Phoenix, Arizona
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Today I load the bike for the last time on this trip! What a night it was in Albuquerque. I stayed at the same Motel 6 I have stayed at in the past. It is located at the west end of Albuquerque, off Coors road, and there is a Denny's in the parking lot and a gas station literally right next door. That’s all the comforts of home! It is older, but adequate. The 'cleanliness’ was not exactly up to par, but that pales in comparison to the night. At 2:45am, the FIRE ALARM started screaming – all over the entire hotel. People were coming out of their room screaming at it, and it appeared they were having trouble shutting it off - it would stop, then restart, then stop. Well, it FINALLY quit after 20 minutes or so. By then, I am wide awake (as were a number of other patrons who were loading up and leaving). So, needless to say, I didn’t get much sleep. At least it made getting an early start much easier! According to the weather channel, there was a high-wind advisory for northern Arizona (the I-40 corridor) – so I was concerned
. Two years ago, I actually got stuck in Flagstaff overnight, as I couldn’t ride any further in the terrible wind. I did not want that to happen this year. I was researching alternatives when I got a call from "Worm-quest’. She had seen the same warnings, and was calling to give me an alternative route if I did get high winds. I was most appreciative – and would certainly use the alternative route if the winds started to kick up!
It was actually COLD when I left Albuquerque – so I bundled up. I rode like the wind to beat the wind! I only stopped for fuel. By the time I reached Winslow, there were actually no appreciable winds, so I stayed on course to go thru Flagstaff. I had a pleasant surprise when I stopped for fuel in Flagstaff – I ran into Chris (Turbo) – at the gas station – that was a nice little surprise. I got home at around 3:00ish. Then it was time to go in serious pursuit of a hot water heater. Welcome home, eh?
AT LEAST I HAD NO RAIN ON MY FINAL DAY!
Comments
Finally! One day of good riding. Being able to pass up the turn at Winslow worked out. Go figure - you're last day on the road and you meet up with a sister. Good to have you home.