Day 12 - Carson Nat Forest (Route 64) to Heron Lake State Park (78 bike miles)

After our usual hardy breakfast of freshly ground and brewed coffee (Charlie's specialty), and oatmeal (Bill's specialty), we were on our way along US 64 continuing through Carson National Forest, and beyond with its beautiful and varied scenery. Leaving Carsen National Forest, we entered the Jicarilla Apache Reservation, and then down the mountain to the town of Dulce and later to the beautiful Dulce Lake.

We had lunch in Tiggy with a beautiful view of the snow capped mountains, and then with planes flying overhead, we reached ... the Continental Divide. It was then through the lovely town of Chama (which has narrow gauge railroad that runs to Durango, CO during the summer) and then to our overnite campsite in Heron Lake State Park.

Day 11 - Ship Rock to Carson National Forest (87 bike miles)

After breakfast at the Rez Rock café, the only restaurant in Ship Rock (but only open for breakfast and lunch as we discovered the evening before!), we were on the road and soon to leave the last Navaho Nation Indian Reservation that biked 210 miles through.

Soon thereafter, Bill noticed a barber shop. Needing a haircut (and also since his eyes were watering from the wind), he stopped and was warmly greeted by Ken the barber. Ken was very interested in hearing that the purpose of the trip was to raise money for Toni’s kitchen. He refused to let me pay for the haircut! I told him that I would make a contribution in his name to Toni’ kitchen. I also invited him to stay with us should he be interested in visiting NYC someday.

Later in Farmington, NM, Bill noticed an optician office. Needing protection from the wind and glare, he was able to find goggle- like sunglasses that fit over his glasses. This solved the problem that he had been having with watery eyes.

The next town was Bloomfield, with Martha finding a nice lunch area in the parking lot of the US Forest service. There we found out that we were permitted to park overnight within Carson National Forest within 300 ft of the highway. Since the next town was 84 miles from Bloomfield, we agreed to look for a suitable spot, which we found. We had a great dinner of macaroni, cheese and tuna, with wine of course, and then an evening of Euchre. An added bonus was going outside and seeing a spectacular viewing of stars in the perfectly clear sky.

Kriss on the road

Our spot for the night!

Day 10 –Keyenta, Az to Ship Rock, NM. (98 bike miles)

Beautiful views of mesa,part of the sacred Monument Valley,from hotel window. Taking advantage of internet access, Bill gets a late start, seeing beautiful rock formations and eventually catching up with Charlie and Kriss by lunch time. Bill, Charlie, and Martha take a detour to Four Corners, while Kriss continues to Ship Rock, New Mexico, which is a completely Navaho town, and accurately named. We spend the night in a campground on the San Juan river in Ship Rock, watching a huge fire that appeared out of control, but eventually was put out.

Day 9 – Cameron, Az to Keyenta. (102 bike miles)

We are starting to find our rhythm now, each of us going at our own pace, rather than riding together. Leaving the Trading Post, we continue on Route 89 within the Navaho Reservation, crossing the Little Colorado River and a new time zone (mountain daylight time). The terrain is dry, rocky and sandy with only sparse vegetation.

We next head east on Route 160 and start climbing, passing the Dinosaur Tracks exhibit(that Martha visited and enjoyed, passing thru Tuba City, (el: 4037) and even seeing some farm animals on our way to Kayenta (el: 6037), which is the entry point to Monument Valley, sacred land to the Navoho. Charlie and I each pass 100 miles for the day, a significant milestone for each of us. The only lodging in town was an EXPENSIVE room at the Holiday Inn.

Day 8 – Sedona to Cameron, Az. (90 bike miles) Part 2

It was then on to Flagstaff (el 6906) for lunch and a visit to a local bike shop that was located on the famous Route 66.

Leaving Flagstaff, we continued on Route 89, with snow capped mountains in the distance, reaching elevation 7276, before heading downhill to Cameron, AZ (el. 4202), which is the beginning of the Navaho Reservation, and the Trading Post Motel where we stayed overnite and also had dinner.

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Day 8 – Sedona to Cameron, Az. (90 bike miles) Part I

The next phase of our trip begins, with our indomitable SAG driver, Dennis, and our videographer/blogger extraordinaire, Jonathan, no longer with us :( but with a very enthusiastic Martha stepping in as our SAG driver. After our usual healthy breakfast in Tiggy, we passed through the beautiful city of Sedona (el. 4326) and headed up the spectacular and steep (but fortunately shady!) Oak Creek canyon. We passed by Slide Rock State Park, where Martha did some hiking, and finally got to the scenic overview at the top of the canyon (6400 ft.) In addition to the great views of the canyon, there were also opportunity to purchase Native American jewelry and artifacts. Charlie couldn’t resist!