June 4, 2023 – Day 2 – Pagosa Springs, CO to Flagstaff, AZ

On June 4, 2023 – Sunday – Start Mileage 270 – End Miliage 710

East Fork Rd Campground, Pagosa Springs ,CO to Days Inn Hotel, Flagstaff, AZ

The day started with some challenges as we struggled to pack up camp quickly, causing a delay in our departure from the campsite until 10 AM. This was disappointing. We found a Starbucks quick enough and stopped for a quick croissant and Carmel Crunch Frappuccino. Al quickly devoured the croissant, and you both shared the Frappuccino. Surprisingly I was not hungry and the caffeine kicked in and satisfied any hunger I thought I had.
After using the bathroom, we hurriedly got back on the road. However, due to the rushed packing, the sidecar was packed with too much stuff, making Al uncomfortable. Recognizing the need for better organization, we stopped in Durango, Colorado, about 15 miles from camp. At a McDonald’s, we grabbed chicken nuggets and french fries for Al and spoke with a local who recommended a rest stop near the river where we could re-pack the sidecar. It proved to be a perfect spot with shaded trees. The spot worked perfectly and I gave it leftover single beer to a fly fisherman who was ecstatic because the beer was still quite cold from the ice in our waterproof bag that I used as a cooler.
While rearranging the sidecar, Al suddenly needed to use the restroom. Unfortunately, the gas station restroom was out of service. However, the nearby Applebee’s gladly allowed us to use their restroom. As you exited the restaurant, rain started to fall, prompting we quickly got back on the road. Considering the time wasted, we decided to skip the four corners monument and drive towards Phoenix to meet up with Ninang (aunt) Carolyn, the following day.
Driving through the Ute Indian reservation and the Navajo nation, we struggled to find a hotel. A Google search on our phones revealed that Flagstaff, Arizona, offered the best chance for lodging so we pressed on only to realize we were running out of gas and there just was not much out in this Indian territory. I asked Al to find a gas station. Surprisingly, he found one within 11 miles, saving the day. Following his directions, we arrived at a small general store type place with two gas pumps. In the middle of nowhere we swiped the card and we were go to go.
After refueling, we continued towards Flagstaff and quickly found a hotel. Due to the time change between Colorado and Arizona, it was only 6:30 PM, a hour earlier than we had thought. We booked a room, unloaded the bike, freshened up, and headed to the hotel restaurant. I enjoyed tilapia with a side salad while Al had baked potato, shrimp cocktail and calamari tacos. With full stomachs, wr returned to the room for a good night’s sleep, feeling great about covering over 400 miles that day. Excited for the next day, we both agreed that it turned out to be a great day of riding. We very much looked forward to meeting Al’s aunt in Phoenix the next day.