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.

WEST TEXAS AND NEW MEXICO... A WHOLE OTHER WORLD FOR US

WEST TEXAS

West Texas along I-10 is nothing but desert doted with a few mountains.  We were really questioning our decision going to Big Bend National Park with every hour we drove along  flat I-10, but as soon as we got off the interstate, our interest perked up.  What beautiful landscape with only cattle and soaring mountains and real Texas ranches and it only became richer with every mile closer to our destination.

Our morning view from our campsite.  We would have stayed longer, but there was a large gathering of mountain bikers for a race and every space was taken.  At least we had 4 days here.

This area of west Texas is considered a dark zone.  Outdoor lights are off early so everyone can enjoy the stars.  The few towns in the entire area have populations in the hundreds. The town of Terlingua, just outside the park, is a place where most people live off the grid with only their art, music and each other for company.  I embrace minimalism, but I draw the line when people use discarded cars as fencing.

Terlingua does have a wonderful restaurant with 2 for 1 burger dinners on Mondays and a local singer to entertain.  Many people from the RV park were there as a night out.  

This is all our camera could take in, but in reality, you are surrounded in this splendor.

Closed Canyon hike with no rain forecasted, otherwise search for a different hike.

I am climbing into the hot springs in the park with the Rio Grande and Mexico in the background.  The springs were wonderfully warm but the river was very cold.  Five miles from the springs is a boarder crossing where someone will row you across the river to Mexico...Wednesday thru Saturday only!

About the size of a pig, this javelina is actually a rodent that smells like a skunk.

The twisting road winds through the park for miles.

Notice the truck and car in the foreground.

Small dust storms are a common site.

Big Bend was one of the few places I would like to return to next year only because there was so much more to see.  It is rugged and beautiful with only the sounds of the wild animals at night.  There are many flat roads that offer great biking for those who want to avoid strenuous climbs.

ON OUR WAY TO NEW MEXICO

On our way out of Big Bend and into New Mexico, we traveled through the little towns of Marfa and Fort Davis.  Supreme Justice Scalia passed away at a ranch in the area of Marfa, otherwise no one would know of this place.  It is famous for a beautiful hotel where the cast of GIANTS resided while filming that old movie.  (Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson and James Dean)  I hope it was as beautiful then as it is now.  The last word on Marfa is the existence of unexplained lights that people see against the mountains.  It is popular enough to stage a viewing area.

Fort Davis protected transportation routes to El Paso from marauder attacks from the 1850s for nearly 50 years.

 A few of the buildings are maintained by the National Park Service with a small staff.  That assignment must be as remote as it was 150 years ago.  Not much happening at this location, but it was a pleasant way to spend a beautiful Texas winter day, especially when it is free with a Senior Pass.

A man and his RV...inseparable

DEMING, NEW MEXICO

Not wanting to travel more than a few hours a day, our next stop was the desert town of Deming with its strong Mexican influence 30 mile north of the boarder.  It is dry and flat until the mountains rise out of nowhere.  Crossing into Mexico at Palomas  and visiting  The Pink Store is a frequent  experience for people in the area.  We were lucky enough to enjoy Valentine celebrations with free food, drinks and dancing.

The Pink Store is a restaurant, bar and store for people to gather at.  There is a dental office,  eye glass store and pharmacy where retired Americans can get their needs met.  Need your teeth cleaned? ....$35.

Retires know where to find a good party.

Silver City,  NM

Almost to the boarder of Arizona is the Gila
National Forest and Cliff Dwelling.  Close to the year 1300 AD, a group of people came and occupied this area for about 50 years.  In that time they built shelters in the caves and grew crops on top of the masa and along the river.  Why they came and what drove them out is a mystery, but the park service took over the site to protect it.  It was discovered in 1878, but vandals came and not knowing its history, took what they needed through out the years.

It was a vigorous hike to reach this point from where the car was parked.

The wooden poles are original part of the structure.

 These poles were part of the roof structure or second floor in some areas.  Smaller rooms were used as bedrooms.  If that is true, that says something to me about the sophistication of these people.  Various family members wanted privacy.

The Park Service offers tour through the dwelling, but you really have to watch your step.

 

What a view they had sitting in their caves, but at this elevation, they did receive snow in the winter.  The cave itself provided cool temperatures in the summer.

It is thought that this room served as a main gathering place.

The road to this place through the National Forest is up and down mountains which still harbor snow even on a warm day and around tight curves.  The one way 40 mile trip took 2 hours and you dare not bring anything larger than a 20 foot RV and a good truck to pull it.

ANOTHER STATE AND ANOTHER ADVENTURE...ARIZONA.

Motoring through the Great State of Texas

January and February, 2016

EAST TEXAS

This was a beautiful and friendly place to stop for a few days.  Texas Airstream Harbor, Zavalla, Texas is a restful place to stay and collect your thoughts after daily sightseeing.  Airstream parks are doted throughout the country and were more plentiful in the past, but this is a gem with great residents and peaceful a atmosphere.  It is situated on Lake Sam Rayburn and has great fishing and boating and only small gators. It was chilly when we were there however.

The lake is Sam Rayburn which is the largest lake completely within Texas boarders.  

AUSTIN, TX

The beautiful capital has a range of dining opportunities, music and politics.  We took a tour of the city, but so much information was overwhelming. The pictures below are from our extensive tour. It is a busy place even on an early Saturday morning.  Music and  food festivals are scheduled most weekends.  But there are other little known facts about the city.

Driskill Hotel, in downtown has southern style.

Lady Bird Lake has biking and walking paths on both banks.

Austin starts the Hill Country.

The free tour of the capital was so informative.

University of Texas football stadium is very popular since there is no professional team.

I didn't realize this was the final resting place of Chris Kyle.  It was a huge procession I understand.
A tomb stone has to be approved by the Texas State Cemetery governing body and might take as long as 3 years.

Business wise, Austin is known for high tech companies and is nicknamed Silicone Hills.  Richard Garriott, who has duel citizenship, built a British style castle in the hills of Austin.  He is a video game engineer of some note.  Since I am not interested in gaming, I did not recognize his name.  However his father, Owen Garriott was an American astronaut.  Richard was wealthy enough to buy a seat on a Russian space capsule.  The only father/son combination to go to space.

Voodoo Donuts

After walking all day in Austin, we stopped at Voodoo Donuts.  Even in a donut shop, there is a small stage on the right for music.  There was a long line for donuts and coffee in mid afternoon.

After Austin, our next stop was north of San Antonio near New Braunfels and the Hill Country. We camped along the Guadalupe River where fishing and tubbing are attractive summer activities. It was an introduction to rocks, scrub brush and harsh land features.  In other words, not like Michigan.

Our campsite is just to the right...Denny should be fishing for our supper.

Unique house along the river with a view of the country side.

RIVER WALK, DOWNTOWN

Many friends don't know that I was born here.  It was really something special to be back to this beautiful city which I left so many years ago.

We  stayed at a beautiful RV park just south of downtown about 5 miles along the San Antonio River.
Riding our bikes to see the sites was such a treat on temperate winter days.  The entire downtown is very safe, with ambassadors answering questions and keeping an eye on things.  We did take the river boat ride, but only ate once along the many restaurants on the River.  Historical tours are more our hobby.

The Alamo is no longer a church, but it is so important to Texans that men must remove their hats when entering to honor this place where so many died.  Texas has such a diverse history, overseen by 2 countries, an independent country itself, and finally part of the United States.

REMEMBER THE ALAMO.

I never realized that the walk is actually below street level.

One can walk for many miles along both side of the river.  The city has invested so much into making this a destination.

King William Historic District,  a few blocks to the south of downtown.

Many Germans came to settle here in the 1850's, and after establishing businesses and farms, these homes were built in the late 1800's to 1910.  Many are privately owned, but a few are open for tours.  This is a small sample of the different architectual styles

The National Park Service is in charge of the Missions in San Antonio and they do a great job. 

 San Jose was just a short bike ride south of our location, and second in popularity to the Alamo.  It is still a working church, but the park service takes care of the grounds and the Diocese oversees the church. 

The missions were started to bring religion and security to the people in the area. Rock walls were built to surround the area and people established little apartments along the perimeter.

The guided tour of the mission was fantastic.

The active church of San Jose is beautiful inside and I am rather sure that services are in Spanish.

The ruins have been restored somewhat. There was a functional  building with a roof originally.

My saintly husband standing next to St. Anthony, patron saint of San Antonio.

TEXAS HILL COUNTRY

We spent a week in a condo in Bandera, TX, the Cowboy Capital of Texas, but I am not sure why it is called that. The most prevalent occupation is wine making with several hundred wineries in this part of the state.  We did enjoy visiting a few on a pleasant afternoon.  Sitting several miles off the main road were our favorites, Singing Water and Bending Branch.  People arrive with picnics, buy a bottle of wine and enjoy the atmosphere for a few hours.

There are plenty of hills with rocky soil and not a place I would associate with growing grapes.

  

Ranches are everywhere and you see mostly cattle grazing, but also several house with only  goats.  I wondered why I did not see more local cheese outlets for that reason.  A state park ranger told me the goats provide land tax relief.  All the goats do is wander around and expect little care, but are considered livestock on the property, hence lower taxes.

Our history lesson for the week included a visit to the Lyndon B. Johnson Texas White House.  The entire ranch is over 2000 acres, with 600 belonging to the state to maintain an historical site.  

They are accustomed to visitors taking a look and a picture.  You can see LBJ on his horn.

The ranch house is actually very simple and tastefully done.  President Johnson was born, died and buried on the property.  Lady Bird survived for 30 more years, living in this house until she went into assisted living in Austin.  The home through the years had updates, but original furniture was stored in anticipation of public viewing at some future date.   The tour was fantastic and included many of his cars and the plane used to transport LBJ to the Texas White House.  Many cabinet meeting were held under the oak tree to the left in the pictured.  

This is no Air Force One, but was used by Johnson and visiting dignitaries.

Our trip to the Hill Country ends as we motor west to Big Bend National Park.  It is the least visited park in the National System and perhaps we will find out why.  But we were told it is worth seeing anyway.