Day 32 - Sept 6 Feelin' hot, Hot, HOT!

We happened to all be awake and ready to go early this morning so we were on the road at 7:15am and it was already 77 degrees.  The route was determined with the intention of avoiding traffic in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. I-10 took us to Casa Grande where we stopped for fuel. In the hour that had passed the temps had already jumped to 86 degrees. While hydrating, Torrey and Tim related that riding through this region made them feel like they were in The High Chaparral.

From there we opted for I-8 to Gila Bend which took us through the Sonoran Desert National Monument.  During this stop we decided we preferred I-8 over I-10 as it had fewer trucks and the scenery is about the same as far as desolate desert.

 By lunch in Yuma it was 90 degrees. For the second time in two days we were dancing on the border with Mexico passing several exits to cross the border. 

This route took us past the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreational Area.  There was so much sand! It's actually the largest mass of sand in the state. It was also fairly windy with an occasional gust mixed in. It felt like we were riding in a furnace.

At El Centro, we turned north on 86 towards Brawley.  We rode past the Salton Sea and stopped for a brief cool down at Salton City.

It was just 30 more miles into Indio for the next 2 nights.  It was 103 degrees upon our arrival.  We were all glad to get off the bikes and head to the pool and showers.  By far, the hottest riding we've done on the trip.

Total miles today: 386;
Time to travel that distance: 9 hours
Total Cumulative miles: 11,853
Tomorrow: The 4th Corner