March 10

From Blythe, CA to Salome, AZ

63.6 mi

232 mi. so far.

The sign coming into Salome listed the altitude as 1890 feet and was founded in 1904.

Changed from PST to Mountain Time.

Travel Time: 5:02:05

Breakfast…fixed my own oatmeal packets, since hotel had little that was edible in my view.

34 miles on Interstate 10. With a short stop at Sweet Darlene’s in Quartzite for SAG and cinnamon rolls for those interested. (this tour points out all the pie shops and bakeries along the way). Lovely downhill most the way, wide shoulder made riding pleasant.  Still have to be very alert for lots of freeway truck traffic.  They were very good at moving over to left.  I stayed to the right well away from the rumble strip which can rattle all your fillings loose.

Included crossing the Colorado river on pedestrian path. 

 Then to Hwy 60, all flat through Brenda, Hope and then Salome.  “0” rated motel, most of us have rooms of our own.  Very hot shower made up for other missing amenities. Bed is reminiscent of Motel 6, but that is where the similarity ends.  Tissue blocking a hole in the bathroom window is distinct along with pealing paint and a handwritten sign on the wall telling where an “A.C. Switch” is located.

Seeing the Saguaro cactus was the highlight of the ride.  I kept thinking about the report Nic had to do in 3^rd grade about the Pygmy owl who has a symbiotic relationship with the cactus.   There is another short cactus that looked like it was in bloom.  Everything is green.  I think the weather has brought lots of rain to the area this year.

Had crossing into a new state margarita party.  Very tasty and not too much alcohol, I think. Increased my appetite for the evening meal…so I overate.

Dinner (cooked out of the back of the trailer):

Asian Cabbage salad with almond slivers

Fresh Pineapple

Brown rice

Tofu in peanut sauce

Guess I’m acclimating, since Linda is such a good cook.  Losing any pounds will be a difficult task.

Time change means I’ll go to bed after 8:30 tonight (its been 7:30 most days) and I can hear others still “partying.” My automatic 5:30 wakeup may be 6:30 tomorrow.