4 August 2010

We woke to a gorgeous morning, no sign of rain, except for the puddles left behind from last night's little storm.

We decided we wanted to visit the two parks we'd aborted last night, so headed north on 89. The two parks are on the same loop; the calculated route had us going in at the north end, but the one I was following took us in at NF545; I was surprised to see the Sunset Crater Visitor Center so soon. So we stopped, got our stamps and a couple of pictures and continued on.

Sunset Crater Volcano NM stampBoyd in front of the Sunset Crater Volcano NM Visitor Center

At the Wupatki Visitor Center there was some discussion as to whether it was quicker to continue out the north, or retrace our route back; aesthetics required us to complete the loop.

Wupatki NM stampFulton at the Wupatki NM entrance

A stop for gas just before negotiating the mess where I-40, I-17, and US89a jumble together meant one less worry through there; eventually we came out heading south on I-17--a change for me. I often come through here on my travels, but usually am on, and continue on 89a. We're on a different mission this time.

Montezuma Castle stampBoyd inside the Montezuma Castle visitor center

Montezuma Castle is just off I-17, and already the day is heating up. After getting our stamps and a couple more pictures, we head down 260 through Strawberry, Payson, and other little towns I've been through before, although now I can't remember why. Well, Payson, if I were headed north and east; I know I've stayed there more than once. But today they're just hot slow-down impediments to getting to the next NP.

Before that, though, we're getting to a point where we need a break; before we turn off 87 onto 188 there's a sign that says "Next services 57 miles" so when we get to Jakes Corner we stop to cool off a bit, and fill the tanks with 87 octane.

The road out to Tonto National Monument is hot and miserable; even along Theodore Roosevelt Lake it doesn't moderate that I could tell.

Tonto NM stampFulton inside the Tonto NM visitor center

After getting the stamp and some (indoor) pictures, we consult and decide to head for our night's lodging, leaving the Casa Grande Ruins for another time.

Even at that, our projected arrival in Gila Bend is 1700, so we're keeping the option open to abort in Casa Grande. In the event, since I was routing to Gila Bend, the remaining gps (one had succumbed to heat prostration) took the initiative; by the time I realized we were on a road that bypassed Casa Grande it was 20 miles behind us, and Gila Bend was just over the horizon.

We got to the Space Age Inn just after five, and were treated to a room handy to the lobby (and its ice machine), with parking for the bikes right in front. A few blocks walk to the grocery store was doable in the heat, and another day is in the books.

State: Arizona

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