Yarnell to Prescott, AZ

Well today I was glad we struggled up the Yarnell grade yesterday,
because it made this day a really great day.

While we actually climbed several hundred feet more today than
yesterday, it seemed a lot easier. To begin with, because of the
climb to Yarnell, we are now in the mountains so it is cooler.
Today's ride had more down hills as well, so we got to rest our
tied legs.

Or maybe it was the knowledge that tomorrow would be a rest day.

But the best piece of luck was that Ken, who is always looking to
strike up conversations with locals, was advised of a major
improvement on our route. While it added twelve miles to our ride,
it made the grade much easier, and we were on quieter busy roads,
and got to ride through quaint small towns like Kirkland and Skull
Valley.

Prescott is a wonderful artsy town. We are staying in this hotel
(almost Bed & Breakfast) that is listed on the National Register of
Historic Places, Hotel Vendome. It was built in 1917, and is
beautifully restored. We will all enjoy exploring Prescott on our
lay over day.

The following is actually a comment from Martin about crossing the
desert but I did not get it in time to add it to yesterday's
report.

Bugs! It is amazing how many bugs there are along desert roads.
Teeth and nose hairs take care of many of the small ones and thank G-
d for bike helmets when the big hard ones hit. The first time I took
a big one to the head, I thought someone had hit me with a rock.
White jerseys are not good either. They attract bugs like fly paper,
but the hungry little devils that get inside your helmet are worse.
Since more men than women ride bikes, I now know why Mother Nature
gave us so much extra nose and ear hair. Ha Ha --- Take that you
bugs. – Martin.

It would appear that Martin does not know a lot of hairy women.:)