Another fine breakfast at the Old Town House and back to load up and head out. Good-byes to Kasey and Jayda. We had a great time and Kasey was a great host. She took us to see all the major sights in San Diego the 2 days we spent there. We all slept well after 2 active days out in the sun. Jayda was exhausted. I'll miss her too. We hated to see San Diego fade in our rearview mirrors. I know why my daughter loves it here. Who wouldn't! Thank you to my beautiful daughter - I miss you already!
We headed out under cloudy skies and a comfortable riding temperature of 70F. This lasted about an hour as we made our way East through the mountains that Rte 8 took us through . At one point our elevation reached over 4400 ft and the mountains were made of what looked like round boulders piled on top of each other as if put there by methodically someone. It was a sight to see. I've never seen anything like it before and it was just as strange as the formations in the Badlands of South Dakota. Pretty cool!
Our comfortable ride would soon change, and quickly. After reaching a summit of 4400 ft. the mountain road winded through the rock formations downhill for miles, twisting and turning as it hugged the contours of the earth. Our elevation dropped to 55 ft below sea level and the temps rose to 110 F in no time. What a difference - you could actually feel r rise as you descended and knew it wasn't going to be a comfortable rest of the day. So, we went into our routine of stopping every hour or so, wetting everything down, getting a drink of cold water out of vending machines at rest stops or at gas stations and pushing on. Tucson was getting closer with every mile. Before we knew it, we were there and the temp was a comfortable 105 F to boot!!!
More wind turbines among the hills and a few parabolic reflective solar farms used to focus the sun's rays on a thin pipe suspended at the focal point to generate steam to run steam turbines and ultimately generate electricity.
It's amazing as you ride through the stove piped cacti and visions of Yosemite Sam. Wiley Coyote, and Road runner run through your head. Unfortunately we didn't see any of them. Guess it was too hot for them too. The highway lined lanes were almost met at several points by the US-Mexican Border fence less than a quarter mile away. You could see it for miles as we rode through the desert. We even went through a Customs and Border Patrol checkpoint in the middle of nowhere. A friendly wave and we went through. After riding through 110 F for a few hours I guess we didn't look like a threat.
Miles of barren desert and then miles of crops. How strange to see these two dichotomies coexisting in the same arid setting. Sometimes surreal.
Once at the hotel, cool showers, a quick change, and off to dinner. You don't realize how much exposure to the heat can give you an appetite until you sit and get ready to order. We went to a local place recommended by the hotel clerk a and it was outstanding and reasonable too. Can't beat that combo!
Time to blog and get some rest. Off to the Tucson Harley dealer in the Am for another 5000 mile service - one before I left, one in Soldata, AK (Kenai Peninsula) and now one in Arizona.
I'll give a tally soon and I'm quite amazed of the land we covered and the time we've been on the road. All good, even when it was bad, it was good. Thanks Kathy - I love you!
Stay Tuned................
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