ID/WA Photo Run – Day Three

What an amazing day!! Started with a 6:30 wake up call from the neighbor kids playing. Not a big deal though as it still feels like 8:30 for me. There were several kids in the camp next to me, didn’t get a count but looked like six and all younger than six years old. Yesterday their playful activities brought them to my camp site multiple times and mom was quick to call them back each time. I assured her it was fine.

As I broke down camp their play would once again bring them over to my side and again mom called them back. I assured her again that they were fine, I have kids of my own. We spoke briefly about the usual, they were from Phoenix and just using the weekend to get away.

I had Libby all loaded up shortly after and sat at my table getting one final rest in before hitting the road. Another neighbor came over and handed me a piece of avocado toast, said she’d noticed I was drinking beer last night and that I needed something in my stomach. Was quite tasty. She returned a short while later as I was about to head out. We spent a few minutes chatting and I learned that miss Roxy is a biker as well, or was. She’s on biker sabbatical. Her three daughters have given her grief about being out on the bike all the time instead of being more of a grandma. She’s chosen to give up the two wheeled life for 5 years. For now she still enjoys getting away in her little RV and camping from time to time. She promised to pray for me and we parted ways.

Back on the road and into Flagstaff. It’s cool out this morning low 60’s I think. I considered pulling out the jacket but I know it’s going to blazes hot soon so kept it packed up. Was chilly leaving out but slow going so didn’t really catch a chill. We headed into the streets of Flagstaff, past an art in the park event and up into the ponderosa pines.

As I said it was slow going but man what a road. It cut through the forest and was rarely straight for more than a few hundred yards. This is two lane road so getting up to speed is tough and passing here is almost impossible. We’re not making great time but I’ll take a ride through the trees any day.

Before long were out of the trees and back to the open desert plains of Arizona. Still two lane highway but a little faster since the road has straightened up. The trees and winding road would return as we neared Grand Canyon National Park. We arrived around 10:30 and I set off to the various view points, camera in hand. The views did not disappoint and I even had a condor stop in for a visit.

From the canyon we headed east towards Cameron. More winding roads through the trees that followed the canyon. Several pull off points for more amazing views. The road finally gave way to the desert again. At Cameron we stopped for lunch. It’s a small Indian town and there isn’t much here but a Burger King and McAlisters Deli. McAlisters is closed so Burger King it was. I wanted a real sit down meal but there’s nothing out here and it’s already after 1:00pm. I need a quick bite and to keep moving on, still over 200 miles to Moab. Whole lotta desert out here but mountains and canyons come soon.

We headed north for a short while before cutting back to the northeast. The desert here is littered with tiny little villages of mobile homes and small houses, all miles from anywhere. We finally reached another little Indian town, Kayenta. Not much here either, a couple of rock formations close by though. At Kayenta we cut north towards Utah and Monument Valley. This is the part of Utah I really want to see.

The large red rock formations could be seen before we hit the border. Shortly after crossing I was able to pull off at the visitor center to grab a few good shots. A lot more desert on the way here but the mountains are close now. The road runs right past a couple of the monument formations and the rock is a brilliant shade of red. From here the road continues northeast to Forrest Gump Point. This is the spot where Forrest decides he’s tired and wants to go home. Monument Valley can be seen in the distance although my photos are clouded by smoke from nearby wildfires. I was told by a gentleman who stopped with me that the best view is at sunrise. The sun coming up lights up the red rock in indescribable ways. Would love to see that but not this trip.

From here the road continues into the desert. But not like on I-40. It begins to dive into canyons and back up the other side. Twisting an turning. All two lanes save the occasional passing zones. Before long we reach Mexican Hat. Another small town but the first sight is a little hotel built right on the canyon wall with views of the San Juan River below. On the other side of town is Mexican Hat Rock. It’s a sight to see for sure, how that rock balances and hasn’t fallen over is amazing.

From Mexican Hat we continued to drop into canyons and climb back out. The road would straighten out and we’d cruise through the desert for a few miles before dropping into another canyon. Shortly before reaching Blanding we came up to a group of six riders and fell into ranks at the end of their formation. Stayed with them into town and passed them up. The road continued mostly through desert now but every once in a while we’d dive into another canyon.

Made a few more quick stops for photos along the way. Just a pull off to snap a photo and back on the road. The last stop was the longest. A large white rock sits out on its own so I pulled off to get a shot. My nose had been bothering me for a while so gave it a quick field blow to try to help. Caused a nose bleed that all but ruined the only bike rag I brought with me. Minor really but I’ve only ever had one nose bleed I can remember. Really dry out here so maybe that’s why. Turned my two minute stop into ten though.

Made it to Moab just before 6pm local time. Camp here isn’t packed like last night but still a good bit of folks out here. Much quieter too. Hoping to get a good night sleep tonight. This year I’ve switched from a bed roll to a cot and so far I’m not sure how I like it. It takes up less space on the bike, sets up and tears down in minutes but takes up a lot of space in the tent. I don’t feel like I’ve been sleeping as well these first few days. May also be my camp pillow is about shot too.

I’m going to try to hit Arches National Park in the morning. Last thing I really want to see in Utah. Should be in Idaho tomorrow night. It’s time for a room. I need a real bed and a decent shower. I’d like to make it to Boise but Twin Falls at least.

Today was great. No interstates and gorgeous scenery. Dad would have loved this. I missed him a lot today. I miss him a lot every day but especially out here on the road and more so on days with amazing rides. But I carry him with me and know he’s still out there looking out for me. Hell, he maybe the only reason we survived day one, who knows. Back tomorrow.