tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-409855911132409402024-03-17T23:14:48.020-07:00Margy MeandersCooking, Crafts, Travel and MorePowell River Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17580698518291129041noreply@blogger.comBlogger362125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40985591113240940.post-4869426370912416502023-12-19T13:53:00.000-08:002023-12-19T13:53:38.799-08:00Kindle Ebook Holiday Giveaway <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm40Np9DE50_KKPuOdEXh1bBmynGISJaYghwd9jlBIMAiZhJ7Yw4aMEQO85sWF_suAOlAkWNHdIHwrPzZPXcWhHL0b6XTztI8_TLyxFDjK0cmogG_o2Pbvw8dKlpLIxjBbFxgf7KdqVA/s1600/gift10.gif" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm40Np9DE50_KKPuOdEXh1bBmynGISJaYghwd9jlBIMAiZhJ7Yw4aMEQO85sWF_suAOlAkWNHdIHwrPzZPXcWhHL0b6XTztI8_TLyxFDjK0cmogG_o2Pbvw8dKlpLIxjBbFxgf7KdqVA/s1600/gift10.gif" width="100" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><i>Special Gifts </i></b></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><i>from </i></b></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><i>Powell River Books</i></b></span></span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">From December 22 to 26 </span></b></span><span style="color: #274e13;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">we have </span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">FREE </span></b></span><span style="color: #274e13;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Kindle ebook gifts for you.</span> </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Pick one or all for free </b></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>and enjoy them into the </b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>New Year.</b></span></span></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: 130%;"> <span style="color: red;">The book that started it all! </span></span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></i></b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="font-size: 180%;"><i><b>Up the Lake</b></i></span></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: 130%;">Coastal BC Stories</span></i></b></div><div align="center"><b><i><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><b>Always Free at Amazon.com</b></span></span> <br /></span></i></b></div><div align="center"><b><i><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="color: red;"></span></span></i></b></div><p>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Coastal-British-Columbia-Stories-ebook/dp/B007BJWX8K/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1383112310&sr=1-1&keywords=up+the+lake+lutz" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273193049833324850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKLWXjrgILqIRg-QbuPPq1KlY8nvKE_k1QpKkVwwIuYqoBnckSABt2CZ_auDcFrvVhVdLKrPrz-rCOhXxRMj3LyDvVi41ULGiIv7v9LuDLkTT0w8X41LZmgI9AxKjyLkZr6Dy7UBUQXLY/s320/Cover_Shadowed.jpg" style="float: right; height: 149px; margin: 0pt 0pt 0px 10px; width: 103px;" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><b><u>Description</u>:</b> Head up Powell Lake to experience life in an off the grid float cabin, take a boat to world famous Desolation Sound, ride a quad into the back country and fly overhead for a unique view of this incredible place. Read <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Coastal-British-Columbia-Stories-ebook/dp/B007BJWX8K/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1383112310&sr=1-1&keywords=up+the+lake+lutz">Up the Lake</a> </i>by Wayne Lutz and see how much fun it can be.</span></p><div style="text-align: right;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Click here for your </span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lake-Coastal-British-Columbia-Stories-ebook/dp/B007BJWX8K/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2EWREVBX6VS1A&keywords=up+the+lake+lutz&qid=1640055525&sprefix=up+the+lake+lutz%2Caps%2C155&sr=8-1"><span style="color: #3333ff;">FREE</span></a> </b>Kindle book gift.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOejY3gARFTfEfkmnPdXcL6P2SMuVrFWLRu9osOmnNUengkhmeHQSmg5JazPULPhjd651HlOnioFcenhHre-oExePcFMeeueDAEpEh6zkpENsIfRVuVl3BsJ2hLPVaEk_JhEVjruQ1Hg/s1600/ornaments.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="22" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOejY3gARFTfEfkmnPdXcL6P2SMuVrFWLRu9osOmnNUengkhmeHQSmg5JazPULPhjd651HlOnioFcenhHre-oExePcFMeeueDAEpEh6zkpENsIfRVuVl3BsJ2hLPVaEk_JhEVjruQ1Hg/s1600/ornaments.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<p> <span style="font-size: 130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></span></i></span></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg523NEUrDhhavYMDD8q6JNcPFFw4qtQWbQDlWjR7TD2tkV9ZpFga_gnM1dmKMcjH1-BJFIc8TExobZ8539HzF2wssAiGP9TC9TX0k4llwTsqw_oZjkWWBQuWTOdq9GX-rWEzneYZnxb2GjO2BNiHso4xaXFdOOswZZXzU9p8S3SJfmox40UhQ/s640/Front_Cover_FUTL.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="430" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg523NEUrDhhavYMDD8q6JNcPFFw4qtQWbQDlWjR7TD2tkV9ZpFga_gnM1dmKMcjH1-BJFIc8TExobZ8539HzF2wssAiGP9TC9TX0k4llwTsqw_oZjkWWBQuWTOdq9GX-rWEzneYZnxb2GjO2BNiHso4xaXFdOOswZZXzU9p8S3SJfmox40UhQ/w134-h200/Front_Cover_FUTL.jpg" width="100" /></a></span></span></i></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Farther Up the Lake</span></span></i></span></b></span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><b>Free from December 22-26</b></span></span></div><p>
</p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><u>Description</u>:</b> <i>Farther up the Lake</i> follows in the footsteps of Wayne's most popular book, <span style="font-style: italic;">Up the Lake</span>.
Read about living off the grid in a float cabin, the beauty of
Powell Lake and the many different ways you can enjoy the backcountry. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Click here for your </span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Farther-Coastal-British-Columbia-Stories-ebook/dp/B003IWYD7S/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3G0MU5G1M8FR6&keywords=farther+up+the+lake&qid=1671655117&s=digital-text&sprefix=farther+up+the+lake%2Cdigital-text%2C166&sr=1-1"><span style="color: #3333ff;">FREE</span></a></b><span> Kindle book gift.</span><span> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><p><span style="color: black; font-size: 130%; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span></p><div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Flying-Pacific-Northwest-Wayne-Lutz-ebook/dp/B00ET5OVL6" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6hdgbOEE2QaXFuMIyinJgQLdYLYYZgVLvf-9PtP8SiA4tqaXoP9G4k1QhVTlSLAYg6yMyjfZIWV3uzcXH1QCW4QVdMNDQUTXmMa2hHrTi-u4vCRRJUaIe3KKd0f67RlBDjX_81nxM1I/s200/Image.jpg" title="" width="100" /></a><span style="font-size: x-large;">Flying the Pacific Northwest</span></i><span data-mce-style="color: #0000ff;" style="font-size: x-large;"><i> </i></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><b>Free from December 22-26</b></span></span></div>
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u>Description</u>:</b> Airports of Western Washington and Oregon form the backdrop for adventures in the Pacific Northwest. Take the controls of a Piper Arrow, as your personal flight instructor leads you to out-of-the-way spots. <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Click here for your </span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Flying-Pacific-Northwest-Wayne-Lutz-ebook/dp/B00ET5OVL6/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8"><span style="color: #3333ff;">FREE</span></a> </b>Kindle book gift.</span></div>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOejY3gARFTfEfkmnPdXcL6P2SMuVrFWLRu9osOmnNUengkhmeHQSmg5JazPULPhjd651HlOnioFcenhHre-oExePcFMeeueDAEpEh6zkpENsIfRVuVl3BsJ2hLPVaEk_JhEVjruQ1Hg/s1600/ornaments.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="22" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOejY3gARFTfEfkmnPdXcL6P2SMuVrFWLRu9osOmnNUengkhmeHQSmg5JazPULPhjd651HlOnioFcenhHre-oExePcFMeeueDAEpEh6zkpENsIfRVuVl3BsJ2hLPVaEk_JhEVjruQ1Hg/s1600/ornaments.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOa_3H60CRTbLiHC7pEgPBGvVbSKmGVHTA_vvqmsxFknnePfjZxtuKSXVrBMRDGiAKCJDqvgYA4vOd30GxWLYhZpVv0BPjOQBj9TSz1NtbpE1_atEuUHs_p8KNaB2gJiH18IkFTO2_yWVw5fw6WH3H12g-KDW4_XbNkww_8DQ_C_1rS2bWGvU/s648/UTS%20Front%20Cover.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="432" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOa_3H60CRTbLiHC7pEgPBGvVbSKmGVHTA_vvqmsxFknnePfjZxtuKSXVrBMRDGiAKCJDqvgYA4vOd30GxWLYhZpVv0BPjOQBj9TSz1NtbpE1_atEuUHs_p8KNaB2gJiH18IkFTO2_yWVw5fw6WH3H12g-KDW4_XbNkww_8DQ_C_1rS2bWGvU/w133-h200/UTS%20Front%20Cover.jpg" width="100" /></a></div>Up the Strait</span></span></i></span></b></span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><b>Free from December 22-26</b></span></span></div><p>
</p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><u>Description</u>:</b> It's
cruising time again. Jump in the boat and head up the Strait of Georgia
with us to magnificent anchorages and exciting adventures. Drop your
hook in world famous Desolation Sound, discover hidden coves and meet
some of the locals.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Click here for your </span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Strait-Coastal-British-Columbia-Stories-ebook/dp/B0012CFPRS/ref=sr_1_2?crid=36WRT06C31MMU&keywords=up+the+strait&qid=1671654220&s=digital-text&sprefix=up+the+strait%2Cdigital-text%2C201&sr=1-2"><span style="color: #3333ff;">FREE</span></a></b><span> Kindle book gift.</span><span> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOejY3gARFTfEfkmnPdXcL6P2SMuVrFWLRu9osOmnNUengkhmeHQSmg5JazPULPhjd651HlOnioFcenhHre-oExePcFMeeueDAEpEh6zkpENsIfRVuVl3BsJ2hLPVaEk_JhEVjruQ1Hg/s1600/ornaments.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="22" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOejY3gARFTfEfkmnPdXcL6P2SMuVrFWLRu9osOmnNUengkhmeHQSmg5JazPULPhjd651HlOnioFcenhHre-oExePcFMeeueDAEpEh6zkpENsIfRVuVl3BsJ2hLPVaEk_JhEVjruQ1Hg/s1600/ornaments.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />
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<b><span style="color: #660000;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Inlet-Coastal-British-Columbia-Stories-ebook/dp/B00E1R5H8I/ref=la_B002BMKADW_1_7_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1417929571&sr=1-7" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0q0cavjq6I65FH4bc2LC6FblyjSAZGwmUa1dn37o-sK8nOkzSw8BBjfyZURPZJFgR3eqqxyx8HPFArftXW9MdQ_kGXm3inTlezWryAfxERpoJLbMZWXoqGPX3Eqvkm5RPf4NUbeoyowY/s200/UptheInlet.jpg" width="100" /></a><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span><span style="font-size: x-large;">Up the Inlet</span></span></span></span></i></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><b>Free from December 22-26</b></span></span></div>
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Description:</b> Come boating up the inlets of coastal British Columbia, where the mountains drop into the sea. Follow along as we cruise northward from the Strait of Georgia to Cortes and Quadra Islands, and beyond. <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Click here for your <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Up-Inlet-Coastal-British-Columbia-ebook/dp/B00E1R5H8I/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1512184620&sr=1-1&keywords=up+the+inlet"><span style="color: #3333ff;">FREE</span></a> </b>Kindle book gift.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOejY3gARFTfEfkmnPdXcL6P2SMuVrFWLRu9osOmnNUengkhmeHQSmg5JazPULPhjd651HlOnioFcenhHre-oExePcFMeeueDAEpEh6zkpENsIfRVuVl3BsJ2hLPVaEk_JhEVjruQ1Hg/s1600/ornaments.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="22" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOejY3gARFTfEfkmnPdXcL6P2SMuVrFWLRu9osOmnNUengkhmeHQSmg5JazPULPhjd651HlOnioFcenhHre-oExePcFMeeueDAEpEh6zkpENsIfRVuVl3BsJ2hLPVaEk_JhEVjruQ1Hg/s1600/ornaments.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: blue;"><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Across-Galactic-Sea-Wayne-Lutz-ebook/dp/B00AR6AOLC" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="http://www.amazon.com/Across-Galactic-Sea-Wayne-Lutz-ebook/dp/B00AR6AOLC" border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrcHzTs-no4XTlyWeZ3jqE5LuSv30YG7Qzu799QUcxiw2oiI0MqgsZ_C1cEGM0WgoOT5HHtvuZZ4k9RjtwqcDBeDriw7uP92scDOnYNG9H5I0KC5kpx1Nid-Fs5uYStaLDpc5V1O67Bsc/s1600/AcrossGalacticSea.jpg" width="100" /></a><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Across the Galactic Sea</span></span></i></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><b>Free from December 22-26</b></span></span></div>
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Description</span>:</b> Spaceship Challenger is on mankind’s first galactic voyage using a high-tech blend of space jumps and cryogenic hibernation. Captain Tina Brett leads her ship towards the ultimate goal, first contact with alien intelligence, until a navigational glitch changes everything. <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: 100%;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Kindle-eBooks/b/ref=gsd_ku_lp?_encoding=UTF8&ie=UTF8&node=9578129011&pfShowFeatures=&ref_=gsd_ku_lp"></a><br />
</span><span style="font-size: large;">Click here for your </span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Across-Galactic-Sea-Wayne-Lutz-ebook/dp/B00AR6AOLC/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1512184672&sr=1-2&keywords=across+the+galactic+sea"><span style="color: #3333ff;">FREE</span></a></b><span> Kindle book gift.</span></span><span style="font-size: 100%;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><b>Free from December 22-26</b></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><b><u> </u></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><u>Description</u>:</b> On a remote lake in Canada, Ashley and Justin live off-the-grid. But their idyllic life is interrupted by two mystifying anomalies. A distant galaxy exhibits unusual characteristics in Justin's telescope, and something under the lake is stirring. </span>
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</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: blue;"><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Across-Galactic-Sea-Wayne-Lutz-ebook/dp/B00AR6AOLC/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1512184672&sr=1-2&keywords=across+the+galactic+sea"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></a><span style="font-size: x-large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Across-Galactic-Sea-Wayne-Lutz-ebook/dp/B00AR6AOLC/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1512184672&sr=1-2&keywords=across+the+galactic+sea"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmTURCYWIK7BrtEf79M6uKK4OAEpxsuCQObw50fRccMcilg1Y6kYTSICT3kdFa7sw_bN4xXaWnMS6N87o4AX53hXM5vy5UTqILI1C1cwWHF5_77HG8syzHCc1l2xttnaKPAhKE3aeVVqgwRu9aAEFnpixgHT-XKNuDSzst5Vqv-l_LnvyLJ9k/s648/%20EchoDistantPlanetCover.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="432" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmTURCYWIK7BrtEf79M6uKK4OAEpxsuCQObw50fRccMcilg1Y6kYTSICT3kdFa7sw_bN4xXaWnMS6N87o4AX53hXM5vy5UTqILI1C1cwWHF5_77HG8syzHCc1l2xttnaKPAhKE3aeVVqgwRu9aAEFnpixgHT-XKNuDSzst5Vqv-l_LnvyLJ9k/s320/%20EchoDistantPlanetCover.jpg" width="100" /></a></div>Echo of a Distant Planet<br /></span></i></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><b>Free from December 22-26</b></span></span></div><p>
</p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><u>Description</u>:</b> How
would a distant intelligence contact earth? Shawna is an Air Force
officer with remembrances of the future. Trapped in a structured
military world, her unearthly memories persist for nearly three decades,
culminating in a message from the stars. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Click here for your </span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Echo-Distant-Planet-Wayne-Lutz-ebook/dp/B0023W6EI0/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3ND64V98U6D5F&keywords=echo+of+a+distant+planet&qid=1671653491&s=digital-text&sprefix=echo+of+a+distant+planet%2Cdigital-text%2C155&sr=1-1"><span style="color: #3333ff;">FREE</span></a></b><span> Kindle book gift.</span><span> </span></span>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><i><b><span style="color: black;"><b> </b></span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><i><b><span style="color: black;"><b>Check here if you need a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/b/?node=6669702011&ref=ODS_v2_FS_KINDLE_category">Kindle</a> or free <a href="https://www.amazon.com/kindle-dbs/fd/kcp">Kindle App</a>.</b></span></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><i><b><span style="color: black;"><b> </b></span></b></i></span><span style="color: #009900; font-size: 180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></span><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: 180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Merry Christmas</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: 180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">and Happy Holidays </span> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
from Wayne Lutz</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
Powell River Books</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><a href="http://www.powellriverbooks.com/" style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">PowellRiverBooks.com</a></span></div>
</div></div>Powell River Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17580698518291129041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40985591113240940.post-68804950686586405382022-09-04T09:00:00.013-07:002022-09-04T09:00:00.156-07:00Book Review: "The Land of Little Rain" by Mary Hunter Austin<p></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-1sEqHXLKdsr6W4F8vCy8Qd_am0L4u11DMFuR9JGdFFUb6YhHdwvgqmUrPBGLPBKQq90wQgqPHeBmSznYQ3Jb3x2vKDpPIkutnB3Nhn95xNqEYS9E5y2IKhhGHQ-2_okMZ49hOaUL58/s2048/fullsizeoutput_301d.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-1sEqHXLKdsr6W4F8vCy8Qd_am0L4u11DMFuR9JGdFFUb6YhHdwvgqmUrPBGLPBKQq90wQgqPHeBmSznYQ3Jb3x2vKDpPIkutnB3Nhn95xNqEYS9E5y2IKhhGHQ-2_okMZ49hOaUL58/w224-h320/fullsizeoutput_301d.jpeg" width="224" /></a>Summer's a great time for me to read books, especially ones available for my Kindle e-reader. Up the lake at the <a href="https://powellriverbooks.blogspot.com/search/label/Float%20Cabin%20Living" target="_blank">float cabin</a>, I have easy access to lots of books without having to carry them back and forth in our boat. </div><p>I use my new <a href="https://www.amazon.com/All-new-Kindle-Paperwhite-adjustable-Ad-Supported/dp/B08KTZ8249" target="_blank">Kindle Paperwhite</a> with its backlit screen indoors and at night without the need for an external light source. </p><p>My trusty 2010 <a href="https://powellriverbooks.blogspot.com/search?q=kindle" target="_blank">Kindle Keyboard</a> is the reader of choice while floating in a tube in our natural swimming pool behind the cabin. This old model is less sensitive to heat in direct sunlight and I worry less about dropping it in the water.<br /></p><p>My choice for this month's review was read right here while lounging in a cool location on hot summer days.</p><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga24nP3pqIPQB7-KYiSZnHniGtbmTwndSjIPtiDdRcKyarQn38KLAeuBIiPpQ7EIvVYnV5GeEqpRXwANWCgEVPkMf4EvwORq6OezBKwBd_9EGzBPQsjbzMvALbQX_CAnYprUjnOhJiXkeXJPmiNOCQGrTOo80qveinCh1xNnszZOTYUA5gn4J9eIM/s500/land.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="324" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga24nP3pqIPQB7-KYiSZnHniGtbmTwndSjIPtiDdRcKyarQn38KLAeuBIiPpQ7EIvVYnV5GeEqpRXwANWCgEVPkMf4EvwORq6OezBKwBd_9EGzBPQsjbzMvALbQX_CAnYprUjnOhJiXkeXJPmiNOCQGrTOo80qveinCh1xNnszZOTYUA5gn4J9eIM/w207-h320/land.jpg" width="207" /></a>Summer heat here in Coastal British Columbia is nothing compared to the high and low deserts on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada range in southwestern United States. That arid and sparsely populated environment was chronicled by Mary Hunter Austin in her book <a href="https://www.loc.gov/item/03026358/" target="_blank"><i>The Land of Little Rain</i></a>, originally published by Houghton-Mifflin in 1903.<p></p><p><a href="https://www.outsideonline.com/culture/books-media/mary-austin-mojave-nature-writer/" target="_blank">Mary Hunter Austin</a> was unique. She traveled mostly alone on foot through California's desert wilderness in the 1890s. Another unique feature was that Austin's books were published under her own name. As such, she became a well recognized early nature writer of the American Southwest. She was also a champion and example for women desiring to break away from stereotypical expectations of the day. In addition to being an author, she was an artist. Her sketches became illustrations in her books.<br /></p><p><br /></p><p><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNjbvUUb0yP5fyO6RZkGkC9FrCUdVqR8iqQSWm1DsiPSORKFcFfePpkLwI8KHJL9_Qp71Jlf48Bki0RhvYP-0ageSxW9tKuekH8t2t1p0yihYCG9XlDhFLn4wc64r7Cblqs4PdDqzPEZJDf6UVezH0QJt6vkhxLjyMSY1CV69X5alpxbZUR3aSTt4/s3939/fullsizeoutput_2eac.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2954" data-original-width="3939" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNjbvUUb0yP5fyO6RZkGkC9FrCUdVqR8iqQSWm1DsiPSORKFcFfePpkLwI8KHJL9_Qp71Jlf48Bki0RhvYP-0ageSxW9tKuekH8t2t1p0yihYCG9XlDhFLn4wc64r7Cblqs4PdDqzPEZJDf6UVezH0QJt6vkhxLjyMSY1CV69X5alpxbZUR3aSTt4/w320-h240/fullsizeoutput_2eac.jpeg" width="320" /></a></i></div><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Land-Little-Rain-Warbler-Classics/dp/1735778966/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=the+land+of+little+rain&qid=1662135044&sr=8-1" target="_blank">The Land of Little Rain</a> </i>is a collection of Austin's observations of the people, places, plants and animals of the canyons, hills and deserts east of the southern Sierra Nevada range. Each chapter focuses on a specific area, environment, geologic feature, or interesting inhabitants including miners, shepherds, and Mexican and Native American inhabitants.<p></p><p>Over her lifetime (1868-1934), Austin wrote over 30 books and many more essays, articles and poems for publication. Her early 20th Century prose writing style was typical of that era with long sentences including detailed descriptions. Each phrase creates a vivid mental picture of the subject matter.</p><p>I enjoy reading historically based books that take me back to a time gone by. My grandmother always said I was born a generation too late. I think there's a lot of truth to what she said. <br /></p><p>Do you like to read historical accounts and memoirs? What are some of your favourites? -- Margy<br />
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</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2DmzjmGD5-KjslBkdqnJz2CrG4bZ0b981nMyhH63HPa0N6aJnNhkLewG-dZsKh1aMMxVrDp773AKIyOQ9uUiThxwAulqVYLmn8gCRg-8x2hXIuYonrMgvapPyKJPfbBCvhZWj1BPRwo/s1600/BookReviewClub-Button.gif" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2DmzjmGD5-KjslBkdqnJz2CrG4bZ0b981nMyhH63HPa0N6aJnNhkLewG-dZsKh1aMMxVrDp773AKIyOQ9uUiThxwAulqVYLmn8gCRg-8x2hXIuYonrMgvapPyKJPfbBCvhZWj1BPRwo/s200/BookReviewClub-Button.gif" width="75" /></a>Visit the monthly <a href="https://barriesummy.blogspot.com/index.html">Book Review Club</a> for teen/young adult and adult fiction over at Barrie Summy's blog.<br />
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Also shared with <a href="http://www.stonecottageadventures.com/"><i>Your the Star</i></a> at Stone Cottage Adventures and Kathryn's <a href="https://thebookdate.wordpress.com/"><i>Book Date</i></a>. Powell River Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17580698518291129041noreply@blogger.com9Mojave Desert, California 92332, USA35.010991100000012 -115.47335516.700757263821167 -150.6296051 63.321224936178858 -80.3171051tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40985591113240940.post-71487355483725826212022-09-01T09:15:00.000-07:002022-09-03T09:15:59.609-07:00Always FREE Kindle "Up the Lake" by Wayne Lutz<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJHoc1bWODv5QaU9XhjtDmWhRWisSakEClH-R28uGgyaqzRxI9nSlICDUkuUzjKcOQmDwjkJ-7zhccxL8PP4XMS4vVI3Vjz8Z3489JN2YVr5mdNyDM6jJn1bm068mmETczambyZC3RIic/s1600/Logo+w-Name.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJHoc1bWODv5QaU9XhjtDmWhRWisSakEClH-R28uGgyaqzRxI9nSlICDUkuUzjKcOQmDwjkJ-7zhccxL8PP4XMS4vVI3Vjz8Z3489JN2YVr5mdNyDM6jJn1bm068mmETczambyZC3RIic/s400/Logo+w-Name.jpg" width="100" /></a></span></span></span></b></span><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJHoc1bWODv5QaU9XhjtDmWhRWisSakEClH-R28uGgyaqzRxI9nSlICDUkuUzjKcOQmDwjkJ-7zhccxL8PP4XMS4vVI3Vjz8Z3489JN2YVr5mdNyDM6jJn1bm068mmETczambyZC3RIic/s1600/Logo+w-Name.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJHoc1bWODv5QaU9XhjtDmWhRWisSakEClH-R28uGgyaqzRxI9nSlICDUkuUzjKcOQmDwjkJ-7zhccxL8PP4XMS4vVI3Vjz8Z3489JN2YVr5mdNyDM6jJn1bm068mmETczambyZC3RIic/s400/Logo+w-Name.jpg" width="100" /></a></span></span>The book that started it all!</span></b></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><span style="font-size: 175%;">Up the Lake</span></b></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Coastal BC Stories</span></b></span></i></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Coastal-British-Columbia-Stories-ebook/dp/B007BJWX8K/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1383112310&sr=1-1&keywords=up+the+lake+lutz" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273193049833324850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKLWXjrgILqIRg-QbuPPq1KlY8nvKE_k1QpKkVwwIuYqoBnckSABt2CZ_auDcFrvVhVdLKrPrz-rCOhXxRMj3LyDvVi41ULGiIv7v9LuDLkTT0w8X41LZmgI9AxKjyLkZr6Dy7UBUQXLY/s320/Cover_Shadowed.jpg" style="float: right; height: 149px; margin: 0pt 0pt 0px 10px; width: 103px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 130%;">Head up Powell Lake to experience life in an off the grid float cabin, take a boat to world famous Desolation Sound, ride a quad into the back country and fly overhead for a unique view of this incredible place. Read <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Coastal-British-Columbia-Stories-ebook/dp/B007BJWX8K/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1383112310&sr=1-1&keywords=up+the+lake+lutz">Up the Lake</a> </i>by Wayne Lutz and see how much fun it can be.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 130%; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Up-Lake-Coastal-British-Columbia/dp/1470071967/ref=sr_1_2_twi_pap_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1525144063&sr=8-2&keywords=up+the+lake">Print for $9.95</a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lake-Coastal-British-Columbia-Stories-ebook/dp/B007BJWX8K/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1525144063&sr=8-2">Kindle for Free</a><br />
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(prices may vary in Canada)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Visit </span><a href="http://www.powellriverbooks.com/" style="font-weight: bold;">PowellRiverBooks.com</a><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">for more information and </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">additional titles in the <span style="font-style: italic;">Coastal BC Stories</span> series.</span></span></div>
Powell River Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17580698518291129041noreply@blogger.com0Powell River, BC, Canada49.8352352 -124.524706227.105595882098164 -159.6809562 72.564874517901842 -89.3684562tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40985591113240940.post-31666923982354733172022-05-06T12:35:00.000-07:002022-09-03T09:37:23.627-07:00Wayne and Margy's 2021-22 Snowbird RV Adventure<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMJG2yWepbnChMW9mV7QLZfNDNSnHxbtyDJIDn5LVdUqD2qohE-iSeO2UJKaKGOf9Q3Ui9zgsWHyLccsBnVUpYn15RqRdE2tkWtFQdQ7LArPNJZTnhrC8zGho7IYfoTklAJ3vt952_HA/s2048/fullsizeoutput_2e96.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMJG2yWepbnChMW9mV7QLZfNDNSnHxbtyDJIDn5LVdUqD2qohE-iSeO2UJKaKGOf9Q3Ui9zgsWHyLccsBnVUpYn15RqRdE2tkWtFQdQ7LArPNJZTnhrC8zGho7IYfoTklAJ3vt952_HA/s320/fullsizeoutput_2e96.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lazydays RV storage.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Wayne and I've left our Powell Lake float cabin home to get some winter sun and warmth in Arizona and New Mexico. <br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>*************<br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> <br />
Canada and the United States have fewer Covid restrictions. Even so, we are taking things carefully. RV travel can be a form social distancing. We shop for groceries once a week and don't interact with others in an unsafe manner. We are vaccinated and boosted, still wear masks in crowded spaces, and use sanitizer and wash our hands just like at home. For now, our Sunseeker RV is our home on wheels. <br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-XjqXGajtnj46I0dXqHJ6TiWJABmXYUX9d4pG49kuzzhSu-KUS7qvheV6x4mHUIXWPopqDKOJpq6Qn5PwGAn3_G7nLstTGZzH2exXs6JsJE7R_fCajxPdUYA2ttP7r6xotREWZ5Fang/s1600/fullsizeoutput_2b08.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-XjqXGajtnj46I0dXqHJ6TiWJABmXYUX9d4pG49kuzzhSu-KUS7qvheV6x4mHUIXWPopqDKOJpq6Qn5PwGAn3_G7nLstTGZzH2exXs6JsJE7R_fCajxPdUYA2ttP7r6xotREWZ5Fang/s320/fullsizeoutput_2b08.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wayne at the wheel.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>
<b>Part 1</b> - We left Bellingham on November 14 and flew Allegiant Airlines to Mesa, Arizona. From there we used an Enterprise rental car to drive to the <a href="https://koa.com/campgrounds/tucson-lazydays/">Tucson Lazydays KOA Resort</a> to pick up our RV waiting in storage. We learned a hard lesson. Five months in dry storage depleted batteries. After a AAA visit we were ready for 36 days of exploration around southern Arizona. On December 19 we put the RV back in storage and flew to Bellingham for a Christmas break. <br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnPxo38EXQ1uqluAJNnQVe_jCRSxdTLnx7Q3cVbLeAWfGFm-3lT0klQil7B6rekZ-uTNZaQu5oe4wKBAqnY3zU6oAQSWUzE_NXeuCDkkP2wsg7BXX0iOMo5rJNAtfcOLIRCbW8cjOZdA/s2048/N8vL2QWsQVeC%252502zNZHAfw.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnPxo38EXQ1uqluAJNnQVe_jCRSxdTLnx7Q3cVbLeAWfGFm-3lT0klQil7B6rekZ-uTNZaQu5oe4wKBAqnY3zU6oAQSWUzE_NXeuCDkkP2wsg7BXX0iOMo5rJNAtfcOLIRCbW8cjOZdA/w400-h300/N8vL2QWsQVeC%252502zNZHAfw.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tucson Lazydays KOA Resort<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><br />
<b>Part 2</b> - Because Canadian border restricitons made a trip home impossible, the second leg of our trip started early on January 2. Again flew south to pick up our RV at Lazydays then spent 46 days camping south of Tucson and in the foothills north and east of Phoenix. For the first time in three
years we attended
women's outdoor softball games at Arizona State and the University of Arizona. On February 23, the RV went back into storage (with batteries disconnected) and
we flew to Bellingham for a second break.<br /><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmEVrUzUuC0_Qwwgtr43g4l_fJnnAmwSXoyuAkw24L_YW0ZLS54SGWdgcXdIh6CoY9k66IIXp0vYh2Y7TWwkPNXeCcSXdqylK5yOgxE3YqzdSRrTLwqWyl2dKiDyl-PcwCHleVtNOjNBI/s2048/fullsizeoutput_2eba.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmEVrUzUuC0_Qwwgtr43g4l_fJnnAmwSXoyuAkw24L_YW0ZLS54SGWdgcXdIh6CoY9k66IIXp0vYh2Y7TWwkPNXeCcSXdqylK5yOgxE3YqzdSRrTLwqWyl2dKiDyl-PcwCHleVtNOjNBI/w400-h300/fullsizeoutput_2eba.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><b>Part 3</b> - Success, with relaxed Canadian border crossing restrictions we were able to return to our float cabin home. We left Powell River on March 18 for Bellingham and a March 27 flight to Mesa, Arizona. This route has become routine including a
rental car to make the two hour drive the <a href="https://koa.com/campgrounds/tucson-lazydays/">Lazyday</a>s. Before Covid they flew direct to Tucson, but we don't mind the drive. This time the batteries were still charged. For 35 days we explored and
camped in southern Arizona with a short trip to New Mexico. New Mexico would have been new for us, but bad wind and dust storms sent us scurrying back to the Tucson area. On May 1 we put the RV in our reserved storage spot one last time then flew to Bellingham and a summer at our float cabin home in the cooler north. Our Sunseeker will spend the long hot summer for the third time waiting for our return in November 2022.<br /><b><br /></b></p><b>We hope you will follow along as our adventure unfolds. -- <i>Wayne and Margy</i></b>
<br />
Powell River Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17580698518291129041noreply@blogger.com23Tucson, AZ, USA32.2226066 -110.97471083.9123727638211534 -146.1309608 60.532840436178844 -75.8184608tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40985591113240940.post-29195420833785730942022-05-04T08:30:00.000-07:002022-09-03T09:38:49.237-07:00Snowbird RV Adventure Part 1: Bellingham to Tuscon, Arizona<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>Days 1-6</b></span></span>
</p><p>If you've followed our Snowbird RV Adventures <a href="http://margylutz.blogspot.com/2020/11/wayne-and-margys-2020-2021-snowbird-rv.html">from the last two years</a> you know we follow the same type of schedule. Breaking the trip into three segments works well for us. We are in the sunbelt for three of the cold northern months and back home to take care of business and return to our float
cabin home in between.
</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipUVqWCXURASDfn4jyhlhIG4cg2KHPI5KASUyL8X3-P97XOg3PeVP9Hkqlh4bL-eclYbaFbJ-dJUrQ2jmea9q6eu74u-EjW4WO9P9XV0CF5CjtAZ7tAc3QkLzXRuoz3azhoqNvoRFK4A/s1060/Screen+Shot+2021-11-01+at+1.49.36+PM.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1060" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipUVqWCXURASDfn4jyhlhIG4cg2KHPI5KASUyL8X3-P97XOg3PeVP9Hkqlh4bL-eclYbaFbJ-dJUrQ2jmea9q6eu74u-EjW4WO9P9XV0CF5CjtAZ7tAc3QkLzXRuoz3azhoqNvoRFK4A/w320-h309/Screen+Shot+2021-11-01+at+1.49.36+PM.png" width="320" /></a><p><u><b>November 14-19:</b></u> We left Bellingham on Allegiant Airlines the morning the atmospheric river arrived. We outran it to Arizona leaving British Columbia and Washington State in the path of a 100-year storm that would bring devastating flooding and landslides.</p><p>We landed in Mesa and got our Enterprise rental car. Before COVID, Allegiant flew to Tucson. Now we drive two hours down I-10 to our first destination, <a href="https://koa.com/campgrounds/tucson-lazydays/">Lazydays KOA RV Resort</a>. We start and finish our trips here because we store the Sunseeker here.<br /></p><p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK33q1CCOSVn-v4zScg2Yr1s4lQc6w-7Vfz5Xw9T7UwCzsNTSCwBWatFBZ7gBvH2Um8tY0bkVJAKJJ-fsArAK35-wc7jQCIpCfyGWpmO4ypjRFCNHFhULJeGmslUE8XDwdH5EI4OtKaw/s2048/fullsizeoutput_307e.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK33q1CCOSVn-v4zScg2Yr1s4lQc6w-7Vfz5Xw9T7UwCzsNTSCwBWatFBZ7gBvH2Um8tY0bkVJAKJJ-fsArAK35-wc7jQCIpCfyGWpmO4ypjRFCNHFhULJeGmslUE8XDwdH5EI4OtKaw/w400-h300/fullsizeoutput_307e.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Allegiant Airlines offers direct flights to many destinations.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>The Tucson Lazydays KOA offers a resort style atmosphere. They have two pools, a nature center, activities for kids and adults, and the <a href="https://www.bbq-rush.com/">BBQ Rush restaurant</a> onsite. If you want to stay a month or more, they have lower long-term rates<br />
</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGxuO1rNpPNOYV6I3gmbHSJjTU-8lkQhYnLoOqEcPROeoQ2xlWFhpnKsO1uN4D6ObwQXObxfZfjmi_BvorfHOmjHomWFmPS1uIzoScV5Jl-nBPWw41UREgYcpVP5_9no75ne9tGWBmnQ/s2048/fullsizeoutput_2cdb.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGxuO1rNpPNOYV6I3gmbHSJjTU-8lkQhYnLoOqEcPROeoQ2xlWFhpnKsO1uN4D6ObwQXObxfZfjmi_BvorfHOmjHomWFmPS1uIzoScV5Jl-nBPWw41UREgYcpVP5_9no75ne9tGWBmnQ/w400-h300/fullsizeoutput_2cdb.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tucson Lazydays KOA has a resort atmosphere.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>We like the pull-through full-hookup patio grass sites the best. There are hedges on three sides and either a citrus (you can pick the fruit in season) or olive tree for shade. They have a wide variety of site styles including tent, cabin, regular and deluxe RV spots.<br />
</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjEnZQsBmc22H7MUNXlUmgzk6ZqKcc2qzQAxNgSSO3Eydfhql4pttns2GmO6rzJflnqXW_-rvb576cYdpmzo9jsl6521unUbohqkoHnI1CobqVKF6DuizzbkOIdDkwtpBg0WJj42GFQw/s2048/fullsizeoutput_307b.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjEnZQsBmc22H7MUNXlUmgzk6ZqKcc2qzQAxNgSSO3Eydfhql4pttns2GmO6rzJflnqXW_-rvb576cYdpmzo9jsl6521unUbohqkoHnI1CobqVKF6DuizzbkOIdDkwtpBg0WJj42GFQw/w400-h300/fullsizeoutput_307b.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For the first three days we had a rental car.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>We kept the rental car for several days to make our first <a href="https://www.frysfood.com/">Fry's grocery store</a> run and eat out. One of our favourite Mexican restaurant is <a href="https://www.aquiconelnene.com/">Aqui Con El Nene</a>. Wayne gets the carne asada plate and I love the bean and cheese burrito.<br />
</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkz_21m3EgHEfPECqIx7O-GNA5iT1i-20iBiJJwGwKYOPxXLEz5wdogVhKVFpSr080EEirGGo3Feh-pXzwcH2gUs4r3hfjJSKVJr0CEWj0g3IwrWZJtIKCw1XMnQzQ_Si9nRbBwqa4xw/s1886/fullsizeoutput_307c.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1414" data-original-width="1886" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkz_21m3EgHEfPECqIx7O-GNA5iT1i-20iBiJJwGwKYOPxXLEz5wdogVhKVFpSr080EEirGGo3Feh-pXzwcH2gUs4r3hfjJSKVJr0CEWj0g3IwrWZJtIKCw1XMnQzQ_Si9nRbBwqa4xw/w400-h300/fullsizeoutput_307c.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With a rental car we could go to favourite Arizona restaurants.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>We had a relaxing six days to read in the warm sunshine, take evening walks and watch a Netfix and HBOMax movies in the evenings. It's a great way to wind down and make sure all of our RV systems are in working order. -- Margy<br /></p><p></p><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtTqizKIe7S4vWAt3VseNYodD4FyNUvzgDHpAkRcMpwWU9FhNx8m0DkO9t6O83ClU1Tjji6XGzndL6SHJ9DB4qaXQKuBm09ZH270H0ph4DYcrtN-QfZ6faYQEFLQfnuJgUZFcRThpeZw/s1200/Travel+Tip+32.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="1200" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtTqizKIe7S4vWAt3VseNYodD4FyNUvzgDHpAkRcMpwWU9FhNx8m0DkO9t6O83ClU1Tjji6XGzndL6SHJ9DB4qaXQKuBm09ZH270H0ph4DYcrtN-QfZ6faYQEFLQfnuJgUZFcRThpeZw/w400-h100/Travel+Tip+32.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />We splurged and got an RV wash right in our Lazydays site. The owner and a crew of four from <a href="https://www.tucsonrvwax.com/">Tucson RV Wax</a> got our Sunseeker spic 'n' span in only thirty minutes. <br />
<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWX76ajG6IYDFJsoccGTiJYPzGYVp8v7Pk4QCPX7pIPmnaP8JXX2DGyoDGT3vNr7-Yaf_btIKG5gN4YMtmDihrM-lLk4d86R98egq-PxYJvLz5xRASYVWKN8ZD4gZWXr46VnGwityJKg/s2048/U5XlHkD4Tuaay%2525XX8xpnAA.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWX76ajG6IYDFJsoccGTiJYPzGYVp8v7Pk4QCPX7pIPmnaP8JXX2DGyoDGT3vNr7-Yaf_btIKG5gN4YMtmDihrM-lLk4d86R98egq-PxYJvLz5xRASYVWKN8ZD4gZWXr46VnGwityJKg/w400-h300/U5XlHkD4Tuaay%2525XX8xpnAA.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We opted for an onsite wash with Tucson RV Wax's service.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />In April during our last leg we'll get a wash, wax and roof treatment to prepare our RV for storage over a long, very hot summer.
<br /><p></p><p></p>Powell River Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17580698518291129041noreply@blogger.com27Tucson / Lazydays KOA Resort, 5151 S Country Club Rd, Tucson, AZ 85706, USA32.158967 -110.9244463.8487331638211515 -146.080696 60.469200836178842 -75.768196tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40985591113240940.post-85522046765788899702022-05-02T12:15:00.000-07:002022-09-03T09:39:38.772-07:00Snowbird RV Adventure: Lazydays to Gilbert Ray Campground<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>Days 7-10</b></span></span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaNKTx2eYUyTQTQfpqSYqoau75niTIr9iX7upnOu8_MrxW9fKtdmO8cQTteCy9gXgZdg-NH_fT0oXk8wvmRNiai8HsmhKK6gBdqfDsSkXt-Jh_dL6n78o8w83u9R-9NVliTi7UP6EVVw/s2048/fullsizeoutput_3081.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaNKTx2eYUyTQTQfpqSYqoau75niTIr9iX7upnOu8_MrxW9fKtdmO8cQTteCy9gXgZdg-NH_fT0oXk8wvmRNiai8HsmhKK6gBdqfDsSkXt-Jh_dL6n78o8w83u9R-9NVliTi7UP6EVVw/w200-h150/fullsizeoutput_3081.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><b><u>November 20-23</u>:</b> After six days relaxing at <a href="https://koa.com/campgrounds/tucson-lazydays/">Lazydays</a>, we moved to nearby <a href="https://webcms.pima.gov/cms/one.aspx?pageId=1327">Gilbert Ray Campground</a> in Tucson Mountain Park. It's a Pima County Park only 16 miles from Lazydays, but worlds away in atmosphere.<p><a href="https://www.campendium.com/gilbert-ray-campground">Gilbert Ray</a> has four loops with 130 sites. Most have power for $20 a night and a few tent only sites are $10. There are online reservations a year in advance for three loops. H Loop is first-come, first-serve.<br /></p><p></p><p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpEUEgUilsKI0L_bx3-ZVmg5AIhfhtuzPMwGYXfCcMCJLZj5FN9L8yj68B4riD8EW4n4DrzPM-hi2trns-fBZASBirtGlBcjqZ9Lz521n5LNrYMRqlFABeQ_iTTbEaGx9F2SJMXQHitQ/s2048/fullsizeoutput_3083.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpEUEgUilsKI0L_bx3-ZVmg5AIhfhtuzPMwGYXfCcMCJLZj5FN9L8yj68B4riD8EW4n4DrzPM-hi2trns-fBZASBirtGlBcjqZ9Lz521n5LNrYMRqlFABeQ_iTTbEaGx9F2SJMXQHitQ/w200-h150/fullsizeoutput_3083.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>Heading west on Irvington we were caught for an hour and a half waiting for the <a href="https://eltourdetucson.org/">Tour de Tucson</a> bike race to pass in front of us. That made us late for the USC vs UCLA football game, so Wayne pulled into a turnout after we entered <a href="https://webcms.pima.gov/cms/One.aspx?pageId=1539">Tucson Mountain Park</a> and we watched the first half with a cellular hot spot and displayed on our RV TV. As USC fans, the results were disappointing.<p>We stopped at registration (only manned from January to March) but with a reservation there was already an tag at our site. I reserved early, so we got a private spot, #42 in Loop A. In addition to park personnel, there are camp hosts to provide assistance if needed.</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgimSI3EUn779iRV4KTJ4QXK3dlwt_JRBjaHbUpn7KYbt-b0oFxXjUhLnG8BZPS0_A6tZ4w86fNtVWdPw_syIVE832IsW7KkkHOfFzPWA2u37yIiOV55H8PXoVgIMXWu8oHhjD2H37sxg/s2048/fullsizeoutput_309e.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgimSI3EUn779iRV4KTJ4QXK3dlwt_JRBjaHbUpn7KYbt-b0oFxXjUhLnG8BZPS0_A6tZ4w86fNtVWdPw_syIVE832IsW7KkkHOfFzPWA2u37yIiOV55H8PXoVgIMXWu8oHhjD2H37sxg/w400-h300/fullsizeoutput_309e.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Site #42 in A Loop has an unobstructed mountain view.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />All RV sites have a 30 amp hookup and picnic table. No wood fires are allowed, but you can use a charcoal or gas grill. The sites are packed dirt and gravel. We haven't been here in the rain, but they are fine in the dry season. Water and restrooms are easily accessible.<br /><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-osW8EfzKbpckOE1FFuwQFqsHuaHvSV-HKMmOLJR_DCYfsVBPxOTXLnX8NIChf5NyBhwl0d9yqBEsdeLZ78c32LFXGhmtkO-pzBRaq0gHbMmqY6S0GRKrr4WqHhQq6_63p1PrFIHKw/s2048/Gilbert+Ray.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-osW8EfzKbpckOE1FFuwQFqsHuaHvSV-HKMmOLJR_DCYfsVBPxOTXLnX8NIChf5NyBhwl0d9yqBEsdeLZ78c32LFXGhmtkO-pzBRaq0gHbMmqY6S0GRKrr4WqHhQq6_63p1PrFIHKw/w400-h400/Gilbert+Ray.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the privacy of our site, lots of Chain Fruit Chollas.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Reading quietly we saw some wildlife: hummingbirds, Cactus Wrens, two kinds of butterflies (one on my toe), a Harris ground squirrel and evening coyote howls.</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTLG3XLl056txHNGMibcIdhjKjNofRxqo2R7kDhyphenhyphenQqKm73sC3vYyFShVpYdwW_ejpQnT_SsG3qRYCoIJXFKl3eMef6Vzm5K3QzBbNSq1hyKvhTvON2ewLFdcs282hMf3OwSdmY09oIRQ/s2048/Cactus+Wren.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTLG3XLl056txHNGMibcIdhjKjNofRxqo2R7kDhyphenhyphenQqKm73sC3vYyFShVpYdwW_ejpQnT_SsG3qRYCoIJXFKl3eMef6Vzm5K3QzBbNSq1hyKvhTvON2ewLFdcs282hMf3OwSdmY09oIRQ/w400-h400/Cactus+Wren.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pair of Cactus Wrens visited us in camp.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyl2hK4kEsTfxVkX3henQyjIeeXlwb0ncvfnrGsbJH_Tu09Kvn0Jo50YPsDJ5EEoiyc4XZl9jHCmF-D7zxLrUKk99t8tcTFjgsAmgJIUzODiuoshPb-cmS4RwS5xJgjCZ0RnB2GnLtQ/s2048/fullsizeoutput_309b.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyl2hK4kEsTfxVkX3henQyjIeeXlwb0ncvfnrGsbJH_Tu09Kvn0Jo50YPsDJ5EEoiyc4XZl9jHCmF-D7zxLrUKk99t8tcTFjgsAmgJIUzODiuoshPb-cmS4RwS5xJgjCZ0RnB2GnLtQ/s320/fullsizeoutput_309b.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Partly cloudy skies ended each of our four nights with gorgeous, colourful Arizona sunsets framed by tall saguaro cactus, spiky ocotillo and wispy green mesquite trees.<p></p>
What better way to end the day than sitting outdoors enjoying the last evening warmth with a spectacular view. -- Wayne and Margy<br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><p><br /></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi89zDhxZX5Cd5DMuZvPbcbJ1fXq-crv2pHSC8nJMa3Com-3V1h50I-5S4JTS1hYLyy3B6oRJBHku1aQ61KNAzZFhAXzWTgxhof-803MyHpCZreR3sYLVkKjTDsoLInkkWC1awjTQHvQQ/s1200/Travel+Tip+33.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="1200" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi89zDhxZX5Cd5DMuZvPbcbJ1fXq-crv2pHSC8nJMa3Com-3V1h50I-5S4JTS1hYLyy3B6oRJBHku1aQ61KNAzZFhAXzWTgxhof-803MyHpCZreR3sYLVkKjTDsoLInkkWC1awjTQHvQQ/w400-h100/Travel+Tip+33.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiOYTvz8ua51Fl24ERCKz88h7UfuaMiG7qx_wbxrn3bSdIdwmvtDCXbJRGTxQMggZn4dptkf3FBLQlFyD96mF3VDV8VKx7bfH3DVXT6Vz5V1JcjGNC6nKylTrC0jLkXzxriLydWLpp-w/s2048/fullsizeoutput_30a2.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1273" data-original-width="2048" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiOYTvz8ua51Fl24ERCKz88h7UfuaMiG7qx_wbxrn3bSdIdwmvtDCXbJRGTxQMggZn4dptkf3FBLQlFyD96mF3VDV8VKx7bfH3DVXT6Vz5V1JcjGNC6nKylTrC0jLkXzxriLydWLpp-w/s320/fullsizeoutput_30a2.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>On the way we stopped at <a href="https://www.frysfood.com/">Fry's</a> to shop for
groceries. In Arizona it's our market of choice. <p>I applied for a Fry's customer loyalty reward card years ago. I bring it with me each trip to save on my grocery bills. I have several other cards I can use if there isn't a Fry's nearby. You can get loyalty cards at the register or customer service desk. Register them online for extra benefits, or just use them to get the discount prices. Why pay the shelf price when you can get a lower one. -- Margy<br />
</p><p></p>Powell River Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17580698518291129041noreply@blogger.com31Gilbert Ray Campground, 8451 W McCain Loop, Tucson, AZ 85735, USA32.2206542 -111.14421033.910420363821153 -146.3004603 60.530888036178844 -75.9879603tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40985591113240940.post-75028341297103256482022-04-30T08:30:00.000-07:002022-09-03T09:40:51.695-07:00Hanging Out in Ironwood Picnic Area in Tucson Mountain Park<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>Day 11</b></span></span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG2oqu9E2VrYmGYSrNgLuskQsxoapULKtZJaRl2hHoiYtFmL1s3WhrPU8NqnYprJ8hUFfH1sBg68rXGwLFZlduOabgD9uLt3APDd6R4zSHX5ReIr_-X5K6kIaUlro_8ndSZKo04lFhWQ/s2048/GUuAawH1SWWsUg1D9HLhVQ.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG2oqu9E2VrYmGYSrNgLuskQsxoapULKtZJaRl2hHoiYtFmL1s3WhrPU8NqnYprJ8hUFfH1sBg68rXGwLFZlduOabgD9uLt3APDd6R4zSHX5ReIr_-X5K6kIaUlro_8ndSZKo04lFhWQ/s320/GUuAawH1SWWsUg1D9HLhVQ.jpg" width="320" /></a><b><u>November 24</u>:</b> Checkout time from Gilbert Ray Campground is 11:00 am. We needed to wait until 2:00 pm to check back into the Lazydays KOA only 30 minutes away. <br /></div><p>We decided to wait at the <a href="https://naturefind.com/places/tucson-mountain-park/">Ironwood Picnic Area</a> before we left <a href="https://webcms.pima.gov/cms/One.aspx?pageId=1539">Tucson Mountain Park</a>.</p><p></p>
<p>We turned right on Hal Gras Road to enter the picnic area. We stopped at the second turnout with a private ramada covered picnic table. </p><p>The area was immaculate and inviting with it's natural desert terrain and plants. With a grill, trash can and a restroom down the road it was a great spot for a family picnic. </p><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5oQjNSsJPBFUCNw7P9AxKj3-x67lasuDm2X8U9Z6EAQLJJ4GCrUvHvQZG7R5W_9jFTQ5Wh3c3djtvVViMaNLIxME6wzVNK4MD5BtXkXxKkPWyaPfUQ8AXkcbkWPiqRtEoqQhwXEibw/s2048/oZiY%252BYFFQoqGHJBAGI%2525GgA.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5oQjNSsJPBFUCNw7P9AxKj3-x67lasuDm2X8U9Z6EAQLJJ4GCrUvHvQZG7R5W_9jFTQ5Wh3c3djtvVViMaNLIxME6wzVNK4MD5BtXkXxKkPWyaPfUQ8AXkcbkWPiqRtEoqQhwXEibw/w400-h300/oZiY%252BYFFQoqGHJBAGI%2525GgA.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A private site at Ironwood Picnic Area in Tucson Mountain Park.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>
<br />We didn't have a picnic, but we enjoyed sitting in the sunshine to read and absorb the quiet atmosphere. Like Gilbert Ray, a Cactus Wren came by to check us out.<br /><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUJnz8bKDLMb9i-FcGjzbI5ShurBvXsJNef0C1gSkKf2GiwvJWL7_wCyjWT7CTxzN3NXE-xMYwwgoKASrgY9NkQ91DfAvR2dnb7UYpnx2XgEEtqvY_PxfKmk0yI0ZQ0wTOihv4xa4Rg/s2048/fullsizeoutput_309c.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUJnz8bKDLMb9i-FcGjzbI5ShurBvXsJNef0C1gSkKf2GiwvJWL7_wCyjWT7CTxzN3NXE-xMYwwgoKASrgY9NkQ91DfAvR2dnb7UYpnx2XgEEtqvY_PxfKmk0yI0ZQ0wTOihv4xa4Rg/w400-h300/fullsizeoutput_309c.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Cactus Wren visits us at Ironwood Picnic Area.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />While Wayne read, I took a short trail into the desert. It was a nice way to see nature up close and enjoy our wait-time in a pleasant way. An added bonus, if you are an astronomy buff the <a href="https://tucsonastronomy.org/event/tucson-mountain-park-ironwood-picnic-stargazing-3/" target="_blank">Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association</a> sponsors free dark sky star parties here. -- MargyPowell River Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17580698518291129041noreply@blogger.com6Ironwood Picnic Area, Tucson, AZ 85735, USA32.1997076 -111.13061743.8894737638211581 -146.2868674 60.509941436178849 -75.9743674tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40985591113240940.post-18035478612801217582022-04-28T08:25:00.000-07:002022-09-03T09:41:39.021-07:00Snowbird RV Adventure: Lazydays to Patagonia Lake<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>Days 12-20</b></span></span></p>
<p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_3sPl6BqS0ock5OTGppRJ6Pizgi2xn1yWLTDWrRbD_NGbbtbG18HJfg0SmqdiL_sebtfabNiEM5FNRowbLDAO8Lc4tlycDXxmZlqYCnI6P0ITujnLC7IhX4ujtkQCU6YxQG47Wu4fOQ/s4032/pm4BtGOESSKPTCFKjO6BHA.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_3sPl6BqS0ock5OTGppRJ6Pizgi2xn1yWLTDWrRbD_NGbbtbG18HJfg0SmqdiL_sebtfabNiEM5FNRowbLDAO8Lc4tlycDXxmZlqYCnI6P0ITujnLC7IhX4ujtkQCU6YxQG47Wu4fOQ/s320/pm4BtGOESSKPTCFKjO6BHA.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another private patio grass site at Lazydays.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><b><u>November 24-28</u>:</b> After hanging out reading in the sunshine at the <a href="http://margylutz.blogspot.com/2021/11/hanging-out-in-ironwood-picnic-area-in.html" target="_blank">Ironwood Picnic Area</a>, we checked back into the <a href="https://koa.com/campgrounds/tucson-lazydays/?gclid=CjwKCAiAksyNBhAPEiwAlDBeLBSsViXmU26vtPY8v4d7QTI4mQhODqBkUhUGFiOBJdZAcgRGrKPvxxoCpS8QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank">Tucson Lazydays KOA</a> for the Thanksgiving holiday. Our RV oven is so small cooking even a turkey leg wasn't possible. We opted to grill steak on our BBQ with baked potatoes and all the trimmings, then eat outside at our picnic table.<p></p><p>Being together is what's important. Wayne and I are so thankful to be able to enjoy life together.</p><br />
<p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3XTEYpYoOcWS7Fi9gsZ_hKSFV_qMxZmGgFnT5MjeUTrCoag7Uw_YwB2El2aohyphenhyphen43mZs-f0TC-kMw7yejtlsZ7EZnFBxRzXW_MBuGvHY3GTusgYvE07mg5q35yo-uspB3MGFDcHkKlQ/s2680/fullsizeoutput_30dd.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2680" data-original-width="1312" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3XTEYpYoOcWS7Fi9gsZ_hKSFV_qMxZmGgFnT5MjeUTrCoag7Uw_YwB2El2aohyphenhyphen43mZs-f0TC-kMw7yejtlsZ7EZnFBxRzXW_MBuGvHY3GTusgYvE07mg5q35yo-uspB3MGFDcHkKlQ/s320/fullsizeoutput_30dd.jpeg" width="157" /></a></u></b></div><b><u>November 29 - December 3</u>:</b> The week after Thanksgiving we drove 75 miles south to <a href="https://azstateparks.com/patagonia-lake/" target="_blank">Patagonia Lake State Park</a>. This is our favourite Arizona State Park, so we come here more than once during each annual Snowbird Adventure. <p></p><p>There are several ways to get here from Tucson. We like Interstate 19 to the Ruby Road exit and across to Highway 82. We've gone through Nogales, but traffic can be challenging.</p><p>Patagonia Lake is popular for boating, birding and camping. Sites fill up fast, especially on weekends from October to June. There are 105 campsites with picnic tables, fire rings or grills, electric and water hookups, and a free dump station. There are also 12 boat-in only spots. You can make <a href="https://azstateparks.com/reserve/patagonia-lake/camping/" target="_blank">reservations online</a> a year in advance. </p><p>We like the east campground best. This time we were in Site #17. It's two-tiered with parking on the upper level and the table and fire ring below near the lake shore. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-oAaCwD4YXS5HsdePgTMutBy8o92Vr1nW0vBZy_Lq9fbEYjgzaFi0M4zXxs7QhK1ku78Tx_ZaH1LK8eIyhyphenhyphendg3vHsqsCZWmTjnoZuq8DQSo3pq6_JSRnp9zdv651wulOVk7gvrIkNCg/s4032/tnwq6DDASNa4Po%2525oXU3wYg.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-oAaCwD4YXS5HsdePgTMutBy8o92Vr1nW0vBZy_Lq9fbEYjgzaFi0M4zXxs7QhK1ku78Tx_ZaH1LK8eIyhyphenhyphendg3vHsqsCZWmTjnoZuq8DQSo3pq6_JSRnp9zdv651wulOVk7gvrIkNCg/w400-h300/tnwq6DDASNa4Po%2525oXU3wYg.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Site #17 with our Sunseeker above and a large area below.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Patagonia Lake attracts a wide variety of birds. There are two major bird watching areas. The easiest to reach is the <a href="https://azstateparks.com/patagonia-lake/things-to-do/wildlife-viewing" target="_blank">bird watching trail</a> at the east end of the campground. There's even a viewing area with seating and feeders to attract birds. The other is the <a href="https://azstateparks.com/sonoita-creek/" target="_blank">Sonoita Creek State Natural Area</a> at the entrance to the park. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1GazErNhiWVoM0Krpvxb_buziuLwcAEbAU7bqHNwKlQH6RCgkuPWHZ16tJPDMyMbvOEvc40N1pmGyWl9TJbB_mKuet8LoN78EFVV8d8SLRgKTBuZq30nntt4FmX7OWS9Ue6mjA0S0ow/s2560/Patagonia+Birds.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="2560" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1GazErNhiWVoM0Krpvxb_buziuLwcAEbAU7bqHNwKlQH6RCgkuPWHZ16tJPDMyMbvOEvc40N1pmGyWl9TJbB_mKuet8LoN78EFVV8d8SLRgKTBuZq30nntt4FmX7OWS9Ue6mjA0S0ow/w400-h400/Patagonia+Birds.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bird viewing area, Great-tailed Grackle and doves.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>The highlight of Patagonia is the lake itself. It attracts birds, wildlife and humans alike.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUof9j1ymRwEFuKI46M1kXpB-y4Wz9KdCzHmFAFQDD_wacqzQ2YI9pe4G_vP9kGLMw9kOxvsJ-Jrn3I1v3n2_WuiJL5Nshfzewkw96M4pVBn_QoLiKbAi7PhAIauJH6hRwfsv4CHEMAQ/s1080/Patagonia+Lake.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUof9j1ymRwEFuKI46M1kXpB-y4Wz9KdCzHmFAFQDD_wacqzQ2YI9pe4G_vP9kGLMw9kOxvsJ-Jrn3I1v3n2_WuiJL5Nshfzewkw96M4pVBn_QoLiKbAi7PhAIauJH6hRwfsv4CHEMAQ/w400-h400/Patagonia+Lake.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In an arid locale, Patagonia Lake is an oasis.</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>With a large body of water, Patagonia lake attracts boaters. The west side allows some high speed operations, but the east side is limited to protect bird nesting areas.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_sarIFsMdGO8woyalVbDltalQQoeTcQyTnp-AZdKhMWVzuGwqZBv23M8HdcjxLyKqgodO_LKbsCXGW6Bxq9_7AfiUjFZ0beZkUrx5OANmWVl3N2jf_QfQKXmJpcxm2l0PW09MKfqLhw/s3910/marina.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2932" data-original-width="3910" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_sarIFsMdGO8woyalVbDltalQQoeTcQyTnp-AZdKhMWVzuGwqZBv23M8HdcjxLyKqgodO_LKbsCXGW6Bxq9_7AfiUjFZ0beZkUrx5OANmWVl3N2jf_QfQKXmJpcxm2l0PW09MKfqLhw/w400-h300/marina.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reflections at the Patagonia Marina.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>The park has a boat launch, marina and store to serve boaters and campers. You can rent pontoon boats by the hour or day to enjoy some of the boat-in only areas and campsites.</p><p>Now you can see why Patagonia Lake State Park is our favourite Southern Arizona RV camping destination. Do you have any favourites to share? -- Wayne and Margy<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCnctCr6ziGGptI8BaklKImVjJnmXZ03sh0NiI5kl_wJ59djmr6huAcCvbpyMHcmOxFhxEmujqk8r1TqH9JETb9x6qL77jGxK73MqWMoim7ogRliJVLQ4FkKedhbHSEfs9t-cJEmOBA/s1200/Travel+Tip+34.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="1200" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCnctCr6ziGGptI8BaklKImVjJnmXZ03sh0NiI5kl_wJ59djmr6huAcCvbpyMHcmOxFhxEmujqk8r1TqH9JETb9x6qL77jGxK73MqWMoim7ogRliJVLQ4FkKedhbHSEfs9t-cJEmOBA/w400-h100/Travel+Tip+34.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Powell River Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17580698518291129041noreply@blogger.com21Patagonia Lake State Park, 400 Patagonia Lake Rd, Nogales, AZ 85621, USA31.488333 -110.853813.1780991638211553 -146.01006 59.79856683617885 -75.69756tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40985591113240940.post-360261420762432362022-04-26T20:30:00.000-07:002022-09-03T09:42:46.754-07:00Snowbird RV Adventure: Patagonia Lake to Fort Huachuca<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>Days 21-23</b></span></span></p><p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhvm-RvBYjby5UWDKhkPdn2J2u1FJ14yIZNYm-eiNsh2zxJAijnHClxjGKRe4CFvoSw_J57rY7_qpt0ZisQI3Ivg7FcUlQclalHMU-Eb9mj-hIrMxQBF6YDZnTBD9kHRds150AAZhTkvAIN9TXPQgWEquEVkRRjDKzPBS6-mmWWv1F_fv7LH7t-7eY=s2619" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2619" data-original-width="1701" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhvm-RvBYjby5UWDKhkPdn2J2u1FJ14yIZNYm-eiNsh2zxJAijnHClxjGKRe4CFvoSw_J57rY7_qpt0ZisQI3Ivg7FcUlQclalHMU-Eb9mj-hIrMxQBF6YDZnTBD9kHRds150AAZhTkvAIN9TXPQgWEquEVkRRjDKzPBS6-mmWWv1F_fv7LH7t-7eY=s320" width="170" /></a><b><u>December 4-6</u>:</b> We left <a href="http://margylutz.blogspot.com/2021/12/snowbird-rv-adventure-lazydays-to.html">Patagonia Lake State Park</a> and headed north, then east, then south again to U.S. Army Fort Huachuca. We originally wanted to spend three nights at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, but they don't take reservations. Searching for an alternative, we discovered <a href="https://www.militarycampgrounds.us/arizona/apache-flats-rv-resort">Apache Flats RV Resort</a> at Fort Huachuca near Sierra Vista.</p><p></p><p>Wayne is retired military so we can stay at RV parks on bases. They are always a good choice for location, quality and reasonable cost.</p><p>It was only 55 miles away so we were there in about an hour. We'd hoped to have lunch at <a href="https://www.azsteakout.com/">The Steak Out </a>restaurant in Sonoita, but they changed their hours. Maybe another trip!</p><p></p><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrAGlLuA4PFlBBPC2dzUdx4l2XS5cjfPX6gNsBBEtXfMvGFWeSTZRg8WJ71mJypG38i6tEFq3ZD_axqzbXlxvXRjjSu4_r94DgBliH2VkSRZQU-oRyFC_i3B5R1p-iMtnibk09cKE6j_framS9hwrwYVvCI6wZgYzRyvRoJ0jl-GvP1r3PBdRWhGk=s3846" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2884" data-original-width="3846" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrAGlLuA4PFlBBPC2dzUdx4l2XS5cjfPX6gNsBBEtXfMvGFWeSTZRg8WJ71mJypG38i6tEFq3ZD_axqzbXlxvXRjjSu4_r94DgBliH2VkSRZQU-oRyFC_i3B5R1p-iMtnibk09cKE6j_framS9hwrwYVvCI6wZgYzRyvRoJ0jl-GvP1r3PBdRWhGk=s320" width="320" /></a></div>First we went to the Commissary to stock up on food for the next week of travel. Then we walked over to the Exchange for a few items.<p></p><p>We were assigned #25 of the 56 sites. They are nice sized with full hookups and mesquite trees for shade. We didn't use the restrooms or showers, but did use the laundry.<br /></p><p>The park is surrounded by desert. It's quiet except for a distant bugle playing reveille at 6:00 a.m.</p><p></p><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYK-k_O3uPxPvGo8z9CRD-lrVnQuVJbzRXHY-WkNBTeXsS3s8omQ0CbTqxpZ1ugZ0ioP6Frz2RHg2FHgWDVSEoFEQhetqd5yLL2rxkgBRkzKrhCT6xnKDmRqBu3lofYv9EerMlaoNjQt_rnSNjrDvogS9O6TDqbRw-pCCCnH9UaOq-_WbPDQmTP6k=s3985" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2988" data-original-width="3985" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYK-k_O3uPxPvGo8z9CRD-lrVnQuVJbzRXHY-WkNBTeXsS3s8omQ0CbTqxpZ1ugZ0ioP6Frz2RHg2FHgWDVSEoFEQhetqd5yLL2rxkgBRkzKrhCT6xnKDmRqBu3lofYv9EerMlaoNjQt_rnSNjrDvogS9O6TDqbRw-pCCCnH9UaOq-_WbPDQmTP6k=w200-h150" width="200" /></a>There are walking trails from the park. We especially enjoyed the Heritage Park trail with plant identification signs. There were other signs of importance and we made sure not to stray off the designated trails! <br /><p></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsyrfczgetfYLUrAOXuOIYgp8JQuzNERD_DF9WbYp8jHRtdA0ceeHBjv8UyDY0BZAycrvGJNiaNhn4mB8zI7fBSuN7riWMQ-N6gEPsC-BNsdzjI9Eyl0y_E1GPUiLPPMfPnaNGO4muxrnb10oM11ewABbUt8mrS0SKkNQRa0n9dLn7RK9rQpaYXXE=s4032" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsyrfczgetfYLUrAOXuOIYgp8JQuzNERD_DF9WbYp8jHRtdA0ceeHBjv8UyDY0BZAycrvGJNiaNhn4mB8zI7fBSuN7riWMQ-N6gEPsC-BNsdzjI9Eyl0y_E1GPUiLPPMfPnaNGO4muxrnb10oM11ewABbUt8mrS0SKkNQRa0n9dLn7RK9rQpaYXXE=w200-h150" width="200" /></a>We missed the summer blooms that come with the monsoon season, but there were still lots of beautiful desert plants to enjoy. We've been good about walking for exercise each evening before dinner. <p></p>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiChGfX0pA3rDPu7ZRGn88NTihAHMhaPY_Iiyf4ZleDcHsNzGR0hJPFbQ2Q4-TASsyvXnWqEz3ZbYDQPypsE0BjcppdxGahji36PihpmssYZJnJt07msB3PrfC4IGzQ87ABptrEpZzPP154-Zht5L7i2C--DeRKoUF5xSRYzhVd2WMx3crNPVeKiZc=s3764" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2823" data-original-width="3764" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiChGfX0pA3rDPu7ZRGn88NTihAHMhaPY_Iiyf4ZleDcHsNzGR0hJPFbQ2Q4-TASsyvXnWqEz3ZbYDQPypsE0BjcppdxGahji36PihpmssYZJnJt07msB3PrfC4IGzQ87ABptrEpZzPP154-Zht5L7i2C--DeRKoUF5xSRYzhVd2WMx3crNPVeKiZc=s320" width="240" /></a>Fort Huachuca has a long history. It was set up as a cavalry camp in 1877 to protect settlers and travelers. In 1882 it was made a permanent Army fort to protect the border region. From 1913 to 1933, the 10th Cavalry of African-American "Buffalo Soldiers" became the garrison regiment.<p>After World War II the base was briefly closed, but reopened in 1950 as a national defense asset. Today the focus is on technology, communications and intelligence.<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtntARfMOeBNlI43QbVyfJFychtcz15T8uKHrdAclZRBZ3YpcL6WN-v8DQbpXbr21pTtkvBIr3GCW2H8Ou35U9beIAm4-v8pTTnjDxUHj1HcDZacXD-yaEkYj8pROj1gFUn8COWcCVlsZwtuT0OI7hI_hG9G-GEzenP3UP7878rEaKtNnUNCncck4=s3712" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2776" data-original-width="3712" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtntARfMOeBNlI43QbVyfJFychtcz15T8uKHrdAclZRBZ3YpcL6WN-v8DQbpXbr21pTtkvBIr3GCW2H8Ou35U9beIAm4-v8pTTnjDxUHj1HcDZacXD-yaEkYj8pROj1gFUn8COWcCVlsZwtuT0OI7hI_hG9G-GEzenP3UP7878rEaKtNnUNCncck4=w400-h299" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A warm November evening at Fort Huachuca.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Now that we know about Apache Flats RV Resort at Fort Huachuca we will be returning. If you are active duty or retired military or Department of Defense you can make a reservation at this popular destination up to 90 days in advance. -- Wayne and Margy<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgyO_jkb8WPZc-st_2z4ORRm93sVgr3itgFXoOYRnjBVluZcLUhopXQIP5A_4Yy2ipcIEp2ySR6o1AWjAag0OyWTUcYjDweqrButSdNFRJxMrVzlwPQOpirLyHFnwWceYlah0LeQJdsJs52oe5XB4IvSpjtLhz2h0RtMk2UymBbVzE_kknEOGydF9U=s1200" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="1200" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgyO_jkb8WPZc-st_2z4ORRm93sVgr3itgFXoOYRnjBVluZcLUhopXQIP5A_4Yy2ipcIEp2ySR6o1AWjAag0OyWTUcYjDweqrButSdNFRJxMrVzlwPQOpirLyHFnwWceYlah0LeQJdsJs52oe5XB4IvSpjtLhz2h0RtMk2UymBbVzE_kknEOGydF9U=w400-h100" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1anFwyUBOHTw3MSKjSAsi0RDa0W4mfNUMbCA-3w2PeI6zu5Rw8r7oMix71-i_8IP2nVYtu_EGK-hofUuybi2gyhadqBMzcR_tRPZjF3J6Ll5aSQW4CYQ1qFSzrPVUrCJkEeQnj7nU56rGI6bjF8e67NOoYFa0uXcBWSv76iGevs8HJnIxSfEDtY0=s4008" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3006" data-original-width="4008" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1anFwyUBOHTw3MSKjSAsi0RDa0W4mfNUMbCA-3w2PeI6zu5Rw8r7oMix71-i_8IP2nVYtu_EGK-hofUuybi2gyhadqBMzcR_tRPZjF3J6Ll5aSQW4CYQ1qFSzrPVUrCJkEeQnj7nU56rGI6bjF8e67NOoYFa0uXcBWSv76iGevs8HJnIxSfEDtY0=s320" width="320" /></a></div>Are you eligible to stay in RV parks and Family Camps on military bases? If so, what are some of your favourite ones? <p></p><p>Our list includes Whidbey Island's <a href="https://margylutz.blogspot.com/2019/10/whidbey-island-rv-adventure-naval-air.html" target="_blank">Cliffside RV Park</a>, Joint Base Lewis-McChord's <a href="https://margylutz.blogspot.com/2019/04/wayne-and-margys-new-rv-trip-log-1.html" target="_blank">Holiday Park FamCamp</a>, and Port Hueneme's <a href="https://margylutz.blogspot.com/2019/12/snowbird-rv-adventure-san-luis-obispo.html" target="_blank">Fairways RV Resort</a>. Now we will add Fort Huachuca's Apache Flat's RV Resort to that illustrious list.<br /> -- MargyPowell River Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17580698518291129041noreply@blogger.com20Fort Huachuca, Sierra Vista, AZ, USA31.5552157 -110.34992163.2449818638211561 -145.50617160000002 59.865449536178843 -75.1936716tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40985591113240940.post-27058803536961228782022-04-24T13:13:00.001-07:002022-09-03T09:43:53.556-07:00End Part I of Our Southern Arizona Snowbird RV Adventure<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>Days 24-36</b></span></span></p><p>
</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKhgf4P-3YGOwzCzXG5LosHwZfZRRj5smx50TSmCDfUMf-dkfxjTYWuOq5HtNQvtnQmKvh-XzgtqqCxcXsvzy1JY5ZXDrqYVMJQG-N7sHdpRTKG1vfTUxLcP95QRrx5FOpSysOhGRO35F7pqJc78HPLeJKNKm1g1DMaL7p-gAtgKiGUrw2DKiVO14=s4032" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKhgf4P-3YGOwzCzXG5LosHwZfZRRj5smx50TSmCDfUMf-dkfxjTYWuOq5HtNQvtnQmKvh-XzgtqqCxcXsvzy1JY5ZXDrqYVMJQG-N7sHdpRTKG1vfTUxLcP95QRrx5FOpSysOhGRO35F7pqJc78HPLeJKNKm1g1DMaL7p-gAtgKiGUrw2DKiVO14=s320" width="320" /></a></div><b><u>December 7</u>: </b>We ended the first part of our 2021-22 Snowbird RV Adventure in Southern Arizona before Christmas. That way we could be back with our good friend in Bellingham and take care of some end of the year business. <p></p><p> We like breaking up our RV adventures this way rather than staying on the road for a lengthy period of time.</p><p>On the way <a href="http://margylutz.blogspot.com/2021/12/snowbird-rv-adventure-patagonia-lake-to.html" target="_blank">north from Fort Huachuca</a> we stopped at Watson Chevrolet to have the chasis of our Sunseeker Class C motorhome serviced. Even though we haven't driven many miles, it's been two years.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg39V_3Xr3s3ICEvq-LIooysyyAIFoknRxXZs_4LZfUtUQNryRlHhgpdkvZjFdJqlc-_6GnmrviXq4qKwq6bl8c1esfU-253xuQupCAHPbypVUmj7EW5DWe6eswbicKcNDodmY1JEABqNzrf8Z0LDHId0UvZefOYtUkJd2dE7pE_ujX_Act4Dqq3RY=s3828" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2871" data-original-width="3828" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg39V_3Xr3s3ICEvq-LIooysyyAIFoknRxXZs_4LZfUtUQNryRlHhgpdkvZjFdJqlc-_6GnmrviXq4qKwq6bl8c1esfU-253xuQupCAHPbypVUmj7EW5DWe6eswbicKcNDodmY1JEABqNzrf8Z0LDHId0UvZefOYtUkJd2dE7pE_ujX_Act4Dqq3RY=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the service bay at Watson Chevrolet in Tucson.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>At first we weren't sure they had a service bay large enough for us, but we shouldn't have worried. It's a big dealership with the largest service area I've ever seen. They even had a lift big enough for us.<br /></p><p>
</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Catalina State Park</b></span></span><br /></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhq3HKET4O3W7nMlz9BSsvpbELby-afFWkdVc3Z44tmGfs9uAsTvynhT0ORvP0jRLiUYL3WJRMNeNUfMxXPW0i83ZKvgTkGTDoOtIZJQO41rkXkBxzLfyKHraDPz3nxrsWa3Pb0od8MtODDCVb3frc8Or823NFAKUscJCbitLvmOn77a80fpSAzpc=s4016" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3012" data-original-width="4016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhq3HKET4O3W7nMlz9BSsvpbELby-afFWkdVc3Z44tmGfs9uAsTvynhT0ORvP0jRLiUYL3WJRMNeNUfMxXPW0i83ZKvgTkGTDoOtIZJQO41rkXkBxzLfyKHraDPz3nxrsWa3Pb0od8MtODDCVb3frc8Or823NFAKUscJCbitLvmOn77a80fpSAzpc=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Large and private Site #A-45 at Catalina State Park.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />
<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEje9uw92BXxuCs9MUUvy5KkxHjj9zlZT-pDIML6R3xXB8d_97mEOC2prn-NuAHEd7wQrGl_rD3ExQ5ziK2XYDVU_voarqMmtwlDy0iGcxiIChMlCxrXYfgo8ltRi5snqLacRpjLvOL79USWvh6E5QZqydNw9sMhy9yQQXVlZ4a_PUVFwEoQc2stcwk=s3602" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2701" data-original-width="3602" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEje9uw92BXxuCs9MUUvy5KkxHjj9zlZT-pDIML6R3xXB8d_97mEOC2prn-NuAHEd7wQrGl_rD3ExQ5ziK2XYDVU_voarqMmtwlDy0iGcxiIChMlCxrXYfgo8ltRi5snqLacRpjLvOL79USWvh6E5QZqydNw9sMhy9yQQXVlZ4a_PUVFwEoQc2stcwk=s320" width="320" /></a></div><b><u>December 7-10</u>:</b> <a href="https://azstateparks.com/catalina/" target="_blank">Catalina State Park</a> is only ten miles from downtown Tucson and avery popular park for day and overnight use. Reservations for campsites must be made well in advance for the peak winter season.<p></p><p>Catalina has many walking, hiking and riding trails to enjoy. There's even a horse camping area with stables. We met Samson on one of our trail walks. He knew lots of tricks to use for children's parties. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;">Picacho Peak State Park</span></span></b><br /></p><p><b><u>December 11-13</u>:</b> Our next stop was <a href="https://azstateparks.com/picacho/" target="_blank">Picacho Peak State Park</a>, 36 miles to the northwest. On the way we stopped at a Fry's grocery store to pick up the last of our provisions. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicnQFDHXTS5SsFRu0ogZW8lOBxEF0EGMDzpQ_cq7N780wnI2X86fbSrosdd_RolL6iVc5RIl81rxjZ3P8DhFW9S3Rs2KfHBqu5b4a4S4mxy0lJse0tNz_3YDVbp1N_DJZmGX9GU00iaAZpjqwsBkbd4ZvIUUD8SDDiriDIptpwJMi6Rphalfnim4o=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicnQFDHXTS5SsFRu0ogZW8lOBxEF0EGMDzpQ_cq7N780wnI2X86fbSrosdd_RolL6iVc5RIl81rxjZ3P8DhFW9S3Rs2KfHBqu5b4a4S4mxy0lJse0tNz_3YDVbp1N_DJZmGX9GU00iaAZpjqwsBkbd4ZvIUUD8SDDiriDIptpwJMi6Rphalfnim4o=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Site #A-13 at Picacho Peak.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />
<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFg8eLFrkExbQCktwWm1lbTVaxjSAl16VLq-5oKADsEQj6dda_VlBJBGn9yKskwA_sxGnBgyZiWctzO4Qzj5clXGuWYKtI0Ks7xXlxtf00C8Qmy9TrzgeezLYu4ISmg4qZsrEcTnXPGgLU6oCs5J8GZrFbpqHQfVk9yAISR4Kbcjv4KDcLh4NwIFo=s4032" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFg8eLFrkExbQCktwWm1lbTVaxjSAl16VLq-5oKADsEQj6dda_VlBJBGn9yKskwA_sxGnBgyZiWctzO4Qzj5clXGuWYKtI0Ks7xXlxtf00C8Qmy9TrzgeezLYu4ISmg4qZsrEcTnXPGgLU6oCs5J8GZrFbpqHQfVk9yAISR4Kbcjv4KDcLh4NwIFo=s320" width="320" /></a></div>These last two campsites gave us lots of privacy and space to relax, read, BBQ and end the day with a campfire. In college I studied the Civil War period of American history. I remember Picacho Peak as one of the western-most locations for a battle. <p></p><p>On one of our walks, we discovered the location where they used to conduct annual reenactments. That would have been fun to see.</p><br /><p style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cMi9fo_4ic4" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>
</p><p>Budget cuts and Covid put an end to them. Here's a video from 2001.<br /><br /></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGVLzKAchY6u1sLylnlFuhQG3JAJR6Knrm8RSpbQaIpvsIaJiY1xrUXuL1dAXlxcx11TSG6sBJ_Um6YrGuf1JiHyvLgXKBI3DCGM-Wl8iR-3CFSzcP6k3GlIrgf8GxaUiSJxTRGoYRoAqnQCF4HXEDQkQ3osXCDMhbiflnYnP0B7MuKH0u8kD9u2Q=s4032" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGVLzKAchY6u1sLylnlFuhQG3JAJR6Knrm8RSpbQaIpvsIaJiY1xrUXuL1dAXlxcx11TSG6sBJ_Um6YrGuf1JiHyvLgXKBI3DCGM-Wl8iR-3CFSzcP6k3GlIrgf8GxaUiSJxTRGoYRoAqnQCF4HXEDQkQ3osXCDMhbiflnYnP0B7MuKH0u8kD9u2Q=w200-h150" width="200" /></a></u></b></div><b><u>December 14-19</u>. </b>We spent the last week of our adventure at <a href="https://koa.com/campgrounds/tucson-lazydays/" target="_blank">Lazydays</a> before putting the RV into their storage area. Having our RV pre-positioned in Arizona makes our winter sun-seeking adventures easier and more enjoyable. <p></p><p>Do you travel by RV? How do you handle your trips? <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuqaSDERQJK9z2j21ETfTOO438_07FYEyy0ANfvaMeFwpRjSe28JFsKOFF2u36gYzyQkUD9MFr8ZiM9dgmd9jiB1P7v3Jb2CmFfcCLEpXguoLZdXHIvSRR7ZLtwRTsxiQs8x-88LcRZeqZsEHwpAr1xGaHuUFjeMF9BWvMQqCe8L1UMOuaJjFx6vM=s1200" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="1200" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuqaSDERQJK9z2j21ETfTOO438_07FYEyy0ANfvaMeFwpRjSe28JFsKOFF2u36gYzyQkUD9MFr8ZiM9dgmd9jiB1P7v3Jb2CmFfcCLEpXguoLZdXHIvSRR7ZLtwRTsxiQs8x-88LcRZeqZsEHwpAr1xGaHuUFjeMF9BWvMQqCe8L1UMOuaJjFx6vM=w400-h100" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p>Powell River Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17580698518291129041noreply@blogger.com7Tucson, AZ, USA32.2226066 -110.97471083.9123727638211534 -146.1309608 60.532840436178844 -75.8184608tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40985591113240940.post-17675498247328722932022-04-22T18:42:00.001-07:002022-09-03T09:46:45.385-07:00Snowbird RV Adventure Part 2: Snowy Bellingham to Lazydays and Ft. Huachuca<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>Days 1-10</b></span></span></p><p></p>
<b><u><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfqC0jIQ5HPsM32bBwrQRMJmK2xI-IMB287fWtLSJ6tOKVoPVfyAXsHD_LhdZPrgkvu1CmxmrOHwZlscNk3O8NV-pDc_BZ6OVwng_muCbQGDUqnokTnz8PlfKMlYMIl35yA3dMItj01ZloSkXEdVG7pLRiFGnfGzLqpkxFwhjD4y_2IYBN6rrvung=s4032" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfqC0jIQ5HPsM32bBwrQRMJmK2xI-IMB287fWtLSJ6tOKVoPVfyAXsHD_LhdZPrgkvu1CmxmrOHwZlscNk3O8NV-pDc_BZ6OVwng_muCbQGDUqnokTnz8PlfKMlYMIl35yA3dMItj01ZloSkXEdVG7pLRiFGnfGzLqpkxFwhjD4y_2IYBN6rrvung=s320" width="320" /></a></div>December 19-January 1</u>:</b> We returned to Bellingham to spend the holidays with our good friend. While there, two things made us change our plans. A snowstorm followed by freezing temperatures kept us condo-bound. The other was surging Omicron cases. RV travel is an enjoyable way to self-isolate.<br /><p></p><p>Wayne modified our airlines and rental car reservations from the 23rd to the 2nd. I reserved RV parks and campgrounds for the three extra weeks. In a few hours we were ready to go.<br /><br /></p>
<p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwrJtWWW5zyvlMvi10dsECSDJ_e2mxK9q-cPB9THyn8SE-8Uqb0kzRPcpL1o1jesNpMcXjSkekdEjjN4fYhZ6mjupwdylBWOKV3GomNUVheNCHztiLf1XSNeixTmF7mDfRmtHnvEN3O2-FKjnYEkzgkP8Xti5YrODw2zWJSCatkC4cbyrVQrOEREw=s2928" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2196" data-original-width="2928" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwrJtWWW5zyvlMvi10dsECSDJ_e2mxK9q-cPB9THyn8SE-8Uqb0kzRPcpL1o1jesNpMcXjSkekdEjjN4fYhZ6mjupwdylBWOKV3GomNUVheNCHztiLf1XSNeixTmF7mDfRmtHnvEN3O2-FKjnYEkzgkP8Xti5YrODw2zWJSCatkC4cbyrVQrOEREw=w200-h150" width="200" /></a></u></b></div><b><u>January 2</u>:</b> We were worried about flight cancellations with the holiday rush and Covid staffing issues. We were lucky our direct Allegiant flight from Bellingham to Mesa was only delayed. With a late arrival, we spent the night at the nearby Holiday Inn. We don't have a toad (a towed vehicle) for our RV so we kept the rental car for five days. It's more economical than an extra car to store with our RV.<br /><br /><p></p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Tucson Lazydays KOA RV Resort
</b></span></span></div><p><b>January 3-6:</b> If you follow my blog you've read about Lazydays before. We discovered this destination back in 2020 at the end of <a href="https://margylutz.blogspot.com/2020/03/snowbird-rv-adventure-part-2-pima.html" target="_blank">Part 2 of our 2019-2020</a> Snowbird RV Adventure. In February 2020, we left our RV here planning to return in April to finish the third part of our trip. That didn't happen due to Covid and it took until November to return.
</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLlu_vCrr0mXXF3yx_Li7io15BCouca0SejUSL0pwcV0_runjFLKklSS5Onl_yMYxVH2EHP0_CgL1DXyaibKO59tDf3oW0joInJiGfhd_Di-RnPdBZuieZOtsWmBljb4VCMZp84tC0qyKO_59HUky8IpnqLZE9pif3ItQDNYUATdEr0BuAe64Oh3A=s4008" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3006" data-original-width="4008" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLlu_vCrr0mXXF3yx_Li7io15BCouca0SejUSL0pwcV0_runjFLKklSS5Onl_yMYxVH2EHP0_CgL1DXyaibKO59tDf3oW0joInJiGfhd_Di-RnPdBZuieZOtsWmBljb4VCMZp84tC0qyKO_59HUky8IpnqLZE9pif3ItQDNYUATdEr0BuAe64Oh3A=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunseekers sunseeking at Tucson Lazydays KOA Resort<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>Since then, we've kept our rig here when we aren't traveling around the southwest. It's much easier than driving back and forth from Washington State each time. We also like Lazydays because of their resort atmosphere and friendly staff.<br /><br /></p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ft. Huachuca Apache Flats RV Resort</b></span></span></div>
<p></p><p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtwoDzeS-222s4FADhh3PJmcfWxaiR0FAAYkfi1EwHDflyvPJ-IuEm6gYngatWZad8-sU69O8bIFdjoY6oxLYXe7w1Dk7oCkHtEw8s4Kt0Jh9RGDFgfGrpKHSkiqJbebUnLmqOxTHFPHefbeCdFfgo_sOm1QaVo_CA1wwFrWCDGed9QV9PloPOWDo=s3598" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2696" data-original-width="3598" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtwoDzeS-222s4FADhh3PJmcfWxaiR0FAAYkfi1EwHDflyvPJ-IuEm6gYngatWZad8-sU69O8bIFdjoY6oxLYXe7w1Dk7oCkHtEw8s4Kt0Jh9RGDFgfGrpKHSkiqJbebUnLmqOxTHFPHefbeCdFfgo_sOm1QaVo_CA1wwFrWCDGed9QV9PloPOWDo=w200-h150" width="200" /></a></u></b></div><b><u>January 7-11</u>:</b> After a relaxing for a week at Lazydays we drove 70 miles south of Tucson to Ft. Huachuca Army Base near Sierra Vista. We <a href="http://margylutz.blogspot.com/2021/12/snowbird-rv-adventure-patagonia-lake-to.html" target="_blank">discovered Apache Flats</a> RV Resort last November. Wayne's retired Air Force status allows us to use military campgrounds, and they are always the best. The only down side is an early reveille bugle call each morning.<br /><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>The park is only about half full. With a reservation, we got a pull-through end spot with extra space and privacy.</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPan3bwg9eqP6lwIQagT4wc1zIOh2uY640dRvzYtocUA_jxpfvcSbx8dmp5c1Vtqir_SMtGYE8a2nHMFKWvnQLXQ6bpr2bSrxZS-YATdQgHkBR-gmzRIMa726CqV8wBlY_WPyhgdD2BNZTDZHl_z5PcYP_LPKKAyzDxPjqhvFZLu5drkBAbHrPo4Y=s3485" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2614" data-original-width="3485" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPan3bwg9eqP6lwIQagT4wc1zIOh2uY640dRvzYtocUA_jxpfvcSbx8dmp5c1Vtqir_SMtGYE8a2nHMFKWvnQLXQ6bpr2bSrxZS-YATdQgHkBR-gmzRIMa726CqV8wBlY_WPyhgdD2BNZTDZHl_z5PcYP_LPKKAyzDxPjqhvFZLu5drkBAbHrPo4Y=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Site #10 in Apache Flats at Ft. Huachuca.</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Like many places, Covid restrictions have places like museums and libraries closed. We'll be back in April so we'll have another chance to learn more about the history of Ft. Huachuca. We did enjoy the sun and daytime warmth for reading and desert walks. Nights got pretty cold, but our propane heater kept us toasty.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1q1Ig2gbVPPeJpJpK0-FJ8i7ZPN2_TUJYH1iQ-fxCq142ceG8E6iLs92KmPAjXYpmZHcAiOSb7EGLqtZ4wEXDHOSomeaLdi1JXqRjal8DHJKbKnY2QfvattspHIonR3SQEy8Q_u7FQVVKV7U0AHIbb6mz4Ub6Roj6roEPwQ_6ZenGTmgb6XyATGU=s3673" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2755" data-original-width="3673" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1q1Ig2gbVPPeJpJpK0-FJ8i7ZPN2_TUJYH1iQ-fxCq142ceG8E6iLs92KmPAjXYpmZHcAiOSb7EGLqtZ4wEXDHOSomeaLdi1JXqRjal8DHJKbKnY2QfvattspHIonR3SQEy8Q_u7FQVVKV7U0AHIbb6mz4Ub6Roj6roEPwQ_6ZenGTmgb6XyATGU=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A stormy Arizona sunset on our last night.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Wayne and I hope you will follow along on Part 2 of our 2021-22 Snowbird RV Adventure. While many of our stops will be familiar favourites, we have a few new ones to add to the mix. -- Wayne and Margy</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhysOUY8o_zEV5Nop--CBDV_RCLg4sR47eu_iMX1P6Yc0NZakgWlE4kMknn7SITp2iHR6SuA1cKBE7P1ONQLBJ0JJKa-6a44T06SjOWvjVBa4GvemIPRYlYjwDvkwl2j4aPUvihMzjsqq5_LLWG4qBZhUWLzxlDCALm64Q9H3U--2FTGeBGeMKRku8=s1200" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="1200" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhysOUY8o_zEV5Nop--CBDV_RCLg4sR47eu_iMX1P6Yc0NZakgWlE4kMknn7SITp2iHR6SuA1cKBE7P1ONQLBJ0JJKa-6a44T06SjOWvjVBa4GvemIPRYlYjwDvkwl2j4aPUvihMzjsqq5_LLWG4qBZhUWLzxlDCALm64Q9H3U--2FTGeBGeMKRku8=w400-h100" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJxFps2bsekTYg4BWOqjzkabbetqjKr0gs8c-yBbq1mL-5CUJdrR5qLMJBeq3gCnt3GfutV4Yu0AOnk24z3qpGZnanpM85_4_BeCRxc2wc80ASSWiIpbI3_g0Mn4CvccjU-ybdVi3WactkSxI3UR1cEBQbWuz6z0clkdlrJXgmmkGXihosGtGz-4w=s3830" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2872" data-original-width="3830" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJxFps2bsekTYg4BWOqjzkabbetqjKr0gs8c-yBbq1mL-5CUJdrR5qLMJBeq3gCnt3GfutV4Yu0AOnk24z3qpGZnanpM85_4_BeCRxc2wc80ASSWiIpbI3_g0Mn4CvccjU-ybdVi3WactkSxI3UR1cEBQbWuz6z0clkdlrJXgmmkGXihosGtGz-4w=w200-h150" width="200" /></a></div>Over the years we've stayed at a number of military campgrounds in western states. All of them have been excellent places to stay in an RV. Services always include water, power and sewer in most of the sites. Each park has it's 0wn special qualities like: <a href="https://cliffside.navylifepnw.com/programs/607cfed4-a4c8-4b2e-ae08-c746327cb01a" target="_blank">Cliffside RV Park</a> on Whidbey Island Naval Air Station (to the right), camping in the forest at <a href="https://www.militarycampgrounds.us/washington/holiday-park-famcamp" target="_blank">Holiday Park FamCamp</a> at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and now Apache Flats. <br /><p></p><p></p><p></p>Powell River Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17580698518291129041noreply@blogger.com18Fort Huachuca, Sierra Vista, AZ, USA31.5552157 -110.34992163.2449818638211561 -145.50617160000002 59.865449536178843 -75.1936716tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40985591113240940.post-51876780639200489662022-04-22T13:11:00.000-07:002022-09-03T09:48:54.777-07:00Snowbird RV Adventure: Benson to Patagonia Lake and Kartchner Caverns<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>Days 16-21</b></span></span></p><p></p><p></p><p>
<b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgiXnsg0pMIRqQ0u2QtypGb5fJrs38W4B5kKd5nr8oOjWethNRpnNuOC5Dd8FCuzNqGv0m0a3cHku3HjhcH-CVmXZ0M7Du-wyvJYWiY4aU0kdJoXPRY6X4IDdfbUtVxm_VlliKZTb5fxxREFf0HssfX3B9cMPq5Pf_Z-QJDlqKp0xrIAo41da4FrO0=s3945" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2958" data-original-width="3945" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgiXnsg0pMIRqQ0u2QtypGb5fJrs38W4B5kKd5nr8oOjWethNRpnNuOC5Dd8FCuzNqGv0m0a3cHku3HjhcH-CVmXZ0M7Du-wyvJYWiY4aU0kdJoXPRY6X4IDdfbUtVxm_VlliKZTb5fxxREFf0HssfX3B9cMPq5Pf_Z-QJDlqKp0xrIAo41da4FrO0=s320" width="320" /></a></b></div><b><u>January 17-19</u>:</b> Before we left <a href="http://margylutz.blogspot.com/2022/01/snowbird-rv-adventure-fort-huachuca-to.html" target="_blank">Butterfield RV Resort</a> in Benson we filled our onboard propane tank. Days have been warm, but nights get quite cool this time of year. We need propane as the heat source and electricity (AC or DC) to run the fan to pump the hot air. <p></p><p>The first stop on our way to Patagonia Lake State Park was the small town of Patagonia. We've been through it many times, but this was our first time to stop. <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixmmRIGPuHJWeZJcvrXgVu7dS6_pv9fjRuWSox3EHW6GUdPuDlmUriAtt7aBaDWGTVfKWv4x1bDKuygI9_2PLwCLqarehXURKCesf1ilbrSjbj_vgbiDCLoMI_9oKIkxY-1Pi5j4HCPLPyIh9bjsV1JAtvBRDP6RgV9Pjz1Sz4imVoNWRMZWPI0Ds=s1162" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="966" data-original-width="1162" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixmmRIGPuHJWeZJcvrXgVu7dS6_pv9fjRuWSox3EHW6GUdPuDlmUriAtt7aBaDWGTVfKWv4x1bDKuygI9_2PLwCLqarehXURKCesf1ilbrSjbj_vgbiDCLoMI_9oKIkxY-1Pi5j4HCPLPyIh9bjsV1JAtvBRDP6RgV9Pjz1Sz4imVoNWRMZWPI0Ds=w320-h266" width="320" /></a></div><p><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/hkitx5736dtKgGSV6" target="_blank">Google maps</a> on our iPhone or iPad help us plan our routes and stops. </p><p>First we went to the <a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/wagon-wheel-saloon-patagonia-3" target="_blank">Wagon Wheel Saloon</a> for a takeout burger lunch. Then we walked to <a href="https://gatheringgroundsaz.com/" target="_blank">Gathering Grounds</a>
for bakery breakfast and dessert treats to take
with us to the campground. Patagonia has excellent parallel street
parking with lots of space for cars and RVs.</p>This portion of our Snowbird RV Adventure had three destinations with a total of 138 driving miles.<br /><br />
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Patagonia Lake State Park</b></span></span></p>
<a href="https://azstateparks.com/patagonia-lake" target="_blank">Patagonia Lake State Park</a> is one of our favourite southern Arizona destinations. The lake is a huge attraction for boaters. It's also a huge attraction for birds and <a href="https://www.visitskyislands.com/birding-in-patagonia/" target="_blank">bird watchers</a>.
<p><a href="https://azstateparks.com/patagonia-lake/" target="_blank"></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0c4WGaqOLvdtQdVv3OzjnzjlXWpbQG1D0HDyU_VlF-kJPFqgQ3_4dEmo804exbAXuIPPk0MxifqFjsGQM8z3lo7d6LHCbN3hlELCeI0JzlIN5MbSJrl3LRpRnAdWmkVHWbJSxL28qgGcdUcTCurCVZJ2qT19VuqbD7yiawrI8VQGKHcBy1xp-V6E=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0c4WGaqOLvdtQdVv3OzjnzjlXWpbQG1D0HDyU_VlF-kJPFqgQ3_4dEmo804exbAXuIPPk0MxifqFjsGQM8z3lo7d6LHCbN3hlELCeI0JzlIN5MbSJrl3LRpRnAdWmkVHWbJSxL28qgGcdUcTCurCVZJ2qT19VuqbD7yiawrI8VQGKHcBy1xp-V6E=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Site #19 in Patagonia Lake's East Campground.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Each trip in southern Arizona we try to fit in a three night stop here. We prefer the <a href="https://azstateparks.com/patagonia-lake/camping-and-cabins/rv-tent-camping" target="_blank">east campground</a> with lakeside options and less congestion. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLbEkRobfugTK8j1JJY61NoQNIhMY1i6BFCaSmhHbROV7icM7Twq8bEVlF9EU-5i_06DiwAaFmgf8Pi2hu4xoHRoTzuw81hb8ioVcjPRS8IKqsMY08_8srAy1uRWXoGHb1U80BmXjCX2MAEjJLNjprIcfR2JVr0XgKuSIAR4Fb5nE_byl05rwWsd4=s3998" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2998" data-original-width="3998" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLbEkRobfugTK8j1JJY61NoQNIhMY1i6BFCaSmhHbROV7icM7Twq8bEVlF9EU-5i_06DiwAaFmgf8Pi2hu4xoHRoTzuw81hb8ioVcjPRS8IKqsMY08_8srAy1uRWXoGHb1U80BmXjCX2MAEjJLNjprIcfR2JVr0XgKuSIAR4Fb5nE_byl05rwWsd4=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bird feeding and watching station on the trail.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>You can read more about our previous visits to the park by clicking the links below:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://margylutz.blogspot.com/2020/12/snowbird-rv-adventure-back-to-lazydays.html" target="_blank">November 2020</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://margylutz.blogspot.com/2020/12/snowbird-rv-adventure-patagonia-state.html" target="_blank">November/December 2020 Trails</a><br /></li><li><a href="https://margylutz.blogspot.com/2021/12/snowbird-rv-adventure-lazydays-to.html" target="_blank">December 2021</a></li></ul><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Kartchner Caverns State Park</b></span></span><br /></div><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXkBX1yEg0F8Jjil06RUor7oHQZPNG8Suepm76_dYkPnAK3s9jxYn5zFm5OtMm2MmTLICkIJRv3dO2fogexPUqDkJu5n63Zf5ePShj9mjByRoVMLZfNnfzT6roaVTGni2wwegQb5iVItFfRvz5xEgsN4JyJTwa78VWoPI5SJmCUr1P5wmeXqU_Mqw=s3563" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2672" data-original-width="3563" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXkBX1yEg0F8Jjil06RUor7oHQZPNG8Suepm76_dYkPnAK3s9jxYn5zFm5OtMm2MmTLICkIJRv3dO2fogexPUqDkJu5n63Zf5ePShj9mjByRoVMLZfNnfzT6roaVTGni2wwegQb5iVItFfRvz5xEgsN4JyJTwa78VWoPI5SJmCUr1P5wmeXqU_Mqw=s320" width="320" /></a></u></b></div><b><u>January 20-22</u>:</b> We made a detour on our way from Patagonia Lake to grocery shop again on base at Ft. Huachuca. It was 12 miles out of our way but we wanted to shop where masks are required in buildings and vaccinations are required for military personnel. <p></p><p>From there it was only 21 miles north on Highway 90 to our camping destination at <a href="https://azstateparks.com/kartchner/" target="_blank">Kartchner Caverns State Park</a>.<br /><br />
</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHV0M67Fn5sAT4Cx6Opn344eGccclRwjWxlfAbm-L5WaYyrfp-_6X-Xhva47ZyyWLhbe8beN9qtYciMHx0Eu60ncOafTwGmBFKg_TVTgp4BeVljklElm1fA1Ci2HkGSkPiiSf9HphWZgy4wLpNy5HynzmKluVfov-I3OVxK0LiWofBOO6RhD0XCcQ=s3814" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2860" data-original-width="3814" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHV0M67Fn5sAT4Cx6Opn344eGccclRwjWxlfAbm-L5WaYyrfp-_6X-Xhva47ZyyWLhbe8beN9qtYciMHx0Eu60ncOafTwGmBFKg_TVTgp4BeVljklElm1fA1Ci2HkGSkPiiSf9HphWZgy4wLpNy5HynzmKluVfov-I3OVxK0LiWofBOO6RhD0XCcQ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Site #32 at Kartchner Caverns with mountain views.</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>Like most Arizona State parks, campsites have both electric and water hookups. Sewer services are provided at dump stations.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-mry7jmBpB_7f2cA9Cp1_6rwq1yonauX3VGI-FWl53Bd732qJUygfjtR8UpANdXdiXlCQjqKYXa-7gWTOLlRCOnKt6muU4AWNhENFrvJDJ7cp9PdCcbyrxcyCnv5gPX3WsHQG3_hYhXEu8bCB_VPN2JrRaNp8c-7P74Zdh-ioROWexpw2E0EE1rM=s3471" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2603" data-original-width="3471" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-mry7jmBpB_7f2cA9Cp1_6rwq1yonauX3VGI-FWl53Bd732qJUygfjtR8UpANdXdiXlCQjqKYXa-7gWTOLlRCOnKt6muU4AWNhENFrvJDJ7cp9PdCcbyrxcyCnv5gPX3WsHQG3_hYhXEu8bCB_VPN2JrRaNp8c-7P74Zdh-ioROWexpw2E0EE1rM=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kartchner Caverns Visitor Center cave display.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>In addition to being a desert camping destination, Kartchner has a series of underground caverns that can be visited on tours. With my fear of heights and our desire to stay socially distanced we didn't take a tour, but we did visit the extensive exhibits at the visitor's center.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEin_d2tDJJ_MxiLUQNUSl3xDB2M-L8m27CfROcSQ5WtnQ7cGk4284uyzcH-ScK_w2hScKl2N4eXO_cy7AJBJc47JTcO80Gfhvw97GjAfVuhiQluvTzRVnMp23pmVD0WFBieMLFrdH1RaWovSxDe8OHtHwR3SZSat9VntuPDVjaxWmAWKfgogMt76Qk=s4032" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEin_d2tDJJ_MxiLUQNUSl3xDB2M-L8m27CfROcSQ5WtnQ7cGk4284uyzcH-ScK_w2hScKl2N4eXO_cy7AJBJc47JTcO80Gfhvw97GjAfVuhiQluvTzRVnMp23pmVD0WFBieMLFrdH1RaWovSxDe8OHtHwR3SZSat9VntuPDVjaxWmAWKfgogMt76Qk=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p>The park has hiking trails with varying degrees of difficulty for visitors to explore the desert floor and nearby hills.</p><p>We stayed for three nights and thoroughly enjoyed the park. So much so, we will return next year in November and February. </p><p><a href="https://azstateparks.com/reserve/" target="_blank">Reservations can be made a year in advance</a> for Arizona State Parks. If you're like us and prefer knowing where you will stay, AZ State Parks are an excellent choice.<br /><br />
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKR82yw92jlvlfNkFAVC1Dj4jDXYqI4cx85wfXSlZowZdIrpSejgDT9gZGA34nQwZu_6pIzOJhO0p8MUknRSd1LRIIKV__b9gEoJhMsZMGG1X9s9XxuUgivDccnoPBrxw9ONlCqgVOUbvDSW3AjTto0qumwZr_Qv600s_5ULvdXY6n2KDhKMtZLzc=s1200" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="1200" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKR82yw92jlvlfNkFAVC1Dj4jDXYqI4cx85wfXSlZowZdIrpSejgDT9gZGA34nQwZu_6pIzOJhO0p8MUknRSd1LRIIKV__b9gEoJhMsZMGG1X9s9XxuUgivDccnoPBrxw9ONlCqgVOUbvDSW3AjTto0qumwZr_Qv600s_5ULvdXY6n2KDhKMtZLzc=w400-h100" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4pMjC6Q0rmXGZ-2REjGyVEDkuS_h3FDwD0QfjDMs5DvJE45FnFZFyOSgz42spm820IFN0ySRXNRU2AN4J1jhiD4za_Tef_ybbTqTFTh-1CSFHWDC_pCEL7cLpZJflaO74T32O0THtwHyg0DorFka2WKMOQyPYr_IYdzJnDoYxGasDhJOD9LUYZQs=s3809" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2857" data-original-width="3809" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4pMjC6Q0rmXGZ-2REjGyVEDkuS_h3FDwD0QfjDMs5DvJE45FnFZFyOSgz42spm820IFN0ySRXNRU2AN4J1jhiD4za_Tef_ybbTqTFTh-1CSFHWDC_pCEL7cLpZJflaO74T32O0THtwHyg0DorFka2WKMOQyPYr_IYdzJnDoYxGasDhJOD9LUYZQs=w200-h150" width="200" /></a></div>Campgrounds in many Arizona State Parks were improved during the Covid years including repaving. When we pulled into our site at Kartchner Caverns it looked flat, but a test with our leveling device showed we were significantly nose down.<p></p>
<p></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivZAHJ1DhtOQToomCfAUTL5rB2iLtUR5uSLR6YILT-ODJUIru-yx3n_ajNOQf_xWfVCcGHBLTUwKq2gyBIylAkE52C0M8DLQfZqfdwiJhtU4yDGxreMy8JJWS_7r4Psil6uAu3lyn47K-os4T_wvSDsCQ7C_rg4YOGcGuqRSCKqsdJAVjCMAKMDEc=s3577" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2683" data-original-width="3577" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivZAHJ1DhtOQToomCfAUTL5rB2iLtUR5uSLR6YILT-ODJUIru-yx3n_ajNOQf_xWfVCcGHBLTUwKq2gyBIylAkE52C0M8DLQfZqfdwiJhtU4yDGxreMy8JJWS_7r4Psil6uAu3lyn47K-os4T_wvSDsCQ7C_rg4YOGcGuqRSCKqsdJAVjCMAKMDEc=w200-h150" width="200" /></a>RV systems are somewhat tolerant of being slightly out of level, but
extreme conditions can cause strain on slideouts and running
refrigerators, especially in propane mode. <p></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg15e2bCgS6z0iSTJ9mGXd4PGu4h_90oFQRiWJRtJu2xuliyMJwnogNU3GjaX3DD_hl-YrpsqU2nJ4V2yZciRVBLGUzHNkdepYH3r58BaTdxj9aKvsP6Lzs38ktQrZp7WXLkJ5xxIUxTZ9FZ8FBQ5WQA6KWkBIor-nQ86yhBGnkfgpJpPb6530dD_o=s4032" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg15e2bCgS6z0iSTJ9mGXd4PGu4h_90oFQRiWJRtJu2xuliyMJwnogNU3GjaX3DD_hl-YrpsqU2nJ4V2yZciRVBLGUzHNkdepYH3r58BaTdxj9aKvsP6Lzs38ktQrZp7WXLkJ5xxIUxTZ9FZ8FBQ5WQA6KWkBIor-nQ86yhBGnkfgpJpPb6530dD_o=w200-h150" width="200" /></a><p>We have a set of <a href="https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hiking-and-camping/best-rv-leveling-blocks/" target="_blank">Stackers blocks</a>. They are easy to store in our small RV. We found we needed more so bought a second set of 10 for future conditions that call for a higher correction.</p><p>How do you handle RV leveling? -- Wayne and Margy</p>Powell River Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17580698518291129041noreply@blogger.com9Patagonia Lake State Park, 400 Patagonia Lake Rd, Nogales, AZ 85621, USA31.488333 -110.85381-21.564213835874067 178.83369 84.540879835874065 -40.541309999999982tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40985591113240940.post-36736554196314564002022-04-20T12:35:00.001-07:002022-09-03T09:56:05.033-07:00Snowbird RV Adventure: Fort Huachuca to Butterfield RV Resort in Benson<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>Days 11-15</b></span></span></p><p></p><p></p>
<p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDINzvIq8qz5W-L-UzRIm10KidcmQiBwIFGz4bCRiV_XJkoD3YZeb1nCAZMeRKYWNQAZNCebvhPP5h_CTeu28BN9QDAgF4ofKKe4nCP0jsK9k4dPqtO9aS78UpTU_LdYPLk1mtZIfN0unHS5epYl8rzGhERtRIQEnRqr_C4LOFBbop-56lfixdp8k=s1220" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1220" data-original-width="878" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDINzvIq8qz5W-L-UzRIm10KidcmQiBwIFGz4bCRiV_XJkoD3YZeb1nCAZMeRKYWNQAZNCebvhPP5h_CTeu28BN9QDAgF4ofKKe4nCP0jsK9k4dPqtO9aS78UpTU_LdYPLk1mtZIfN0unHS5epYl8rzGhERtRIQEnRqr_C4LOFBbop-56lfixdp8k=s320" width="230" /></a></b></div><b><u>January 12</u>:</b> We left <a href="https://huachuca.armymwr.com/programs/apache-flats-rv-resort" target="_blank">Apache Flats RV Resort</a> 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.<p></p><p>The 34 mile drive north to Butterfield RV Resort in <a href="https://www.bensonvisitorcenter.com/" target="_blank">Benson</a> was quick using Highway 90. Just north of Whetstone there's a border inspection station, but fortunately it wasn't backed up.</p><p><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/zUygdHte3R8nuQRC6" target="_blank">Google maps on my iPad</a> is how we get around and monitor traffic. It's a lot easier than the old way using paper maps and gas station directions.</p><p>I made a reservation at Butterfield in late December and still got a prime pull-through full hook-up spot.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQFBGZt-7RptR7WxpKrsF7pdE5LU9ke9QIzkOrZnQtVupRhKpGjvR86LTLdEv2Pv4Zq4RqClA6eZ0mHpWIeLQ4RNPIgb6FQxfIVnzGbuxeIqabCtJmiqGP8DaSxkxERBplJN1mc6DvSNrAz9Xryyd80mM2XRSvqX0v0MbCvkHGTI6nr0jQNpv7jtI=s3688" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2766" data-original-width="3688" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQFBGZt-7RptR7WxpKrsF7pdE5LU9ke9QIzkOrZnQtVupRhKpGjvR86LTLdEv2Pv4Zq4RqClA6eZ0mHpWIeLQ4RNPIgb6FQxfIVnzGbuxeIqabCtJmiqGP8DaSxkxERBplJN1mc6DvSNrAz9Xryyd80mM2XRSvqX0v0MbCvkHGTI6nr0jQNpv7jtI=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Site #67 at Butterfield RV Resort with pine trees for shade.<u><br /></u></td></tr></tbody></table><p><u><br />
</u><b><u>January 13-16</u>:</b> The <a href="https://www.rv-resort.com/" target="_blank">Butterfield RV Resort</a> 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.</p><p>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.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIMkYuJ-N24j55gslo-VGYG2pY0265kUJoRd_R7kCSojnkVxnjoJ3RN6boQG9Vl5GcRIQDm4bSVzFUPfDkuYJdbk2ocyX36uU3C-7JCVgzznM82d42MN84ko0pCYwPpeB_CQCxA52ZKv0xV4r6pnUSn436kWxjRnsZD20i-3QzB6J2nSh7hX51mE8=s1800" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIMkYuJ-N24j55gslo-VGYG2pY0265kUJoRd_R7kCSojnkVxnjoJ3RN6boQG9Vl5GcRIQDm4bSVzFUPfDkuYJdbk2ocyX36uU3C-7JCVgzznM82d42MN84ko0pCYwPpeB_CQCxA52ZKv0xV4r6pnUSn436kWxjRnsZD20i-3QzB6J2nSh7hX51mE8=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><br />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. <br /><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7qIWkCk2ZWgoHNJ7ySEiBQEQnJyAZu9NPecAHb6stobn3UZzVE3gUpK7xJfn7exgPDmdG5BbxatOuBOO8fbMy1-dDWJQytmHuYhaUsjBORsdsiijQIDQE6_zJ4SmqTk7uf6nKbsowrMHuJIK9zIF12qpiVx7zfipohSqCRfRZQ20Deqf5tCZoXpw=s1978" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1176" data-original-width="1978" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7qIWkCk2ZWgoHNJ7ySEiBQEQnJyAZu9NPecAHb6stobn3UZzVE3gUpK7xJfn7exgPDmdG5BbxatOuBOO8fbMy1-dDWJQytmHuYhaUsjBORsdsiijQIDQE6_zJ4SmqTk7uf6nKbsowrMHuJIK9zIF12qpiVx7zfipohSqCRfRZQ20Deqf5tCZoXpw=w400-h238" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The observatory with a rotating dome and 20" Mead telescope.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>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 <a href="https://www.magalysmexicanrestaurant.com/" target="_blank">Magaly's Mexican Restaurant,</a> 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. <br /></p><p>What are some the amenities you look for in a campground or RV park? -- Margy<br /></p><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6NyLr91KjTOo1JvXwJyCxZkDFLFQD-S9hMTFJUtQLtU6cZEHKjYX1rPLGb0y6a9CTSGlTcLOo092ywDRsMnRYUwE58KIXWR51FajQ-sLUKPs9yPwVDUDunWTRrjx8OmfBT3a9JGJIU_iRaEXooIEzk3M-QCV9DS8O3dewX25Dou4YSUucnnuuW2g=s1200" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="1200" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6NyLr91KjTOo1JvXwJyCxZkDFLFQD-S9hMTFJUtQLtU6cZEHKjYX1rPLGb0y6a9CTSGlTcLOo092ywDRsMnRYUwE58KIXWR51FajQ-sLUKPs9yPwVDUDunWTRrjx8OmfBT3a9JGJIU_iRaEXooIEzk3M-QCV9DS8O3dewX25Dou4YSUucnnuuW2g=w400-h100" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYbnwzQaM3Q8CcYYsAOEM5R59iG7GsnUjHiJiy8PWnY_Hja3DXEVLbzcxRlj935uXPJ2foBgah01y-i_DU9JQGz3250CElYpZpQ1WG0GyUsEqirClhh8yQ656HMtpGEj8tiNK_zSHnZcjPaelUz_YhO-iB0tFxXrHTFwN3h4DyhAp9En2ZGtTKFEA=s3514" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2635" data-original-width="3514" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYbnwzQaM3Q8CcYYsAOEM5R59iG7GsnUjHiJiy8PWnY_Hja3DXEVLbzcxRlj935uXPJ2foBgah01y-i_DU9JQGz3250CElYpZpQ1WG0GyUsEqirClhh8yQ656HMtpGEj8tiNK_zSHnZcjPaelUz_YhO-iB0tFxXrHTFwN3h4DyhAp9En2ZGtTKFEA=w200-h150" width="200" /></a></div>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.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhH6qhZGInIdoc_b2uD0317qmVkruXELcu_IUYxqUgFNJpFNRJcqmFYI_xAIPyxI24ew6wC5zwWMIX5UT23CFAZQcqM_2cNSXAjhfh-TqOtPQkoBNOM9gZaVry4l93GQ4ndAp57WIEeIbzdv_4j-eVVrjI1c3gzsjmvzqLPXbd2iPSUEG3tC9a4qhM=s3617" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2713" data-original-width="3617" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhH6qhZGInIdoc_b2uD0317qmVkruXELcu_IUYxqUgFNJpFNRJcqmFYI_xAIPyxI24ew6wC5zwWMIX5UT23CFAZQcqM_2cNSXAjhfh-TqOtPQkoBNOM9gZaVry4l93GQ4ndAp57WIEeIbzdv_4j-eVVrjI1c3gzsjmvzqLPXbd2iPSUEG3tC9a4qhM=w200-h150" width="240" /></a>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. <br />
Powell River Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17580698518291129041noreply@blogger.com13Butterfield RV Resort, 251 S Ocotillo Ave, Benson, AZ 85602, USA31.968178 -110.307033.6579441638211563 -145.46328 60.278411836178847 -75.15078tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40985591113240940.post-39671883004665465302022-04-18T21:55:00.001-07:002022-09-03T09:53:30.179-07:00Snowbird RV Adventure Part 3: Bellingham to Our Favourite Tucson Lazydays<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>Days 1-8</b></span></span></p><p></p>
<p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibNYV87QkpR75rOcw0_oSdhdHOrPzInTb-c0Bfn8BaNkNIQ6icAohXNAqfbFW5xjlmhPOv93kQTv-DDtnTkEqd0bT2yukyz8sSZDXulxinX-aeoN-TPoMqQkNtCoDcLd_dmNPPUbZ7l_Xd6HCkcJVAlwAzQ35M5cIKdsesYdGC-e6uJYV-246fXHM/s1926/fullsizeoutput_317c.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1445" data-original-width="1926" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibNYV87QkpR75rOcw0_oSdhdHOrPzInTb-c0Bfn8BaNkNIQ6icAohXNAqfbFW5xjlmhPOv93kQTv-DDtnTkEqd0bT2yukyz8sSZDXulxinX-aeoN-TPoMqQkNtCoDcLd_dmNPPUbZ7l_Xd6HCkcJVAlwAzQ35M5cIKdsesYdGC-e6uJYV-246fXHM/s320/fullsizeoutput_317c.jpeg" width="240" /></a></b></div><p><b><u>March 27</u>:</b> The start to our Snowbird RV Adventures has been pleasantly easy and the same for two years. We take a direct Allegiant flight from Bellingham International Airport near our condo in town.</p><p>We land in Mesa, Arizona, and take an Enterprise rental car to meet back up with our Sunseeker Class C RV in storage at the <a href="https://koa.com/campgrounds/tucson-lazydays/" target="_blank">Tucson Lazydays KOA Resort</a>.</p><p></p><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: largest;"><b>Tucson Lazydays KOA RV Resort
</b></span></span></div><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy9drViMmKFpLFKkTpqTD1p0M1k_mXVA5nIp8F1DtRVHb_cEPL8NAQ7GE4_zZkdO03J2IIP6m8UZKo66LW64SgMc7FtBoH6ODSNl9NR5qEnMqbD2Q0kgPPQac2r7SgAaGiyHwANg85Ud2wbFVJ84AtZTdywHnKgIAVXPm7XWWCJfCiHaU1ll6cZVc/s3888/fullsizeoutput_2ef5.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="2916" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy9drViMmKFpLFKkTpqTD1p0M1k_mXVA5nIp8F1DtRVHb_cEPL8NAQ7GE4_zZkdO03J2IIP6m8UZKo66LW64SgMc7FtBoH6ODSNl9NR5qEnMqbD2Q0kgPPQac2r7SgAaGiyHwANg85Ud2wbFVJ84AtZTdywHnKgIAVXPm7XWWCJfCiHaU1ll6cZVc/w150-h200/fullsizeoutput_2ef5.jpeg" width="150" /></a></u></b></div><b><u>March 27-29</u>:</b> We had a perfect spring day for both air and land travel. Our early flight made us miss breakfast so we stopped at In-n-Out Burger in Tucson. When we lived in the Los Angeles area it was a staple, but there are none where we now live.<p></p><p>We tested the RV's major systems while still in storage. Fortunately, no dead batteries like last trip. We now disconnect them on departure. It's easy enough to do.</p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxkGIGM0Og_KDYHmtXDNueniEDkdn_OG0AtHNTIA_trdqnKZudLuGK9LH4Fn-1wbBBORwLcxcS4nv37QNginO8u6lL3DKelsiHpPok8T0R36BOb-y1bbvk56sAZQcdShuPAs1ykiPFvpnwcsCCsBzzEhWdLPL8k0jlHppP7OjrYN_V3qzCJ1bxC54/s4032/PJYWIVxDQ%25qfDHf6HFYVVQ.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxkGIGM0Og_KDYHmtXDNueniEDkdn_OG0AtHNTIA_trdqnKZudLuGK9LH4Fn-1wbBBORwLcxcS4nv37QNginO8u6lL3DKelsiHpPok8T0R36BOb-y1bbvk56sAZQcdShuPAs1ykiPFvpnwcsCCsBzzEhWdLPL8k0jlHppP7OjrYN_V3qzCJ1bxC54/w200-h150/PJYWIVxDQ%25qfDHf6HFYVVQ.jpg" width="200" /></a><p>We had a Patio Grass site with privacy hedges reserved for the first week of our trip. Of Lazydays' many choices, it's our favourite.</p><p>We kept the rental car for the week so we could explore town and go out to eat. While we travel we do all of our cooking in the RV.<br /><br /></p><p><b><u>March 30-31</u>:</b> It is tradition for us to do RV maintenance at the beginning of Part 3 of our annual adventures. I made appointments for our mobile RV technician and a wash and wax on Tuesday, but Mother Nature had different ideas. Looks like we brought rain south with us, but Arizona isn't complaining.</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMSC0Db2f8d_-WMiX5cfIHStH403b3NaeyjCoqSiE5ziC5W1ZJTDoLPSVAjPIWMf75-hreCFgMPqC2mJevNwnhsNad04LsESom3whPB5mtDytNcPa-kA-07wXPV-NuyAgi65wR58ayPqO8kqGzT8kYCGaopb_c6vIEJV0zKrXuBTUCY0zTRR54Y5E/s3223/fullsizeoutput_2eee.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2417" data-original-width="3223" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMSC0Db2f8d_-WMiX5cfIHStH403b3NaeyjCoqSiE5ziC5W1ZJTDoLPSVAjPIWMf75-hreCFgMPqC2mJevNwnhsNad04LsESom3whPB5mtDytNcPa-kA-07wXPV-NuyAgi65wR58ayPqO8kqGzT8kYCGaopb_c6vIEJV0zKrXuBTUCY0zTRR54Y5E/w400-h300/fullsizeoutput_2eee.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A rainy day at Lazydays.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Ryan from <a href="http://www.countrywide-rv.com/" target="_blank">Countrywide RV Services</a> rescheduled us for Wednesday to fix our toilet's flush mechanism and replace the shower skylight that was cracking after three summers in the hot Arizona sun.</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0D5ujA8kxIUR0Helm2fOTre69Bbnd231z8s524E_hfICGh31URrqO0mVTqZXEaGwbXCYmZ9UV6JRzeavO5vXYNR2gPG2NXtu4SEZ6IKWaU0EJwyt_1GsM5rUj7hOofC6SKnEEdlp4PboYDmDRHT6ZrV6gMXANL6LqLgNEflXEKU1wqZ5NmmTfnIs/s3981/fullsizeoutput_3173.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2986" data-original-width="3981" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0D5ujA8kxIUR0Helm2fOTre69Bbnd231z8s524E_hfICGh31URrqO0mVTqZXEaGwbXCYmZ9UV6JRzeavO5vXYNR2gPG2NXtu4SEZ6IKWaU0EJwyt_1GsM5rUj7hOofC6SKnEEdlp4PboYDmDRHT6ZrV6gMXANL6LqLgNEflXEKU1wqZ5NmmTfnIs/w400-h300/fullsizeoutput_3173.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ryan from Countrywide RV Services fixing our skylight.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Wayne is an avid amateur astronomer and has two telescopes in Powell River. We've talked about bringing one with us. I suggested we buy one here to leave in the RV. We went to Tucson's <a href="https://stellarvisiontucson.com/" target="_blank">Stellar Vision</a>, but that's a story for another day.</p><p><b><u>April 1-3</u>:</b> When we were at Stellar Vision, we discovered it was under final approach for Runway 12 at Davis Monthan Air Force Base. We returned twice to watch planes land right over our heads. The first time there were C-130 cargo planes like Wayne maintained in the Air National Guard. The next day we saw lots of Warthog A-10 jets coming home from training.<br /></p>
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</p><p><a href="https://www.tucsonrvwax.com/" target="_blank">Tucson RV Wax</a> rescheduled us for Friday. They came with a crew to wash, wax and apply a roof treatment right at our site. The wax and roof treatment helps the paint last longer. We feel the cost is worth the convenience and to maintain our RV.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESlSQ3nsk_LMA83edRpwyZxrqwVwufyTP2toCffXk6mPQ0A2685MiEecmH1kvZ3L47SfxuDvYQEvsF1RtfD6tuRuE9AtcIh_8a46cGO3G85QVTtQRxxvC7F8-zdQ-M_qFYxckIFpT2HkcSXtLkDGilQ_Vxg5Plbm4p7HjlvtU9OhjKwhV-s1Hf38/s4032/fullsizeoutput_3177.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESlSQ3nsk_LMA83edRpwyZxrqwVwufyTP2toCffXk6mPQ0A2685MiEecmH1kvZ3L47SfxuDvYQEvsF1RtfD6tuRuE9AtcIh_8a46cGO3G85QVTtQRxxvC7F8-zdQ-M_qFYxckIFpT2HkcSXtLkDGilQ_Vxg5Plbm4p7HjlvtU9OhjKwhV-s1Hf38/w400-h300/fullsizeoutput_3177.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tucson RV Wax has a self-contained vehicle for on-site cleaning.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>On the weekend we went to the University of Arizona to watch <a href="https://arizonawildcats.com/sports/softball" target="_blank">women's softball</a> at <a href="https://arizonawildcats.com/sports/2019/2/21/facility-hillenbrand-memorial-stadium.aspx" target="_blank">Hillenbrand Stadium</a>. We took an Uber and enjoyed getting dropped off and picked up in front of the venue on a very hot day.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT8Kjgd3Fi9pUt2MEq53RIrDyzAXmLqri5lXthGWKPpfd2PYILJxOGqE8zS0bP3al9E3_iD5UkzWqrxxicdZurYRMZmcKQzA6VJzNXU_RV9jJCLwGGfyI63MRaQVjr0YWB4GpZedbTbrm3jZydnTGcZdlgv3ovZPdWxMrFqr_akpv2azyKIG1TFV8/s3867/fullsizeoutput_317f.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2900" data-original-width="3867" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT8Kjgd3Fi9pUt2MEq53RIrDyzAXmLqri5lXthGWKPpfd2PYILJxOGqE8zS0bP3al9E3_iD5UkzWqrxxicdZurYRMZmcKQzA6VJzNXU_RV9jJCLwGGfyI63MRaQVjr0YWB4GpZedbTbrm3jZydnTGcZdlgv3ovZPdWxMrFqr_akpv2azyKIG1TFV8/w400-h300/fullsizeoutput_317f.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">University of Arizona vs. University of Washington.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Our first week of vacation were busy and relaxing at the same time, We sat in the sun (and shade) to read outdoors in pleasant weather while back home it was rainy and windy. That is what a Snowbird RV Adventure is all about. -- Margy</p>Powell River Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17580698518291129041noreply@blogger.com3Tucson / Lazydays KOA Resort, 5151 S Country Club Rd, Tucson, AZ 85706, USA32.1578434 -110.92351653.8476095638211518 -146.0797665 60.468077236178843 -75.7672665tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40985591113240940.post-11849432392407658812022-04-16T23:05:00.000-07:002022-09-03T09:59:49.657-07:00Snowbird RV Adventure: Night Sky Watch at Lazydays and Ft. Huachuca<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh_kHTjmHNaq7hTEKXUcwc-VUb5aoTXjfutJROfboYuvBBr5kvfEW-Vbik1QJjVVR0NQDLRZl899C3Pv9BMBguBBSMSFtEK0fovfQc5y5UP8mEbDig1ACYC4I-8Yy1rNrt9DcqOH3tlR8C6Kb0EJIcYImG4Hx4fJSnBWTeeQ9PfMxcnweb5peu91w/s4032/fullsizeoutput_316f.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh_kHTjmHNaq7hTEKXUcwc-VUb5aoTXjfutJROfboYuvBBr5kvfEW-Vbik1QJjVVR0NQDLRZl899C3Pv9BMBguBBSMSFtEK0fovfQc5y5UP8mEbDig1ACYC4I-8Yy1rNrt9DcqOH3tlR8C6Kb0EJIcYImG4Hx4fJSnBWTeeQ9PfMxcnweb5peu91w/s320/fullsizeoutput_316f.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>My last post included a teaser about getting a telescope to use on our RV travels. Here's the rest of the story.</p><p>Tucson has two telescope stores, <a href="https://starizona.com/" target="_blank">Starizona</a> and <a href="https://stellarvisiontucson.com/" target="_blank">Stellar Vision</a>. Wednesday morning we went to nearby Stellar Vision.</p><p>When we drove up to the industrial building with a garage door and metal bars we didn't know what to expect. Inside we found an astronomer's paradise.</p><p>There were telescopes of every type and size, so many it was impossible to count.<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjrTRVJObEZh_Jv4EVwfmixLSSNMpNqfZXl18yrHzxsaLdcus9-HqFmhmVHrilDiMTBEM4qUc_q_p99qMuDmKBBlPpzuge89V4O1yDLAS0-lcu1_2RpYw7ZV_1HeKKzDzl61ukQ53KIPQkCMT-a4OP0xgRloJi0rZpTRwP3oEZCWpazOxDEWos7jY/s4032/fullsizeoutput_316c.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjrTRVJObEZh_Jv4EVwfmixLSSNMpNqfZXl18yrHzxsaLdcus9-HqFmhmVHrilDiMTBEM4qUc_q_p99qMuDmKBBlPpzuge89V4O1yDLAS0-lcu1_2RpYw7ZV_1HeKKzDzl61ukQ53KIPQkCMT-a4OP0xgRloJi0rZpTRwP3oEZCWpazOxDEWos7jY/w400-h300/fullsizeoutput_316c.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few of the telescopes available at Stellar Vision.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>At the back of the store we found the owner, Frank Lopez. He was busy refurbishing a smaller telescope. Wayne described what he was looking for, a new 6" Celestron. Wayne knew it would be difficult. Telescopes are in high demand and short supply due to Covid. People are interested in activities they can do at home and there's a shortage in the supply chain.<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0RrapwPrrfkyyySOKtzg8cY1DXY8rH5xH5AxW825FiwFS6WOsAEQk0gPiMNIx0eUWjARzDK7NQqeyO60t7EX5TqErT6t3v4w0TVavLbc1-pyG5U-x_f2xEYhRIS0XMWKaB4jYXnlWsSXAlSWA-Z05a8I0nbqgx6aRmlUZvUo_wcOp6QquRwHJbxc/s3838/fullsizeoutput_316b.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2878" data-original-width="3838" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0RrapwPrrfkyyySOKtzg8cY1DXY8rH5xH5AxW825FiwFS6WOsAEQk0gPiMNIx0eUWjARzDK7NQqeyO60t7EX5TqErT6t3v4w0TVavLbc1-pyG5U-x_f2xEYhRIS0XMWKaB4jYXnlWsSXAlSWA-Z05a8I0nbqgx6aRmlUZvUo_wcOp6QquRwHJbxc/w400-h300/fullsizeoutput_316b.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wayne reviewing a refurbish 5" Celestron Nexstar.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Frank was working on a used <a href="https://www.celestron.com/products/nexstar-5se-computerized-telescope" target="_blank">5" Celestron Nexstar</a>. He explained what he inspected and repaired, if needed, before placing a used telescope on the floor for sale. After Frank's explanation we were comfortable looking at something used.<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJPPJCMeuJzUqc4VwrZ8casDbIxRsGhLs8AOr_xklXODO8PQLCEtoAPm7xBSYfLMr5DdkH0xIIa9gQHO1kUipgY1SuN07JKUAOCU4jHm-1ZwSV_KTMpx00AnP1ijECL46djY3PRd64yRFTco14fAtqfqq9NSAx_zGGm1FKRcSH6ynHO4xQClOhq4/s3894/fullsizeoutput_3172.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2921" data-original-width="3894" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJPPJCMeuJzUqc4VwrZ8casDbIxRsGhLs8AOr_xklXODO8PQLCEtoAPm7xBSYfLMr5DdkH0xIIa9gQHO1kUipgY1SuN07JKUAOCU4jHm-1ZwSV_KTMpx00AnP1ijECL46djY3PRd64yRFTco14fAtqfqq9NSAx_zGGm1FKRcSH6ynHO4xQClOhq4/w400-h300/fullsizeoutput_3172.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wayne setting up his telescope to safely view sunspots with a filter.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>There was another 5" Celestron Nexstar on the floor ready for sale. It had computerized celestial tracking, a tripod, spotting scope, star diagonal, low power eyepiece, power supply and padded carry case. You could tell the previous owner took good care of his scope and even kept the manual. <br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYjAwbAgUSlwqAeZuPFtFIX9t4otMpMnPb4_APTDcSIqAJ4yUnsxJOWRLw7lSS5KmjNhBYKAb0ZeBYUuRiSkNNBLNsQps7z3T1yf81NWkNfTiVaEMg1pEyj2MfEwg-38bI_Pl0Q32hOFWPIxRRizcvlNMFTbgHRXkRjwQ1dzuVZjBsqaf0F9z-P0/s1168/fullsizeoutput_3186.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="876" data-original-width="1168" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYjAwbAgUSlwqAeZuPFtFIX9t4otMpMnPb4_APTDcSIqAJ4yUnsxJOWRLw7lSS5KmjNhBYKAb0ZeBYUuRiSkNNBLNsQps7z3T1yf81NWkNfTiVaEMg1pEyj2MfEwg-38bI_Pl0Q32hOFWPIxRRizcvlNMFTbgHRXkRjwQ1dzuVZjBsqaf0F9z-P0/w400-h300/fullsizeoutput_3186.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wayne observing deep sky objects at Ft. Huachuca.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Wayne added a solar filter to look at the sunspots (there are a lot of big ones right now). He also got a high power eyepiece. We tried to do some night sky viewing at Lazydays, but the city lights made it difficult.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd-nADx0e3WNpAeFa2irL03L_fujZ-IVtaantWIEXgYahbaRSeFibwj-tD2agfu3GKBitVh2MuMSjqy7HE3H-MVSoddOgBIGXYSq34f3mcbayDtvdEgWoLV2BWpAEAwJAkONMNzhijpETMqFmZHptiZ7QlwkPf8ZzyIouvY_Wq6OagiXf41hHX-1A/s3261/fullsizeoutput_3180.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2446" data-original-width="3261" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd-nADx0e3WNpAeFa2irL03L_fujZ-IVtaantWIEXgYahbaRSeFibwj-tD2agfu3GKBitVh2MuMSjqy7HE3H-MVSoddOgBIGXYSq34f3mcbayDtvdEgWoLV2BWpAEAwJAkONMNzhijpETMqFmZHptiZ7QlwkPf8ZzyIouvY_Wq6OagiXf41hHX-1A/s320/fullsizeoutput_3180.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>At Apache Flats RV Resort in Ft. Huachuca we set up our scope and had better luck. There were more lights than we expected and the moon was getting bright, but for two nights we had fun learning how to use our new scope and seeing favourite night sky objects.<br /></p><p>Do you like to watch the night sky? Do you use anything for magnification? Do you like taking night sky pictures? If so, what kind of camera do you use? -- Margy<br /></p><p></p>
Powell River Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17580698518291129041noreply@blogger.com10Tucson, AZ, USA32.2226066 -110.97471083.9123727638211534 -146.1309608 60.532840436178844 -75.8184608tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40985591113240940.post-72372212685013598992022-04-12T13:23:00.003-07:002022-04-12T13:31:08.550-07:00Snowbird RV Adventure: Tucson to Ft. Huachuca to Rockhound State Park<p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>Days 9-13</b></span></span></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEganPsHhVToUsjSV531Nbph-KaZqUxzXnsCAWf9SG2986F90AzMW5fF0JYyPq86NXMXxNFXcB0IGFA0xrjwiJ8LUKn8V3QTbseSJLrMxsf6VtcpqoVcFk-acb0T7-CYynWkdVAKjpXQprF5CH2wWqwkYzevyaMg6uuCimEbGUokiyJDOv0wDyALIhc/s4032/fullsizeoutput_318a.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEganPsHhVToUsjSV531Nbph-KaZqUxzXnsCAWf9SG2986F90AzMW5fF0JYyPq86NXMXxNFXcB0IGFA0xrjwiJ8LUKn8V3QTbseSJLrMxsf6VtcpqoVcFk-acb0T7-CYynWkdVAKjpXQprF5CH2wWqwkYzevyaMg6uuCimEbGUokiyJDOv0wDyALIhc/s320/fullsizeoutput_318a.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>
</p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: largest;"><b>Apache Flats<br />Ft. Huachuca<br />Army Base<br /></b></span></span></div><p></p><p>
<b><u>April 4-7</u>:</b> Do you have favourite places to visit? We do traveling by RV in Arizona. We usually return to a favourite spot at least once a travel season. Great parks like <a href="https://huachuca.armymwr.com/programs/apache-flats-rv-resort" target="_blank">Apache Flats</a> at Ft. Huachuca Army Base near Sierra Vista is one of ours. So much so, we were here in December, January and now in Part 3.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY5R5w4-37HjkFTQWp5am5xXYZyEKCHayqvjja0fBIRDvC5v8e917YHF4w2Z85hL77pVbzpeneXYopyA803uW-VfccxtkSyU7bjeWXuqlwVqG2nqkIeaoA0sbp6whY87SQolVprLuGZ7EW0DccDPa_3GeI3qkfTaNAw-XSAYjClVaZzeEV6lNEZjk/s3474/fullsizeoutput_2ca5.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2606" data-original-width="3474" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY5R5w4-37HjkFTQWp5am5xXYZyEKCHayqvjja0fBIRDvC5v8e917YHF4w2Z85hL77pVbzpeneXYopyA803uW-VfccxtkSyU7bjeWXuqlwVqG2nqkIeaoA0sbp6whY87SQolVprLuGZ7EW0DccDPa_3GeI3qkfTaNAw-XSAYjClVaZzeEV6lNEZjk/w200-h150/fullsizeoutput_2ca5.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>It's an easy hour and fifteen minute drive from the <a href="https://koa.com/campgrounds/tucson-lazydays/" target="_blank">Tucson Lazydays KOA</a> using I-10 and Highway 90. Highways help keep us from holding up traffic.<p></p><p>We requested an end site to use our telescope for night sky viewing. Read more about that in the previous post.</p><p>You can read more about Apache Flats from previous visits by <a href="https://margylutz.blogspot.com/search?q=apache+flats">clicking here</a>.<br /></p>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: largest;"><b>Rockhound State Park <br />New Mexico<br /></b></span></span></div><p></p><p>
<b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ni_m04yR-0Xyk5Zn0M9Hayc-l3H6L2Zi9UQoJnYA9GtIX0lW7FrIHYqAwDDn_GbH_vGaysM3BIqYBnOK50gDB5rD4iJ3ONtEz4DXht-Qp1w-gkL_uswPY4Sjc8r3LWM25sVDRukgnZE7L5bpRDD1O7g_zlt9TShi1FxeZhqRbBqZyMQKM10pdQE/s3708/fullsizeoutput_31a9.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2781" data-original-width="3708" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ni_m04yR-0Xyk5Zn0M9Hayc-l3H6L2Zi9UQoJnYA9GtIX0lW7FrIHYqAwDDn_GbH_vGaysM3BIqYBnOK50gDB5rD4iJ3ONtEz4DXht-Qp1w-gkL_uswPY4Sjc8r3LWM25sVDRukgnZE7L5bpRDD1O7g_zlt9TShi1FxeZhqRbBqZyMQKM10pdQE/s320/fullsizeoutput_31a9.jpeg" width="320" /></a></u></b></div><p><b><u>April 8</u>:</b> Our trip plans next led us across the New Mexico border. Unlike our easy drive to Ft. Huachuca, our drive to <a href="https://newmexicostateparks.reserveamerica.com/camping/rockhound/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NM&parkId=430026" target="_blank">Rockhound State Park</a> near Deming was much longer. The first part through the Arizona foothills on I-10 was pretty. Passing through <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_Canyon" target="_blank">Texas Canyon</a> we saw massive tilting rocks of <a href="https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/Geolex/UnitRefs/TexasCanyonRefs_10835.html" target="_blank">quartz monzonite</a>. Volcanically formed below the earth's surface, they uplifted and weathered into fanciful formations.<br />
<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUabarIJQkLfzTObyLaVrASz3GV_j5ZHbGEmHL6Jwp2uWMumv9JPEIbRR97USFF8Pek5jonF20VnIXqqDmO_JAomRtypXQG0aKyx8P4Y8hwR2qZdkRvbWGYkeHz_Mc9JgTb95JzHaq7FJ2DZSZZfv9OVj7xZA9F6yQ53njnRMf05PocNsY77aSxgU/s2058/fullsizeoutput_31aa.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1544" data-original-width="2058" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUabarIJQkLfzTObyLaVrASz3GV_j5ZHbGEmHL6Jwp2uWMumv9JPEIbRR97USFF8Pek5jonF20VnIXqqDmO_JAomRtypXQG0aKyx8P4Y8hwR2qZdkRvbWGYkeHz_Mc9JgTb95JzHaq7FJ2DZSZZfv9OVj7xZA9F6yQ53njnRMf05PocNsY77aSxgU/w400-h300/fullsizeoutput_31aa.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tilting and precarious rocks in Texas Canyon, AZ.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>
<br />After a two and a half hour drive we stopped at Lordsburg, New Mexico, for gas at a Pilot truck stop and lunched on Arby's roast beef sandwiches. Our next stop, <a href="https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/spd/find-a-park/rockhound-state-park/" target="_blank">Rockhound State Park,</a> was only another hour and a half drive away.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcdhA0Ublmb_5vXFZ-JwLlYBfQ7ZlU4RnTzJxsJxj8n44MwPVlMi1Ewz7-d8cKJK78b9nunO3Ee7XY9PkSYfP8ar5QHY5NL2KagAsJEexX5yvEZyK7zeqPkCHC7OgeNgOrITlU17_m5pVIep8KDNnOmmFCidYDT2e7KnbHNdrDU-Dm5hAq19TdT0Y/s3182/fullsizeoutput_3194.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2386" data-original-width="3182" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcdhA0Ublmb_5vXFZ-JwLlYBfQ7ZlU4RnTzJxsJxj8n44MwPVlMi1Ewz7-d8cKJK78b9nunO3Ee7XY9PkSYfP8ar5QHY5NL2KagAsJEexX5yvEZyK7zeqPkCHC7OgeNgOrITlU17_m5pVIep8KDNnOmmFCidYDT2e7KnbHNdrDU-Dm5hAq19TdT0Y/w400-h300/fullsizeoutput_3194.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The white dot is our RV's private site at the base of the mountain.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table> <p></p><p><a href="https://www.newmexicomagazine.org/blog/post/robert-v-apodaca/" target="_blank">Rockhound is a unique destination</a>. There are 29 campsites, 23 with power and water, nestled at the base of the Little Florida Mountains near Deming. Like the name says, the area is know for rockhounding specimens such as thunder eggs, geodes, perlite, rhyolite, quartz and jasper. Even more unique, you are allowed to collect and keep samples.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU3PIVTzejHZhelNTFKYiyC9i9S4LBXzeGjdQJhIEluS3ckeZzyUYDfXJEs5cfmjcpAh7m8VEFOSbhtyd9HdForQU3Sj3RCwAP93_gckWh9QjNcRpNu-peFTE0a9jJtqUbjora6N-Q6Hx1cHz6Ha-T4v-v0a7SrWzHs7kbrEVPqA44Pup-JNNgD6k/s3867/fullsizeoutput_3195.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2900" data-original-width="3867" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU3PIVTzejHZhelNTFKYiyC9i9S4LBXzeGjdQJhIEluS3ckeZzyUYDfXJEs5cfmjcpAh7m8VEFOSbhtyd9HdForQU3Sj3RCwAP93_gckWh9QjNcRpNu-peFTE0a9jJtqUbjora6N-Q6Hx1cHz6Ha-T4v-v0a7SrWzHs7kbrEVPqA44Pup-JNNgD6k/w400-h300/fullsizeoutput_3195.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Each level site came with a picnic table, ramada cover, fire ring, water, power and ample space. A dump station is available for campers' use.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiofkeB8eSDmmoe-AJi0n0TKHSGtZipw69DUDz0X2F2FX_YOsg1-PtD4ppp9nrThrch6ck33uJ3wq5VC_brWof1aRho0BdCP75dY-KTqG-1FDGqap8Z5flMC-pfpcNQoyqM_ijrkO7iaVM1uFFBJucqhSSMyj02Vfz0jkip3ECdlgnciQP7RncFebo/s4032/fullsizeoutput_3196.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiofkeB8eSDmmoe-AJi0n0TKHSGtZipw69DUDz0X2F2FX_YOsg1-PtD4ppp9nrThrch6ck33uJ3wq5VC_brWof1aRho0BdCP75dY-KTqG-1FDGqap8Z5flMC-pfpcNQoyqM_ijrkO7iaVM1uFFBJucqhSSMyj02Vfz0jkip3ECdlgnciQP7RncFebo/w400-h300/fullsizeoutput_3196.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>We were able to have the first campfire of our trip. We enjoyed its warmth and stayed outdoors to watch the stars come out, but the bright moon kept the Milky Way in hiding. What a wonderful way to end a long day of driving.</p><p>When you travel, how many hours do you prefer to spend on the road. Our ideal is two hours, but sometimes that isn't possible between destinations. -- Margy<br /></p><p><br />
</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqezYtppzr_8CTZjvKdU9iS4nVAo5hKshcKU5UjNxb1ra0vG5JhZASniimQjSbnqeFKq9u8IxgkFajBFH6qFaL5lJCEf1wKuPPNe3zyQtTc0HpSZWLWCSm8EreE5imzoykDO3C3jsUQZk/s1600/throughmylens.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqezYtppzr_8CTZjvKdU9iS4nVAo5hKshcKU5UjNxb1ra0vG5JhZASniimQjSbnqeFKq9u8IxgkFajBFH6qFaL5lJCEf1wKuPPNe3zyQtTc0HpSZWLWCSm8EreE5imzoykDO3C3jsUQZk/s200/throughmylens.jpg" width="75" /></a>I'm sharing with <a href="http://www.mersad-photography.blogspot.ca/"><i>Through My Lens</i></a> by Mersad.<br />
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Also stop by <a href="http://sharonrwagner.blogspot.com/"><i>Sharon's Souvenirs</i></a> for some travel trips and suggestions, a Wednesday linkup for My Corner of the World at <a href="http://myworldthrumycameralens.blogspot.com/"><i>Photographing New Zealand</i></a> and <a href="http://www.stonecottageadventures.com/"><i>Tuesdays with a Twist</i></a> at Stone Cottage Adventures.<p></p>Powell River Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17580698518291129041noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40985591113240940.post-72407284310513084252021-11-10T12:06:00.000-08:002022-09-03T09:18:22.573-07:00Book Review: "American Dirt" by Jeanine Cummins
<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgs2mKpZ0Uuoo7O2tvXbxNQX7-j2s7LWMxD1Reg4_lWm0j8cQuDuvA9JKUgqELQBlIW8lzHBUORFT5KOakWJpLZeAZPWOGEe0ziBWc2ky4cGiUxGoSFnHk8Xo-SyS6DYwyrCKdQiCN1pQ2yIvlti74X0PusT4wdcPoqXXSZsNP-vMSzHJS0RUQrB0=s500" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="326" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgs2mKpZ0Uuoo7O2tvXbxNQX7-j2s7LWMxD1Reg4_lWm0j8cQuDuvA9JKUgqELQBlIW8lzHBUORFT5KOakWJpLZeAZPWOGEe0ziBWc2ky4cGiUxGoSFnHk8Xo-SyS6DYwyrCKdQiCN1pQ2yIvlti74X0PusT4wdcPoqXXSZsNP-vMSzHJS0RUQrB0=s320" width="209" /></a></div>I'm currently in Arizona and just finished reading <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QQLCZY1/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1" target="_blank"><i>American Dirt</i></a> by Jeanine Cummins (Flatiron Books, 2020). In fact, I finished reading this compelling novel in Tucson, Arizona, the destination for Lydia and her eight young old son Luca after they escaped tragedy in their home town of Acapulco, Mexico.<p></p><p>There are mixed feelings in the United States about undocumented immigrants. Those feelings are more evident here in Arizona. There are few people that hold the middle ground. Many want to continue building the wall and deter border crossings at all costs. Others have sympathy for undocumented immigrants and provide them with empathy and support.</p><p>I grew up and in California. As a teen, I spent summers with my grandparents near Modesto, a major agricultural area. Much of the labour was provided by undocumented immigrants. I saw how whole families and single men were forced to live in squalid conditions without recourse. Later, when I became a teacher, then a principal, I saw how the fear of discovery weighed heavily on daily life, and how the power of street gangs took the place of cartels.</p><p>Jeanine Cummins has first hand knowledge of immigrant issues. She also spent years in research and sought personal experiences for her so novel it would tell a true to life story.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqr92MsrT-mKRrjV2N4jkectCxeiwe1C7D7D6F6ucIm-TFl4kZFT2xZeKv6d1RtQpShGBUixVSEgxTD4D4os4FqfnWJH1U3eQXfMU0rupcmBHFkyTn9YPPkIOWib7jsRu4ptMpcYAWgmmQ_C5v90m5Uz5joh7uMyi-R6LA0kA1pG09uA5ZbDwhWLo=s1000" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="878" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqr92MsrT-mKRrjV2N4jkectCxeiwe1C7D7D6F6ucIm-TFl4kZFT2xZeKv6d1RtQpShGBUixVSEgxTD4D4os4FqfnWJH1U3eQXfMU0rupcmBHFkyTn9YPPkIOWib7jsRu4ptMpcYAWgmmQ_C5v90m5Uz5joh7uMyi-R6LA0kA1pG09uA5ZbDwhWLo=s320" width="281" /></a></div><b><u>The Review</u>:</b> Lydia <span>Quixano Pérez befriends an unassuming man who visits her book store not knowing he's a cartel lord. Her husband is a journalist who writes an expose about this same man. Lydia is conflicted because she feels she knows the gentle side of Javier. It turns out she is wrong, almost dead wrong. After her family of sixteen was gunned down at a party at her parent's home, she knew she had to flee. With the far reaching arms of the cartel leader, she knew it had to be fast and far, all the way to <i>el norte</i>.</span><p></p><p><span>Lydia and Luca follow the same trail as many other immigrants searching for safety and economic improvement. After a harrowing bus ride and help from a friend, they reach Mexico City. From there they meet other migrants heading north. Even though Lydia has money, unlike most of the rest, her fear is discovery by Javier through members of his Los Jardineros cartel. Of the options available, she settles on walking and riding on top of <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2014/06/05/318905712/riding-the-beast-across-mexico-to-the-u-s-border" target="_blank">La Bestia</a>, trains with connections to U.S. border cities. Along the way she experiences many of the same trials and tragedies as thousands of other Mexicans and Central Americans hoping for a better life in <i>el norte</i>.</span></p><p><span>I did not read reviews before reading <i>American Dirt</i>. It was recommended by Wayne and that was enough for me. Reading reviews now, the book has been criticized because Jeanine is <i>estadounidense</i> (American). Some reviewers felt this story should have be told by someone of Mexican or Central American heritage. That reminded me of the time I was working on my bilingual teacher certification. At the end there was an oral examination. One of the questions was, "What gives you the right to teach our children." At the time I felt it was a harsh thing to say. Now that I look back on it, it was profound. I only knew of their life experience from the outside. I'm don't remember what I answered, spoken in Spanish, but I hope it conveyed that I was an ally and would do everything in my power to teach their children in an unbiased manner with heart and caring. After 31 years in the profession I feel that I was able accomplish that goal.</span></p><p><span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QQLCZY1/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1"><i>American Dirt</i></a> was a #1 New York Times best seller and became an Oprah's Book Club selection. I read mine on my new Kindle Paperwhite. That's a perfect way to stay stocked in books while traveling across Arizona in our RV. -- Margy<br /></span></p><p></p><p></p><p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2DmzjmGD5-KjslBkdqnJz2CrG4bZ0b981nMyhH63HPa0N6aJnNhkLewG-dZsKh1aMMxVrDp773AKIyOQ9uUiThxwAulqVYLmn8gCRg-8x2hXIuYonrMgvapPyKJPfbBCvhZWj1BPRwo/s1600/BookReviewClub-Button.gif" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2DmzjmGD5-KjslBkdqnJz2CrG4bZ0b981nMyhH63HPa0N6aJnNhkLewG-dZsKh1aMMxVrDp773AKIyOQ9uUiThxwAulqVYLmn8gCRg-8x2hXIuYonrMgvapPyKJPfbBCvhZWj1BPRwo/s200/BookReviewClub-Button.gif" width="75" /></a>Visit the monthly <a href="https://barriesummy.blogspot.com/index.html">Book Review Club</a> for teen/young adult and adult fiction over at Barrie Summy's blog.<br />
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Also shared with <a href="http://www.stonecottageadventures.com/"><i>Your the Star</i></a> at Stone Cottage Adventures.</p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxCA6YyGgHKROq-s_IO7z5J-jnNBEW4oSHaMyv1JzbM1uF0WppZ5Skxr6sGvzQpYSdKee0SbgOmX_h1ApIiPG_KzDhpkitj0c4RIaR4fVFD5fAKHgbeHK0B33m305VQ-bcBvjoZXdBkYs/s320/STSsmall.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="320" height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxCA6YyGgHKROq-s_IO7z5J-jnNBEW4oSHaMyv1JzbM1uF0WppZ5Skxr6sGvzQpYSdKee0SbgOmX_h1ApIiPG_KzDhpkitj0c4RIaR4fVFD5fAKHgbeHK0B33m305VQ-bcBvjoZXdBkYs/w200-h141/STSsmall.png" width="75" /></a>And also posted at <a href="https://thebookdate.wordpress.com/"><i>Book Date</i></a>. </p>Powell River Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17580698518291129041noreply@blogger.com12Mexico23.634501 -102.552784-4.6757328361788453 -137.709034 51.944734836178846 -67.396534tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40985591113240940.post-50394807827437534622021-11-08T15:44:00.001-08:002021-11-26T18:13:19.923-08:00Book Review: "Indian Horse" by Richard Wagamese<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaypcUvHyVnhfk2npNCMAr2RPmWQ2YJBcWw85XYdD__t4I2vaISkM2JI-bJYv85QEEjJom7s-aISeFY9XX7_rkN6aV16bUY-zh_WNjeiiXubOwaAMciZQoMXAL1nQqHn9mbZYQtvLEJA/s500/31641SPwavL.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="324" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaypcUvHyVnhfk2npNCMAr2RPmWQ2YJBcWw85XYdD__t4I2vaISkM2JI-bJYv85QEEjJom7s-aISeFY9XX7_rkN6aV16bUY-zh_WNjeiiXubOwaAMciZQoMXAL1nQqHn9mbZYQtvLEJA/s320/31641SPwavL.jpg" /></a></div>The last book I reviewed, <a href="http://margylutz.blogspot.com/2020/10/book-review-perfect-storm-by-mike-martin.html"><i>A Perfect Storm</i> by Mike Martin</a>, led me to this month's book. The main character in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheWalkerOnTheCapeReviewsAndMore">Sgt. Windflower Mystery series</a> is a Cree RCMP officer. He maintains traditional practices, and reads <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MF4JMYQ/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1"><i>Embers: One Ojibway's Meditations</i></a> by <a href="https://milkweed.org/author/richard-wagamese">Richard Wagamese</a> for solace and inspiration. After reviewing books by Wagamese, I selected <a href="https://www.indianhorse.ca/en/book"><i>Indian Horse</i></a> to be my first.<br />
<br /><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Indian-Horse-Novel-Richard-Wagamese-ebook/dp/B07C3XLBHG/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=">Indian Horse</a></i> is a novel about Saul Indian Horse, an Ojibway from Northern Ontario. He was raised by his grandmother in traditional ways, but at age eight he was forced to live at an <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Indian_residential_school_system">Indian residential school</a>.<p>Residential schools were funded by the Department of Indian Affairs and administered by churches. Their purpose was to expunge Indigenous ways and inculcate Canadian culture. Attendance for school age children was compulsory from 1894 until an unconscionable 1996 when the last closed. </p><p></p><p>Not only were Indigenous children ripped from their families during formative years, they were subjected to physical, emotional and sexual abuses, and too many died from harsh conditions and torture. The result is generations of First Nation peoples alienated from their culture and language, lacking education, and experiencing post-traumatic syndrome and racism.</p><p><i>Indian Horse</i> takes us through this dark period through the eyes of Saul. The book opens with him telling the reader that he has been told he needs to tell the stories to understand where he is from and where he is going. As his story unfolds, we can feel his joy and sadness, his success and failure, his anguish and emergence from a blocked out horrific experience. </p><p>Canadians are going through a <a href="https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/british-columbians-our-governments/indigenous-people/aboriginal-peoples-documents/calls_to_action_english2.pdf">reconciliation process</a> to "redress the legacy of residential schools." In 2008, then Prime Minister Harper issued an <a href="https://www.facinghistory.org/stolen-lives-indigenous-peoples-canada-and-indian-residential-schools/historical-background/prime-minister-harpers-apology">apology</a> on behalf of the Canadian government. That same year the <a href="https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1450124405592/1529106060525#chp1">Truth and Reconciliation Commission</a> was established to hear testimony. Their "<a href="https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/british-columbians-our-governments/indigenous-people/aboriginal-peoples-documents/calls_to_action_english2.pdf">Call to Action</a>" was finally released in 2015.</p>
<p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglHAKH8eaPCTpqT9Zx6rAahsvoeAcMYh2aovoHqFKbQGnLouReEBtY2MzbzNAeLTrFsclcB9LQ7-lIyrLZoFDCsGO_lEO0y1IT3sqIMBPfMnBM9JTlEEW9uHaNASJEeHQMyUF14P4Swg/s2048/IMG_2205.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglHAKH8eaPCTpqT9Zx6rAahsvoeAcMYh2aovoHqFKbQGnLouReEBtY2MzbzNAeLTrFsclcB9LQ7-lIyrLZoFDCsGO_lEO0y1IT3sqIMBPfMnBM9JTlEEW9uHaNASJEeHQMyUF14P4Swg/w400-h300/IMG_2205.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A community traditional canoe carving reconciliation project.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Towns like Powell River across Canada brought <a href="https://www.ubcpress.ca/asset/9215/1/9780774817776.pdf">Settlers (non-Indigenous Canadians)</a> and First Nation members together to have hard conversations and to develop a better understanding of the ramifications of racial prejudice and subjugation. As a Settler in my native U.S.A. and my Canadian home I personally have a lot of work to do to reconcile my life of white privilege with systemic racism.</p><p><a href="https://douglas-mcintyre.com/products/9781553654025"><i>Indian Horse</i></a> was the "People's Choice" Award of Canada Reads and First Nations Community Reads winner in 2012. It's not an easy read, but the message is important especially now. I highly recommend <i>Indian Horse</i> and am looking forward to my next Richard Wagamese book. <br /><br />
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5HLIL-dRUp0Ebk6vYDnfV38oiFWhGMBEoRty55OCDrFOIU7aj3Q_UJX4xWnVO-DhyphenhyphenivQmR__xTOo2dAg5LKxe8XPcVQVXGq8LrNYupBQJng98dAzR2bDgOaOdKIyEmSt3X3MLHo-nQ/s499/510ixyVWgpL._SX331_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="333" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5HLIL-dRUp0Ebk6vYDnfV38oiFWhGMBEoRty55OCDrFOIU7aj3Q_UJX4xWnVO-DhyphenhyphenivQmR__xTOo2dAg5LKxe8XPcVQVXGq8LrNYupBQJng98dAzR2bDgOaOdKIyEmSt3X3MLHo-nQ/w134-h200/510ixyVWgpL._SX331_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="134" /></a></div><p>Here's another book related to truth and reconciliation. Powell River is located on traditional land of the <a href="https://www.tlaaminnation.com/">Tla'amin First Nation</a>, a Coast Salish tribe. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Written-Remember-Teachings-Sliammon-Indigenous/dp/0774827114"><i>Written As I Remember It</i></a> by elder Elsie Paul tells about this same period of time from a local perspective. </p><p>Raised by her grandparents and hidden from authorities during fall sweeps, she was forced to attend the <a href="https://collections.irshdc.ubc.ca/index.php/Detail/entities/55">Sechelt Residential School</a> at age ten. He memoir includes Tla'amin Nation history from oral traditions to the present as her people move away from Indian Act control to a self-governing nation. </p><p> Both books are available online including Amazon. -- Margy</p><p></p><p></p>Powell River Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17580698518291129041noreply@blogger.com20Canada56.130366 -106.34677115.106116724076436 -176.659271 90 -36.034271000000004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40985591113240940.post-72630576789908975762021-01-03T18:17:00.001-08:002021-11-19T15:32:33.715-08:00Wayne and Margy's 2020-2021 Snowbird RV Adventure<p></p><br />
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<b><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMJG2yWepbnChMW9mV7QLZfNDNSnHxbtyDJIDn5LVdUqD2qohE-iSeO2UJKaKGOf9Q3Ui9zgsWHyLccsBnVUpYn15RqRdE2tkWtFQdQ7LArPNJZTnhrC8zGho7IYfoTklAJ3vt952_HA/s2048/fullsizeoutput_2e96.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMJG2yWepbnChMW9mV7QLZfNDNSnHxbtyDJIDn5LVdUqD2qohE-iSeO2UJKaKGOf9Q3Ui9zgsWHyLccsBnVUpYn15RqRdE2tkWtFQdQ7LArPNJZTnhrC8zGho7IYfoTklAJ3vt952_HA/s320/fullsizeoutput_2e96.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lazydays electric RV storage.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Wayne and I want to thank all of our readers who came along with us on our <a href="http://margylutz.blogspot.com/2019/11/wayne-and-margys-snowbird-rv-adventure.html">2019-2020 Snowbird RV Adventure</a>. It abruptly ended with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic last spring. </b></div>
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<b>At the end of February, we left our Sunseeker RV in powered storage at the <a href="https://koa.com/campgrounds/tucson-lazydays/">Tucson Lazydays KOA Resort</a> fully intending to return at the end of March to complete our trip. That never happened.<br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Then summer came with 100+ degree temperatures. We decided it was best to wait. We had reservations in place for this November. We debated long and hard about the safety of traveling at this time.<br />
We decided RV travel was a form of self-isolation. We only need to shop for groceries once a week and won't interact with others in an unsafe manner. We are vaccinated, wear our masks, social distance, use sanitizer and wash our hands just like at home. </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn5K02ReXLUteyypSqDfx6mneF-Yvfrqm7QwHclf7Pl1d6QCdQRJJNrbldfMxfe3H5ztoKl0VH6AhnFT0f9rvx7PuyWBCAUma7nfzwj81vwM-P4oWVug5-Rr_ZWfJYYvTur0i8IvNyNQ/s2048/fullsizeoutput_2cb2.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn5K02ReXLUteyypSqDfx6mneF-Yvfrqm7QwHclf7Pl1d6QCdQRJJNrbldfMxfe3H5ztoKl0VH6AhnFT0f9rvx7PuyWBCAUma7nfzwj81vwM-P4oWVug5-Rr_ZWfJYYvTur0i8IvNyNQ/w400-h300/fullsizeoutput_2cb2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our 25-foot Forest River Sunseeker, small but perfect for us.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>
<br /><b>We invite you to join us to safely explore Arizona. We've again planned our Snowbird RV Adventure in three parts.</b><br /></div><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-XjqXGajtnj46I0dXqHJ6TiWJABmXYUX9d4pG49kuzzhSu-KUS7qvheV6x4mHUIXWPopqDKOJpq6Qn5PwGAn3_G7nLstTGZzH2exXs6JsJE7R_fCajxPdUYA2ttP7r6xotREWZ5Fang/s1600/fullsizeoutput_2b08.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-XjqXGajtnj46I0dXqHJ6TiWJABmXYUX9d4pG49kuzzhSu-KUS7qvheV6x4mHUIXWPopqDKOJpq6Qn5PwGAn3_G7nLstTGZzH2exXs6JsJE7R_fCajxPdUYA2ttP7r6xotREWZ5Fang/s320/fullsizeoutput_2b08.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wayne at the wheel.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>
<b>Part 1</b> - We left Bellingham on November 15. We flew Allegiant Airlines direct to Mesa, Arizona. The Tucson direct flight was no longer available. We rented a car and drove to our first destination, the <a href="https://koa.com/campgrounds/tucson-lazydays/">Lazydays KOA Resort</a> to pick up our RV waiting there for us in storage. For 36 days we explored and camp our way around southern Arizona. In mid-December, we put the RV back into storage and flew north to Bellingham for a Christmas winter break. The following posts tell the story of each of our destinations.<br />
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<b>Part 2</b> - The second leg of our trip started on January 17. We flew south again to pick up our RV from Lazydays. We spent 39 days camping in the foothills east of Phoenix. We usually attend women's college softball at Arizona State University, but that wasn't possible this year. In late February we put our RV back into storage once more and flew to Bellingham for a second break. On this leg of the trip, I did not write individual posts due to concerns back home about people traveling during Covid times.<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnPxo38EXQ1uqluAJNnQVe_jCRSxdTLnx7Q3cVbLeAWfGFm-3lT0klQil7B6rekZ-uTNZaQu5oe4wKBAqnY3zU6oAQSWUzE_NXeuCDkkP2wsg7BXX0iOMo5rJNAtfcOLIRCbW8cjOZdA/s2048/N8vL2QWsQVeC%252502zNZHAfw.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnPxo38EXQ1uqluAJNnQVe_jCRSxdTLnx7Q3cVbLeAWfGFm-3lT0klQil7B6rekZ-uTNZaQu5oe4wKBAqnY3zU6oAQSWUzE_NXeuCDkkP2wsg7BXX0iOMo5rJNAtfcOLIRCbW8cjOZdA/w400-h300/N8vL2QWsQVeC%252502zNZHAfw.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tucson Lazydays KOA Resort<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br />
<b>Part 3</b> - The last segment of our adventure started on March 30. After a short stay at Lazydays we spent 29 days between the Phoenix and Tucson regions. In late April, we put our RV in storage at Lazydays one last time and flew to Bellingham for the last time. Our Sunseeker spent the summer for a second time waiting for our return in November 2021. For this leg of the trip, I again did not write individual posts due to concerns back home about people traveling during Covid times.<br />
</p><p><b>An Unexpected Trip to Arizona</b> - We got a phone call from Lazydays that we needed to move our RV out of powered storage because they were expanding new sites into that area. One side effect of Covid has been a surge in RV purchases. We thought about asking Ryan, the owner of <a href="https://www.countrywide-rv.com/">Countrywide RV Services</a>, to move it for us. In the end, we decided to fly down for a mini-vacation in the hot June Arizona sun and drive the Sunseeker to her new spot in dry storage ourselves. To keep cooler that week, we selected one of Lazydays' covered sites.<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFTU049HRr9HUu7oZoEQ3_UuS6Xs3xYs_nldFe2tnSALXb1ibZp-HE9dEj9pmtmaA30OEH5UdLKZ9QwORQ-GORMd14lR8L2mxOY9m7LijAdOI39QWCMtUkzKEGx6P0K01kZR1FeUlfOg/s2048/fullsizeoutput_2f8f.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFTU049HRr9HUu7oZoEQ3_UuS6Xs3xYs_nldFe2tnSALXb1ibZp-HE9dEj9pmtmaA30OEH5UdLKZ9QwORQ-GORMd14lR8L2mxOY9m7LijAdOI39QWCMtUkzKEGx6P0K01kZR1FeUlfOg/w400-h300/fullsizeoutput_2f8f.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rows of solar panels provide shade for some RV sites.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p></p><p>We hope the 2021-22 will bring better Covid pandemic conditions. We will evaluate the situation before we make our final decision about the 2021-22 Snowbird RV Adventure. -- <i>Wayne and Margy</i></p>Powell River Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17580698518291129041noreply@blogger.com6Tucson, AZ, USA32.2226066 -110.9747108-8.2873779850766311 178.7127892 72.732591185076629 -40.6622108tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40985591113240940.post-88256142919389628792021-01-02T19:28:00.001-08:002021-11-27T10:26:25.922-08:002020-21 Snowbird RV Adventure: Bellingham to Tucson, Arizona<br /><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>Days 1-5</b></span></span><br /></p><p>
Well, after much debate, we decided to come to Arizona as planned for a Snowbird RV Adventure. With COVID numbers rising everywhere, we will take the same precautions here in Arizona as we did at home.</p><p>
</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5cG9i7rxwaJt3LavVJEVIXmDQWxZB-0zgKWUfwQjp8p7k4AkjpiCb7NnpFctJ7vqIbmMKai0L2aas9NxLUJfXPnwWlTg0c6UM5Hw05bFKgv_qkYvDK9a7kSqhfsPmj0abMPcFTt7Rlw/s2048/fullsizeoutput_2e94.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5cG9i7rxwaJt3LavVJEVIXmDQWxZB-0zgKWUfwQjp8p7k4AkjpiCb7NnpFctJ7vqIbmMKai0L2aas9NxLUJfXPnwWlTg0c6UM5Hw05bFKgv_qkYvDK9a7kSqhfsPmj0abMPcFTt7Rlw/s320/fullsizeoutput_2e94.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bellingham Airport wasn't crowded.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><b><span style="color: red;">November 15:</span></b> We took our first taxi in nine months. It wasn’t as scary as I feared. There was a divider between us and the driver, and we were his first ride of the day. The Bellingham airport had room to physically distance. <br /><br />
We flew <a href="https://www.allegiantair.com/">Allegiant</a> direct to Mesa, Arizona. We rented a car and drove 150 miles south to the <a href="https://koa.com/campgrounds/tucson-lazydays/?gclid=CjwKCAiAnvj9BRA4EiwAuUMDf977zZrXjgpYmXzOpR6fnGl_ERNvY8xHxsbl7aMGxdF--j6oSF8CbhoCLjwQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds">Lazydays KOA RV Resort</a> in Tucson. Wayne has former Mt. SAC students who are pilots for <a href="https://www.allegiantair.com/">Allegiant</a>, but we don’t know if they are flying with current furloughs. <br /><br />
We drove straight to the RV to check it out. The outside walk around was good. Four fully inflated tires and it wasn’t as dirty as expected. Wayne unlocked the door and I went in first. It was warm, but not overly hot. I bet it was during the summer 100+ degree temps though.</p><p>
</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5K7mfygH4aR1T-he60ODpJG3n9G8ALhrt0_6p_nuaMj6TC6Pp83b548qHA6YQdlRGfUyEYWiCgN-d20bRYEVKRiuxdA1AMHTPyLAwKb_rZ04GSP2sUie2opOiJsJjtqRrwAeQEaU5BQ/s2048/IMG_0299.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5K7mfygH4aR1T-he60ODpJG3n9G8ALhrt0_6p_nuaMj6TC6Pp83b548qHA6YQdlRGfUyEYWiCgN-d20bRYEVKRiuxdA1AMHTPyLAwKb_rZ04GSP2sUie2opOiJsJjtqRrwAeQEaU5BQ/w400-h300/IMG_0299.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The patio grass sites with privacy hedges are our favourite.</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br />
I worried about the toilet drying out. It did, but the seal was tight and we had gaven it good water flush out before we left. We tried the bedroom slide-out before we moved to make sure it worked. No problem there either. With all systems a go, we registered and moved the RV to a full hookup site with a grass patio. <br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7NnR55aKtsM4OLhkrZTLrguj7GOHdAG6VI8Nu6N482pd55Ym6d-Ht7VntkQplBHvYeNnBr-H2_6wp_N3q4dhSmiarxOBHr8uf_tqI9UKWqk2lZJlFZzemf-mDc0wemvwQ1JnmQDM5w/s2048/fullsizeoutput_2e97.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7NnR55aKtsM4OLhkrZTLrguj7GOHdAG6VI8Nu6N482pd55Ym6d-Ht7VntkQplBHvYeNnBr-H2_6wp_N3q4dhSmiarxOBHr8uf_tqI9UKWqk2lZJlFZzemf-mDc0wemvwQ1JnmQDM5w/w400-h300/fullsizeoutput_2e97.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We kept the rental car extra days for shopping and dining.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />
We set up and tested more systems. The stove burners started right up after Wayne turned on the propane. The refrigerator started in electric mode and began cooling. We’ll test the dual propane switchover before we leave. To have cool drinks, I went to the office to buy ice until the fridge gets going. It’s only in the 80s but feels hot after our cool northern weather.<br /><br />
<b><span style="color: red;">November 16-19:</span></b> I took inventory of the pantry and put together a grocery list. We kept the rental car until Thursday to make our initial stock-up easier. And we enjoyed it for a McDonald's breakfast and dinner out at the Claim Jumper one night.<p>We spent the first five days of our trip enjoying the warm sunshine outside. While I was writing in my journal at the picnic table, I had unexpected company, a <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Greater_Roadrunner/overview">road runner.</a> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6OlcAPRt8mgfnqrZNrOcwe4d-kgphtUOad9th4qr9qlA6y5jArhhNPsASn3mYtWc41cFlWejjYu1E4MH0xcuyVSkncpO_AOyBWvop_jDTAE0IJpDwsJwiCR-3cKqsYhIx4vwp0aELSw/s2048/Road+Runner.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6OlcAPRt8mgfnqrZNrOcwe4d-kgphtUOad9th4qr9qlA6y5jArhhNPsASn3mYtWc41cFlWejjYu1E4MH0xcuyVSkncpO_AOyBWvop_jDTAE0IJpDwsJwiCR-3cKqsYhIx4vwp0aELSw/w400-h400/Road+Runner.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Road Runner guest.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br />You know you're in the dessert when you see one. He had a long iridescent blue tail and didn't fly. True to his name, he ran from site to site. Meep meep! I wonder, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Road_Runner_Show">where is Wile E Coyote</a>? -- Margy<br /><br /></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXleNMLVAB8EaNZO0VY9janWAiKqYb_FR0WLyetQjOqJ-W_mhA_nCego4bt6Cxx5kqtqXeFRRmGrL3t0dLbiXQqNdiaVpEWJQ4cK8cNBfR-Oj7Ds6KHuZP7Dd2JZCKCMTCt0Dysd9_CQ/s1200/Travel+Tip+27.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="1200" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXleNMLVAB8EaNZO0VY9janWAiKqYb_FR0WLyetQjOqJ-W_mhA_nCego4bt6Cxx5kqtqXeFRRmGrL3t0dLbiXQqNdiaVpEWJQ4cK8cNBfR-Oj7Ds6KHuZP7Dd2JZCKCMTCt0Dysd9_CQ/w400-h100/Travel+Tip+27.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPD2qPjY7Jc6hZkmbyCJBfG1zdD7_pvx_v8GTThQsFRCNxfZDdI7NU3pgaI73VBz-Jc9JYo2JeI7jW2jf5IQ9M3H9xJ1haCYw3ZUSYIJ3E7aFm98L_pK3E5pzPOYYAURapsxg2NpdzHA/s2048/0jGPR8qUR1OjZm4CDuFioA.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPD2qPjY7Jc6hZkmbyCJBfG1zdD7_pvx_v8GTThQsFRCNxfZDdI7NU3pgaI73VBz-Jc9JYo2JeI7jW2jf5IQ9M3H9xJ1haCYw3ZUSYIJ3E7aFm98L_pK3E5pzPOYYAURapsxg2NpdzHA/s320/0jGPR8qUR1OjZm4CDuFioA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Here’s our Lazydays storage parking spot in Tucson, Arizona. There were two choices, one was dry storage and the other powered. Both are secure. The powered storage has electricity, water and a paved area so it could be used in an overflow situation. Selecting the powered spot kept our batteries charged, especially after an unexpected eight and a half month absence. It will also be to run our heated dehumidifiers this winter.<br /><p></p>Powell River Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17580698518291129041noreply@blogger.com3Tucson / Lazydays KOA Resort, 5151 S Country Club Rd, Tucson, AZ 85706, USA32.158967 -110.9244463.2479883295388703 -146.080696 61.069945670461124 -75.768196tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40985591113240940.post-74335741482313637032021-01-01T08:30:00.001-08:002021-11-19T16:09:19.101-08:00Snowbird RV Adventure: Lazydays to Catalina State Park<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>Days 6-7</b></span></span><br /></p>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1h0T4GIhs1OKWKIt9Z0xpoSjIEnH-IL9aorkahM1TjyO5yHo0yt89WsnK4hqjVnfXQVRoS5qU0vce7jvr7BlSsI6llhncvUs0A2Vdy4ELoEUKU1G0OjB7B9Slxj50LOF9atTvEdh9AQ/s2048/fullsizeoutput_2ea3.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1h0T4GIhs1OKWKIt9Z0xpoSjIEnH-IL9aorkahM1TjyO5yHo0yt89WsnK4hqjVnfXQVRoS5qU0vce7jvr7BlSsI6llhncvUs0A2Vdy4ELoEUKU1G0OjB7B9Slxj50LOF9atTvEdh9AQ/s320/fullsizeoutput_2ea3.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Site #A-19 at Catalina State Park.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>
<span style="color: red;"></span></p><b><span style="color: red;">November 20-21:</span></b> After a nice stay and RV shakedown at the <a href="https://koa.com/campgrounds/tucson-lazydays/">Lazydays KOA Resort</a>, we headed 25 miles north to <a href="https://azstateparks.com/catalina">Catalina State Park</a>. This popular park is at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains. It's northeast of downtown Tucson and near the trendy area of Oro Valley. <br /><br />
On the way we stopped at <a href="https://www.wildflowertucson.com/">Wildflower</a>, a wonderful cafe with an outdoor patio. Wayne and I aren't ready to eat indoors yet with COVID conditions. It's comforting that virtually everyone here is wearing masks and distancing. <br /><p></p><p>There are two campgrounds at Catalina State Park, A and B, with a total of 120 sites with power and water. Tents and RVs of all sizes are welcome. I picked Site #A-19. <br /><br />
</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtxZFS2n-UvW1mQuwos5Kqe12m9Nmbrr66PInJ6WzK05hTuYrGl06Y3oTTMlfmqh4yr0PoDcZatpG-CFrbpgc49TNnBGoSpyA0bAJvwHtTLypcBaZoC1GHb_nDu_FYEwRMIxk6BaA6Wg/s2048/fullsizeoutput_2ea4.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtxZFS2n-UvW1mQuwos5Kqe12m9Nmbrr66PInJ6WzK05hTuYrGl06Y3oTTMlfmqh4yr0PoDcZatpG-CFrbpgc49TNnBGoSpyA0bAJvwHtTLypcBaZoC1GHb_nDu_FYEwRMIxk6BaA6Wg/w400-h300/fullsizeoutput_2ea4.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A trail from the back of our site lead to the hills in the distance.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxDgbHSws9F2m077qnqtbtxxmtOB8oNpBnZLGflIFI_abAi315QTFiEl4pHhTAvmWTbaJEvF7xzpoPVDZRGE9X4kW-dndGt1sk8HcsnIZxmE8Nxtoawu_BLL8nmfqxJ_1eZupbHts26g/s2048/fullsizeoutput_2ea6.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxDgbHSws9F2m077qnqtbtxxmtOB8oNpBnZLGflIFI_abAi315QTFiEl4pHhTAvmWTbaJEvF7xzpoPVDZRGE9X4kW-dndGt1sk8HcsnIZxmE8Nxtoawu_BLL8nmfqxJ_1eZupbHts26g/s320/fullsizeoutput_2ea6.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Our site had an unobstructed view of the Catalina Mountains, and at sunset it made the granite spires glow. </p><p>This is the view front our RV's bedroom window. The Tuscon region has several desert parks with campgrounds to enjoy nature while isolating from others and socially distancing. -- Margy<br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKi1grrIr_krmk8M7wj5uphNgsFDvZm5uctcbARr4jFqxo9tlUQj2fUKOSedR0GQMiU6ZR__IhZ8Mn2epCek9J_NJFutC6XdJ7x-TJ-cqx3FG-sdxSNyQDr5GvE1Lr5aDVzvd09-HeCA/s1200/Travel+Tip+28.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="1200" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKi1grrIr_krmk8M7wj5uphNgsFDvZm5uctcbARr4jFqxo9tlUQj2fUKOSedR0GQMiU6ZR__IhZ8Mn2epCek9J_NJFutC6XdJ7x-TJ-cqx3FG-sdxSNyQDr5GvE1Lr5aDVzvd09-HeCA/w400-h100/Travel+Tip+28.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRolh_whTzZC3qhXMMWCKGxhHseJrmhdwHPXdGqN0TwhKr_bn2EqjSbaDaYmH50qa3UryhmKm0Pnths53vH95yZfDNEOihJ5BybbRLMmQmWpNf8onWLeO-YBF1pM-PCJIxPKQ0fwYUSg/s1362/Catalina+Reservation.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1252" data-original-width="1362" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRolh_whTzZC3qhXMMWCKGxhHseJrmhdwHPXdGqN0TwhKr_bn2EqjSbaDaYmH50qa3UryhmKm0Pnths53vH95yZfDNEOihJ5BybbRLMmQmWpNf8onWLeO-YBF1pM-PCJIxPKQ0fwYUSg/w200-h184/Catalina+Reservation.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Six months ago we made reservations for our Snowbird RV Adventure destinations in Arizona. That way we could get the best spots for camping. <p></p><p>When you are going to popular seasonal locations, reservations are highly recommended. This is especially true of warm southern destinations in the winter, and cooler northern camping spots in the summer.</p><p>Here's how I make my choices when I am going to a new park. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh67uJec2cvgbWzVZUIl7gHAV6t5xDWFb00EVJ-qK8dV6wLsovaXpelavKmJJlMS-Ms_4nlfrPJmeodicE09M3VoAcq5pTezYAXnno2TD1RISVCp8WL6oFEBBOjrtCDSsyyXZJRfmoBuA/s1606/Catalina+Google+Map.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1116" data-original-width="1606" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh67uJec2cvgbWzVZUIl7gHAV6t5xDWFb00EVJ-qK8dV6wLsovaXpelavKmJJlMS-Ms_4nlfrPJmeodicE09M3VoAcq5pTezYAXnno2TD1RISVCp8WL6oFEBBOjrtCDSsyyXZJRfmoBuA/w200-h139/Catalina+Google+Map.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>First I use the online reservation system to review sites that are open. Then I look at the amenities listed. To finalize my choice, I look at the park using Google Maps in satellite view. That way I can see what the surroundings look like and if the site has the privacy I want. Here are copies of the maps I used to select site #A-19 at Catalina State Park. -- Margy<br /><p></p>Powell River Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17580698518291129041noreply@blogger.com511570 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ 85737, USA32.436433 -110.909647-7.7389715567472734 178.777853 72.611837556747275 -40.597147000000007tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40985591113240940.post-2653746309369175272020-12-30T04:30:00.001-08:002021-11-19T16:03:44.009-08:00Snowbird RV Adventure: Catalina State Park Hikes<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>Days 8-9</b></span></span></p><p>
</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGApgRtn4AL7BDW8MVevGn2BPZ5cP55aYd9e8fmxQK5ObkW2qB8BgNGFSzMdMvDlefagJ3LB1eCJkXI9E5HLEU_t8xtPX4gcO2XPztFJYaU41qHgm_nIakb4UwCioOPezsrIU5oCjE2w/s2048/fullsizeoutput_2eae.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGApgRtn4AL7BDW8MVevGn2BPZ5cP55aYd9e8fmxQK5ObkW2qB8BgNGFSzMdMvDlefagJ3LB1eCJkXI9E5HLEU_t8xtPX4gcO2XPztFJYaU41qHgm_nIakb4UwCioOPezsrIU5oCjE2w/s320/fullsizeoutput_2eae.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking the Romero Ruins Trail.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="color: red;"><b>November 22:</b></span> The first hike we took at <a href="https://azstateparks.com/catalina">Catalina State Park</a> was the 3/4 mile Romero Ruins Trail loop. The first and last sections of the trail are on relatively level ground at the base of the Catalina Mountain Range. There was one rise in elevation that was negotiated by railroad tie stairs.</p><p>I enjoy learning about the history of the places we visit. Maybe it's the old college history major still in me. <a href="https://azstateparks.com/catalina/explore/park-history">Catalina has lots of ancient and more recent history</a> to share. <br /><br /></p><p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBhuB88J84L4c67cRWFsVNbtcwCunA9KNrLYsALyWBBvZuYNbqCyvzbmm6Dz9Z9t6PcoIvcMjcGdCqtrh4tnuJz5C_x_J4Lq-mqtx-FS-FOH1bcQmngP2Toz0IQZ7MbInEsZNwVoGWMA/s2048/Romero+Trail+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBhuB88J84L4c67cRWFsVNbtcwCunA9KNrLYsALyWBBvZuYNbqCyvzbmm6Dz9Z9t6PcoIvcMjcGdCqtrh4tnuJz5C_x_J4Lq-mqtx-FS-FOH1bcQmngP2Toz0IQZ7MbInEsZNwVoGWMA/w400-h400/Romero+Trail+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>The ruins were from two widely spaced eras. There was a Hohokam native village dating back to about 500 A.D. Depressions indicated where homes once stood and mounds were trash middens. There was an area used for ball courts similar to those found in Yucatan ruins in Mexico, only much smaller. The 15-acre site was encircled by a stone wall, remnants can be seen in the upper left photo below.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidRdpxVoqy-5Q3BA_r5dedOEUpvHge4QjySS4RBYzNY-cSuJFENdB_-HQiiRwsRiwqVLL-IYJ19AhKynT25nHjAg-PIB3FgQG36KpdJ1-3vUCGGH9uRlsMtlLZV_rD2C_sDTgSTbZp9w/s2048/Romero+Ruins+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidRdpxVoqy-5Q3BA_r5dedOEUpvHge4QjySS4RBYzNY-cSuJFENdB_-HQiiRwsRiwqVLL-IYJ19AhKynT25nHjAg-PIB3FgQG36KpdJ1-3vUCGGH9uRlsMtlLZV_rD2C_sDTgSTbZp9w/w400-h400/Romero+Ruins+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Fabian Romero homesteaded and ranched in the same location as the former Hohokam village. His ranch land covered 4800 acres, but his home and buildings were here on the bluff overlooking Canada del Oro lands below. The remains of a homestead foundation are in the lower left photo above.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWxkYtyMC5MvXnmaujrsCc0NbCnP5A4GyxdZiINAEfWIEUmdRzhwJ0VRfU1ViAUnwezA7mYvUbG3_1L4uOsUdAOeAYGGaqL-99dySF8GS6skHlJd2L2sSAe6tt4t8F9RpolJV10M1lpQ/s2048/fullsizeoutput_2ea7.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWxkYtyMC5MvXnmaujrsCc0NbCnP5A4GyxdZiINAEfWIEUmdRzhwJ0VRfU1ViAUnwezA7mYvUbG3_1L4uOsUdAOeAYGGaqL-99dySF8GS6skHlJd2L2sSAe6tt4t8F9RpolJV10M1lpQ/w400-h300/fullsizeoutput_2ea7.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p>On the way back, we saw a beautiful <a href="https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-resources/astronomy-questions-answers/why-are-sundogs-called-by-that-name/">sundog</a>. It may be warm down here on the surface in Arizona, but there are ice crystals up there in the clouds to make this colourful display.</p><p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZmthXMKZxWvrJTnOakdWMt72LrKpNBLnEKMzkCK-dQhFC2Uxsc0CdCWK2uVvxHVThTky-40H1koUlu25HSs3V3bom6v1Z-Lcj_oX_tgUWXSVXgtz2ft8Krxu0LRVWWbSA3_pdtFcDSw/s2048/B8mTaj%252BcQEmPSFPpVsgoxw.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZmthXMKZxWvrJTnOakdWMt72LrKpNBLnEKMzkCK-dQhFC2Uxsc0CdCWK2uVvxHVThTky-40H1koUlu25HSs3V3bom6v1Z-Lcj_oX_tgUWXSVXgtz2ft8Krxu0LRVWWbSA3_pdtFcDSw/s320/B8mTaj%252BcQEmPSFPpVsgoxw.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><b><span style="color: red;">November 23:</span></b> The next day we took an <a href="https://azstateparks.com/catalina/things-to-do/trails">easy walking trail</a> from the campground to the <a href="https://azstateparks.com/catalina/explore/facility-information">park's equestrian center</a> where there's a staging area for people with horses to park trailers, enter the park's extensive multi-use trail system, and even camp with their horses nearby.</p><p>We waited until almost sunset to walk the half mile to see the facility and return to our campsite to make dinner. </p><p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUoxMTCuu3t43X6i2QvDSFfRg36q1RT78W1AuiX6jaHxRNXJT_Fuj2-p52fwVZTMdElj5k3Hv4Fl1j-9rS2en-FVl2GgNLOFLehQ49nsz7UkoMXcoOr3-VKId0e5FptcZzxQ0YBHC2Dg/s2048/fullsizeoutput_2eb0.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUoxMTCuu3t43X6i2QvDSFfRg36q1RT78W1AuiX6jaHxRNXJT_Fuj2-p52fwVZTMdElj5k3Hv4Fl1j-9rS2en-FVl2GgNLOFLehQ49nsz7UkoMXcoOr3-VKId0e5FptcZzxQ0YBHC2Dg/w400-h300/fullsizeoutput_2eb0.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />On the way the low sun angles made the Catalina Mountains in the distance glow. -- Margy<br /><p></p><p></p>Powell River Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17580698518291129041noreply@blogger.com411570 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ 85737, USA32.436433 -110.9096474.1261991638211555 -146.065897 60.746666836178846 -75.753397tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40985591113240940.post-27516962583622072822020-12-26T18:28:00.000-08:002021-11-19T16:07:28.777-08:00Snowbird RV Adventure: Back to Lazydays then Patagonia Lake State Park<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>Days 10-13</b></span></span><br /></p>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT5_J-FCdAsO5noxnNHSn9C-poZS2IsF2X8gER2d6FrOfXwPl3XnQRmABogm87SGCei49g5S1oZANf6i81EV6YtnU82dGh1AgOewZpS9RRTC6ff3soGNpkrwBwCwzUwcAYRBLzJ1BKyg/s2048/fullsizeoutput_2ebe.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT5_J-FCdAsO5noxnNHSn9C-poZS2IsF2X8gER2d6FrOfXwPl3XnQRmABogm87SGCei49g5S1oZANf6i81EV6YtnU82dGh1AgOewZpS9RRTC6ff3soGNpkrwBwCwzUwcAYRBLzJ1BKyg/s320/fullsizeoutput_2ebe.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lazydays has shady spots covered by solar panels.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>
<b><span style="color: red;">November 24-27:</span></b> At Catalina, a tooth started hurting. It's been a problem, but never this bad. My dentist back in Bellingham recommended finding a local dentist. I Googled emergency dentist and found <a href="https://www.tucsonspectrumdentistry.com/">Tucson Spectrum Dentistry</a>. </p><p>I got a same day appointment! Dr. Roberts couldn't find the source, but gave me antibiotics for a suspected infection. If you are in Tucson with a dental problem, I can't recommend his high tech office enough.</p><p>My dental issue made a return to Lazydays the best option.</p>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlb-6inokqhzd4flVKZxgBbwwWXaVETEtCrhX_okINkQAB6-6fjiomIUhD7UTF3V1xH6oO5pS54l1K1yFuO2gMDtu_iZmvWx9_hFDlzkJqk1MmHZIxpXB6Q5p_0M27__H1UMQsRseSnw/s2048/R9emSKZCQTOs%2525ojzUJXCHQ.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlb-6inokqhzd4flVKZxgBbwwWXaVETEtCrhX_okINkQAB6-6fjiomIUhD7UTF3V1xH6oO5pS54l1K1yFuO2gMDtu_iZmvWx9_hFDlzkJqk1MmHZIxpXB6Q5p_0M27__H1UMQsRseSnw/s320/R9emSKZCQTOs%2525ojzUJXCHQ.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We cancelled at <a href="http://www.tombstonervparkandcampground.com/">Tombstone RV Park</a>. Even on the same day they didn't charge us. We'll be adding them to our April travel schedule for sure.<p></p>At <a href="https://koa.com/campgrounds/tucson-lazydays/">Lazydays KOA</a> we picked a covered spot. Our neighbours had a Thanksgiving get-together with lots of people. We stayed distanced, but the host brought us a turkey plate with all the trimmings. We saved our BBQ salmon and enjoyed their thoughtful gesture.<br /><br />
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>Days 14-15</b></span></span><br /></p><p>
</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGiJnrTks7SQyONvRF4wG4h92Y6EKBR9rb_GgncD20sqB8IlP2OO7j9c1PPC2Y4jTuD-DJjZF10EQHGQVKapgJ5K86EYzJ7YOnSDY3D8vG5H9iHKGnLzQFwOBOGCv-NE7Utw_7NM7DPA/s2048/fullsizeoutput_2ec7.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGiJnrTks7SQyONvRF4wG4h92Y6EKBR9rb_GgncD20sqB8IlP2OO7j9c1PPC2Y4jTuD-DJjZF10EQHGQVKapgJ5K86EYzJ7YOnSDY3D8vG5H9iHKGnLzQFwOBOGCv-NE7Utw_7NM7DPA/s320/fullsizeoutput_2ec7.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Western style Steak Out Restaurant in Sonoita.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><b><span style="color: red;">November 28-29:</span></b> My tooth was better so we continued south to <a href="https://azstateparks.com/patagonia-lake/">Patagonia Lake State Park</a>. We drove through foothills on Highway 83 and took a break for a takeout burger at <a href="http://www.azsteakout.com/">The Steak Out</a>. This is free-range cattle country. Their specialty is steak and samples in a case looked succulent. Someday we want to return for one.<p></p><p>Highway 82 took us to the park. It's only 70 miles south of Tucson but feels worlds away. I <a href="https://azstateparks.com/reserve/patagonia-lake/camping/">made reservations six months ago</a> online so we had prime lakefront site #19.</p>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoROtBEhzB8hW_I9Apq4acxBYrWtlKZspFJ6ib0GS-8EF1MlNMmYShCUiaCKHIOOhoSM__oq5L5UKNhK4t1iZEKMSP02JT9xiKg4uMxcbMYrMU1r_IN66uLj30-CZMdnOiQyK9s-C1RA/s2048/fullsizeoutput_2ecf.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoROtBEhzB8hW_I9Apq4acxBYrWtlKZspFJ6ib0GS-8EF1MlNMmYShCUiaCKHIOOhoSM__oq5L5UKNhK4t1iZEKMSP02JT9xiKg4uMxcbMYrMU1r_IN66uLj30-CZMdnOiQyK9s-C1RA/w400-h300/fullsizeoutput_2ecf.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Site #19 at Patagonia Lake State Park<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>
<br />Patagonia Lake is in a valley surrounded by rolling hills covered with grasses, and <a href="https://arizonadailyindependent.com/2013/07/07/mesquite-trees-provide-food-fuel-medicine-and-more/">mesquite</a> and <a href="https://azstateparks.com/sonoita-creek/explore/science">cottonwood trees</a> along the shore and nearby<a href="https://azstateparks.com/sonoita-creek/explore/science"> Sonoita Creek</a>.<br /></p>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmIHcC0g-axQx4cayMlqHzEAVOCX8gNvkfMZ2Js3yj4FP6nvZO6_cilpHf82Hs6D2e0gHEt5s4QM5Hqlj8PZltWywLGB_zaiEGwMZyah2JKhKg0LKNzzX8KujxzZWNqr-Zh6JrRciXfg/s2048/fullsizeoutput_2ec9.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmIHcC0g-axQx4cayMlqHzEAVOCX8gNvkfMZ2Js3yj4FP6nvZO6_cilpHf82Hs6D2e0gHEt5s4QM5Hqlj8PZltWywLGB_zaiEGwMZyah2JKhKg0LKNzzX8KujxzZWNqr-Zh6JrRciXfg/w400-h300/fullsizeoutput_2ec9.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patagonia Lake is a refuge for humans and birds alike.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />
Patagonia Lake is popular in all seasons. Fall and winter draws RVers and campers wanting sun and warmth. Spring and summer are especially <a href="https://www.visitskyislands.com/birding-in-patagonia/">popular with bird watchers</a>. Watersports on a hot summer day are a huge draw.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjppwdZXRV_KZfc67Mxnwvg86jKu78hJkAA59JpU4RI1LJIzBItu254V5rs6UDKLMpWORGKCz5XtxTWSjNshlWUDU0h6jz26kPr2LC7fHXONsjE8Fl79V3qJLxKmngc3NNRXOu-JU04Gw/s2048/fullsizeoutput_2ed0.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjppwdZXRV_KZfc67Mxnwvg86jKu78hJkAA59JpU4RI1LJIzBItu254V5rs6UDKLMpWORGKCz5XtxTWSjNshlWUDU0h6jz26kPr2LC7fHXONsjE8Fl79V3qJLxKmngc3NNRXOu-JU04Gw/s320/fullsizeoutput_2ed0.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The <a href="https://azstateparks.com/patagonia-lake/on-the-water/boating">Patagonia Marina offers</a> canoe, rowboat, paddle boat and pontoon boat rentals. Water-access only campsites would be fun. A boat launch ramp and ample trailer parking allows boat owners easy access. </p><p>Seasonal weekend pontoon boat tours from October to April look like fun. We are returning in January and April so we will check that out ourselves. -- Margy</p><p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6P1vzfCd-MREq2fAY8uhHA-wG1lwxd1WL9r5ADiLk1ZRifkAIo78nYuIN4Gtjv97eXyDw0p7J2pbTJEg82HGJY7M8M4DFWkAn4eQVboBVgUIleGrVhcqixnkU1Zqvmx2zJnvb3x8rKQ/s1200/Travel+Tip+29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="1200" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6P1vzfCd-MREq2fAY8uhHA-wG1lwxd1WL9r5ADiLk1ZRifkAIo78nYuIN4Gtjv97eXyDw0p7J2pbTJEg82HGJY7M8M4DFWkAn4eQVboBVgUIleGrVhcqixnkU1Zqvmx2zJnvb3x8rKQ/w400-h100/Travel+Tip+29.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGFGdQ9EfYBr3wfIIrgqUoYQMHRQ5mEdiMv82doDS26cUE9tKJiTq0mYwmT2htXOVkaww-fB8YBLfXTUQyyEhksikMrnk-5nFyyZepnsH180JyFboglR-xJ0jOpZQEj2lxCzn6C0vQ2Q/s2048/f1wZ5%252BIfQAix70HfOx98sQ.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGFGdQ9EfYBr3wfIIrgqUoYQMHRQ5mEdiMv82doDS26cUE9tKJiTq0mYwmT2htXOVkaww-fB8YBLfXTUQyyEhksikMrnk-5nFyyZepnsH180JyFboglR-xJ0jOpZQEj2lxCzn6C0vQ2Q/w200-h150/f1wZ5%252BIfQAix70HfOx98sQ.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Wayne and I stock our RV with emergency supplies including extra medications, a first aid kit, and prescription medicines such as antibiotics, EpiPens and pain medication for immediate emergencies. If something major occurs, we alter our plans and head to a city with emergency dental and medical services. <p></p><p>On this leg of our trip, I had a dental emergency. We diverted to Tucson and stayed there long enough to ensure my issue was better before continuing our trip. Check your insurance plans to make sure you can get the care you need where you plan to travel. Living isn't worry free, but if you plan ahead it's much easier. -- Margy<br /></p><p></p><p></p>Powell River Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17580698518291129041noreply@blogger.com10Patagonia Lake State Park, 400 Patagonia Lake Rd, Nogales, AZ 85621, USA31.488333 -110.85381-7.97111665783655 178.83369 70.947782657836555 -40.541309999999996tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40985591113240940.post-62122999201842321522020-12-24T08:30:00.000-08:002021-11-19T16:11:55.114-08:00Snowbird RV Adventure: Patagonia Lake State Park Walks and Hikes<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>Days 16-17</b></span></span><br /></p><p>
<b><span style="color: red;"></span></b></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhQXQ-H2w1Vjye3l-ojvutncMRYyVu75neKnstczVu8mq1a2RsBQeEVG4aCMWEZqBtEa2CowYlyEM_N1ZhyphenhyphencEbzoTmiMx63_qu55-2x8AzdLx-mvMXD4TgJHAaWnzGQFtjcazL7sfOTw/s2048/fullsizeoutput_2eca.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhQXQ-H2w1Vjye3l-ojvutncMRYyVu75neKnstczVu8mq1a2RsBQeEVG4aCMWEZqBtEa2CowYlyEM_N1ZhyphenhyphencEbzoTmiMx63_qu55-2x8AzdLx-mvMXD4TgJHAaWnzGQFtjcazL7sfOTw/s320/fullsizeoutput_2eca.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Site #19 wide view.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><b><span style="color: red;">November 30:</span></b> One thing that Wayne and I love to do is walk through the campgrounds where we stay. I carry a map of the park and mark the best sites for future reference. I keep a copy of the annotated map in my Trip Journal to use for reservations for upcoming stays. Wayne enjoys looking at all of the different RV makes, models and styles.<p></p><p>We came to the conclusion that our site #19 was the best, but it wasn't available for January and April. I used the reservation map to find open sites then we walked them to check location, privacy and how level the pad was. We settled on #35 for January and #8 for April. Both are in the East Campground which we prefer. It's smaller and the sites are more private.<br /></p><p>We love our little <a href="https://margylutz.blogspot.com/2019/04/wayne-and-margys-new-rv-trip-log-3.html">25' Forest River Sunseeker</a>, but checking out what others use is fun and sometimes amusing. Small is the best for us for driving and parking, yet ample inside space and amenities. We aren't full-timers so we don't need a huge Class A or fifth-wheel trailer.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDXnHOb9se7mSzDZASiTEkAHxlHBejmYBDNOW9eZK8W5IPv4UjixTdM6PEGZzICu4Jlq6A1jGVAXa3d3uwS13pYLHyqXxr9L_dk7K9Jp6lGrcFVAHEktvSvfryfqlvkgLH_tretOKr9g/s2048/fullsizeoutput_2ed2.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDXnHOb9se7mSzDZASiTEkAHxlHBejmYBDNOW9eZK8W5IPv4UjixTdM6PEGZzICu4Jlq6A1jGVAXa3d3uwS13pYLHyqXxr9L_dk7K9Jp6lGrcFVAHEktvSvfryfqlvkgLH_tretOKr9g/w400-h300/fullsizeoutput_2ed2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Gila Woodpecker drilling a Mesquite Tree at our site.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>
<a href="https://azstateparks.com/patagonia-lake">Patagonia State Park</a> has a camp store. On our two campground walks, we stopped to get a <a href="https://www.bluebunny.com/flavor/king-size-cone-bunny-tracks">Blue Bunny King Size Bunny Tracks Cone</a>. It's the best commercial ice cream cone available. Good thing we don't have a store handy every day to get one, they are addicting!<br /><br />
</p><p><b><span style="color: red;">December 1: </span></b>On our last day we took the Sonoita Creek Trail that starts at the east end of the East Campground. The trail skirts the end of Patagonia Lake then follows Sonoita Creek. There is a loop at the end of the trail so you get the chance to see both aquatic and inland areas. Except for one section with railroad tie stairs, it's a flat walk.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1rkyia35THYZj0jscSTqpvGAtQDNlDZZSNCsIe9QbDxSy3YNUdVt6h3Z-otcplOuYIKGxVRqJ8AaCahRmGnWxheQvG7m9ED0FCm7TwlT-a_Fp3hut58p0qx82b5tRn4gSIj8oJpfFsw/s2048/Sonoita+Trail.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1rkyia35THYZj0jscSTqpvGAtQDNlDZZSNCsIe9QbDxSy3YNUdVt6h3Z-otcplOuYIKGxVRqJ8AaCahRmGnWxheQvG7m9ED0FCm7TwlT-a_Fp3hut58p0qx82b5tRn4gSIj8oJpfFsw/w400-h400/Sonoita+Trail.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>
The mushroom on the right looks like a mature Oyster Mushroom. What do you think?</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhELJ8q_uAmqsxSS0EOc6tkGKW5Uo7112aha0TUQgCb1ZxJNFtPuPixyV87vAeirGHpwrN1-YzVf6oE6WRHLXtjwsLiFeV0ZpPt8Qa9-ihnWv7MUXhi8ckpRiCD6v2F0pDCESSC3J4OGw/s2048/7ZCgmQu6T36N8lE8wAsagg.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhELJ8q_uAmqsxSS0EOc6tkGKW5Uo7112aha0TUQgCb1ZxJNFtPuPixyV87vAeirGHpwrN1-YzVf6oE6WRHLXtjwsLiFeV0ZpPt8Qa9-ihnWv7MUXhi8ckpRiCD6v2F0pDCESSC3J4OGw/w400-h300/7ZCgmQu6T36N8lE8wAsagg.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sonoita Creek with water running in December.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>It's a bird watcher's paradise. <a href="https://d2umhuunwbec1r.cloudfront.net/gallery/0004/0028/17DF64E23591439BB8D65B9389E5CF2F/20201129%20birds.pdf">Here's a list</a> of what can be expected. But at mid-day we saw more birds in our campsite than on the trail.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHHa76xHq838RsWWmFo9mHDZDhw3i0jpf1Wlrvgv_RbGvp6gqlGcWJmbbaeJNzmaE5LUzUjU1hfd1z0jwtbYFxtt-77TgbxFP1LsR1LREfgV-3aob0ZpnkZoFgVS_1pTeoUPDNqxxuA/s2048/fullsizeoutput_2ed1.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHHa76xHq838RsWWmFo9mHDZDhw3i0jpf1Wlrvgv_RbGvp6gqlGcWJmbbaeJNzmaE5LUzUjU1hfd1z0jwtbYFxtt-77TgbxFP1LsR1LREfgV-3aob0ZpnkZoFgVS_1pTeoUPDNqxxuA/w400-h300/fullsizeoutput_2ed1.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wayne has a Roadrunner come to visit. Beep Beep!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>There's also the <a href="https://azstateparks.com/sonoita-creek/">Sonoita Creek State Natural Area</a> near the park
entrance. It has eight miles of trail to explore. This trail is open to
hikers and horseback riders We'll try this one in the future.</p><p>We loved our stay so much we scheduled two more stays this Snowbird RV Adventure season. If you would like to check out Patagonia State Park in more detail, here is a link to a <a href="https://d2umhuunwbec1r.cloudfront.net/gallery/0004/0028/08B68CF022684542AF69EBB3AC956D09/Copy%20of%20PALA_Park%20Map_2020_Fall_FINAL_01.pdf">park brochure and map</a>. -- Margy </p><p></p><p></p>Powell River Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17580698518291129041noreply@blogger.com8Patagonia Lake State Park, 400 Patagonia Lake Rd, Nogales, AZ 85621, USA31.488333 -110.853813.1780991638211553 -146.01006 59.79856683617885 -75.69756tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40985591113240940.post-17991938308682905602020-12-22T08:30:00.000-08:002021-11-19T16:13:34.639-08:00Snowbird RV Adventure: Patagonia to Pima County Fairgrounds RV Park<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>Days 18-19</b></span></span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkucnXsqf7-ipE-rhQYBFjVar-KyUx5LZvLpOXqW7fGSgRg9W90Hd6WDF5M0eLmkiL4aU30jBQwj6zHwOLFQ4M9t-XYgFZ1IgFn67Zd-yDB_GPVtgh3ep4FnToRkX6n071_OW2MPi6Tw/s2048/fullsizeoutput_2ec5.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkucnXsqf7-ipE-rhQYBFjVar-KyUx5LZvLpOXqW7fGSgRg9W90Hd6WDF5M0eLmkiL4aU30jBQwj6zHwOLFQ4M9t-XYgFZ1IgFn67Zd-yDB_GPVtgh3ep4FnToRkX6n071_OW2MPi6Tw/s320/fullsizeoutput_2ec5.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></b></div><b><span style="color: red;">December 2:</span></b> It was hard to leave Patagonia Lake State Park after only four days. We enjoyed it so much we are scheduled to return twice more during our 2020-21 Snowbird RV Adventure. <p></p><p>To get to our next destination, the <a href="https://www.the-rvpark.com/">Pima County Fairgrounds RV Park</a>, we retraced our route up Arizona Highway 82 through Sonoita then Highway 83 north. This time we had to go through the U.S. Border Patrol immigration inspection checkpoint outside of Sonoita. Things like that are scary for me.</p><p></p><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSuVYFSFZ9ntqtRMsgrAJ_Y09rnG9r-LHoqkwb7jD5e4NJS7lao3G7Zl_STQ80xDGulJLEXyF1apipwEVnAvHRuhNeBVxMePCB2p9VdPMxRfa4MPGAxkRdvGmuRQhn-NNabgJqy4H8bw/s2048/fullsizeoutput_2ec6.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSuVYFSFZ9ntqtRMsgrAJ_Y09rnG9r-LHoqkwb7jD5e4NJS7lao3G7Zl_STQ80xDGulJLEXyF1apipwEVnAvHRuhNeBVxMePCB2p9VdPMxRfa4MPGAxkRdvGmuRQhn-NNabgJqy4H8bw/s320/fullsizeoutput_2ec6.jpeg" width="320" /></a>Highway 83 has a twisty, hilly section. On a tight curve our anti-locking brake system warning came on. I read the manual while Wayne found a turnout. We followed the directions, but it wouldn't reset. We called <a href="https://www.orielly.com/">O'Reilly Chevy</a> in Tucson. We would need to leave the RV for a few days. It took half an hour to pack for a hotel stay. When we got back on the road, the system reset. Next time we'll know to be patient. We called and cancelled.<br /><p></p><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAU74kYiFMwLj6YWsHXhjYAyVaCubVq8le0MKqPW0rwmsMx9fPzV-c6HZTyq021VM1UQKdySoB7RJDd3lA9HgbvofQHuwPiV8ANazzIJtVD6r3Ppfjpe0meuw4AtzBtFztEwlFF4zNAQ/s2048/fullsizeoutput_2ed3.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAU74kYiFMwLj6YWsHXhjYAyVaCubVq8le0MKqPW0rwmsMx9fPzV-c6HZTyq021VM1UQKdySoB7RJDd3lA9HgbvofQHuwPiV8ANazzIJtVD6r3Ppfjpe0meuw4AtzBtFztEwlFF4zNAQ/s320/fullsizeoutput_2ed3.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Distancing was easy in the almost empty park.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>When we got to the Fairgrounds and checked in, it was evident that COVID-19 has taken a toll. There were only a handful of RVs in their large 350 site facility. <p>The camp host told us last year's fair was cancelled and they still don't know about the 2021 season. Most public activities have been put on hold as well. They are hanging on, but just barely. We were happy to help with our small site fee of $54 for two nights with full hookups.</p><p></p><p><br />
</p><p><b><span style="color: red;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUp0e2SSB8i_cfjNh51lafRspcUr8zji406WpTJwRFsVGT3b-VvXsQsu3J2kdS1L9uRljE7tpbjd95YwV8rxp8XxdD8Z3Hki3VY-pxAtsMVs9Tj13lf6tecM1xRzubS2zHT225dJsO6w/s1330/Screen+Shot+2020-12-07+at+4.19.44+PM.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="1330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUp0e2SSB8i_cfjNh51lafRspcUr8zji406WpTJwRFsVGT3b-VvXsQsu3J2kdS1L9uRljE7tpbjd95YwV8rxp8XxdD8Z3Hki3VY-pxAtsMVs9Tj13lf6tecM1xRzubS2zHT225dJsO6w/s320/Screen+Shot+2020-12-07+at+4.19.44+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></b></div><b><span style="color: red;">December 3:</span></b> We've come to <a href="https://www.goodsam.com/campgrounds-rv-parks/arizona/tucson/the-rv-park-at-the-pima-county-fairgrounds-201131646/">Pima Fairgrounds</a> three years in a row. The <a href="https://margylutz.blogspot.com/search?q=pima">first was in a rental RV</a> in 2019. We came specifically to attend the <a href="https://www.lamesarv.com/">La Mesa RV Show</a>. Attending RV shows is a great way to see what different makes and models have to offer. Their shows are once a month and we've been three times. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jkS-WnZq_SkQQUKjUDihaN5kp27W2Se95Ey6jJQf-m5w1x304WYnTUHQpqR_9J_KMIl-R0pcD0t1EPN23-etcf31WwtdlmosnkidqgWDzy2IPlXVNkZT0xJ6mx-yDg5S53BnFDWPBw/s2048/fullsizeoutput_2ecc.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jkS-WnZq_SkQQUKjUDihaN5kp27W2Se95Ey6jJQf-m5w1x304WYnTUHQpqR_9J_KMIl-R0pcD0t1EPN23-etcf31WwtdlmosnkidqgWDzy2IPlXVNkZT0xJ6mx-yDg5S53BnFDWPBw/w200-h150/fullsizeoutput_2ecc.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>During the night we had another RV incident. The built-in propane heater quit generating heat. To stay warm, we used our portable electric heater. <p></p><p>Thanks to a recommendation from our good friend Dave in Powell River, we always carry one. It's also an easy way to warm the RV in the morning when we have an electric hookup.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguYkW7rmWERQR9-dFLZnN3SdXBCln7kM4Lxv6nbW-dLhR1oNBdMKxhojSpudTw5WTSdbEW3lIoou9dPR1cXCWOjW4VvT1yV6sd8TTOOysBHpgaV-kSmhweCyhZznZxq46tlcl7WamiYw/s2048/fullsizeoutput_2ee2.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguYkW7rmWERQR9-dFLZnN3SdXBCln7kM4Lxv6nbW-dLhR1oNBdMKxhojSpudTw5WTSdbEW3lIoou9dPR1cXCWOjW4VvT1yV6sd8TTOOysBHpgaV-kSmhweCyhZznZxq46tlcl7WamiYw/w400-h300/fullsizeoutput_2ee2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pima Fairgrounds RV Park headquarters with propane available.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table> <p></p><p>We called the Lazydays RV dealer (next door to the KOA). They didn't have a maintenance opening until January 9. I called the KOA to get a recommendation for a mobile tech. They recommended <a href="https://www.countrywide-rv.com/">Ryan of Country Wide RV Services</a>. He had an opening on Saturday, two days away. We changed our plans and made an appointment to meet up with him at Lazydays. </p><p>Camping at Gilbert Ray in Tucson Mountain Park would have to wait for two days. RVing has taught us to be flexible, especially so on this trip. -- Margy<br /></p><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjDWv440YpBIsySylkDAznAqX2vZZnzwwZbtlZJikioAG9UfiMw7TIIidZp5I_wY94ZMXNnupOXgJudZ1gZTyRqxOWJGEw0XIDVPhzw6nTFOqpcvCUgNL7HYB2aHWPDgcUfTNrzhXgMg/s1200/Travel+Tip+26.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="1200" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjDWv440YpBIsySylkDAznAqX2vZZnzwwZbtlZJikioAG9UfiMw7TIIidZp5I_wY94ZMXNnupOXgJudZ1gZTyRqxOWJGEw0XIDVPhzw6nTFOqpcvCUgNL7HYB2aHWPDgcUfTNrzhXgMg/w400-h100/Travel+Tip+26.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcUogbU79tIZvoGh6f7tCYISFiXCGwm4j7TN-nF6I5QDA-020HfFzy3Nwb-PEX-DLlLmdNJrGCLcJ33POS0vbjnMDiWKa5eqrUXjkUQQ_SxPmo3kW9spxHMdi3rk4KTQt1et91r6HL8w/s1613/fullsizeoutput_2ee5.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1310" data-original-width="1613" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcUogbU79tIZvoGh6f7tCYISFiXCGwm4j7TN-nF6I5QDA-020HfFzy3Nwb-PEX-DLlLmdNJrGCLcJ33POS0vbjnMDiWKa5eqrUXjkUQQ_SxPmo3kW9spxHMdi3rk4KTQt1et91r6HL8w/s320/fullsizeoutput_2ee5.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Right now RV sales are up. They are a great way to get out in a safe, distanced manner. <a href="https://margylutz.blogspot.com/2019/04/wayne-and-margys-new-rv-adventure.html">We purchased our 25' Forest River Sunseeker at an RV show</a> at Bellis Fair Mall next door to our Bellingham condo in 2019. If you are interested in RVs, I highly recommend looking at a variety of makes and models at shows and dealers. I also recommend <a href="https://margylutz.blogspot.com/2019/02/wayne-and-margys-rental-rv-adventure.html">renting one for a camping test</a>. That will help you pick the size and style that best fits your needs. - Margy<br /><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p>Powell River Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17580698518291129041noreply@blogger.com311300 S Houghton Rd, Tucson, AZ 85747, USA32.0446027 -110.7834165-7.5612788370627939 178.9040835 71.650484237062784 -40.4709165