Day 16 – Albuquerque to Grand Canyon

Morning Sun

Video of our trip during the early morning. The sun was making its way up into the sky and the clear morning air and sun’s rays bouncing off the rocky terrain gave great views.

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Continental Divide

The reason for the ride getting chilly and foggy on heading north-west out of Albuquerque in the morning: the 8000ft high Continental Divide. It at least gave a respite from the monotonously hot and uncomfortable weather we had been experiencing.

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Four Corners Monument

Not really much of a monument: a brass plaque surrounded by some flags and rows of Navajo stalls. Such a shame as it could have been much more interesting with the right information boards giving a history at the point of the coming together of four states.
Not really much of a monument: a brass plaque surrounded by some flags and rows of Navajo stalls. Such a shame as it could have been much more interesting with the right information boards giving a history at the point of the coming together of four states.

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Four Corners Plaque

The object of everyone's attention and the most in-demand selfie partner: the brass plaque proclaiming the meeting of four states at this exact point. Except it isn't: the actual location is over 500 metres to the west. Ah well, what does a few hundred metres matter?
The object of everyone’s attention and the most in-demand selfie partner: the brass plaque proclaiming the meeting of four states at this exact point. Except it isn’t: the actual location is over 500 metres to the west. Ah well, what does a few hundred metres matter?

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Beauty and the Beasts

The strikingly gorgeous 'wing in amongst the ugly sisters. Can't make my mind up about the bike trailers. Half of me says they're a great idea for hauling more luggage but the other half says why not go in a car if you're gonna have four wheels?
The strikingly gorgeous ‘wing in amongst the ugly sisters. Can’t make my mind up about the bike trailers. Half of me says they’re a great idea for hauling more luggage but the other half says why not go in a car if you’re gonna have four wheels?

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Mexican Hat

Mexican Hat
Looking very much like a mexican hat on a head, this rocky outcrop is called err… Mexican Hat.

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Teletubby

The only time I put the GoPro on the helmet mount as I felt a bit self-conscious riding along with it protuding like some sort of Teletubby antenna. At least I've got the body of a Teletubby though so perhaps it would was a good match.
The only time I put the GoPro on the helmet mount as I felt a bit self-conscious riding along with it protuding like some sort of Teletubby antenna. Having the body similar to a Teletubby, this was a good match!

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Approaching Monument Valley

A fantastic view of the rock formations of Monument Valley as you approach it from the north-west. Unfortunately the video doesn’t do the view justice – it’s one of those places you have to see for yourself.

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Monument Valley

We snapped this view of Monument Valley on out approach. Who put that damn road sign there?
We snapped this view of Monument Valley on our approach. Who put that damn road sign there?

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No Human Remains

I had to read it twice as well! A strange request, but as it's there you can only assume that this must have happened in the past. The land on which Four Corners stands is sacred to Native Indian tribes and this behaviour is prohibited.
I had to read it twice as well! A strange request, but as it’s there you can only assume that this must have happened in the past. The land on which Four Corners stands is sacred to Native Indian tribes and this behaviour is prohibited.

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Navajo Stall

One of the Navajo stalls we passed on the approach to Monument Valley. None of them were busy.
One of the Navajo stalls we passed that were scattered around Monument Valley. None of them were busy.

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Indigenous Hair Salon

Being on a bike all day, our hair was never in the best of states. Could visiting here cure our "helmet hair"? (no sniggering please).
Being on a bike all day, our hair was never in the best of states. Could visiting here have cured our “helmet hair”?

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Small Canyons

Small Canyons
As we approached Grand Canyon, smaller canyons started forming, warming us up for the main event.

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Desert View Panorama

Mesmerising. Awesome. Stupendous. Breathtaking. Captivating. Get the idea? The panoramic view of the canyon at Desert View on the eastern approach to Grand Canyon.
Mesmerising. Awesome. Stupendous. Breathtaking. Captivating. Get the idea? The panoramic view of the canyon at Desert View on the eastern approach to Grand Canyon.

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Colorado River

The beautiful emerald green waters of the Colorado River can just be seen on the right -Mother Nature's sculptor of the mind-blowingly awesome scale and striking topography of Grand Canyon.
The emerald green waters of the Colorado River can just be seen on the right – Mother Nature’s sculptor of the mind-blowingly awesome scale and striking topography of Grand Canyon.

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Mustang Convertible

Hard not to see this mustard Mustang. It looked purposeful sitting there with its roof down and, with the the sun out, was the perfect vehicle for the surroundings. Not even close to touching the experience on two wheels though. No way.
Hard not to see this mustard Mustang. It looked purposeful sitting there with its roof down and, with the the sun out, was the perfect vehicle for the surroundings. Not even close to touching the experience on two wheels though. No way.

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Layby Lookout

One of many lookout points along the southern edge of the canyon offering a great view. Unsurprisingly all of them were busy.

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Grand Hotel

Grand Hotel
The Grand Hotel a few miles south of the South Rim. There was a constant stream of sightseeing helicopters landing just across the road. We didn’t have enough time to take one of these trips, but it would have been a great way to see it.

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Grand Hotel Lobby

The welcoming lobby of the Grand Hotel which was a 10 minute ride away from the South Rim.
The characterful lobby of the Grand Hotel, which was a welcome sight after a long day on the bike.

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Deer Crossing

When these fellas decide to cross the road, there’s not much else to do other than let them get on with it.

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