I finally reached the point that I started giggling every time I walked outside. I can’t get over how hot Phoenix is. This is the first place in the U.S. that I have thought, I couldn’t live here. Of course, I’d probably say that about of the northern states if I was here in winter. Luckily I’m not. I’ve love all the other States up to now.
I woke up before my alarm this morning which was set for 05:30. Yikes, I know! I wanted to be on the road by 06:30 to avoid the traffic and the worst of the heat. This is where I start giggling again. It was 34 degrees at 06:30!
I finally hit the road at 06:45. I think I was procrastinating because I was finding it difficult to leave. I have no idea when next I’ll see my cousin and his family and that’s not a thought I wanted to entertain.
Due to the heat, I decided to stop about every hour for something to eat and some water. I didn’t want a repeat of Saturday’s ‘feeling sick’ spell. That’s the last thing I want on the bike. It worked well I thought.
At my first stop I started digging into the lunch pack that Liza packed for me. It so made my morning. The last time someone packed my lunch was 18 years ago. I lived with my (late) aunty Penny and family when I was at university and my aunt used to make me sandwiches to take to my classes. It made me happy thinking about her. Thank you for both my lunch pack and the wonderful memories Liza.
My next stop was about 100 miles west of Phoenix. You’ll get a feel for my ride today from this photo and the next one, which we taken in Palm Springs.
I arrived in Palm Springs at lunch time. This is where I start giggling again. It was 42 degrees! By the time I arrived at the ‘spa’ I’m staying at I was almost swimming in my riding jacket.
I was so happy when they were able to check me in early. After a nice cool shower I headed down to the pool area to grab some lunch. This is where I met Matt. He was also on his own so we decided to have lunch together. What a pleasure that was!
Matt’s an industrial engineer and was in Palm Springs for business and also spending time with a friend from LA. He’s from a town just outside of Vancouver, so basically another foreigner.
We had such a lovely lunch and at the end he said he wanted to pay the bill. He loved the sound of my adventure and wanted to be a part of it. I thought that was so sweet! Naturally, Matt has to be in my blog, so here he is.
My lovely, slightly boozy, lunch put me in such a good mood that I forgot about the heat. I sat outside watching everyone in the pool for a while and then headed up to my room.
It was only at around 20:00, when I wanted to pop out for some dinner, that I realised I couldn’t find me keys. Hmmm…this wasn’t good! After I’d searched my room a few times I headed down to reception. Fortunately someone had handed my keys in. Phew!
At this point I heard the music coming from the bar. There was a guy on a piano. It immediately made me smile. All I could think about was Pat O’Brien’s in New Orleans. I was there with 30 friends in April for my friend Amyn’s 50th birthday party. I couldn’t help but pop in for a drink. 2.5 hours later I’m still here. The bar lady, Daisy, keeps giving me tasters of the new cocktails. I think it’s going to be a long day tomorrow!
Mel & Trinity 