08 Jul Day 67 – Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
We have had to re-map the route! It happens to be 22 miles longer and also goes through Phoenix, the hottest place in America…Oh Joy!
So after leg one today we decided that we might have to look at alternative routes. We seem to be going through quite a lot of Indian Reserves and my current route takes us a long way from any form of the state governed road. After further research it was 150 miles which is about 4 days on unknown terrain. We looked at other options and the only other way was via Pheonix. The only thing is that the first 22 miles, which I start after lunch, are through a Reserve. The most upsetting thing about all of this is that I leave route 66 behind. It is sad but the right choice, if anything happened to me or the RV on those reserve roads we are miles from any help. So we made a decision to change the route and head south from Grants, New Mexico!
Never walk Alone
On this 22 mile stretch, Shaun strapped on his backpack, filled up with as much water as possible and we headed off into the unknown. As we headed in we met an old Vietnam veteranwho told us the road was unpaved from about a mile in. We thoguht at this point there was no way the RV would make it so we confirmed that they have to take the other route and meet us on the other side on state route 53. Turns out this wasn’t a Reserve but a National Forest. The road was fine but by this time we were too far in. The terrain was like being in a cowboy movie once again but it has this amazing volcanic black rock that stood out from the familiar yellow and red rock. We headed on and 12 miles in we sat, ate an orange each and then moved on to the last 10.
Altitude
This route seemed to just go up and up and up. We hit a max height of 8250 feet. The highest I have been on this whole trip. It was tough, as we were battling with the hills, the 22 miles alone and also just the time it was taking. The 22 miles took us 7 hours to complete due to the road surface and the hills. In the end we got to the RV and ate a feast. Shaun looked like he was going to fall asleep at the table. I felt like death and had no idea how I would get up at 5AM. Blogging without WIFI is rubbish, I know that people like reading my blogs when they wake up and I hate to disappoint but we are at the top of a mountain and there is zero WIFI. It will have to wait till tomorrow!
Jen James
Posted at 06:00h, 08 JulyWhen I flu over New Mexico I looked out for you but didnt spot you!! Keep safe please! xxx
Thedudemoe
Posted at 09:44h, 08 JulyDon’t be too hard on yourself – 7 hours is pretty god and remember just how high up you are! Desert and mountains but you are almost there and the Pacific awaits down there! Just like the early settlers and the wagon trains but easier – I don’t think your wheels will fly off! Love ya! x
Nictindall
Posted at 22:36h, 09 JulyI am sorry to hear that you had to divert off of 66. I have always heard of people making the trip across the country using old 66. Even at some point along the trip there are cars burried standing on end along the side of the road. Stay stong Jon!
God’s Speed
Nick