9/23 Tonto Creek Hatchery and Rim Area

Nothing like a nice motorcycle ride to get rid of stress! Safety checked the Vstrom, grabbed my gear, loaded some food and water and headed to the cool country. Headed out to Bush Highway along the Salt River and by Saguaro Lake to the Beeline Highway (87). As I approached Mt.Ord I could feel the temperature drop substantially, should of dressed warmer! Arrived in Payson at 9:30 stopped to put my thermal liner in my jacket before continuing on to the Tonto Creek Fish Hatchery and eat a snack. Mounted back up and headed on up Highway 260. It had been awhile since I visited the hatchery as the last time here my setter decided to go for a swim in the lower pond with the big fish, the game and fish people were'nt very happy with us!, oh well I'm back less my fishing dog.The Tonto Creek Fish Hatchery is part of the National Sport Fish Restoration Program

This is the main building and visitors center. The staff explains the whole hatchery process from egg to hatchling and growth process until they are ready to be transplanted to the Rim area lakes.

Some big rainbow trout in the lower ponds. Where's my pole! Oh yaa it's posted no fishing, go figure!
This is the middle pond with medium size rainbows.
And at the top the small fry.
The Vstrom at the hatchery parked next to Tonto Creek that originates from natural springs above the hatchery.
Sly and the Vstrom on top of the rim.

Looking down on Highway 260 from the rim.
Just resting on the rim and taking in the view.
Stopped at Forrest Lakes after the rim for a drink at the Campers Country Corner. Noticed the for sale sign and made the mistake of mentioning it to the owner, he thought he had a buyer, but much to his dismay, I said not today. Told him I had to be on my way and started the ride home.
Ahh, the best medicine to reduce stress, 1-motorcycle, 2-rider, 3- the open Arizona highways! God Bless, until the next time, Sly

The Healing Field

9/11 The Healing Field

For the past seven years I've participated in memorial motorcycle rides honoring the hero's and victims of September 11th, 2001. This is my first time not riding in an organized memorial ride. I was on my motorcycle and off to Tempe Beach Park to view The Healing Field.

My oldest daughter told me about The Healing Field at Tempe Beach Park, a display consisting of an American flag representing every person that lost their life on that day and a short bio on each individual. Many were born American citizens, there were immigrants who went through the process to become citizens, and those who were becoming citizens. It was obvious the terrorist didn't discriminate as race, creed, age, religion, could be found as you read the thousands of short bios.



A small teddy bear could be found at the flags representing children.


One of the many bios of the victims.



I pray our President never becomes complacent with National Security or chooses to reduce our military forces, we are thankful for their dedication and sacrifices that have taken place that guarantee our freedom and rights.

For the hero's who gave the ultimate sacrifice on 9/11, "Laying their life down for another", our gratitude is eternal.

God Bless.

Labor Day 9/7 Woke up this morning and decided the Vstrom needed to stretch its legs. Pavement and dirt seemed like the perfect mix for today's ride. Started out from the house headed east towards the Salt river and Saguaro Lake. Passed and rode with many other motorcyclist taking advantage of a great day to ride.

I couldn't believe all of the boats and tubers heading out also. Arrived at Saguaro Lake for a short stop as I didn't have a Tonto Pass with me and they wanted to charge me five bucks so it was up and over Usery Pass and on to Canyon Lake. Traffic was lighter this way, and the twisties were much more fun to ride. Wish my Fireman Buds weren't working!Canyon Lake and the Vstrom.



Next stop, Tortilla Flats. Lots of bikes, cold drinks and decent food. From here I continued on east were the pavement turned to dirt and on to Fish Creek Hill to Apache Lake. Apache Trail was very dusty and extreme washboard, no fun. Tons of people must of took advantage of the 3 to 4 day weekend as they were camping everywhere, lots of boats and jet-skis also. Decided to head back on the trail to Goldfield Mining and Ghostown.


Arrived at Goldfield Mining and Ghostown on the way back. Picked up a cold drink and talked to other riders, then fired up the the Strom for the ride home. Finished up with 200+ miles for a great mornings ride!

Be safe, watch for the cages and show them courtesy, then maybe they'll do the same!

Sedona 9/1

9/1 We headed south out of Flagstaff picking up 89A south to Sedona. The drive takes you on a very twisty curvy road following Oak Creek, passing Slide Rock State Park before coming into Sedona.
This is Midgley Bridge you cross over Oak Creek prior to entering Sedona on it.
You can see Oak Creek flowing below the bridge
Photo op. Sheri and Sly
A little local history on an old inhabitant of the area.
Wilson Mountain and canyon area.
Sheri taking in the view
Cathedral Rock.
Nice view on the way out of town, and heading back to 100 degree plus heat. Until next time God bless, Sly

Flagstaff 8/31

As the t-shirt implies, yes I am. So we took a drive to Flagstaff on Monday 8/31. Arrived to cool weather and light rain, yaa the wet stuff! Enjoyed the old architecture and building construction as we walked the city streets and checked out the local shops. Checked in to the hotel then off for Mexican food for dinner.Babbitts Outdoor Gear and Flyfishing Gear. I like the old hand painted advertising on the side of the building.



Alpine Pizza. They've been in Flagstaff for quite awhile. As I've quenched my hunger on many ski trips to Arizona Snow Bowl here.

Beautiful old structure and patriotic.Local store sign. Thank you Obama!For the free spirited and daring the local Hostel.

Ah the good ole days when motels were affordable! Flagstaff train depot. Very busy with Amtrak passenger service and normal goods transport