Towards Tucson

 

This week was moving week – we went from Empire Ranch to Marana which is just west of Tucson.  Of course it took us a good part of the day to make a hour or hour and a half drive.  During the move we had to stop and have a shower since we were also going to fill and dump and  then we topped up the propane as well as the fuel tank.  Now we were good for a couple or so weeks.

We were to meet our friends, Dave and Bonnie, who we met a couple of years ago.  As we were waiting for them to arrive, we went for a short walk since we had been sitting all day during our move!!  We came across this little critter – sure hope I don’t come across another one of them during my walk. 

They did arrive shortly and it was great to see them.  They have with them a couple of dogs – Hoover which is a giant Schnauzer (giant really is the operative word ) and Finn – a labradoodle who is not in the giant category.  Here is a photo of Hoover as he is trying to convince  Gerry that he really is a lap dog.

Then another fellow came by on his bike and the guys started chatting about going on an off-road trip.  Since we are usually gone all day we always take a lunch and  sit around and chat for a while.  I wasn’t sure how to approach the subject of vaccination, but I certainly wanted to make sure if someone was going to be in my close proximity, that is how it would be.  I decided one of two things would happen – he would either say yes, he was vaccinated or he would like get a bit irate.  Well, he certainly did not get upset at the question but immediately said he was – that was easy and now he can come along on any trek we might make.

The decision was made that Friday was a day for adventure, or was it misadventure.  We headed out, and started off on the  trail.  Parts of it was fairly rough, and parts were somewhat rocky, and parts were fairly smooth going, but the scenery was amazing. 

We went up over some mountains so the types of cactus varied depending on the altitude and it really was a pretty drive.  We stopped and looked for some petroglyphs – the guys found them but it took a bit of rock scrambling.  I saw the photos.

We almost were at the end of the trail, it was getting on in the day when oops, we can’t go through as there is a locked gate.  So we turn around and see a trail go across to another road that leads to a lovely house built on the side of the mountain – jackpot as we will take that trail and take that road out.  Not so fast as that road also comes to a locked gate.  There is no way out (that we know of) so back the way we came.  Another Jeep came along with us three and then we came across a young fellow in a Toyota Tacoma.  The other Jeep carried on ahead but the fellow in the Tacoma was concerned about finding his way out.  We told him to hang with us and then when there were a lot of side roads, we stuck him in between so he would not get lost.  His vehicle was licensed in Michigan and by the haircut, he may have been in the military.  At the end he was most appreciative, even after we told him to got go out alone again particularly late in the day.  We got back to the highway at dusk, had a long, but great day.  Most of our group were looking like this poor guy!

After a day of rest, we will likely be looking for another place to explore.

I hope you all have a great weekend and a great week!!

Empire Ranch

 

It’s unbelievable how quickly the week has passed.  Early in the week we finished the exterior of the motorhome – windows cleaned and the rest of it washed and waxed.  Now a few things to get cleaned inside and should be good for the winter – more or less anyway.

Since we left home with minimal groceries as one is never sure what is and what isn’t allowed to cross.  We did spend a night at a Walmart on the way down but didn’t do a whole lot of shopping.  About 35 miles away is a fairly large town/city – Sierra Vista which has a whole array of shopping. 

It was interesting how mask wearing differed with the different stores.  At Food City, no staff wore masks and neither did the majority of customers; however, there were very few customers.  At Ross (similar to Winners) all staff wore masks and so did the majority of shoppers, especially the ones with  young children.  Dollar Tree was similar.  At Fry’s Foods, the staff wore masks, and while it was much busier than the other food store, probably half wore masks.  I found it rather interesting to see where and who were wearing masks.  It is strange, that in these times, so many would choose to  not take precautions that are both simple and easy.  Who knows!!!!

Since we were there over lunch, we stopped at a Sonic Burger for lunch – certainly reminiscent of the old Dog N Suds days.  You drive up to a speaker, place your order, pay by credit.  Soon a young person on roller skates comes scooting out with your food.  Loved it.

The small town closest to where we are staying is Sonoita, AZ.  We have been in the area a number of times but have never really toured the area.  There are 16 vineyards in the area.  While many of them seem to be fairly small, who knew??  Most of the wine tasting is Thursday to Sunday – shucks, it was Wednesday so no tasting.

Not sure why the grapes were still there

It is always interesting to see some of the other camping units.  Here is one that Gerry thought would be ideal for some neat backroad trips.  I agreed, but he is definitely fifty years too late to think I would consider this type of accommodations although it isn’t a tent on the ground!!

The downfall of being out here is the lack of garbage disposal as there aren't a lot of public dumpsters.  Of course, in the meantime, garbage does pile up and can be smelly.  To combat the problem I made, very rudimentary I must say, a container for the back of the Jeep.  That way, it is contained away from us until we find somewhere to dump it.

This past week was also a total eclipse of the moon – the longest partial since February 1440.  The peak eclipse was 2:00 a.m. local time.  Well the only way to make sure you see it is to set an alarm which is what we did.  Just before alarm time we woke up and went outside to see this phenomenon.  It was pretty chilly out there in the middle of the  night, it was amazing to see as there was large halo around the moon.  There also was some cloud but it seemed that the clouds parted and the area around the moon was perfectly clear.  It was rather cool to see.  I did try to take some photos but of course, none of them turned out.  Earlier in the evening, we were watching the moon come up over the mountain.  As we watched, we could literally see it move up in the sky which is quite amazing as well.   I was able to get, at least, one moon picture!!

The temps are starting to get a bit cooler – only 21 or 22C during the day so early next week will be moving day.  Not totally sure as to where yet but somewhere at lower elevation as we are currently at just under 5,000 feet.  As much as we love it here, it really is a place to visit earlier in the fall.  At least we don’t have to deal with some of the weather  that they had back home with the wind and snow and cold and ice.  Worse yet, the poor folks in British Columbia who are facing incredible challenges from the devastating floods – our hearts certainly go out to the residents and many volunteers as they try to reach some semblance of normalcy.

While a quiet week means that there is really nothing too exciting to write.  I hope everyone has a great week.  I must include an Arizona sunset to close.

 

It's Great to be Back

 It's been a year and a half since I have been able to share our travels with you and it's like trying to go back to school.  I didn't realize how this will be a learning experience again but I will give it my best shot!!

Monday – We were able to get away just after 8 so we were able to make some real miles.  The border crossing was easy although we did have to wait in line for an hour and ten minutes.  A few questions, a look around, and we were on our way.  It was a pretty good day for travel – no freezing temps, and a clear blue sky.

  Since we both spent a bit of time behind the wheel, which one of us seem to be the most comfortable. 

 We did hit some wind but it wasn’t too bad.  We did manage to get to Gillette, WY which is a  pretty good day.  In past years the ditches near Gillette were always full of deer which was always rather unnerving when driving through.  This year, they seemed to be out in the fields grazing and we only saw a couple in the ditches.  It was getting on in the day so Walmart it was.  They really have a great area away from the rest of the traffic except, at 3:15a.m. they sweep the parking lot.  So of course they come right near you.  They really must have the cleanest lots.  We have found this  to happen in many of the Walmart lots we have stayed at.

Tuesday – It was an early start this morning.  We did hit some fog, which at times, was pretty thick.  Once we got through that, it was another great day for travel, although there really was minimal wind.  Construction through Denver seemed to go on for absolutely forever.  I did learn a lesson.  When travelling in a motorhome, there is a sign that says “please remain seated while in motion”.  Always that that rule didn’t apply to me – until some jerk cut us off and hit the brakes.  There were no breaks here but it sure did rattle the bones some after a crash landing.  But I came through it all with just a few sore muscles – sure does beat becoming a dash ornament – it was close.  Lesson learned.

As we drive along I always marvel at how attractive many overpasses and walls are along the highways.  He is a little sampling of some of the creative artwork.

Wednesday night was spent at a lovely state park in New Mexico.  We parked down near the water but as we drove down, we loved the sign warning the drivers.

On Thursday we arrived at our destination for the next week or so.  On our way we passed through Hatch, NM - I think it is likely the chile capital of the world. 

 We are at Empire Ranch which is a historical ranch about an hour or so from Tucson.  This is always a favourite spot but because it is at 4700 feet, this is the perfect time to stay because soon it will be too cool for us.  This our view out the front window.   

While here we can clean the motorhome which is in great need of some TLC as it has been a couple of years since anything much has been done.  The past couple of days we washed it and are currently in the process of giving it a much needed waxing – half done.

We went for a drive - we never did figure out what these were.  The likely were some sort of wild melon but the way it was grown up in the tree, you couldn't see any vine.

Today on .our walk, we saw a couple of interesting things.  One was a big, ugly spider.  It wasn’t a tarantula (we don’t think) but it sure did get angry when we sent it out of the grass so I could get a picture of it.

Even though this is a historical ranch, it is also still a working ranch so in some areas there are still cattle roaming around.  We came across  a tank that we think is used for watering cattle.  They lick the wheels in order to bring up water.  With it being covered, evaporation is greatly reduced.

The week has come to an end and I hope you enjoyed our week as much as we did.  It is great to be back in the sun when unfortunately, the folks at home are experiencing winter.  Have a great week.