Whew, made it Tucson and it was a haul. The Marfa lights were slightly disappointing but apparently they don’t occur every night 100% of the time. Regardless, the night sky was tremendous and I finally got a taste of what we Chicagoans sorely miss out on.

The morning started naturally with a brisk thunderstorm, but after that things were quite temperate and enjoyable the whole way. US 90 remained scenic to Van Horn and even Interstate 10 had a lot of pretty views, mountains off in the distance the entire time. I realize I’ll eventually be surprised once there aren’t mountains in the distance at some point.

There have been quite a few interesting and cool signs along the way but yesterday was an exception in ridiculous posts along my route. I thought nothing would top the bear crossing signs in Big Bend but alas.

Along my way on US 90 after Marfa, there was a sign that just had a little dude in a cowboy hat riding a tractor. It resulting in a audible chortle, just a funny sign.

Then a surprise was I10’s posted speed limit at 80 mph, which I didn’t even realize was a thing.

Also somewhere along 10 there was a sign that read “Prison Area, Don’t Pick Up Hitch Hikers.” Another laugh out loud resulting from that gem.

Once I was in New Mexico the landscape was a little more barren, with mountains way off in the distance. The first interesting sign in New Mexico was “Dust Storms May Exist Next 15 Miles.” Didn’t expect that one.

Later NM went on to elaborate with signs like “ZERO VISIBILITY POSSIBLE,” “USE EXTREME CAUTION.” While thankfully I did not get caught in a dust storm, I did see what looked like just that way off in the distance a few times.

Another good one was just as I was approaching Arizona, after getting blown all over the road for essentially the entire time I was in New Mexico, “Gusty Winds May Exist.” Ah ya don’t say.

And finally, my first rest stop in Arizona greeted me with a “Poisonous Snakes and Insects Inhabit the Area.” Good stuff.

Approaching Tucson was excellent. One part of 10 goes through this bouldery mountainous region that was insanely cool to see. I unfortunately didn’t stop to snap a pic. regret.

Then as the sun was setting, the clouds and light were doing amazing things resulting in a sublime view of the land. I had to stop for this one:

Here’s the route:

Off to Phoenix are after riding up to Mt. Lemmon. Then to see what this canyon over yonder is all about.