We started out the day with a BANG . . . literally as Dan was pumping up his tire and it went of like a bomb!

 

The horror . . . the horror

Another Dr Stan’s tube bites the dust.

This was a cook breakfast place we saw on the way out of town with palm trees growing right through two vents in the roof!

We crossed into Arizona today . . .

but had to roll on about 5 miles before we saw their state welcome sign . . . there sign doesn’t say, ‘open for business’ like our state.

WI is thinking of allowing companies to ‘sponsor’ our state parks in the upcoming biennial budget. Looks like AZ already allows this . . .

. . . but it must not work out all the time!!!

Must have been some kind of party!!!

Today was a BIG day of headwinds AND interstate riding AND a gradual uphill climbing averaging 1.5 % ALL DAY!!!! Grueling, but we finally did get off the interstate and onto some nice riding roads.

Entering AZ, we also evidently entered RV land . . . they are everywhere! So many in fact, they need to have ‘specialists’ involved in caring for them!!! Crummy job but I guess someone has to do it.

We stumbled upon this used car lot that sold literally anything that moved and had an engine of some type. Most of them restored . . .

Including this beauty . . .

. . . you can pick up for a song!!

Some of his other inventory. Don’t need to worry about rust here!

Here is the owner, Billy, presenting Gina and Linda with two grapefruit he cut right off the tree for them (we all got one).

Lots of RV parks around the city of Quartzite. This is an example of how many of them look. Most all had an American flag flying from a high mast. We had lunch in Quartzite and the girls decided to go shopping so I headed for Salome, our home for the night

We were definitely entering cactus country. Very Nice!

After a twenty mile grind into the wind and up hill I passed through Hope. Really just a spot in the road  . . .

. . . but with a great exit sign!

One last pass to climb and we headed towards Salome . . . here was a GREAT iron worker. . .

. . . lots of inventory . . .

With these three beauties too. I’m thinking of you Smoochie . . . one,

two,

three. Keep your eye open for a UPS delivery!!!

We pulled into the Westward Motel a very unique place to stay for the night. Wish we had more time here!

The courtyard . . .

full kitchen for our use . . .

nice room . . .

and a very nice collection of ‘stuff’ he has collected and decorated.

Randy joined us for beer in the backyard.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: We went to the only cafe in town for a fish dinner and were discussing our motel bill and whether we had enough cash (no credit cards accepted.) Gina said, ” . . .  not to worry because the girls could ‘put out’ !!!!

Big day tomorrow 80 miles, 40 of which will probably be into another headwind, and then 40 miles down to Surprise, AZ . Yippee!