Up for breakfast before we left, we went into the hotel area, shouldn't have bothered! Out was crap. Poor choice on everything, the coffee ran out 15 mins before breakfast closed and they refused to make some fresh even though there were about 6 people wanting some!
The van got loaded up, weather was getting hotter, it was pretty warm at the Canyon yesterday, but today started off hotter. Weather forecast is for high temperatures for the next few days, so glad of the aircon in the van!
We were following R66 again, this stretch to Kingman is the best preserved and the most travelled.
Driving through the Kaibab Forest NP again, we were joking about the wildlife we might see, coyotes, wolves, deer, burros and bears!
We took a few wrong turns, nearly ended up another dirt track but got back on track.
On one of our mini detours we saw hundreds of gophers running around the verge, going into their burrows, sitting up surveying the scene, keeping guard. They are very similar to meerkats in how they operate and behave, they are a little bit fatter, like a guinea pig. Very, very quick!
As we went along R66 we noticed a sign for Bearizona, a wildlife sanctuary, we all agreed it might be fum so in we went. Most of it was a drive through, bit like Longleat Safari park. Girl who took our money told us to keep doors and windows closed in the wolf and bear sections and to keep driving if one approached us.
The first few areas were sheep, goats and burros, then we went into the wolves section. Some 4 wolves in there and as we were driving around taking pictures one of them came right up to the van. Some others came over, started a little scuffle and stood in front of the van. Sandra was worried that the one next to her window was going to attempt to jump in. Next thing we know one of them is trying to bite the tyres on the van. Fortunately the one in front of the van had moved and we could move off whilst the other wolf was still trying to bite our tyres!
An area with some bison came next, then the bears.
There were several in there, most about 4-5 years old, a mix of male and female. They were really playful and Sandra managed to get some good pics.
At the end of the drive through area we parked up, went and had a drink before going on the tour bus around the park. This time we learnt a lot more about the animals, their habits, nature and how they arrived at the park. The guide often stopped the bus to feed some of the animals, not the bears or wolves though!
After an interesting tour lasting some 45 mins we pulled back into the parking lot. There was a bird of prey show about to start, so we went there. One of the birds flew so low it was only about 2 inches above people's heads. It would even fly in between people at great speed.
We then went walk about the other animals, including otters, porcupines, beavers and some really young bears. They were only about 5 months old, 2 were up a tree, about 30 feet. They looked like
they would lose their footing and fall at anytime but managed to avoid falling.
We had a really interesting and enjoyable time in the park, it had only been open about 4 years and there were signs of new buildings being put up. Well worth a visit if you're ever this way.
So, back on R66 to Kingman, road was really flat, straight as a die, you could see for miles in front and behind. Many more bikers on this section, even saw a group of about 15 Harley's riding along.
We passed through Seligman, and old R66 town that became derelict some years ago but has now been regenerated as more people travel the back roads. There were old diners, gas stations and even a museum. A really quaint place.
We had booked a traditional motel for our nights stay in Kingman, Top of The Hill motel, a 50's motel. It was only $50 for the night. It was easy to find, as it's name suggests, it was at the top of the hill. We pulled into the parking lot, the girls got out and went to check in. After some 5 mins, they came out with worried looks on there faces, they did not look happy. Sandra was holding her nose, Lel followed the clerk to a room. When we looked inside I have to admit it was very basic. Sandra said that the reception area was very dirty and smelly, and upon looking at the rooms both the girls said " we are not staying here!"
I have to admit the rooms looked more like museum pieces than motel rooms. I know we wanted something a bit authentic and retro for R66 but this was a step too far!
We told the clerk we would not be taking the rooms, saying they were not what we expected. He was fine, quite apologetic and off we went to check in to the Best Western down the road. It was twice the price, but much, much better. It also had a pool and laundry, we both needed to do some washing, so the girls sorted out the washing, we all went to the pool, had a drink and a session in the jacuzzi. The weather was really hot, on the drive down the temp on the car dashboard was saying 96/97 degrees.
Washing done and put away we left the pool, got ready and went across the road to a Mexican restaurant.
Sandra and I had mixed fajitas, beef,chicken and prawns. It came up really hot but some of it was burnt, a bit of a disappointment as we were both looking forward to it.
Again after a long day on the road it was back to our rooms for a few drinks before going to bed.
Vegas tomorrow!!!!!!
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