On Day 12 of our National Parks Tour, we head for home.

Southern California is currently experiencing a heat wave, so we adjust our route to avoid the worst of the heat. Originally, we were going to take back roads from Blythe to La Quinta — a 263 mile journey through Brawley, Julian, Warner Springs and Anza – before descending out of the mountains into the Coachella Valley. We would have stopped in Julian for yummy apple pie.

But because of the searing heat, we decide instead to leave Blythe early (7:30 am), and head directly to the Murr/Lesser ranch in La Quinta. It’s only 100 miles, and we arrive home before 10 am — after a stop for refreshments at Chiriaco Summit.

So, another awesome ride comes to an end. Twelve National Parks and Monuments in 12 days. Three Harleys, 2,839 miles, great food, scenery and companionship.

Already looking forward to next year. You in?

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Wanna see the planned route from today’s ride, using Google Maps? click here. The route we actually rode is far less thrilling.

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And now, our final “Previous Blog Trivia Question:”

Q: What’s the most significant man-made structure in the Imperial Valley?

A: The All-American Canal, an 80-mile long aqueduct that brings water from the Colorado River into the Imperial Valley and to nine cities.

Q: For extra credit – Where else does the All-American Canal go?

A: It feeds water into the Coachella Canal, primarily for agricultural use in the Coachella Valley, which includes La Quinta. The Coachella Canal runs through PGA West.

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Gotta go.

Vroom, vroom.