Getting lost

March 16, day 13. El Centro to Yuma, 80 miles or 130 km.

Our day started early but we lost time by going in circles trying to find our starting point. After about 30 minutes we figured it out. Weather was just perfect for riding. Some sun and some clouds with a calm wind. We quickly chewed up the mileage. 

We rode part on Interstate 8 and part on some frontage roads. Basically these are roads that run paralel along the highway. At a certain point the road became so bad that it was difficult to get any speed. There was a mosaic of concrete slaps that never touched each other. Just big gaping ridges that played havoc with Annie and myself. The shoulder on the highway wasn't any better. Bulging ridges every 4 to 5 feet. Only the beautiful scenery made it bearable. 

After miles of fields with cabbage, carrots and kale the desert came back. Again beautiful flowers and lots of yellow sand. And then the Imperial sand dunes appeared, high mountains of sand as far as the eye could see. We saw 4-wheelers crawling to the top and then racing down. So much fun. Yet, each weekend serious accidents happen. Speed, alcohol and inexperience cause serious injuries and at times death.

At some point both Vicki and I got the idea to find a Warm Shower host for the night. Michael and Myra said yes to our request and we happily put the address into Google maps. It was all Google's fault. Getting lost had nothing to do with us, no sirree😅😅.

As soon as we entered Arizona things went wrong. We couldn't take a picture of the Arizona sign as it was right beside a busy 4 lane street. Although disappointing, it was the least of our problems. We couldn't figure out how to get to our hosts. It took the better part of the afternoon to find their home. And if Cliff, Vicki's friend, wouldn't have helped us, we still would be searching. We rode on sandy roads, gravel roads and crumbled roads but none of them were the right ones. After 80 miles, an almost empty battery (5 miles left), and achy sweaty bodies, we finally arrived.

Lasagna, salad and garlic bread were waiting for us. And not to forget a warm shower. Bellies are full, eyes are getting small, it is time to go to bed. 

Zij heeft geen idea waar ze is (Cliff).