Time with G & G

I don't think I had ever been so anxious to see my Grandparents as I was on Friday afternoon. After traversing CA and half of AZ, we made it to Mesa. Upon arrival, we showered, did our laundry (wahoo!) and have been fed delicious food and provided with a chocolate selection that rivals any Russel Stover or Fanny Farmer. It has been so nice to catch up with my Grandma and Grandpa and hear stories about my Dad's childhood. We're going to leave tomorrow which is probably good because if our bellies get any bigger we might not be able to ascend our next series of mountains.

As a person from MN, I think of AZ as being a tropical place. However, in the past few days, Arizona has been close to setting new record cold temperatures. As a result of the howling winds and overnight temperatures in the 20s and 30s we have stayed in a couple hotels. Brrr... we need these winds to be tailwinds for a change! My Dad and I think our cheeks have been swollen from windburn.

Biking on the freeway isn't so bad. The shoulder is huge, there aren't any blind curves and the draft from the passing semis can be used to our advantage. I never thought I would say that.

THe first major city we passed through in AZ was Quartzite. We saw thousands upon thousands of RVs. Apparently all winter long that city hosts rock hounds who sell various gems and minerals. Given that we didn't want to haul any rocks with us, we did not peruse the selection. Old-man RV drivers are by far the scariest. When we can see a poof of grey or Red #5 hair peering over the steering wheel, we tremble.

Despite the fact I'm using SPF 45, my tan lines are sweeter than ever. Since we've been heading east, the right side of my face is significantly darker than my left. I also have four small stripes on the top of my forehead that indicate where the sun peered through the cracks of my helmet. Katie, don't worry, by the time I'm in your wedding on August 30th I think the lines will have faded. If not, I will have to strategically hold the flowers.

Go Packers!

We love you Mom!


Words from my Dad:

Hello from sunny but cold Arizona. I know I won't get any sympathy from anyone in Minnesota right now. We are preparing to head for New Mexico on Monday morning. It's been a great adventure so far and we are looking forward to the next phase of the trip. Thanks to everyone at home for keeping Sandy company and for supporting her as she supports me in another one of my hair brained adventures.

Love to all,
Mark