Laughlin River Run 2009 - Day 4 "Riding Solo"

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Day 4

Temperatures are above normal seasonal (95+F) and not a cloud in the sky ... Beauty day!

Started in Globe, AZ and made a quick trip into Phoenix where Mark opted to spend a few days chillen with some friends ... so I'm riding solo :-)

Today was about taking bike pictures with different backgrounds along the ride. After getting back to Globe I headed north on the scenic #60. The ride took me from the desert valley of probably around 2000ft to 6300+ft in the Apache Mountains, and the temperature changes that go with it. The #60 was scenic with the highlight being the road down into the Salt River Canyon and back out. The #60 ended in Show Low AZ. Another city situated at the higher altitudes and in the pine forest. Very 'British Columbia' like feel as was Prescott.

From Show Low I continued North to the Petrified Forest National Park.

"During the Triassic Period (200 - 250 million years ago) the Colorado Plateau area of northeastern Arizona was located near the equator and on the southwestern edge of the landmass known as "Pangea". (Eventually this super-continent separated to create our present continents.) This tropical location resulted in a climate and environment very different from today. Fossil evidence of this ancient land lies in the sediments called the Chinle Formation that is now exposed in Petrified Forest National Park."

So bottom line, these trees are old .... very old. Incredible to see the 'rock looking' tree trunks and to think they're 100's of million years old. The Tepees are seen through out the park with their Red (Iron) and White (Clay) distinct coloring.

The day ended in Gallup, New Mexico ...... back west to the Grand Canyon tomorrow via Navojo Indian Reserve in North West Arizona.

For larger images, 'Left click' on the images below and you'll get redirected to the online album;