_eUwl/s400/IMG_0993.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maybach 57S</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I'd never seen one of those on the road, or in person. It was being followed by a Rolls Royce, but that pales in comparison here. A little further down the road and I entered Nevada<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ov8hxIU0m4P-uAUs3pIlAEN2S0q2WycjT2zG6yRzNBsBFDd1VegDSnNhgHtjukp2QRRnyEhMDiYULm7WAtAZqq92qexD43AntQry8Y6ajTNjLEFjJLS6AUhpwknJXhs9yOatj7qGBk4U/s1600/IMG_0995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ov8hxIU0m4P-uAUs3pIlAEN2S0q2WycjT2zG6yRzNBsBFDd1VegDSnNhgHtjukp2QRRnyEhMDiYULm7WAtAZqq92qexD43AntQry8Y6ajTNjLEFjJLS6AUhpwknJXhs9yOatj7qGBk4U/s400/IMG_0995.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I stopped at the visitor's center in Primm and booked a room for the night. I got a steal on a room at Planet Hollywood. I looked around in the adjacent outlet mall for sunglasses. I bought a pair (finally!). Anyway, I continued to Vegas and checked into the hotel. Here's the room (unreal!):<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif_Hu5YcjllM4pMi5YHp3W2KIxTfBz9V8JhgUJfsjeZ8j-SLrTknqmZdBnPM2-EIIXr3xrJNyJm1OhpN_etLzgZXe_f_PujeS16X9As3Lqc3-ZpbWAApLqDg0wvoS8fDNBULJoIo3AV3-8/s1600/IMG_1000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif_Hu5YcjllM4pMi5YHp3W2KIxTfBz9V8JhgUJfsjeZ8j-SLrTknqmZdBnPM2-EIIXr3xrJNyJm1OhpN_etLzgZXe_f_PujeS16X9As3Lqc3-ZpbWAApLqDg0wvoS8fDNBULJoIo3AV3-8/s400/IMG_1000.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBdZc_LKg9kPF6vK_UULEYCNyNADMtv8WxlM3qojU7hDqRQgKrHzlHrgDHcFDxTBwq_QAK1RepQrJsmHRCqpWRWxY8zOSwAgN6lYw06djJVWqqpjwQLsuB-eG7hc8-sUzoYMmerFb86UFv/s1600/IMG_1002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBdZc_LKg9kPF6vK_UULEYCNyNADMtv8WxlM3qojU7hDqRQgKrHzlHrgDHcFDxTBwq_QAK1RepQrJsmHRCqpWRWxY8zOSwAgN6lYw06djJVWqqpjwQLsuB-eG7hc8-sUzoYMmerFb86UFv/s400/IMG_1002.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's another sink on the right side wall</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfhiVzJ9L7MT_soxw1wpYVgqQ_NXoowsE6FQHy_f2LbdPTvsGfgUYWn2qc37eXAqtdjg_65KPoOoODCBlrTzoT8d2E_I-MfpzA2S3CtyUE2QSIzqn5Hj9GvZL8UUA2EiRh9gb1yva8mBbj/s1600/IMG_1004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfhiVzJ9L7MT_soxw1wpYVgqQ_NXoowsE6FQHy_f2LbdPTvsGfgUYWn2qc37eXAqtdjg_65KPoOoODCBlrTzoT8d2E_I-MfpzA2S3CtyUE2QSIzqn5Hj9GvZL8UUA2EiRh9gb1yva8mBbj/s400/IMG_1004.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everything was much bigger and nicer in person.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I really liked the room. It was very modern and had a cool feel to it. Wifi was an additional $14 or something, so I said screw it and went down to Starbucks to use the free wifi. I was only there for a few minutes before I went to the buffet and cleaned them out.<br />
<br />
I staggered back to my room in pain and rested for a while. Eventually, I went back down the casino to do something interesting. I played blackjack for a while and I think in the end I was up a little. I chatted with the two other guys who stayed at the table for a while. Both were named Brian. One was from Vancouver and the other was from Chicago. We had a good time as the night went on. Eventually, I went back to the room and fell asleep instantly.<br />
<br />
I woke up late the next morning after forgetting to set alarms. I frantically got packed and ready so I wouldn't be charged another night's hotel fee. I checked out and went in search of a place to take passport photos. I was under the impression that I had to get the photos stamped or something for my visa applications. So I wasted a bunch of time trying to find a place that could do it for me. I ran a few errands and filled out my visa applications at an Italian restaurant in the shops at the Venetian (just had coffee). Eventually, I got the photos taken and rushed to the post office to send off my stuff. FINALLY, after getting all that crap finished, I weighed my options. It was almost dark already, and after leaving Vegas I'd have to either set up camp in the desert in the dark, or find a crappy room for the same price as Vegas. So I decided to stay put and have an early night.<br />
<br />
I looked around and finally booked a room at the Rio (an all suite hotel). So I got a suite for $45 + tax. I went to check in and the guy told me that I'd been upgraded to a much nicer room in the Masquerade Tower. He said it normally goes for an additional $300/night. And here she is:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiamdJSv41zPXIrfXZfh_s_-4BK3-622APhZvskoxvvSBPjFLcN3Rdt8N8HVnVlQU0wC9rFz8oFiuePpTtb1mSuaUFM5skiTp6XbPM0T_zPBKd9E4k3mZmFvrw86zh4kjoDsTo2wtWYkDHm/s1600/IMG_1008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiamdJSv41zPXIrfXZfh_s_-4BK3-622APhZvskoxvvSBPjFLcN3Rdt8N8HVnVlQU0wC9rFz8oFiuePpTtb1mSuaUFM5skiTp6XbPM0T_zPBKd9E4k3mZmFvrw86zh4kjoDsTo2wtWYkDHm/s400/IMG_1008.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the front door</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGsUKCM2Yy2R6y5_8q82zHfXDtyMDcRy-Mm0mIkOpedA7Jiim-WdWRwJRnE7P3AE55v8f52TwP6ESbXS5jI1yfAT7xY2r6GpnKaGTj0S7eAsW6BnxhB71VnS0sV2v-TArk7PMlBPZrBAOQ/s1600/IMG_1009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGsUKCM2Yy2R6y5_8q82zHfXDtyMDcRy-Mm0mIkOpedA7Jiim-WdWRwJRnE7P3AE55v8f52TwP6ESbXS5jI1yfAT7xY2r6GpnKaGTj0S7eAsW6BnxhB71VnS0sV2v-TArk7PMlBPZrBAOQ/s400/IMG_1009.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bathroom to the right as soon as you walk in. Notice that it's missing a shower...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcXEwVSL-kas2qa1ofPnJkflqOW6pb0cQw25vdtfQ5KQhsoihsMcIuaqaGlsv04fMWN27qvhplAlVxON0ptAkUI5llMYw8sUpi8ZnI7p06bWxr7_DugPRazUfHm27dVYQdfzi7ziNv6GbZ/s1600/IMG_1014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKdffHqkEyYN0S7VVLRduzYrt6K9TFj1IPLaSsv_8pPzsOpp3TFMgZuyjS9bC1a-rxunaEqK7se2wxmZaG5913zdMwfjpJtBtnR3r5l1A4N28fT1Ehx6FcAy2cu05p2dlgoRMFmUspk3J/s1600/IMG_1010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKdffHqkEyYN0S7VVLRduzYrt6K9TFj1IPLaSsv_8pPzsOpp3TFMgZuyjS9bC1a-rxunaEqK7se2wxmZaG5913zdMwfjpJtBtnR3r5l1A4N28fT1Ehx6FcAy2cu05p2dlgoRMFmUspk3J/s400/IMG_1010.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dining room (off to the left when looking at the living room from the front door)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEB_irD1Nll0dSWRg5ceGFlRRCG3a02RAyNVYaVhBS_AzqQ86_B004oa0oKIAUkSr42OV0dOgtuLO6sUEltJXXvSke0fyssrRiVecVcdfMsaNZGUxfHa14RD_oFxVlwol5KXKyxOz64lHa/s1600/IMG_1011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEB_irD1Nll0dSWRg5ceGFlRRCG3a02RAyNVYaVhBS_AzqQ86_B004oa0oKIAUkSr42OV0dOgtuLO6sUEltJXXvSke0fyssrRiVecVcdfMsaNZGUxfHa14RD_oFxVlwol5KXKyxOz64lHa/s400/IMG_1011.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the dining room. Kitchenette and living room visible. Notice the room at the far end.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgkRxlhML2TaZGAL8e0aS_4nhy4WdLPTk5rdeLhWmgsuwgIq47b19Q9_qC3-0wMO5YSdcM-9Lc8Xv75z2FGqd9n21ODP2aMunpnZezfTvd33dSk1sYtoi847i6keq3UYXR3qbOenBvYo4/s1600/IMG_1012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgkRxlhML2TaZGAL8e0aS_4nhy4WdLPTk5rdeLhWmgsuwgIq47b19Q9_qC3-0wMO5YSdcM-9Lc8Xv75z2FGqd9n21ODP2aMunpnZezfTvd33dSk1sYtoi847i6keq3UYXR3qbOenBvYo4/s400/IMG_1012.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the room at the far end... the bedroom. Notice the room at the far end.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdkW97i0nZtodi-hHVrpMkei1iIfWSgg10j6YJKk4nUxoYIngRoQ3yzLA6JDyUW7n4qg-tN_nGmos-LepI3TucB4UcoACy42IkdBjh2nlG9nlnITi7N2GacnjnSKNAiIWxLsQYRYnoBEM2/s1600/IMG_1014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdkW97i0nZtodi-hHVrpMkei1iIfWSgg10j6YJKk4nUxoYIngRoQ3yzLA6JDyUW7n4qg-tN_nGmos-LepI3TucB4UcoACy42IkdBjh2nlG9nlnITi7N2GacnjnSKNAiIWxLsQYRYnoBEM2/s400/IMG_1014.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The room at the end... the master bathroom. Laundry area to the right, toiled to the second right, shower to the third right. Vanity mirror on the left, sink and mirror on the second left. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3RXri8NnErfnfER_bCUBxnn59zNJU6hJAxP-Gytm6Jqh8f2b-VryOtPfvFiodJu4KMl9X60v4VdsoFSD_uRv1XQL-UVuoc_TDXG1CupO8pUenl4nzTjxFyeLpyhyphenhyphen1AQxsUYXfOFB9hMSX/s1600/IMG_1016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3RXri8NnErfnfER_bCUBxnn59zNJU6hJAxP-Gytm6Jqh8f2b-VryOtPfvFiodJu4KMl9X60v4VdsoFSD_uRv1XQL-UVuoc_TDXG1CupO8pUenl4nzTjxFyeLpyhyphenhyphen1AQxsUYXfOFB9hMSX/s400/IMG_1016.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a nice photo...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilLv-K5X6zkoOHQ-Um5MWzThOGiPF7ukYLZMEe1zSSbY94oeMYf-aIIJVRMchWCgCZe1ZK_LssgwX1cV-wlO1K9hP7xI_uxd10NXmAifbBQCQ4K-OhW_tjgJmDduo0XSgHTPUGp_pxLuoS/s1600/IMG_1020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilLv-K5X6zkoOHQ-Um5MWzThOGiPF7ukYLZMEe1zSSbY94oeMYf-aIIJVRMchWCgCZe1ZK_LssgwX1cV-wlO1K9hP7xI_uxd10NXmAifbBQCQ4K-OhW_tjgJmDduo0XSgHTPUGp_pxLuoS/s400/IMG_1020.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jacuzzi at the far end</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirRoLs37gyr5eyFk762qfaB7eo3JQtJw-kzkjkcwNs1QRgsYxixHz_7TXSdH60GXOjE7YiJSmHcpkUd0rZbK6SEP6Fn6OKYQMrFncoaq-Ay6zrFpmcr6RfAVyTEGJzFmgEqeDUVk402_wL/s1600/IMG_1027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirRoLs37gyr5eyFk762qfaB7eo3JQtJw-kzkjkcwNs1QRgsYxixHz_7TXSdH60GXOjE7YiJSmHcpkUd0rZbK6SEP6Fn6OKYQMrFncoaq-Ay6zrFpmcr6RfAVyTEGJzFmgEqeDUVk402_wL/s400/IMG_1027.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And of course, the view.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcAXv3S6zJj-UhUkT-OKVnRYu-gvbv0tZJVoHAnxka9Qbky1-6CS1KJabNlhDG3Fdn0YfMQKJ4jyVTf-N9wRS9Yap65AzJJmRw0v4w1W-c3LiUj4dOgA0K0WMTg8ziDL0Ko0lFSHoPK6XJ/s1600/IMG_1023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcAXv3S6zJj-UhUkT-OKVnRYu-gvbv0tZJVoHAnxka9Qbky1-6CS1KJabNlhDG3Fdn0YfMQKJ4jyVTf-N9wRS9Yap65AzJJmRw0v4w1W-c3LiUj4dOgA0K0WMTg8ziDL0Ko0lFSHoPK6XJ/s400/IMG_1023.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More view. The room was a corner suite, so I got almost 180 degrees of view.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc4-57ELC1cAgXfgHikVerFo13scNvb47KhJkPI4Nk51ICfLm0uHKgOGxkrjhuGl9fumVniI9QB5YdklQ8Cqgn82ML9DCknIIWzkA4PwElmy1WWB-Rd-mqD9xyhjwGz7edjUl922KBECm_/s1600/IMG_1024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc4-57ELC1cAgXfgHikVerFo13scNvb47KhJkPI4Nk51ICfLm0uHKgOGxkrjhuGl9fumVniI9QB5YdklQ8Cqgn82ML9DCknIIWzkA4PwElmy1WWB-Rd-mqD9xyhjwGz7edjUl922KBECm_/s400/IMG_1024.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More view. The other part of Rio</td></tr>
</tbody></table> I got settled in, and eventually wandered off in search of food. Everything was closed so I got a side salad (to go) from the TGI Fridays across the street. I ate it and called it a night. The next morning, I packed up and got ready to head out. I ate lunch at the buffet in Rio and had a conversation with the (very nice!) 75 year old waitress who used to live in Santa Monica. After lunch, I figured I'd take a few photos of Vegas so I could post them. Here they are!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11fyU0dc5G80cac4qqw_CB3DDQrZPLt-A3yOAF7hh70Isd585f2Y9npUadUPe5sQq7a84RUvJV85nzsXvApd2dua6PYkQNLroxDUD7m58d15LdthikM0SGduicnmy36QSqiYdvMlG0BwY/s1600/IMG_1029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11fyU0dc5G80cac4qqw_CB3DDQrZPLt-A3yOAF7hh70Isd585f2Y9npUadUPe5sQq7a84RUvJV85nzsXvApd2dua6PYkQNLroxDUD7m58d15LdthikM0SGduicnmy36QSqiYdvMlG0BwY/s400/IMG_1029.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iconic</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5kjksI7BqKFF0iQMzyg8P_sIKkv8J6e2ktxFbvV5IRFOx75Hy9v4OEJdjmk5zwCTP3phrBR1etzIvIav8T46k8SQRJR6c-LhyphenhyphenwwhTRiY0_ivkzEZ0JvCYiBpxRFcCOLB_07IEHUCvkOqZ/s1600/IMG_1034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5kjksI7BqKFF0iQMzyg8P_sIKkv8J6e2ktxFbvV5IRFOx75Hy9v4OEJdjmk5zwCTP3phrBR1etzIvIav8T46k8SQRJR6c-LhyphenhyphenwwhTRiY0_ivkzEZ0JvCYiBpxRFcCOLB_07IEHUCvkOqZ/s400/IMG_1034.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New York New York and part of the strip</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkS9roTD11c_X9_DZUjY2-hQ1Qo8v160LsGwyoF0VrMvIGJzA3ElPFUGkul9trtG0e7I4JY6brChayOOK38TwwEKM84ehGGnJsSeFSI7s2sIgHMsjMKmCVE7y3Z3vc41AzR1-zi47Nc8OQ/s1600/IMG_1038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkS9roTD11c_X9_DZUjY2-hQ1Qo8v160LsGwyoF0VrMvIGJzA3ElPFUGkul9trtG0e7I4JY6brChayOOK38TwwEKM84ehGGnJsSeFSI7s2sIgHMsjMKmCVE7y3Z3vc41AzR1-zi47Nc8OQ/s400/IMG_1038.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bellagio. Across the street from that famous Oceans 11 scene I think.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih9NruSdxd2DVhSfL3ZDGEvgv97a8LcuTwK3KzRLtFkwIsXHTGntt4bPP5rrNJgJzUHj0OCNzXD9S7mD_EHLatCcv-agrMKj-iixk5lXovqtEO7ETMmF21Kn6kkVz36caxJLsOhYknfZzX/s1600/IMG_1039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih9NruSdxd2DVhSfL3ZDGEvgv97a8LcuTwK3KzRLtFkwIsXHTGntt4bPP5rrNJgJzUHj0OCNzXD9S7mD_EHLatCcv-agrMKj-iixk5lXovqtEO7ETMmF21Kn6kkVz36caxJLsOhYknfZzX/s400/IMG_1039.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An obstructed view of Paris</td></tr>
</tbody></table> After that, I jumped back on the freeway and left Las Vegas. I pulled off at one point to fix some sort of clothing item or something, and snapped this parting shot:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCBGLkboOXqtd5jHYs4cj5-5YCvztaHmQ_RKYf77SpPdpT27fRe89Cp0zXKt5XofNQ2QBdBivMfqQYsRpeBn0ume_VdP-ZgMRBg8gzIYL3nnYVz3mZ_5fdbRuKG8eoI_G-ffY_c3gCuXqB/s1600/IMG_1040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCBGLkboOXqtd5jHYs4cj5-5YCvztaHmQ_RKYf77SpPdpT27fRe89Cp0zXKt5XofNQ2QBdBivMfqQYsRpeBn0ume_VdP-ZgMRBg8gzIYL3nnYVz3mZ_5fdbRuKG8eoI_G-ffY_c3gCuXqB/s400/IMG_1040.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Las Vegas in the distance</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15050571834380139105noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554850068174174643.post-78018750482301674102011-04-27T06:09:00.000-04:002011-04-27T06:09:52.690-04:00Quantum CosmologyAlso, it's now official. I will be attending McGill University in September for grad school. More detail is available upon request.Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15050571834380139105noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554850068174174643.post-21766591290968246532011-04-27T06:05:00.000-04:002011-04-27T06:05:50.758-04:00Sightseeing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I forgot to post photos of the Third Street Promenade on the post from yesterday, so I'll just put them here.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_2CSV8-L8c_n-hqV_CIxRiwJpqHxPQFCQSadJeYFtzs3RYFFjckk9zAKFcxrgUjD3hBtMA8J-YxMKPlESzeioEr7sJkmp93C3Y4vXX41YfUQZYCX-aVefLST-s-OCzSFVL9OK4D0MI8u/s1600/IMG_0890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_2CSV8-L8c_n-hqV_CIxRiwJpqHxPQFCQSadJeYFtzs3RYFFjckk9zAKFcxrgUjD3hBtMA8J-YxMKPlESzeioEr7sJkmp93C3Y4vXX41YfUQZYCX-aVefLST-s-OCzSFVL9OK4D0MI8u/s400/IMG_0890.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnBXTh3izAHL-fEIlNS__n9WvTrMYkqBP_cAp2sjBtvi8pHruOb4kEWEdq1Sz3EbQnNsERywoukKHxEI3loGd2OFwyimE6q3c-sXqudOBgCCjPh9W5DaYGI-XJVwS4DLJRXViO4aHlWXfA/s1600/IMG_0891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnBXTh3izAHL-fEIlNS__n9WvTrMYkqBP_cAp2sjBtvi8pHruOb4kEWEdq1Sz3EbQnNsERywoukKHxEI3loGd2OFwyimE6q3c-sXqudOBgCCjPh9W5DaYGI-XJVwS4DLJRXViO4aHlWXfA/s400/IMG_0891.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
On the 21st of April, I woke up and decided to take care of some of the chores on my list. I started by looking up a <b>better</b> place to stay than my roach motel, and moved onto calling USPS about my knife. Anyway, I packed my crap and went out in search of oil. I stopped at a place called West Coast GP Motorcycles and priced out some oil. I asked what they charge to do the change themselves, and the guy said $40. I didn't want to pay $40 to have someone loosen a single bolt, then put it back and pour oil into my bike. But I'd have to go and find something I could use as an oil pan, and then buy it, and then deal with my spent oil, and waste time that I'd rather spend enjoying California. So I told the guys I'd spring for the change if they give it a good once over and inspect stuff because I wanted to be in tip-top shape before heading back. I bought the oil and paid for the change, and I'm so glad I did. It turns out that everyone in the store races bikes. Not just that, but they all race SV650s! So they know these bikes inside and out. They changed my oil, checked (and topped up!) my coolant, inspected and approved my brakes, inflated my tires to a better pressure (and told me what it should be given the weight I'm carrying), checked and sprayed my chain and gave it a good once over. Best $40 I ever spent.<br />
<br />
From there I went to check into the Super 8 in Culver City, CA. I then wasted the majority of my day trying to get passport photos taken for VISA applications I need to send. It was a debacle and I eventually gave up.<br />
<br />
I went to the beach and found that it was too cold to swim. So I walked along the beach in the water for a while, and then decided to do something else. I went back to the hotel and spoke with a biker named Wes in the parking lot. I went back to my room and decided I should just work on blog posts and stuff for the rest of the night (it was already dark).<br />
<br />
On the 22nd of April, I went to Hollywood. I walked along Hollywood Blvd on the Walk of Fame. The vast majority of the stars on the walk said "Reserved for Grant Salton".<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlm3l9kyrCGgLXBpDjQ-Do4tVjoSW9FNW8i7d1ERzr-GmTxF-3wRhZ8NIF2d2QVP-mMn0XE1hOhMePU4KOjVjaQCWhv0ZssVf5xRClOuwnQkd4IZJZYheyQl5alSqeGeFQJVhy3ppdyGqB/s1600/IMG_0897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlm3l9kyrCGgLXBpDjQ-Do4tVjoSW9FNW8i7d1ERzr-GmTxF-3wRhZ8NIF2d2QVP-mMn0XE1hOhMePU4KOjVjaQCWhv0ZssVf5xRClOuwnQkd4IZJZYheyQl5alSqeGeFQJVhy3ppdyGqB/s400/IMG_0897.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of a mall</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-c93Nn5diUfR_OMh0BpAiTy-RvRCWGf8JbxpMiSDQgIrCEG3Gw5rZr_fZ1l0oWcwMgETMna3UiJtiMOQg5XwHTpZx6FNG0GfiVUmoiU2nqL5or3r3-9i4P_oKmeC31Tk9G9K_LlXdIOpF/s1600/IMG_0900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-c93Nn5diUfR_OMh0BpAiTy-RvRCWGf8JbxpMiSDQgIrCEG3Gw5rZr_fZ1l0oWcwMgETMna3UiJtiMOQg5XwHTpZx6FNG0GfiVUmoiU2nqL5or3r3-9i4P_oKmeC31Tk9G9K_LlXdIOpF/s400/IMG_0900.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2V1su-OYTU9XMdiUAz-Dh9SNWbILQU6TgknA2jOOOFHYyGNcg4Vf7GQRiUD3PjVv8Zj1hYB3K1pZw3s9DQuDd-1iJy_r04CdmF9QV3vAxFdFbxroMuab90BEDtLXAQq16Vcws2QzxR10f/s1600/IMG_0910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2V1su-OYTU9XMdiUAz-Dh9SNWbILQU6TgknA2jOOOFHYyGNcg4Vf7GQRiUD3PjVv8Zj1hYB3K1pZw3s9DQuDd-1iJy_r04CdmF9QV3vAxFdFbxroMuab90BEDtLXAQq16Vcws2QzxR10f/s400/IMG_0910.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzbOlCIe10wPO4uTTULWWqv00pVqpVz9cBVRop1iG2cUEqoqUhwH9ZRnC14Uo35XPntXNhtcdvWxEAKYXYs_c-K_j-g_CaNBt_LjcOA7Tan6uYR0yrgJHip6r8pUX9O9j4CwpjCCXs4xGk/s1600/IMG_0907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzbOlCIe10wPO4uTTULWWqv00pVqpVz9cBVRop1iG2cUEqoqUhwH9ZRnC14Uo35XPntXNhtcdvWxEAKYXYs_c-K_j-g_CaNBt_LjcOA7Tan6uYR0yrgJHip6r8pUX9O9j4CwpjCCXs4xGk/s400/IMG_0907.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hollywood Blvd</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicpEKgQ-pAIEnZs0U8geoNoh68AHvkq3ZkE2WHPeFFGvD0aBXEc4s7d6sGMJm0q4FOFfydLuExn3A13YE4DG0gNltINXh3ZkgmwMxlHL9Spy3n6uKO8SNp5vxirRqPM32Okd602xWdKKKW/s1600/IMG_0906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicpEKgQ-pAIEnZs0U8geoNoh68AHvkq3ZkE2WHPeFFGvD0aBXEc4s7d6sGMJm0q4FOFfydLuExn3A13YE4DG0gNltINXh3ZkgmwMxlHL9Spy3n6uKO8SNp5vxirRqPM32Okd602xWdKKKW/s400/IMG_0906.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuKiu_KQ7FeK4mJvNdW1CnGNd0VMIpdVxPFWQX1MiwzOL6gS4UW0m-i-dkUNjs1BqyfpxxChbim86l9DaCos7YU6-LltjInVUgwN0Ttl6aKZgOzY1dx0cGThbxf5ud73B7ixJ8wXMwLdWE/s1600/IMG_0901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuKiu_KQ7FeK4mJvNdW1CnGNd0VMIpdVxPFWQX1MiwzOL6gS4UW0m-i-dkUNjs1BqyfpxxChbim86l9DaCos7YU6-LltjInVUgwN0Ttl6aKZgOzY1dx0cGThbxf5ud73B7ixJ8wXMwLdWE/s400/IMG_0901.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF12pT5FaXZ_etpOCLfx8gwTY1S8pBpzK4_BzJqNg2fn3ml_Rpw2JZrEfOkOL-YYDLojrRbcr1Z2yTNQ_i_o4yOYXMQ5bhiZ00h5XDL5FI201tOIXQw1PgcqHfl6UiTPzR36p-1Ht3c4Ly/s1600/IMG_0914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF12pT5FaXZ_etpOCLfx8gwTY1S8pBpzK4_BzJqNg2fn3ml_Rpw2JZrEfOkOL-YYDLojrRbcr1Z2yTNQ_i_o4yOYXMQ5bhiZ00h5XDL5FI201tOIXQw1PgcqHfl6UiTPzR36p-1Ht3c4Ly/s400/IMG_0914.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinMeHXe21J5tyH-LQQ_59uyNPoE-RX0C-d4bDTjWYClRxwq0VOBBjabWCgODVN6mUvnieiNVYImU5OT3cyl3IbNVUmiBIZZ83ZrRExM-IJa6EgC20TMLVDE938UjhRuxfmashhjnHTxb3D/s1600/IMG_0917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinMeHXe21J5tyH-LQQ_59uyNPoE-RX0C-d4bDTjWYClRxwq0VOBBjabWCgODVN6mUvnieiNVYImU5OT3cyl3IbNVUmiBIZZ83ZrRExM-IJa6EgC20TMLVDE938UjhRuxfmashhjnHTxb3D/s400/IMG_0917.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiVduJVOHfD_hqQs_YTwSV9PPDk1TWYvnoXYFPoouyQn21iLHRfIQCY-FDMl2ACyy0nO-NSHK-rbRoogprv0_i4F0xFk2_5kpMcptBFANxhKF_zQsbsUPMNZ0gh2RJqLK9i974mylzWBKr/s1600/IMG_0916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiVduJVOHfD_hqQs_YTwSV9PPDk1TWYvnoXYFPoouyQn21iLHRfIQCY-FDMl2ACyy0nO-NSHK-rbRoogprv0_i4F0xFk2_5kpMcptBFANxhKF_zQsbsUPMNZ0gh2RJqLK9i974mylzWBKr/s400/IMG_0916.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
I then went downtown LA to pick up my knife from the post office. I went to the city center but I didn't really find anything interesting. I think I was in the wrong area?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhBn9J-KOVS-lKfO5sZPNkH1Nh13U50YpXgrHuawSAp8KgZetQcAAxi98aBHw8ReLqyERED64LLisKvjKbLuht_F_MAKiAzMiPMUV5al43Eu1NIb1qFcOYyrb5UvO0skrZNag5PMrr1C0P/s1600/IMG_0921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhBn9J-KOVS-lKfO5sZPNkH1Nh13U50YpXgrHuawSAp8KgZetQcAAxi98aBHw8ReLqyERED64LLisKvjKbLuht_F_MAKiAzMiPMUV5al43Eu1NIb1qFcOYyrb5UvO0skrZNag5PMrr1C0P/s400/IMG_0921.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinj909Whj5kYt9aYpQY8LVsnhJkij0zTts1ruGj4LmiNdNPmmD0DenkfK8gscydMDA-_JU04QmPXHDGpTfW1Z_vxrVGCmo7wbKNeksHNNHhX1lmhLZNNM0k2SMWxWjQKBLLvdl3E-oWjGH/s1600/IMG_0919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinj909Whj5kYt9aYpQY8LVsnhJkij0zTts1ruGj4LmiNdNPmmD0DenkfK8gscydMDA-_JU04QmPXHDGpTfW1Z_vxrVGCmo7wbKNeksHNNHhX1lmhLZNNM0k2SMWxWjQKBLLvdl3E-oWjGH/s400/IMG_0919.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
I left the downtown area and decided to visit:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMvysY3cAdcN6CO5zE9ExsBMa_Sz7rlWi6REIQ6SY1hHi6vLq6ktneqYLvZgAYZxdeBlooTMTom0xF-MgR0gX8HK4sS1XHYsk32PmyyAgVb-tWausy8y62DQv_Cepgx2DrjobmYI15d2SS/s1600/IMG_0935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMvysY3cAdcN6CO5zE9ExsBMa_Sz7rlWi6REIQ6SY1hHi6vLq6ktneqYLvZgAYZxdeBlooTMTom0xF-MgR0gX8HK4sS1XHYsk32PmyyAgVb-tWausy8y62DQv_Cepgx2DrjobmYI15d2SS/s400/IMG_0935.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtxBxaebm94ADvLV5MQfEdh_AhyvQtATtPY4tZdq8zU06KjWS2ntGNMMBg_BVvqTOi14W_lwmXO46TsPUzLedFQ7wsvc6V6lBclykaJxo-EDDWP0IK5cTTHcrL4W1NADRlLN2T6Bwy2IeF/s1600/IMG_0936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtxBxaebm94ADvLV5MQfEdh_AhyvQtATtPY4tZdq8zU06KjWS2ntGNMMBg_BVvqTOi14W_lwmXO46TsPUzLedFQ7wsvc6V6lBclykaJxo-EDDWP0IK5cTTHcrL4W1NADRlLN2T6Bwy2IeF/s400/IMG_0936.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
To get to the vantage point in this picture, I had to hike a fair bit. Here's the view from the top:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7vEi7PWtnmu9ZJzrxSwEy81xQlJaepyiv1_EqFrALmGcnALz-BZmDFE7RM-UT1BfmjainGeIKQlLXid808wBvAl1U_I7Hn_TguXJ05SHKlYcgT-GS_UDVhwaBqj7dg76DT02ckoPRmcfx/s1600/IMG_0930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7vEi7PWtnmu9ZJzrxSwEy81xQlJaepyiv1_EqFrALmGcnALz-BZmDFE7RM-UT1BfmjainGeIKQlLXid808wBvAl1U_I7Hn_TguXJ05SHKlYcgT-GS_UDVhwaBqj7dg76DT02ckoPRmcfx/s400/IMG_0930.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6FT4LP6Q-X41eopF1gI3ELCX9sH5J_F8MvwOa8AYnDVASQSkhRX5IMZtA2cg28h3CuD6ki7K8OdGux0E37DpBhxpqWKTi9QL4PJMyvwBGPw5ZsITnUm9zDccmKOxtwNrYFkyfvI30weZ8/s1600/IMG_0932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6FT4LP6Q-X41eopF1gI3ELCX9sH5J_F8MvwOa8AYnDVASQSkhRX5IMZtA2cg28h3CuD6ki7K8OdGux0E37DpBhxpqWKTi9QL4PJMyvwBGPw5ZsITnUm9zDccmKOxtwNrYFkyfvI30weZ8/s400/IMG_0932.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiz9e9KLPfegAA8tRmtCtfhw2q6tT2tSm1sRWwkmv7447cbojWQMvlpZaPH8J_6y5_-mFBN3bUFbJwy-Tqtz1PvZ1mwX2eKn_gwmPLpU8rrtVBGS766V07v-sETjlAOI4cVu6tyLakf8Ss/s1600/IMG_0937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiz9e9KLPfegAA8tRmtCtfhw2q6tT2tSm1sRWwkmv7447cbojWQMvlpZaPH8J_6y5_-mFBN3bUFbJwy-Tqtz1PvZ1mwX2eKn_gwmPLpU8rrtVBGS766V07v-sETjlAOI4cVu6tyLakf8Ss/s400/IMG_0937.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjETr8cv-8xDe4HIeyQRV4C_6lQzWO2Q3wUbs2FVg9d5TIfinYomPjEOy8bm-VwRUJWrbE7PGUblxnDQhJZsySmVqZed5LYoPZlasM1ggh_v8LXNVF1wlI1Fb0ChJX5W4Xd9vHHzzKQCghG/s1600/IMG_0943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjETr8cv-8xDe4HIeyQRV4C_6lQzWO2Q3wUbs2FVg9d5TIfinYomPjEOy8bm-VwRUJWrbE7PGUblxnDQhJZsySmVqZed5LYoPZlasM1ggh_v8LXNVF1wlI1Fb0ChJX5W4Xd9vHHzzKQCghG/s400/IMG_0943.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
From there I decided to take a drive through Beverly Hills.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI04wA2RUfvtEVL5TPojWNLQ9UJsu_yGuyCIkxGxiPmQVKfPrekOtGFLvW4_Q2nKv-rPraTt5Z1YfbP1JwgzdVWD1wvSAmyH-xxk4AHY5H2ZDgERBwJR3O9Jf8MsCEFtXdeiHhhxLH_VIX/s1600/IMG_0955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI04wA2RUfvtEVL5TPojWNLQ9UJsu_yGuyCIkxGxiPmQVKfPrekOtGFLvW4_Q2nKv-rPraTt5Z1YfbP1JwgzdVWD1wvSAmyH-xxk4AHY5H2ZDgERBwJR3O9Jf8MsCEFtXdeiHhhxLH_VIX/s400/IMG_0955.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A residential street</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUzmowyQJtN5Qf_TwID4bI3re-bVDc35w7Jr_cB6oyUDbH8Vf6i174UC0UEGA_mJ1N9flX8EH8HXFP5uK0CKc0Hhmv8CQuTSZTNOwa0DqhfHuNatqwXNCEdIHHUGQvtQyHqj4Zn05CegIi/s1600/IMG_0950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUzmowyQJtN5Qf_TwID4bI3re-bVDc35w7Jr_cB6oyUDbH8Vf6i174UC0UEGA_mJ1N9flX8EH8HXFP5uK0CKc0Hhmv8CQuTSZTNOwa0DqhfHuNatqwXNCEdIHHUGQvtQyHqj4Zn05CegIi/s400/IMG_0950.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A section of the sidewalk</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIF3tpTEdMw5VqpFIvCL5T0Ez_euhNxDAaXWSrmbXBINsutmEReyRwIu7dFr9tb2crDy1xpG9phdkXbJAJrfJu_tFazEnVO-QAgRMNQPhsGaC0WE_rAt4eCLNN5-nxxtYuT1ZwncvrFhZo/s1600/IMG_0947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIF3tpTEdMw5VqpFIvCL5T0Ez_euhNxDAaXWSrmbXBINsutmEReyRwIu7dFr9tb2crDy1xpG9phdkXbJAJrfJu_tFazEnVO-QAgRMNQPhsGaC0WE_rAt4eCLNN5-nxxtYuT1ZwncvrFhZo/s400/IMG_0947.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perpendicular view from above</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI23oqtztqfsrKio5xmZKr2w8cLPaj9kxYIWhcC7SMrIwS5hNCsnq7XfJBfYd3PMYY8aq6z3sUkeaB7H1KDj9iAxGsqDD-KeWbZSCX_LGKQt0qbY9X3_vOwOFh4g2folZ8v1BfoyukRUlP/s1600/IMG_0946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI23oqtztqfsrKio5xmZKr2w8cLPaj9kxYIWhcC7SMrIwS5hNCsnq7XfJBfYd3PMYY8aq6z3sUkeaB7H1KDj9iAxGsqDD-KeWbZSCX_LGKQt0qbY9X3_vOwOFh4g2folZ8v1BfoyukRUlP/s400/IMG_0946.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
It's all so nice... Everything just seems so ... expensive. Here's Rodeo shopping district:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmnMLw73sCrNk8b3ptAooMSsYLLtzGfAprdN4SnHhiIJXdiYc_FAC3LnJz_2hDzjDX574PHqJLni9f_KKolvjxJF0KC7TrfQiHGrh19B-wcHTGjBg6iEW8zMSf3uTnKfnqrS76xi7ArJJd/s1600/IMG_0967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmnMLw73sCrNk8b3ptAooMSsYLLtzGfAprdN4SnHhiIJXdiYc_FAC3LnJz_2hDzjDX574PHqJLni9f_KKolvjxJF0KC7TrfQiHGrh19B-wcHTGjBg6iEW8zMSf3uTnKfnqrS76xi7ArJJd/s400/IMG_0967.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
From there I went back to the hotel, changed into warmer clothes, and then went for dinner. I ate at some upscale restaurant/sushi bar. The sushi was <i>very</i> good, but also very expensive. I wanted a cup of coffee or something, so I went back to the Third Street Promenade. In Starbucks, I spoke to a Jamaican guy who used to ride a Honda fireblade. We talked for a while, and by the time I got back to my bike I had a parking ticket. I was confused - I'd specifically parked so that I was leaving the space available for other cars. I got a ticket for parking like this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRC0PE3LJyD3YuphZ9iI1cjXvSQEDE9DfblDoMwJp0EdmvUHNZNAjTpcOyRwt6UEO1uPNMToK49AUValJK_ufSajILxWbxZ_npC6vQVqYjfadYz2leg0gXSPmWXe4VGOzLDyv7wmrs0XlH/s1600/IMG_0975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRC0PE3LJyD3YuphZ9iI1cjXvSQEDE9DfblDoMwJp0EdmvUHNZNAjTpcOyRwt6UEO1uPNMToK49AUValJK_ufSajILxWbxZ_npC6vQVqYjfadYz2leg0gXSPmWXe4VGOzLDyv7wmrs0XlH/s400/IMG_0975.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwtVyZXFteMKO7eGrRybjjIkyjesZxhv-FgDMOYFgc_WgydiqF3bfFYGCt-TQ41M1J4Bbk4YNZllFDcb7rFV7VA5H7hi-y_RFawmGm6rlMj1B0lQMWHw5T3N8VSvywvvy5jIaNERefXXzh/s1600/IMG_0981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwtVyZXFteMKO7eGrRybjjIkyjesZxhv-FgDMOYFgc_WgydiqF3bfFYGCt-TQ41M1J4Bbk4YNZllFDcb7rFV7VA5H7hi-y_RFawmGm6rlMj1B0lQMWHw5T3N8VSvywvvy5jIaNERefXXzh/s400/IMG_0981.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The ticket is for being "100% in the red". I had initially parked in the space as though I was a car. I thought it was kind of unfair and wanted to move it. At that moment, some official looking guys ("community service officers", apparently) rode by and I asked if parking was free. They said yes and told me I should move my bike to where it is in the pictures so I don't snake a whole spot. I agreed and moved it. Anyway, I asked local cops who said it was ridiculous and told me to contest it. How much is the ticket? ... $65. Ya, I know. So I called it a night.<br />
<br />
On the 23rde, I got my stuff sorted out and then went to the beach for a bit. I went in search of sunglasses and ended up buying a bamboo shirt on clearance. I then went to the water and body surfed on the waves for a while. It's not the same as the regular surfing I wanted to try, but it'll do. I went back to the hotel and worked on my visa applications for travel. It took forever, and it became too late to take passport photos. I just hit the road.<br />
<br />
On the way, I stopped in Fontana CA for a coffee and to check maps. I spoke to a biker in the store who strongly recommended I not try the mountain pass that night due to high winds, winding roads, excessive trucks, and a general danger. All the nearby motels were ridiculously expensive, so I decided to camp. I stopped at Target for supplies (can of dinner, etc.) then drove around looking for a good place to stop. I was in a really posh area, so nothing stood out. Eventually, I just said "screw it!" and camped on a soccer/football field in the middle of town:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp32dXO929PyUdoeApphvbmiyf15G3-lu048NpLAmXnWwDqx2W8uXRNPPSDzOjh_ETBYE7UTvqdY8S9a7QYMeUQsK7avmeoGE3it0ykC7MR7-clX2h7NL2Oa5Bj1bnjgSQRBTthqlkDWfU/s1600/IMG_0984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp32dXO929PyUdoeApphvbmiyf15G3-lu048NpLAmXnWwDqx2W8uXRNPPSDzOjh_ETBYE7UTvqdY8S9a7QYMeUQsK7avmeoGE3it0ykC7MR7-clX2h7NL2Oa5Bj1bnjgSQRBTthqlkDWfU/s400/IMG_0984.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgUnr8K3FHFcNNc1kI5kGqba1WbzGhYyBg9hafq5uIx2E-LvW4vR_GSjIvwzBT7MNKX92UCZu0cnbI13Eq18UGZc8aD7oXXdwAlySw4dHS6OyYOYluhhEKpy42OOuFlaQ55vzQJO0T3tn/s1600/IMG_0983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgUnr8K3FHFcNNc1kI5kGqba1WbzGhYyBg9hafq5uIx2E-LvW4vR_GSjIvwzBT7MNKX92UCZu0cnbI13Eq18UGZc8aD7oXXdwAlySw4dHS6OyYOYluhhEKpy42OOuFlaQ55vzQJO0T3tn/s400/IMG_0983.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdR-pqwaee8PcsZsQ2D30vx207cHfx-5wdDXo8ojyQGMcyfh_uF4wNaffIao_AtRsf8K8jrx6KOQXC0zHWdqc7B2sTVNPDih88LXVPaGPMb4mp-HuoibxVfYZIIDhK4XS7FCThuwVbi-9A/s1600/IMG_0987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdR-pqwaee8PcsZsQ2D30vx207cHfx-5wdDXo8ojyQGMcyfh_uF4wNaffIao_AtRsf8K8jrx6KOQXC0zHWdqc7B2sTVNPDih88LXVPaGPMb4mp-HuoibxVfYZIIDhK4XS7FCThuwVbi-9A/s400/IMG_0987.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
It's right here: <br />
<iframe align="center" frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=north+fontana+park&ie=UTF8&hq=north+fontana+park&hnear=&radius=15000&ll=34.141457,-117.454905&spn=0.006295,0.006295&t=h&output=embed" width="425"></iframe><br />
<small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=north+fontana+park&ie=UTF8&hq=north+fontana+park&hnear=&radius=15000&ll=34.141457,-117.454905&spn=0.006295,0.006295&t=h&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small><br />
<br />
From 1-2am the sprinkler system came on and sprayed my tent. One of them was really bad so I got out and went to divert the water until it turned off a couple minutes later. I was successful although the tent was soaked. It didn't matter in the end because it rained in the morning anyway. I was also freezing cold that night and barely slept. And so concludes my Californian adventure.Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15050571834380139105noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554850068174174643.post-70799076028587186792011-04-26T02:59:00.001-04:002011-09-26T22:11:49.356-04:00At Roads EndFrom: Needles, CA<br />
To: Venice, CA<br />
Mileage: About 464km<br />
<br />
Today, I ran out of road. I even ran out of land. Read on.<br />
<br />
I packed up camp and made my trip through the Mojave desert.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb50S5fJBweKCZ04Lno2kO3KaAQwewYyJhdQIvKnLpFR-Dk-pSGIwB710pYPDAS_TMmxZCIeuThyphenhyphenLVf-nSmw5Zlf5Uktev3SSeuGAwlwCKIGQP35TUzMbddeosNpI99wpSV9PrUJOXl6FX/s1600/IMG_0827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb50S5fJBweKCZ04Lno2kO3KaAQwewYyJhdQIvKnLpFR-Dk-pSGIwB710pYPDAS_TMmxZCIeuThyphenhyphenLVf-nSmw5Zlf5Uktev3SSeuGAwlwCKIGQP35TUzMbddeosNpI99wpSV9PrUJOXl6FX/s400/IMG_0827.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLMHKAzO544ARoOkjVp67pVC6VfahA-_gFWhgvmOD8jz-oqiQv1wHom2ChyN0PU_JAdZOpITrCVgW8c__e_IGTnTZ8RCp1t0hI9uqDMZVYeVK_rB8jQ9ngmVNUF1SU9zBAkYsbXhPieLP5/s1600/IMG_0839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLMHKAzO544ARoOkjVp67pVC6VfahA-_gFWhgvmOD8jz-oqiQv1wHom2ChyN0PU_JAdZOpITrCVgW8c__e_IGTnTZ8RCp1t0hI9uqDMZVYeVK_rB8jQ9ngmVNUF1SU9zBAkYsbXhPieLP5/s400/IMG_0839.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb50S5fJBweKCZ04Lno2kO3KaAQwewYyJhdQIvKnLpFR-Dk-pSGIwB710pYPDAS_TMmxZCIeuThyphenhyphenLVf-nSmw5Zlf5Uktev3SSeuGAwlwCKIGQP35TUzMbddeosNpI99wpSV9PrUJOXl6FX/s1600/IMG_0827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnDAWbMwAKxw3CacceO-jUFJdVzSd9L8zkgRPplpWAwT4DgJ78AUMKoZevhSxK0BjRbqjSdNfy2L-r9apPt29OcNpE6l_hFe34MWR9ufQJHdj1Po8ltzsjfj4KwjW9vTcUnsoDBIdxNto0/s1600/IMG_0846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>I kept moving, but started getting drowsy. I stopped for lunch in Barstow, CA. I used my Starbucks giftcard, and planned out my route for the rest of the day. Continuing on, I came upon a mountain range. Once I reached the top, I was greeted with a great view. I was <i>in the clouds</i> looking out at scenic mountains and cities below. Sorry, no photos - there was nowhere safe to pull off. As I started coming down the other side of the mountains, I started getting nice views of the metro area ahead. Eventually, I entered Los Angeles county. Tropical trees everywhere, ultra-modern everything, lots of wealth. Nice cars and bikes everywhere!<br />
<br />
I took an exit for Santa Monica and continued on. Eventually, the mile markers reached 0 and the road ahead of me vanished. When I ran out of pavement, I had ended up at<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnDAWbMwAKxw3CacceO-jUFJdVzSd9L8zkgRPplpWAwT4DgJ78AUMKoZevhSxK0BjRbqjSdNfy2L-r9apPt29OcNpE6l_hFe34MWR9ufQJHdj1Po8ltzsjfj4KwjW9vTcUnsoDBIdxNto0/s1600/IMG_0846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnDAWbMwAKxw3CacceO-jUFJdVzSd9L8zkgRPplpWAwT4DgJ78AUMKoZevhSxK0BjRbqjSdNfy2L-r9apPt29OcNpE6l_hFe34MWR9ufQJHdj1Po8ltzsjfj4KwjW9vTcUnsoDBIdxNto0/s400/IMG_0846.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijw8DOI-dkVH6db2t41_OVOHIe3j0NpEsf0i5hGO4wiswZzCSupy7HpJZVs6S3B3NDyY39YkT_fI-yMyYbTFegj-ktcJilUJju5BFoVbNvfjLd19UlTXZntBcpOspJ7R4uj3vabUFhGRtg/s1600/IMG_0847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijw8DOI-dkVH6db2t41_OVOHIe3j0NpEsf0i5hGO4wiswZzCSupy7HpJZVs6S3B3NDyY39YkT_fI-yMyYbTFegj-ktcJilUJju5BFoVbNvfjLd19UlTXZntBcpOspJ7R4uj3vabUFhGRtg/s400/IMG_0847.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Elated, I parked and walked to the water.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEeGEdzLOl47gFrT0yHFAmhYFAIsER0r3jiNAdJZC-QLUsr_P23UMcpLBazObdGZKoMJY_VQp8yxXjjpCKufFoKrmHwCNnQDG03Z8iFleuvyzzXvQEGJhmUStTPjcjpegdZdsdLD_JTXVy/s1600/IMG_0852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEeGEdzLOl47gFrT0yHFAmhYFAIsER0r3jiNAdJZC-QLUsr_P23UMcpLBazObdGZKoMJY_VQp8yxXjjpCKufFoKrmHwCNnQDG03Z8iFleuvyzzXvQEGJhmUStTPjcjpegdZdsdLD_JTXVy/s400/IMG_0852.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLjMdtCXddtH0vwndpWiDmExZE9u25D5ByIjHAJsCHzw_anq6Ma_GT0guJNy5OLfR004s6gT8YL7FoOmGoILNt1mr6uA_OtT9PKW35paLRTKAtY0JzQawB5xfWAFc5n0G8ga0T9KBn8wtd/s1600/IMG_0853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLjMdtCXddtH0vwndpWiDmExZE9u25D5ByIjHAJsCHzw_anq6Ma_GT0guJNy5OLfR004s6gT8YL7FoOmGoILNt1mr6uA_OtT9PKW35paLRTKAtY0JzQawB5xfWAFc5n0G8ga0T9KBn8wtd/s400/IMG_0853.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOz_ClyfOhyphenhyphenUofahIViw6HbBSiHSFqNy98dg6H4dsr2WIU2wgEVrjdge-ISRm4MRUcsr67clzwuLR9lzt3QbACqlXK0sSjCvBf2DGjL0qMLxlKNkrQ_81_YUcHooHTjLVRI-lkUoB-IS5c/s1600/IMG_0857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOz_ClyfOhyphenhyphenUofahIViw6HbBSiHSFqNy98dg6H4dsr2WIU2wgEVrjdge-ISRm4MRUcsr67clzwuLR9lzt3QbACqlXK0sSjCvBf2DGjL0qMLxlKNkrQ_81_YUcHooHTjLVRI-lkUoB-IS5c/s400/IMG_0857.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Nt9u-ufKKprb5TbDb6yNmOVC8TC0gDTnVGFnvrSbFDhHnpCfGL7E8c55jiYzszgryBqjaJEa8FjMLP1BCxwD4PEkUQoC-1KcNFzWv-s0HLFO3xTBHAsd6Y8yvCwvsCm6apUYjcpj-7Ni/s1600/IMG_0861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Nt9u-ufKKprb5TbDb6yNmOVC8TC0gDTnVGFnvrSbFDhHnpCfGL7E8c55jiYzszgryBqjaJEa8FjMLP1BCxwD4PEkUQoC-1KcNFzWv-s0HLFO3xTBHAsd6Y8yvCwvsCm6apUYjcpj-7Ni/s400/IMG_0861.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJwUt_OBCR9NuC9UDc0j4EkfUdrT968OzeDXZ5amLsbW8Rr6bGNluFkuGd22Ao91mlhncjdkZECS7ZlxB4_IhN4e9wQgG4XomL3OpryROK-A4k9aC5T447izEi-eCnBlNAXug2ZfXpuH4g/s1600/IMG_0863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJwUt_OBCR9NuC9UDc0j4EkfUdrT968OzeDXZ5amLsbW8Rr6bGNluFkuGd22Ao91mlhncjdkZECS7ZlxB4_IhN4e9wQgG4XomL3OpryROK-A4k9aC5T447izEi-eCnBlNAXug2ZfXpuH4g/s400/IMG_0863.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyWn68Hz1PD7sAGzIWmYB1ZrK87DEWoX_9IL9m3QYIwEBApFardy5CzSJ3cA5kGJN1d4ZXWe6KW9pMjwSmJvJPE-QyMJPcXBnjaO3z-8VE0_xsXrIlpmnkrPLR-0gLQiMH56-3HrL7u3NQ/s1600/IMG_0866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyWn68Hz1PD7sAGzIWmYB1ZrK87DEWoX_9IL9m3QYIwEBApFardy5CzSJ3cA5kGJN1d4ZXWe6KW9pMjwSmJvJPE-QyMJPcXBnjaO3z-8VE0_xsXrIlpmnkrPLR-0gLQiMH56-3HrL7u3NQ/s400/IMG_0866.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Success.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I stayed on the beach for about 20 mins or so, but then needed to take care of business. So I bought a hot dog on a stick (<b>the</b> original). I then went in search of a hotel. I drove into Venice, CA and visited the beach since it's the namesake of my blog.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLDLTbk6O_dh8JPpdXXoEmNnnrVxACXeWh6Q1ysJf91AWSw24pBu0lpNG-yuND3zqUWAlhDAaplWuKaOiJ5nfFjnhE_gluM6ntwIiPEz-DePpiWW-9QYDuSpCVgwBPNZC6cbVgXD3sX5b/s1600/IMG_0879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLDLTbk6O_dh8JPpdXXoEmNnnrVxACXeWh6Q1ysJf91AWSw24pBu0lpNG-yuND3zqUWAlhDAaplWuKaOiJ5nfFjnhE_gluM6ntwIiPEz-DePpiWW-9QYDuSpCVgwBPNZC6cbVgXD3sX5b/s400/IMG_0879.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Venice Beach (by bike)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxLYGphEaDkKWPUjF996s09LgxIEDEePk_-7bueAwsIPHyRZPTVlRvE2PRX9LlkaJP13LBVCymEWQUr42o1NpfF9GFDbIiE88U5IE_kk2qg_3_1RSeLOEItXpKq2zd8Vn_OwtfxClOqZ4/s1600/IMG_0883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxLYGphEaDkKWPUjF996s09LgxIEDEePk_-7bueAwsIPHyRZPTVlRvE2PRX9LlkaJP13LBVCymEWQUr42o1NpfF9GFDbIiE88U5IE_kk2qg_3_1RSeLOEItXpKq2zd8Vn_OwtfxClOqZ4/s400/IMG_0883.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The outdoor gym </td></tr>
</tbody></table>I looked for a place to stay and didn't see much, so I stayed at the Santa Monica Motel. It sounds nicer than it is. Here's a quick shot of the Santa Monica Pier:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidXZeW-bZ7uzolE6xyj0rK21v_MlcDDufLPZxkhYFUOdkr_WMFt19EJjg66cME1SzXV6LEbodynI3ODv8JmrOfa0zxqG98ElPEUQyQeFw5PvpmbOSV3Vyvk7EOKAx0PIFE5JS-AdovEGKh/s1600/IMG_0877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidXZeW-bZ7uzolE6xyj0rK21v_MlcDDufLPZxkhYFUOdkr_WMFt19EJjg66cME1SzXV6LEbodynI3ODv8JmrOfa0zxqG98ElPEUQyQeFw5PvpmbOSV3Vyvk7EOKAx0PIFE5JS-AdovEGKh/s400/IMG_0877.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
By this time it was late and dark, so I went to the Third Street Promenade (a touristy pedestrian street) and ate dinner at a cafe before turning in.Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15050571834380139105noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554850068174174643.post-36457616931410851592011-04-22T03:51:00.000-04:002011-04-22T03:51:56.197-04:00A Very Good DayFrom: Flagstaff, AZ<br />
To: Needles, CA (aww, I spoiled the surprise ending...)<br />
Mileage: About 606kms<br />
<br />
I woke up feeling very tired. I didn't get much sleep - at about 1:30-2:00am I had some foreign guy using skype and sitting just outside my room. He was loud enough that he woke me up, and I donned some pants, went outside, and told him to take it downstairs to the lobby. Then at about 3:30am I disturbed again by some (drunk?) guys arguing with the hotel staff about getting into their room and having lost the key, etc. Then from about 4:00am on, there was a ridiculously loud banging noise as though someone was smashing down a door. And there was yelling and cursing. I think a drunk (homeless?) guy locked himself in the bathroom downstairs and claimed he couldn't figure out how to get out <br />
<br />
After breakfast, I went to get gas. I noticed that the bike was really underpowered and the exhaust smelled rich. I pulled her up to a tire filling station and cleaned the air filter. It was dirty and somewhat sandy from desert wind storms, plus I was at a high altitude. I gassed up and off I went.<br />
<br />
I took the scenic route north (highway 180). The ride was amazing - a nice easy winding path through a wooded forest:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdPrxoyvuUc_8KHRCxun4GGT1qgxS6TVGLDn46ZSPtlpU0-Zxm_GmHy8rKvOCRyEwR2Je7mKIhunS2Q6PpbNEOBdrFI2glWlLJD9URcJBPDN5QlLgz3M-_IvwztWPPAwe8qmCeeNctdZBm/s1600/IMG_0653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdPrxoyvuUc_8KHRCxun4GGT1qgxS6TVGLDn46ZSPtlpU0-Zxm_GmHy8rKvOCRyEwR2Je7mKIhunS2Q6PpbNEOBdrFI2glWlLJD9URcJBPDN5QlLgz3M-_IvwztWPPAwe8qmCeeNctdZBm/s400/IMG_0653.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdbxR5MkNC2R5eZ_2R-T-RVaIzR-Fv9U4nN05QD-SMKuoSL9XliECSO0H7BWcEofzOZaAo9PYXybTRltegptzQo_dN-XSfYJOo3N7_LJ59AaMDO3M5YXCs_sI9h2G6iL08Ek4wmtmgpo7_/s1600/IMG_0654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdbxR5MkNC2R5eZ_2R-T-RVaIzR-Fv9U4nN05QD-SMKuoSL9XliECSO0H7BWcEofzOZaAo9PYXybTRltegptzQo_dN-XSfYJOo3N7_LJ59AaMDO3M5YXCs_sI9h2G6iL08Ek4wmtmgpo7_/s400/IMG_0654.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The 180 ended and I followed the 64 North. I arrived at:<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOUYtDRM3Vsy5A74x6dRbj_v1LGwPilJe-ty9esI7ycdC5ZtRth85641L7XId_-ete5mm0Acyv26hH6BEmDwJgBzIuNWVSeFSguzE1kEj5qhH8EW8uXjJ5uQu9zvQKAej18nc8MCkB0f2c/s1600/IMG_0674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOUYtDRM3Vsy5A74x6dRbj_v1LGwPilJe-ty9esI7ycdC5ZtRth85641L7XId_-ete5mm0Acyv26hH6BEmDwJgBzIuNWVSeFSguzE1kEj5qhH8EW8uXjJ5uQu9zvQKAej18nc8MCkB0f2c/s640/IMG_0674.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BAM!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5r-GEmZc6tpEvQpLYGf6zR06GM5aOL-S0r75LpUkLzR49koEFisAwO6dzMVXvFaVLmXVPK0yM5MZ99xA-pTBOtnug9PIgE7gmBfdi942X2Yswgz2cIew9nW3S4MzRkTzEKaq6KST9ad-h/s1600/IMG_0703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
YUP! The grandest of all the canyons! Well, it's no Valles Marineris. I parked the bike and walked to the canyon rim. Here are some more pics: (sorry, for some reason the server rejected a bunch of them, so I don't have my best pics up)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0rT1_Mv9HJAtKwWnmq_rKFpDjCCJn-ME4o6kxN7ZYJSc9fziaqgfqkZvuYCKOhUFFTyYv7vu5QyRnKcOWHTAoke40wRXWmykleCNmSV3XDSBJ_dFcNBpeAVAJRZm6jniE5s34gRnfqawR/s1600/IMG_0670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0rT1_Mv9HJAtKwWnmq_rKFpDjCCJn-ME4o6kxN7ZYJSc9fziaqgfqkZvuYCKOhUFFTyYv7vu5QyRnKcOWHTAoke40wRXWmykleCNmSV3XDSBJ_dFcNBpeAVAJRZm6jniE5s34gRnfqawR/s400/IMG_0670.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiudbI9F-AQJaHSkmWK7oVwYHWLIKgjCLlYpoC2rItsohAdSc70QqhHxCMCbAwnYmsAFFC0C8HbPTTEM9d7f0n6wl1NpN3fLUPoIDooQStC86RiJGnli7n9RYMW3QhMl2E0SL7_s2DELzW0/s1600/IMG_0671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiudbI9F-AQJaHSkmWK7oVwYHWLIKgjCLlYpoC2rItsohAdSc70QqhHxCMCbAwnYmsAFFC0C8HbPTTEM9d7f0n6wl1NpN3fLUPoIDooQStC86RiJGnli7n9RYMW3QhMl2E0SL7_s2DELzW0/s400/IMG_0671.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHlYBT5IKUTyM-_o8vbLhVDYmX-SJYTvaJknPdvGjy2ozC7U1k_76bMpWx7x-XBJsGlCWAtxtUMeTE_sBLBbqIX9Uijaw6UvSy4tzyyuxna49R-gkfeqeeDaKPDXbkWeYvkBHxqcjBtTIk/s1600/IMG_0672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHlYBT5IKUTyM-_o8vbLhVDYmX-SJYTvaJknPdvGjy2ozC7U1k_76bMpWx7x-XBJsGlCWAtxtUMeTE_sBLBbqIX9Uijaw6UvSy4tzyyuxna49R-gkfeqeeDaKPDXbkWeYvkBHxqcjBtTIk/s400/IMG_0672.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcs8Kr3EF7VccOCfkCNAT7PUy6elMw5sXMVaVu9XRwtEKNE-vozFV8i4sU2V0_8mrDYncwxZuZZFMVmFWv9tzx1LXkU135gdep6KUBo2mmZ3UAJT_EU80WqxMhjmsIu_iFCW39_unecmAe/s1600/IMG_0673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcs8Kr3EF7VccOCfkCNAT7PUy6elMw5sXMVaVu9XRwtEKNE-vozFV8i4sU2V0_8mrDYncwxZuZZFMVmFWv9tzx1LXkU135gdep6KUBo2mmZ3UAJT_EU80WqxMhjmsIu_iFCW39_unecmAe/s400/IMG_0673.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinof1nTk9xXV8-yYFdPEFQbOJz5i8-aQiwznMbfCT2Ev5oVksxgac7SFvqxYb-KZ8t_bGTJ2K-qS7jfq2OT0zAfRShOBPmRbo4E-5CKpJHnFmdyaMhY8nVwAag_HZSqEluL-qCjAWbnsfe/s1600/IMG_0681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinof1nTk9xXV8-yYFdPEFQbOJz5i8-aQiwznMbfCT2Ev5oVksxgac7SFvqxYb-KZ8t_bGTJ2K-qS7jfq2OT0zAfRShOBPmRbo4E-5CKpJHnFmdyaMhY8nVwAag_HZSqEluL-qCjAWbnsfe/s400/IMG_0681.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZtLz93vG7dmOPxAQwJilArVuVCEU1qmvr_wghLlYSBlaDt-wjOw93qFd8-dhxm5rWEgGofPLFwN2-lEp3ayBqlpDwcKNmXE2ESTNKGwCaUVxrP4Tfl7raVq6I3UsloGggylYATTaTTD-B/s1600/IMG_0675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZtLz93vG7dmOPxAQwJilArVuVCEU1qmvr_wghLlYSBlaDt-wjOw93qFd8-dhxm5rWEgGofPLFwN2-lEp3ayBqlpDwcKNmXE2ESTNKGwCaUVxrP4Tfl7raVq6I3UsloGggylYATTaTTD-B/s400/IMG_0675.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The greenish part is actually the Colorado River</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIc4uGh600ZWRjSoKhSdFVkuqiuWpP_8e4egwpk6_hy82EWwzoingGZTH6NO_4M947oZCmgvSuOrpXpBKWItEgn4IP0Hq_dAIJg8MYfjBBbDzgrYsdUulUAXhZ69Mr3wzBwXK-dfK57kSn/s1600/IMG_0684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIc4uGh600ZWRjSoKhSdFVkuqiuWpP_8e4egwpk6_hy82EWwzoingGZTH6NO_4M947oZCmgvSuOrpXpBKWItEgn4IP0Hq_dAIJg8MYfjBBbDzgrYsdUulUAXhZ69Mr3wzBwXK-dfK57kSn/s400/IMG_0684.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6IY0uIQ-qwSVWadJsljMJVJZ3rNMRf_z3ve3qTFPt5iJhzgzmzhWk2RbKbp3a2yVepUg3SJhHabXd1yVOeUWgOYvZTa-28naugwGIiYxzGCY3Cm4t51GDbA82nqnRrl68GVWGrBXCp_Fg/s1600/IMG_0694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6IY0uIQ-qwSVWadJsljMJVJZ3rNMRf_z3ve3qTFPt5iJhzgzmzhWk2RbKbp3a2yVepUg3SJhHabXd1yVOeUWgOYvZTa-28naugwGIiYxzGCY3Cm4t51GDbA82nqnRrl68GVWGrBXCp_Fg/s400/IMG_0694.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjLmH5H-Y2Zjj8yEtWDs-z65Ud4KXiRXafs_JCf5L2dFloywaZb8xEyeTzjBknWU3qVCD_kT7lPeka2V3RBmejeZdfV8kHMuMs3RHTHNLROUUggRKSg76fAdXPbrgfXJJijLH_t8c8pw2Z/s1600/IMG_0699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjLmH5H-Y2Zjj8yEtWDs-z65Ud4KXiRXafs_JCf5L2dFloywaZb8xEyeTzjBknWU3qVCD_kT7lPeka2V3RBmejeZdfV8kHMuMs3RHTHNLROUUggRKSg76fAdXPbrgfXJJijLH_t8c8pw2Z/s400/IMG_0699.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-U-x2JVwHx2B6o_qk9z-_8_V_VmQ7HeH2zqnQ85XOhPGCC7nIY1NDTjS-_0ft1w0OYXBRj-HwIxqxw8dPFnGVfEs1Zd25PDUM-OTv-bgmrgpd02Y1mz-R8oi0rOZrNoW-3fbLrY42Orp/s1600/IMG_0671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-U-x2JVwHx2B6o_qk9z-_8_V_VmQ7HeH2zqnQ85XOhPGCC7nIY1NDTjS-_0ft1w0OYXBRj-HwIxqxw8dPFnGVfEs1Zd25PDUM-OTv-bgmrgpd02Y1mz-R8oi0rOZrNoW-3fbLrY42Orp/s400/IMG_0671.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaLjWaXv-hofjvVu4xrbRp9-ris3m2jnhujUrkO-y7QA2TOcp4oDQuW1dbs7dFcAxkTOdi0fFWjbI_auTYWUVs9gJ6rQIXdWhE4QbZ5u3DwHrtpHZLb16CtYUXd8rsJgfKynI_GyJgo4Gu/s1600/IMG_0726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaLjWaXv-hofjvVu4xrbRp9-ris3m2jnhujUrkO-y7QA2TOcp4oDQuW1dbs7dFcAxkTOdi0fFWjbI_auTYWUVs9gJ6rQIXdWhE4QbZ5u3DwHrtpHZLb16CtYUXd8rsJgfKynI_GyJgo4Gu/s1600/IMG_0726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaLjWaXv-hofjvVu4xrbRp9-ris3m2jnhujUrkO-y7QA2TOcp4oDQuW1dbs7dFcAxkTOdi0fFWjbI_auTYWUVs9gJ6rQIXdWhE4QbZ5u3DwHrtpHZLb16CtYUXd8rsJgfKynI_GyJgo4Gu/s400/IMG_0726.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I was completely blown away when I first saw this thing. I didn't even take a photo, I just kind of stared at it for a while, unable to comprehend. I found the Grand Canyon was captivating and surreal. At first it really does look fake. Since I couldn't actually understand the sheer enormity of this thing, I couldn't properly gauge distances, and it just kind of looked two dimensional. But after staring for a while (and giving my brain time to process), I started to realize the scale of the canyon, and it started to come to life. It just doesn't seem to end! It stretches as far as I could see, and when you think you're looking a the bottom, you notice that the part you think is the end has an edge that overlooks a huge canyon. It's stunning though, and I was pretty well taken aback. On the way back, I passed 5000km since I started. This is where I was at the time:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1xYPvjjaIIhIHrHTEdws_dKIryYGHrwMyEomYxyif0L5UADoVMte0SoBA7AOSWFNVCklwpyzYjLrL_zQLTHjO3d2M2dwWlCWseaiHme1LRu6eUx4YYm4VT3O5A8U09WyYtu8iyn1HieIz/s1600/IMG_0728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1xYPvjjaIIhIHrHTEdws_dKIryYGHrwMyEomYxyif0L5UADoVMte0SoBA7AOSWFNVCklwpyzYjLrL_zQLTHjO3d2M2dwWlCWseaiHme1LRu6eUx4YYm4VT3O5A8U09WyYtu8iyn1HieIz/s400/IMG_0728.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpFkk-HWTh4U0Z6jnueU1Ii0S8D_1hDdwRRzpRuCPJhPUa40rUpv1CSJcTNo9Btd7OmJm5lKNGGcM5Ze7surcdmyQE3aUxsNAvdBLQ2L67yHahfnMiXEs2i21bBsxqtnVHP_8adIOHBvRp/s1600/IMG_0732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpFkk-HWTh4U0Z6jnueU1Ii0S8D_1hDdwRRzpRuCPJhPUa40rUpv1CSJcTNo9Btd7OmJm5lKNGGcM5Ze7surcdmyQE3aUxsNAvdBLQ2L67yHahfnMiXEs2i21bBsxqtnVHP_8adIOHBvRp/s400/IMG_0732.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMzhHI6DnB2hBa5_q7Kedny-YNnXVPcjh-zMpgHmUw0FTgnfa2OHxRfI9PKdAXJOTeLJ2T_8PSEWXAD5Vtv-QV5259AhKU1tliodUYdf8u8-L8to60hDe6z3xfbwwDQzFT7bLou4EbCOkL/s1600/IMG_0741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMzhHI6DnB2hBa5_q7Kedny-YNnXVPcjh-zMpgHmUw0FTgnfa2OHxRfI9PKdAXJOTeLJ2T_8PSEWXAD5Vtv-QV5259AhKU1tliodUYdf8u8-L8to60hDe6z3xfbwwDQzFT7bLou4EbCOkL/s400/IMG_0741.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqlpPohzwcnYx2wcmDiACH_hXgChniZvAmhlEZ3tzkNKc5Js9jaEJ-zHJ1KIi6d3KvfRbloxMXoHE7t60S_clF2Zw2_Yd7p0TaTkbaXMd32buCT7RxdgWwhk6AVag5vJCP-SPDL3csiq25/s1600/IMG_0745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqlpPohzwcnYx2wcmDiACH_hXgChniZvAmhlEZ3tzkNKc5Js9jaEJ-zHJ1KIi6d3KvfRbloxMXoHE7t60S_clF2Zw2_Yd7p0TaTkbaXMd32buCT7RxdgWwhk6AVag5vJCP-SPDL3csiq25/s400/IMG_0745.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiVidKfNUJOJzp-C_fL6N0xkVooGtJCXqOKmlwVV0ErV6b5suV-d_9oyjdMDbwexIKtN6x80RPLulJzxiF-Jy0mjKZ6gq2jiwtuPAVZjtDBbFFkKV_-MMZy8jyoHKhA_QQt97tg0ooUUFt/s1600/IMG_0742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiVidKfNUJOJzp-C_fL6N0xkVooGtJCXqOKmlwVV0ErV6b5suV-d_9oyjdMDbwexIKtN6x80RPLulJzxiF-Jy0mjKZ6gq2jiwtuPAVZjtDBbFFkKV_-MMZy8jyoHKhA_QQt97tg0ooUUFt/s400/IMG_0742.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Anyway, I needed to push on, so I took the 64 south until I hit I-40. I took it to the next town: Ash Fork. From there I followed the longest continuous stretch of the old Route 66 still in existence. It runs all the way from Ash Fork to Topock, making a stop in Oatman. This was a brilliant ride, and ended up being an incredible experience. The ride started nice and easy with pleasing landscape and scenery. I gassed up in Saligman and chatted with a Canadian who'd been living in the US for over 50 years. I carried on and filled up again in Truxton, just to be safe. From that point on, the road was just incredible. In fact, it was probably the nicest road I've ever ridden. It started nice and easy with beautiful scenery all the way to Kingman:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh022qtpqzIRCMnw3N1ysNG85H5poFaI3Hwm9krZ8pcls_M1TLCTyHbCGPn7CX-0ns3gpwfO-0-ebajKgVF5p4wXZ0VWYrsV7i3T2kBmOZDTdB0A2HDrNC9XtoznLCBvXGeEtHZt8IpmXV1/s1600/IMG_0769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh022qtpqzIRCMnw3N1ysNG85H5poFaI3Hwm9krZ8pcls_M1TLCTyHbCGPn7CX-0ns3gpwfO-0-ebajKgVF5p4wXZ0VWYrsV7i3T2kBmOZDTdB0A2HDrNC9XtoznLCBvXGeEtHZt8IpmXV1/s400/IMG_0769.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have better pictuers, but I can't upload them. Very annoying.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizeJNztv-Q3-gKldfGgz2K0e98LfmQJtLDRLa2xEP0_wOJvKrzD2MJZwm_2cNpG9J4w3eStoTP96ZGefy24io2-C9nenbaed3L789Fit_DNpeOH658ObmxppJtlS0kG636xeE-utkPXJCh/s1600/IMG_0779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizeJNztv-Q3-gKldfGgz2K0e98LfmQJtLDRLa2xEP0_wOJvKrzD2MJZwm_2cNpG9J4w3eStoTP96ZGefy24io2-C9nenbaed3L789Fit_DNpeOH658ObmxppJtlS0kG636xeE-utkPXJCh/s400/IMG_0779.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXcg4_7I3BNGlBovm4msZXK609EmKtucezMLRic7O3ZQzyXPkRI4mUfnOmKObobVXaYZdxfqPNIPjiisQ-BRWth71E1ReFcYOSeHxPh0dHzuqp_Q8vfGvU6zs5AMZCg2IVSrMAwqW9ypUr/s1600/IMG_0754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXcg4_7I3BNGlBovm4msZXK609EmKtucezMLRic7O3ZQzyXPkRI4mUfnOmKObobVXaYZdxfqPNIPjiisQ-BRWth71E1ReFcYOSeHxPh0dHzuqp_Q8vfGvU6zs5AMZCg2IVSrMAwqW9ypUr/s400/IMG_0754.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
From Kingman to Topock was absolutely incredible... It starts as a simple ride through the desert, but it heads toward mountains. I kept thinking "okay, where is the break between the mountains?". But then all of a sudden, you reach the mountain, and the road starts climbing. Unfortunately (and I really mean that!) the sun had just about set:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq6Yz18CFUuGw3eLdJJA9fBCd58bBp_CW9rZhZANoFTS4bcGpfNFLhbaqk45IcGxJ-E9Pq7W79_1jnQaE9q692WNs2Jq4CWYNQm0hqdeX4HQ-27mYITqSIMsNWoGorFHm3N8nQHneEQRQO/s1600/IMG_0783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq6Yz18CFUuGw3eLdJJA9fBCd58bBp_CW9rZhZANoFTS4bcGpfNFLhbaqk45IcGxJ-E9Pq7W79_1jnQaE9q692WNs2Jq4CWYNQm0hqdeX4HQ-27mYITqSIMsNWoGorFHm3N8nQHneEQRQO/s400/IMG_0783.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNdgy_wYUsYIacIjJ-jy35Ukb0dbJuY_MvyFnwBvF0LmscpuOLVSeWDWDSTZAlWQGYUi2uez7aviRq3Q8w40vA4nNe87fU-F2eEdQzp2JPWhqswcDwvZteQtaYRJ7aQPl_G1AGwUjDc51/s1600/IMG_0782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNdgy_wYUsYIacIjJ-jy35Ukb0dbJuY_MvyFnwBvF0LmscpuOLVSeWDWDSTZAlWQGYUi2uez7aviRq3Q8w40vA4nNe87fU-F2eEdQzp2JPWhqswcDwvZteQtaYRJ7aQPl_G1AGwUjDc51/s400/IMG_0782.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
But this road was the most amazing road I've ever see, nevermind ridden or even driven! It climbs up this mountain with these hairpin turns. It's an historic old road, so it's not that well kept and it has an old fashioned feel to it. It's up the side of a mountain, so there are rocks and gravel all over the road. It's old, so it doesn't have a guard rail. It's on the side of a mountain, so on one side of the road is a cliff face. This is no amateur road, believe me. But to make matters worse, I was riding it at night! That was an ordeal, let me tell you. I couldn't get good pictures at night, so this photo really doesn't do justice to the road:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_phGD73l4e5M801kj0k6xpbsyB1OlXo8wqNymMx9ND9Qc1ftHB2soBA7FV8rH1ujBUpz9-6A671IkHnDpe94407526G_DlxAzfR-2_mBrzDGO5V3cRpCUG9cSqnz4taESsc96lFMdTfW/s1600/IMG_0790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_phGD73l4e5M801kj0k6xpbsyB1OlXo8wqNymMx9ND9Qc1ftHB2soBA7FV8rH1ujBUpz9-6A671IkHnDpe94407526G_DlxAzfR-2_mBrzDGO5V3cRpCUG9cSqnz4taESsc96lFMdTfW/s400/IMG_0790.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a long exposure picture. It was actually very dark in real life.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBksQhnNm2VriIS9m6VHV1qIj4_PlOogTwcoq4CWbSKO0CDoWR5Ks94L4mS7HBHcMURdgADSUp8EHVS0Rpvprmbw5NouKz2Vs_PnxHYQHjbJ7Fk7vnzrPaR5SAwMbnrSTd9Cb6KxFyHCP/s1600/IMG_0785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBksQhnNm2VriIS9m6VHV1qIj4_PlOogTwcoq4CWbSKO0CDoWR5Ks94L4mS7HBHcMURdgADSUp8EHVS0Rpvprmbw5NouKz2Vs_PnxHYQHjbJ7Fk7vnzrPaR5SAwMbnrSTd9Cb6KxFyHCP/s400/IMG_0785.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_BYM4O1VSkI8LjfmxbNgzGxJWgcmaZv7Mes638297I_ZG9iicFmqMLpygm2s9CAP7-G0YM8-6dXssquTyW16yjuS8mD5_O4iwQZ-vFz3U4lsrRVEdHlEkF2y9kZ1ho_3WAgn0pqguWqUZ/s1600/IMG_0787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_BYM4O1VSkI8LjfmxbNgzGxJWgcmaZv7Mes638297I_ZG9iicFmqMLpygm2s9CAP7-G0YM8-6dXssquTyW16yjuS8mD5_O4iwQZ-vFz3U4lsrRVEdHlEkF2y9kZ1ho_3WAgn0pqguWqUZ/s400/IMG_0787.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I kept calm and relaxed (and surprised myself in this regard), and I focussed and rode through it carefully. It took me forever just to get to the top where I was expecting the town of Oatman. But of course I had to come all the way back down the other side with more of the same hairpin turns. I finally reached the town of Oatman, and I really wish I'd arrived during the day. The town is an old, wild west sort of town, set in mountains! I couldn't take proper pictures at night with gloves and a lack of time, but see if you can get the gist here:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYolONUBZe_jgMeKP9IrAaJWV_qDqwci6Q6WWyEqKvQIXOkR7JY8rhbGZFca5YlpYuejg70omJu4lgg6hLUQGJikqfJ-P0ezyonDvo-WR4ayE_bkPkQn_oji0BN0Bu9Y-RzX0jShO11Eus/s1600/IMG_0804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYolONUBZe_jgMeKP9IrAaJWV_qDqwci6Q6WWyEqKvQIXOkR7JY8rhbGZFca5YlpYuejg70omJu4lgg6hLUQGJikqfJ-P0ezyonDvo-WR4ayE_bkPkQn_oji0BN0Bu9Y-RzX0jShO11Eus/s400/IMG_0804.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj64aXCqBnQMAo7U-Vlf7RNKZ6op8fPDHU87kkPKLyl3IqiEwoAO67Xojmxfmallh_9dcgTWECO7kV0H-p_K8wKltBi3iIWfZAzl7GkB9tdvq67Eq8wVglzajavPmd8iwxUspBuT8TYfuvf/s1600/IMG_0806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj64aXCqBnQMAo7U-Vlf7RNKZ6op8fPDHU87kkPKLyl3IqiEwoAO67Xojmxfmallh_9dcgTWECO7kV0H-p_K8wKltBi3iIWfZAzl7GkB9tdvq67Eq8wVglzajavPmd8iwxUspBuT8TYfuvf/s400/IMG_0806.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Before setting out on this stretch of the road road, I called a campground ahead of me to see what the story was. I mentioned I'd be taking 66 through Oatman, and the lady said that I'd take longer because I'd have to drive slowly and watch out for wild donkeys. I figured "yeah, okay lady... I'll watch out for <i>wild donkeys</i>..." When I started on the road up the mountain toward Oatman, I saw a sign for "Donkey Crossing" (an image of a donkey). I thought "that's ... weird...?" and continued. I put myself on alert, but still thought it was crap. Then I started noticing that I was dodging donkey #$%@ on the road. ..... OK. Then I started dodging frickin' donkeys!!! Sadly, the pictures didn't work:<br />
<br />
[Blogger keeps rejecting all my images. It's VERY frustrating and taking up a hell of a lot of my time trying to upload]<br />
<br />
So to recap, I was riding a mountainside road with tight, hairpin turns, gravel and rocks on the road, no guardrails, a cliff face on one side, at night. And I was the only living soul on the road, aside from the donkeys (and bats). Since it was so dangerous, I took it nice and slow and easy, so that it was late and dark by the time I finished. I rounded off route 66 in Topock and deided to continue on to my campsite. I was going to try a KOA (my first time). I jumped on the interstate and pressed on.<br />
<br />
A little way down the road, I actually crossed the state line and entered California!! I also crossed into the Pacific time zone!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKgE_14fLS1KQn5SXoH9hkN_40iJFlItHRfauAGQWBuqHlh_bjcAlXCJM60cyJlI1fkpW8AERoB8YruMPcY_vvfReFyE4P3Xus5d1vszBeL5fzziwMXc1qjEn4b8yRO61_afLMqOhyo99M/s1600/IMG_0817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKgE_14fLS1KQn5SXoH9hkN_40iJFlItHRfauAGQWBuqHlh_bjcAlXCJM60cyJlI1fkpW8AERoB8YruMPcY_vvfReFyE4P3Xus5d1vszBeL5fzziwMXc1qjEn4b8yRO61_afLMqOhyo99M/s400/IMG_0817.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I found my campsite and called it a night.<br />
<br />
I still need to post for Wednesday and Thursday, but I'm having a lot of trouble from Blogger. It takes a long time to upload a single picture, and 90% of the time the server rejects my images. I'll do my best though. Sorry, these images kind of suck, but they're the only ones I could upload.Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15050571834380139105noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554850068174174643.post-239680351730596592011-04-21T17:04:00.000-04:002011-04-21T17:04:48.103-04:00Stay tuned!Sorry folks - I've been kind of busy and haven't had a chance to post yet. It takes a really long time to upload pictures and format it, and I just haven't had a chance. Stay tuned, I'll try and get updates tonight.<br />
<br />
Please note: I am still alive.Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15050571834380139105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554850068174174643.post-78415019420094267992011-04-19T03:47:00.000-04:002011-04-19T03:47:58.644-04:00ArizonaFrom: Albuquerque, NM<br />
To: Flagstaff, AZ<br />
Mileage: About 542 km<br />
<br />
I started the day with another big Super 8 breakfast. I loaded up the bike and checked out. Before I set off, I looked into post offices and all that jazz to try and get my camp knife back. I called a few and got the information I needed to pass on to the good people at the Relax Inn in Clinton, OK. I feel bad for bashing the motel. But then I remember how unpleasant it was there. The proprietors were really nice, and are hopefully going to send my knife ahead of me, which is kind. It's just the place itself that was gross. Anyway, dealing with all that stuff took forever. I really don't like the USPS telephone line. I had to pretend I wasn't there to get to an agent.<br />
<br />
Once that was all squared away, I finally gassed up and headed toward Gallup, NM. The highway passes through an Indian reservation for a while, so when I stopped for gas in Thoreau, NM, I felt a little out of place. The 'mohawk' didn't help. ...... I pulled over every now and then to snap photos of nice features. I also saw an old indian Pueblo.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcZu6KbGSV4sH_1AIRGSJ0m6dKSW8Qn4-VDRs-m9fByWQysuE29NhDSqw8_Jvlp0wefe33dTzift2nLZbEB9mLIAPD26fSMxQJXvV_J4C6-C0dfKKn_EGrTMwfmcyFlqEN7rbJMcoP3dt/s1600/IMG_0561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcZu6KbGSV4sH_1AIRGSJ0m6dKSW8Qn4-VDRs-m9fByWQysuE29NhDSqw8_Jvlp0wefe33dTzift2nLZbEB9mLIAPD26fSMxQJXvV_J4C6-C0dfKKn_EGrTMwfmcyFlqEN7rbJMcoP3dt/s400/IMG_0561.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7zyS4Hxme0hR1hPqAAy2LAM0TBPnGFDMjurrgrjtrlVeLD_EUkqWtNC7ZLFIdm97dgDfuiI8OCmkxRhUgefVTxd2pyPnmuFs4ceoPHxHUoIdUIxnELmFOdmks53guX-lJyUAqxcdYH61r/s1600/IMG_0562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7zyS4Hxme0hR1hPqAAy2LAM0TBPnGFDMjurrgrjtrlVeLD_EUkqWtNC7ZLFIdm97dgDfuiI8OCmkxRhUgefVTxd2pyPnmuFs4ceoPHxHUoIdUIxnELmFOdmks53guX-lJyUAqxcdYH61r/s400/IMG_0562.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7XLDxwQRm539RWcl69KbAHEu82LbbeHORpDmoLlpXM8riuvTh3UVUlBpCdylXaOV28Q_U4MEK8qTLQszkCcsA1NcwAp3qc9x2i1gU-8Y1y4IibOoHet5FQV41KjoWatrP05heeP34bHMM/s1600/IMG_0566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7XLDxwQRm539RWcl69KbAHEu82LbbeHORpDmoLlpXM8riuvTh3UVUlBpCdylXaOV28Q_U4MEK8qTLQszkCcsA1NcwAp3qc9x2i1gU-8Y1y4IibOoHet5FQV41KjoWatrP05heeP34bHMM/s400/IMG_0566.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGr_wSDRDteufIauW5sC_ojtxMUNKheGcjJrBw_9wxrJAD3BF1G-KebAn21Po-HshcU93fGACH-6C_IcOA9eGmkcgU7W9MvO63y0XqszPibBRhU7Ew3brK6TUcgXIPdXhd_Sdi0dCOcBhy/s1600/IMG_0568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGr_wSDRDteufIauW5sC_ojtxMUNKheGcjJrBw_9wxrJAD3BF1G-KebAn21Po-HshcU93fGACH-6C_IcOA9eGmkcgU7W9MvO63y0XqszPibBRhU7Ew3brK6TUcgXIPdXhd_Sdi0dCOcBhy/s400/IMG_0568.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNgdTxUdKcEBsEM3xISoGwGpC3AzJf-_QEI7e2P-mBgzZcbIQpjCD8CsLtTRCFIrs5Nh0QIr-AWXf-D1wje3CsoHEoGkkAvxvIo5dILLobiCqETkfNE7fYfxRm0BPIz1L_Ix87_aX8akW-/s1600/IMG_0570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNgdTxUdKcEBsEM3xISoGwGpC3AzJf-_QEI7e2P-mBgzZcbIQpjCD8CsLtTRCFIrs5Nh0QIr-AWXf-D1wje3CsoHEoGkkAvxvIo5dILLobiCqETkfNE7fYfxRm0BPIz1L_Ix87_aX8akW-/s400/IMG_0570.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmh7pM5V7uVxJ3tH2optyiWdptjEApGP7BG7smSVsnMVkmbcP2AEGmnCMaMjjhzbyVCx3kX1RlowLAzrS-1EPt7hEyuBjz3GjHbfiIkaYzczIn_jA_zJNawTXpZbg4-8-xHbnnkU-Ftiep/s1600/IMG_0571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmh7pM5V7uVxJ3tH2optyiWdptjEApGP7BG7smSVsnMVkmbcP2AEGmnCMaMjjhzbyVCx3kX1RlowLAzrS-1EPt7hEyuBjz3GjHbfiIkaYzczIn_jA_zJNawTXpZbg4-8-xHbnnkU-Ftiep/s400/IMG_0571.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidzhQuRgp22cM31cQIH0VvPXNoa1Zj66w7BdAEFXgMcuLU_hyVQGCZfQJKmSnlrlEjEVKKKVDUGhYkS48WZBSnq-k6Oz_qpJja2dyScCj68p8iRYUYlNvoYLYYXvUPDjh5HwPx6XJsCVFl/s1600/IMG_0576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidzhQuRgp22cM31cQIH0VvPXNoa1Zj66w7BdAEFXgMcuLU_hyVQGCZfQJKmSnlrlEjEVKKKVDUGhYkS48WZBSnq-k6Oz_qpJja2dyScCj68p8iRYUYlNvoYLYYXvUPDjh5HwPx6XJsCVFl/s400/IMG_0576.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you look closely, you can see a roadrunner at the top, and a coyote in the river below...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0yLOItTuLrkA5JwHDd-xQUFzT-CwOrTOsT04-g5iDBe-u87sbn1qd78AQ6Xsh8BYYCle0i5dG-IOde_yED6gXBaK-JKg04XzP-RSnAs3F3QdyK4mxcREpC77rC6EdxOp9PfgyUWl7LHrH/s1600/IMG_0578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0yLOItTuLrkA5JwHDd-xQUFzT-CwOrTOsT04-g5iDBe-u87sbn1qd78AQ6Xsh8BYYCle0i5dG-IOde_yED6gXBaK-JKg04XzP-RSnAs3F3QdyK4mxcREpC77rC6EdxOp9PfgyUWl7LHrH/s400/IMG_0578.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Soon thereafter, I reached the continental divide! It's all down hill from here. Well, not literally. Also... not figuratively either, I still need to come back.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9JdzHPLlkBFhggMEqDM1s8hHr0g8ZVkLF4t438OGt-RN_bl3FMd9knYxdPQcDFrizpbuUQzYjTiRRcFFxp_wOKc321t0MCXXUWrK1FgeLoPUtyPMkqLRrXXWSdmlxsfx6BH7egD_A5dR7/s1600/IMG_0583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9JdzHPLlkBFhggMEqDM1s8hHr0g8ZVkLF4t438OGt-RN_bl3FMd9knYxdPQcDFrizpbuUQzYjTiRRcFFxp_wOKc321t0MCXXUWrK1FgeLoPUtyPMkqLRrXXWSdmlxsfx6BH7egD_A5dR7/s400/IMG_0583.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1szDcF_WdLdPNLMuP54CU6o9tI7nnP0XEr-Ap25JlV-ZiF0ZaJnpGKTN951u0edo-gSyFAOyQCgJYs5g-sP8W-2YLxq5wSCeNDEsifVz_EwgFzvACzJ_2KH1bNH_1QEUbLwYqjvhr3sCT/s1600/IMG_0584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1szDcF_WdLdPNLMuP54CU6o9tI7nnP0XEr-Ap25JlV-ZiF0ZaJnpGKTN951u0edo-gSyFAOyQCgJYs5g-sP8W-2YLxq5wSCeNDEsifVz_EwgFzvACzJ_2KH1bNH_1QEUbLwYqjvhr3sCT/s400/IMG_0584.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQbXwwK_pp3PoWpupdwWCFPMU_JTNiQLEHmjcrQMKJ6v-QicIQKe3ST1z05Sqm0LrneUIJP_Cf64o8fV53ChfS6CE76e95Ls-mA8avm8epOu1QhGHVfiof_Tjv82-qTS5n05x7Qx7QVeF/s1600/IMG_0585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQbXwwK_pp3PoWpupdwWCFPMU_JTNiQLEHmjcrQMKJ6v-QicIQKe3ST1z05Sqm0LrneUIJP_Cf64o8fV53ChfS6CE76e95Ls-mA8avm8epOu1QhGHVfiof_Tjv82-qTS5n05x7Qx7QVeF/s400/IMG_0585.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxFn5vkRVaOcdlKh3YIZKN589vAvdVsXI2LvLkiACWtvdLOPvzor9sQkeJFmDvMGj29nE3Fd_a-uYofQIYXdjWDTj2oAuxiB4YL8vILlKBG-WfHx1sd3o05kyV2L3oNDKzvtjU1ZZ1ImPq/s1600/IMG_0593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxFn5vkRVaOcdlKh3YIZKN589vAvdVsXI2LvLkiACWtvdLOPvzor9sQkeJFmDvMGj29nE3Fd_a-uYofQIYXdjWDTj2oAuxiB4YL8vILlKBG-WfHx1sd3o05kyV2L3oNDKzvtjU1ZZ1ImPq/s400/IMG_0593.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF8lZKxGTdhQT96cvm-UMjv77fW03f_xM5pN3wLJGp9qvUxGsUHIaCo0adwk-D33mMzq_c8BjxwcrvuY0XLSkxHpwCdikyNStbCUVQ1TNpgqfK8T84ur4IOiOWEh8NXlsaDreJ_vkKP7bD/s1600/IMG_0594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF8lZKxGTdhQT96cvm-UMjv77fW03f_xM5pN3wLJGp9qvUxGsUHIaCo0adwk-D33mMzq_c8BjxwcrvuY0XLSkxHpwCdikyNStbCUVQ1TNpgqfK8T84ur4IOiOWEh8NXlsaDreJ_vkKP7bD/s400/IMG_0594.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
From there, it was just a short ride into Gallup, NM. Again, not much to see from where I was, although I did come across the historic El Rancho hotel. I think it's a national historic landmark now. Here she is!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix9M9D6tOqGtgbTJ5iFNNaCueQ91LwkOcri4YFsFD4MhqVDdPAEu9etQcYf_Q_PagePPUqma9QH7PdlYOt3ZryR1djKOh9eFnuHus1o6I73rAcxrVcd0PETXgvVQhNZC05NuzVQqzdL95t/s1600/IMG_0596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix9M9D6tOqGtgbTJ5iFNNaCueQ91LwkOcri4YFsFD4MhqVDdPAEu9etQcYf_Q_PagePPUqma9QH7PdlYOt3ZryR1djKOh9eFnuHus1o6I73rAcxrVcd0PETXgvVQhNZC05NuzVQqzdL95t/s400/IMG_0596.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikuzpBOu4tkTvXbEjs4BJ6zBrOT5pI_Cuz77UTCKAjBi_zJn6VSTC8bfvNfyOPnavwi1gCFz3pbpmEfrMyRMBEgsw3_FOOB_3mezcR2S6kZ63QfusFftqfSUJS7r_u6yH2vI_aB3KAXErr/s1600/IMG_0597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikuzpBOu4tkTvXbEjs4BJ6zBrOT5pI_Cuz77UTCKAjBi_zJn6VSTC8bfvNfyOPnavwi1gCFz3pbpmEfrMyRMBEgsw3_FOOB_3mezcR2S6kZ63QfusFftqfSUJS7r_u6yH2vI_aB3KAXErr/s400/IMG_0597.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigyrbkS78YPpWvbeI_B_6Gl3X41a2rmyT-doqi8uIKRXmKRLYOnZOjTWjvj13qdH_QNwe51dhzBFmPF9gyfD5WKfiFGEPm32tNtM_O8j_CGMr4Sg_O0U7YdF4P3uAxS-cCvJmpqIvLfwp4/s1600/IMG_0598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigyrbkS78YPpWvbeI_B_6Gl3X41a2rmyT-doqi8uIKRXmKRLYOnZOjTWjvj13qdH_QNwe51dhzBFmPF9gyfD5WKfiFGEPm32tNtM_O8j_CGMr4Sg_O0U7YdF4P3uAxS-cCvJmpqIvLfwp4/s400/IMG_0598.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
And here are a few quick snaps of the streets, just to get a feel.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigw_ySzUNGgvlZALruzwi9olImpGUC-LrWpAsrYwwd-iV7s2w6xtJ8S5MTQhtd7mYq1vee2XJVwjtIZ-5W_RfmiwAi7crEFw_MSyErBQtz1EpSBh3ZHFq7NNw69wHGjHVnJ-jExF0jqFTN/s1600/IMG_0602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigw_ySzUNGgvlZALruzwi9olImpGUC-LrWpAsrYwwd-iV7s2w6xtJ8S5MTQhtd7mYq1vee2XJVwjtIZ-5W_RfmiwAi7crEFw_MSyErBQtz1EpSBh3ZHFq7NNw69wHGjHVnJ-jExF0jqFTN/s400/IMG_0602.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6UfQGWFQPpnqoyRYNCja3Xn0ZX9amieQwpiR-I3c5BE51dehSJQhQ6HC9mF3FhyNgmKY8NLAEwuDhDfreQ6ZzVvCGMvvba4bXPVPbxZXcO391d21bfwYeek4ZyOpLS1rvAxeUBBM7joW7/s1600/IMG_0603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6UfQGWFQPpnqoyRYNCja3Xn0ZX9amieQwpiR-I3c5BE51dehSJQhQ6HC9mF3FhyNgmKY8NLAEwuDhDfreQ6ZzVvCGMvvba4bXPVPbxZXcO391d21bfwYeek4ZyOpLS1rvAxeUBBM7joW7/s400/IMG_0603.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYq7kOsFtCxCos35HIp8T90HcVrHtjfmDM8mAiFQnu_nSWwDKlTGqPP5-Z_99ffUuvjmfL4vhb1DHCU912bsx1l_3nRU8y6Exjh7UkWs5z_euaI4KoGkWUB1pq7unZhnI-svN6lDLMt6Es/s1600/IMG_0604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYq7kOsFtCxCos35HIp8T90HcVrHtjfmDM8mAiFQnu_nSWwDKlTGqPP5-Z_99ffUuvjmfL4vhb1DHCU912bsx1l_3nRU8y6Exjh7UkWs5z_euaI4KoGkWUB1pq7unZhnI-svN6lDLMt6Es/s400/IMG_0604.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I then had to deal with the knife issue a little more as I'd received a voicemail from a post office. That took more time, and before I knew it, I had to pee (I'm aware that those aren't related things.) I went into Subway to use the washroom, but was confronted by large "customers only" signs, and a locked door. I asked for the key, and felt bad when I was finished. So I bought a small sub. I also got a free cookie.<br />
<br />
After lunch, I continued west and entered Arizona.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVCxE-6-HJ-iqfl7ARhvmtAG6yZ0yMCZr3Aafdhz0GBFrbbdZW_rnNE8fL_whl729kDOsOYIRQzkt-Z0nRlv1zPwSCdbcYi5thWZJn2gcefEX1xiCuBQYPYTzcjoTmBDXmgK6xVrElvnAt/s1600/IMG_0609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVCxE-6-HJ-iqfl7ARhvmtAG6yZ0yMCZr3Aafdhz0GBFrbbdZW_rnNE8fL_whl729kDOsOYIRQzkt-Z0nRlv1zPwSCdbcYi5thWZJn2gcefEX1xiCuBQYPYTzcjoTmBDXmgK6xVrElvnAt/s400/IMG_0609.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvhXVRRBwt03cW7H8uNzRlto_IuEkPP-9ezBe_UX-uyn_4CHwSEmD8d2XJRsRPrGTjBejUncXkC_fE8gioblo7CK5kiYYRj9rD5n6WNdD1z8lFT_KgnhLXRK1ttSxsd0UgogRIx92Fc6lA/s1600/IMG_0611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvhXVRRBwt03cW7H8uNzRlto_IuEkPP-9ezBe_UX-uyn_4CHwSEmD8d2XJRsRPrGTjBejUncXkC_fE8gioblo7CK5kiYYRj9rD5n6WNdD1z8lFT_KgnhLXRK1ttSxsd0UgogRIx92Fc6lA/s400/IMG_0611.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
They did a good job putting those cliffs right by the state line. I got a map and some info from the visitors center, then continued on. Just a note here - I haven't used my GPS in several days. In fact, I'd used it near the start of the trip for directions. Then I decided to go my own way and use it for music. Then I bought high quality earplugs and now I just don't use it. I much prefer using paper maps (yes, crushed trees...) and relying on my own sense of direction. I get a better feel for where I am, and there's something about it that makes me feel more in tune with the surroundings.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I stopped at the Petrified Forest National Park and had a look at the Painted Desert. Unbelievably pretty:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRkT4Xd3U5plYerSn45TrUWVQb2BrVuQdwT_jh563sPEfKWI34_YCWykn9o4O_BTh9s452fsZfrK8vuOgw9cMFvPpuQ8EwBWznw3f0G3LNL4HV77mNdUBrSqj7YQXdDQQ-uGdaUviB1_Hr/s1600/IMG_0613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRkT4Xd3U5plYerSn45TrUWVQb2BrVuQdwT_jh563sPEfKWI34_YCWykn9o4O_BTh9s452fsZfrK8vuOgw9cMFvPpuQ8EwBWznw3f0G3LNL4HV77mNdUBrSqj7YQXdDQQ-uGdaUviB1_Hr/s400/IMG_0613.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRE30WQ23HVZpR0OjZzqPY6Dbxwlvc57QdwV8OS4fOnVqz43cg4-f-GC-mCGEuupeMS5xAc4fuS3NWxlkjtpzAWNbStsg9WjxZ5uxyLJtjB6EAMLMeuABg2OJd6XC5iTfoOeqIoOH1xyvB/s1600/IMG_0614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRE30WQ23HVZpR0OjZzqPY6Dbxwlvc57QdwV8OS4fOnVqz43cg4-f-GC-mCGEuupeMS5xAc4fuS3NWxlkjtpzAWNbStsg9WjxZ5uxyLJtjB6EAMLMeuABg2OJd6XC5iTfoOeqIoOH1xyvB/s400/IMG_0614.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSMJipCcW59-WmowoDGw5MgfEgT28MCaN0Td_ARhgwWwkgj6eyt302HAqmjt67a8tgvbq1dYenynRWM3NIZgp4abz8BiispmVoQ4-zO5QUTrPwCNFSprzhcXSrC1JKwmsCmGgB8rhYIwO/s1600/IMG_0615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSMJipCcW59-WmowoDGw5MgfEgT28MCaN0Td_ARhgwWwkgj6eyt302HAqmjt67a8tgvbq1dYenynRWM3NIZgp4abz8BiispmVoQ4-zO5QUTrPwCNFSprzhcXSrC1JKwmsCmGgB8rhYIwO/s400/IMG_0615.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV785k5YFHVhoSfFAx1IQw1DXuGz3gLznRl0mQtOJGVtCh9DaCJ4B_ZKLowkbtwBNaTeeALCJi1PoUeNt_FxXylTz45xsGDB9inDnQzRDSRSaF9_CnjABPU8NiRCa05qj9xRtY2DSnR4Mq/s1600/IMG_0616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV785k5YFHVhoSfFAx1IQw1DXuGz3gLznRl0mQtOJGVtCh9DaCJ4B_ZKLowkbtwBNaTeeALCJi1PoUeNt_FxXylTz45xsGDB9inDnQzRDSRSaF9_CnjABPU8NiRCa05qj9xRtY2DSnR4Mq/s400/IMG_0616.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJrC6YePD2fsW4Bv4yxbg4TjRnrAcla6OXeuRLDKckuw3fJ2TtMuBPpB8LTpgLbMhgD32t3XOo69zSn6mvRKnH624cjlTG1nMR6keguCuOBrlwQa3L046sHSHEtXE9YoOF9_WVkxjkiud/s1600/IMG_0617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJrC6YePD2fsW4Bv4yxbg4TjRnrAcla6OXeuRLDKckuw3fJ2TtMuBPpB8LTpgLbMhgD32t3XOo69zSn6mvRKnH624cjlTG1nMR6keguCuOBrlwQa3L046sHSHEtXE9YoOF9_WVkxjkiud/s400/IMG_0617.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3fPSTDQArkkVKoB0FIPWz0jQ6Jp_Csro3BilGmrKjR53_-TXbKuu_JdKc3PnawGZE8aLv84G6qNi0ySZiJdIDrRkhJagLJGVaeFUoqwBwdC2uR3xIwsU_ROG9YQBqp4OfmPzhUql3VR-/s1600/IMG_0619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3fPSTDQArkkVKoB0FIPWz0jQ6Jp_Csro3BilGmrKjR53_-TXbKuu_JdKc3PnawGZE8aLv84G6qNi0ySZiJdIDrRkhJagLJGVaeFUoqwBwdC2uR3xIwsU_ROG9YQBqp4OfmPzhUql3VR-/s400/IMG_0619.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQC-9ADB1VJ3hJwW9LrGe6hc27Q1fso4qV0ZphHKIPLiOIMm8qCEp3vkyZusIUnGrkHeyyDJao3xL8hYogcI1qBy2Fqynwcf45ehh9dehz1f_kuapDxZfg4wMNxeTv5O9HjmK7faTAlTsH/s1600/IMG_0620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQC-9ADB1VJ3hJwW9LrGe6hc27Q1fso4qV0ZphHKIPLiOIMm8qCEp3vkyZusIUnGrkHeyyDJao3xL8hYogcI1qBy2Fqynwcf45ehh9dehz1f_kuapDxZfg4wMNxeTv5O9HjmK7faTAlTsH/s400/IMG_0620.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxcIFR3wakHV1FEqyieM4eNm06Gk8G1Tp1_0yzXFFOtr6bwjKEapS135k-YQ6KV0Q7TIOp2KrMmUrMP6sohWJAoxjOx9fZ5Fi1uqxSyejTWCPURgGKWIaZH57HnC6JPETRPKlpMR-wH5Ar/s1600/IMG_0623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxcIFR3wakHV1FEqyieM4eNm06Gk8G1Tp1_0yzXFFOtr6bwjKEapS135k-YQ6KV0Q7TIOp2KrMmUrMP6sohWJAoxjOx9fZ5Fi1uqxSyejTWCPURgGKWIaZH57HnC6JPETRPKlpMR-wH5Ar/s400/IMG_0623.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahQnSwLpNuivVHEO37v4Uj1m6R9tBDmJdg-5EMDu9skClCKeExvHQnnKXRg7olM-LW4I2372lIYI-wBhfiKyW09Qrz6gmccfquLxNUTA-rhBOZSsXDhq3QTxLFwDbc-oZzRr5v4il8w_k/s1600/IMG_0629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahQnSwLpNuivVHEO37v4Uj1m6R9tBDmJdg-5EMDu9skClCKeExvHQnnKXRg7olM-LW4I2372lIYI-wBhfiKyW09Qrz6gmccfquLxNUTA-rhBOZSsXDhq3QTxLFwDbc-oZzRr5v4il8w_k/s400/IMG_0629.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz9wsw7FgyseQyMeDponKokQTfCxMvneWrJsDxPlhf6OBZyA9UCxDFaVWPunml5kJHenJUjRZMb_gRibRh_jYU1wUvTZe3qzuKNMPlaQaa4oFBWSk2SpaXANvoBVGGYgB2XCci12W6Paab/s1600/IMG_0635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz9wsw7FgyseQyMeDponKokQTfCxMvneWrJsDxPlhf6OBZyA9UCxDFaVWPunml5kJHenJUjRZMb_gRibRh_jYU1wUvTZe3qzuKNMPlaQaa4oFBWSk2SpaXANvoBVGGYgB2XCci12W6Paab/s400/IMG_0635.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr3rfZ2Ab9uUxcWPFHPD4XVlclyemm5MafRrYGBHjMf6aO-yvUR8_TQVVOjqmpTdIJ6YqtRlXYznBcgbbrjVUiQ6oV-95iAN7OhBwUsXE-8_ztBbSInoAAeuFriY_FV7BJIqZ85IVRizbp/s1600/IMG_0637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr3rfZ2Ab9uUxcWPFHPD4XVlclyemm5MafRrYGBHjMf6aO-yvUR8_TQVVOjqmpTdIJ6YqtRlXYznBcgbbrjVUiQ6oV-95iAN7OhBwUsXE-8_ztBbSInoAAeuFriY_FV7BJIqZ85IVRizbp/s400/IMG_0637.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvneKLJs5Ia9T6jFEy0qzMwBHI7pmci796Zjo5zbVOn-gHxxxKrmo-q21UrbPY0N-jV_qmJSVy3dukGprO-jEaVTNa7e-vcWAhjn8Iupiw68JlqgRrQsIOHBZNVSzk4IChblNR8NGIRZs5/s1600/IMG_0634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvneKLJs5Ia9T6jFEy0qzMwBHI7pmci796Zjo5zbVOn-gHxxxKrmo-q21UrbPY0N-jV_qmJSVy3dukGprO-jEaVTNa7e-vcWAhjn8Iupiw68JlqgRrQsIOHBZNVSzk4IChblNR8NGIRZs5/s400/IMG_0634.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgiAYJpwnBbBM61Z4uhYMQFK4-TDqMwem5QNvhNyMNkQe6jngJwhX-2F7VKJinbg_lndZU0NcW2cwKwb5yuD1hyXcUMbitEpc_XL7WL0wQjOH3T02qm7oRO-492qNKZEgN-BfbrtMEHE6/s1600/IMG_0641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgiAYJpwnBbBM61Z4uhYMQFK4-TDqMwem5QNvhNyMNkQe6jngJwhX-2F7VKJinbg_lndZU0NcW2cwKwb5yuD1hyXcUMbitEpc_XL7WL0wQjOH3T02qm7oRO-492qNKZEgN-BfbrtMEHE6/s400/IMG_0641.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Painted Desert Inn - a national historic landmark</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The funny thing is that from my vantage point, I could see the interstate. But when I was on the stretch of interstate I could see, I had no idea any of this beauty was around me. The interstate has a way of hiding the surrounding landscape so that you see nothing but a tunnel in front of you. From the interstate, I couldn't see anything to my left or right, so had I not stopped, I would have completely missed all of it.<br />
<br />
There were strong winds again today, and it made riding difficult. Nothing like the other day where the wind was basically picking me up and moving me off the road. Today I could keep it together, with the occasional gust trying to make me change lanes. Nothing I couldn't handle *smug*. I filled up again and started to approach some mountains<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigc77nYlc8j1tZS4rji-FE4uDqpCwEWYm7fq6yu0XL50JY2hqtXXpdLk2mg6GQvBp-NhSZGBxxVJr_p2dbIAkVqmX0ow_WreTvkJ1sx5OrtROsEl8AWntD6M5hL6vXiv0DKVpG0f0PYmZP/s1600/IMG_0651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigc77nYlc8j1tZS4rji-FE4uDqpCwEWYm7fq6yu0XL50JY2hqtXXpdLk2mg6GQvBp-NhSZGBxxVJr_p2dbIAkVqmX0ow_WreTvkJ1sx5OrtROsEl8AWntD6M5hL6vXiv0DKVpG0f0PYmZP/s400/IMG_0651.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE19GoozWgurqOg4tM8mkzNP9QXUYH0GfU6HkaSuqVlLzB232gP3L8SAbS51S2uVxl1pOjup5XHRRFOa9ppTg83HvH0q0Dj_MSctOA-3oVbTF6KM-ETVd0cE3vZvIiOPxrrwZvz96O1OUX/s1600/IMG_0646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE19GoozWgurqOg4tM8mkzNP9QXUYH0GfU6HkaSuqVlLzB232gP3L8SAbS51S2uVxl1pOjup5XHRRFOa9ppTg83HvH0q0Dj_MSctOA-3oVbTF6KM-ETVd0cE3vZvIiOPxrrwZvz96O1OUX/s400/IMG_0646.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
On the other side of the mountains, I seemed to leave the desert behind and enter a forest. I suspect it's only temporary, but it was interesting how abruptly the landscape changed. That's what mountains do!<br />
<br />
A little further and I entered Flagstaff, AZ. I took my exit and happened upon a Super 8. I checked the rates and learned that they were going for $70 or something? I had a coupon from an I-40 travel guide for $39.99 which turned out to be another location. I managed to talk the manager on duty into giving me that rate. I checked the KOA for camping and found that it would be $26. So a difference of $14, although Super 8 has a breakfast. The temperature tonight was dipping down to 4C (39F), the wind was strong, and the sun was almost down. Plus I had a major stomach ache. $14 for breakfast, warmth, no setup/take down work, and relief from a really bad stomach ache sounded pretty good. I feel bad for copping out and getting hotels the whole time, but I'll chop that up to not having a camp knife. How can one camp without a camp knife? I only have 5 other knives on me, and none are camp worthy.Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15050571834380139105noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554850068174174643.post-28007857621312671202011-04-17T23:55:00.000-04:002011-04-17T23:55:28.083-04:00New Mexico and AlbuquerqueFrom: Santa Rosa Lake State Park, NM<br />
To: Albuquerque, NM<br />
Mileage: About 284kms :(<br />
<br />
I didn't get too far today. I stopped a few times and lost an hour when I crossed the state line. I also quit early because I found that I'd have a cheaper room in Albuquerque than if I'd pushed on. I also didn't see any campsites worth getting further down the road. <br />
<br />
I woke up this morning, and headed to the restroom to wash up. I was freezing cold because it gets cold at night in the desert. I asked Jim (the 69 year old fisherman) where the rest room is, and he saw that I was cold. He offered me a cup of coffee, and we sat around talking for quite a while about various things. Eventually, I said thanks and headed off.<br />
<br />
I started breaking camp when I realized I hadn't taken any photos. Here they are:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZFgO4ZNkkzHnRRd72Gg8CuTgaK9-Nd3ugHgsBV9Ow0j1VgOx8DsNG2lJBChADxx4-j3eGGx9zNpd-3QZawkelQBjIVeIIM589QUgkEBudhGzT_bQQ8WTsEIuacKK9wBNTVj-I9iV319Rx/s1600/IMG_0487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZFgO4ZNkkzHnRRd72Gg8CuTgaK9-Nd3ugHgsBV9Ow0j1VgOx8DsNG2lJBChADxx4-j3eGGx9zNpd-3QZawkelQBjIVeIIM589QUgkEBudhGzT_bQQ8WTsEIuacKK9wBNTVj-I9iV319Rx/s400/IMG_0487.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZq5lamQ1oXxVG5ZuyCMJoWCCrMl-kFY6pRGnP2WFheovbSRArikCaVwYS40QkTQrwoJ6m0H0TdewuPDBJ6hLZZNNzr8779_TZ-kjWZ_TvRuA8eOOUFVeFsBLeLCwbTAXt7ibuUn3h8pK0/s1600/IMG_0488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZq5lamQ1oXxVG5ZuyCMJoWCCrMl-kFY6pRGnP2WFheovbSRArikCaVwYS40QkTQrwoJ6m0H0TdewuPDBJ6hLZZNNzr8779_TZ-kjWZ_TvRuA8eOOUFVeFsBLeLCwbTAXt7ibuUn3h8pK0/s400/IMG_0488.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGi2DmQi-xxCxQurAx2ESk2fKVWPJsWTccpqj5MqCj_rx0dxTYNr1QE6X9YOdc8GduGv69HzcDf8DOkodphH-7LCrh8-FQhRnykn4q2WF5enFdVp9AF76YTsY8i2wygpXTrsF5uRYi5EFq/s1600/IMG_0489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGi2DmQi-xxCxQurAx2ESk2fKVWPJsWTccpqj5MqCj_rx0dxTYNr1QE6X9YOdc8GduGv69HzcDf8DOkodphH-7LCrh8-FQhRnykn4q2WF5enFdVp9AF76YTsY8i2wygpXTrsF5uRYi5EFq/s400/IMG_0489.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqLNhYIyJNX4PNJY8rgRP2nh6ndEv_Jkl3xpuDtV456-tpb3_bhzXG5p3zwcICBJ_DRfo3iqpD8WG5ha_Gx_tzVRrl8vnusWQkiAkeT0cispRz_HBVjeB3J7Yuqv2Yu4ECNLdhJSOkxEWq/s1600/IMG_0491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqLNhYIyJNX4PNJY8rgRP2nh6ndEv_Jkl3xpuDtV456-tpb3_bhzXG5p3zwcICBJ_DRfo3iqpD8WG5ha_Gx_tzVRrl8vnusWQkiAkeT0cispRz_HBVjeB3J7Yuqv2Yu4ECNLdhJSOkxEWq/s400/IMG_0491.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizaG2Im39oEol-er1pAGcuRU-m1YOIaF13gjEKNDRmE0jLDd-c68s7_nf1JRGDTXOzG-yFPlj6q9HqSNd7-ZNkzdNhnmtS-WkX-K2zJXxIQb0pkoDwryOIpvSyzt4UySiliIEBMQDkPUPf/s1600/IMG_0492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizaG2Im39oEol-er1pAGcuRU-m1YOIaF13gjEKNDRmE0jLDd-c68s7_nf1JRGDTXOzG-yFPlj6q9HqSNd7-ZNkzdNhnmtS-WkX-K2zJXxIQb0pkoDwryOIpvSyzt4UySiliIEBMQDkPUPf/s400/IMG_0492.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf46-x4RLWvpYwoKAoeDHInatbHA-uiFe2Mzf6Bq2VP2nHmnILDdRvlVoC0ftaBTNIn-nX7p5rMCglV2OZhbWMYc-xxNzoI0doEqknR44PXxIiVBl8VxJUK6xeHhdDM6QvI43IjYd4QMg8/s1600/IMG_0493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf46-x4RLWvpYwoKAoeDHInatbHA-uiFe2Mzf6Bq2VP2nHmnILDdRvlVoC0ftaBTNIn-nX7p5rMCglV2OZhbWMYc-xxNzoI0doEqknR44PXxIiVBl8VxJUK6xeHhdDM6QvI43IjYd4QMg8/s400/IMG_0493.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRPfpouBaQnz3Hts5PLao69TE-D5ZTcSH-LOGwCPRUbsa5bDGirRV2Je24Q4-E-R75bC-Hi-aNwSow34uL-cRS0FykvO6J4muB1viGNDpFFdn7ivVYA4H5RM2vxg42y7AcM5bEaO1XeVTL/s1600/IMG_0494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRPfpouBaQnz3Hts5PLao69TE-D5ZTcSH-LOGwCPRUbsa5bDGirRV2Je24Q4-E-R75bC-Hi-aNwSow34uL-cRS0FykvO6J4muB1viGNDpFFdn7ivVYA4H5RM2vxg42y7AcM5bEaO1XeVTL/s400/IMG_0494.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Here's the view from the lookout/restrooms:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmMZJLpxf_umBODiaUvKFI2z-4bJoIOgA9ie2-vIdjquYFcy6PH9sN8xgqOE9HDSymBsRnqyAjd-NwCMhZcNH9jyhB9ztT4v7nQxOAavKXsYd8PXKMRsFQhEIbUVs5yQSuHsiIeFsEu9p-/s1600/IMG_0495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmMZJLpxf_umBODiaUvKFI2z-4bJoIOgA9ie2-vIdjquYFcy6PH9sN8xgqOE9HDSymBsRnqyAjd-NwCMhZcNH9jyhB9ztT4v7nQxOAavKXsYd8PXKMRsFQhEIbUVs5yQSuHsiIeFsEu9p-/s400/IMG_0495.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhshT6zoGE1bCBXUawzXMWZ9gMkPSphHozeqBz8cUzRPGslxIWXHPACkXWS_k7dNer0BlS7vMO70AbLIbMx-1wCEVGYGaIC9HJFAt_sUPDlSP70Go_IQZvPIVzEgSWX7PN6GYTvhW1q7POX/s1600/IMG_0496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhshT6zoGE1bCBXUawzXMWZ9gMkPSphHozeqBz8cUzRPGslxIWXHPACkXWS_k7dNer0BlS7vMO70AbLIbMx-1wCEVGYGaIC9HJFAt_sUPDlSP70Go_IQZvPIVzEgSWX7PN6GYTvhW1q7POX/s400/IMG_0496.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi94X0ohw1lbM51cgC-AyYgiZePkf-npJI9-9WRcecr4uePxvz3FUBbodUsUmlK_EYY3M-tcDeVbCPO64XikYWxFgeGAP_ycP55KPc2xrqLMZDnlFsOn7GMXu7ePmS2sUXBMNvj_DvJkiiA/s1600/IMG_0497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi94X0ohw1lbM51cgC-AyYgiZePkf-npJI9-9WRcecr4uePxvz3FUBbodUsUmlK_EYY3M-tcDeVbCPO64XikYWxFgeGAP_ycP55KPc2xrqLMZDnlFsOn7GMXu7ePmS2sUXBMNvj_DvJkiiA/s400/IMG_0497.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I went to the Santa Rosa post office in town to ask about my options for having the Relax Inn send my knife to me. They were closed, so I took a few pictures of the town.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLPEQNVg900u9d0dlNi7vrcSUz5GKsJEHDLHCNDN7T3ulEuEQK4E-n_6k2eyWK-psu3etw7NeLKFwmTF2eBp2zQuB5KirKK_Q_VvOKGuyfB2EB4BlzQbrd1Vq3FDnVGp8mhHJavaSaRvl2/s1600/IMG_0500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLPEQNVg900u9d0dlNi7vrcSUz5GKsJEHDLHCNDN7T3ulEuEQK4E-n_6k2eyWK-psu3etw7NeLKFwmTF2eBp2zQuB5KirKK_Q_VvOKGuyfB2EB4BlzQbrd1Vq3FDnVGp8mhHJavaSaRvl2/s400/IMG_0500.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNieGHJ8T3M99Avymwc0U85iFvNm_Q_VCjCzs-4bFdZoEbS4qEqvGejMDUIOH37O1qKpdlv4W7mZ-bU7D3-FUMNLNA8Q2SfHeG5-sEVLPdwPHG5ZpX63SXG6oMYyp_qwoqolIcW84aQkzY/s1600/IMG_0501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNieGHJ8T3M99Avymwc0U85iFvNm_Q_VCjCzs-4bFdZoEbS4qEqvGejMDUIOH37O1qKpdlv4W7mZ-bU7D3-FUMNLNA8Q2SfHeG5-sEVLPdwPHG5ZpX63SXG6oMYyp_qwoqolIcW84aQkzY/s400/IMG_0501.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I carried on toward Albuquerque. I stopped a number of times on the way to see if I could find interesting souvenirs from the places along the way. I didn't find anything, but I ended up in a Wal-Mart and bought a bag of Twizzlers bites. They were on sale.... I had no choice.<br />
<br />
Before long, I started to notice something very strange about the horizon. It had this weird, wavy, black outline, rather than the flat nothing that is the plains. See for yourself:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwAEwAbnPESEWttBl8TxaqixYF75getwRjhkGuMDE9V62YrcY-ar0ECFvbFgMbXG-6mV4Eiagi37asMK7vxSfGhyZursDyorZjn7QccNWDOSXi9bHnnhMkXr14UpdFNQ6RAviNs83MIZSE/s1600/IMG_0503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwAEwAbnPESEWttBl8TxaqixYF75getwRjhkGuMDE9V62YrcY-ar0ECFvbFgMbXG-6mV4Eiagi37asMK7vxSfGhyZursDyorZjn7QccNWDOSXi9bHnnhMkXr14UpdFNQ6RAviNs83MIZSE/s400/IMG_0503.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrWZzVy3u0CvPDIbDJGvIeQpXMYbsA52nwmGEeKfTNWm6303T3e_LWoqg2zDLlj5_fn_2Gd3yirralN3Vfk7NaChviTCj7YcvfX6zbXptD48aGg-4GRrRnuRtzF_db-R7F1YD7DR1mxDl2/s1600/IMG_0507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrWZzVy3u0CvPDIbDJGvIeQpXMYbsA52nwmGEeKfTNWm6303T3e_LWoqg2zDLlj5_fn_2Gd3yirralN3Vfk7NaChviTCj7YcvfX6zbXptD48aGg-4GRrRnuRtzF_db-R7F1YD7DR1mxDl2/s400/IMG_0507.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
As I got closer, I realized it wasn't an illusion. I've reached the start of the Rocky Mountains! That was a good feeling. No more boring straight lines, something to look at, terrain to cover, etc. My tires are happy too - I've got some pretty gnarly flat spots going. I should have just sprung for the square model and saved the time.<br />
<br />
I had planned on meeting a friend/former supervisor named Robin who lives in New Mexico. Unfortunately, fate conspired against us, and we couldn't connect today. Plus he broke his leg recently. Get well soon, Robin!<br />
<br />
I ended up in Albuquerque, NM and I visited the Petroglyph National Monument. There are carvings on the rocks in the area made by ancient Pueblo people and Spanish settlers. The carvings were made hundreds or thousands of years ago. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh57XSp-MGbFc2HTSg7-eaSxlFWh-WaCUqzvdM4fj-BO3hQDqaAcnNY78hbcHMQ7vtrdrEubbwmKVuClvXh9_It0IEb_Osx-tDSaLU-cyqJd9WfzRsvv10YUJssOSiYNzs6Ihdv4_EN9-ag/s1600/IMG_0515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh57XSp-MGbFc2HTSg7-eaSxlFWh-WaCUqzvdM4fj-BO3hQDqaAcnNY78hbcHMQ7vtrdrEubbwmKVuClvXh9_It0IEb_Osx-tDSaLU-cyqJd9WfzRsvv10YUJssOSiYNzs6Ihdv4_EN9-ag/s400/IMG_0515.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaT2cUN4Lm7GdVv1iTRT6KBU6UzpZZOtPVmIw5L5KHx4n1UsqywB4gRLcjSb7nstRgYB3JJ7rRcRmukebjJfvunD8tJ5R-AnE7Ta7B5T0Gnr27XnzzoeGbHwCTs1BNbxH_T46vTkyeJaZZ/s1600/IMG_0516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaT2cUN4Lm7GdVv1iTRT6KBU6UzpZZOtPVmIw5L5KHx4n1UsqywB4gRLcjSb7nstRgYB3JJ7rRcRmukebjJfvunD8tJ5R-AnE7Ta7B5T0Gnr27XnzzoeGbHwCTs1BNbxH_T46vTkyeJaZZ/s400/IMG_0516.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqrGa-9L851h2MzNo9XkPvMYCMRVZgV4EORBPCNjHSsb7FYAKsExqSNIUn1v_rghdaABVRyGIGDZLG_pt-LHG4u2decpIgS9dTXlvgtXUWPmioznBq1U8r4i1bYu_CJC3BpOk2dVr1MkuH/s1600/IMG_0517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqrGa-9L851h2MzNo9XkPvMYCMRVZgV4EORBPCNjHSsb7FYAKsExqSNIUn1v_rghdaABVRyGIGDZLG_pt-LHG4u2decpIgS9dTXlvgtXUWPmioznBq1U8r4i1bYu_CJC3BpOk2dVr1MkuH/s400/IMG_0517.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_gmrlCah93qcgToGwQ8U4qzWMc73DJCg-D_hLNXPKLNQOa0unDepJIGna7YynyyijfX3uzsOFargGM3fAj4GzBIGnz3lwM-lyHy_-90FKR9nqvkHQv1UwzxSWeM-4yQB8kUtCYR3hxry/s1600/IMG_0518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_gmrlCah93qcgToGwQ8U4qzWMc73DJCg-D_hLNXPKLNQOa0unDepJIGna7YynyyijfX3uzsOFargGM3fAj4GzBIGnz3lwM-lyHy_-90FKR9nqvkHQv1UwzxSWeM-4yQB8kUtCYR3hxry/s400/IMG_0518.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Bh-P_J7_XK_-vaUQPSKnCppHl23rCZ8jvsIcDcRRMX_s57wYFSZ_PfQmgiMdqTFYQoMmoypxUrFMArV2XNUIKLuy2Zvgbixkr8x7Bsx1luYVRpps5rBntAcH-Onzkx50oxAIdeW58J-l/s1600/IMG_0520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Bh-P_J7_XK_-vaUQPSKnCppHl23rCZ8jvsIcDcRRMX_s57wYFSZ_PfQmgiMdqTFYQoMmoypxUrFMArV2XNUIKLuy2Zvgbixkr8x7Bsx1luYVRpps5rBntAcH-Onzkx50oxAIdeW58J-l/s400/IMG_0520.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFyEE9u8AGQwzHqeTQscoWa-e2zJGAwcc_FiG39k969LT2HcClEzP3AsAm73KAKK4z6c9OP2SCr7yEu_JPQax3dgB2ZoxiLBFopp0wKDfAClhmrhcwV-j8KQoKg_lJhrf1FVniT5UTSEX2/s1600/IMG_0522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFyEE9u8AGQwzHqeTQscoWa-e2zJGAwcc_FiG39k969LT2HcClEzP3AsAm73KAKK4z6c9OP2SCr7yEu_JPQax3dgB2ZoxiLBFopp0wKDfAClhmrhcwV-j8KQoKg_lJhrf1FVniT5UTSEX2/s400/IMG_0522.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0DsNC30lXwPTZOEJjDRNsG6idHwomjjC39dArDOcP-mLgeQ56IG1E8y0BsI3Viba7Ip3gh5ExWr_lzpMbDpgE7kCdijgenBrtxq9sQvtBj3ooUwFDpUdsFtGoxouAVqHGcTRmjWU7ymHb/s1600/IMG_0528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0DsNC30lXwPTZOEJjDRNsG6idHwomjjC39dArDOcP-mLgeQ56IG1E8y0BsI3Viba7Ip3gh5ExWr_lzpMbDpgE7kCdijgenBrtxq9sQvtBj3ooUwFDpUdsFtGoxouAVqHGcTRmjWU7ymHb/s400/IMG_0528.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdR5kbfIlUnIvFHGKPjbmn-8yyxnJ1MMRUEIVjXbSbyhaDfKvnPxkgpaD94o7BWSBoQlVGK7YZ5gYKdv8R_-Wd2yLq-L0vHEfgGb6ISXV-uFqFXYNngrMCc0ddNbnlcOjzMpXWu5spKSU/s1600/IMG_0527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdR5kbfIlUnIvFHGKPjbmn-8yyxnJ1MMRUEIVjXbSbyhaDfKvnPxkgpaD94o7BWSBoQlVGK7YZ5gYKdv8R_-Wd2yLq-L0vHEfgGb6ISXV-uFqFXYNngrMCc0ddNbnlcOjzMpXWu5spKSU/s400/IMG_0527.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr2NdwBxrGKM9623NM1tcM-oApLFwitxNvsqfD3L_G8_kyfxmjUfFf3iXKgwoJWNEhTLe6NB1uykzywan0RJuI2EUkQjPCHkNaVRx_x2pW4I3cWKRJcpCWEwmxQYiZoAGMiNwqDa8CKMzS/s1600/IMG_0530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr2NdwBxrGKM9623NM1tcM-oApLFwitxNvsqfD3L_G8_kyfxmjUfFf3iXKgwoJWNEhTLe6NB1uykzywan0RJuI2EUkQjPCHkNaVRx_x2pW4I3cWKRJcpCWEwmxQYiZoAGMiNwqDa8CKMzS/s400/IMG_0530.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ9cETZ3BM6yJFZokbQdDxLYAuZysV1v_uDuUYE7Gf-GrukPJ_6akAcEyh1LYtUuJ5Ds7dlGBdXcZ3vBbGxHg-K7IhZRRZmA71vvNzfmdFF_8T4mPRZTqaxdmc4av4QFKpH487Gq-7evIZ/s1600/IMG_0531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ9cETZ3BM6yJFZokbQdDxLYAuZysV1v_uDuUYE7Gf-GrukPJ_6akAcEyh1LYtUuJ5Ds7dlGBdXcZ3vBbGxHg-K7IhZRRZmA71vvNzfmdFF_8T4mPRZTqaxdmc4av4QFKpH487Gq-7evIZ/s400/IMG_0531.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU9DvHG0Szp2UBkDlbSXmKz2bTpvNezU8p1x87cS17ljibF1KG5t2nPondGoYQz6xUqMrgGi-Vyp_ARRbIAWCwB1AQrea5AQUYBkWBjJ8IvFYAu_W5HJm5gWa-WnZsS-wZ4EtXfZEa7IBL/s1600/IMG_0535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU9DvHG0Szp2UBkDlbSXmKz2bTpvNezU8p1x87cS17ljibF1KG5t2nPondGoYQz6xUqMrgGi-Vyp_ARRbIAWCwB1AQrea5AQUYBkWBjJ8IvFYAu_W5HJm5gWa-WnZsS-wZ4EtXfZEa7IBL/s400/IMG_0535.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I kind of doubt the authenticity of this one.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_Qv8ONHw5lXnTEcS8mvH3JFtSwfPki4gPCnIr8Y7xbs3ofWpNK8dCW1cIZ3mZm_fGI5fj8AQfpoAZo89220cjQB2S9uX4Yi1aMr9W6l5sDcLN57_uvtFm-Erb9PIAm4cxDqYg6dvmAG6/s1600/IMG_0549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_Qv8ONHw5lXnTEcS8mvH3JFtSwfPki4gPCnIr8Y7xbs3ofWpNK8dCW1cIZ3mZm_fGI5fj8AQfpoAZo89220cjQB2S9uX4Yi1aMr9W6l5sDcLN57_uvtFm-Erb9PIAm4cxDqYg6dvmAG6/s400/IMG_0549.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF0Bts9Wyd70dRiJ_MG-LtKrvg4o5nt9zvTYUUmK7yn1OpaA1tPyRVLLq3Lp7tUZc6sKRnRN_7ycbCjpilbeMe-Do-BU-wJVD52jDHtpkEayHKmIDktFVmc9gEgFXHExQBE73oZQ0iSbVn/s1600/IMG_0551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF0Bts9Wyd70dRiJ_MG-LtKrvg4o5nt9zvTYUUmK7yn1OpaA1tPyRVLLq3Lp7tUZc6sKRnRN_7ycbCjpilbeMe-Do-BU-wJVD52jDHtpkEayHKmIDktFVmc9gEgFXHExQBE73oZQ0iSbVn/s400/IMG_0551.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The area was nice on it's own, nevermind the ancient stuff<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYPBTNMKxFN1XPQfGtwddKp6880EyQmsZM2N7NasdJc46eKm6x_91pxp98gwQOWPYXHp_ukX7JAGQX5QIkSjppuWLuQtHEaFlLYyCPFVbhig95E4dxKHTb2kZDQ5qIySnO6h7l3h3p3Q1/s1600/IMG_0509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYPBTNMKxFN1XPQfGtwddKp6880EyQmsZM2N7NasdJc46eKm6x_91pxp98gwQOWPYXHp_ukX7JAGQX5QIkSjppuWLuQtHEaFlLYyCPFVbhig95E4dxKHTb2kZDQ5qIySnO6h7l3h3p3Q1/s400/IMG_0509.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpljYD0droG8p7mcBsB-Q5ObM1HxGhjG2PZu8BWIk4rE1lI0Wz56pZJUs43wAE1TjIjHTM2H_PnNDhWHPsFQMFjaFhgad4B93zNCtoZgXIHIqbbOJMrs24uVEpcR2dM0zAnxTF-OHgAsBL/s1600/IMG_0512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpljYD0droG8p7mcBsB-Q5ObM1HxGhjG2PZu8BWIk4rE1lI0Wz56pZJUs43wAE1TjIjHTM2H_PnNDhWHPsFQMFjaFhgad4B93zNCtoZgXIHIqbbOJMrs24uVEpcR2dM0zAnxTF-OHgAsBL/s400/IMG_0512.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMStRUh0NIX9smxGFACYRZITyE7TeFB7Xrw_DpnN76IT-gtN5UZ7pIzef9FY6_HDYpN6ppwjNZaoIq0W4nUc5OerrP4HOsrkXTtNvGAC31A-mhL6RZXPTNoFQQjmNry88J9TWv2a97QsMJ/s1600/IMG_0513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMStRUh0NIX9smxGFACYRZITyE7TeFB7Xrw_DpnN76IT-gtN5UZ7pIzef9FY6_HDYpN6ppwjNZaoIq0W4nUc5OerrP4HOsrkXTtNvGAC31A-mhL6RZXPTNoFQQjmNry88J9TWv2a97QsMJ/s400/IMG_0513.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH8e2bUBFl7-dWzMJpqS1B2PFuBFrCQpIXDtH7AsRcPBiYphbVdIUKc4N0oEEEiX09S_W97LpkgjfLqrJ8VivyasXQXUOPCezF10a2ckhyphenhyphenOeoI6GfAjYTWvl-eDik0yIm78UK-uA-b7L3-/s1600/IMG_0521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH8e2bUBFl7-dWzMJpqS1B2PFuBFrCQpIXDtH7AsRcPBiYphbVdIUKc4N0oEEEiX09S_W97LpkgjfLqrJ8VivyasXQXUOPCezF10a2ckhyphenhyphenOeoI6GfAjYTWvl-eDik0yIm78UK-uA-b7L3-/s400/IMG_0521.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM2LzrROWWNjx-r7GN3JMYt3QlFVDgzgs2EBO6SxtHpOErhws3Bo95Y8y8NyhHzcQuO3sCPqcflJWUjsIKXH82XpP4kveoYekQTmjsxuCL1Ig-dzd8uqQsE7Qo6gy1fYyT9xBM_YHKJ25k/s1600/IMG_0523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM2LzrROWWNjx-r7GN3JMYt3QlFVDgzgs2EBO6SxtHpOErhws3Bo95Y8y8NyhHzcQuO3sCPqcflJWUjsIKXH82XpP4kveoYekQTmjsxuCL1Ig-dzd8uqQsE7Qo6gy1fYyT9xBM_YHKJ25k/s400/IMG_0523.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1EPGk5_XKaIUvWbVa_Lnce1yIeYf_oTZXYLMeCAOl8FZlUNFvfhjS9a6apHMZL7UyfwIch2_GXIoViRYEsDsDuRZGNcG0Uvw_jsjSbi9pxtERWa0GgInnEtexY1WOH78zy7XrOHDRBE55/s1600/IMG_0526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1EPGk5_XKaIUvWbVa_Lnce1yIeYf_oTZXYLMeCAOl8FZlUNFvfhjS9a6apHMZL7UyfwIch2_GXIoViRYEsDsDuRZGNcG0Uvw_jsjSbi9pxtERWa0GgInnEtexY1WOH78zy7XrOHDRBE55/s400/IMG_0526.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Albuquerque in front of the mountain</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFDhZig2CXrfdXEvqIAGuk6p72rcLGk6GHJg6Tg5GQkpln6FMAZ15iu7REiwjcK0SRqtcuoeWiSSGzGbbFBybsL_Lo_8XFM2NsMT0w-_KVI0F7nG_KZegp51xPe87PajiRdpI1vojtOn3o/s1600/IMG_0548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFDhZig2CXrfdXEvqIAGuk6p72rcLGk6GHJg6Tg5GQkpln6FMAZ15iu7REiwjcK0SRqtcuoeWiSSGzGbbFBybsL_Lo_8XFM2NsMT0w-_KVI0F7nG_KZegp51xPe87PajiRdpI1vojtOn3o/s400/IMG_0548.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
From there I went to downtown Albuquerque to see what it was all about. From what I saw, not much! I must have been in the wrong area. But the signs said "Downtown Albuquerque"....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDyuz-N1qBMTO2kUfH4NDpwWXRBlsrO-3dh0qx6umL_rZ7R-I3g4oQNhey4olVcC7M9Momz_T-DU3XXVZs8-F1-iQJxBzTQZnxse2AfylBDGjdQn0GEpk6ivqja73DJlJ1teKCgatWXIfB/s1600/IMG_0553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDyuz-N1qBMTO2kUfH4NDpwWXRBlsrO-3dh0qx6umL_rZ7R-I3g4oQNhey4olVcC7M9Momz_T-DU3XXVZs8-F1-iQJxBzTQZnxse2AfylBDGjdQn0GEpk6ivqja73DJlJ1teKCgatWXIfB/s400/IMG_0553.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVjvVcg7NTBlWo0gjKkZM_bfP4KH9H9G6CLZR7fozn6J04JNxZ5wLXnZYzjq2Q5HNXtT3dC9GnGD_GyId0PITLw34eDZJCnTM2_0jhYJKFBGmzKwdQSmx6w4sgFxkbop6SrfGLzx6CiR16/s1600/IMG_0556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVjvVcg7NTBlWo0gjKkZM_bfP4KH9H9G6CLZR7fozn6J04JNxZ5wLXnZYzjq2Q5HNXtT3dC9GnGD_GyId0PITLw34eDZJCnTM2_0jhYJKFBGmzKwdQSmx6w4sgFxkbop6SrfGLzx6CiR16/s400/IMG_0556.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh749lrMMs4c5V-kHuGPQFZfwf8FyWDv4BAlzvDWqFSEYbeuTiSz4LMbHIe5QLKGNodO8FjdQkoTzKyoX9212HphzhIJvPpAJ_eey7kHFWE7UuiYP_CT6daldLIhWpHfq-KDRZ2_XpWF3aD/s1600/IMG_0557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh749lrMMs4c5V-kHuGPQFZfwf8FyWDv4BAlzvDWqFSEYbeuTiSz4LMbHIe5QLKGNodO8FjdQkoTzKyoX9212HphzhIJvPpAJ_eey7kHFWE7UuiYP_CT6daldLIhWpHfq-KDRZ2_XpWF3aD/s400/IMG_0557.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEije4-OGSREbsovDwbotwcPRpemuuQy0TYS74kS3YZTnW3I0gHEgoZ8Iqtgg1B8uEwXxtZklDwd4OMCbKafCrVfzg_5Fko4KGpWFA6SQnIdqfT1sECFVBEz5XegbYG2A6IbEC9wI0DzJ3nk/s1600/IMG_0558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEije4-OGSREbsovDwbotwcPRpemuuQy0TYS74kS3YZTnW3I0gHEgoZ8Iqtgg1B8uEwXxtZklDwd4OMCbKafCrVfzg_5Fko4KGpWFA6SQnIdqfT1sECFVBEz5XegbYG2A6IbEC9wI0DzJ3nk/s400/IMG_0558.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSU_peh2LLYSdZZC_HkD0JkFuraA4egWW4CBRlU7TYazmR5qe5XkXaDaO6f-nTey0v2qCzzeZrqMjgSeBOY4UXz3LsLGNO8cPH4FatFNL_0g2JVTkDs0bUvIlovxJpYRnv4-46KHFEC-kB/s1600/IMG_0559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSU_peh2LLYSdZZC_HkD0JkFuraA4egWW4CBRlU7TYazmR5qe5XkXaDaO6f-nTey0v2qCzzeZrqMjgSeBOY4UXz3LsLGNO8cPH4FatFNL_0g2JVTkDs0bUvIlovxJpYRnv4-46KHFEC-kB/s400/IMG_0559.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
From here I evaluated my options and decided to just find a place. I checked into the Super 8 Albuquerque.<br />
<br />
If the weather holds up, I can be in LA in three days. If I really push for the next two (and don't really see any of Arizona), I can be there in two. But those are two looong days of interstate riding.Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15050571834380139105noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554850068174174643.post-1136416280818229692011-04-17T22:32:00.000-04:002011-04-17T22:32:35.565-04:00Texas, I hardly knew yeFrom: Clinton, OK<br />
To: Santa Rosa Lake State Park, NM<br />
Mileage: About 637kms<br />
<br />
Note - I just realized there's a spell checker. I haven't been using it yet, nor have I been proofreading my posts. Things should improve now!<br />
<br />
I woke up in the disgusting "Relax Inn" after sleeping about 5 minutes the whole night. That was probably the worst night sleep I've had yet (and this includes camping where I sleep on a pillow made of motorcycle gloves, pants, shirts, and a smelly bandana pillow case. I stole breakfast from the neighbouring Super 8 and Days Inn (a bagel and juice from Super 8, and coffee from Days Inn). The trick is to make them think you just stayed there the night before. I went with "that was pretty good, are there other [motel chain] locations near [city in direction of travel]?".<br />
<br />
I cleaned all the dust from the windstorm off the bike and set off for Amarillo, Texas. I stopped at Wal-Mart to buy replacement carabiner clips (I use them to secure my camp stove fuel bottle and water bottle) and clean water (I usually use tap water from the motels, but the Relax Inn water smelled worse than an outhouse, and tasted just as bad. Can't be healthy...) I was approached by an older lady outside Wal-Mart who complimented my bike. She then offered to help me pour the water into my hydration bladder. She told me some stories. She has 28 grandchildren.<br />
<br />
<br />
I entered Texas and noticed the sudden change in scenery. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfb1g1Ia1xpq_iD77d436jtxIIGX3bjYw5ZImbjiqbpt4u2empr1YH7K0ddtG6oXIid8JracdSxZNYqf6AK1_Itp7j6hsj9ryikLoH35TSaU-hOm382TR5jXc3c-jGJ_35KOr1DCo0ORr8/s1600/IMG_0433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfb1g1Ia1xpq_iD77d436jtxIIGX3bjYw5ZImbjiqbpt4u2empr1YH7K0ddtG6oXIid8JracdSxZNYqf6AK1_Itp7j6hsj9ryikLoH35TSaU-hOm382TR5jXc3c-jGJ_35KOr1DCo0ORr8/s400/IMG_0433.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqiy-v_9ZkapnDr_O-kq-Bm7VkxKBg4u6nBdpJ2W8zU_7wOQ37rpF1wePxl6QtgdzR7PgD0sudM7l0ymjdTaRyv34PnFizwHPebaPCrKeItQqjpyHHVKmyXv_YK9299GxJJ4KupQR9icD/s1600/IMG_0436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqiy-v_9ZkapnDr_O-kq-Bm7VkxKBg4u6nBdpJ2W8zU_7wOQ37rpF1wePxl6QtgdzR7PgD0sudM7l0ymjdTaRyv34PnFizwHPebaPCrKeItQqjpyHHVKmyXv_YK9299GxJJ4KupQR9icD/s400/IMG_0436.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFXK9gQjnGBzqcNLhI4NghaPCyJGeT_7YxShaWCL88mQ4zFYfwKVMkHRMR-OcAwUQIbEwQwnoSM1KfdhweJ91heI8vOEIiYl2hEIhUsfW8ZY4wWOdcl1UeJTBEwRiurP6vm5ck50NevLsr/s1600/IMG_0439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFXK9gQjnGBzqcNLhI4NghaPCyJGeT_7YxShaWCL88mQ4zFYfwKVMkHRMR-OcAwUQIbEwQwnoSM1KfdhweJ91heI8vOEIiYl2hEIhUsfW8ZY4wWOdcl1UeJTBEwRiurP6vm5ck50NevLsr/s400/IMG_0439.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0xMtjIENJTEhYU5E9vpTXcRWUABu5HXFoHuJu7dlEUkX6PiEgwa8oWQcixKliB4pbfBy0ffrgoZCZM9BwIAFddLuJPvqD-8wds-BN_sK6w5b3jPD4KjF20gFTwX0OJwy41-1-XaEpY5DI/s1600/IMG_0444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0xMtjIENJTEhYU5E9vpTXcRWUABu5HXFoHuJu7dlEUkX6PiEgwa8oWQcixKliB4pbfBy0ffrgoZCZM9BwIAFddLuJPvqD-8wds-BN_sK6w5b3jPD4KjF20gFTwX0OJwy41-1-XaEpY5DI/s400/IMG_0444.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomLeruQvvn7rKjh4Lq9NLBZB4Do6CQecFVTaDopRExdKgthpvvWPmVXgfXbW8cd_MDejB10GMXoLIWzTwyGp3SnlzN0OGvCYHzMYASNCEotCDS0-cw2Ahj4n0Cr_wiZDbJk9W9Jwq6VmU/s1600/IMG_0457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomLeruQvvn7rKjh4Lq9NLBZB4Do6CQecFVTaDopRExdKgthpvvWPmVXgfXbW8cd_MDejB10GMXoLIWzTwyGp3SnlzN0OGvCYHzMYASNCEotCDS0-cw2Ahj4n0Cr_wiZDbJk9W9Jwq6VmU/s400/IMG_0457.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I finally reached Amarillo, Texas, and I stopped at the visitor's center. I got some info, then went to the Big Texan (a steakhouse/roadside attraction). I had planned on buying souvenirs, but I didn't find anything I wanted. I then miraculously found my way over to the fudge counter where I had resolved not to buy. The girl offered me a sample, and 2 minutes later I'd bought and eaten a whole square. I snapped a few quick shots from my bike as I was leaving the parking lot. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggw1rDsnsjexXndcNoxO1aA7y8-MYHsF2fdKAOjiB4H7HcRylFpaVrKPSEzXaBCBL2FyeThjug2cJYwVtPNSmYbn6Sa2efgomG12rJ2WSg_XjLdFeG6MoZ8bunVX3KFngt9V6gPAYAsA7Z/s1600/IMG_0453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggw1rDsnsjexXndcNoxO1aA7y8-MYHsF2fdKAOjiB4H7HcRylFpaVrKPSEzXaBCBL2FyeThjug2cJYwVtPNSmYbn6Sa2efgomG12rJ2WSg_XjLdFeG6MoZ8bunVX3KFngt9V6gPAYAsA7Z/s400/IMG_0453.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-AJ-L2ut-bFv1FOIuHhRAXolfjXZf7GzgUNbUmnZgv3gIwFRlf5NQP7FY03WMWO7SVCzZ-pDIe9SEsZIFYaebQTss8qFxZ5WV9oj8QHU6QUvdEwSMhPV0PkjcLct2wbxr3nR0J17H9DX/s1600/IMG_0454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-AJ-L2ut-bFv1FOIuHhRAXolfjXZf7GzgUNbUmnZgv3gIwFRlf5NQP7FY03WMWO7SVCzZ-pDIe9SEsZIFYaebQTss8qFxZ5WV9oj8QHU6QUvdEwSMhPV0PkjcLct2wbxr3nR0J17H9DX/s400/IMG_0454.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVxE_66pCF-CSntVu9wP0c5VqLLNZqTm7OgzhKVDn_4pXPrBnyyDV9SizirnhgDFu4-gPeSzDtDMc-RUNut8jw_8dkQwh52FsetjbDzeWg9St9mV9P29X7R2PmKKYEPqWYWXIt3bGTkDGU/s1600/IMG_0455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVxE_66pCF-CSntVu9wP0c5VqLLNZqTm7OgzhKVDn_4pXPrBnyyDV9SizirnhgDFu4-gPeSzDtDMc-RUNut8jw_8dkQwh52FsetjbDzeWg9St9mV9P29X7R2PmKKYEPqWYWXIt3bGTkDGU/s400/IMG_0455.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Being that I was in Texas, and it was lunchtime, I decided to have a Texan lunch. That's either steak or BBQ. I'd had a Tennessee BBQ pulled pork sandwich, so I opted for the steak. I stopped at the Cattle Call restaurant at the suggestion of the lady at the visitor's center. I was somewhat disappointed. I'll spare you the critique - you can read about it in my food blog, which I should be writing instead.<br />
<br />
I left Amarillo and pushed on toward New Mexico. I pulled off every now and then to take the odd picture, or to follow the old Route 66. Every time I follow 66, I see these interesting, old, abandoned places that must have been popular haunts back in the day. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVPNKl0ioix6koVn-cW_lnL9cRm8Px-FymXIoX5EEv7goUvYWuriD4OQWpCJzMykT-xF4Z1fG5yhMkWZUH_3UoXGPdncW0k8BmHmlu_2iNT7HaA6zt3J-xhdBUe8rNd5Zjf4t_FL9MR6ZB/s1600/IMG_0459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVPNKl0ioix6koVn-cW_lnL9cRm8Px-FymXIoX5EEv7goUvYWuriD4OQWpCJzMykT-xF4Z1fG5yhMkWZUH_3UoXGPdncW0k8BmHmlu_2iNT7HaA6zt3J-xhdBUe8rNd5Zjf4t_FL9MR6ZB/s400/IMG_0459.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBCm6XN2ih8_CL2xX5IO380DPJRXARje3F3cJDPi1RmGFlD7S-eyDQg9SRjyW01VIGtKuHkduyaJEqugTEhbFm4086RMSBTNWVmuBl9RsSaIkYAifeX8jxsgdVhbH5m33HjBQ8U_a7oA-s/s1600/IMG_0461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBCm6XN2ih8_CL2xX5IO380DPJRXARje3F3cJDPi1RmGFlD7S-eyDQg9SRjyW01VIGtKuHkduyaJEqugTEhbFm4086RMSBTNWVmuBl9RsSaIkYAifeX8jxsgdVhbH5m33HjBQ8U_a7oA-s/s400/IMG_0461.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_o8weQIfksWGknZMNvOvs_DomJfQzS_zyaGdXqxWNNtxF9YQ36f-n4a1-FVoa5B7lTM4beL8yugjjtj2FwFU8RTnZb16U5FP5QE3myEar-qyud-Mpneo_pORIZSgx9zss0fVcJcfynQTR/s1600/IMG_0465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_o8weQIfksWGknZMNvOvs_DomJfQzS_zyaGdXqxWNNtxF9YQ36f-n4a1-FVoa5B7lTM4beL8yugjjtj2FwFU8RTnZb16U5FP5QE3myEar-qyud-Mpneo_pORIZSgx9zss0fVcJcfynQTR/s400/IMG_0465.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTPvvBmguzizErbwa9mKXO5RmLGNuV_CJfSXUA7YaEnRtVxdXk2zI41jOy5_LPDqkWLU8uykpDtrcUnDBwzaiYae0NJv1OF1lfgueOp_-EbNNsCDjL9imLciPKO_ZYpclQdZKg8U9pHskQ/s1600/IMG_0470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTPvvBmguzizErbwa9mKXO5RmLGNuV_CJfSXUA7YaEnRtVxdXk2zI41jOy5_LPDqkWLU8uykpDtrcUnDBwzaiYae0NJv1OF1lfgueOp_-EbNNsCDjL9imLciPKO_ZYpclQdZKg8U9pHskQ/s400/IMG_0470.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This truck was covered completely with little notes from passers-by</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFn8XgOaoD904ymaER6ogugKzv6ak_3a-3WB2nEYUVUXegaq_77P3Zc3_zYNout2f3VwyUnMaFXSu0QNU3n2mMyuURFTS16k08jC_Y101Ecz9Tiw7WaBeyVyhqgcandPRBEkGPWe_8HNmY/s1600/IMG_0471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFn8XgOaoD904ymaER6ogugKzv6ak_3a-3WB2nEYUVUXegaq_77P3Zc3_zYNout2f3VwyUnMaFXSu0QNU3n2mMyuURFTS16k08jC_Y101Ecz9Tiw7WaBeyVyhqgcandPRBEkGPWe_8HNmY/s400/IMG_0471.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kinda wish I had something I could use to leave a note...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq-Jgf9TsCE4OqBdrkzuhcu_YdSVwT1cQi5BW0LI6mRFrLyi2WWHYdzUWqIijmG1eAlG36KqQ9ytLAku6_G7cpF4wy4AmccUVSGabkptcZ8Pko6g_d8vlPYkcEG7h2R7TcNeBvK3ZACh1_/s1600/IMG_0473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq-Jgf9TsCE4OqBdrkzuhcu_YdSVwT1cQi5BW0LI6mRFrLyi2WWHYdzUWqIijmG1eAlG36KqQ9ytLAku6_G7cpF4wy4AmccUVSGabkptcZ8Pko6g_d8vlPYkcEG7h2R7TcNeBvK3ZACh1_/s400/IMG_0473.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6abjCXjZ2-KDSe7Ttk-yi58YCUjfGHTBNKGYXzkJoCnYyq9GK4VZ8XEE4jELyZkGsXDIEOqdMzi3qb53VIl-VPL8NhWlruy_sYHlKykYfeOSHhVgetwNLJo1Eb62CVk9yU0TfgG97ezXj/s1600/IMG_0477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6abjCXjZ2-KDSe7Ttk-yi58YCUjfGHTBNKGYXzkJoCnYyq9GK4VZ8XEE4jELyZkGsXDIEOqdMzi3qb53VIl-VPL8NhWlruy_sYHlKykYfeOSHhVgetwNLJo1Eb62CVk9yU0TfgG97ezXj/s400/IMG_0477.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first mesa I saw</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiK8v2QSC8BwZZKG42Ydbm391Ga6ajIyrYHfRWb3FjHsuvuOY3Vw7eh7Qb3o2JZQd9Cci5d6Ma9iuNUj6gLMY9mMTmVphYABK3lVUTfo9gzvhHfZj2-2Q7VpwHAgvBsVKJ2JZTLnJqdlVB/s1600/IMG_0479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiK8v2QSC8BwZZKG42Ydbm391Ga6ajIyrYHfRWb3FjHsuvuOY3Vw7eh7Qb3o2JZQd9Cci5d6Ma9iuNUj6gLMY9mMTmVphYABK3lVUTfo9gzvhHfZj2-2Q7VpwHAgvBsVKJ2JZTLnJqdlVB/s400/IMG_0479.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Before long, I was crossing the state line, and entering the Mountain Standard Time zone. I'm now two hours behind Waterloo time. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESE5OWNoSXgV5UqWAEH3nY63_8IesK0qVVo0r7NJ7eDH3LZXn_f4kZFZRKZyIiFmUHxGKnfP5re4cu6fIEz7WGx9u6hGin8Mf_LTFVLiXlbhq-FH9yGrgmzMzOjdk_TC-hiuv6XbNgy5A/s1600/IMG_0483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESE5OWNoSXgV5UqWAEH3nY63_8IesK0qVVo0r7NJ7eDH3LZXn_f4kZFZRKZyIiFmUHxGKnfP5re4cu6fIEz7WGx9u6hGin8Mf_LTFVLiXlbhq-FH9yGrgmzMzOjdk_TC-hiuv6XbNgy5A/s400/IMG_0483.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_XjL3qMAI7viDGJ433AoYbBJbeO6kMLq2gRt2a8JymMssLXMmz_qcA_K7RVgOmdzUb2AAylSb0V4FSvURB8eDDndtNv9TQJ6PymW7IxVuswV1bpnDAmLroCrrsSG_23VCj8pEY1ws360K/s1600/IMG_0486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_XjL3qMAI7viDGJ433AoYbBJbeO6kMLq2gRt2a8JymMssLXMmz_qcA_K7RVgOmdzUb2AAylSb0V4FSvURB8eDDndtNv9TQJ6PymW7IxVuswV1bpnDAmLroCrrsSG_23VCj8pEY1ws360K/s400/IMG_0486.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I stopped at the New Mexico visitor's center to grab a map and suggestions on places to camp. While there, I met up with two other groups from Ontario, Canada. I think the "groups" were really couples, but I can't be sure, so I'll say duos. One duo was from Lindsay, Ontario and was headed for California. The other duo was from Hamilton, Ontario, and was headed for the Grand Canyon. I may have convinced them to continue on to the pacific coast, just cuz.<br />
<br />
I noticed that there are a lot of abandoned, run-down kind of places when you're not in the New Mexico cities. It's like that along Route 66 in general (and it <i>is</i> kind of sad - watch the movie Cars!) But in [eastern] New Mexico, even the landscape is barren and desolate. <br />
<br />
I stopped in Santa Rosa, NM, bought a $0.40 cup of noodles (paid with credit, of course) and went to Santa Rosa Lake State Park. I set up camp, <i>in the desert</i>, and made my dinner in the dark. There was not a soul around, and I had the entire place to myself. I remembered the truck driver from Kentucky suggesting I not camp in the dessert, so I was a little apprehensive. I looked for my camp knife to make myself feel better, but I discovered I'd left it in that disgusting motel. Balls. Sometime after dark, a truck drove by my site slowly, and then left. A little while later, the truck returned, and stopped right in front of my site, and turned off. I thought about it, then made myself look as intimidating as I could (so not very...) and approached. I figured I'd assume the best, and politely said "Hi". Turned out it was a 69 year old man named Jim who had both his knees replaced. He was just stopping for the night and sleeping in his truck bed camper. He was a really nice guy.<br />
<br />
I wrote down some stuff so I wouldn't forget to post it today, looked at the maps, and called it a night. I'd have to take photos of my site in the morning.Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15050571834380139105noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554850068174174643.post-48446981884663933372011-04-16T22:30:00.001-04:002011-04-16T22:30:04.889-04:00Santa Rosa Lake State Park<p>No wifi tonight, so no post. But I'm camping in Santa Rosa Lake State Park. That's in New Mexico. Yep, I'm in a desert.</p> <p>I left my camp knife at that motel from yesterday - damn!</p> Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15050571834380139105noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554850068174174643.post-25871635525173328632011-04-16T13:34:00.001-04:002011-04-16T13:34:42.352-04:00It's about damn time!<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfa1cgI3m8-CZ0_w5-5FFD-UPLjxvcDnCYAeGzs5oZsHotv-pUKCjPvkfl2jiVU9a-q76wXSf9fX6ph-AQYPDTZDdaNQHZcO6288bLpF0yXdJ20pYTUaprBVn8ZkuLLAY4JzgxaeOcALWM/s1600/2011-04-16+12.31.54-782353.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfa1cgI3m8-CZ0_w5-5FFD-UPLjxvcDnCYAeGzs5oZsHotv-pUKCjPvkfl2jiVU9a-q76wXSf9fX6ph-AQYPDTZDdaNQHZcO6288bLpF0yXdJ20pYTUaprBVn8ZkuLLAY4JzgxaeOcALWM/s320/2011-04-16+12.31.54-782353.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596236228728858594" /></a></p><p>I liked Oklahoma, but I got stuck here for too long. Forgive me for the cellphone pic.</p> Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15050571834380139105noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554850068174174643.post-67881780806461015422011-04-15T23:40:00.002-04:002011-04-16T00:16:50.669-04:00WindFirst things first: Congratulations to my friend Chris for getting a firefighting job! He's now officially a firefighter - nicely done bud!<br />
<br />
From: Oklahoma City, OK<br />
To: Clinton, OK<br />
Mileage: About 155 kms :(<br />
<br />
What a day... I think this Severe Weather statement says it all:<br />
<br />
<h3>Issued by The National Weather Service<br />
Oklahoma City, OK</h3>... HIGH WIND WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT CDT THIS EVENING... <br />
... FREEZE WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TO 9 AM CDT SATURDAY... <br />
* WINDS: NORTHWEST 40 TO 60... GUSTING 70 MPH.. <br />
* TEMPERATURES: FREEZING TEMPERATURES LATE TONIGHT AND EARLY SATURDAY... WITH LOWS 27 TO 32 DEGREES. <br />
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... <br />
SMALL UNSECURED OBJECTS MAY BLOW AWAY. DRIVING WILL BE VERY DIFFICULT AND HAZARDOUS FOR HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES. STRONG GUSTS MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO ROOFTOPS AND OUTBUILDINGS... AND WILL BE HAZARDOUS TO THOSE WORKING OUTDOORS. POWER OUTAGES ARE LIKELY AS STRONG WINDS DAMAGE POWER LINES. THE STRONG WINDS WILL ALSO LIKELY ADVERSELY AFFECT FIRE FIGHTING EFFORTS.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In other words, the winds were SO strong today, that they were gusting up to 70mph (112-113 km/h). When I pulled off at one point and checked, they winds were at 59mph (95km/h) <b>sustained!</b> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I started the day with a ginormous breakfast (two waffles, two muffins, two cups of coffee, a bowl of rasin bran, and an apple). I packed up and got started. The temperature was about 6 degrees C (I think it was somewhere around 44 F), and the wind was crazy. I was wearing my warm weather gear (no liner in the mesh pants, just a t-shirt under the jacket, warm weather gloves, etc.), and got cold enough, and bashed enough by the wind that I pulled off at an Indian trading post (store) to warm up and add layers. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I got back on the interstate and wrestled with the wind again until I got too nervous and pulled off. The sustained wind was enough to make me ride at a pretty steep angle. The gusts were enough to push me way over into a sharp lean, and were still pushing me all over the road. I was making sure I wasn't riding around traffic, but it was still pretty hairy when cars and trucks passed. I pulled off and decided to crawl along route 66 beside the interstate. I could barely stand up straight and keep the bike upright, so I was moving along at 30-40 km/h. I would have just stopped somewhere, but I was surrounded by fields on every side...</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I stopped in Hydro, OK and took photos of a 1920's filling station:</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4aOAmNp8gVSv-_s8CVBvkkJE0LGiyBchTPj7mrF2Lv3msBXSizEVT_I_k-vtMS5TOp-jszXGP8xI4hRriPlcklx3IJj1LXtaLw2ZWxC8JLGYhDtrUUEE2OMWNFtjxetLigwnKrsT-NUTz/s1600/IMG_0346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4aOAmNp8gVSv-_s8CVBvkkJE0LGiyBchTPj7mrF2Lv3msBXSizEVT_I_k-vtMS5TOp-jszXGP8xI4hRriPlcklx3IJj1LXtaLw2ZWxC8JLGYhDtrUUEE2OMWNFtjxetLigwnKrsT-NUTz/s400/IMG_0346.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOfT-JsSa8t3Ixa2AT0mDWRT5FdYR7m7Jjb-2Ztv3LfC6E33ZqGrzIyY-a6BB_nS3Or_L4Gmx31l6tF1R3Y_fMYEE0zs3HKKlGg_0yHNTvbwt23UhOoGaXqg19jTE7NdgkCq0C0OzwClo3/s1600/IMG_0347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOfT-JsSa8t3Ixa2AT0mDWRT5FdYR7m7Jjb-2Ztv3LfC6E33ZqGrzIyY-a6BB_nS3Or_L4Gmx31l6tF1R3Y_fMYEE0zs3HKKlGg_0yHNTvbwt23UhOoGaXqg19jTE7NdgkCq0C0OzwClo3/s400/IMG_0347.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-RwvhdESAUwfK38X0CdkL9JJPywoauKKwzSHE1LijI5btgaX7dF-XcMvl2s3KNsP7bMzKPxsIb0mhSw1nMmNM-4Cw1i_zJ_wec-dDs09dQ5o3c6KmB3cAMLeIJM8w8pNtQBdcC-kel-l/s1600/IMG_0348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-RwvhdESAUwfK38X0CdkL9JJPywoauKKwzSHE1LijI5btgaX7dF-XcMvl2s3KNsP7bMzKPxsIb0mhSw1nMmNM-4Cw1i_zJ_wec-dDs09dQ5o3c6KmB3cAMLeIJM8w8pNtQBdcC-kel-l/s400/IMG_0348.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvzFhCFZL_gAyY69NrPGcr3Xp3eFFjSQNqHIA9GK42_e_dDu1xWP223U02SQ-VwVhTsH38RLA_v2v2dOdWXfXYYpocu7Z2RfAHgeYZOKht39yMqy4uQPcUJsgWYfcl_2rPdDWOJJtVDBw3/s1600/IMG_0349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvzFhCFZL_gAyY69NrPGcr3Xp3eFFjSQNqHIA9GK42_e_dDu1xWP223U02SQ-VwVhTsH38RLA_v2v2dOdWXfXYYpocu7Z2RfAHgeYZOKht39yMqy4uQPcUJsgWYfcl_2rPdDWOJJtVDBw3/s400/IMG_0349.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I stuck to the interstate service road (66) and came across another historic filling station:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAixpTKlKYxXBQxQh8Si8z8TiKPCwhBlIFSjF_RXXLqILVbTGXf8bPhnD0HKz2D_Mlebep7ma8-IzUr5Gu2PruCNu9sNI2VUGNW16TXF1YDQjRG2-LRHzSiieOQeVEs7565j1s8umVi57J/s1600/IMG_0351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAixpTKlKYxXBQxQh8Si8z8TiKPCwhBlIFSjF_RXXLqILVbTGXf8bPhnD0HKz2D_Mlebep7ma8-IzUr5Gu2PruCNu9sNI2VUGNW16TXF1YDQjRG2-LRHzSiieOQeVEs7565j1s8umVi57J/s400/IMG_0351.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7na_jht-FSWFWsAqclN69HmCVvjRnu4UjMu_RJAFLzM-9N-8Iy1uY3xyrq0VfIibcNmsesbJgdK4jQA93KlHiKz71OsN3JbAecrB3nTG17LjHKGxpZkOZD5ak4wztRyy4UFmixCk3z5xs/s1600/IMG_0354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7na_jht-FSWFWsAqclN69HmCVvjRnu4UjMu_RJAFLzM-9N-8Iy1uY3xyrq0VfIibcNmsesbJgdK4jQA93KlHiKz71OsN3JbAecrB3nTG17LjHKGxpZkOZD5ak4wztRyy4UFmixCk3z5xs/s400/IMG_0354.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7V7z2L44w5lLFZAu4TD_VZdqeG-5tpCVlujYSZYrgzluxfo03HDVGAsfpxrqo5XAwQ5QSa6xR-07OtlLohL7bPKVXIb8wJbVxh_Hb4DbjpaJM-BjkJuBx-1S7t0_bQN4mhUGdD4_fUP8S/s1600/IMG_0355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7V7z2L44w5lLFZAu4TD_VZdqeG-5tpCVlujYSZYrgzluxfo03HDVGAsfpxrqo5XAwQ5QSa6xR-07OtlLohL7bPKVXIb8wJbVxh_Hb4DbjpaJM-BjkJuBx-1S7t0_bQN4mhUGdD4_fUP8S/s400/IMG_0355.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRH_Mez32QoL42VFkrayNQRMMYqqajpLpduu7X57byWFo3E16PSTxgiABvoAKMTdZ4H77_nLO9wZK3No8yN2N31rYWHT07sNr44paO8XEPTKzTM_vpXahtIh6yWq30Mw96B18d_ZiDeY0/s1600/IMG_0356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRH_Mez32QoL42VFkrayNQRMMYqqajpLpduu7X57byWFo3E16PSTxgiABvoAKMTdZ4H77_nLO9wZK3No8yN2N31rYWHT07sNr44paO8XEPTKzTM_vpXahtIh6yWq30Mw96B18d_ZiDeY0/s400/IMG_0356.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5iBqd5uh8PEuWJojhRMgXo2MUKCInvdxz8n0YlWEJDt0egtOqf8Yg4bOZxcfYcfDJpbx41zyK9WanWjpWOQ0UgAt4mxf0isaYfzE22Ih2AbKdEJqBokY_BQg4SyO1HuFeNzEbmaBtpKo0/s1600/IMG_0357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5iBqd5uh8PEuWJojhRMgXo2MUKCInvdxz8n0YlWEJDt0egtOqf8Yg4bOZxcfYcfDJpbx41zyK9WanWjpWOQ0UgAt4mxf0isaYfzE22Ih2AbKdEJqBokY_BQg4SyO1HuFeNzEbmaBtpKo0/s400/IMG_0357.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNqPKlto7yhUi8jb-d48j2-JZgTY3SlRFeU9uRI2tjmgobNtNV_dL-GJ-Nm-49ppiuk0wOT9t3gORGZaD18mhkRJJjAe4OSMOr48ry2MLj_cWmucLYVZFaJI7i2YFzwqFQ-xI1N1TPEzAd/s1600/IMG_0358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNqPKlto7yhUi8jb-d48j2-JZgTY3SlRFeU9uRI2tjmgobNtNV_dL-GJ-Nm-49ppiuk0wOT9t3gORGZaD18mhkRJJjAe4OSMOr48ry2MLj_cWmucLYVZFaJI7i2YFzwqFQ-xI1N1TPEzAd/s400/IMG_0358.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHkUNXkQuMZelw_i6dF-fS9FZwZkMaprDvi5l4AKx9lovIzWI0Vc60LcNWdHmDxxPNPcfVUzDH7qtt8ey4zy5mBEy52bkzLo48NncvWQGeDaszVs09H3TJAlGjkn_rNWVmbsBhq6ZnjDl/s1600/IMG_0362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHkUNXkQuMZelw_i6dF-fS9FZwZkMaprDvi5l4AKx9lovIzWI0Vc60LcNWdHmDxxPNPcfVUzDH7qtt8ey4zy5mBEy52bkzLo48NncvWQGeDaszVs09H3TJAlGjkn_rNWVmbsBhq6ZnjDl/s400/IMG_0362.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5IXMIo6UG8n82LcNNaFwfdZLUfYk6Nueh_creNUQelgSByajg4UlIPZobJtCcdLRg4E_JQLb4FNx3a3R2rFHjQx0zukbuveyMGAAKbEI7JynokIpRY8KMyPmZM6wN4ZOfW50Yppiuv3eX/s1600/IMG_0364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5IXMIo6UG8n82LcNNaFwfdZLUfYk6Nueh_creNUQelgSByajg4UlIPZobJtCcdLRg4E_JQLb4FNx3a3R2rFHjQx0zukbuveyMGAAKbEI7JynokIpRY8KMyPmZM6wN4ZOfW50Yppiuv3eX/s400/IMG_0364.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I carried on, and passed the General Thomas P. Stafford Air and Space Museum. Of course I took the tour!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBrGwkGTbosCRBdzXL5z3UxyhbyxqaKdxCfmW5r4QKfaIWueQtxLCmMcbC1KZ1Ia7s46ekk7UUa8UBw7DcSEqCTzkwPPSMbWex_l3MPtv1XJgI6PD-6ilO499cx4KR8SmgCFrTxKAU9YWX/s1600/IMG_0368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBrGwkGTbosCRBdzXL5z3UxyhbyxqaKdxCfmW5r4QKfaIWueQtxLCmMcbC1KZ1Ia7s46ekk7UUa8UBw7DcSEqCTzkwPPSMbWex_l3MPtv1XJgI6PD-6ilO499cx4KR8SmgCFrTxKAU9YWX/s400/IMG_0368.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3peTrd7zoh9_wcbHhyq3V7chqlVLNfuuMUGfjs5M434KF7ZWdA0sGdg8QzbYDb1Bib87hi8Afzm3Cu8A6hVkLQ9OwmAlVVR1YBDOCJ92bwyZVLqMxstes594IS1phOjBOOtmrAnC0UMf/s1600/IMG_0369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3peTrd7zoh9_wcbHhyq3V7chqlVLNfuuMUGfjs5M434KF7ZWdA0sGdg8QzbYDb1Bib87hi8Afzm3Cu8A6hVkLQ9OwmAlVVR1YBDOCJ92bwyZVLqMxstes594IS1phOjBOOtmrAnC0UMf/s400/IMG_0369.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fragment of lunar rock!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtNqtn85jHQCZlv4-bkextzzsagDKd_Pot481gkbegCNz6PEQoqE_LVSuY2Iy0V17Mor00tdpEnB2kOEyUWsOkJwv7Z_pSUayOyvHsRVUHpxpAfUqLqN-_4OYsozHKOs-FPmAb4yX0RC3-/s1600/IMG_0371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtNqtn85jHQCZlv4-bkextzzsagDKd_Pot481gkbegCNz6PEQoqE_LVSuY2Iy0V17Mor00tdpEnB2kOEyUWsOkJwv7Z_pSUayOyvHsRVUHpxpAfUqLqN-_4OYsozHKOs-FPmAb4yX0RC3-/s400/IMG_0371.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOeP8TAWAPSVv-rksZ0tAlvDhwTkOHYfSLxodk4nFb7ghDgURs1kFRZ6AlsA1QQRxLK8x2x8H8alhTE08t92o4Gfk1f3_rgAb9y1Ft0O0Q-9PxF4DkNIzcv8REV2UzpApEC24gzL8mt0QF/s1600/IMG_0376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOeP8TAWAPSVv-rksZ0tAlvDhwTkOHYfSLxodk4nFb7ghDgURs1kFRZ6AlsA1QQRxLK8x2x8H8alhTE08t92o4Gfk1f3_rgAb9y1Ft0O0Q-9PxF4DkNIzcv8REV2UzpApEC24gzL8mt0QF/s400/IMG_0376.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin2Gzv0Z9tvmyxM7nIbC02RnTvWqAk40Ewzt7EtkY8Q51fbbixwFSwHjX6o6qe9ZQZpQ_8q8-xVywq1xcNwwUc4JmQNe3Fh9tyLsOGQ_IdnwU2gPjiEaGPToE6TykurJlEA1dxNzgQaVKH/s1600/IMG_0377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin2Gzv0Z9tvmyxM7nIbC02RnTvWqAk40Ewzt7EtkY8Q51fbbixwFSwHjX6o6qe9ZQZpQ_8q8-xVywq1xcNwwUc4JmQNe3Fh9tyLsOGQ_IdnwU2gPjiEaGPToE6TykurJlEA1dxNzgQaVKH/s400/IMG_0377.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ground school buddies - remember this?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXsQOlh-4eQ7l5sCyJO6z_JI-lNwhXCpZ5W23iUWf3B2wA7CfVnt5D2peNmOhTJLZ99O4GMdAX8qd4jjesf5uqv7XBWYKIoBASNvGTY1asyynpKTbd4hVobbffIfH9bmWjgKGLUnDlxmus/s1600/IMG_0379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXsQOlh-4eQ7l5sCyJO6z_JI-lNwhXCpZ5W23iUWf3B2wA7CfVnt5D2peNmOhTJLZ99O4GMdAX8qd4jjesf5uqv7XBWYKIoBASNvGTY1asyynpKTbd4hVobbffIfH9bmWjgKGLUnDlxmus/s400/IMG_0379.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think this was an ejection seat? I forgot to check...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJzAVcc_DYxtFlW1SGc0ZqMaDcqGfWXfR-fnz_gyO4FGeIKmxrY23G6wr2PtUOo3ptWYCacv4AnKqjd7RT4BBQzoZ-IuEjbcje9U6_7f_RMzXtljLOtO9wZ-LIusCEgD4VL4noyHJK3iL/s1600/IMG_0384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJzAVcc_DYxtFlW1SGc0ZqMaDcqGfWXfR-fnz_gyO4FGeIKmxrY23G6wr2PtUOo3ptWYCacv4AnKqjd7RT4BBQzoZ-IuEjbcje9U6_7f_RMzXtljLOtO9wZ-LIusCEgD4VL4noyHJK3iL/s400/IMG_0384.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First year physics, anyone? </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6r89AXc17AMN5ZDKLYV5MEirLQ3slJHHKDGbGVozX6-5v_OdElHMWSShpyvB8iXwwoFjpW_2utG-zJI8tKtfFjZu7gPOW2zw9OG48osbMNX_Qk-l1wg84-zgn_c2TaxFi8YhyphenhyphenBOJ-ZWct/s1600/IMG_0388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6r89AXc17AMN5ZDKLYV5MEirLQ3slJHHKDGbGVozX6-5v_OdElHMWSShpyvB8iXwwoFjpW_2utG-zJI8tKtfFjZu7gPOW2zw9OG48osbMNX_Qk-l1wg84-zgn_c2TaxFi8YhyphenhyphenBOJ-ZWct/s400/IMG_0388.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-_ENK9JaR-dYpC7SIvAtBCWDDBojG3bDwXaiRqRIKi5VWlBofVLqXVNk2COHzo-6NvwJCSLT7eFBLxSF9fp13QJ0bRiV3Se9fLECc-tD7_gIIRNAq8ncyfnOi3wbfENghLKaaNSR9G-x9/s1600/IMG_0393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-_ENK9JaR-dYpC7SIvAtBCWDDBojG3bDwXaiRqRIKi5VWlBofVLqXVNk2COHzo-6NvwJCSLT7eFBLxSF9fp13QJ0bRiV3Se9fLECc-tD7_gIIRNAq8ncyfnOi3wbfENghLKaaNSR9G-x9/s400/IMG_0393.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvkG-mjqWG_aS3Y85wFGYnvm-7E0ccmQ6Nyc2SiZ7LEVbI9OC8ncZHsyXAWUKsm38SsultjmdTv1Q6dhJp4KfLKsVIoIKPmUziNG-MdGutGw-3Z4Q0GSSpwFgyUqXXTu7AJpfU6mHWTDv/s1600/IMG_0396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvkG-mjqWG_aS3Y85wFGYnvm-7E0ccmQ6Nyc2SiZ7LEVbI9OC8ncZHsyXAWUKsm38SsultjmdTv1Q6dhJp4KfLKsVIoIKPmUziNG-MdGutGw-3Z4Q0GSSpwFgyUqXXTu7AJpfU6mHWTDv/s400/IMG_0396.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Training.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisBaCLBU5N0AsQP1QmNu2v_FuL_pVtK_-6mBtwr22Cdz7Ym1tDfIRMYh7AohsIPcQW98KocBHjnJEHl2ednPlz8GFkd6WYd9AXPrukBJTKtPDKjZLf06vxsIVv3heYkYfniOJ7GX0fX-Kx/s1600/IMG_0398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisBaCLBU5N0AsQP1QmNu2v_FuL_pVtK_-6mBtwr22Cdz7Ym1tDfIRMYh7AohsIPcQW98KocBHjnJEHl2ednPlz8GFkd6WYd9AXPrukBJTKtPDKjZLf06vxsIVv3heYkYfniOJ7GX0fX-Kx/s400/IMG_0398.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqByY-GvBTDo0wbhgeRfiZo3uS5sILSsI3BJQ38xunO1STDYtFFZ6fCHOpHFe9DZFM4RtPQfWi5uDCC0TnHgY_kh6MgbvfEWE57oiGGx03EwOc-vXwtHFu1vxIXYHhLi00bc4GIN4JBLO2/s1600/IMG_0401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqByY-GvBTDo0wbhgeRfiZo3uS5sILSsI3BJQ38xunO1STDYtFFZ6fCHOpHFe9DZFM4RtPQfWi5uDCC0TnHgY_kh6MgbvfEWE57oiGGx03EwOc-vXwtHFu1vxIXYHhLi00bc4GIN4JBLO2/s400/IMG_0401.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9bgvxoo11L1y0gP8SOozRG0EgZDiEnMmboFspmJdND2xlLtRaAAWUVZhSuafi7lbMFKbWiRevWCgZJ_eq0PjTiPG-Pvoj0FC3TsVeQ7jUFl712MBb0RijkbhjKvw9dVj2lVKNsrY_sL-Z/s1600/IMG_0403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9bgvxoo11L1y0gP8SOozRG0EgZDiEnMmboFspmJdND2xlLtRaAAWUVZhSuafi7lbMFKbWiRevWCgZJ_eq0PjTiPG-Pvoj0FC3TsVeQ7jUFl712MBb0RijkbhjKvw9dVj2lVKNsrY_sL-Z/s400/IMG_0403.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmWf36mQ_OOSn6YLHdSPGhs22PmaYpjwZ-cSFhHmmP-_MZevhqHLmv3b86BZx_30Cxx6a2H-SyRsnJ7BRa1hGaBYWvop5N8LPp42A2riT9kUmda1vgmIZKtmbuHzTycWwIoyArchM1bEDi/s1600/IMG_0407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmWf36mQ_OOSn6YLHdSPGhs22PmaYpjwZ-cSFhHmmP-_MZevhqHLmv3b86BZx_30Cxx6a2H-SyRsnJ7BRa1hGaBYWvop5N8LPp42A2riT9kUmda1vgmIZKtmbuHzTycWwIoyArchM1bEDi/s400/IMG_0407.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wind</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgui8_vos7cdqIow8tLDazoK9mSCVvn8ZcjRPGTauLO7QI4xnItKM6YIFEi7SjlWj1J6-morIwiWhyreabIW7pyMV0ZPZfqmBYhyzMYSai5o4LCZBKmobs0WIyzdaBdX2MNsJDk0XhVHD4E/s1600/IMG_0408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgui8_vos7cdqIow8tLDazoK9mSCVvn8ZcjRPGTauLO7QI4xnItKM6YIFEi7SjlWj1J6-morIwiWhyreabIW7pyMV0ZPZfqmBYhyzMYSai5o4LCZBKmobs0WIyzdaBdX2MNsJDk0XhVHD4E/s400/IMG_0408.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdoXs25ptqcC6sGOuqlhfS-J6jUxmqUjM_unhbpOqtkD6L7m5GKjPgXoXQqFPHEpFtGYBqmQPOMSvH6q-R4BzUpR7226nwcwLd3e-c7c4_IJlnGm__eE4dfBnqsVwSvgFVtK77DriALVtt/s1600/IMG_0409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdoXs25ptqcC6sGOuqlhfS-J6jUxmqUjM_unhbpOqtkD6L7m5GKjPgXoXQqFPHEpFtGYBqmQPOMSvH6q-R4BzUpR7226nwcwLd3e-c7c4_IJlnGm__eE4dfBnqsVwSvgFVtK77DriALVtt/s400/IMG_0409.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I eventually realized that I couldn't stay at that museum all night, so I decided to brave the wind again and continue moving West. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHF_1l-H-Pnm5elDUwvMe_uoqWHfNtBViTUKbXpN_jtrRLeCAqXIHdekIXZnUvBB2ItpLF1VI2896IVXZaQFxyRGlc2ScX0WgQDCMZ_4icP1PZUZ655l8dH0ooxIlv9k47surhksR3W7t/s1600/IMG_0412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHF_1l-H-Pnm5elDUwvMe_uoqWHfNtBViTUKbXpN_jtrRLeCAqXIHdekIXZnUvBB2ItpLF1VI2896IVXZaQFxyRGlc2ScX0WgQDCMZ_4icP1PZUZ655l8dH0ooxIlv9k47surhksR3W7t/s400/IMG_0412.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Terawatts of power today!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
About a mile off in the distance I saw a bit of smoke starting to rise. I figured it was some kind of fire, and I knew it would soon be out of control with these winds. So naturally I rushed toward it to see what was going on (I was upwind at the time, and headed that way anyway). About a minute later, it was huge. An entire field (possibly a cemetary!) was on fire, and the smoke had filled the town like a dense fog. I got these photos of the early stages before my camera died.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM3JYL6zilzKEYhFspufbcgHXjB31JeE0K-y-aWxfgqpe15RkifUo3hh9sBpgRqgpJziDGSloTHY5Jjmr9qY1zV9s9c4jSut8SQhVjaW_rTFEMC37T-aVKp3ucg4TnVl7fwjAvMbNxpiyF/s1600/IMG_0417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM3JYL6zilzKEYhFspufbcgHXjB31JeE0K-y-aWxfgqpe15RkifUo3hh9sBpgRqgpJziDGSloTHY5Jjmr9qY1zV9s9c4jSut8SQhVjaW_rTFEMC37T-aVKp3ucg4TnVl7fwjAvMbNxpiyF/s400/IMG_0417.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Field on fire - church steeple in background. Fire had just started here.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpcws2Ou21fCXMewCDIPm3524RjfMFadu4R-UbOQFHc2ukmR7wpStp-ZP1_MqXFTxhRnj9QgGQUIVSRHB50g6O643sX_duSZF2JQqrGaCEIIYnuQFTNC5pISScpLyXfO5iXM3vRhkH8k4B/s1600/IMG_0418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpcws2Ou21fCXMewCDIPm3524RjfMFadu4R-UbOQFHc2ukmR7wpStp-ZP1_MqXFTxhRnj9QgGQUIVSRHB50g6O643sX_duSZF2JQqrGaCEIIYnuQFTNC5pISScpLyXfO5iXM3vRhkH8k4B/s400/IMG_0418.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flames starting to nip at houses across the street. Police evacuating people I think. Chris! You're up, dude!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I eventually came into Clinton, Oklahoma, and decided to check out the Route 66 Museum:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWRqeqQg3ZobGHOFmIrbHhegIh9q0TXWVPz_01mZrUFkZ3afaiTMMZ_xi4mjTVOecg4jd9-F9LKBoAWNwpiJtjVWSbQ9ShTuWVJpjE4lK6HtpAfB4SjSQkh52C__FMgwAWr_BJTFmGxxJe/s1600/IMG_0420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWRqeqQg3ZobGHOFmIrbHhegIh9q0TXWVPz_01mZrUFkZ3afaiTMMZ_xi4mjTVOecg4jd9-F9LKBoAWNwpiJtjVWSbQ9ShTuWVJpjE4lK6HtpAfB4SjSQkh52C__FMgwAWr_BJTFmGxxJe/s400/IMG_0420.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsJdgoIwTHVqIcFvAhKZC9uoveWsQI4ikBAFdGBNTBxoGdwQXamO9JQ15iUe9Be2B32EnmXjOBRHUfD5KIyqPTThexitswGpo_dRZknY75G5_b7u7aVIL_sBFyL5WVdSUquYrYONSDIQy/s1600/IMG_0421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsJdgoIwTHVqIcFvAhKZC9uoveWsQI4ikBAFdGBNTBxoGdwQXamO9JQ15iUe9Be2B32EnmXjOBRHUfD5KIyqPTThexitswGpo_dRZknY75G5_b7u7aVIL_sBFyL5WVdSUquYrYONSDIQy/s400/IMG_0421.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEholBH_pZ302OVUmKyHX5hSmA0GRh8T4Fb6T5lDNXdgY2V9TLbgwBicwzktJ2Y-5ZvkKxfVNK7tjFVMC-ypEh5oAT8GuUJ1y098dvLE3VZnpv0VIFzOLrn98tV04ZmpKlaAz88OZbNEQOCU/s1600/IMG_0423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEholBH_pZ302OVUmKyHX5hSmA0GRh8T4Fb6T5lDNXdgY2V9TLbgwBicwzktJ2Y-5ZvkKxfVNK7tjFVMC-ypEh5oAT8GuUJ1y098dvLE3VZnpv0VIFzOLrn98tV04ZmpKlaAz88OZbNEQOCU/s400/IMG_0423.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAMZBxLqkdGmd-NkUNUTiWcdQnvG1sUks1vAww6F6o82oitRx8zrDefRg0gpgIve8rv0Mly6KDqQDBfa7P9U9peVIClZGAbqp6mJSTLXa4TUikYs-nv_ebvYmXogDys8kwiVTgfoWe0K0p/s1600/IMG_0424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAMZBxLqkdGmd-NkUNUTiWcdQnvG1sUks1vAww6F6o82oitRx8zrDefRg0gpgIve8rv0Mly6KDqQDBfa7P9U9peVIClZGAbqp6mJSTLXa4TUikYs-nv_ebvYmXogDys8kwiVTgfoWe0K0p/s400/IMG_0424.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_w4kla8FI0LDh8PbQj8qlb6LoRmcwyl2U9AdXNwqWqRNnhJVCgjkTy-QxZ13hqHZp0Mt-iI0HCrK_wAH-t9knJPS0_UMIys6K6T-wtmYE-t5m0jeiUktWhXg4vVcangu4ZEqDA0CadTbs/s1600/IMG_0425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_w4kla8FI0LDh8PbQj8qlb6LoRmcwyl2U9AdXNwqWqRNnhJVCgjkTy-QxZ13hqHZp0Mt-iI0HCrK_wAH-t9knJPS0_UMIys6K6T-wtmYE-t5m0jeiUktWhXg4vVcangu4ZEqDA0CadTbs/s400/IMG_0425.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp_3qmr9IHmopdSsijvG34qWjlHKwC_nKb8wR4m_VwpFloyLw2Ya8gvptFAwcW1LaJDJWiFkqtttt6jokxl9hvM87KgEjtBkyOPbZydJX5Wa88MsJ2vcQaT_ohdJn2_5qsYSqtBvcoqXr3/s1600/IMG_0428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp_3qmr9IHmopdSsijvG34qWjlHKwC_nKb8wR4m_VwpFloyLw2Ya8gvptFAwcW1LaJDJWiFkqtttt6jokxl9hvM87KgEjtBkyOPbZydJX5Wa88MsJ2vcQaT_ohdJn2_5qsYSqtBvcoqXr3/s400/IMG_0428.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My route puts this one to SHAME!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_GoVu7afbdpinmgUmReOIkCDDxIIuhu5ipcQegOD2dioMQK1RnSexskLf8gum64jyBxfCzC_uWYxynZYTJjSibOGVfTWT286G3u3ur_UdFO4GwDC7stXIssfyL2JQikE7Dje0K3weGROC/s1600/IMG_0432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_GoVu7afbdpinmgUmReOIkCDDxIIuhu5ipcQegOD2dioMQK1RnSexskLf8gum64jyBxfCzC_uWYxynZYTJjSibOGVfTWT286G3u3ur_UdFO4GwDC7stXIssfyL2JQikE7Dje0K3weGROC/s400/IMG_0432.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">By the time I left the museum, it was around 5:30 or so, and I was tired of white knucle riding. These were the strongest winds I'd ever ridden in (and possibly ever been in). I'd believe it if they said 70 mph! If I carried on, I'd have quite a lot of distance to the next town, which would be hours if riding at 40km/h. I decided it would be foolish to press on, and just as foolish to try and camp tonight, so I looked for a motel. Everything was expensive, so I checked into the Relax Inn ($28.95). You get what you pay for. I'm going to use my sleeping bag and sleep on top of the bed tonight... It really is grimey here...</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I went to the chinese buffet across the street and ate about 3lbs of MSG, then came back to write my post.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I really liked Oklahoma - it was friendly, interesting, and nice. But I'm getting sick of it. Storms, wind, and not being able to ride half the time. Being forced to get motels instead of camp.... Speaking of storms, the rain/hail storm I got stuck in yesterday turned into a tornado later in the day, and another tornado further south (not near me) turned fatal, and ruined a town. There was also a tornado in the one town I passed through. Glad to be out of that portion of Oklahoma!</span></span>Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15050571834380139105noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554850068174174643.post-68474639335060678092011-04-15T01:20:00.002-04:002011-04-15T01:27:42.595-04:00Wal-Mart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5natSoidqVVjDsnztyqKvHC-fWUC4Xvo6w47eRwuuDEgFuHkBDl2PKkFq24P5Kwe88f7udY6O7uYTYc3Jsi2j5F4mnBl2bpJzh3ItJmh22oeJX00I0Ckx7S52v6mCeyHlHnlb4yONJTBA/s1600/2011-04-12+19.36.11-733002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595675954767077346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5natSoidqVVjDsnztyqKvHC-fWUC4Xvo6w47eRwuuDEgFuHkBDl2PKkFq24P5Kwe88f7udY6O7uYTYc3Jsi2j5F4mnBl2bpJzh3ItJmh22oeJX00I0Ckx7S52v6mCeyHlHnlb4yONJTBA/s400/2011-04-12+19.36.11-733002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"></div>For all my Canadian peeps:<br />
Your friendly neighbourhood superstore. For $150, you can own a shotgun or rifle. All the Wal-Mart's are like this - I think its safe to assume everyone here has at least 4 guns on them at all times.Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15050571834380139105noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554850068174174643.post-11458455451956630182011-04-15T00:48:00.001-04:002011-04-15T01:26:25.317-04:00Oklahoma and Route 66From: Tenkiller State Park, OK<br />
To: Oklahoma City, OK<br />
Mileage: About 485kms<br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>*** Let me just start off by saying this: Keep posting comments! I read every single comment that gets posted, even if I don't get to reply to them. So keep them up! </b>Also, I apologize for the lousy photo quality on some of these. I don't get to touch them up with any software, and I usually don't even take off my gloves or leave the bike to that the picture, so the composition is also off. ***<br />
<br />
Anyway, I packed up camp this morning, ate a Clif bar, and cleaned up in a grimey camp washroom. I hit the road, and decided to head north so I could ride part of the old Route 66. I didn't realize that it was 250kms out of the way. On the way there, I came across this plane, and decided to take a snap shot. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_IYK9FTy4iEJXiKl-zod7fuKQzGz8OiFOHfLaebxz-pHsEPEhBOTBc1FzA6W7mkfbn9YhwsUHtxKQzHPnvzkJSpUAFbqflsGvzvolanS20hf10I_55ZA17UypWE8gFkBk8KPzAyw-SXk/s1600/IMG_0303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_IYK9FTy4iEJXiKl-zod7fuKQzGz8OiFOHfLaebxz-pHsEPEhBOTBc1FzA6W7mkfbn9YhwsUHtxKQzHPnvzkJSpUAFbqflsGvzvolanS20hf10I_55ZA17UypWE8gFkBk8KPzAyw-SXk/s400/IMG_0303.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I didn't realize that the detour I was taking was 250kms due north, way out of the way. I headed north on route 64 until I met up with route 66. On the way there, I got stung! I had my jacket zipped up, and my bandana keeping my neck covered from the sun/debris, but somehow a bee managed to target the soft unexposed part. He must have hit me at 100 miles an hour with his stinger pointed directly at me. At first it hurt as though I'd been hit by a small rock. Then it started stinging like hell! So I quickly pulled over, making sure not to freak out and take my hands off the bars (which was hard not to do). I pulled off and noticed the stinger still in there:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qfF8m94BHZ7ldMyIW7S6b24ep2RaDeOgVU61nrgJeM8wT9nbzQXns_irBVnkZEnlqexE3b-Hg-_zgOIxOI1kc9PN0nT0u0KQzQPq6NHLEvl7eDlICKccsmqPqPQAgVnrTv_ixJlSEnBi/s1600/IMG_0305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qfF8m94BHZ7ldMyIW7S6b24ep2RaDeOgVU61nrgJeM8wT9nbzQXns_irBVnkZEnlqexE3b-Hg-_zgOIxOI1kc9PN0nT0u0KQzQPq6NHLEvl7eDlICKccsmqPqPQAgVnrTv_ixJlSEnBi/s400/IMG_0305.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stinger in me</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZpNwtq5DsgvYVoKJb0-4VKG8TwmdnBAqPvFkLP-K-rxxxhMjY1marQTHL9Wd6RI8PRZ0z8vj5WRKVdA6GTWqqLvQ8omsvcoBDp4eNvmCAe5mNPe41vee2X1KfgNq9N781LiTAnChM6v_/s1600/IMG_0306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZpNwtq5DsgvYVoKJb0-4VKG8TwmdnBAqPvFkLP-K-rxxxhMjY1marQTHL9Wd6RI8PRZ0z8vj5WRKVdA6GTWqqLvQ8omsvcoBDp4eNvmCAe5mNPe41vee2X1KfgNq9N781LiTAnChM6v_/s400/IMG_0306.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stinger</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmuh43BYVg6TfcSmT7sOOyIfA_HSPaqEbYVBMMqZ303t9YT6idW8zfM_TXxDw1HZQGw7q763pVfDk8UqffF5197C6_qE8igMVeIyIUYWBcaU5G06wF7XN6lh1K5ZRC3Lz2Ly5RPddF_4L/s1600/IMG_0311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmuh43BYVg6TfcSmT7sOOyIfA_HSPaqEbYVBMMqZ303t9YT6idW8zfM_TXxDw1HZQGw7q763pVfDk8UqffF5197C6_qE8igMVeIyIUYWBcaU5G06wF7XN6lh1K5ZRC3Lz2Ly5RPddF_4L/s400/IMG_0311.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The immediate swelling. I forgot to check a little later to see if it got worse</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I was just about to get back on the road when I felt something moving inside my shirt.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCe5FshyphenhyphengVPaXued5UBHmMxDccu6MOfrkD_gNc1sy-yd_Gc9DXcoSkk4RH-eZLMF4QkRug5utD0Y-QJE2FvRprcsBgvwf5cX7nhqf-6lfj3yz4wS6eoXtFwrKwoffpnDRWa2CORZ0sue6/s1600/IMG_0312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCe5FshyphenhyphengVPaXued5UBHmMxDccu6MOfrkD_gNc1sy-yd_Gc9DXcoSkk4RH-eZLMF4QkRug5utD0Y-QJE2FvRprcsBgvwf5cX7nhqf-6lfj3yz4wS6eoXtFwrKwoffpnDRWa2CORZ0sue6/s320/IMG_0312.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZmGR7_zgMQVV_9Op5MDhmcxz2-D7iLS26-PpB1b5XnBzDsRfj4A20FWtSIAvucRdowF3rPI1Z0WrhhDMkDxBvdIW3mryQJaoQsqCpr5Mru3gySebu22sgOx9R3WYacAHmaI3zvSjWoflK/s1600/IMG_0315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZmGR7_zgMQVV_9Op5MDhmcxz2-D7iLS26-PpB1b5XnBzDsRfj4A20FWtSIAvucRdowF3rPI1Z0WrhhDMkDxBvdIW3mryQJaoQsqCpr5Mru3gySebu22sgOx9R3WYacAHmaI3zvSjWoflK/s320/IMG_0315.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Eventually, I reached the 64/66 junction, and I took route 66 west. That was kind of cool - I rode on the longest remaining stretch of the old route 66. I stayed on 66 most of the way until Oklahoma. I stopped to take photos of the blue whale and Arrowood trading post (old attractions)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdWGzfPmHxcLcl1dlWhYObyJHsDEtbcJ3kbBZyj6mj4mc4u0xRU2UGvbr3gCmPclAWSG9a3oYPAA_uG98wPQwAmJlKoe6LwNLDJsroHCkGL0HkfS8NFbxY0eZWZmxwUu8Z7MtCjK8sRpjV/s1600/IMG_0316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdWGzfPmHxcLcl1dlWhYObyJHsDEtbcJ3kbBZyj6mj4mc4u0xRU2UGvbr3gCmPclAWSG9a3oYPAA_uG98wPQwAmJlKoe6LwNLDJsroHCkGL0HkfS8NFbxY0eZWZmxwUu8Z7MtCjK8sRpjV/s400/IMG_0316.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZISFeT28ExvRXJlAQQ88qTmO0Zkd7mByBgS_hK4NzPhDeByvBiwcPfgQBT9F8xUtH5xAKnssz0wzYPnR7MiYP9X5Vf9A_rPB89_qxPS4QZ77t6K2a18BnFyIFw2FXA-yZR-f91SFlPiKY/s1600/IMG_0317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZISFeT28ExvRXJlAQQ88qTmO0Zkd7mByBgS_hK4NzPhDeByvBiwcPfgQBT9F8xUtH5xAKnssz0wzYPnR7MiYP9X5Vf9A_rPB89_qxPS4QZ77t6K2a18BnFyIFw2FXA-yZR-f91SFlPiKY/s400/IMG_0317.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSHF-FbTZzPsjq-vvrqK1D9436O-STePk7DxKoEqH13PiZbfEBzvG2X7R-FbLWUBwmTKT-oSW4P_5ZYoExH29MeJb_-UhRv28UVGwE3T2bW9dn-yAdQbfbIAD3-TU15xY66wg3wTfTtiNM/s1600/IMG_0319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSHF-FbTZzPsjq-vvrqK1D9436O-STePk7DxKoEqH13PiZbfEBzvG2X7R-FbLWUBwmTKT-oSW4P_5ZYoExH29MeJb_-UhRv28UVGwE3T2bW9dn-yAdQbfbIAD3-TU15xY66wg3wTfTtiNM/s400/IMG_0319.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8yhQQXiHkNqjei1vieYahz_6k1M7S3JYmAae1QuGO30C7cn4udXYWJcdfofryPTbYkblwsN-LZE99udUXUBXVObc2P4hU8Ao7IcyZlkwawlRjR93EjMqvR76tuSGAPRsFOMpVGa_KFvBb/s1600/IMG_0320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8yhQQXiHkNqjei1vieYahz_6k1M7S3JYmAae1QuGO30C7cn4udXYWJcdfofryPTbYkblwsN-LZE99udUXUBXVObc2P4hU8Ao7IcyZlkwawlRjR93EjMqvR76tuSGAPRsFOMpVGa_KFvBb/s400/IMG_0320.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the tail</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-48dax0kVxXYfmdooNWWDDZne8-UkU5TDhlFCIWHCoaBnsqb3kWe1z_pDv_N9H8hGMZdvOtJ0fXrCh-W4T-omcsHq5oolZpfTlw-VVfXHrmuhUD5eHTQZzNNRl8xyszYiA1qFIwwk9iss/s1600/IMG_0321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-48dax0kVxXYfmdooNWWDDZne8-UkU5TDhlFCIWHCoaBnsqb3kWe1z_pDv_N9H8hGMZdvOtJ0fXrCh-W4T-omcsHq5oolZpfTlw-VVfXHrmuhUD5eHTQZzNNRl8xyszYiA1qFIwwk9iss/s400/IMG_0321.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thought I was going to break through some of these old planks</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIkUrELUqU7TKr23oJ9CrSllnD7TG4l-nNb5-OeGWgHBnPB_AKCS_olQ3DwC4lhaFt9siZm4ZJXpZg4GSa_CHpz1kwujU3yYyHfRKPudH0ScSJJS9-uFTpdkaj2_bPM3Lv-5e6cpW0Y0Ge/s1600/IMG_0322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIkUrELUqU7TKr23oJ9CrSllnD7TG4l-nNb5-OeGWgHBnPB_AKCS_olQ3DwC4lhaFt9siZm4ZJXpZg4GSa_CHpz1kwujU3yYyHfRKPudH0ScSJJS9-uFTpdkaj2_bPM3Lv-5e6cpW0Y0Ge/s400/IMG_0322.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Belly of the whale</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTkJtRENJIYWHuC7rd4ieZb8tEWGB1mNIwIZkp2O2tafCoxLRxNZo3XtiiVznUtfd8JgVyQK-wcvYWuKJyvukfvHDYN-OVbuIYazLGfCXKhUPJYs0lllsaWYtvMe0O9sTPpBQgPPaXF_qm/s1600/IMG_0323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTkJtRENJIYWHuC7rd4ieZb8tEWGB1mNIwIZkp2O2tafCoxLRxNZo3XtiiVznUtfd8JgVyQK-wcvYWuKJyvukfvHDYN-OVbuIYazLGfCXKhUPJYs0lllsaWYtvMe0O9sTPpBQgPPaXF_qm/s400/IMG_0323.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Belly, second floor. So... brain?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgldjD1oJJk8ENyKVu5gMOnIV-A0tPb77Q1nTCbHDbDtqB4_GI75jH5fKr14PwvbLCM-v0jAL1gx_TzAfmeV1V65IRb1F3UJv6EwApz4ZfXrRvuCtSYIyrYmnw2km-uDbdfxoNBAYFm87gu/s1600/IMG_0326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgldjD1oJJk8ENyKVu5gMOnIV-A0tPb77Q1nTCbHDbDtqB4_GI75jH5fKr14PwvbLCM-v0jAL1gx_TzAfmeV1V65IRb1F3UJv6EwApz4ZfXrRvuCtSYIyrYmnw2km-uDbdfxoNBAYFm87gu/s400/IMG_0326.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Across the road from the whale</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGOdBG2hcss5Db3yXG6-EROX2pFC_anB8mAn3jPgC-OqMdxHyzh5FZUDy3Kyka2-HU_OXEF5QmON7Npb3hhq_U-j5kZNbdUrlC0DKi6ztzNeUNhjmOTTggzWqynP58onuHL7fSh4ar4cKd/s1600/IMG_0329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGOdBG2hcss5Db3yXG6-EROX2pFC_anB8mAn3jPgC-OqMdxHyzh5FZUDy3Kyka2-HU_OXEF5QmON7Npb3hhq_U-j5kZNbdUrlC0DKi6ztzNeUNhjmOTTggzWqynP58onuHL7fSh4ar4cKd/s400/IMG_0329.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
I took 66 most of the way to Oklahoma City because I didn't want to pay to take the turnpike (toll). Instead, the 66 was a nice easy ride, and wasn't too slow. Then all of a sudden, right as I was entering Chandler, OK, I was hit by a mongontuous storm which I think produced a tornado later in the day. There was pea sized hail (or maybe marble sized) that was coming down too. I snapped these soggy photos of the old Phillips 66 filling station (Phillips 66 is now a big chain of gas stations - I think this was the original?)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi_cCbn7m2JMEmudPKOUUp-pP5asZ01tX1NIWBuhQ_cu7cHY6mR8-XA1PFGFcH-eTiwzeszrcf0vfHtVEi8RrQrk8kfoaOTTgkVpX-FLOuRVAzkIlxc9hDcZ2G29mhSlbOQBeExFWr7i7f/s1600/IMG_0330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi_cCbn7m2JMEmudPKOUUp-pP5asZ01tX1NIWBuhQ_cu7cHY6mR8-XA1PFGFcH-eTiwzeszrcf0vfHtVEi8RrQrk8kfoaOTTgkVpX-FLOuRVAzkIlxc9hDcZ2G29mhSlbOQBeExFWr7i7f/s400/IMG_0330.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix4PzFnlOhXJCttX2cpTH5Qh1kfRwyhaScC9TqU5JMfQZpVsi79gWJYx8vtsv-2WERLpUTyuyEU_unrHamehDTmBEgp1PlPlKb3JV2WNgIX9ZuXW0LLuf7YrQxDAJ-pShn4FlGeEHSs1u2/s1600/IMG_0332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix4PzFnlOhXJCttX2cpTH5Qh1kfRwyhaScC9TqU5JMfQZpVsi79gWJYx8vtsv-2WERLpUTyuyEU_unrHamehDTmBEgp1PlPlKb3JV2WNgIX9ZuXW0LLuf7YrQxDAJ-pShn4FlGeEHSs1u2/s400/IMG_0332.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv_k1c34DhK4xoFFtaUB8TM2FB5glaJsR6Id6INNKeClQK64Ka53_D7YGiTK47QHjDZd4Is0LKPs-lgjDh7rCzpJxW1U9IBHuCl4DTF9jnSJbU1FCDfPGj27w7XijkzuXQ45YJOuUXDv-9/s1600/IMG_0333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv_k1c34DhK4xoFFtaUB8TM2FB5glaJsR6Id6INNKeClQK64Ka53_D7YGiTK47QHjDZd4Is0LKPs-lgjDh7rCzpJxW1U9IBHuCl4DTF9jnSJbU1FCDfPGj27w7XijkzuXQ45YJOuUXDv-9/s400/IMG_0333.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Luckily, I had pulled over to throw the rain covers on everything when I saw the clouds - so nothing TOO wet, although my saddle bags seem to leak whenever they get wet. I pulled out of the storm at an Econolodge, and got set up to take a room for the night. Then I looked outside, and the sun was shining. To be safe, I checked the weather, and sure enough, the storm was moving away from me. So I paid the toll, jumped on the turnpike, and booked it toward Oklahoma city. Half way there, I came upon gridlock. I could see and smell smoke in the distance, and it was bad enough that I threaded some traffic until I got into the shade of a big truck, stopped the engine, took off my helmet, and got off the bike. I chatted with the guy in the car behind me for a bit until traffic started moving again (slowly). Here are my pictures from when I was stopped:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIk4hAE92Zkb-RwqlVvslmrr2qzYB-b7u3ba4GllTxgWXbPj05JWolC5eqpkS5P5ePmrTJBFxBBs5DVRnrk9KKbBnWzimOhoX1VmTiGRMEtyMohEN3zVhqem2l0I5dVRXBye8hbK16tFh-/s1600/IMG_0334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIk4hAE92Zkb-RwqlVvslmrr2qzYB-b7u3ba4GllTxgWXbPj05JWolC5eqpkS5P5ePmrTJBFxBBs5DVRnrk9KKbBnWzimOhoX1VmTiGRMEtyMohEN3zVhqem2l0I5dVRXBye8hbK16tFh-/s400/IMG_0334.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVyGoWgCuxEW2KejGTxMlyM2X4gV6IwCu0yGN6t_aqt1CL44De2OFJowWJhtSBXEMA3AEbDtZMSe0yhfm9WXyklsLC337GVoWksD_cu375pHuTAXPesDw-QwaXToZMm6aB4Zzlu-AoUUEc/s1600/IMG_0335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVyGoWgCuxEW2KejGTxMlyM2X4gV6IwCu0yGN6t_aqt1CL44De2OFJowWJhtSBXEMA3AEbDtZMSe0yhfm9WXyklsLC337GVoWksD_cu375pHuTAXPesDw-QwaXToZMm6aB4Zzlu-AoUUEc/s400/IMG_0335.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wall of smoke</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioWRxl_lBimWTa53xJvfJlTyWMZv2xh6AKKjqDObMenfIZj6bpMocJcnzbN3tlUmAEk2sjOPNjG0-M-sCbNrRvXMGaKiv3UlcuZXedkAKjqgGWO4OkbMjv1AHFIB5qP8sqz3EkAk1WUoI9/s1600/IMG_0341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioWRxl_lBimWTa53xJvfJlTyWMZv2xh6AKKjqDObMenfIZj6bpMocJcnzbN3tlUmAEk2sjOPNjG0-M-sCbNrRvXMGaKiv3UlcuZXedkAKjqgGWO4OkbMjv1AHFIB5qP8sqz3EkAk1WUoI9/s400/IMG_0341.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Worsening</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPAVcGSE08elU9loDgZn-bo1JzIK5mr0pm9LkLDbBCg93N1FsElBYfFenTRDGfwxUzeWIqAf2p5udw3spIE4d2YYWONgKDNNp9YZN2Y9oi1H1buDk-jQq38SBscHBu6REPSl9AHziyBfDO/s1600/IMG_0343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPAVcGSE08elU9loDgZn-bo1JzIK5mr0pm9LkLDbBCg93N1FsElBYfFenTRDGfwxUzeWIqAf2p5udw3spIE4d2YYWONgKDNNp9YZN2Y9oi1H1buDk-jQq38SBscHBu6REPSl9AHziyBfDO/s400/IMG_0343.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjlHjq8Qz5RfTaC_kk02sdwv9PF1f7Gkr0Ol-6N8bK10fbu4IrnrAnNSYG5dCmKTVgOv-82M_6_5FahhU1OHc8E1qHCCbBpJXCGapkCsq0kCAreN4MozRNGA1yrkkmvrfjkzl6wBarCrpP/s1600/IMG_0336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjlHjq8Qz5RfTaC_kk02sdwv9PF1f7Gkr0Ol-6N8bK10fbu4IrnrAnNSYG5dCmKTVgOv-82M_6_5FahhU1OHc8E1qHCCbBpJXCGapkCsq0kCAreN4MozRNGA1yrkkmvrfjkzl6wBarCrpP/s400/IMG_0336.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I just found this to be a nice sight...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Turns out there was a truck (18 wheeler) that had caught on fire. By the time I got past it, the entire thing was burned to a crisp - all that was left was the steel frame! I guess the fire was hot enough that it ignited the surrounding brush and trees. Entire hills worth of grass, bush, and trees were burning when I passed. Wish I'd managed to get photos somehow.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I stopped in Oklahoma city to gas up, and decided I was tired. I checked into the Super 8 in Oklahoma city, did some laundry, had some dinner, and wrote these posts. I've discovered that they're really time consuming. I may hvae to start shortening them :SGranthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15050571834380139105noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554850068174174643.post-92154215360012071842011-04-13T22:39:00.002-04:002011-04-15T00:51:42.971-04:00ArkansasFrom: Forrest City, AR<br />
To: Tenkiller State Park, OK<br />
Mileage: About 485kms<br />
<br />
Today was an uneventful day. The motel didn't give me the wake up call I requested, and I woke up much later than usualy. I missed the breakfast I'd used to justify spending money on a motel over a campsite, and I was annoyed at the motel. So I started off cranky. I checked the tire pressure, and lubed the chain, and set off. I stuck on the interstate most of the way, and didn't do or see very much, not that I could:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9AEW1TFh5dTUjCtCDbx-UnCBJgV7YXeWRFnPDpq9MaG7UYWvJgI35vEzSheNodN09PZbBqW2fakbWqfKsd_04wCvgNWHcbQ9Vuzxd9r0tIVnV3y-IvlfFvYiy7bgyFCDphsThsXwsC0e/s1600/IMG_0249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9AEW1TFh5dTUjCtCDbx-UnCBJgV7YXeWRFnPDpq9MaG7UYWvJgI35vEzSheNodN09PZbBqW2fakbWqfKsd_04wCvgNWHcbQ9Vuzxd9r0tIVnV3y-IvlfFvYiy7bgyFCDphsThsXwsC0e/s400/IMG_0249.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Eventually, I had to get some gas, so I pulled off and filled up in London, Arkansas. Immediately after pulling off the interstate, I was struck with how pretty the landscape was. Mountains (well, hills really), lakes, rivers, etc. None of which is visible from the interstate! I spoke to a biker at the pump who said I could ride route 64 which runs parallel to the interstate for a while. So I did. It was a nice, smooth, fun ride, though nothing too special. I did, however, see this demolished old brick house:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg06_36Re-ETyQSRczOzHviKiV0-vnKiHK3SgKkY4MO75Y9yv5DuQ8HKG6_kZMvYvB6XmDCsFTl-jgH5ZLs1pBP_YPo4y-MKOiNWnqVnrcJfQOO5SxUE6ge22fhDFBe2fB7kOmv62wu10M5/s1600/IMG_0264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg06_36Re-ETyQSRczOzHviKiV0-vnKiHK3SgKkY4MO75Y9yv5DuQ8HKG6_kZMvYvB6XmDCsFTl-jgH5ZLs1pBP_YPo4y-MKOiNWnqVnrcJfQOO5SxUE6ge22fhDFBe2fB7kOmv62wu10M5/s400/IMG_0264.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbrjnB6r6LlTYDQPdAdPTG75Jn1lXJGAiSGmJdNzZ0BHwRWv8BOZPX6pZd2GutFrv9Fo8umsDeyZHImiRfzXVgBkiUkXmzl8kiDGK6A3CU3txDFO-hsUs1GkbMyIzm0OOvbBJvNQsrSn1/s1600/IMG_0266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbrjnB6r6LlTYDQPdAdPTG75Jn1lXJGAiSGmJdNzZ0BHwRWv8BOZPX6pZd2GutFrv9Fo8umsDeyZHImiRfzXVgBkiUkXmzl8kiDGK6A3CU3txDFO-hsUs1GkbMyIzm0OOvbBJvNQsrSn1/s400/IMG_0266.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4RbVoMkFyHPsloDipbzI1jgcBChgzKFtr5aWfJXxGDK9srwvkRK1FTZUTf1QroE1yzUTgesF7tH8Qt3GsoWoSCfm2ldMILVBrXNSXFE6FPLtPQzEC7by6YS6AttJzdLIYLqs5qBU6htnL/s1600/IMG_0267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4RbVoMkFyHPsloDipbzI1jgcBChgzKFtr5aWfJXxGDK9srwvkRK1FTZUTf1QroE1yzUTgesF7tH8Qt3GsoWoSCfm2ldMILVBrXNSXFE6FPLtPQzEC7by6YS6AttJzdLIYLqs5qBU6htnL/s400/IMG_0267.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixTnfLBaRXO5Dn9khvillSq5N1IhbDSaqHvsVUHcH5qGS2tsNhf7FvCEqza0ELPptuDy-mQH_aswc786FtC7v3oJP1zumdKoK9W6ScB8r-3Uv62CT_wXzilJ9BpfITmYZQ6AXuojDB9od1/s1600/IMG_0272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixTnfLBaRXO5Dn9khvillSq5N1IhbDSaqHvsVUHcH5qGS2tsNhf7FvCEqza0ELPptuDy-mQH_aswc786FtC7v3oJP1zumdKoK9W6ScB8r-3Uv62CT_wXzilJ9BpfITmYZQ6AXuojDB9od1/s400/IMG_0272.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I really like western Arkansas. Eastern Arkansas is terribly boring and flat. Nothing to look at, nowhere to turn. Western Arkansas is nice - a bit of landscape, some towns, lots of lakes, etc.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh199JFW_UobSJaMwaalUymVCq4FaCadqhziOHB1UnyOQckrWr84oq4Q5TeWzAFBhmBjfP1sKfiKK2oaV2KlgwDZ28v-iaMthe3V5YCeEoBR-O95W85XIacgfk9NE7NgCaipd1OSeumD0Dq/s1600/IMG_0255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh199JFW_UobSJaMwaalUymVCq4FaCadqhziOHB1UnyOQckrWr84oq4Q5TeWzAFBhmBjfP1sKfiKK2oaV2KlgwDZ28v-iaMthe3V5YCeEoBR-O95W85XIacgfk9NE7NgCaipd1OSeumD0Dq/s400/IMG_0255.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPm0hbwWUV4IFyRM9NZZ2zYiv_24B8A7xNprYUThIuXOQ5zdANtxGamF-nMk2p93b_C8aCieaHaBCx9AIix5w84qdTqUeqz1wzMOaAYh-RF40_uwXzc106cF1ihT3W5Xo9VcVJEoGR5Nbw/s1600/IMG_0258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPm0hbwWUV4IFyRM9NZZ2zYiv_24B8A7xNprYUThIuXOQ5zdANtxGamF-nMk2p93b_C8aCieaHaBCx9AIix5w84qdTqUeqz1wzMOaAYh-RF40_uwXzc106cF1ihT3W5Xo9VcVJEoGR5Nbw/s400/IMG_0258.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aaah, nature.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRslDHpKo0JK8zYMpcidYmMo8LAUnsFG6XBE04Gq_3CUsAKeDOBul71t2ziVhyMxf_wvphMS-6dPwdgy5GBVAcPxAV-_eG_GiFMzE0In6YzJx7mGH3I0BdZqPfI80J3sMqWO2c027jjPD5/s1600/IMG_0260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRslDHpKo0JK8zYMpcidYmMo8LAUnsFG6XBE04Gq_3CUsAKeDOBul71t2ziVhyMxf_wvphMS-6dPwdgy5GBVAcPxAV-_eG_GiFMzE0In6YzJx7mGH3I0BdZqPfI80J3sMqWO2c027jjPD5/s400/IMG_0260.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ZtE1h9s4bt2_Clr_DFZnYHkZ0YQ9vZnBCcuSknu1_iDwUK1Z6I6LSHfJrOEttzRlqYPsHWrhVUxcQ0tkuQTOgZgbLVUr2DA_GHLYhwRzslS8jgOTxGyZ3Ko7hI5N5fCw9DfwGNl9MP4D/s1600/IMG_0261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ZtE1h9s4bt2_Clr_DFZnYHkZ0YQ9vZnBCcuSknu1_iDwUK1Z6I6LSHfJrOEttzRlqYPsHWrhVUxcQ0tkuQTOgZgbLVUr2DA_GHLYhwRzslS8jgOTxGyZ3Ko7hI5N5fCw9DfwGNl9MP4D/s400/IMG_0261.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvRo_z2lo4ftLW0ay7F6ehr_PSH-L7fIgikceVm1Bv26Z3ShLWqL1H07bLyEltaTmYa0zmuD_rerI2BjRAZhBwZV8cpJnofelczz90UhXAcmHY2VjzVGiYXrxGsznRfwE3qfNCLVOZNxh-/s1600/IMG_0262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvRo_z2lo4ftLW0ay7F6ehr_PSH-L7fIgikceVm1Bv26Z3ShLWqL1H07bLyEltaTmYa0zmuD_rerI2BjRAZhBwZV8cpJnofelczz90UhXAcmHY2VjzVGiYXrxGsznRfwE3qfNCLVOZNxh-/s400/IMG_0262.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLdPl0_KPZHIdb6CQj2XKsMYL5WvQjAH2FkcsonDlkePdqOQXpp_xn6dm3wc9SMdDeMVwN134cH-HweQErAyHcocs_HjDnl7JOwNxtI_v1epEnpIMbx0NK9EuGB7IM6DircRCXai9T9Svu/s1600/IMG_0263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLdPl0_KPZHIdb6CQj2XKsMYL5WvQjAH2FkcsonDlkePdqOQXpp_xn6dm3wc9SMdDeMVwN134cH-HweQErAyHcocs_HjDnl7JOwNxtI_v1epEnpIMbx0NK9EuGB7IM6DircRCXai9T9Svu/s400/IMG_0263.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1z4IM9vywOVkF0nnKhMjYjnFztDfhBAETdQxnVk6A1C5r2zf3vtbJ-k7UTg2QNmOL_BcwqGGyID8vWolDoFjDsLDnooFr41m5erpA0mOIwHSbDC6cf5YVlMsR2lX3dAAKV7RF4GO6XLx/s1600/IMG_0273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1z4IM9vywOVkF0nnKhMjYjnFztDfhBAETdQxnVk6A1C5r2zf3vtbJ-k7UTg2QNmOL_BcwqGGyID8vWolDoFjDsLDnooFr41m5erpA0mOIwHSbDC6cf5YVlMsR2lX3dAAKV7RF4GO6XLx/s400/IMG_0273.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr0-SZIpLoZ9l5sH3OjRblXjeW6_8Tjj7gfHUZcru5KJqYTrvFhOz4OVW1AyeaUEQYT-bv4ojPHXMlGn57OADhwl1GCS71hyxTxQj4ESORl29sTXAnmMXillnhodC7nczKACyvLOP6Bmx_/s1600/IMG_0274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr0-SZIpLoZ9l5sH3OjRblXjeW6_8Tjj7gfHUZcru5KJqYTrvFhOz4OVW1AyeaUEQYT-bv4ojPHXMlGn57OADhwl1GCS71hyxTxQj4ESORl29sTXAnmMXillnhodC7nczKACyvLOP6Bmx_/s400/IMG_0274.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The road turned to construction, and before I knew it, I was entering Oklahoma with no place to stop and take a photo of the sign! I pulled into the welcome center (not centre!) and asked for some suggestions on a campsite, and how to ride historic Route 66. Even the welcome centers in Oklahoma are nice!<br />
<br />
I stopped at Tenkiller State Park and picked a campsite. Here she is!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1TY5nFJ948k2AOYE_C_CGXjZIr2Sst9TlwjPE7RRfhhzjLQ2HpnQNo7AHoDtIexDkaz5MBxK0JmdVn5Vpjx8pz4lSh8EzDS9bACLiGrVFZil0SVHJjw1VGbOE-VP1meFjeD54UiBSQAws/s1600/IMG_0275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1TY5nFJ948k2AOYE_C_CGXjZIr2Sst9TlwjPE7RRfhhzjLQ2HpnQNo7AHoDtIexDkaz5MBxK0JmdVn5Vpjx8pz4lSh8EzDS9bACLiGrVFZil0SVHJjw1VGbOE-VP1meFjeD54UiBSQAws/s400/IMG_0275.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from my site</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLCGWDafbqG5v7JmKFyCqv703zg5DlLGabP33HUMLXoEvJeM-xvRwuJrDaD7oqD3LrzQWpT4KIIXXplZnvck94e5edlEwTYg8V0fZsb_d2Xp9212nsXY_ZTQe9abCoHN1NLm-WGocEVU6w/s1600/IMG_0277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLCGWDafbqG5v7JmKFyCqv703zg5DlLGabP33HUMLXoEvJeM-xvRwuJrDaD7oqD3LrzQWpT4KIIXXplZnvck94e5edlEwTYg8V0fZsb_d2Xp9212nsXY_ZTQe9abCoHN1NLm-WGocEVU6w/s400/IMG_0277.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirlNbNhPynAa0swjBl2mlSkmf_nx0Vhdu7E2YMchB2mCjlvov7Qp1lwfvd4oJ4KM7v59PCd2hLCnNsoG4xn1kPyHXVTw-0dwc6UNOKc7MKVeO2-Y8DjlNFZY-KEun4k4Cewj9s9XxxKqtY/s1600/IMG_0278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirlNbNhPynAa0swjBl2mlSkmf_nx0Vhdu7E2YMchB2mCjlvov7Qp1lwfvd4oJ4KM7v59PCd2hLCnNsoG4xn1kPyHXVTw-0dwc6UNOKc7MKVeO2-Y8DjlNFZY-KEun4k4Cewj9s9XxxKqtY/s400/IMG_0278.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_i59e2woQ35m5_rt82xW1eJWzJOiOoileb5qBUEGgX24x-j_ZdnJpHxPMcdEOmc3EsAVcdUy15NNHssI1XJ9oKc8MsUBSmjcrkTUrGynGndczulEC5HNfJlGOg1ylOHJMLHAG6QYWXmMX/s1600/IMG_0280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_i59e2woQ35m5_rt82xW1eJWzJOiOoileb5qBUEGgX24x-j_ZdnJpHxPMcdEOmc3EsAVcdUy15NNHssI1XJ9oKc8MsUBSmjcrkTUrGynGndczulEC5HNfJlGOg1ylOHJMLHAG6QYWXmMX/s400/IMG_0280.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_zTk5kjT2M-XRmxjedvoZJcd97QuCQWJLuBWAMozcOvJ7RXIhGur9mR9Ay0I2CLk41panYgChhsulXW8GHS4vP61Y_VbWhdEaA9YNeq0_CKLNf4qA_E4gbZp7aWtg6UlT9wlCsaP6py8U/s1600/IMG_0285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_zTk5kjT2M-XRmxjedvoZJcd97QuCQWJLuBWAMozcOvJ7RXIhGur9mR9Ay0I2CLk41panYgChhsulXW8GHS4vP61Y_VbWhdEaA9YNeq0_CKLNf4qA_E4gbZp7aWtg6UlT9wlCsaP6py8U/s400/IMG_0285.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_UxUY6FmAxuQ3kk3zctpOhUX1fJ107z10MYYYieVSbJM1L6Y7zQx_Y0gjQHgGdUJrHSFpxjHmw3gBBAqHB4TNICI9h5a8J51xj8xMhzWRP8vsHhkAqY1BPNW6SyttvROB6R2KZRASDyDl/s1600/IMG_0289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_UxUY6FmAxuQ3kk3zctpOhUX1fJ107z10MYYYieVSbJM1L6Y7zQx_Y0gjQHgGdUJrHSFpxjHmw3gBBAqHB4TNICI9h5a8J51xj8xMhzWRP8vsHhkAqY1BPNW6SyttvROB6R2KZRASDyDl/s400/IMG_0289.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbf4O870wrwVLRXu9f7HfSQvCOLXJquP6w-VQmFAns7G6WEUYz_ESb-elPHIA4h8K0dwHHyOVJ8QJdxgT2W08tnqYa3ZVoJlLKAfSl1x6SPy-A9P6VY0lmQECdfEqhvKc4qowUDReIosmj/s1600/IMG_0290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbf4O870wrwVLRXu9f7HfSQvCOLXJquP6w-VQmFAns7G6WEUYz_ESb-elPHIA4h8K0dwHHyOVJ8QJdxgT2W08tnqYa3ZVoJlLKAfSl1x6SPy-A9P6VY0lmQECdfEqhvKc4qowUDReIosmj/s400/IMG_0290.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUIxeVsC8zctt7pOGul5Imwm546UhpkIWz4pqyeimMhcslSc5_7RcVgA1MFN0yuq025W07tKteRCdyzVmllk4CARtopNugmoRGfbJlqUTmb1E2Nbs_MgQwAu3OvHGxvxT2dtFgShTapuk/s1600/IMG_0291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUIxeVsC8zctt7pOGul5Imwm546UhpkIWz4pqyeimMhcslSc5_7RcVgA1MFN0yuq025W07tKteRCdyzVmllk4CARtopNugmoRGfbJlqUTmb1E2Nbs_MgQwAu3OvHGxvxT2dtFgShTapuk/s400/IMG_0291.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUyNehLTo_y-K-ztXwL9GTOMs8uTX6nYjvqGNPRD1MEHt_P9MDOW7ED6bJLBKSt7aHtPuaNAu0VwcLV7Is4nK9AkPDHL2rZ1iQr_OwHVJxiNg2oCw9iFFq-ZeMWjtXs8G9YBdYLaw3k089/s1600/IMG_0292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUyNehLTo_y-K-ztXwL9GTOMs8uTX6nYjvqGNPRD1MEHt_P9MDOW7ED6bJLBKSt7aHtPuaNAu0VwcLV7Is4nK9AkPDHL2rZ1iQr_OwHVJxiNg2oCw9iFFq-ZeMWjtXs8G9YBdYLaw3k089/s400/IMG_0292.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFlgrBdSq7jhIpdCv0kabR6vIuSleZhHZV0HYFd8wPLma87yap14JY3_A4Yt4HDCQ5sH3alv-pWctKZZKtU48CdnIN7MmGB9O4EZuNxMSNVFe-8MCxk8ocEDOuSqXbZKpyc-yt8vf8lw9a/s1600/IMG_0293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFlgrBdSq7jhIpdCv0kabR6vIuSleZhHZV0HYFd8wPLma87yap14JY3_A4Yt4HDCQ5sH3alv-pWctKZZKtU48CdnIN7MmGB9O4EZuNxMSNVFe-8MCxk8ocEDOuSqXbZKpyc-yt8vf8lw9a/s400/IMG_0293.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYHW9lZOXsUJpwnhLYayRG3PuROTa2CvhuHIkOvZErQUiftZ9IwWsj_GHi2_IqXzcUICWEZlOZZcPVy7Awwvvg49G_fls0gGVYlT_5FXeNpKsYelpMlYHmjikFDy3vAwlcxtnLMd6hpZzF/s1600/IMG_0297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYHW9lZOXsUJpwnhLYayRG3PuROTa2CvhuHIkOvZErQUiftZ9IwWsj_GHi2_IqXzcUICWEZlOZZcPVy7Awwvvg49G_fls0gGVYlT_5FXeNpKsYelpMlYHmjikFDy3vAwlcxtnLMd6hpZzF/s400/IMG_0297.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The walk from the waters edge back to my site</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0023eG57wL90Y2JNHGig9Js8MSmWvo2fYs7vJEGg3d6Rav4Be56vzKw8lQk1nWMy69NoxqdDD8Nw-yZH2YlBIV-HEHJMNZp1RCSgQKNoeA0l7FHmohvn23FqRsMRILom9or9ggeVimQnC/s1600/IMG_0298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0023eG57wL90Y2JNHGig9Js8MSmWvo2fYs7vJEGg3d6Rav4Be56vzKw8lQk1nWMy69NoxqdDD8Nw-yZH2YlBIV-HEHJMNZp1RCSgQKNoeA0l7FHmohvn23FqRsMRILom9or9ggeVimQnC/s400/IMG_0298.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nearby boulders. These are about 8-9 feet tall</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
Aaaand here I am, writing these posts using the wifi at the park visitors center. I cooked my dinner here using my stove and mess kit (a Mountain House chicken and rice camp meal, and a bag of trail mix). See, uneventful.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow I'm going to try and ride the longest remaining segment of the old Route 66, and maybe make it all the way across Oklahoma. They're calling for thunderstorms though, so we'll see. Check tomorrow for pics!Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15050571834380139105noreply@blogger.com3