Return to Southern AZ

We made it through Phoenix without too much delay.  I really dislike driving through there and can't imagine driving in the traffic every day.  So, back on the bike to loosen my legs and encountered this fella while crossing the Wentworth Road wash.  Of course, I had to stop and get just outside the strike range to take a pic.

He became tired of my presence and soon slithered away.  I used to keep an Excel spreadsheet of all my rattlesnake encounters while hiking.  I lost the file but am pretty sure I could recreate it from memory.  So many close calls. It makes me shudder thinking about a few of them and how fortunate I never, so far, was bitten.

I finally broke up all the branches left from cutting the Mesquite tree, into small pieces and then burned them all in our outdoor fireplace.  The black soot left on the front was easily washed and the appearance is back to normal.  Glad that project is finished as we contemplate what type of tree to plant.

We've been getting in quality rides of 30-50 miles.  I'm approaching a significant age milestone....ok, 65.  That seems so old.  But, I don't feel old...more like I'm 45 and I certainly don't.....

....act like I'm 65...more like 18. The upside to 65 is it puts me at the low end of age ranges for cycling events.  You know, the "65-70" category when competing in cycling events.  I may need to take advantage of that, or not, we'll see.