We lost a day in Tucson getting new tires. The dealers along the route have put us on the lift immediately when we’ve arrived unannounced. I gather this is standard procedure everywhere when long distance riders come through. Being treated this way is a privilege we appreciate.
Today we have to get some miles under our belt and it’s going to be a long lonely ride north of the Mexican border, with the only break being Organ Pipe National Monument, taking #86, then #85 to Gila Bend.
As we’ve mentioned before, our life surrounds gas stops. And today we’re in for a treat. The village of Why’s gas station is an epicurean paradise. All kinds of food nicely displayed, it felt like Whole Foods
Then down through Organ Pipe. It’s hard to describe how removed this is. The Tohono O’odham Nation we’ve crossed through is vast and has an uncompromising, dangerous feel to it
Down to the border town/crossing at Lukeville, maybe couple of dozen buildings all up. This may be the furthest corner from anything in the US. If not, it sure feels that way
Then we head north towards Gila and pass through the town of Ajo. The prettiest church on our route since Marja, TX
Then across 100 miles of badlands
Eventually into the town of Gila Flats, where our road crosses the major truck route I8. It’s the last stop west the whole way to Yuma. Hold onto your seats, here is the Space Age capital of southern US, partnered up with Best Western at a truck stop
We had to stay. Here’s the lobby
The rooms had planetary details outside on the posts
The pool house was a lunar base station
Comments
LOL – Space Age lodge reminds me of when i went to Disneyland and stayed in something similar… in 1968.
Blast from the past!
1968? Me too… I think I remember you barfing on the Matterhorn.
SPACE AGE LODGE BEATS THEM ALL
Date: Fri, 14 Dec 2012 20:00:54 +0000 To: vzinovieff@hotmail.com
Sure does Vlad.
Are you going down the Baja?
The first week of January!
What are you doing for Christmas? Flying your daughters down to where you are.
Flying back to Vancouver for a few days…