Wednesday April 15, 2015

We left Surprise at about 8:15 and followed highway 60 all the way into Wickenburg. Nothing much to see on the route, highway riding is like highway driving – boring. There was a good wide shoulder all the way, which was nice. I knew it was going to be a windy ride, but it wasn’t too bad until the last 10 kms (of course). A small climb and the wind changed direction on us, Ralf took the lead for the final 10 ks.

It is always sad to see crosses on the side of the road. But to see a “ghost” bike is even more poignant.

We stopped at McDonalds to check on where Janet and Stephen had stayed while they were in Wickenburg. They spent the night for $60.00 at the Western Inn, but when we called he was going to charge us $70.00!! no wi-fi, no coffee etc. dual pricing again.

We cycled into Town and checked out the Tourist Information Office, the lady in there was very nice and helpful. She called the hotels in the Town for prices – all of them over $75.00 excluding taxes. We headed for the only camp-site in Town – the Aztec. We were told by the lady at the Tourist Info office that there was some green space and to pitch our tent and the owners would be by to collect our money.

Wickenburg has a nice ‘themed’ downtown, the buildings are historical and there are figures dotted around the Town, some of them have an audio description, which is quite unique.

Wickenburg has been dubbed the “dude ranch capital of the world”.

We arrived at the camp-site at about 2:15 pm, Ralf called the number on the office door, but no response. We decided to pitch the tent and wait, and wait and wait.

The price of the pitch is good at $13.50, which includes water, electricity, laundry facilities and wi-fi. The only problem is that the toilets are locked so we cannot shower or get any water, electricity or wi-fi yet. Nobody came, we went over to McDs for dinner. Somebody had returned as they had left an electrical extension plug near the tent. No key for the bathroom!

McDonalds and Subway are just across the road, we might eat out tonight. Definitely go over there for breakfast. Planning on an early start, as we want to get to Salome, not sure what the weather will be like tomorrow.