The “Blizzard of 2009” dumped record snowfall in many parts of the US last night.  I listened to several of my friends relate their stories of digging out from all the white stuff today.  Here in the Phoenix, AZ area I did a lot of digging too.  Ok, so maybe it was in the form of looking in a closet for certain motorcycle gear I was going to wear.  Hey, I even got “all bundled up” like my snow removing friends.  It’s something I do ALL year regardless of the conditions outside.  Sure, my layers protect me from different elements (um, namely blacktop, pavement, gravel, flying debris, etc.) but layers are layers, right?  None of my friends had any pictures to back up their experience.  I, on the other hand, will be glad to share the photos from my day today. When I rolled out of the driveway late-morning I did so in typical mid-December conditions that I can only describe as, well, perfect… 69 degrees and not a cloud in the sky.  Woot!   Once out of the city limits, it was on to Arizona State Route 87, also known as the “Beeline Highway”: When I was riding the Beeline Highway recently with my friends Russ and Ron, it was just beyond this sign that Russ had his impromptu meeting with a LEO (law enforcement officer) concerning his interpretation of that sign in the distance containing the numbers six and five.   (Report: HERE).   The Beeline Highway is a popular route for Phoenix area motorcyclists given it’s rural tarmac-licous sweepers (you’d have to be a rider to understand that phrase) and the opportunity to escape the Valley of the Sun’s inferno since the road head’s up to high country (7,000’+ elevation).  The town of Payson is probably the most popular destination on the route since it’s the only town of any size (it’s got a Wal-Mart if that tells you anything), is located at 5,000’, and makes a doable 200 mile day ride for many.  Besides, it's kinda scenic, huh?:   Three who agree with my assessment: Valley of the Saguaro cacti: I’ve ridden this road countless times.  I’ve often thought about stopping for a photo that captures the sweepers I’ve described, but I’ve never pulled over and done so since, well, I was too busy enjoying them!   Today I decided to take one for the team, so here's your photo!: Highway 188 is the only road that intersects the Beeline (AZ-87) going to Payson and does so about 65 miles from Phoenix.  This rural two lane road leads one to Hwy-88 and the start of the unpaved “Apache Trail Scenic Byway” (my photos from that road: HERE) as well as Theodore Roosevelt Lake: I was told Theodore Roosevelt Lake was once the largest man-made lake in the world.   When full, it covers over 21,000 acres, which makes many watersport enthusiasts from Phoenix very happy:  There is one other location off AZ-188 of particular interest to me since it is home to yet another National Park Passport Stamp to add to my collection!  Woo-hoo!   (For full details on this stamping thing, click: THIS).  Despite passing this unit of the National Park system on many occasions, I have never stopped for the actual stamp.  I guess since it’s practically in my backyard I just thought I’d get it another day.  Well, today was the day I added Tonto National Monument to the list!: A sign on the front door of the Visitor Center (how many of ya’ll are having the same mid-December issue?): I saw a report at the Visitor Center that said that Roosevelt Lake was 20 feet below normal and only 76% full. Still a nice view though: A view looking up from the Visitor Center: A sign explaining the area's significance though no mention of what I find equally as significant...having a stamp!: Tip of yellow arrow points to the area the sign is explaining:  Thanks to my Canon SX-10 camera's super duper zoom function, here's one of the cliff dwellings (the sign neglects to mention you need to either be an eagle or have binoculars to see this): Mo the Moose insisted I take a photo so he could send it back to his Alaskan moose brethren to describe his mid-December day today:  Mo and I agree there is something rather solemn about a lone Saguaro cactus in the distance.  We also agree that two wheels and an open road make for a great day!    Highway 188 ends at the intersection of US-60 near Globe, AZ, which ultimately takes you back to Phoenix:  For those who need a visual of the route today, here ya go:   I stopped to refuel during my ride back to Phoenix.  While at the pump I was approached by a gentleman who asked me several questions about my bike (2005 Suzuki V-Strom DL1000), including “How many miles ya got on it?”, of which I replied “about ninety eight”.  His response was several minutes in length and involved mentioning of mechanical work he seemed convinced were “important for the bike to have at the 10,000 mile mark”.    Yeah, those who follow me are likely laughing too at this point since the odometer is 98,000 miles.  AGirl   NEXT JOURNEY REPORT HERE   If you wish to receive direct emails from me whenever a new Journey Report has been posted than simply click: This Link Copyright © 2006-2012, All Rights Reserved.