March 6 - Day 6

Today we made it to Phoenix - logging 96 miles.  Those of you pledging money for every day of 100 + miles got lucky today - we simply ran out of daylight and couldn't safely get the last 4 miles in! 

We are tired.  We are taking a full day of rest tomorrow - looking forward to not being on the bike seat for 24 hours! 

We were on highway 60 most of the day - going through high desert.  There was a cross wind that slowed us down, but was not all that bothersome. 

Once in the Phoenix area, we were on a bike path for about 8 miles - wonderful urban path complete with tunnels under any cross street - that was a nice feature that we haven't seen in other cities. 

I have to admit, I was a little disappointed coming into Phoenix.  The majority of the last several days were just us, the bikes, mountains and deserts.  The people and places we ran into were all unique and rooted in their place.  Rolling into Phoenix, what struck me first was all the fake landscapes - grass where grass isn't suppose to be, ornamental plants, palm trees, etc.  After several days immersed in natural landscapes, normal (and beautiful in it's own right) landscapes suddenly seemed out of place and rather off-putting.  Then we went by all the typical chain stores and restaurants - again very convenient and great products - but not the mom and pop adventures that we have encountered.  Don't get me wrong, Phoenix is a great, beautiful town that has obviously invested a lot in it's landscaping, urban forestry and streetscapes - but all this effort simply can't compare to the truly awesome natural landscapes that surrounds the city.  It's a shame that we often feel a desire to "enhance" our natural plant landscapes instead of just enjoying the beauty that is already in every landscape.  That's why I love ACRES - ACRES exists to preserve natural areas just the way they are - no "enhancements" needed.

                                                      Good night from two tired bike riders.