SWEET ARIZONA (I bet you thought we fell off the face of the earth)

SWEET ARIZONA  

BENSON, AZ





We first landed in the small town of Benson, about 30 miles east of Tucson, where every few miles you can find an RV parking lot.  Not to be unkind, but many do not look very inviting.  As in the past, we research a place before we decide to land.  The practice has worked out for us.  We found the beautiful San Pedro RV Resort.

Just a side note...we use www.rvparkreviews.com and sometimes we revert to just a google search to see how different parks are rated.  For value, we search www.passportamerica.com.  For a cost of $45 a year, the membership provides 50% discount for a variety of days and places.  It has saved us so much but we always check the ratings.

These caverns were wonderful and came highly recommended from many travelers in the southwest.  The caves are considered living because the cave structures are still developing. There is limited access when the bats return for 6 months.  I wish we could have taken pictures, but no cameras, purses, food, drinks, backpacks, lint or touching of anything.  We actually went through a misting process to keep lint in its place.  Since there are tour groups going all day, trained cleaners come through nightly and in the dark clean the caves.  Hence not one picture for the blog.   You will just have to come and see it for yourself or check it out on the internet.

TUMACAORI MISSION

 South of the artist colony of Tubac, AZ is another typical mission erected for many of the same reasons the Texas missions came into being.  This area is handled by the National Park system and it is well cared for.  Volunteers have planted authentic fruit trees in the orchard that might have fed the population hundreds of years ago.

This building was abandoned when the enemy raids became too dangerous  and the people moved north to the  Mission San Xavier de Boc.

San Xavier Del Bacc is still an active church and school just south of Tucson but started as a mission.

This church is very important to the people in the area who worship here.  The interior was meticulously restored by many artists, some traveling from Europe to work here.

In this enlarged picture of the interior of Mission San Xavier Del Bac, you can see what the restoration project entailed at the main alter.

Other highlight os Tucson....

The drive up Mt. Lemmon, at an elevation of 9,100 feet, was beautiful and a little tense for the driver as Denny had to watch out for the groups of cyclists pounding their way up on a windy day! The views from there were spectacular with a surprise at the top.

 There was even snow and a ski run which just recently closed due to lack of snow in the unusually warm weather.  Cabins dot the top but are surrounded by ugly bare trees.  We later were informed about the fire which engulfed parts of the mountain last year leaving it somewhat scared.

Biking around Colossal Cave Mountain, we found a coyote crossing in front of us. This area is somewhat wild, but mixed with housing areas and rural hiking.  The constant wind and elevation posed some challenges for our biking, but it was enjoyable just to get out.

Coyote crossing our path.

The ARIZONA TRAIL starts in Mexico and ends in Utah and can be accessed at Colossal Cave Park.

Wineries in Arizona

Looking at the above pictures, it is difficult to imagine anything of use growing in this soil.  But south of Tucson, close to the Mexican boarder and at 4500 foot elevation, you find an area so different  from the typical landscape.

A guide ( with a six shooter in a holster)  from a riding stable led people for 3 hours trip to Sonoita Vineyard.  A beautiful place to be on Saturday afternoon sipping a glass of wine.

I joined them on the balcony, but  minus the horse ride.

This was a prettier part of Arizona for us in contrast to the rocks and cacti.

Tombstone, a must see for at least for 20 minutes..

Can you see The Old Prospector behind the gun slingers?

Our last night in Benson, AZ was spent at my cousin's home who winter in Tucson.  It was so gracious of them to invite us for a visit and dinner.

Thanks so much for your hospitality.

On the road again to Casa Grande, AZ (half way between Tucson and Phoenix)

Sundance RV Resort

We have decided to stay in the area for about 3 weeks since the weather is warm and the snow melts in Utah at the National Parks we want to visit.  Everyone warned us about going north too soon, but it really has been exceptionally warm this year.  We landed in a "55 and older" park, a very typical extended snowbird stay in Arizona.  In case some of you have not been exposed to the kind of  snowbird living, I inserted a few pictures of the park and the houses.

You buy a park model but you rent the land on a yearly basis.  

The park models are 399sq. feet, but an Arizona room can be added.  Prices are about $50,000 new and about $3600/year for the land.  You can park an RV on the land if you don't want to invest in a home.  The park offers people like ourselves opportunities to stay for days or weeks at a time taking advantage of all the amenities.  

The pool and hot tub are wonderful and people float and talk all afternoon.

Residents can sew, polish rocks and make jewelry, play cards, dances, potlucks, and play Pickle Ball which we got hooked on.  We are not ready to settle into this life style, but it is easy to see the attraction.

Palm Creek RV Resort

We moved on, but not very far.  Our reservation started at Palm Creek, about 4 miles to the east.  This is known as one of the best parks in the United States.  It is huge and rather expensive for a season especially for the 35% of the visitors from Canada.  Since our scheduled time here it is close to the end of the season, our place was a bargin.  It is as beautiful as a Mexican resort, but  with so much to do!!  It is not possible to take up any new hobbies with only a 2 week stay, but we did embrace a new sport, PICKLEBALL with a passion.  Instructors will mentor you and many residents are highly ranked.  The national tournament is held here because of the facilities.  

This shot of the 24 courts was taken late in the afternoon when most players have retired.
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One of three pools with a hot tub.

One of 9 dog parks.  This one has an agility course.

This is the main club house.  Additional buildings house the various club rooms and a bistro.

We got invited to the Airstream club in the park composed of people who stay in silver bullets where everyone talks about the care of the trailers and where they have been.  So much information from these travelers.  So far, we have not taken opportunities to see many sites since we have been too busy just having fun everyday.  I didn't mention the par 3 golf course in the middle of the park because we don't play.  But I have not seen so much green grass in Arizona!

Heading to Utah on March 24 when it starts to get too warm here.

THE FINAL LEG OF OUR JOUNEY TAKES US TO UTAH AND SOUTHERN COLORADO.