Drillium Dude 

Headed out to my bank, then went southwest into an 18mph headwind to the White Tank Regional Park. That headwind became a tailwind I much appreciated on my return leg! Got up to 90+ today, so I was happy to find plenty of places along my route to refill my water bottle. Even slammed a Gatorade at the White Tank Library while chilling out at my halfway point. Some pics follow.

USAF F-16s awaiting take-off at Luke AFB:



The gearing I was using into the headwind - yes, I was in the 39t up front, too:



Saw this wildlife at the Wildlife World Zoo when doing a hydration top-up:



Our destination is a few miles further up this road:



Looks inviting; don't think I didn't consider taking my shoes and socks off and wading around in there for a bit:



Here we are at the halfway point:



These big guys abound throughout the White Tanks - note the bird hanging out on the right-hand arm:



Ice-cold drinking fountain water and air conditioning - nice:



Probably hit the speed on that sign with the help of that 18mph tailwind on the return leg:



Not your everyday selfie:



A nice ride despite the heat. Still and all, I ended it feeling a little sad and not a little guilty: not three miles in, going slowly and just tootling along the centerline, a prairie dog zipped out onto the trail and I had no time to react/avoid him. I swear I went right over him, just behind his head, and even heard/felt a slight 'crack' when I did so. When I looked back there was nothing to be seen - but no way he survived. No way. Poor little guy...

DD