April 14, 2007: Big Black Mesa, near Prescott, Arizona

We left Coyote Howls campground in Why, Arizona after 5 pleasant months of balmy weather, starry nights, and great neighbors. Our route northward constisted of as little interstate highway travel as possible, since the caravan travels at a max of 54 mph. Final destination: Southern Utah!

April winds brought severe duststorms to our part of southern Arizona. This is the sun just before sunset.
The motorcycles are secured for the journey north!
rhonda ducati
After several hours on the road we found relief at this fine rest area on AZ Highway 60, 10 miles south of Wickenburg. Shady parking, clean restrooms, a perennial stream, and interpetive signage made this a great place to stretch!
Our day of travel ended @ 250 miles on Big Black Mesa in the Prescott National Forest north of Paulden, Arizona. We spent the next morning cleaning 60 pounds of garbage from the site (note four white trash bags beneath tree)...crawling under juniper trees to remove glass bottles, aluminum cans, weathered cardboard, vinyl, plastic, rugs, rotted clothing, and a few unmentionables. :-( Finally the rubbish was driven 20 miles to the refuse transfer station, and disposed of for a $5 fee.