We were able to avoid Phoenix traffic by taking 303 around the city to get to I17 north of Phoenix. The temp was about 85F when we left at 8am and fortunately it really did not get any hotter than that for the day. Once we got on the interstate we noticed that our US flag was about to fly off so we stopped at a Harley Stealership to try to find one. Lets just say that they were REALLY proud of the flag that they had and the mounting wasn't what we needed anyway so we skipped replacing our flag. On the way out we were able to finally get close enough to get a picture of a Saguaro Cactus in bloom. We had recently found out that there is only a small window when they bloom at the purpose is to help bats move across the desert to escape the heat in Mexico. The bloom captures water and the bats drink it on their way north.
We continued north on I17 to Camp Verde where we got on AZ260. We thought about visiting Montezumas Castle but decided to leave that for another trip. AZ260 climbs rather quickly and before long we were up in the high desert. We had to stop and look around and found this turn off to stop and enjoy the view. I must admit the road there looked very enticing to me.
After spending a few minutes refreshing ourselves and just enjoying the scenery and smells, it was back on the road. As we continued on AZ260 and then AZ87 we continued to climb and once again the scenery changed quickly. This time we were in a area heavily forested in pines. If you are ever in the area it would be a nice day trip from Phoenix.
We followed AZ87 on up to the Winslow AZ area. About 40 miles south of Winslow we came out of the forested area and entered a scrub area. It was neat except for the rain storm that was across our path. As we approached the shower we noticed two things. The first one was that the temperature was dropping quickly and secondly that every once in a while there was a lightning bolt. We were looking around and could not find a safe place to wait it out so we continued onward. When it finally started raining the temp was down to 51F and al of a sudden Sue said "hey it's hailing!". I noticed the rain felt hard but I was so freaked out about the idea of lightning and trying to get through it as quick as possible that I wasn't trying to analyze what type of precip it was. We made it through in about 15 minutes and we were back in the sun. Oh yeah we were also into the wind . . . for the rest of the day.
Well since we were in Winslow we just HAD to do it. Yep, we were "standing on a corner in Winslow Arizona". Of course Sue said that there had better not be a girl in a flat bed ford slowing down to look at me.
Winslow is one of those towns that didn't do well when they put the interstate around the town. They are trying to sell the old route 66 image but it isn't working.
From Winslow it was back onto the interstate until we cut off and went to the Petrified Forest. While every state has petrified wood this place is quite unique. The completeness of the trees and the amount is unmatched anywhere else in the world. There are entire rocks that you would swear are entire tree trunks as well as many sections scattered around.
From there it was out through the Painted Desert but due to the storms in the area and the high winds we did not stop and take pictures but rather keep going on to Gallup for the night. It never really rained that hard on us but the wind was constant and strong from the south to the point we were running at least a 10 degree list to the right most of the way. I was ready for a cold beer and a warm bed at the end of the day. Can't say Gallup was my favorite place but as I said cold beer and a warm bed.
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