Day 53

Sleep was interrupted by the freight trains and the howl of a coyote. Both were too close for comfort, especially the coyote. I got dressed and went outside into a fabulous, warm moonlight night ... it was so bright you could have read a newspaper. I hung around for a few minutes until I could see the outline of the coyote not too far away. I fired off a few stones ... most missed but I must have got a lucky shot ... 'cause I heard him 'yelp' and he disappeared. Back to sleep in peace. Changed into new socks and underwear ... need to hit a laundrette as I've no reserves! I'm surrounded by hills covered with cactii. Deadly stuff ... tried to cut a piece off to see if there is any drinkable moisture inside but my plastic knife isn't sharp enough ... all I got was pierced by sharp needles ... very painful ... so I stopped playing with them and continued. As I turned this bend in the road I could see Kingman ahead, but it was still 18 miles away ... and the road was straight with a slight uphill incline ... oh! this is so tantalising ... will I every get there? It took nearly 2 hours plodding to cover this distance and even though it was 08:30 the temperature is high. (still can't get good enough Wifi connection for photos)


It's getting hot ... and there's a fresh westerly breeze ... cool, but I'm not even going to try to cycle in that.


There are a few free museums I can visit before moving again. Better still, I see a park bench underneath a nice shady tree. Siesta time for me and let me catch up on some sleep. Yep! that's a good idea. The trip is on hold for an hour or so!!


Hard not to call in to a place like this. Lots of things to see.


Wouldn't it be great to have the money and skill to renovate this beautiful machine.


Called in here for a hamburger. The waitresses were 'dolled up' in 1950's attire. Left Kingman around 17:00, temperature is still 90F, and continued on a rough Route 66 onto the Oatman Highway ... Wow! what a climb ... the road starts off level but then heads towards a small range of mountains and twists and turns it's way up over a high pass ... I'm sure I climbed 2000' and I don't like going into a strange town at night. Only 6 miles to go and I think I'll pitch the tent in this rocky area ... I'll get over the pass in the morning. There are a few mules or burroos wandering about, baying at my presence. It's very peaceful and the familiar sky is there to reassure me that I'm still on the same planet though I've only ever seen this terrain in cowboy films. Meant to mention that earlier in the day I saw this team of men, dressed in orange garb, cleaning up the verge on the road. There were a few armed guards standing by too. They are from a local prison, or adult correction centre carrying out work ... great idea. That's what should be done to the rioters and looters in London! Completed 48 miles ... the heat took it's toll today. No trains up here in the hills. Hoping for a quiet night. Byee.

Location:Kingman, AZ