Jonesin for a Ride!

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Joyce

We spent the day at the South Rim taking the shuttle bus further along the rim. The pictures tell a better story than any written description. And even they dont do it justice. We didnt get up early enough to see the sun rise (no surprise) but we did get down to the Hopi look out point for sunset.

We tried to take a helicopter ride over the canyon at 4::00 but the weather did not cooperate. The afternoon forecast at the rim was possible thunderstorms. Although the day had been great up until about 2:00 when the sky darkened and the winds started gusting. I kept calling the tour expecting that they would cancel, but they said they were going. Unfortunately, the tour office number was up in Las Vegas and our tour left from a little airport outside the park. So we put on our riding gear and went to the airport, which gave me a chance to experience riding in the rain. At least it wasnt a down pour and we didnt get drenched. Jim had his foul weather gear on and he shielded me from most of the rain. And of course when we got to the airport they had cancelled our tour – so no helicopter ride. We went back to the park and about an hour later the whole thing blew over. Sun was out and it was as if the whole thing had never happened.

(you may need to change the quality of the video to 720)

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Joyce

Monday was an incredible day We took the longer but more scenic route from Zion to the Grand Canyon and were well rewarded. The scenery was fantastic the entire route. I couldnt stop taking picture even though I never knew if I was getting anything. I was surprised at how many came out. In Jims video in the pictures that have a little of the bike in them, you can see me in the rear view mirror clicking away with the camera

Around every bend there was something new the entire day We arrived at the Grand Canyon mid afternoon. Although we have all seen pictures, it cant compare to the real thing. At the first overlook , we met a Rhode Islander from Woonsocket who took a picture of Jim and I. Small world

We stopped at the look out points on our way to the village – each one giving a little different view of the canyon. After we checked in, we caught the sunset right outside the hotel. These rim hotels are fantastic. Look outside your window or step outside your door and you are literally at the rim

We had a great dinner at the old original hotel and ended the night by seeing two elk right outside our hotel. It was around midnight and I think Jim and I were the only two people up. He wanted to try uploading the latest video he made and had to go to the lobby of the hotel next door. Just as he got down to the walkway he saw a huge elk with big horns grazing next to the walk. Sweet brother ran back to get me so I could see it too. After Jim went on to the other hotel, On my way back to our room a second elk come sauntering down to the walkway. Passed right along side the balcony. I was on The full moon made it easy to see them. Too dark for picture though. What a great ending to an incredible day (you may need to change the quailty to 720).

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We had a relaxing morning at Furness Creek sitting in the sun just outside our hotel room, playing with our iPads. We left around nine and our first stop was Dantes Peak which affords a magnificent view of the valley and surrounding Black Hills. You can see Jims video (video was posted previously)

From there we headed to Vegas. After our first Nevada gas station (which was all about Area 51 – Alien tee shirts,, souvenirs, posters – very strange) there were more and more signs of civilization but still mostly scrub brush and cactus. Then suddenly rows and rows of houses with red roofs. Soon there were malls and we were definitely back from nature

The Strip was swarming with people and the traffic was stop and go. We found our way to Caesars Palace and finally made it to our room. This place is huge. We did some exploring before we had our best dinner so far at Mesa Grill, Bobby Flays southwestern restaurant – perfect for Cinco de Mayo. Then on to see Sir Elton. Jim got us fabulous seats. High tech stage and screen and definitely high tech piano. It was a wonderful concert. Afterwards we took a stroll down the strip so I could see it in lights. Like Disney on steroids. Drinking tourist everywhere.

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Joyce

A fantastic first day
Relaxing at Furness Creek after a fantastic first day. You can see from Spot what our route was – as we progressed we continued on less travelled roads. I have to agree with Jim – the road less travelled is much more enjoyable.

Some things about riding were unexpected. There was a cross wind as we travelled between Victorville and Kramer Junction and I felt like the wind was trying to rip me off the back of the bike. Fortunately that didnt last too long. It was colder than I expected. I dressed with the same number of layers as Jim when we left but found I needed one or two more to keep comfortable. And then there is helmet hair. Not something Jim is likely to complain about

The landscape was just spectacular as we travelled into Death Valley. And you feel part of it while on the bike. Not like being in a car. Even though it was hot, zooming along on the bike kept you comfortable. Less and less vegetation. Browner and browner as we went

Furness Creek is an oasis in the desert. Sudden green and palm trees. After we checked in and enjoyed the pool, we did a little ride out to Artists Drive before dinner. The setting sunlight lit up the colors in the rocks. The pictures just dont capture it