In Scottsdale

I had Route 87 south from Winslow all to myself, a straight line through the desert, passing through Strawberry and then Payson, where it became a major highway winding through the mountains. I was enjoying the curves a little too much, however, because I got pulled over for speeding. I pulled to the side as soon as I saw the cop behind me, so he didn't need to flash his lights, and I didn't argue, I just said I was sorry for speeding - so he gave me a warning (for "65 plus") and let me go. Then I continued at a much slower pace to Scottsdale, where my cousins were eagerly awaiting me on bicycles at the end of their block. Riding to the house, we matched our speeds by them pedaling as fast as they could and me riding as slowly as I could. Then a scrumptious dinner at Outback's and lots of good conversation. The dog (a big beautiful Golden) didn't like me at first but forgot about that when I gave him food treats and scratched his neck. The cats ignored me and the hamsters are squeaking happily in the next room.
Tomorrow I take my bike to the shop, and go on some kind of fun outing with the family.

Standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona

Standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona
Such a fine sight to see
Its a girl, my lord, in a flatbed Ford
Slowin down to take a look at me
Come on, baby, don't say maybe
I gotta know if your sweet love is gonna save me
We may lose and we may win
Though we will never be here again
So open up, I'm climbin in, so take it easy
  (The Eagles, "Take It Easy")

Well, the corner is there, on a stretch of old Route 66. All four corners of the intersection, in fact, all adorned with those words, and Eagles tributes, Route 66 tributes and Eagles music playing.

Talking about the Eagles...

Twenty-one and strong as i can be
I know what freedom means to me
And i can't give the reason why
I should ever want to die
Got no cause to be afraid
Or fear that life will ever fade
'cause as i watch the rising sun
I know that we have just begun
I might spend my life upon the road
Just tryin' to add to what i know
Then someday i might settle down
And all my friends will be around
  ("Twenty One")

Meteor Crater

700 feet deep, 4000 feet across, it's the first confirmed meteor crater in the world. Way down in the middle (the speck in the big photo) was a shack, a pit with scientific instruments and two scientists standing around, doing whatever meteor crater scientists do.