Photos 2/20/11

Tucson Day 15

We met a couple from Humboldt County/Northern Cal at Catalina State Park and have been hanging out with them.  I've included some photos of the motley looking crew when we dressed up to go to lunch at Pocas Cosas in Tucson.  They were scheduled to participate in an art fair last Saturday to sell their jewelry and art.  The wind was so bad we were literally hanging on the tent poles with our full weight to hold them in place (this in addition to the cement blocks we had attached the ropes to).  We lasted until about 1 p.m., called it quits and went out for lunch at just one more of the many Mexican restaurants.

We've used up our allotted 14 days at Catalina Park and are moving on to Gilbert Ray Park next to Suguaro Natl. and the Desert Museum.  We want to do more hiking in that area and then move on to Tubac.  We haven't put on a lot of miles and are realizing we only have about 5 more weeks.....still hoping to get to southern new Mexico.

There is a huge learning curve when it comes to using laundromats!  Consult us first if you ever have the opportunity to use one.

We had a few drops of rain last night (first rainfall in Tucson this year and they are concerned about the spring blooms).  A dusting of snow in the mountains that we could see first thing this morning.  Cleared out the smog and today is a beautiful crystal clear day.  Lots to do in Tucson but we are so glad we live in Kayenta rather than here.

Tucson Photos

Catalina State Park

Tucson is a fun town that seems like it has doubled in size since our last visit seven years ago. Folks are friendly but watch out for the big city drivers.  Zoom! Zoom!

 We will have been in Catalina State park about 14 miles north of Tucson for two weeks this Sunday (2/20).  Saguaro State Park is worth a visit with over 5K Saguaro’s with camping next door in Gilbert State Park.  We discovered a local city park, Tohono Chul Park, with excellent gardens and a great place for breakfast. 

Breakfast not your thing?  Try Poca Cosa Restaurant in downtown Tucson.  It is by far the best authentic Mexican restaurant we have ever experienced. (thank you Sharon and Dean for the recommend!).  The restaurant is upscale with only a few items on the menu.  The chef changes the menu daily which features fish, chicken and beef all for $15 a plate.  Ya got to go!  Took us a bit of effort to get there (two restaurants by the same name within 2 blocks of one another AND a bomb threat at the B of A nearby - major traffic jam.

Monday we head south.  We just realized we are running out of time and cannot believe the trip is half over.  By the early part of March, we hope to be at Carlsbad Caverns on the eastern border of New Mexico and then we have to start thinking about our route back…

tucson

I forgot to add that "projects guy" is waxing and polishing the entire motor home!

Phoenix

Tucson

Tucson

Tucson

We are currently staying in Catalina State Park in Tucson.  Saw our friends from Kayenta, Sharon and Dean, yesterday as they were here for the Gem Show.  Had a great lunch only to realize we were actually in the same parking lot as the Safeway where the shootings occurred.  Kind of earie.
The park is very nice, nestled into the moutains and surrounded by hills covered with suaguaro.  It's actually just a couple miles from where my brother Tim and his wife Becky lived when we considered moving to Tucson 7 years ago.  They would not believe the changes.  We ate at an In 'n Out directly across from the entrance to the park!  It used to be totally unpopulated out here.  Strip malls everywhere now.  It was a good decision for them to move to Texas and us to Utah.

First opportunity we have had to use wifi.  I'll post photos from Phoenix and Tucson.  We'll take a day trip to Tubac Thursday to check out the Tubac Art Festival.  Eating well, reading lots, and having fun.  Saw Mick and Terri in Phoenix....Mick was on his 6th consecutive Mexican meal.

Phoenix

Feb 2
We are currently in Phoenix and it is very, very cold (in the 20's overnight).  Currently at the Starbucks as we don't have internet connection in the campground.  As I said earlier, we continue to grow closer and closer as a couple.  Let me reiterate:  first night in Barstow 30 degrees (we snuggled)
Borrego Springs - only one shower (first time we have taken a shower together in a very long time!) and now Phoenix and cold again!  What can we say.

The campground we are in is a regional park and quite beautiful with lots of saguaro, ocotillo, etc.  Hoping the cold doesn't damage them.  We move on to Tucson on Sunday to join our friends Sharon and Dean for the gem show.

Will check back then.  Lynne