Sep 2005

Met up with Joz and even though it was her idea i managed to scare here shitless as we drove up Sentinel Peak.Im just glad she wasnt sick everywhere in the car hahahaha as i really thought she was going to at one point.Mind you i have to admit that i wasnt feeling to great myself as i drove up it even though i didnt tell her that myself.
The views we got from the top though were well worth the terrifying drive up and luckily we got the chance to see the sunset over the mountains.The whole of Tucson is surrounded by mountains and its another place i would really feel at home with as i could spend so much time cycling,running and hiking in the area.So Joz hurry up and get the house sorted please hahaha and can we have one of those ones that are at the bottom of the peak.
Oh and by the way ive forgotten about the hair gel saga as well OOPS did i say that out loud!!!!!
After terrifying her again on the way down we headed to the bar for a well earned beverage and yet another very enjoyable night.Hopefully next time im in Tucson we can get the chance to get the bikes out and you can kick my butt up the mountains and show me whos boss at cycling.

The gorgeous Joz

View from Sentinel Peak,Tucson

Sunset from Sentinel Peak,Tucson

Sunset from Sentinel Peak,Tucson

Tucson

Tucson

Woke up at 6.15am to see the sunset over the mountains and that was after a night drinking and not going to bed till after 1am.As everyone else seemed to be to drunk to get out of bed before 10am Albert and i went to the cafe for breakfast to soak up some of the beer before it was time to leave for Tucson.
The first half of the drive we took the scenic route instead of going via the highway and it took us over the mountain pass with some stunning views as we got to a height of over 8000ft.
As soon as we got to Tucson i rang Joz to arrange a time to meet up and within 30 minutes she drove over to meet me.It was absolutely great to finally get the chance to meet her after missing out earlier in the trip and even though i know shes reading this i must say she is an absolute fantastic woman and so nice.And that offer you made me Joz the answer is YES and forget about Chicago hahaha (you know what im on about).
As for all the details where we went and what we did well im not telling you as its a secret but what i will say is Joz just loves driving about in the car and getting lost.

When i arrived at Riverbend Springs Hostel i really didnt know what to expect.The place looked abit rundown and messy and i was abit concerned as we had to spend the next 3 nights here but after those 3 nights im so glad we stayed where we were.
The people we met were fantastic,funny and a pleasure to meet especially Albert,Ben and Blaze.
Basically the 3 days we were spending here would just be time for us to relax and lay in the hot springs although between that a fair bit of alcohol was consumed especially on the last night and alot of chatting to all the other people that were staying here.
Theres not much to see around the town but the scenery and mountain views really do make up for that and it looks like a great place to come for some serious hiking which i would love to do.Another few extra days relaxing here would of been great as it was so nice just getting the chance to sit back and forget about everything and lay about either in the hot springs or in a chair with a beer and everyone seemed so chilled out and relaxed to but it was time to move onto Tucson and finally i would get the chance to meet Joz.

Riverbend Hot Springs,Truth or Consequences

Riverbend Hot Springs,Truth or Consequences

Riverbend Springs Hostel and no this isnt where you sleep

Riverbend Springs Hostel

Rio Grande River,Truth or Consequences which i swam in

Visited Buddy Hollys gravesite and memorial statue before the drive to Roswell.The next few days we would really just be spending some time relaxing in places where theres not much to see or do.
If you dont know this already Roswell is famous for the first apparent UFO sighting in 1947.So you can imagine what the place is like,shops selling aliens tshirts and cafes saying 'Aliens welcome here' and plenty of other useless rubbish.As simon was so looking forward to looking around the UFO Museum and it was cheap i thought 'Oh well it cant really be that bad and as theres nothing else to do i may as well look around it'.
Well the first thing i couldnt believe was upon walking in the guy taking our money says in a broad cockney/essex accent 'So where are you guys from'.Here i am miles from home and pretty much miles from anywhere really and theres this guy talking with his accent thats like im back at home again.
As for the museum well ive never seen so much rubbish and made up stories in my entire life.Lets also say its one place i wont be coming back to.

Buddy Hollys Grave

Buddy Holly Memorial Statue