We enjoyed staying at the Horspitality RV Park in Wickenburg, AZ., where the staff was very supportive of our cross country bicycle tour.The hostess was from Baton Rouge, so it was like old home week. Folks camping with horses were there from Canada, Utah & Montana. Phoenix was intensly urban after being "outback." so Paul put pedal to medal along the canal/bike path and we headed out.
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On top of the World (Continental Divide) @ Emory Pass 8200' with AZ behind us.
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The next day we headed past Tempe & out to Apache Junction @ Weaver's Needle for a much deserved day of rest. A starkly beautiful southwestern landscape, this area attracts 1000s of snowbirds. There was a great view of Superstition Mountain, home of the Lost Dutchman Gold Mine Mtn. We enjoyed getting to do some pedaling, swimming & much needed laundry!
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MADE IT to the "Land of Enchantment"!
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The road to Globe after going thru Superior, AZ., had some difficult climbing in areas with no shoulder to bike along and an uphill tunnel section with no shoulder either. The section was tuff but with the support vehicle following thru the tunnel it was a safe ride.
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Wow is that snow on the NM mountains where we're headed?
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On Day 10 we reached Globe, AZ, visiting a pre-columbian archeological site of the Salado Indians, Besh-Ba-Gowah, which means "a place of metal" in Apache.
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Gila Cliff Dwellings, NM, are over 10,000 years old & one of several in the Valley of the Caves. These were built by the nomatic Salado Indians & ancestors of the famous Apache Chief Geronimo.
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Globe is a charming old western town with many old storefronts & galleries that sell turquoise from nearby Sleeping Beauty Mine. On Day 11 we headed from Globe to Safford, AZ. Along the way we passed thru the San Carlos Apache Reservation which was stark & dry.
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A petroglif of a man on the right inside the caves.
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Inside the caves were many rooms, a meat drying tower (on right) and a special large meeting room with rows of benches hewn into the rock. Also ancient grafitti from early explorers! A very spooky but spiritually charged place!
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