Trip #116 (47): Florida Plus 8 more states

 Trip #116 (47): Florida Plus 8 more states: TX, OK, TN, AR, GA SC, MS, AL, FL

DEPARTED Oct. 30, 2021

To Florida via new territory

TX. OK. MS. GA. AL. AR. FL. SC.

Sat., Oct. 30, 2021

Left the most beautiful Santa Fe weather before 9am. a miracle. Drove all day to Amarillo TX. Nice weather there too. Nothing but semis up and down both sides of I-40, so the supply chain is trying to catch up. Stopped at Big Texan Steakhouse for early dinner, the place where if you can finish a 72 oz steak i think within an hour it is free. No one was trying while we were there. Not the greatest, but glad to finally have seen the place… huge btw. Camped another hour east at McClellan State Park north of the highway on a small lake. in the middle of nowhere. not too bad, not crowded and fine for one night. 34 degrees in the am. Was a beautiful 68 most of the day.

Sun, Oct. 31

Drove again on I-40 with all the semis, driving all day to the next destination to make distance closer to our first official stop, the Crystal Bridges Museum in AR. Was pleasantly surprised at Oklahoma, things got greener than Texas, but then we are "east of San Antonio", which is our benchmark of east vs. west. Went north of Oklahoma City to avoid traffic and went to Keystone State Park for one night. They don't take walk-ins, so we had to reserve the site in the parking lot before taking Lakeside spot #42. Nice and large park, great for boaters, but here for just one night. Not as cold in the am, maybe 45.

Mon, Nov. 1

Tried to get an early start for the 3 hour drive to Bentonville, AR for the museum but that never seems to happen. It is cool and drizzly raining, not more sun! got the gray schmutz overhead. Drove through Tulsa which thankfully wasn't that busy traffic-wise, so no problems. The gray skies and light rain would continue into the night but kept the temps down to 46 most of the day, cold and wet. Got to the museum about noon. Thought it would take a while, but really in 2 hours we were done so signed up for the FLW house tour at 2pm. I knew there was no art glass in the home they moved to this site but wanted to see it anyway; but wow, was really unimpressed with this "usonian" 1954 Frank design (Bachman-Wilson House, New Jersey). Concrete block walls and some wood shelves… best part was the wide open glass walls opening to the woods and water; other than that I was terribly unimpressed. It all came crashing to an end when we went down the 2-foot wide hallway to a tiny bedroom; that's it, claustrophobia, prison walls, I am OUT! I think Mr. Wright hated his clients or something. On the way out told the guy it was horrible and he agreed! Before we went another hour on a curvy, narrow Ozark highway to get to Leatherwood City Park CG near Eureka Springs, we drove through little downtown brick -buildings Bentonville. Would have liked to walked it, but it is raining, and we have the trailer, so no go. Went to a Walmart Supercenter nearby, expecting a showcase of a store, but nah, like all the others. With cold wet weather and tree fall leaves half gone, kind of a weird place but we have full hookups, got it set up and turned on the heat. No chance of a Dish signal with the trees, but there is a phone signal and it finally got me to start this blog.

Tues, Nov. 2

Eureka Springs day, expecting more showers.

Walked around town town, cold and drizzly. Nice shops tho. But so dreary... Looks like November. Went to an historic hotel up on a hill for a lobby tour.

Wed. Nov. 3

Memphis, TN Graceland time. Area not too bad*, (*editor’s note: after we left heard there was a shooting at the gas station down the block) wasn't sure what to expect after reading the CG reviews. But CG was right next to the entrance, and across from Graceland, so an easy walk. Got takeout BBQ from down the street at (name? they say E went there) with pink piggy airstream out front.

Thurs, Nov. 4

This is the day to tour Graceland. Place is set up like Disney. Cool and weird at the same time, all this fuss about one guy with a 20 year career. The new center, opened in 2017, showcases tons and tons of his outfits and cars and boats as well as other stars outfits. The place was amazing nonetheless, well worth the visit. So many artifacts, down to receipts for the stained glass.

Friday, Nov. 5

Huntsville AL arrival. Another late arrival but we got in a walk thru the space camp area. Earlier along the way we went thru a town called Corinth which had a civil war battlefield which was part of the Shiloh battlefield. Stopped in on a whim and thoroughly enjoyed the whole place. Great info.

Sat, Nov. 6

Huntsville AL - Bill toured rocket museum I rode bike (uphill) to botanical garden but only did gift shop. Felt weird today. Later we drove to downtown, got a walking tour booklet of old homes, saw some and toured the Harrison Bros Hardware, historic old place like Viddlers, later found a JoAnns and back early. Ate in. The park near the campground where this was was setting up for the drive thru light show, so that was a weird thing to see upclose. Also many space camp areas we rode our bikes around.

Sunday, Nov. 7

First time this happened: Getting ready to depart, bill took off the wheel locks and after stepping on the step, the trailer rolled off the lifts, dragging the foot about a foot, making an awful sound as I was taking a pee. What is happening!? i screamed. Lesson learned: chalks and wheel locks come off LAST. Georgia drive today. Took a lot of treed, curvy back roads. Stayed the night at Fort Yargo park, just one night. On a lake, arrived about 4pm and had a good steak dinner after picking up a yummy steak at Publix! so good to see that bright store again.

Monday Nov. 8

Charleston, SC. Seemed to have taken the LONG way letting the truck GPS pick the route (by way of Greenville to the north), but Bill enjoyed a high speed highway

After all that slow driving north of Atlanta yesterday. Again, arrived about 4pm, set up in a very shady spot without sewer #42 at James Island County Park. They have set up their christmas festival of lights so getting in and out is going to take some time. Went to Martin's BBQ for dinner, then to…. PUBLIX, then back, where the cult of yoga was having a night of it under the stars. ok then. Nice big park tho, enjoyed their expansive bike trails. Getting used to soggy humid air once again.

RETURNING: STILL traveling Dec. 3, 2021... writing this in Vicksburg, MS. Unusually warm winter.

After Huntsville Sunday, Nov 7- Winder, GA Fort Yargo SP After a winding, tight country road that got busier after we got north of Atlanta, found our first Publix. Arrive to camp late in the day, get in a quick walk in cooked our best meal yet with our publix steak. Our campsite was on the lake, but didn't get to enjoy it for very long. 

Monday, Nov 8- Charleston SC, James Island County Park Left Fort Yargo and had to drive on oiled surface that gave us no warning and get covered with oil splatter. Drove in Monday morning traffic a very, very long drive after going the wrong way and had to backtrack for whatever reason maybe the truck GPS, and ended up going all the way north to Greenville to get to Charleston. But it was all Interstate, so maybe better than all the crisscrossing back roads. It was nice weather, sunny and arrived maybe about 3 o'clock finding our way through the winding roads to get to our park. This Charleston area is all lowlands with canal after canal of smelly mangrove water, and was on James Island so we had to drive through a residential area a tight tree lane residential area to find our camp at the County Park. The roads were wet and we would find out the next day that it was because of the King Tide and of course global warming is making Charleston disappear ha ha. Our camp is undergoing early decorations for their festival of lights so we get a preview of what was to come. Tuesday Nov 9 Beautiful day to go to old revolutionary war Charleston area, walked around various neighborhoods don't know where we're going, hit the market Street and had lunch and a little French place near where we parked. Wednesday Nov 10 Took this day to sightsee and visit Fort Moultrie on Sullivans Island. We did not tour Fort Sumter because a ferry and water was involved but we could see the fort from fort, heard from the waiter in the restaurant that Bill Murray lives on Sullivans Island so we went drove along the beautiful beachfront home's popping wait to see him out front gardening but we did not., great place next time stay there. Mansions on the water in a nice little neighborhood. Also drove to Mount Pleasant which smelled like a pile of shit and sewer and mangroves. Toured the small home of Pinckney because it was a national site and I could get a stamp. Wasn't much of a mansion but he used to own slaves and planted here and elsewhere growing rice. We had to be back in the park by 6:30 because it was opening night of the festival of lights and the road will be closed for a fun run. So we stuck around and walked the park to see all the lights and get in several bike rides as well as it had good trails.

Thursday, Nov 11- Savanna, GA. Skidaway Park Located in the Landings development. Got a lot of biking in the area. Plus they had a nice little Publix The first night we went to a Mexican restaurant for dinner, Tequila Town. The place looks dark but it was packed and we had to wait for a table. 

Friday, Nov 12 Decided to take the Savannah bus tour and glad we did it was very informative and it was a hop on hop off trolley. We didn't do a lot of hopping but it definitely came in handy. Famous characters jump on board and give some history which made it fun on the open air trolley bus. Had lunch at a small Greek place on the river front and walk down, past and Paula Deen's place but didn't get Byrds cookies. 

Saturday, Nov 13 Today we drove to the mall, and a Bass Outlet for more fleece jeans, and tried to find the bird cookie factory but gave up. On this trip we ordered the new map for the truck which will be sent to Florida. Came back and took a nice long bike ride toward the landings on their nature trail. Later went to the cute little Publix and got stuff for dinner. 

Sunday, Nov 14- Ormond Beach, FL Tamoka State Park Today we drove from Savanna to Ormond Beach. Robin and John are driving up to join us for a camp dinner. Good time, too much wine never saw much of the park and we left in the morning to head to Pompano. 

Monday, Nov. 15-28- Pompano Beach I 95 drive down to Pompano Parked on 7th Street and went to La Bamba. French knots, b & p dinners, never played kibbie, cooked a lot Vic did anyway, Hot Dog Heaven, so much traffic in unrecognizable Lauderdale, saw our WM house, so depressing, they took out our front oak and put in purple shiny roak! Bike ride to beach, sealed swing, saw roaches, got bitten, enjoyed dog park and Rosie and lots of Simba, made dad move too much, put out Xmas deer, Becs for Thanksgiving, Bill bday, went to Bonnet House with McD's, ate an entire cream puff, many cookies... went to Costco, ate at Bonefish Grill, Zona Fresca, and a Thai place, tried to touch bootsy. 

Monday, Nov 29- St. Petersburg at Fort DeSoto Park Left for trip back, taking harrowing drive to 595 on a Monday morning. Nice day. Probably some of the scariest drivers we've come across were in South Florida. Quick drive over to Saint Pete Beach for two nights at De Soto Park, our first evening to be catered by Roo Grilli and his frozen ribeyes, etc and smoky barb the bartender and her wooden drink smoker. I'm sure we were the loudest group in the park but we had a good time. Bill set up his new garbage picked canopy, which needs a new leg. Still cheaper than a new one. 

Tuesday, Nov 30 Somehow managed to get out for a bike ride before heading to the Museum of the American Arts & craft movement, which was awesome. First we drove to downtown Saint Pete and had a Cuban sandwich at Bodega. Then I had the entire afternoon at the museum and used every minute for the Roycroft and other exhibits. Took a drive afterwards to see Mary's old house, and then the beach, and then went to the Grilli home to see the old Homestead and meet the new greyhound Jackie! Went to Treasure Island to VIP mexican for dinner (The waiter dumped Bill's margarita on him, the place was packed and we walked through the kitchen) (and Lou kept talking to the porcelain little girl next to us) and then walked over to see the sand sculptures. Great day and time to get moving home.... 

Wednesday, Dec 1 Sparks, GA Reed Bingham SP Today we will visit Chris and Donna's new place in Bell Florida. Went up I 75 and headed west on 27 a little bit early but got to see some land other than the interstate. Visited for about an hour and got to see the 5 acre estate and how much they've already got done already since November 11, good for them. Secured a parking spot for the next visit yay might actually do that. Back on the road and made it all the way up past Valdosta to Reed Bingham State Park another place we arrive late in the day and never saw much of the park but apparently there was a lake there. 

Thursday, Dec 2- Auburn AL Chewacla SP Got sucked in by the billboards and made Bill stop at Magnolia Plantation gas station so I can get some Lucy jams and peanuts. Took a very long and winding and sometimes hilly drive to get to Andersonville Civil War Prison. They really did put them in the middle of nowhere. Did the audio tour around the park and then toured the cemetery. The drive then to Alabama and made it as far as Auburn. Alabama and stay Chewbacca State Park #14 $36 it turned out to be full of trees and almost like a mountain but again it was just an overnighter. However Bill lucked out getting a discount and also having full hook ups plus cable plus Wi-Fi. I figure it's because of all the football clientele in a must get. Went to the Walmart and ate in that night. This is definitely a college town there was actually people under 60. Or also on the edge of the time zone with one phone adjusting in one night so we really weren't sure what time it was, whether we gained that hour or not... 

Friday Dec 3- Vicksburg MS Ameristar RV Park Got an early 8:40 start because we want to get to Vicksburg in Mississippi. Had a good drive through Selma and Montgomery and Jackson. Decided to stay at the Ameristar RV campground right near the river and the casino, terrible customer service nobody answers the phone and nobody calls you back but we managed to book the site on the way in at a lunch stop. Not the greatest looking place but a good location and full hook ups we got site number 38 for $29. The woman at the desk kind of bummed me out by saying how dangerous and crappy and awful the town was so I think that affected my view, but we had no problems. Late in the day but we drove around to get the lay of the land, pretty amazing architecture from way back considering the area became a state in 1817 and buildings go back to 1830. We will do the park tomorrow. Saw the downtown but it just wasn't too appealing so we only did a drive-by and decided to stay in and it came up with that early start I was pooped but I don't know if he was. Saturday Dec 4- Tyler, TX Tyler SP Woke up to gray skies and extremely humid conditions as in 91% inside and out. This has been a very late winter and it's not here yet but I'm glad because we haven't gotten back yet. Anyway get an early start to the park and drove around for their audio tour but since we watched the film online last night didn't have to do that. This battle lasted for several months so there is too much to absorb with all the skirmishes that took place. Also got to see the Cairo Ironclad exhibit and Museum and we're able to hit the road by noon. 

As I write this we are almost to Shreveport Louisiana and it's 2 o'clock, how far will we get?...Let’s go past Shreveport and on to Texas! WORST ROAD ANYWHERE!! The rough road knocked the table completely onto the floor of the trailer. IT WAS LIKE RIDING A BUCKING BRONCO. We’ve also been hit by two giant rocks, one in Louisiana one in Texas. The first left a dent on the roof of the truck the second one has yet to be determined. No damage has been detected but I find that impossible, it will show up it made my ears ring. Drove on as far as we could and made our way to Tyler Texas, at the state park. Pissed the hell out of Bill that we have to pay six bucks a head additional for park entry on top of the campground fee but seems like they all do it that way now. We are tired ate a frozen meal and went to bed early. 

Sunday, Dec 5- Quanah TX Cotton Gin RV Park The plan is to drive as much as we can so we made our way from Taylor to Greenville Inn across the top of Dallas through Denton, which is exploding. By complete chance I happened to find an In-N-Out Burger along the way so that was the perfect time for lunch. Drove 380 then 287 to Childress Texas, Didn't quite make it to Amarillo. After a grocery stop we decided to go to Copper Breaks State Park 10 miles down the road only to find out the park is closed for a hunt. So came all the way back up to the highway and went five more miles down the road to the old Cotton Gin RV Park the sun is about to set and we ain't driving at night. Nice area but lots of road noise. The TV is static he so setting up the dish. The air is finally dry it was 83° today but with the dry it didn't feel so bad but 37° in the morning. Road noise gone with windows closed. 

Monday, Dec 6 Santa Rosa State Park Did a short walk before dinner. Windy last night, and 55° when we went to bed but 30° when Bill got up! We found winter! And 16% humidity. As always, once you get past the San Antonio /Dallas longitude the air dries out. Cleaned up the trailer and headed home. 39 days and 5,200 miles on the truck! 

RIP: Bob Dole

Trip #115 (46): West/SW WHYoming, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons

 #115 (46): West/SW WHYoming, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons

(More copy way down below photos)

August 19, 2021 —  departure, lucked out with cooler weather

LOST IN WHYOMING: Knitting Edition: Pinedale to Hoback

Dullsville: no internet or phone signal OR dish cuz mtns are too damn high...

Theme: thrift store yarn & kitty blankets. Scored huge in Pinedale; cleaned them out... got 4 done so far since starting out.

CG along Hoback River, 70 degrees as i type, tho we don’t have river view since we moved this am from spot #17 at the noisy entrance to #14 on the inside, with a YARD! So much nicer, wide spot rather than narrow. Not much planned this hazy day, might drive south to Granite Creek, something about hot springs. Other than last night's beaver, not much wildlife, tho we hear birds now, got my feeders out. So do others so prob no bears around. But i did see a bald eagle fly over there. Yday two flew down the river. We are on a two lane road; cars aren’t bad but DAMN the trucks are. We are in a narrow canyon, beautiful.

Photos like these is what perpetuates the mythical idea of camping, though i will say the temp is perfect and i am sitting outside and nothing is biting me. Epic.

And no toys or people to play with.

The excitement.

Fri, 8-25. After knitting like the blazes in the am, hiked across the street straight up an old road. Expected a bear but none. Lots of talus from Bryce Canyon to the right, but gave up after a mile (of course forgot my pedometer). Did some work for an hour, showered early, napa dinner, aggravation and a movie. The dish doesnt work cuz of the STRAIGHT UP mtn to the south so no news and no phones for 2 days, ie., Donner Pass. Relaxation in a hole. This is Maroon Bells part II.

Saturday, 8-26.

Finally time to leave DONNER PASS. Not sure i can take any more excitement. COLDEST MORNING yet, about 34 degrees. Wanted an early start but too cold! Now at 8:15 we are starting to move, ok, i am. Yellowstone, here we come for 2 nights. And hoping to drop off 7 (Pinedale yarn) kitty blankets to the shelter we passed so. of Jackson. I did, o one there, left it in the donation box with a card, just in case they want more. But looks like they mostly have big dogs. Went to our spot in Grant Village, love when its a village, means stores! Our site was A15, a tight old CG w/o water or elec. more boondocking. Its fine, no one spends much time there except at evening when they all have to have stinky fires. At least we had 2 bars of cell. Took a drive to Bridge Bay for something to do, pretty boring down here on the south end, didnt see much or any animals.

Sunday, 8-27. Slow start today. Left house about 11:30 and will meet up with Mark & Cherise later, they are visiting Big Sky. Today is her birthday. So we did the SW geyser basin area first, with a stop at Old Faithful and killed time till they got to Old Faithful at 2pm just like they said. Never thought they'd make it what with traffic but they did - while we were 30 mins late getting back there oops. Had lunch at General Store cuz thats all there was (friggin covid) and took it outside on the most perfect day to date -- blue skies and perfect temp, about 72 or so. Watched Old Faithful go off then more shopping at the nicer Lodge store and off they went, it was 4pm. Dish doesnt work at camp due to trees but podcasts do thankfully. Friends and Wings night, yay for old recordings.

Monday, 8-30  Rolled down to Grand Tetons for 3 reserved days! W/ elec! J199 but NO SIGNAL OR DISH. 😟 Tuning out is truly overrated -- cuz it also means no googling anything - topics, how to's, or weather. Anyway, previous people were not out of our spot at 11am checkout, so Bill pulls up behind them to stare them down; i was mortified and kept looking down, ugh awkward.....an old man and younger man were like the walking dead not packing anything until momma comes out and they mobilized. Weird. It's a long spot so plenty of room but another old established CG. Might be able to see a Teton from camp, thru the trees, but very smoky from fires today, utah maybe. Drove around to check out this village - it has a real grocery store, nice - got a Yellowstone buffalo medallion for my walking stick then went up to Jackson Lake Lodge to shop and use the phone for a signal, which is barely there. Couldn't get reservations for their restaurant, fully booked. So back to our camp to take a "short" walk by the lake, or so i thought. BTW, lake is really down at both ends -- enough that they had to move the marina. Set out in jeans (its getting hotter here), sandals and NO camera -- just a short walk, right? Well we kept going toward Heron Pond/overlook (3 miles in all) and as I was putting a big raven feather i had found into Bills water bottle holder i said, "watch, we'll see a bear cuz i got no camera." Yep - i called it again. Reached the ponds and noticed a beaver dam on the other side -- lets go! Checked out, and another but no one home. About to head back when Bill says "look". I was expecting to see those same 2 people on the other side, but instead see a big bear walking down the hill and getting in the water. NOT AGAIN! Back in Teton, hiking w/o bear spray and seeing a bear on DAY 1. Do we ever learn?? Apparently not. High tailed it outta there, hoping he didn't see us (he didn't care, he just wanted a cooling dip), all the while thinking about that lady killed by a bear in Durango last spring.... as we neared the short end of the pond i re-noticed the big pile of bear skat w/ berries we walked past the first time (duh), and a couple who was taking pics and said they would send me some! Ran into the original couple on the other side on the hike out and they said it walked 30 feet by them without noticing! I woulda crapped my jeans! They took it well, nice couple from Ohio. Ok, so skettie night, old reruns and knitting. Tired!

Tuesday, 8-31

Drive around day, very smoky. Sightseeing, lucked out and saw a fleeting glimpse of 2 blk bears from the road, way off in a field; causing a stir of course. Took the winding road to Teton Village and passed the Rockefeller Preserve so pulled in! What is it! It (and a beautiful new fancy visitor center with not much in it) was situated in a sage meadow so I wasn't expecting much. Well, turns out Lawrence Rockefeller donated thousands of acres to the park, Landon used to be his family's playground. There is a 1.25 mile hike to Phelps lake, which we did and it was lovely: tree covered forest all the way. And no bears. There were 2 piles of scat when you first start out, wonderful. Ended up in jackson for dinner at Merry Piglets Mex and groceries. They have a local mask mandate going on so skipped some stores around the square. Also picked up a bison steak since we couldn't dine at Jackson Lake Lodge, all booked.

Wednesday, 9-1

Still smoky tho B read it would clear out; it didn't. Couldn't decide if we should hike or boat, since it was smoky we decided to hike along string lake. Well, now that i see how clear and calm a glacier lake is, lets boat! But first, we must get the park boat permit. So we drive down to Jenny Lake to find out where to bet one. The [stupid] ranger said moose or string Lake, right where we were. So we drove back up to String. Nope nothing at string. So after much consternation, we did decide to drive the 15 minutes south to Moose to get the freaking $17 permit, then get some lunch to take on our float. A bit of sun thru the haze, and a small but beautiful lake it was. Spent about 2 hours but chose not to portage to the next lake, too far & too heavy. The cranberry turkey sammich was filling so leftovers and Dr Quinn for dinner. Going to bed at 10 OUT OF BOREDOM is the norm.

Thursday, 9-2

Heading to the east, the other side of the mountain as we begin to head back. Got 6 days before the new beds arrive. Stayed at an RV camp in Riverton. Did see a moose as we drove thru the mountains to get there. Went to din at Perrett's italian, not bad. To bed early, a bit of rain. 

Friday, 9-3

More rain in the am, but time to take a longer, luxuriating shower in camp! Got Letusa signal, so did some online ordering, yay. Checked in at a comsignment store for more yarn, and scored 9 more @ $1/skein. Woohoo [after Pinedale, that makes about ... 22?) Drove until about 2pm, passing Saratoga lake (too early), will check on Encampment. what da hell? THERE IS A SPOT! FULL hookup/dumps for a "donation"... 3 day max. And this is Labor day weekend. And its Friday. And there is a thrift store on OUR corner... they are open tomorrow. Does it get any better? Let us see how long we stay. Checked out "home store" - gaggy - then went for a hike on Encampment River trail - down there was an entire other CG, bit glad to be up here, since it is going to rain. Did about 2 miles; Bill wants one of those river houses. Came back and went to another shit/antique/thrift store and it was HUGE. Owner was on the phone and told me to go down to the basement for yarn. Found it! Score 4 more, making $13 in one day -- are there enough animals to justify this??? Hahahaaaa Now waiting for the storm, blowing like a mofo, but as of 6:10 still no rain. Ut an antelope and dog did walk thru camp.

Sat, 9-4

Who knew it took encampment wy big open skies to get the dish to reset right. Just needed to stay plugged in overnight. Drove to Savery and toured their museum - excellent!- the a stop at Dixon Saloon for a cool drink, ok beer and hard lemonade. (Were heading to Baggs for no reason and terminated the trip at Dixon.) Saw 3 sheep and antelope on way back on the beautiful, windy, high mountain road. Passed Thomas Edison marker, he fished in the lake below where his fishing line gave him the idea to use filament for a bulb. Museum with moved local cabins and exhibits galore, showcasing local military heros, a doc, and a mtn man. Famous mountain man Jim Baker's cabin was the main event, as we was a friend of Fremont and Kit Carson, "back in the day." After we got back i went the half mike to the visotor center where i learned about Brush Creek Ranch, a high end lodge and retreat buying up all the land. It was SO beautiful out, i made Billy go for a town walk and we checked out some greenhouses (closed) and the Divide restaurant (way nicer than expected). Stayed in and cooked. 

Sunday, 9-5

Today we will drive around the Snowy mtn range, its cooler up there and it is about 80 today. First we walked to the attraction of the "indian bathtubs", natural depressions in some rock outcroppings about a mile from town. Short 3/4 mi walk but HOT! Injuns swarmed thru this area, incl Utes and Arapahoes. But no, no arrowheads for me. Did a 2 mi hike at the forest stn up the mtn, kinda boring so moved on to drive some more. 12,000 ft got much cooler up there. When we got back we toured the exterior of the encampment museum buildings, and as we left saw a stray cow that got out. Great, him and a german shepherd that has been wandering.... not sure if he is lost but what can i do. Saw him over 2 days. Dinner at DiVide for good pizza, walked! Couple of deer bucks when we got back. Love being able to walk places, and population of 450, mostly retirees.

Labor day

Next time cemetery and walk to the river access

28 airstreams so far; make that 36 till Mon night.

Drove from encamp to Aspen Glade camp in super so. Colorado, in 2.5 hrs we would be home but i made him stop. Not going to drive at night with drunks and deer. LOTS of traffic heading the other way toward Denver, luckily we had a traffic-free drive to here. Big spot #21 on river, but not much daylight to enjoy, but did a camp walk.

Tues

Awoke to being pummelled by pinecones

RIP: Gabby Petito

Trip #114 (45): Leadville

Trip #114 (45): Leadville

Buena Vista, Leadville  - July 4, 2021

Pvt cg # 7 Valley Mobile RV, a bit rough

Arrived to blazing sun mid 80s, Drove 2 miles back to town for the Fourth of July art show which really is a dog show more like it. Not much there, walked through town not much there, stopped at a pizza place called Crave and had a drink; they had air-conditioning. Place is pretty packed and I don't think I saw a mask anywhere.

I was very tired today so we hit the grocery store then came back, I took a nap while he drove around to find a different campground for future reference. Just hung around, grazed, listen to podcasts, watch TV, pretty uneventful evening. At least it cooled off at night. We were running the AC in the trailer all day. That doesn't help me much at all either.

Monday, July 5

Move down to Leadville, Baby Doe number 50. Arrived too early, the tent or still in the spot so we parked around the bend and are waiting it out as a type. Weather is cool, low 70s partly sunny, hit a few sprinkles and I see gray skies. It's going to be a mixed bag. We have bikes and perhaps the last trip with the kayak but I have a feeling maybe not. no water or electric here. well at least no electric so it's like camping

Set up and How long are

Surfside implosion July 4

 

 

 

Trip #113 (44): Far West Texas: Big Bend, Marfa, Ft. Clark, Corpus Christi, San Antonio & Peter

 Trip #113 (44): Far West Texas: Big Bend, Marfa, Ft. Clark, Corpus Christi, San Antonio & Peter

Tuesday, Mar. 16 – Left a BEAUTIFUL cool Santa Fe to head to Roswell area. Drove via 285 south into the monster wind-sand storm, especially bad down in Roswell. Arrived about 3:30 and walked around town a bit for some alien shopping, but SO windy. Several people without masks, yay, and some stores didn't care if you wore one or not, and some required it. Camped about 12 miles out of town at Bottomless Lake State Park, great waterfront campsite but SO windy I preferred to stay in. ridiculous out there.

Wednesday, Mar. 17 – No corned beef for us, just a short drive on a *perfect* day to Guadalupe Mountains National Park, but alas, place was packed and no room for us to stay. So we moved on after stopping in Van Horn to make some calls ahead. What do you know, he parked right in front of the big Hotel El Capitan, so of course I had to tour and shop the 1930s gem. It was very cool. So, we moved on to Marfa; almost went to Alpine, but Marfa came first. And with my new education, I learned Marfa has the sister Hotel to Capitan, the Hotel El Paisan, also built by Trost. Equally cool, and Liz Taylor and Rock Hudson and James Dean hung out there while making Giant.. Got a spot, full hookups for $30 just a few blocks from the downtown-courthouse area, great location actually, but what a shithole, as B called it. Next door was the $50 Cosmic-something, you can rent a trailer, tent, yurt, teepee, and do yoga. We were good at the shithole. Basically a dusty parking lot. Lucky to get it too--the first two places we tried were full. Forgot it is Spring Break. First thing we did was jump on the bikes and ride around town and then out to the Airstream Yacht Club campground, which I stumbled upon while looking for places. Cool idea but about a mile or so out of town, each has its own carport. That place was also packed. Now with daylights saving time the days go quick so hotdogs were our late dinner.

Thursday, Mar. 18 – Intrigued by our bike tour of the town, this morning I did some googling of what's happening and got some good tips of what to do from a blog done by a store here called Wrong. yep, Wrong. Since it was 48 degrees no bikes were ridden but we went back to town, saw the hotel (famous for hosting the actors from the making of the 1956 film Giant), climbed up the courthouse to get the 4th floor view, and drove around to discover some other spots. Quite an interesting place. Apparently there a lot of art installations and galleries around town but we didn't have time for all that. Next time. It was time to move on for two nights 20 miles up the road in Fort Davis State Park. This time we have reservations so no worries. Did a short CCC hike after going back to town for groceries at a crappy little grocery store, Porters, but better than nothing. Had a great steak dinner and now I am typing this. Kinda pooped today, hoping for more energy tomorrow. No internet so can't binge on my crabbers into the wee hours!

Friday, Mar. 19 – Big day out was to tour the Fort Davis area, which we did, and brought our bikes to town to ride around and get the up close and personal view of Fort Davis. Did a tour of their courthouse like Marfa, no one seems to mind, in fact the only guy we saw introduced himself as the county judge, so I guess it was OK. Stopped for lunch at the Drugstore restaurant, about the most hopping on the old street, tried to shop but so much old gross crap, we didn't do much there. Talked to one shop owner about covid, he said he got it, lost his sense of taste, could barely walk 10 feet, but now he is fine. Said 4 people in town have died of it, one being a 92 yr old woman getting transfusing, so they chalked it up to coved, said he. Did the spread for dinner later, after sitting outside for a while.I had put out some seed and water for the birds, but what came in was javelinas! Three big ones — they slurped up the seed and the water, and one kept coming back. They smell like skunks; in fact, I had been sitting outside, picked up my crap and on my walk to the trailer I smelled what I thought was WEED, and accused the neighbors of toking up, until I looked out the window. hahahaa Big mistake, guess I should have read the literature about not doing that. The park does that and they do go to that feeder area and lick it all up.

Saturday, Mar. 20 – Drove to Big Bend, not the most exciting drive. Stopped in Alpine to shop, WTF all they have in far west Texas is that shitty Porters. ugh. The one in Alpine was bigger but still a crap selection. South of Alpine was very pretty, reminded me a lot of the outskirts of south and east Durango. Took Highway 118 down, lots of ranches for sale, got more desolate the further south we went. We are in the Rio Grand campground, #58, like boondocking, but with loud, squealing little girls next door. really annoying. So good time to start the generator and run the air!!!! yeah!! Cooked ribs in the dutch oven, coals went cool too soon, so took longer to cook, no matter, the old guy who will be in our spot next stopped by. Also an airstream guy over the the other CG, he puts out surveillance cameras, and talked a lot, but said to watch for him and is story on My Dog Saved my Life. (He was camping in Alaska when he caught a grizzly family on his cameras). Anyway, Bill said those ribs were the worst he EVER had. wow. Not a good place to start. Tomorrow it's Porters chick, uh oh. Tired from heat, went to bed super early, like 9:30. Bad idea…
high 85 at Big Bend.

Sunday, Mar. 21 – Bad night sleeping, went to bed too early (cuz it was hot) and was awake for about 3 hours between 2am and 5am. Once firing on all cylinders we did a short bike ride around the campground and found a road to see the Rio Grande. Gonna be another hot one so did the mountain drive in the Chisos Mtns to the lodge and small campground. It was at least  bit cooler there, so we did about a mile on the Windows Trail. That was enough. Warm… Came back about 3:00, no wifi is working the area store or visitor center, so can't check on much, but think we will cut out a day early, too hot and not much to do here. Got back to the trailer and now our side behind us is getting the flooding irrigation so the tent people are really in for it. It's right up to the back of the trailer already. Also it's 90 degrees. WHAAAAT?? Generator and a/c are on as I type this. What a life-saver. Too bad because it's nice and quiet here this afternoon, and the birds are back since the little screamers are gone. Keep seeing a vermillion flycatcher and a ladderback, yellow headed woodpecker, cool. Never saw yeller before on a woody. Actually went to bed with the windows open last night, great breeze, but by 1am it got cold and that's when all hell-wide awake happened. Was about 45 overnight. After all that heat, weird. After running the air for  a bit and watching the end of the Cane Mutiny, we decided to walk over to the nature trail along the Rio Grande, behind a row of campground, but upon our approach we noticed several park ranger and border patrol trucks all over, plus a medical rescue.The story she gave us was that someone had heat exhaustion, but we think it's more like someone washed up or it was a recovery. We may never know, but sure was a LOT of attention, and border patrol… One more thing before dinner, we drove over to Boquillos Crossing, where you used to be able to raft over to the Mexican town but of course not anymore. Lots of trails here too are closed due to Covid, makes no sense. Drove over to the canyon area and then drove back and made Porters chicken. Not bad, at like animals were were so hungry, no lunch today, except for bill's ice cream samwich at the lodge area and pumpkin seeds and pretzels. Just as Sister Wives came on and all the trailer windows were open, some night creature started up with a very loud sound… sounded like a police whistle. on and on and on he went. Gotta find out what that was. SO loud. owl? frog? LOUD.

Monday, Mar. 22 – Decided to leave Big Bend a day early, 2 nights instead of 3. Well, at just $8 a night, what the heck. Nothing else to do here and this place doesn't do a lot for me. Prepared for another cold night … and nuttin'. It was actually a very nice 59 this am. weird weather here, after 95 in the late afternoon. awful. So, we drove north out of park on the road to Marathon, another long, boring desert drive, so glad to leave it behind. Reminds me too much of the Baja. I guess it's the Chihuahuan Desert; Sonoran is much prettier, IMO. So just as we reached Marathon we could see the dust storm ahead, blowing like a mofo, but thankfully it was coming from the west and could push us east. REALLY strong winds. We are heading for Del Rio. Along the way we stopped to make a change of plans: move San Antonio reservations to the weekend to give us time to get to Corpus Christi and back. So drive drive drive, seeing border patrol here and there, drive drive, drive, no signal, can't surf, drive drive drive. It was raining as we reached Del Rio, but having checked Campendium as soon as getting a signal, I fought hard to go another 30 miles east to the town of Brackettville, as I found an interesting campground with a fort in that town. What a GREAT FIND! Small town, but home of Fort Clark Springs, site of an old stone built in the 1850s and now inhabited by residents! Huge grounds, so much history so little time. Took a drive around the fort as well as neighborhood across the highway, saw the courthouse, didn't climb it. Their only grocery is the Lowes. Before we left I saw a kitty across the driveway and called her over. Soon she was in the trailer, no meowing, no climbing, no begging, just lonely. When we got back from the drive there she was. She lives on the porch of the office so they take good care of her, she was either an escapee or abandoned three years ago. So after dinner, we walked her home… then walked toward the road, saw 6 deer crossing the street, or trying to, scared them all back. Then we were attacked by 3 neighbor yorkies… owners came running. good thing, we are on the busy street. well, busy enough. Wandered around the live oak grove next door where you could see foundations or roads, someone said it was site of married housing on the fort. more roads off to the back through the trees, so cool. We should come back, but it's so far….  Topped off the night by stopping at the rec room, one guy was in there so made Bill come with me, turned out to be our neighbor, he has been coming here for years, is staying for 3 months and volunteers so knows a lot of the history. Talked for about an hour, let in the kitty, learned a lot and got home about 10pm. Watched the neighborhood road zoom meeting and went to bed after 11. Slept good! Moderate weather here, was 44 in the am. Just for research, found one officer's quarters for sale online, $300k for 3300 sq ft original stone house redone in 2019. Such a deal, in possible 118 degree summers. ughhhhh

Tuesday, March 23 – Kitty was waiting for us in the morning, let her in a few times, packed up and headed out toward Corpus Christi. I would definitely visit this place again. Took Farm Roads east, first stopping in quite larger Uvalde for the biggest Walmart I think I've ever seen, huge. Finally some good produce! Nice weather, tho it would go as high as 88 the further east we went and went from ranching to oil production. Was going to stay a night at Choke Canyon but they had their campgrounds closed because there is no water, probably from the big Feb Freeze. So we had a quick lunch there and moved on to Corpus Christi, using I-35. First drive in busy traffic, been nice not having to do that, but it was fine. Got to the shoreline and I smelled the sulpher-like smell of Fla mangroves, or in this case, the gulf. Had to decide between boondocking on the beach to the south on Padre Island, or heading north to Mustang Island and getting full hookups at IB Magee County park at the north end at Port Aransas. Not a tough decision… #53. So this park is along a shipping port channel, on the gulf, which is roaring and loud, and a busy little town with, yes, restaurants!!! Perfect for bike riding too, good and Texas flat. Stayed in and cooked the first night, wanted to enjoy that fresh produce, but did a short walk to the water, where I was ready to go as soon as I reached it (hahahaaa), and to see truck and cars driving down the beach. Good strong signal here at least.

Wednesday, Mar. 24 – Woke up to solid fog, until 10am. 100% humidity. Yeah, I do love my Santa Fe. Did this for a lifetime, just don't get the attraction to … wind, humidity and waves and sand and a giant mosquito that sneaked in. Not sure what today will hold, bikes I hope, and probably some rain. Took a loop drive around the Corpus Christi Bay which started with a ride on the ferry across the port jetty to Aransas Pass. Stopped for chocolate beignets at Popeyes. Tasty but not N’awleans. Some nice homes on the ocean drive and ended up at a dead end at the Naval Base, whoops. From there, went to the smallish, not very impressive South Texas Botanical Gardens. However, most of the outdoor plants were cut down or dead from the freeze, but She thought the orchid house was great. It was. Headed back to the campground with a stop at the local Mexican restaurant La Playa. Bill had great shrimp and Sheila had bland enchiladas. Took a drive on the beach in the fog and then home for the night. (Not sure which evening or morning it was, but with the windows open the screens were soaked and dripping with condensation, water, humidity, so so gross. Bill wiped it down with a rag.)

Thursday, Mar. 25 – Woke to clear “air” — no fog! I can see! However, dark clouds had gathered, then the wind whipped up for a quick little storm, but fortunately it was a short one and everything cleared and warmed up. Spent the morning cleaning kitchen drawer contents while we waited for the wind to settle down, then we went out to some local shit shops, the place is so small it didn’t take long. Came back and took off on bikes, still a little windy and getting warmer, but fine for bikes; we were heading for a wetlands area when we passed the local History Museum so of course I made him stop! Cute little place, the docent was so excited to have visitors and had to show us everything, including the Farley boat makers that made wooden boats here since the 20’s or so, and still have a site on Avenue C. So that was our next stop to see that, which we did. We also learned that the thing to do back in the 1930s was to pull a scale off a tarpon you caught, and sign it and the Tarpon Inn hotel would nail them to the walls. TONS of them there, of course I had to do the quick little lobby tour. That was pretty cool. Had dinner at Grumbles at Fishermans Wharf,  and as we left I looked up to see the bluest sky I have ever seen. Really unusual blue. Perfect weather today, really made a difference. For a while Didn’t think we would get out to ride bikes. and BTW, they have the best  curbs here, all rounded out so you can ride up and over them at any point, no bumps. Drove out to the beach for a bit then went to a new restaurant called Grumbles. Good fish sandwich and green fried tomatoes.

Friday, Mar. 26 – Finally another nice day but breezy, and time to move on. Packed up and hit the road by taking truck & trailer on the ferry to avoid CC traffic. Saved a lot of time, it was great. Seems a lot of RVs, etc use that. They even gave us two lanes, right up front. Pretty cool way to go. Shortish drive to San Antonio, arrived around 1:30 pm and got set up. Cute tiny private campground, Yanawana Camp, with only 5 spaces. Very excited hosts couldn’t wait to pull out maps and show us the ropes. We are in the south part of town, by an interstate and a not so great hood (hence the locked gate; sounds like a lot of things get stolen around here from what they said, both are San Antonio natives.) Temps are warmer here, but went on a 6 mile RT bike ride late in the day to Espado Mission right around the corner and also Cassin Lake at the end of the trail. It was 88 degrees and yes, it felt like it. Came back and ate in since we were tuckered out. But that was the plan all along, don’t know what is around here and I bet it’s a ride to find anything good. Nights get to about 65 degrees. Windows open the first night. We are in the “Northern Cardinal” spot, on the end closest to the hosts house, so I get a good view of the bird feeder, featuring several Red Cardinals! Gabby, the owner, was surprised we didn’t see “the wild dogs”, she says the strays are all over and have killed two of her cats. She also said a feral hog once showed up, guess that was before the fence.

Saturday, Mar. 27 – Was supposed to be rainy today but only overcast. Took a 12 mile bike ride north on the trail. Really is a great trail, even with art installations along the way, probably because these 4 missions are all part of a Unesco site. Took showers before heading out for a ride to see the north part of town. Went right up the middle of it all, ugh the humanity. Many visitors around the Riverwalk area so we skipped that; did it before. Temps rising to above 90 today. The town is busy everywhere. Stopped at a nursery which was very busy with people replacing all their dead, frozen plants. Went to the Pearl Brewery area which is a new site of apartments, restaurants, and shops. Long lines, people with overheated dogs everywhere—no thanks, at 90 degrees. Then went Nichas for Mexican food at 3 pm and it was packed. Good food…but obviously no one in this town stays home when it’s 90°! Came back to the trailer for AC and Mexican siesta. All night. Forgot to go look at the full moon. Last day here.

Sunday, Mar. 28 – Woke to major winds at 3am, remembering that the awning was out. Woke Bill to fix that! Morning then continued with a rainstorm before we head out. Man, this Texas weather covers the gamut for sure. Should be better later, I think this is a front moving through. Left San Antonio for Georgetown, going straight up I-35, and wow, plenty of traffic the entire way up. No breaks in the shops, was expecting some ranches but they are not there, but all my favorite chain stores are, including In’ n Out Burger, where we stopped for lunch. Austin didn’t disappoint with its traffic, solid but moving. Made it to Jim Hogg Park by about 2pm, we have booked one night for our chance to meet Bill’s “little brother” Peter, and his wife Leonora. Once we settled into our down-slanting spot #117, we gave them a call and they came over to pick us up (they live about 10 minute away). Filmed the big first meeting! There is some resemblance, except with height! Went over to their house, a brand new beautiful place just 2 years old, met the four dogs, they were very excited for company but kept jumping on the couch we got them in trouble a lot. After checking out her orchids too, we went for a drive to the town plaza and to dinner at Mas Fajitas! Good place. They brought us back about 8pm, good time, hope to see them again! Cool nights here, the day was about 73, finally, cooler, drier air. Jim Hogg is a nice park, but saving exploring this and the town for another time. Moving on to Waco momentarily…

Monday, Mar. 29 – Today we want to see the Magnolia Silos in Waco, so headed on up I-35 some more. Still busy but not as bad as south by Austin, etc. Hit major construction on the interstate in Waco, glad to get off that one. Navigated our way to the Silos right in the middle of the downtown, took one look at the line around the building on the corner to get in the bakery and said, no thanks. Kept going, even though the weather was a perfect 72 if you had to stand in the sun. But we didn’t, so we didn’t. Waco looks like a cute downtown to visit, sometime we will have to stay closer and find a way in. Moving on now to the west on Highway 6 we got back into the much nicer farming countryside with green! Another place to keep in mind is funky Hico, looks like another cute place, has some trailers you can rent and several possibly funky RV parks. Long day of driving, continued on past Amarillo to Sweetwater, where we found an army corp of engineers campground by a lake. Turned out we were on the dam end so couldn’t see anything, but again, for $15 it was fine for one night. Was windy when we arrived, but by midnight it got SUPER windy, windy enough that it blew the Dish thing off the propane tanks and I thought I was hearing it blowing around out there so I woke bill to check it out. He was thrilled. But it did happen and he had to find it.

Tuesday, Mar. 30 – Today we drove two hours to Lubbock for lunch with Rick and Ann. Perfect 64 degree weather in Lubbock. Got there about 1pm to meet at Cheddars. It was great catching up! Been several years. Our last stop before getting home will be Portales, at the exciting ol’ Oasis Campground. Got to town to buy some peanuts, etc. then took the bikes to the campus to ride around. That didn’t take long, the roads are horrible so it was a short ride. That heavy lunch means no dinner required. Arrived to Portales early enough to find the Peanut Store, then took the bikes over to the campus to ride around; the roads were horrible so didn’t go far. This place needs some financial attention from Queen Grisham, with some fixing up maybe they would get more students. Quiet night at the trailer, can’t remember, but I do remember the Dish blew over so we couldn’t get a signal.

Wednesday, Mar. 31 – Got home faster than I thought it would be, came up 285 way. Let the laundry begin…

RIP:George Segal, Boulder shootings-10 dead. Jessica Walter, Larry McMurtry, G Gordon Liddy

Trip #112 (43): Southern Arizona: Kartchner, Ajo, Lake Havasu

Trip #112 (43): Southern AZ: Kartchner, Organ Pipe, Lake Havasu City

February 9 - 14, 2021

 

Tuesday, Feb. 9 – Left a nice Santa Fe (kind of a warm breeze though cool), drove south non-stop to outside Deming to stay at Butterfield Stage DQ campground. Beautiful day, so walked the length of the CG, got ice cream for later, made dinner and called it a day.

 

Wednesday, Feb. 10 – Moved on to Kartchner (site #56), just a short drive. I would call this park has two things: strict rules (no lights on at night and you can’t feed the birds) and it’s a dog show. Everyone is walking the loop with their dog. Fun to watch. After setting up, did a bit of the perimeter walk. I think I worked this night. There will be some working on this trip.

 

Thursday, Feb. 11 – Got buzzed by a Warthog about 10:30 am! He was so low he had to tip upward to miss the cavern mountain he was headed for! Was hoping for another, but none… Drove about 15 miles south-southeast to the Ghost town of Fairbank, the original train stop for Tombstone in the 1880s. Walked the 4 mile loop past the old (really rough)  cemetery and mill site and back to the town. Perfect day for a walk. And since we are only 9 miles from Tombstone – well, perfect place for lunch/early dinner! Not as busy as last time when there was a biker event last March, but plenty of people there. Had lunch at Crystal Palace, walked around but left empty handed. Oh well, next time.

 

Friday, Feb. 12 – Moved on to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument in Ajo (site #44), about a 2.5 hour drive from Benson area, and about 7 miles from the Mexican border. Listening to the bullsh*t second impeachment hearings, something to hear on our travels this week. Arrived to cloudy, gray clouds and even got a little rain after setting up, wow it does make a dirt and rain smell… Glad I had already decided to make spaghetti. Still streaming Deadliest Catch when and wherever I can. 40s at night, low 70s in the day

 

Saturday, Feb. 13 – Breezy and overcast, but good day to hike to the Victoria Mine site, just some holes and old rock structure. About 5.5 miles. Sore feet! Must be the rocky trail. Met a nice couple on the trail, in agreement about the Plandemic.. turns out they are right next to us in the CG. Mexico is burning junk, had a weird smoky smell over us a few times. Did some more work, and had taco night, windy out there.

 

Sunday, Feb. 14 – Breezy sunny morning.

 

RIP: Mary Wilson, Larry Flynt, Chick Corea, young Jeopardy guy

 

 

Trip #111 (42): Thanksgiving in Tucson

Trip #111 (42) – Thanksgiving in Tucson

Nov. 23 – 29, 2020

Monday, Nov. 23 –  Left a cool, overcast SF heading south thru NM. Had to stop at San Antonio for a Buckhorn green chile burger. Stayed outside Deming at Bowlin’s roadside unknown campground. Once you get past the souvenir shop and gas station, for $12 you drive west along a (very) dusty road, alongside the Interstate, and choose the full-hookup spot of your choice: electric, water AND sewer! In the middle of nowhere. Not bad for one night, but super windy. The sun was setting so stayed inside anyway.

Tuesday, Nov. 24 – Drove on to Tucson in a strong headwind, traffic is lighter but still a bit for the holiday week, despite Covid. Of course had to stop at In n Out for another burger… Arrived at Gilbert Ray Campground about 2pm only to find someone in our reserved spot. Skeleton crew here at camp, no hosts, so called the county (county park) and they sent someone out, just to give us another spot. Which turned out better anyway. Since 26A was filled (we think the park forgot to hang the reserved sign), we next took C1, huge, huge, so bill couldn’t figure out how to park (eye roll), ended up just backing in (like I said an hour ago), but it has it’s own water spigot. And no neighbors. Always seems to turn out this way for us. Anyway, beautiful cool 68 – 72 sunny weather, brought the bikes.

Wednesday, Nov. 25 – Bill’s Birthday. The big 71, he is thrilled. Drove around to Saguaro natl park which is closed (visitor center), kind of a crusty place anyway. Dinner at Charro downtown Tucson. Got a note from the host that we can’t hook up directly to the water. As if anyone anywhere would even know it was there. Gimme a break. Behind us and in the bushes.* Seemed more like a host spot.

Thursday, Nov. 26 – Thanksgiving, Nov. 26 – Went to the Sonora Desert Museum for almost 3 hours, pretty nice after you get past he imprisoned large animals. Dinner at Pastiche also past downtown. Not bad but busy and got cold food.

Friday, Nov 27 – deciding… hike or shop. We did both. Wandered around the desert a few miles down the road, me killing mistletoe yay!, then on to antique shops looking for a cabinet. Did find one, from a store in India from the 1950s they said, but it wasn’t too exciting, but not bad.

Saturday, Nov 28 – Heading toward home, staying a night at Indian Bread Rocks in AZ, south of Bowie. A boondocking area, pretty full that day, but we managed to find a spot. Not a lot to do there, but walk around the rocks. But it’s one one night. And free, of course.

Sunday, Nov. 29 – Final night in T or C at Presidio Del Rio, a deserted camground east of town near the dam for Elephant Butte lake. A little scary but fine. Looks like the locals use it to walk their dogs… and sell drugs. Seems there was one spot where a squatter setup shop in a shelter along with his little car and had some traffic in and out.

RIP: David Dinkins