The last mile or so near the salt river, along the canal is plagued with service buildings, fences and “Do Not Trespass” signs, which I promptly did anyways.

After that, one mile from the camp site my front tire goes flat, see pictures. Three punctures to fix.

At Phon D Sutton campground. Host was amazed, jaw dropped, that I rode out from 44th St., about 25 miles. She was further amazed that I had brought everything I needed on the bike. People are astonished that someone is prepared. She offered me water, which I took even though I could filter it out of the river.

I was burned out, energy draining, I ate an MRE, that fascinated an older gentleman sitting nearby. He asked if I was going to heat it, I pointed at the chemical heater and said “I’m already doing that” more amazement. He was from Seattle, 66yrs old, pulling a pop up trailer across country on his “great big trip” to see his family. My Dad did that and passed away shortly after. This guy was in the Navy, before Vietnam, stationed in Germany. He was reading Mystic River because he forgot what it was about. His granddaughter is joining the Navy as a Corpsman? Good luck to her.

I forgot to charge the waterproof camera battery so it died right when there were good pictures to take.

Met some tent campers by the river, fishing. Rick, John and Elisha?

Did some reading while the Hispanic kids screamed and jumped into cold water, sun setting behind Mount McDowell.

Next time:

• charge camera
• mess kit, bowl, cup
• waterproof bag
• binoculars
• new inner tube and patch kit
• tire guard?
• convertible pants or swim trunks