Started Exploring
Road Trip Day 4 - Gallup, NM to Mesa, AZ
We decided to drive half way to San Diego today and stay in Mesa, AZ for a couple days to stretch the legs and do some exploring. We went from desert in New Mexico to beautiful forests in northern AZ to desert again in Mesa. Once again, the driving was easy. However, there was one casualty along the way. A bird did not take off from the hot pavement fast enough to avoid our car. I found it after we stopped in Arizona.
Everything was going well until Robin tried to check into the hotel. She was told in no uncertain terms that bicycles were not allowed, and we could not get a refund. After 30 minutes of frustration calling different companies we thought could help, it became painfully clear we were stuck. With the temperature rising (literally and figuratively), we decided to go lift at planet fitness for a change of pace. Following that we hit Jiffy Lube for a quick oil change. With a new attitude, I went into the hotel to check in. Then Robin and I walked right past the front desk with two bikes and our bags. No one said anything. I would like to say it was my great personality and small talk with the receptionist that got us in, but I suspect it was the fact that this was a different person that Robin talked to and she did not care what we brought into the room.
It was only 111 degrees :), so we decided to go for a 3.5 mile hike. We were curious to see if dry heat is not that bad as everyone says. Besides, it would be good practice for riding in the heat. We brought plenty of water and enjoyed the walk. There was not much to see other than bluffs and cactus, which were huge. All the people and animals were somewhere escaping the heat.
Adventures always lead to learnings. Today, we practiced how put things into perspective, reset our minds, and address a challenge from a different direction. I’m sure we will use these skills a lot when we start the real journey riding across the country. Thanks for reading.
