Cacti Only found in Arizona

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My Abode

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Janice on Highway 60

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Apache's on the Road to Wickenburg

The storm blew through so we had peaceful night and I slept quite well. Rose just after 6.00am and on the road by 8.00am. This was quite an uneventful day, long straight road, Highway 60, with a few steady climbs. We made 55.8miles and I arrived ( Nice camp, good facilities so did some washing.) The sun was out but still chilly, and  I was one of the few who wore shorts. Just saying. High hills on both sides in the far distance covered with snow. Again after about 20 miles I cycled on my own. We tend to leapfrog each other stopping for coffee, photos, etc. Stopped at a diner for lunch and it was the typical western type, long counter, with stetson wearing locals at the bar. Notice on the door read 
'No Firearms Allowed'. Apparently, Arizona is the only state that allows firearms to be worn.  Plaque outside Wickensburg told of Massacre, in 1871, by Apache's of 6 men and one woman who were riding in a stagecoach between towns. Gave me a strange feeling.
So far there have been 6 'flats' in the group. Still going strong, still loving it......

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Storm Alley at Salome.

Sitting in my tent 4.45pm in Salome and the hailstorms are howling through the valley. Hoping and praying the tent and I don't take off. Oops, just had to just pop outside and hammer some pegs in as the tent side caved it. The hail was about the size of a 5p piece and covered the ground like snow. Now the sun is out and the wind has dropped - but it will be back, seems to come in waves. What a country. We woke this morning to a bright, sunny day with a tail/side wind. No rain so the shorts were on again although it was much cooler. Thank goodness - too much sun is not good for you. Just saying. Left at 8.00am after a wonderful nights sleep in the motel. A mere 40 miles today so made Salome before 1.00pm. A few gradual hills so quite pleasant. This is gold mining country and everyone is free to try and find gold. Most gold mines are closed but some are reopening as gold is now a very valuable commodity. Stopped at a trailer diner for homemade crisps or 'potato chips', and talked at length with 'Joyce and Arleer' about the area. It is full of RV Parks because so many people, like them, migrate south for the winter ,from cold north USA. The owner of the 'roadside cafe' was going to church so left huge flasks of coffee for everyone to just help themselves. This is the local meeting place and much fuss was made of us. Southern hospitality. Saw loads of '3 pronged cowboy' cacti today. Apparently, it is peculiar to this area and grows no-where else. On leaving the small town of 'Hope' there is a sign that states 'You Are Beyond Hope'......says it all doesn't it. I start the day cycling with the group then after 15/20 miles, if I am confident with the route cycle on my own. I enjoy the space and freedom. So far away for Mother's Day but thanks Michael, Richard and Jill for messages. Happy MD Granny Grace - I hope you got a card..... It is now 8.00pm and storm seems to have passed. Eating and drinking plenty. Camp site tonight in RV park and quite good. Still loving it........

Goodbye California.Hello Arizona.

44.7 miles today. Very, warm, windy night but I had the best sleep yet. Up at 5.15am and I just hate the mornings. I swear my tent, sleeping bag and mat all grow through the night as I try and stuff them into their bags. Zig-zagged on roads passing huge fields of crops in different stages of planting. This is the bread basket of America and a huge industry. Cotton has been grown and you could see the residue on the ground. I picked some and could feel the seeds inside which will be separated and turned into oil. This is the route Mark Beaumont followed and I see landmarks that he mentioned in his book. On going through Blythe some of us stopped for b'fast at 'the Lions Club' gathering. Serving huge pancakes, sausages and syrup. Eat as much as you like for 5 Dollars, and we did. This is all for charity and the place was packed at 9am. Families, couples, groups, workmen taking carryouts. Amazing. My Scottish accent always takes a trick so the organisers wanted a photo of me. It was a warm but more cloudly day so a very pleasant cycle. Climbed about 1000 ft with a nice downhill at the end. Good ride. We sadly left California for Arizonia. One state down, seven to go. When we arrived at campsite the wind had got up and rain was forecast so Dave booked us into a motel. I am lying on a nice comfy bed, after a fantastic shower typing this. Tomorrow the forecast is to be colder with rain. We'll see. Can't remember if I mentioned it but the dogs I heard howling the other night were actually coyotes......... Still loving it.

Flying Scotswoman on the Trail to Palo Verde.

67 miles.  Up and away by 6.45am to escape the heat of the day. Nice warm night and slept well. Seem to sleep in two hour cycles. On leaving Brawley, Robert C nearly got wiped out by a truck. We were turning left and he pulled out in front of it. I went to follow but saw the truck. The driver sounded his horn, these American horns are loud and we all got a fright. Decided to go at my own pace today and felt much better for it. Was at camp by 1.30pm. It is baking hot if you go too slowly. Cycled on my own for a good part and loved the freedom. Drinking lots of water, Dave made two water stops to top us up. My grandchildren would have loved it today as we passes miles and miles of huge sand dunes at Glamis with buggies for children,adults and families. We also went through the Chocolate Mountains which looked like big chunks of choc. Long straight road with desert on each side. Good tailwind so I was in top gears and romping along at 22mph. Passed ' 3 Slashes Road' so to much amusement I explained what it meant back home. We are all beginning to gel and get to know each other better. Great crowd.Hot shower but camp site not up to much. If you go on u tube and type in 'sdcheapshot' then click 'profile' then click 'more videos' you should see film of us leaving San Diego. It was taken by one of Dee's cycling friends. Love, love, loving it.......... Keep the comments coming.

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