Day 9-Moab to Fredonia

We awoke to another perfect high desert southwest day! After sleeping very soundly due to yesterday's hike, we loaded up the bikes and had a pancake or two at the Moab Diner. Good stuff! We headed South out of town toward our first planned stop: Lunch in Mexican Hat, Utah at the Swingin' Steak (as seen in Feasting on Asphalt)

Closed.

$@#^%$">!$@#^%$

Open at six....

We didn't wait around, and got back on the road and the ever increasing heat. More on the heat later. We had miles to ride today. We planned about 400 or so. As we entered the northern part of Monument Valley, we saw a car go by in the opposite direction with a big weird thing on it's roof. It was followed by a guy on a bicycle and an RV. Pretty soon, same thing all over again. This time, I slowed to read the signs. It was the Race Across America! This insane bicycle race/exercise in sleep deprivation happens every Summer. This year, the competitors started in Oceanside, Ca. and will finish up in Atlantic City, N.J. We stopped to cheer 'em on and marvel at the athleticism. Insane folks! I thought what we were doing was tough until I started thinking about these guys and girls. Hardcore.
Monument Valley was breathtaking, and we didn't take nearly enough pictures as we pressed on toward our destination of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Our route took us through Page, Az. where we searched for something to eat-even Subway was closed- and finally went to the Chinese buffet.
Note to self: Never, never eat Chinese buffet for lunch when doing a long motorcycle ride in 100+ degree temps.
It was hot. I don't know exactly how hot, I didn't want to know. The good news is that a cooling vest works as advertised in a dry, hot climate. It was a lifesaver. Hank had the neck wrap equivalent, so he was okay, too. We made it out to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon for late afternoon and headed out just before sunset. The drive into the park was quite different than the last time I was here, as a big fire has taken many of the mature trees in the Kaibab Natl. forest. Still very pretty, though. The scary part was all of the deer feeding in the meadows next to the road on the way out. We must have seen over 100, with at least 10 of 'em really close to the road, and bolting whe we got close. We didn't hit any, however, and decided to try to head up to Fredonia to find a motel for the night. We found a good'un, with a great restaurant next door, ate too much, cleaned the bikes, and now I'm sitting on the front porch of our room while Hank snoozes inside. Tomorrow we hope to arrive early at Zion Natl. Park and do some hiking.
Thanks for reading.