Blue's Angels Updates - May 1 - Strawberry and beyond

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May 1 - Strawberry and beyond

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May first and the Angels had a mighty small ride…. Our group was small, but the ride was mighty….

At the 8 am departure time, Ray Moore, Mike and Charmaine LaGrange, Wanda and I were to sum and substance of the riding contingent. I thought Dennis McKinney was going to be there and we waited a few extra minutes for him to show up, but to no avail. So, armed with the knowledge that, even with such small numbers, we could find our way to Strawberry for breakfast. It is one of my favorite destinations but because it is in snow country, we don’t make it there often in the winter months.

So off we went! I assumed the lead and Ray rode shotgun. The morning was perfect. No clouds, 60 degree temperature and only a hint of a breeze.. I was delighted to see that the Saguaro Cactus are beginning to bloom. There are lots of buds, but only an occasional flower. It will not be long before we have lots of new color in our desert.

When we reached the Hunt Highway, I was hopeful that Dennis would be there, but it was not to be. Nor was he at the intersection of the Beeline and Bush. So, northward we rode, up past Rye and on toward Payson. As we neared town, Wanda asked if we could stop for a stretch (she had to use the facilities) and as we turned into the road at the Casino, guess who’s voice boomed over the CB? “Hello Blue’s Angels” came the call of that familiar voice. Broker, getting a late start had hurried on up to meet us. It was such a nice surprise. And, there was another surprise there. They were having a Cannonball Express Rally. Lots of fancy cars and scantily clad ladies… I was so busy looking around, I forgot to take any pictures.. duh…………………..

So, now we were six and soon on our way to the Strawberry Inn. Ray asked if Broker could assume the rear position which he was happy to do. The temperature dropped a bit and the wind had become a factor that we would deal with for the remainder of the day. Soon we were finding a parking space and looking for a table. It had cooled off a good bit (low 50’s) by the time we arrived and were really happy to find a table right next to a roaring fire. It was only minutes before we were sipping our first cup of coffee and turning in our orders for morning fare. The orders were prompt in arriving and I can honestly report that I have not had a better tasting breakfast in many a month. The bacon was done to perfection. I had one hot cake and one egg, all perfectly prepared. It was delicious and my riding pals expressed the same thoughts.

When I asked the group what route they wanted to pursue from Strawberry, the left it up to me…..WILL PEOPLE NEVER LEARN????? A quick look at the map confirmed that riding on north, up to Mormon Lake would not make the ride too extended. And, apart from Wanda and I, no one had been there before… so off we rode.

Before long, remaiders of the winter storms were packed along side the road and the temperature dropped into the mid 40’s. I was wishing I still had my jacket liner in and that my fingerless gloves had grown ends to them. As we rode into the town of Mormon Lake, there was a sprinkling of what appeared to be floating ash in the air. However, when it landed on your clothing, it melted… SNOW!!! ON MAY FIRST? YEP…. However, it only lasted for a minute or two… We stopped at the lodge, stretched, watched a couple of guys fish, took a picture of nesting geese and then were on our way, on around the lake and back towards home.

Our next stop was at Clint’s Well, for fuel and to empty our personal holding tanks. After 15 minutes or so, we were off again, enjoying the crisp air but looking forward to warmer temperatures in the valley. And.. we were not disappointed, as it was nearly 70 degrees when we rode back into town.

Yes, we were a small group, but we had a mighty good time…

GPS recap…..
Miles ridden: 300.8
Average speed: 53.8 mph
Driving Time: 05:35:24
Maximum Speed 77.6 mph….

I don’t know if there will be a Wednesday ride, but will be announcing plans for next Saturday in a day or two…

To see all of today’s pictures….CLICK HERE

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Experation Date

5/31/2010

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