**Oops! Saved this but didn’t publish it.**

Christopher Creek to Flagstaff, AZ via Petrified Forest National Park

My original plan had me at the Grand Canyon by now, but after factoring in Memorial Day, I felt the need for change. Petrified Forest NP was a natural choice, and a big surprise.

The surrounding terrain is primarily pine forest.

And as you would expect, there is a lot of petrified wood:

What I wasn’t expecting and has caused me to seriously consider upgrading my camera was the Painted Desert. The colors are much more brilliant than my little snapshot Canon can capture:

And some perceptive soul asked if I’d like one of me since I was traveling alone.

Today’s Route

Parker, AZ to Bishop, CA

Today was another hot day (100+) along lovely yet desolate roads in Southern California.

Riding in the desert gives one plenty of time to think. Today I thought through all the people I’ve met along the way.

In Yellowstone, I met a guy from Germany who had shipped his BMW motorcycle over and was touring the states - in six months. And I thought my trip was a long one.

At the Grand Canyon I met a gentleman and his wife and asked them how long they were out. His answer? “No idea.” It turns out that they average 50,000 miles a year on their Honda Gold Wing. He was 77 – she didn’t offer her age. Neither of them looked a day over 60.

And the bus driver in Grand Canyon that was telling about his friend that decided to see if he could hike from rim to rim and back in a week. That’s 9000 feet down, 27 miles, and 9000 feet up, back to back. He made it in 6 days – in celebration of his 80th birthday. Inspiring.

Today’s Route: