Globe to Safford

The day started cold and clear but warmed up fast as we pedaled off into the desert.  We soon entered the Apache reservation.  We could imagine Geronimo leading his warriors through the hills.  There was no place to stay on the reservation so we knew we had to pedal at least 80 miles.  The weather was great, we felt strong, and the miles of rolling hills passed quickly.

We met Ron again, the guy from Alaska biking across the country, and took a picture of him.

We stopped for lunch at an Apache grocery store.

Near Pima we came across the Gila Valley Arizona Temple so we stopped to check it out.  In Thatcher we stopped by my Aunt Donna's old house.  Then we continued to Safford and found a motel. 

We ate at a restaurant that offered Chinese food "Safford style".  I just had to see what that meant.  I think they were just trying to compete with the New York style Chinese restaurant next door.

Finally we stocked up on food for tomorrow, because tomorrow we will be forced to camp in the mountains where there is no food available.

Mileage for the day was 83.6 at an average speed of 13.2.  It's our longest ride yet, but every day is a new adventure and we are feeling good and having a great time.

The truth from Ruth:  At the Apache store, right before we left, I saw some ice cream for 52 cents a scoop, and they had Bunny Tracks!  Jeff was ready to leave, so I got my cone and ate it while pedaling down the road.  Oh, the fun of being a stoker!
My other favorite time today was getting the most delicious tropical-flavored slush at a place called Taylor Freeze.  We saw about 15 signs for it along the road, and I was so ready to get there.  This time we stopped long enough for me to eat it at the restaurant.