Adventure 384: Flagstaff, AZ/KOA/Post B

Where's Teddy Roosevelt when we need him?

Sunny, crisp air greeted us on our twenty-one mile ride alone Lake Mary Road, which the locals claim is the best road ride in Arizona. We can't argue, though we shortened our ride time in error. We thought our beloved Zags were playing at 11 A.M. Instead, they played at 2 P.M. Had we known, we'd have extended our ride. As it was, we came back to the trailer and enjoyed NCAA basketball most of the day. Our Zags defeated an extremely tough Northwestern team to make it to the Sweet Sixteen next weekend. Nothing is easy, and the boys in purple played with vigor down the stretch. It's nice to see our boys rise to the pressure, change the momentum, and prevail in the end. Hopefully, our run will continue next week against West Virginia. We also spent the afternoon paying homage to the great Chuck Berry, who died today. I've alway wanted a Cadillac, especially the coffee colored one driven by Nadine. Tomorrow morning, we'll rush down town like mounted cavaliers, and we'll be campaign shouting like Southern diplomats. Actually, we'll be attending a very large Catholic church in downtown Flagstaff, but I'll be thinking of Chuck's spirit during the service.. After church, we plan to hike the three mile vertical to the lookout tower that looms above us. The weather here is perfect: cool in th evening, bright in the morning, and warm in the afternoon. I find I like this Flagstaff, Arizona. One more note about the NCAA tournament. Nothing is more pure than the effort these young men (And women on their side) put out. Their hearts are willing to be broken, and while it's sad to see a team lose, and I know it's a cliche, but there are no losers here. These people put the best face that can be painted on the notion of competition, and the willingness to risk it all emotionally is what encourages the many fans who watch. It's truly fun, exciting, thrilling, and at the ultimate, good. Like us these guys enjoy life that is good, especially today.

 Mary Lake Road, a truly nice riding venue.

 Papa rested while we shed a layer.

 This guy was clearly hoping to catch the big ones.

 Hey, you can't park there without a sticker.

 Upper Mary Lake.

 The road back offered us a look at the pretty mountains.

We actually got back just in time. The afternoon wind built to over eighteen miles per hour.