Leaving Tucson
Everything went well at the signing. The bottom-line was what I expected, but I want too look a little closer at the details to understand how it all balances out.
Believe it or not a motorcycle cop stopped traffic at Ina and La Canada on my way out of town for what I believe was a funeral procession.
Although the Tucson heat has never bothered me, I was anxious to escape it as it was nearing the 100 mark as I left the Title office at 11:00 am. Against advice, I started for Sequoia National Park. I had 12 hours and a good 700 miles or more before I could escape the heat. Let's face it Tucson is mild compared to Phoenix, Lake Havasu, and Bakersfield all on my route. The pavement must have been 150 degrees in some areas. I tried to take it easy on the car by not using the air conditioning.
Stops were made in Parker and Mojave for gas only. I survived on trail mix, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and water. All I could think about was getting myself and my car out of the heat.
I missed a turnoff somewhere, but backtracked and found the park by 10:45pm. By 11:00pm, I had chosen a spot in Buckeye Flat. Negotiating the narrow winding road along the river in pitch-black darkness after 12 hours of driving in 100 degree and above weather was probably not as precarious as it sounds. I locked all food in the bear proof container, paid my fee and was asleep by midnight.