Day 12 - May 12 2010 - Gallup, NM to Flagstaff, AZ

Well the winds have subsided, but we are now facing below freezing temperatures in the morning, but it warms up to 10C (50F) by 9AM or so. We left Gallup, New Mexico around 9AM and continued heading West on Route 66 and sometimes we were forced to us I-40 for parts.

This day was a short distance day, with most of it spent at the Petrified Forest National Park in the East side of Arizona. The painted desert is just so beautiful it was hard to keep moving, see photo.

After a brief lunch stop in Holbrook and a photo of the Wigwam Motel on Rt 66 it was off to Winslow for our opportunity to stand on the famous corner in Winslow, AZ, after the prerequisite photo stop and some 40+ photos later we are off again, heading in a headwind, but this was mild compared to what we faced yesterday.

Next stop was Twin Arrow Road and the abandoned gas station of Twin Arrow's, but wait - these are brand NEW arrows, so is someone putting money back into the place, maybe there is a future in Twin Arrows.

The rain started as we left twin arrow's but lasted only a minute, but it has turned COLD, 8C (45F) and as we approached Flagstaff from Winona there was hail that too lasted only a minute. Anyway we were glad to be off the bikes and inside at the Best Western Pony Soldier Motel.

Footnote:

(I have added this as I have found out that a lot of people have never heard of the "Standin' on the Corner in Winslow AZ")

The "Standin’ on the Corner" Park Located in downtown Winslow is "The Corner", made famous by the song "Take It Easy". Written by Glenn Frey and Jackson Browne, "Take It Easy" became The Eagles first hit single in the 70's, and peaked peoples interest in Winslow. The verse "Standin' on a corner in Winslow, Arizona," draws visitors from far and wide to stand on the famous corner. The "Standin' on a Corner" Park is located in historic downtown Winslow and features a life size bronze statue and a two story mural depicting the story behind the famous song. Be sure to read the inscribed bricks that pave the park!