Saturday 18th April –Sedona to Phoenix (by Steve)
We had a leisurely start to the day this morning as we are feeling a bit worn out by our packed schedule. I arrived at breakfast at quarter to nine, which was 15 minutes before I would have been too late. Breakfast available was tetra packs of juice, no cereal and some muffins. Not a great choice, especially since this is the most expensive motel since Washington. We then departed to visit Red Rock Cathedral Crossing. This is only about 15 minutes from the heart of town. Again we are impressed with the spectacular views on the way. The crossing is in a national park and is apparently the most photographed spot in the area. We have lots of photos, some of which will appear here.

From Arizona

From Arizona

Following lunch we set off for Phoenix. On the way we stopped off at Montezuma’s Castle. This is where the local Indians built houses in the rock face.

From Arizona

Another 2 hours of travel sees us in Phoenix. Both Paul and I are both becoming very weary of being on the road. The hotel we picked was another Marriot and is a very nice. We have nice large rooms and at $79 per night really good value. Dinner was had in downtown at a nice little restaurant. Paul and I had calamari and grilled tuna. OK but not great in my view. The area around the hotel is a little ordinary.

Sunday 19th April –Phoenix and Tucson (by Steve)
Today Paul is looking forward to a down day. He is has been really pushing it hard over the last couple of days. It has on the whole been pretty ordinary bike riding weather – cold and very windy. He is going to do some shopping in Phoenix. I am driving south to Tucson to visit the plane graveyard. Here there are over 4,000 planes stored in an immense bone yard. In the spirit of the organisational skills displayed throughout the trip, I have arrived on a day where the bus tours are not running. Fortunately there is a Museum across the road with around 200 planes. I spend around four hours looking through the exhibitions and going on a tour. Afterwards I drive around the perimeter of the graveyard and take a few more photos.

From Tucson

From Tucson

Another two hour drive and I am back at Phoenix. I am really over the driving bit. We are both feeling about the same, and go for a pizza at the hotel.