January 12, 2009 – Casa Grande

We decided to check out the town and do some last minute shopping before Quartzsite. Casa Grande is about 8 miles away from the Park and they have all the stores and malls. Very nice!

We signed up to get on the list for a lot here. It may take a few years but we really like it here and it would be a great place to winter.

We went to Happy Hour this afternoon and met more people – everyone is so friendly. And this evening, we went to dinner with Diane and Bob and had a great time chatting. Hopefully we will see them again soon.

And another cactus – they are HUGE:
Tomorrow we head to Quartzsite so stay tuned.

January 11, 2009 – Travel to Casa Grande

A short travel day today – 120 miles. How about these cacti:

We are staying at another Escapee Park – RoVers Roost. The scenery, the sunsets, the sunrises continue to amaze us.

This afternoon was a clean up / laundry day and this evening we went to the Birthday/Anniversary Party and met up with Diana and Bob and had a wonderful chat.

Miles Traveled: 120 miles
Routes Traveled:
AZ: I-10; I-8

January 10, 2009 – Tombstone and the Moon

Our adventures today took us to Tombstone. What a neat little town. A few areas have been restored to the original or as close as possible. There are also a lot of people in period dress walking the streets and in the shops and saloons. Some scenes:

We first took the trolley around town to get a little history and a feel where everything was. We then took the underground mine tour. Tombstone was originally a silver mine and the town grew up around (or above) the mines. It was really interesting hearing more history of the mine and seeing some of the underground. It looked like caves except it was made by men digging and blasting. Some scenes:

We had lunch in Big Nose Kate’s Saloon:

Our last stop was Boot Hill Cemetery. How about this marker:

Scenes from the cemetery:

We went to Happy Hour tonight and said our hellos and goodbyes. We will be seeing some at Quartzsite and others next winter. We are definitely coming back and staying a while.

And the most incredible sunset and moonrise tonight:

Until tomorrow.

January 9, 2009 – Benson, Beading, and Quartzsite

This morning, we checked out the town of Benson – they have many little stores as well as a nice Safeway and Wal-Mart (which we visited).

I spent the afternoon with the ladies beading. I was blessed yesterday at Happy Hour. Stella, who runs the beading classes, sat across from me at Happy Hour and at the Taco table last night so we had some great chats. Today she taught me a lot of basics on beads, threads, and I started a type of tennis bracelet. She and the other girls showed me many of the projects they have and are working on – such creative ladies. I know next winter I am going to have a great time here. Thanks Stella and ladies.

We went to the “Chat with the Board” meeting to get a feel of what happens here and afterwards we went to Happy Hour. Another great time. We did spend time talking with Bruce and a number of others going to Quartzsite. They helped answer a lot of questions we had and they have invited us to stay with them – which we are. A number of people expect to be there on Monday, we expect to be there on Tuesday.

We walked out of the clubhouse to an incredible sunset with a full moon:


WOW!!!

And for even more news: We will be working at Creamer’s Field Waterfowl Migratory Refuge near Fairbanks, Alaska from May 15 thru June 22. We will be manning the visitor center, giving out information and some light maintenance.

We also applied for another campground host position on the Kenai. We were interviewed yesterday and should know next week about that position – it will either be July or August. This is so exciting.

Tomorrow we are headed to Tombstone. There are so many things to do here within a 40 mile radius; it was hard to pick just one for this trip. Stay tuned.

January 8, 2009 – Travel to Arizona

Our travels today took us thru some more beautiful countryside to Benson, Arizona. Some scenes from the road:

How about these signs:

We arrived at the Saguaro Escapees Park and fell in love. Here is our site:

The cactus across the road:

The scene from our front window:

IT IS BEAUTIFUL HERE!

When we checked in, we found out about all the activities here (they do beading 3 times a week – Yippee!). There is something going on all the time.

We went to Happy Hour at 4 and had a great time. We met so many people who welcomed us here. After Happy Hour, we went to the local Country Club with a group and had $1.00 tacos and $1.00 beers.

The sunsets here are INCREDIBLE! Those mountains that we see from our front window actually change colors as the sun is setting – AMAZING.

We did inquire about available lots - right now there is at least a 3 year waiting period but they do have long term leases/stays available. This place is at the top of our list for a place to winter.

Until tomorrow.

Miles Traveled: 173 miles
NM: I-10

AZ: I-10; SR-80