I got a little earlier start this morning than yesterday, but not much. Luckily – i didn’t have far to go and my late start didn’t have me rolling into town at bed time. I left Mesquite following my GPS suggested route to Page, AZ. After about 5 minutes on Interstate 15, I edited my preferences and told the GPS to avoid highways. I was off the slab at the next exit, and this was what I was treated to.
This is actually the far northwestern point of Arizona but it’s a great example of why the back roads are the way to go. The road was a little rougher than the freeway but those new shocks made it feel just like sitting in my LazyBoy recliner (well almost). The road had the speed and just enough turns to make you pay close attention to what you were doing which is difficult when the scenery is so good. Once in a while I just slow down and enjoy the landscape. This is one of the reasons that southern Utah is one of my favorite places to ride a motorcycle. I rounded a corner at the same time I crested a small hill and this was what I was smacked in the face with. The first red rock I’ve seen on this trip was the aptly named Red Rock Mountain.A little farther down the road, back in Arizona this is kinda getting to be familiar landscape but I just had to take the picture anyway. I parked the bike on the shoulder of the incoming traffic lane to get it. I could have parked it in the middle of the oncoming lane for as many cars were on the road.This next shot made me realize that there are some things that I’m just not going to be able to capture an image of. This is the site of an early (1865) settlement. I don’t often pull over to read the roadside information signs but for some reason I saw the word settlement on the way by and thought – “Wow, how would you like to be able to wake up to this view every day.” I went a couple miles past it and turned around to share it with you, but the picture (a panorama) just doesn’t do justice to setting. While I was reading about the history of the site and taking the shots, I could hear the deep rumble of thunder from the storm – a reminder that staying dry means I need to keep moving.Looks like I’ll be able to stay dry today. Only a few more miles to go and these clouds don’t look like they’re holding any rain to speak of. This winding descent through the rocks is a short but very cool road both for the scenery and the riding.Tomorrow will be a stationary (kinda) day on Page doing a little bucket list photography. Hopefully I’ll get some good shots to share. Check back tomorrow……