Snowbird RV Adventure: Fort Huachuca to Butterfield RV Resort in Benson

Days 11-15

January 12: We left Apache Flats RV Resort right at 11:00 checkout. On the way out, we went to the base's commissary to purchase groceries for the following week. During the Omicron surge, weekly shopping is our most vulnerable activity. The base has a mandatory mask rule which makes us feel more secure.

The 34 mile drive north to Butterfield RV Resort in Benson was quick using Highway 90. Just north of Whetstone there's a border inspection station, but fortunately it wasn't backed up.

Google maps on my iPad is how we get around and monitor traffic. It's a lot easier than the old way using paper maps and gas station directions.

I made a reservation at Butterfield in late December and still got a prime pull-through full hook-up spot.

Site #67 at Butterfield RV Resort with pine trees for shade.

January 13-16: The Butterfield RV Resort is one block off Benson's main street. The park has a mix of patrons. Some sites are primarily used by short-term RVers like us, others are seasonal (winter) long-term RVers, and at the rear of the resort there are park model homes for a few full-time residents and vacation homes for others.

Typical resort amenities include: daily activities, store, laundry, dog parks, clubhouse, swimming pool, spa, fitness center and pickleball court. Catering to many long-term residents they also have a wood shop, golf putting and driving areas, a ham radio shack, and most interesting to us, an observatory with a 20" Mead telescope.

We had an informative evening with Observatory Tom who led us through the night sky. During the winter season, nightly sessions are offered for a limited number of participants.

The observatory with a rotating dome and 20" Mead telescope.

We don't have a toad (towed vehicle), so walking is how we get around. Being close to town, we could walk to restaurants and stores. For now, we only picked up dinner from Magaly's Mexican Restaurant, and breakfast from Wendy's to eat at the RV. We'll return when it's Covid safer to enjoy the many cafes Benson has to offer. Safeway, ACE Hardware and Walmart are also within walking distance for resupply needs.

What are some the amenities you look for in a campground or RV park? -- Margy

A big part of RVing is sitting outdoors in fresh air and sunshine. We've traded our simple folding camp chairs for larger cloth padded chairs. We want to keep them safe and dry when not in use in camp.

When set up, our bed slideout serves as a roof over our collapsed chairs. For windy conditions, strong twine holds them in place. In rain, a large trash bag covers them for moisture control. This way we have dry seats ready for relaxing and reading the following day.