Well Friends,
Had a chore or two over at the Dog Patch place, and since it was only 104F (40C) in Skunk Hollow, I decided to ride Black Betty (that sweet girl) over.
Did the needed chore, and found myself with a little "extra" time, off towards the far east valley. Since the powers that be had finally decided to fix the road from Tortilla Flats out towards Lake Roosevelt (had been closed for the past 5 years or so), I decided to ride out that way and take a look.
You've all likely seen some of my pictures in earlier threads out to Fish Creek, but here are a few more, as a back drop to the ride:
Shadows were lengthening, temps were dropping a little with increased elevation.
Decided to stop at the Tortilla Flats general store and partake of a Huckleberry ice cream cone. It was nice!
Yeah, I will trim those studs, eventually.
Out towards Fish Creek, sun was setting, making everything redder.
Moon rise! Out past Fish Creek, on the new to me road that had just re-opened.
Couple of caves that might merit exploration...
Apache Lake at Sunset:
It was at about this time I encountered a lad and his family (wife, 3 boys) all working on a Cadillac Escalade, complete with large boat, in the dark, alongside the road. However, no amount of duct tape was going to seal up the burst heater hose.
I got the opportunity to guide him through bypass surgery of the heater core, and then get things filled back up with the gallon of water generally in a rotopax on BBTSG and his remaining drinking water. Evidently they had been at it about 3 hours and were getting a little frustrated. Followed them back to Miami and all was well. Figured they could make it back to Mesa from there.
c't'd
c't'd
The bright lights of Miami (AZ not FL.) Rio Tinto mine.
Swung south out of Superior to catch the Florence-Kelvin highway back towards Skunk Hollow. As were most of the dirt roads, today, it could be described in the highly technical term of "Washboardy."
The usual suspects loitering in and along the road...
All in all, it was a fine ride. Nothing broke or fell off.
Wildlife spotted: numerous quail, several jack rabbits, lotsa bats, a relatively friendly tarantula, couple road runners, great horned owl, and of course the Millenial Family Robinson.
Found some much appreciated cool air up around Globe. I think it dipped under 66F (19 C.) Remained kinda cool the rest of the way back to Skunk Hollow, even.
178 easy miles:
It was at about this time I encountered a lad and his family (wife, 3 boys) all working on a Cadillac Escalade, complete with large boat, in the dark, alongside the road. However, no amount of duct tape was going to seal up the burst heater hose.
I got the opportunity to guide him through bypass surgery of the heater core, and then get things filled back up with the gallon of water generally in a rotopax on BBTSG and his remaining drinking water. Evidently they had been at it about 3 hours and were getting a little frustrated. Followed them back to Miami and all was well. Figured they could make it back to Mesa from there.
You're a Good Man...Charlie Brown 
Two Million Mile Rider
Exploring the World in Comfort
Awesome adventure! Very cool of you to stop and help that family. They may have been stuck there all night if you hadn't shown up. 👍
I've got at least 4 extra Thumb knobs for 5/16" nuts (thread size). If they will fit the nuts on your spare tire mount, pm me your address, and I'll send a set your way. I bought a pack of 10 and only needed two. lol
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GORNGM2?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title
Hold my keyboard and watch this! 🙃
@scott-h Thanks for the offer! They are 9/16", though. 3/8" dia rod, coarse thread. I may cut them and put some acorn nuts on for appearances. Still pondering it!
Acorn nuts for the win...
