In Tucson -- Met Fellow Blogger Doug & Yuma (& Nick)

We left campsite promptly by 9:15, dumped our tanks and were out of the park by 9:35.  Traffic was a bit heavy as we neared the heart of Phoenix, but we survived it.  We stopped at the first rest area south of Phoenix and walked the dog, ate breakfast, and we continued toward Tucson.  In Eloy, Arizona, we stopped at a Flying J and filled up with Propane and with fuel, and were on our way again.

Off in the distance, through to smoggy air, we see this interesting mountain formation which we later discover to be Picacho Peak.  I told Marcia that it looked like a large saddle...

As we get closer the smog lessens up and the we see the beauty of the peak.  The 'Librarian' in me has me do some research....partly because the name, Picacho Peak.  So as I write this blog, I do a quick check, and there it is.  The Battle of Picacho Pass, also known as the Battle of Picacho Peak, was an engagement of the American Civil War on April 15, 1862...recognized as the furthest west of any Civil War engagement.  (Click Here to read more about this)

Across the highway and to the north of Picacho Peak is this formation, Newman Peak.  It is the largest peak within the Picacho Mountain Range.  As with many of Arizona mountain peaks, there is a trail to the top of Newman, as there is with Picacho.  That is something this ole man will NEVER do!

Just before 2 pm, we pull into 'The RV Park' at Pima County Fair.  There's over 400 RV sites, larger enough to fit any motorhome with tow car.  Basic cost is $30, can get a discount for Good Sam or FMCA, or a weekly price of $150.  They do not take reservations, but unless there is a large RV rally, or it is the week of the fair, I doubt you would have problems getting in.

I had planned to stay overnight at the Cracker Barrel just north of Tucson, but last night I was catching up on my blog reading and read that Doug and Yuma (and his grandson Nick who is traveling with him this year) stopped at the fairgrounds.  Doug's BLOG.  Doug said that they stopped at the fairgrounds because it was 85 degrees, the hottest December 1st in Tucson.  At $30 for electricity, water and sewer...and the opportunity to meet Yuma and Doug, heck let's splurge...so we too stopped at the fairgrounds!

And there is Yuma...and Doug's legs (lol).  Yuma and Indy are just a little different sized, and they wanted to play, but Yuma was overwhelming little Indy.  No fights, both good dogs...perhaps in an open yard with lots of grass they would do just fine.

Nick, Doug's grandson, did take a picture or two of Doug, Yuma, Indy and myself, and I am sure it will be on his website under today's date.  Doug is pretty good about posting each and every day he is away from his home in Illinois, where is wife of 55 years, Dolly, stays for the winter.  She came with him one year...and that was enough for her.  He can't stand the cold winters, so he comes down to the Southwest, as do thousands of other Snowbirds, each year.  This is the first year a grandchild came with him.

Later Doug came by our motorhome so that he could meet Marcia.  It was such a nice visit, and perhaps we will run into each other again down the road.

Relaxing Day at Lake Pleasant Arizona

 

Today was such a relaxing, warm, comfortable day at Lake Pleasant.  The sun was out a good portion of the day, hidden behind high clouds for some of the day.  The lake had a few boats on it...not that we heard any of the boats from where we are camping...but we can see them now and then.  Today's high was around 85 degrees, the low will be in the low 50's.  WOW, what a wonderful place to be as we go from November to December.

The Lake offers lots of recreation opportunities...fishing, rowing, sailing, general motoring around.

The lake covers 7,500 acres, while the park covers over 23,000 acres which includes the lake, desert lands, and recreational activities outside of the lake such as dirt bikes, general off road vehicles, and a dirt racetrack and large glider airport.

There are two campgrounds at Lake Pleasant...one with electricity and water, the other being primitive with no services (although both can use the dump station). Just outside the park there are many areas where one can boondock...but most are used by those with off road vehicles.

The Roadrunner Campground in which we are staying is divided in half by the Park's Road.

In this view below, you can see a cell tower...which is probably why we have 4-5 bars of 4G with our Verizon Aircard...not sure if they have 5G on this tower, but I would not doubt it.

The Roadrunner Campground has three or four bathrooms, each with two locking single shower rooms for males and for females, one handicapped for each.  The showers are free, but when you push the on button, the water flows for 10-15 seconds...but you can keep pushing the button as much as you need.  To me the water is hot, to others they might think it is cold...there is no way to control the temperature.  Last time, as well as this time, I found the bathing area to be very clean.

The campsites easily fit Class A Motorhomes, with room for a vehicle.  Yes, there are a 'few' smaller sites, but around 90% of the sites fit large motorhomes...and most of those will fit a tow car too.

It is now close to 9 pm, it is very quiet, and the outside temps are at 70 degrees.  We have been here in the late spring/early summer...we have been here before and after Christmas.  I like the December visit...the temps are just perfect, and the park, mid-week, is not crowded at all.  We have also been here, with reservations, for a weekend too...now that get just down right busy.

We head out in the morning, set on getting to Tucson for a night of boondocking.  It will be nice to not feel like we have to get up and go at the first sign of light since it will be less than 200 miles of travel with a stop at a Flying J for Gas and Propane.