Tucson - Part 2

We also hiked up a short half mile trail (Signal Hill Trail) in Saguaro National Park to view some ancient petroglyphs.  As you can tell from the pictures, they actually look like some kids took some crayons and drew pictures on the rocks.  Since the park rangers did not issue us crayons, it must have been some other kids drawing on them.  Just saying.

These don't look so tall.

The weather in Tucson has been absolutely wonderful.  We definitely picked the right part of the country to winter in this year.  The high temperatures have been in the mid to upper 80s with 14 days straight above 80 degrees.  This is abnormal and the talk of all the meteorologists since the average high in February is around 68 degrees.  When we are outside, the shade feels very good.

Because it was so warm, we decided to visit the U.S.’s southernmost ski resort on Mount Lemmon before the snow melted.  Mount Lemmon can be seen from the RV park and is only a 30 minute drive from here.  As I am writing this a couple of weeks later, the snow has melted so it was a timely trip to see the last of the snow.

Yep, that is short sleeves in the snow in Arizona!

The drive from the valley (where Tucson is located) to the top of the mountain is magnificent and is called Skyline drive.  You travel from about 2,000 feet to about 8,000 feet elevation in approximately 27 miles.  You go through five distinct levels of vegetation during the ascent.  It is quite remarkable to see cacti and desert scenery at the beginning of the drive and end up with tall evergreens and snow reminiscent of Colorado mountain terrain at the top.

Heading up into the mountain.

 

Yes, that is Tucson down below and still climbing!

The annual rainfall averages also increase the higher you go in elevation, hence the different types of vegetation.  We went from a temperature of 78 degrees at the bottom to 53 degrees at the top.  Yet the snow is still present.  Having skied in bright sunshine at 32 degrees and being too warm, it is hard to imagine why anyone would ski when it is 53 degrees.

There were several scenic pullouts along the route and we took advantage of a few to stretch our legs and feast our eyes on the beauty of the place.  There was one seemingly popular stop that allowed visitors to walk and crawl out onto rock outcroppings to take some pictures without any human structures in the view.  Of course, our intrepid photographers seized upon this opportunity and off they went.

Life is Good, Enjoying the journey

Vegetation is changing from Cactus to grasses

Thimble Peak in the distance

Trees beginning to show up

On Top of the World

Yes, that is a long way down!

...and snow on the mountain too!

Later in the week we visited a RV show that a local dealer hosted at the Tucson fairgrounds.  We looked in all kinds of RVs and climbed many a step going in and out of them.  Our favorite brands were Tiffin and Winnebago.  We saw some features we thought were improvements and desirable but we also saw changes that we deemed were problematic at best.

After looking at a 2015 high end model, a salesman really wanted us to talk to the owner of the dealership to make a super good deal.  Tempting as it was we chose not to spend an extra chunk of change to “upgrade”.  Even though this rig had some neat “extras”, we all believe we have the best bang for our buck with our current setup at a much cheaper cost than the expensive rigs.  The dealer did provide free hot dogs, chips and water.  The dogs were actually very good and it was a great way to top off a nice outing.

The very next day, we drove south from Tucson to Tubac, AZ to visit the annual Tubac Art Festival.  This is an event that draws artisans from all over the U.S. to a little community of artists once a year.  It reminded me of the annual festival in Edom back in Texas.  We really did not have anything we were looking for but always enjoy going to local festivals to walk around and see different things.

The whole crew in Tubac for the festival!

This event was no different for us except it contained mainly high end (I.E. expensive) items.  David and I both bought new billfolds since our old ones were beyond needing replacement.  The ones we bought are made from Buffalo leather and were made by the guy from Minnesota manning the booth.  So think about that for a minute.  Two guys from Texas buy from a guy that lives in Minnesota at a festival site in Southern Arizona.  We enjoyed meeting him and watching him interact with the people.  Our conclusion is he does not do this so much for the money as he does for the chance to interact with thousands of people across the U.S.  He told us he even travels to Arlington, TX for a festival there each year too.

We found a local Mexican restaurant in Tubac in the middle of the festival area to eat at and enjoyed a very nice meal with the local flavor.  After making the rounds of the festival, listening to some of the live music and ogling the merchandise it was time to leave.  The only other thing we bought was some dip and soup mixes.  And of course, we do not pass up the chance to purchase a bag of Kettle Corn as we leave the festival.

Sitting here writing this I can hear the doves calling outside.  It is one of those sounds that bring to memory events from long ago so much like smells will do.  The memory that flashes through my mind is visiting my grandfather (I called him Gran) at his house in the country.  I can remember sleeping or sitting at his house and hearing the doves.  Since he lived so far out there were not any other sounds like cars, trains or other noises to compete for your ears' attention.  For me it is a very pleasurable, relaxing memory to have as I sit here in Arizona fondly remembering those times.

We will have another posting soon.  Until then, be safe.

Tucson - Part 1

Now that we are in Tucson (actually the northwestern suburb of Marana), we have settled into a slower pace than when we were traveling to get to Arizona.  There are many trips to Wal-Mart for groceries, more eating at home instead of restaurants and regular cleaning of the living space along with a few maintenance and upgrade projects.

When we stopped in Van Horn, TX; Bibi took a picture of a bird and none of us could identify and it is hard to see clearly in the picture due to the camouflage.  After arriving here in Marana, we saw this bird walking in front of the coach.  Lo and behold, it is a roadrunner and comparing to the picture from Van Horn, we have determined Bibi had the first sighting of a roadrunner on this adventure.

Van Horn, TX bird (roadrunner)

Tucson, AZ bird (roadrunner)

This is our first day at the RV park and in addition to seeing this roadrunner, I saw two coyotes trotting across the field adjacent to the park along with doves, sparrows and hummingbirds.  This is quite the impressive display of nature, right out our front windshield.  As I am writing this, I am looking out the front window again and see two roadrunners and two dozen or so doves.  What a great place to call home for the next month.  Wildlife and city life co-exist here in a nice valley surrounded by mountains.

After some cleaning, resting and acclimation to the area, we decide to visit one of the national parks close to us.  It is named Saguaro National Park.  Pronunciation is “suh-wah-ro”.  The park is so named due to the environment it is designated to protect.  Namely the Saquaro Cactus that once grew abundantly in the region but due to development and farming is now not so prolific.  These are the tall, majestic cactus seen in movies with arms reaching toward the sky.  The pictures below do not do justice to what you actually see in the park.

There are cacti on the side of the mountains too!

Notice the three on top of the mountain, looks like 3 crosses.

Here is a little better look at the crosses.

The formal name of the cactus is Carnegiea gigantean.  It is named for Andrew Carnegie which is a fact I was not aware of before this visit.  They are mainly found in southern California, Arizona and northern Mexico in the desert regions.  They can grow up to 50 feet tall and live for over 200 years.  However they are very slow growing.  It would take about 95 to 100 years for one to reach 15 feet and start to produce its first arm.  When in the area, it is wise to visit the park to learn about all of the vegetation and animals in the desert environment and how they depend upon each other to survive and grow.

We found a local church right outside the RV park and went to services the first Sunday we were here.  The people are very friendly and accustomed to temporary worshipers in the form of snowbirds that come and go.  It is very small congregation and the average age of the membership is older with very few young people.  Please pray for this church to prosper and grow as they try to be the beacon of light in this community.  They need additional people and funds to continue and survive.

We had our own Super Bowl Party that evening and it was good with BBQ Chicken sliders, dips, chips and of course the correct team won.  You just nearly always have to pull for the underdog when you do not have a dog in the hunt.  It was good to just be with friends enjoying a good time and food on our first Sunday in Tucson.

We will post another update in a few days.  Today is cleaning day and I have been drafted to help.

Benson, AZ

We have arrived at the Butterfield RV Resort and Observatory in Benson, AZ.  This will be our home for the next few days.  Our first night here we dined at a local café recommended by one of the workers at the park.  I had country fried steak (a.k.a. chicken fried steak for us Texans) which was very good and would be able to compete with Mary’s café back in Strawn, Texas.  I will compare someday.

We made reservations for the nightly observatory showing that same night and dutifully arrived to take our place and let our eyes become accustomed to the darkness and red light used during the presentation.  Our volunteer host was very informed and entertaining.  We looked at Cassiopeia, Sirius, Andromeda galaxy, Orion Nebula, and some very bright star clusters.  There were maybe more but after my big meal, being tired from driving and the late hour, I had difficulty maintaining my attention.  It was still very cool and interesting to look through a telescope in an observatory at a RV Park.

Do you know what word the Japanese use for the Orion Nebula?  I didn’t either and was very surprised to find out it is Subaru.  That’s right the Subaru car is named after this heavenly body.   If you look at the logo or placard on the car, you will see the stars right there in it.

The following day was going to be sunny and warm so we intrepid adventurers decided it would be an appropriate day to watch some people getting killed.  Not just once but every hour on the hour there was going to be some killing taking place.  So we struck out for Tombstone, AZ and the OK Corral.

Looking for a gunfight!

Found it!

The participants!

Our first impression upon arriving is the town is definitely a tourist attraction.  Even though it is ‘winter’ time the crowds were pretty impressive.  We located the scene of the shootout and dutifully took our places (along with about 100 other folks) to await the inevitable killing that was about to take place.  Sure enough, at the top of the hour, here come the participants in the historical drama about to unfold in front of our eyes.  As we listen intently to the dialogue that takes place prior to the actual killing our palms become sweaty with anticipation about the bloodshed we are about to witness.  Then in a flash, bang, boom, bang, bang, it is all over with and just like the historical record, there are three dead men lying in the dirt.  The question comes to my mind, why did we want to watch someone being shot?

The confrontation

The shooting

The aftermath

The answer lies in the back story of the shootout.  There is considerable debate about just who are the bad guys in this confrontation turned deadly.  Are the Earp brothers and Doc Holliday the good guys or the cowboys lying dead in the dust?  This will always be the fascinating question and never will be answered, therein lies the curiosity of the event.  Since the day of the shooting until now, no one knows for sure the answer to the question, not even the eyewitnesses of the day.

But there is much more to see in the town that is ‘Too Tough to Die’ (the town motto).  The old newspaper (aptly named "The Tombstone Epitaph") office, still in business today that printed the account of the gunfight at the O.K. Corral, many historical artifacts on display, the horse drawn carriages and stagecoaches about town and the Tombstone Historama.  If you are ever in the area, you should experience the historama.

As we return to the RV Park, I reflect on how tough it must have been to live in such a wild and dangerous place back then.  If the animals (both four legged and two legged variety) did not get you, then sickness, malnutrition or lack of water could do you in.  I heard somewhere the average life expectancy during this time period was around 40 years of age.

We encounter another Border Patrol checkpoint on the return trip.  We later learned there had been a joint sting operation between the U.S. and Mexico not too far from this area.  They managed to catch some drug cartel individuals but others had eluded capture and the border patrol agents were definitely watching (with binoculars and otherwise) the comings and goings since the border is very close.

Our last day in Benson was very sunny and warm.  As Bibi and I walked through the park, we encountered a parrot (who just happened to be whistling at Bibi) in a cage on a table next to a very nice lady from Montana.  The parrot took a liking to and was enamored by Bibi’s presence.  It repeatedly said “Hello!” even though the lady tried several times to get it to do its imitation of a horse whinnying.

As it turns out, the lady and her husband come to AZ each year as snowbirds and return to Montana during the warmer months.  We told her about our friend from Wyoming that returns each summer but lives in Texas the rest of the time.  She, in a very polite manner, told us she did not care much for Wyoming, something to do with regional rivalry.  Sorry Bart, but we sure enjoyed our time in Wyoming so take solace in that.

The next day we moved on the short distance to Tucson to check in at our new home for the month of February.  The Valley of the Sun RV Resort located in Marana, AZ a suburb of Tucson.

Las Cruces, NM - Part II

Having seen the missile range on the way to the White Sands Monument and upon advice of the two acquaintances of David and Sophie we decided to visit the White Sands Missile Museum located inside the military base of the White Sands Missile Range.  The operative words here are ‘inside’ and ‘military’.

We had to park the car and enter a small building just outside the gate upon arrival.  Here we presented the gentleman on duty our car registration, proof of insurance and all occupants’ driver licenses.  This process of entering information, taking pictures and answering questions (such as do you have any weapons in the vehicle or on your person) was the prelude to a quick background check before obtaining a qualifying pass to enter the base.  All told the time involved was approximately 30 minutes and I am convinced we were being watched to observe our behavior before allowing us to proceed.  Now remember, this is just to drive 1/8 mile into the base to stop at the museum, tour it and then return the 1/8 mile distance and exit the base.

The visitor badge is very restrictive.  It says valid only for the day, only for the location we declared (i.e. the museum) and has our picture and pertinent information on it.  Once we are issued our visitor badges (mine is shown below) we go back to the car and drive up to the gate.  Once we get to the gate, we offer the badges to the armed attendant and are asked to exit the vehicle while it is searched.  We open all closed areas of the car (the hood, interior compartments, back hatch, etc.) which are searched thoroughly by the attendant before allowing us to proceed.  Once we gain entrance to the base, we move directly to the museum to begin touring.  As you can tell, I was quite impressed with the security process.

This base and its history are very interesting.  As WWII was coming to a close, the German scientists working in Hitler’s rocket development made a decision to surrender to the Americans instead of the Russians (who were close to them and actually took control of the area after the surrender).  Once the scientists surrendered, the American troops cleared out all of the rockets, parts and papers they could carry in the short time they had before the Russian troops showed up.  It is these captured items and the scientists that became the genesis of the United States space program.

The V-1 and later the V-2 rockets developed by the Germans and used during WWII were supposed to terrorize the civilian population and force the English government to surrender to Hitler without invading the country.  It had the opposite effect and steeled the English resolve to resist the onslaught.  It was mainly the V-2 program that was used and tested at White Sands Missile Range to develop the rockets used in the military and space program today.

After the war, there were 300 train cars of V-2 engines, fuselages, propellant tanks, gyroscopes and associated equipment lined up outside of Las Cruces so the contents could be trucked to White Sands.  After the Americans learned about the V-2 and began experimentation, the rocketry program expanded and developed the vehicles for launching satellites and eventually men into space.  There are many examples of the types of rockets developed on display at the missile park, including the sole remaining V-2 rocket that started it all.

Two of the Rocket Scientists

Here they are discussing the next missile launch and test!

As our time to stay in Las Cruces comes to an end, we are struck by the strange beauty in this area of the country.  There are many beautiful sunrises and sunsets plus the stark landscape is surrounded by mountains that have some snow on them even though the daytime temperatures are very warm and pleasant.  But the time has come to leave Hacienda and move on.

Our drive from Las Cruces, NM to Benson, AZ was not visually impressive.  As you can see from the pictures below, there is not much to see or observe in this part of the country.  There are stretches where you see nothing but the flat land and distant mountains.  It seems as though this might never end.  I will let you decide if you think it is drab and unimpressive since beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Of concern to me were the warnings posted on the side of the road.  When I saw this I was unsure about what was about to happen to us.  We were fortunate to be driving on a day when there was little wind and bright sunshine so the warnings ended up being just that, warnings.

One thing that is interesting is the Border Patrol checkpoints.  Traveling as close as we are to the border between the U.S. and Mexico, there are numerous checkpoints that require stopping our vehicles and possible searches.  It does not take a rocket scientist (if you allow me that euphemism) to understand why someone wants to enter this country illegally.  All you have to do is observe the difference in the area north of the interstate in El Paso versus the area south of the interstate in Cuidad Juarez to know there is a vast difference in the quality of life in the two countries for the common person.  It is unfortunate that the criminal elements take advantage of this situation and the people to make riches or a living off the backs of the populace looking for a better life.

In traveling to Benson, we had planned on stopping at the Arizona Welcome Center at the first rest area in the state to eat lunch.  What we found upon entering the state was all the rest areas are closed.  This forced us to exit at a truck stop to take a break.  This was an interesting turn of events as the area we chose to stop in was not paved but hardened compacted earth.  This also turned out to ‘hide’ a few holes.  If you did not know, speed plus holes plus big RV does not equal a good combination.  We watched in horror and suspense as David and Sophie hit a hole that caused the right rear tires to clear the ground, rocking the RV violently back and forth, dumping the contents of the interior cabinets out.  We are happy to report this was the extent of the damage and all is well that ends well.  Both the occupants and the RV are safe and well.

After leaving the truck stop we climb into the mountains into an area known as Texas Canyon.  It is a beautiful place full of large boulders that seem to be perfectly balanced one upon the other.  Unfortunately the one rest stop where you could stop to take pictures was closed and we could not get any photos of the beauty to keep and share.  The terrain had definitely changed for the better.

Shortly after passing this area we arrived in Benson, AZ at the Butterfield RV Resort and Observatory.  We plan on staying here a few days until we move over to Tucson for the month of February.  We will post our experiences while at Benson and the move to Tucson in a few days.

Las Cruces, NM

Our first excursion in Las Cruces was to the Farmers and Craft Market.  It is located on the downtown streets in Las Cruces on Saturdays and Wednesdays.  Luckily we went on Saturday as this is the biggest and best showing from the local vendors.  It reminded me of the early Alley Fest events in Longview, mostly due to its size.  We were told the harvest months would have a lot more locally grown items adding to the vendors that regularly show up.  We found some local jellies and apple butter to purchase, not to mention local baked bread.  Since lunch was upon us, we sampled Joshua’s Pizza.  We had a green chile pizza.  It had ham and bacon and cheese with a green chile sauce as toppings.  Yummm, yummm, good.  Even Bibi liked it which you know she doesn’t eat a lot of spicy things.

The whole crew at Farmers and Craft Market in Las Cruces, NM

The next day we ventured out to Old Mesilla and ate at a 100 year old plus Mexican restaurant named La Posta de Mesilla.  It came highly recommended by Manny at Holiday World.  It was good and the food was very fresh considering it was 100 years old.  This area was where Billy the Kid was tried and held in jail, until he escaped.  This is also the spot where James Gadsen signed the treaty that bears his name, between Mexico and the U. S. on December 30, 1853, known as the Gadsen Purchase.  Of course you remember from your U.S. history class that this bought us a 29,670 square mile portion of Mexico that eventually became part of Arizona and New Mexico for $10 million.  (Nope you are right, I did not remember that either and had to look it up.)

During the week we went out to White Sands Monument, which is one of our National Park sites.  We were curious why some places are referred to as ‘parks’ and others are known as ‘monuments.’  Since the National Park Service oversees both, it was a question worthy of research.  It seems the primary difference is twofold, the first difference being preserving the land versus preserving a site for its historical significance.  Secondly, from a bureaucratic perspective Congress designates national parks and presidential proclamations establish national monuments.  Herbert Hoover established White Sands in the last days of his presidency

Arriving at the White Sands Monument you see these welcome signs at the entrance and close to the visitor center.  Then you drive into the area before stopping to see some of the features.  Luckily for us we managed to visit when the sun was a little lower in the sky creating just enough shadows to distinguish features.  The sand is just like snow and flattens out in pictures which do not do justice to what your eye actually sees.  Nevertheless, our photographers were able to get some pretty amazing shots of the scenery.

David and Sophie knew a couple of volunteers who were working at White Sands as interpretive guides.  They worked with them when they served as volunteers at the Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Sulphur, OK this past summer.  So they arranged a breakfast meeting with them to catch up on things.  It is neat to catch up with folks you meet along your journey.

The dunes in White Sands are very unique.  The sand is from gypsum that dissolved in water and then formed from the selenite crystals as the water evaporated.  These crystals/sand grains accumulated in this spot adjacent to the San Andreas Mountains.  So why do the dunes stay there?  The answer lies in the water table just inches from the surface.  It provides the glue to keep the sand from blowing away.  The dunes are constantly shifting and the wind makes new dunes all the time.  The sand is so white, it looks like snow.  You can even sled down dunes, similar to sledding down a snow covered hill.

Dudes and Dudettes at the Dunes

Notice snow on mountain in background

 

To get to the monument, you have to go through a pass at Organ Mountain.  Just as you top the crest of the pass, you are treated to a panoramic view of the valley spread out before you.  The valley is the White Sands Missile Range and is adjacent to the monument.  To access the monument you drive on Route 70 for about 50 miles to reach the entrance.  This route is subject to being closed during missile tests and that also closes the monument since it is located within the range of the missile base.  We stopped at a pull off to take a picture of the mountain range with its snow on top of the ridges and a view of the valley below.

The area in white is part of the White Sands Missile Base.

We will post more about the Las Cruces stay in a few days.  We are enjoying the journey and hope everyone reading the blog is enjoying our adventures as much as we do.  Until next time, be safe.