The Last Leg

We’d like to start this email by saying thank you to Emy Miller for paying for a luxurious suite at the quality inn in Tuba City, Arizona. This is by far the finest hotel we have stayed in thus far and we’re only depressed that we have to wake up tomorrow at 5:00 am and cant enjoy it further. We had forgotten what it was to have multiple rooms as for nearly two months now we have been sharing either the same tent or same hotel. Thanks so much for helping us out yet again.

Now lets back up a few days to Pagosa Springs, where we left you last. We should probably take a second to comment on the beauty of Colorado. The rich colors live up to its reputation without a doubt, the mountains were as majestic as we imagined, the cool streams mixed with the rich pastels and warm greens were the landscapes that inspire artists. We really couldn’t be happier to be rid of them.

While Colorado was everything one would wish for in a lively weekend mountain retreat, it was the most unforgiving state we have experienced. The fact that its truck driver’s skills leave something to be desired combined with the steep passes and frigid temperatures were a trial indeed. However, we are proud to say that we have braved the worst the state could possibly throw at us and despite what our parents may think, it is precisely the seemingly insurmountable peaks and semi truck injuries that have made this trip worth while. Without these obstacles to overcome, this trip would be rendered worthless, and we’re happy to say that they were worth the effort.

So then, SO LONG COLORADO, we’ll probably stop back to enjoy your slopes, but will likely enjoy the motorized gondola and car rides as much as the activities themselves. Once taking you on with the bike was plenty.

Since the end of Colorado we have passed into Arizona, where we have encountered heat unlike anything we’ve seen so far on the trip. This should not have come as any surprise to two western born babies, however hanging out in a state within the luxuries of air conditioned rooms and cars is quite different than braving the mid day sun astride a tiny black piece of metal laden with clothing, computers, and our burning backsides. Both of us have been forced to call it a day early twice now due to the very high temperatures that result after the sun reflects across the backtop of the road for a few hours. The highest temperatures we’ve encountered on the road so far have been near the 120 degree mark and even above. Our resulting game plan has shifted from mid day riding to starting in the wee hours of the morning. Desert sunrises are something we’d recommend all of you try out, but waking up everyday before 5:30 is probably a little excessive. Luckily we’ll only be doing it for a couple more weeks.

We’ll be in flagstaff the day after tomorrow for a few drinks and laughs with Zach’s sister and some key members of The LOCO Poker team. But before we skip over tomorrow lets take a moment to note that this July 12^th will be the fourth birthday in a row that Anthony has spent away from home. A characteristic bit of overindulgence will likely be in order at the bar, hopefully Zach’s family and friends are as nonjudgmental as he is. We’ll see.

After Flagstaff we’ll be in Boulder City for a quality donated night’s rest and even a massage. We’d like to thank the owners in advance for opening up their business to our cause. A break from the tent and the ground that we’re used to is the greatest gift we can receive and we feel privileged that you have elected to take two into your circle. Thank you very much, it is the generosity of people like you that has made this trip possible and we are truly truly grateful.

Very soon we’ll be in Vegas, and that will likely be quite the story to tell. Stay tuned, we’ll keep you posted.