Hanging Out in Ironwood Picnic Area in Tucson Mountain Park

Day 11

November 24: 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. 

We decided to wait at the Ironwood Picnic Area before we left Tucson Mountain Park.

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. 

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.

A private site at Ironwood Picnic Area in Tucson Mountain Park.

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.

A Cactus Wren visits us at Ironwood Picnic Area.

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 Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association sponsors free dark sky star parties here. -- Margy

Snowbird RV Adventure: Night Sky Watch at Lazydays and Ft. Huachuca

My last post included a teaser about getting a telescope to use on our RV travels. Here's the rest of the story.

Tucson has two telescope stores, Starizona and Stellar Vision. Wednesday morning we went to nearby Stellar Vision.

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.

There were telescopes of every type and size, so many it was impossible to count.

A few of the telescopes available at Stellar Vision.

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.

Wayne reviewing a refurbish 5" Celestron Nexstar.

Frank was working on a used 5" Celestron Nexstar. 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.

Wayne setting up his telescope to safely view sunspots with a filter.

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.

Wayne observing deep sky objects at Ft. Huachuca.

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.

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.

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

Snowbird RV Adventure: Tucson to Ft. Huachuca to Rockhound State Park

Days 9-13

Apache Flats
Ft. Huachuca
Army Base

April 4-7: 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 Apache Flats 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.

It's an easy hour and fifteen minute drive from the Tucson Lazydays KOA using I-10 and Highway 90. Highways help keep us from holding up traffic.

We requested an end site to use our telescope for night sky viewing. Read more about that in the previous post.

You can read more about Apache Flats from previous visits by clicking here.

Rockhound State Park
New Mexico

April 8: Our trip plans next led us across the New Mexico border. Unlike our easy drive to Ft. Huachuca, our drive to Rockhound State Park near Deming was much longer. The first part through the Arizona foothills on I-10 was pretty. Passing through Texas Canyon we saw massive tilting rocks of quartz monzonite.  Volcanically formed below the earth's surface, they uplifted and weathered into fanciful formations.

Tilting and precarious rocks in Texas Canyon, AZ.

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, Rockhound State Park, was only another hour and a half drive away.

The white dot is our RV's private site at the base of the mountain.

 

Rockhound is a unique destination. 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.

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.

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.

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

I'm sharing with Through My Lens by Mersad.

Also stop by Sharon's Souvenirs for some travel trips and suggestions, a Wednesday linkup for My Corner of the World at Photographing New Zealand and Tuesdays with a Twist at Stone Cottage Adventures.

Snowbird RV Adventure: Catalina State Park Hikes

Days 8-9

Hiking the Romero Ruins Trail.

November 22: The first hike we took at Catalina State Park 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.

I enjoy learning about the history of the places we visit. Maybe it's the old college history major still in me. Catalina has lots of ancient and more recent history to share.

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.

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.

On the way back, we saw a beautiful sundog. 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.

 

November 23: The next day we took an easy walking trail from the campground to the park's equestrian center 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.

We waited until almost sunset to walk the half mile to see the facility and return to our campsite to make dinner. 

 

On the way the low sun angles made the Catalina Mountains in the distance glow. -- Margy

Snowbird RV Adventure: Patagonia Lake State Park Walks and Hikes

Days 16-17

Site #19 wide view.

November 30: 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.

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.

We love our little 25' Forest River Sunseeker, 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.

A Gila Woodpecker drilling a Mesquite Tree at our site.

Patagonia State Park has a camp store. On our two campground walks, we stopped to get a Blue Bunny King Size Bunny Tracks Cone. 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!

December 1: 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.

The mushroom on the right looks like a mature Oyster Mushroom. What do you think?

Sonoita Creek with water running in December.

It's a bird watcher's paradise. Here's a list of what can be expected. But at mid-day we saw more birds in our campsite than on the trail.

Wayne has a Roadrunner come to visit. Beep Beep!

There's also the Sonoita Creek State Natural Area 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.

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 park brochure and map. -- Margy 

Exploring Bellingham: Zuanich Point Park

Zuanich Point Park in Bellingham, Washington.

There are many parks and trails in Bellingham, Washington. During our stay in town over these pandemic months, we've taken advantage of several. And the good news, there are many more to explore.

We took my car to the Mazda dealer for it's first inspection. We were south of town, so on the way back we decided to visit Zuanich Point Park next to the Squalicum Harbor where we used to keep the Bayliner 2452 that is now in Powell River.

Looking across Bellingham Bay to the Fairhaven neighbourhood.

David checking out the kayaks during the 2011 Ski to Sea race.

Zuanich Point Park is well known as the launch point for the kayak portion of the annual (except this year) Ski to Sea race. We went one year with our good friend David who was visiting from California.

Zuanich Point Park's history is linked to the harbor's development. In the 60s, the Port of Bellingham acquired waterfront parcels for development. Squalicum Harbor was expanded to support industry, fishing and recreational boating. In 1990, an acre was set aside for a kite flying park.

The park was expanded and named Harbor Point Park in 1994. In 1995, it was renamed Zuanich Point Park in honor of retiring Port Commissioner Pete Zuanich, Sr.

The entrance to Squalicum Harbor and the Bellweather Hotel.

Today Zuanich Point Park covers 4.4 acres and includes free parking, the Squalicum Boathouse available to rent, grass for lounging and picnics, paved trails for walking between the recreational and commercial harbours, a nautical themed children's play area, a small dock for water access, and of course, room to fly a kite.

The Anchor Memorial to lost fishermen.

There are two memorials within Zuanich Point Park to honour the fishermen who went to sea and did not return.

The first is large anchor that was moved to the park on dedication day in 1995 as a memorial to fishermen lost at sea between 1943 and 1975. Names on the plaque were supplied by a society of widowed wives.

The park was redesigned and improved in 1998.

"Safe Return" Fishermen's Memorial.

The bronze Fishermen's Memorial statue “Safe Return” was installed and dedicated on Memorial Day in 1999. It overlooks the entrance to Squalicum Harbor.

We walked the park's paths and sat on a bench to enjoy the sun, relax and read. It was also a great spot to people watch. There were walkers, joggers, families on the grass and children playing nearby. It felt good, like we are starting to emerge into a new kind of normal.

You will find Zuanich Point Park at 2600 North Harbor Loop Drive on Bellingham’s waterfront.  Nearby are nautical stores, restaurants and the Bellingham Yacht Club. Dine with a harbour view and watch commercial fishermen tend to their boats.

What kinds of parks are you visiting these days? -- Margy

Exploring Bellingham: Enjoying Local Parks While Social Distancing

Do you have favourite parks? Here in Bellingham ours is Marine Drive Park. It's small and cozy. We go there often to read and soak up the sun.

A reading "room" with a view.

Other people do, too. They come in cars, on bikes and walking from neighbourhood homes.

Marine Drive Park is family and dog friendly.

There are picnic tables and benches and plenty of lawn to spread out on.

We bring our chairs to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine several times a week.

And an occasional freight train just adds to to the experience.

Burlington Northern-Santa Fe trains haul coal and freight to Vancouver BC.

Where is your favourite place to get outdoors? -- Margy

Exploring Bellingham: Marine Park

Marine Park is a small park overlooking Bellingham Bay.

Governor Inslee just announced a "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" order for the State of Washington. We all have to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. We can go out for essential activities like getting food, medical attention, and walking while maintaining a safe social distance.

Wayne and I went walking in Marine Park. It's next to Bellingham Bay with spectacular views of Lummi Island and Downtown Bellingham and Fairhaven. There's grass, tables, trees and few visitors.

The park is bordered by the train tracks linking the States to Canada. Passenger and freight trains pass by so close you could almost touch them. In fact, you have to be careful since the tracks aren't fenced.

A train passing by during a previous visit to the park.

The park is also under the flight path for nearby Bellingham International Airport. It offers commercial service and is home base to numerous private planes.

A private plane passes overhead on departure.

We took advantage of a clearing between rain showers to walk the park's gravel path.

Walking the uncrowded trail through a wooded section along Marina Avenue.

We saw more evidence of spring's arrival. The small plant is Purple Deadnettle. It makes me think of our Powell Lake home. It grows along the lake shore at the Shinglemill Marina. Thanks to a comment by Southern Sunflowers, the large shrub with the beautiful yellow flowers is a Forsythia. I've seen them in other parks and even found one in our condo's natural creek riparian zone.

Park hours are from dawn to dusk. Just before it closes you can see spectacular sunsets.

Looking across Bellingham Bay to the Fairhaven community.

Bellingham has some wonderful places to explore. This is just one of many we hope to explore. -- Margy

Exploring Bellingham: Euclid Park

Euclid Park near Lake Whatcom in Bellingham.

Like people around the world, Wayne and I are social distancing.  Rather than cross the Canadian border to return to Powell River, we decided to remain at our Bellingham, Washington, part-time home.  We don't have COVID-19 symptoms, so we can still go out using precautions.

Life has changed a lot. I order groceries and supplies online from Fred Meyer and pick them up in the parking lot already bagged. We stay away from crowds, but do go out once a day for a drive, to walk in our neighbourhood, or visit an uncrowded park.

There are many parks scattered throughout Bellingham and in surrounding Whatcom County. We are taking this opportunity to explore some of them while social distancing from other patrons. Our first outing was to Euclid Park on the shore of Lake Whatcom.

Well maintained and uncrowded trails through a wooded Euclid Park.

We drove there on first day of Spring. It was sunny and warm, perfect to get some much needed fresh air and exercise. Parking is limited in a roadside area on Euclid Avenue north or Lakeway Drive. The trails meandering through the forested park are open daily.

We discovered a beautiful beach on Lake Whatcom at the end of a trail.

The first trail to the left takes you to a pocket beach on Lake Whatcom. A few handmade log benches let you enjoy the view and the crystal clear water. I imagine during summer months this is usually a popular swimming hole for locals. Hopefully this summer it will be again.

Signs of spring are so important right now for our well-being.

It was uplifting to see signs of spring along the trail. I highly recommending getting out in nature right now. Our minds and bodies need the soothing respite it offers.  What have you been doing to help yourself and others at this difficult time? - Margy

Snowbird RV Adventure Part 2: Tempe to White Tank Mountain Regional Park

Part 2: Days 9 - 11

Our RV ready for pickup at Chapman Fleet Services in Tempe.

February 10: Our Forest River Sunseeker 2250 RV was purchased new in April 2019 with 1000 miles from factory delivery. Since then we've added 5000 more.

It was time for an oil change and systems check. Our RV is on a Chevy 4500 chassis so we made an appointment with a Tempe dealer's Fleet Division for large vehicles.

Service on the road has always been a positive experience. Chapman Chevrolet was no exception.

After our morning appointment was over, we headed west and north of Phoenix to the White Tank Mountain Regional Park. We had reservations for a three night stay in the beautiful desert environment of this popular park.

A beautiful desert setting at Site #9 at White Tank Mountain Regional Park.

We walked through the 40 site Family Campground before dinner. As you can see, a strong rain and wind storm was approaching. We had a site on the inner side of the loop road which was fine, but the sites on the outer side had even better views and more privacy. This time of year reservations well in advance are a must.

Well maintained trails led to the central restroom with showers.

Each site came with electricity and water hookups. A sewer dump station and trash bin was provided at the entrance.


February 11-12: After the night's heavy rain and morning sun, the desert came alive. Green grass sprouted everywhere and there were a few flowers starting to bloom. Each day we took a hike on some of the park's trails. There are many to choose from.

White Tank Mountain views from the Ironwood Trail.

Valley views with Phoenix in the distance from the Ironwood Trail.

How many campsites have their own massive Saguaro cactus? If you want one, come visit White Tank Mountain. -- Wayne and Margy

Well spaced sites give you privacy and a piece of the desert all your own.

Trip Mileage Log

Leg - 51 miles

Total - 411 miles