Day 52

Wakened early, got myself organised and just as I was leaving the playing fields ... the sprinklers burst onto life ... how lucky was that?


There seems to be a lot of film 'buffs' on the road showing great interest in all aspects of this 'Mother Road' ... there's no doubt that in the recent past this was a very important thoroughfare. The terrain is flat rolling grassland that stretches for ever. The road is very straight, wide and quiet and I practise cycling along the white shoulder line ... BANG!! A car whizzes past and it's wing mirror hits me on the elbow and the mirror disintegrates ... it happens in a flash and I flinch ... trying to find out if I'm hurt! Oh! Why didn't I see that coming? I swear and come to a halt ... I'm fine ... not even a scratch or bruise. The car stops up ahead but no one gets out. It's not easy for me to compose myself but I cycle up to the driver's side of the car. This large coloured women asks if I'm alright and apologises!!! She insists that she swerved to avoid me. Geee! her laid back approach leaves me speechless. It was something that should not have happened and I had a lucky escape. I have to be more attentive to what's coming up from behind. Passing through an Indian reservation now and can detect that an effort is being made to build up infrastructures like community and welfare centres. It's like being in a different country ... very different from the fertile mid-west of the US. The residential part of Peach Springs is not like Belair!! Completed 35 miles ... not bad ... not trying to get to Kingman tonight but will push on later and be within striking distance tomorrow. Using the Wifi in the lounge of this nice hotel, 'The Diamond Creek'. The restrooms are quiet and I might risk having a shave and a good wash. I wish I had paid more attention in my youth to the songs and films associated with Route 66. I feel as if I'm missing out on a lot ... other tourists are stopping here, there and everywhere taking photos with great enthusiasm. They must know something that I don't? I'm sure some of the old shacks that we've past featured in the movies ... but which shacks and which movies? I stopped for a siesta in the shade of the porch to a disused country dance hall ... what stories could be told here? It's cool enough to continue along this interesting road ... it's a bit of a detour to my planned route and will cost me an extra day ... but I have days to spare. After Kingman I'll proceed to the town if Oatman ... it has been recommended that it's worth viewing and while I was in Fork Ash, an interesting chap called Duane, he was with his wife and two young boys, invited me to call at his place in Oatman. I've to stop at the Fire Station and ask for "Duane of Jack Ass Junction" ... I really must check this one out! I'm about 20 miles from Kingman and it's about time to set up camp. Let's see? ... Up this unpaved road there are a few small trees ... the only drawback is that it's beside the Santa Fe railroad track and there are freight trains regularly passing by ... at least they are not blaring their horns. It will have to do ... 'beggars can't be choosers' ... the clock says I've covered 68 miles with the odometer reading 2927 miles. This was a good day. Goodnight.

Location:Peach Springs,United States