Wednesday, February 1, 2023

Tucson!

I thought I better start this post out with a picture of Barb drinking. I know more than one of you were concerned for our health last week when we did not have a single picture of "drunken debauchery". Rest assured my dear friends; we are healthy and doing well. 

We certainly do not have covid as our sense of smell is alive and well. Zoey reminds us of that every time we are in the truck traveling. How can something that small emit an odor that can clear a room!??! OMG, that dog is rotten sometimes. As a side note, it is nice to have a dog in the vehicle to blame once in a while. 

We had a great week. The picture above was taken while we were at El Charro's, which was, up to this week, Barb's favorite restaurant down here. 

There were a couple of restaurants that Barb wanted to hit while we were here, El Charro's was at the top of the list. We met virtual blogger friends Bill and Jodee there. We went on the road about the same time and know many of the same people but have never met in person. Well, we fixed that this week! Their story is much like ours, fulltiming for a few years before finding a homebase to parttime out of. The biggest difference is theirs is in the south, while ours is in the frozen tundra. 

If you look closely, you can see Tessa under the table

We had a great meal while getting to know each other, I am sure we will see each other again somewhere down the road. 

We also hit one other Mexican restaurant, this time it was at BOCA (Barb's new favorite). Barb certainly is getting her fill of Mexican this trip! I am learning what I like there as well and actually enjoyed both of them. In my opinion, BOCA was a little better than El Charro's so if you are only going to go to one, pick BOCA.

The salsa flight with the fresh made chips were worth the trip all by itself. 

But that is not why we went there. We went there to meet up with another couple, Joe and Gay, who are also virtual friends and fellow bloggers. We have been following each other's blogs for quite a while, so it felt like we had been friends for a long time. It was great to meet them in person as well!

But wait, we were not done there! We also met up with longtime friends Dale and Ruth who we had not seen in a couple of years. They too bought a house down here when they were done fulltiming. See a pattern here?

We had supper at their house while watching the KC/Cincinnati game. It was so great to catch up with them and it sounds like we will see them again in a couple of weeks. 

We found a variety of free places to stay while we were in town. The first one was a Harvest Host brewery. (Shocking, I know!). 

Our plan was to have a beer or two and something to eat. But the food truck they had there served only vegan, so we just stuck to the beers. They did have an interesting sign on their bathroom doors, however. 

We spent two nights at Snyder Hills. A section of BLM which was filled to the brim with boondockers. I think it was so full because the Gem show was this week. We have stayed here every time we pass through the area. This time is seemed a little cleaner and higher class than the previous times. 
We also spent one night at a Home Depot and another at a Basha's store. Both were decent and restful nights. The bonus of staying at Basha's is fresh donuts in the morning!

Our biggest adventure while in town was our drive to the top of Mt. Lemmon. Several of our friends have talked about it and this time we actually did it ourselves. The road up is really easy. What is interesting is the different ecosystems you pass through on your way to the peak.  At the lower levels it started out as desert with tons and tons of saguaros.
Then it transitioned to more of a brushy desert environment.
After that it changed to rocks and hoodoos. 

Then came the snow. Being that it was Sunday and it had recently snowed at the top, there was a ton of people up there. Every parking area, picnic area and pull off were stacked with cars. There was even one guy shoveling snow into the back of his pickup! When we got to the top where the ski area was there was a turnaround at the end of the road. Unfortunately, people were parked every which way and we could not navigate between the cars. So, we had to back out and find a place to turn around. Not a problem except there were cars behind us. I got out and talked to them and they were nice and understanding so we back up, found a place to turn around and were on our way again. 

On the way down there was a steady stream of cars heading up. I am glad we went early; I do not know where all those cars were going to park!

The next day, we were off to our next destination: Organ Pipe National Monument. Another first for us. As we were pulling into the visitor's center, who's truck should we see? Ken and Donna with the sticker laden pickup camper! They were pulling out of the park the same day we were pulling in. We chatted with them for about 20 minutes. They said site #22 in the Twin Peaks Campground was really nice to so pulled into #22 for the night! At $10 a night (w/Sr. Pass) it is a bargain. 

Barb made a statement last week that we need to take more selfies so prepare yourselves in the coming weeks to see more pictures of an old guy in desperate need of a haircut!
Organ Pipe Cactus in the background

After getting set up, Barb and I went on the Victoria Mine hike. A 4.8-mile round trip hike through desert county. 
A very easy hike, not a lot hills, just a few washes to walk in and out of. We ended up at the old mine where there were a few holes and an old mining cabin. 

We got a late start to on the hike, the shadows were getting pretty long on our way back to the camper. 
Our plan was to drive the 21-mile loop road and do the arch hike the next day. But it rained all night long. There is nothing like the sound of rain on the top of a camper (or tent, or cabin). We both slept like babies lulled by the pitter patter on the roof. When we woke up the next day it was still raining with a forecast to rain on and off all day. 

We decided to pack up and hit the road a day early. The next stop: Yuma, where we have plans to meet some more friends, visit Mexico a day or two and maybe even howl at the moon!

As I am proofing this, I see there are no fur-baby pictures, I will try to make up for that next week!

55 comments:

  1. Hi Jim and Barb…we so enjoyed our visit and lunch! And happy you met Jodee and Bill. Next time you guys are in the area we will have to have a get together with everyone! Can you believe Joe and I have not been to Mt Lemon? It’s on the list to take that drive. We also have not ever stopped at Organ Pipe NM…it’s also on the “to go there and hike” list. I’ve made a note to do the Victoria Mine trail…looks beautiful! Keep those selfies coming!

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    1. We really got a hoot out of meeting you two has well! It is so great to meet fun, down to earth people such as yourselves.

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  2. So nice you got to meet up with good friends!
    That bathroom sign was so funny and cute!!
    Fun to travel along with you guys. Sometimes I wish you had a vlog on youtube! ;)

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    1. I've thought about a vlog. It works for short snippets but it would be hard for me to tell a story. We do have some videos linked on our sidebar if you want to see some of Barbs fishing antics!

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    2. Oh, no wonder your blog makes me think of videos! I am subscribed--lol! Just had only seen a couple really short ones. Okay--I am all set. Thanks. :)

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  3. Another fun post. You’ve left the stress behind for sure. The selfies are a great photo. The adventure continues!

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    1. Funny you should say that. My next post is about that very subject!

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  4. All of those people going up the mountain to see the snow? Watching a guy loading a pick up with snow must have been hilarious.

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    1. I know, crazy right!?! But that's what they were doing, shoveling snow into the back of their trucks while others we sledding and throwing snowballs!

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  5. Let me understand this...You and Barb pig out at different Mexican Restaurants, and you have to nerve to blame the invisible smelly 'poofs' on poor little Zoey...no wonder she would not let you take pictures of her!

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    1. I think I understand what you are saying. What I hear you saying is that Barb has been blaming poor innocent Zoey all this time! You're either on to something or on something. I'll pass your theory by her and see what she says!

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  6. A lot of meetings with friends. It is always fun to meet new people and put real time faces to people, friends we know but haven't met.It seems this is a very social year for lots of folks. Barb, I don't think I've ever seen a glass that big before!!! Shall we figure you are making up for lost time? LOL. Safe travels!!

    Deb

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    1. With luck, this week will be more of the same. We have met some of the nicest people on the road, some who have gone hours out of their way just to meet up.

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  7. You brought back some memories for me! The day I went up Mt Lemmon it was a hot summer's day and everyone was tryng to escape the heat. Parking was a problem then too :)

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    1. I am glad we went up there. It would have been nice to do some hiking as well. Next time we'll plan a day up there and maybe get out on the trails!

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  8. SO ... you were here and I was there ..... now I'm here and YOU are there. There must be a good reason!! Enjoy Yuma ... hoping the weather warms up a bit for you. It's been raining a lot there too!!

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    1. You are where? I am so confused! Bummer we missed each other, you'll just have to make a run up north and visit us up there!

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  9. You guys sure are making the best of your road trip! So many familiar places that we would like to visit again. Safe travels and see y’all soon!

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    1. Less than a week and we'll be basking in the Quartzsite desert!

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  10. Well, check it out: we can comment again! Glad you finally got to meet Jodee and Bill! Tessa too! We need to go see them in AZ, as that will be our 7th state together.

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    1. Woohoo! We've missed you! We'll have to up our game. We've only met up with you in 3 states. (I think)

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  11. We've been coming to Arizona since 2003 and I have not been up on Mt. Lemmon. Mike has on motorcycles with friends--I've told him this is the year, we need to go! Maybe we will pick a day when it hasn't snowed--less people??

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    1. It is worth the trip. There is one section that is very Montana like. I would think a nice summer day ride during a weekday would be perfect!

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  12. If I get a vote, I vote for no selfies. Don't even get me started on living in a frozen tundra. You live in the banana belt. Minus nine degrees as I sit here reading about your whining. Love the blog.

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    1. Fool me once, shame on me. Fool me twice....I forget. Just for that comment the next blog will be filled with selfies and dog videos!

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  13. I've got to know what that drink was that Barb had?! You did have an amazing week for sure! Mexican is our favorite food, so will keep BOCA in mind if we get there. Love the selfie. Organ Pipe, one of favorite places :)

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    1. I actually don't know what was in that drink. Something bloody Mary like. I do know she pour that entire can of Coors light into it however!

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  14. Looks and sounds like a lot of excellent fun. Very cool to be able to meet up with fellow bloggers. So many of them tend to hangout in the Southwest and from the many, many photos shared, it looks like a great escape from the various snowy Northern climes. Too bad we're on the opposite schedule - summer's out west, winters here in Florida. 🙁

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    1. All those photos are what really gave us the itch to come down this year! We are planning on Florida next winter, maybe our paths will cross!

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  15. Great to see you two again, so glad you had time in your busy schedule for a beer and burgers night! See you in Q.

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    1. Thanks again, it was so great to see you and your house! Zoey was more than a little upset that she didn't get to meet Tazzy though.

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    2. LOL, Tazzy cat is so very thankful we didn't allow that little cat chaser, Zoey into the house. She is still miffed that her Dad had Zoey on his lap on the Oregon visit!!

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  16. Now that is a big glass in Barb's hand and she finished drinking it? There is lots to do and see around Tucson and then to see all your sets of friends in addition we appreciate you are taking time to post too!

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    1. It is amazing how many like-minded people you meet and make friends with while on the road. It really restores your faith in humanity.

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  17. This seems to be a great year for RV/Blog friends to finally meet each other, we have a few coming up also. So nice. We always love the drive up Mt. Lemmon but the "back way" up is very exciting (almost too much so....) and I guarantee you'll not meet anyone else! The picture of Barb standing soooo close to that cholla gave me the willies!

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    1. Never knew there was a back way! I am sure that is too much for our truck and camper. Maybe next time we'll bring the jeep!

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  18. Ah, that looks like fun! I live the selfies! If you’ll be in Q 2/17 we may actually see you. Enjoy!!

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    1. I think we will still be there, that is right around when we have to leave. Hope it works out!

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  19. So nice that you got to meet fellow bloggers! Smiled at the guy shoveling snow into his truck! 😄

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    1. I get it. Snow is pretty amazing to someone who rarely, if ever sees it. I could not imagine living somewhere it does not snow.

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  20. Mt. Lemmon is on our list for when we start heading east. After reading about your adventure I think we will pick a week day. Though may be if there is no snow it may not be as crowded. I am guessing for the guy shoveling it was a novelty...⛄

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  21. I wonder if El Charro in Tucson is the same family as the one in Yuma. We went there (Yuma)with Steve & Dianne and it was fantastic! Wheezy's is also a great choice, try the peanut butter and jam burger like we talked about. You know you wanna lol.

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    1. Well, we went and checked in our today. They have good food but I don't think they are affiliated. Totally different menu items. I still cannot wrap my head around that burger though!

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  22. What a fun time to finally meet some fellow blog friends. Bill, Jodee, Gay, and Joe are all such fun people. We'll be getting together with them when visit Benson for two weeks at the end of Feb. I'm so sorry that you had rain for your second day at Organ Pipe NM. The drive is interesting especially if you have the info from the VC for things to watch for. Love the crested organ pipes. They are so neat. Mt. Lemmon is a good time. There are several places to stop and explore along the way. We always make a trip up when are in Tucson. You did include a photo of Zoey's dog leash in the one photo so that could count!! Haha!

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    1. We saw a few crested saguaros while driving. Never even considered a crested organ pipe. We did see one with a bunch of nodules on top though. Have fun in Benson, say hi to everyone for us!

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  23. This looks like such fun -- especially connecting with other bloggers. Arizona is such an interesting place but I've never been to Tucson. It looks like a terrific stop! And thanks for stopping by the other day!

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    1. Arizona is a great place to explore, they have mountains, desert and everything in-between!

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  24. Great post and fun meeting up with blogging friends. I loved traveling through Arizona. Always drawn to the southwest as a whole, when we do travel and are way overdue for a road trip.

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    1. Arizona is a long way from you guys but it would be worth the trip. Next year we may do a Florida/Texas adventure.

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  25. i am so happy you got to watch my KC Chiefs win the afc championship, what a game!! the victoria mine hike looks fun...you do need a haircut...and it looks like you are meeting some really fun, happy people. i find bloggers are fun, really fun!!

    i have enjoyed tagging along!!

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    1. I liked both the teams playing in that game so it was hard seeing either of them lose. Now I just hope KC can pull it off against the Eagles!

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    1. You think that was quite a trip, you should see what we did in Yuma!

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  27. Great fun to meet at last and to contribute to Barb's Mex food fix. That was a great looking Bloody Mary :-))) Bummer you got rained out of the Organ Pipe trail - it's a beauty for next time. Another reason to bring the Jeep along!

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  28. Nice to see that you are fully hydrated. Love that hand washing sign. Meeting up with other bloggers is always a treat. Contessa

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