Day/Date: Monday, June 9th, 2008
Time Started: 3:50 AM CDST ( I rode through two time zones today and gained two hours)
Time Ended: 1:45 PM PCDST
Starting Location: Fort Stockton, TX
Ending Location: Tuscon, AZ
Total Miles Today: 576
Cumulative Miles: 3802
Low Temp: 70F - Fort Stockton, TX
High Temp: 100F - Tuscon, AZ
Highest Gas Price: $3.99 El Paso, TX
Lowest Gas Price: $3.66 Tuscon, AZ
States: NM, AZ (10)
The goal was to meet Jason Foley, a former Unit Mgr with PM, 240 miles away in El Paso, TX for breakfast. I left Fort Stockton at 3:50 am in cool and windy conditions and set a quick pace westward. I didn't see but two lone deer standing well off the interstate, but I did see a skunk and two armadillos. Oddly, the two armadillos were walking, one in front of the other, down the center line of my side of the interstate. I had a fleeting thought they looked like two bowling balls.
After leaving Jason, I rode westward to Los Cruses, NM where I took a much needed break. You simply can not beat a nice size hotel/motel lobby if you need a "clean" bathroom.
Who knew New Mexico had so many palm trees?
As I crossed the New Mexico desert I found many different places where signs warned of dust storms and possible zero visibility.
Later I crossed into Arizona, and collected another state border sign for my collection.
The Arizona desert quickly heated up to 100F as the day wore on.
I finally gave in to the heat at Tuscon, AZ and found an economical Econolodge with a great air conditioner and Internet service. It should be an easy day's ride to San Ysidro, CA, the 2nd corner tomorrow.If interested: I have added the pictures to yesterdays post.
To view my entire trip map page "Click Here"
To view the 24 hour SPOT map "Click Here"
"The late great jazz musician Louis Armstrong once said about jazz, “If you don’t feel it, I can’t explain it.” The same holds true for long distance motorcycle riding. At the end of the day, you either get it or don’t. Like jazz."
Sounds like you are riding a smart ride, (ie: ride early, end early). Hope you have some cooler weather on the coast!
ReplyDeleteRide safe,
Kevin.
The hottest may be behind you now. I have enjoyed looking at the Spot Map it makes it easy to track you in real time. Last week at FDR some of the juys knew where you that morning so I'm not the only one keeping track of you.
ReplyDeleteMikeJ
Great AC and internet. What more is there, right? :)
ReplyDeleteCool all the places you've been! Noah enjoying. Kellie
ReplyDeleteNo camping out with the armadillos?
ReplyDeleteI'm keeping up with great interest. Coming thru Houston on Sunday morning @ 6:30 was smart planning or dumb luck. Houston is noted as the traffic snarl capital of the U.S.
ReplyDeleteI know about the southern wind you're encountering. Bob and I returned from central AZ last Monday and Tuesday fighting the same wind and 40mph gusts as you did, only a little farther north in NM and the Texas panhandle.
Keep safe,
Joe F.
I've really enjoyed your adventure so far. Really have enjoyed the statistics and I write them down on a post-it and share them with the guys at FDR. The big discussion was where the corner was in California. Maybe only one or two more hot days and then you should have some cooler weather.
ReplyDeleteBe safe,
Bill Hulen
Mike, the pictures of Houston are really Atlanta. I recognize the buildings. Take care on the trip and have a great time. I am trying to keep up with you during the day.
ReplyDeleteDwight