As much as I grouse about riding slabs, the I-40 run from Winslow to Las Vegas is just spectacular. Especially starting around Flagstaff. Northern Arizona is really nice. From the pines in Flagstaff to the mountains and boulderscapes on the way down mountain to Kingman, a thoroughly scenic ride. However, the ride from Kingman north towards Las Vegas on US 93 is brutal. Flat, straight and ugly for about 70 miles. The road is atrocious. I have nothing good to say about that section other than it was dry and pleasantly warm. Then, you get to mountains around Hoover Dam. Holy moly, some fantastic scenery on that bit towards Boulder, NV. I have a photo on my phone and when I get a chance to transfer it, I will post it here. Being a civil engineer, I had to detour over to Hoover Dam to pay my respects. A truly amazing project in a stunning setting in Black Canyon. Recommended stop for anyone who is in the area. All in all, one of the better days on this tour. All that slab notwithstanding.
Today we leave Las Vegas and head for Lone Pine, CA via Death Valley. Really looking forward to this one. You want desert? Well I got some desert for ya. Ain't no desert like Death Valley. The weather should be mild, mid 80's, but I will take extra water and be sure I have ample fuel. Even in the fall, Death Valley is no place to take lightly. Especially now that there is no park staffing. Woo hoo!
Today we leave Las Vegas and head for Lone Pine, CA via Death Valley. Really looking forward to this one. You want desert? Well I got some desert for ya. Ain't no desert like Death Valley. The weather should be mild, mid 80's, but I will take extra water and be sure I have ample fuel. Even in the fall, Death Valley is no place to take lightly. Especially now that there is no park staffing. Woo hoo!