Hi from the deep blue skies of Utah. We are in Kanab, just north of the border with Arizona. After three days' rest, we are feeling ready to head for Nevada tomorrow.
But first, here's some photos from Arizona.
We left Winslow at 8am and our first stop, about 20 miles down the interstate, was at Two Guns
The remains of a decent-size camp site with its own pool, and the derelict remains of a zoo that had
as well as coyotes and road runners.
The collapsed pens were not very big
Back on the interstate, we took the next turning off and found the remains of the Indians answer to Two Guns
Twin Arrows where, once there was a gas station and a trading post
It was a longer ride then through the large, busy town of Flagstaff and on to another R66 favourite, Williams. T
There was a market on for bikers; they sold everything a rider might need. I liked these T-shirts
We filled up with gas at this old station
Then had lunch in this classic diner
It was about 80 mile from Williams to the south rim of the Grand Canyon.
Although we arrived by midday, all the sites at the main camp ground, Mather, were full. People book up to a year in advance. Besides, it was Father's Day in the US and the park was waiving the entrance fee, so it was fairly busy.
However, the ranger said there was space at Desert View campsite – 25 miles down the road. We made a couple of stops at overviews as we made our way to the second site, but didn't dawdle in case that site also filled up.
It was fortunate that we did – we got the last pitch left.
We got the tent up, the inflatable mats and the sleeping bags out and made a brew
Then took off to look at the view
That evening, at about 11pm, a car stopped. Three French guys got out and asked if they could pitch their tent on our bit of land as they had driven around and around but couldn't find anywhere to camp. In the USA, it can be a very long way to the next place to find somewhere to rest your weary head, so we said, yeah, ok.
The two younger guys – friends, and the father of one of them got to work putting the tent up in the dark and getting a campfire going.
They were very grateful and wanted to cook us some food and share their wine – but we were happily into our beers and full up. We shifted stuff from the picnic table and made room for them. Typical of the French, they went at their food and drink with great gusto.
The sky – which had become increasingly overcast – cleared with the rising breeze. Soon we could see a trillion stars above us and a long, halted chat (the young guys spoke English, but papa did not) about navigation by the stars – we pointed out Orion, Cassiopeia and how to find your way by the Plough – which they called the Big Bear.
A very pleasant evening passed with increasingly frequent visits to the nearby trees to go for a pee.
The night was warm enough but a few hearty gusts did rattle the tent and I spent half the night with a full bladder and cramp in the shin. I was a bit reluctant to scramble out of the tent – I doubt the mountain lions would approach the campsites, but there are some big, ugly and occasionally, nasty biting bugs out there.
The next morning, the sky was heavy with cloud and we discussed whether to stay another night or not. But although still very impressive, the views of the Canyon were spoiled a little by the dark skies. And we were a bit worried about thunderstorms.
We decided to pack and go.
The French guys were amazed at how we got the gear onto the bike. They too packed up and we gave continental air kisses and waved goodbye
But first, here's some photos from Arizona.
We left Winslow at 8am and our first stop, about 20 miles down the interstate, was at Two Guns
The remains of a decent-size camp site with its own pool, and the derelict remains of a zoo that had
as well as coyotes and road runners.
The collapsed pens were not very big
Back on the interstate, we took the next turning off and found the remains of the Indians answer to Two Guns
Twin Arrows where, once there was a gas station and a trading post
It was a longer ride then through the large, busy town of Flagstaff and on to another R66 favourite, Williams. T
There was a market on for bikers; they sold everything a rider might need. I liked these T-shirts
We filled up with gas at this old station
Then had lunch in this classic diner
It was about 80 mile from Williams to the south rim of the Grand Canyon.
Although we arrived by midday, all the sites at the main camp ground, Mather, were full. People book up to a year in advance. Besides, it was Father's Day in the US and the park was waiving the entrance fee, so it was fairly busy.
However, the ranger said there was space at Desert View campsite – 25 miles down the road. We made a couple of stops at overviews as we made our way to the second site, but didn't dawdle in case that site also filled up.
It was fortunate that we did – we got the last pitch left.
We got the tent up, the inflatable mats and the sleeping bags out and made a brew
Then took off to look at the view
That evening, at about 11pm, a car stopped. Three French guys got out and asked if they could pitch their tent on our bit of land as they had driven around and around but couldn't find anywhere to camp. In the USA, it can be a very long way to the next place to find somewhere to rest your weary head, so we said, yeah, ok.
The two younger guys – friends, and the father of one of them got to work putting the tent up in the dark and getting a campfire going.
They were very grateful and wanted to cook us some food and share their wine – but we were happily into our beers and full up. We shifted stuff from the picnic table and made room for them. Typical of the French, they went at their food and drink with great gusto.
The sky – which had become increasingly overcast – cleared with the rising breeze. Soon we could see a trillion stars above us and a long, halted chat (the young guys spoke English, but papa did not) about navigation by the stars – we pointed out Orion, Cassiopeia and how to find your way by the Plough – which they called the Big Bear.
A very pleasant evening passed with increasingly frequent visits to the nearby trees to go for a pee.
The night was warm enough but a few hearty gusts did rattle the tent and I spent half the night with a full bladder and cramp in the shin. I was a bit reluctant to scramble out of the tent – I doubt the mountain lions would approach the campsites, but there are some big, ugly and occasionally, nasty biting bugs out there.
The next morning, the sky was heavy with cloud and we discussed whether to stay another night or not. But although still very impressive, the views of the Canyon were spoiled a little by the dark skies. And we were a bit worried about thunderstorms.
We decided to pack and go.
The French guys were amazed at how we got the gear onto the bike. They too packed up and we gave continental air kisses and waved goodbye
