Wednesday, December 9/09

The truck had to be into the repair shop at 12:30 so once John got the motorcycle out of the trailer and ready to go we headed out. We dropped the truck off with the instructions that if we weren't back by closing time to "lock it up and we will see you tomorrow". We got on the bike and headed down the highway for a cruise. The weather was good - sun was shining but there was a bit of wind - nothing really to worry about. We had our cold weather gear if the need should arise. The country side was typical desert, with Saguaro and Prickly Pear cactus everywhere. It is such a different landscape than what we are used to seeing. There is a picture perfect moment around every curve. We eventually ended up in Quartzite (the Snowbird Mecca of Arizona) and I must say I was not terrible impressed by the sites. On the way, there were several RV Parks and the RV's were parked so close together that I am sure you could here everything that was going on next door. Definitely not my cup of tea. I did note that there were several 55+ parks also -- I'm not allowed in there YET!! We fueled up and headed back, only we took a scenic route which took us past several boondocking areas. There were not too many RV's in this area but they were all parked a good distance away from each other which I understand is proper boondocking etiquette. This area had a 14 day limit. Both John and I said that where we are parked near Wickenburg was a much nicer spot so I don't think we will be in too much of a hurry to move to Quartzite. We went through a pass where some fellow had lived for years , built a sistern to hold water (which remains today) and eventually got too old to stay there any longer so had to move to the town of Bouse. Had to stop to take a picture of the bike next to a huge Saguaro Cactus and carried on into the town of Bouse where we came across the Monument Wall. This was a series of memorials for the Tank Battalions that were trained and based at Camp Bouse. They were brought here to train, as it simulated the deserts in Europe where the men would be going. It was sobering to see the memorials and one can't help but think of the young men and women who are still in foreign lands fighting and dying everyday. The tanks that you see in the pictures belong to General Patton and were donated by the Patton Museum. Back on the bike and heading for home. There were several signs that warned us of flood areas and it was evident that there was indeed water running across the highway in several areas due to the rains on Monday. Eventually made it back to the bus and good thing too because it was starting to get chilly. All in all, a good day spent. Hogan was glad to see us - he hates being left behind!!