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.