Our night at Oaks Park Motel and RV was very relaxing. Our stop actually coincided with another group of cyclists that were touring. There were four bicyclists and their support crew - an RV. They were on a tour to promote literacy. (Chris and I haven't figured out how reading in schools and touring the US helps promote literacy, but maybe a tax write off?). The owners of Oaks Park were very nice, and gave us some cycling road advice for our route the next day. As opposed to heading directly up 89, they recommended taking a less traveled, more pleasant route through Skull Valley. After hearing about the lack of shoulders, blind corners, and vicious switchbacks, we decided to heed their advice.
The morning dawned cool and crisp at our high elevation, about 6000 feet, and quickly we packed up our belongings and headed over to the bakery we saw the night before. The Cornerstone Bakery smelled just as a bakery should. We were soon sitting on a patio enjoying a cup of coffee, a mouthwatering, gigantic cinnamon roll, and a delectable almond crossaint. We also spoke with the owner/baker a bit about the road ahead of us. She also suggested the Skull Valley alternative, and mentioned a state park and camground right outside of Prescott that was very scenic. Many people mentioned that they had seen us biking up the Yarnell mountain the day before, and we had quite a sociable breakfast (none of them had stopped to offer us a ride though....).
One thing we have learned about bicycle touring - good food is very important! So we stocked up on carbohydrates to begin our journey for the day (but not without getting some delicious cake donuts for the road).
Our bicycling started with a wonderful, extensive descent into the valleys, ranches, and grassy fields outside of Yarnell. It is amazing how much you can miss grass and big trees. We both were very happy with our decision to go North, as our first fifteen miles of the day whizzed by. It was beautiful.
Is this the first Costco?:
After a few hills, we descended into Skull Valley where we topped off our water supplies. It seemed a very quiet and bland place, despite its name. But soon we were off, ascending the mountains and hills to reach Prescott. It was a beautiful, scenic route, with very few houses, and an abundance of scrubby mountain plants, wildflowers, and rock formations. We cruised up and down, around, and over the hills, before starting a steep ascent into larger mountains. It seemed the up hill would never end! Thankfully it was broken up by small sections of level ground and even a few descents, but it was almost all up! We were having stretch break and a snack when a cyclist going the other way told us there was only one more climb. This was very, very exciting news. The climb was very long! But we made it!!!
Suddenly we were entering a forest, with pines and evergreen trees. We were descending all those feet we had just biked up - quickly. It may have been a five percent grade, there was a nice sign telling trucks to use a lower gear, and we were so excited to get to use our higher gears. It was a breathtaking descent through Prescott National Forest,
The descents and scenic views always end too soon, and we headed into the city of Prescott, AZ. It is a nicely built city, with a population of about 40,000 - meaning, it was big enough for a Walmart. It is amazing how the little things you take for granted living in a populated area (like Walmarts and McDonalds). We stocked up on cliff bars and headed to our campsite.
Our final destination of the evening was Willow Lake RV Park. We had no idea what was in store for us. Our campsite was amazing. It was situated at the base of a large rock formation/mountain. It was isolated, we had no neighbors. It was just a fabulous spot. The first thing I did once we parked our bikes was to run up the rocks and see what I could see. The rock formations, the few trees growing in the rocks where dirt had collected, the whispy grasses, and the lake in the distance - it was beautiful.
We also found out that this vista was the only place to reach the internet with the iPad, so Chris posted the previous days blog from a nice rocky location.
We spied this guy hiding underneath our picnic table. He was about the size of my thumbnail:
Also inhabiting our campsite were a variety of lizards. Chris and I have been quite fascinated by the different types, and how completely different their appearances our from the common brown and green anoles of home. But they still act the same: chasing bugs, sunning themselves, doing pushups and showiong off their dulaps.
We finished our day with a yummy dinner of tricolored rotini, chicken, and sauce. With a desert of donuts :)
Location:Yarnell, AZ to Prescott, AZ
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