Well, I’m back on the grid. I was finally able to get my Starbucks card to work in the U.S., which means I can at least get 2 hours of free wifi a day.
I’m sticking a couple of days together in this update.
After I sent my last post, I headed up to the Grand Canyon. I arrived just after the sun had set, but while it was still light enough to see. I’m not going to say much about the experience, because there are not words adequate enough to describe the scene. Even the pictures I took are pathetic compared to seeing the Canyon in person. I was in awe of the beauty and majesty. Anyway, it was incredible, and worth the trip.
The next morning, I headed out of Williams, AZ to cross the desert. In typical Canadian fashion, I never considered just how hot it could get. When I left Williams, it was around 50 F (10 C). By 1 PM, as I was in the middle of the Mojave Desert, it was around 105 F (41 C) or more. As I cruised along at 70 mph, I was sweating! I couldn’t believe how hot it was.
Fortunately, I brought a couple of bottles of water, which I drank as I rode along. I did make one mistake, however. As I passed a gas station, I thought, “I should be fine for gas, I only have another 60 miles, and I’m sure there will be other gas stations along the way.” When I switched over to reserve, about 30 kms before I expected to go on reserve, I got worried. I slowed down a little in hopes of getting a few more miles out of my tank. To be honest, I was quite certain I wouldn’t make it to the next town. I did, barely.
Lesson: if you have to say, “I’m pretty sure I can make it …” then get gas.
Crossing the desert mid-afternoon wiped me right out. I was baked and done for the day. So, I found a cheap campsite and pulled in.
Yesterday, I took the day off riding. I spent it relaxing at the campsite, reading a little, enjoying their pool, and even cleaning up the bike a little. It was a good, refreshing day.
As I write this, I am in Riverside, CA. I plan on camping about 25 miles south of here. Once I unload, I’ll head into San Diego for the afternoon/evening. I hope to have wifi, and may do another update tonight.
Once again, thank you for all the comments. I read every one of them, and they are great! So, keep them coming.
