Hanging Out in Benson

Having a home on wheels does have its advantages because you can pretty much hang out wherever and whenever you want to.   We wanted the Benson area to be our next stop over as we have always just been passing through via the interstate. 

Benson sits at an elevation of 3,586 ft. with a population of almost 5,000.   Since we are members of the Escapee RV Club (since 2009), this visit was primarily to check out the Saguaro SKP Co-Op that is located here in Benson.  This park is limited to Escapee members only.  Since this was our first time here, our 7-day stay cost us a whopping $50 (+electric) which was quite the deal as it gave us the opportunity to look around at what the Co-Op had to offer.  We were able to schedule a tour to get the real skinny on what’s available for members should they decide to buy into a lot here at the park.  The current “hot list” is at 270 and we hear that it takes 2-3 years to get close enough to the top that you might have a chance at getting a lot.  It seems like a good investment and could be a good base for us during the winter but we’re just not ready to make any commitments at this time – a lot to think about and a lot more traveling to do.

 

Dragoon Mountains in the background from the SKP Park

Our parking spot for the week - a nice big lot!

Our next door neighbors from Minnesota ~ Shirley & Henry

 

We, like many other visitors, are surprised to discover Arizona does have a wine country.  In fact, it does exist and for us it was to visit those wineries located in the rolling meadows of Sonoita and Elgin.  At an elevation of 5,000 feet, you definitely wouldn’t think that this area would be conducive to growing grapes, would you?  But 35 years ago it all began when a U of A soil scientist began to wonder what new types of crops could grow in Southern Arizona.  Well, what he came up with was that the soil found a 99 percent match to that of Burgundy, France, and the seed was planted.  This fellow purchased 100 acres in the area near Elgin, Arizona and opened Sonoita Wineries which is still producing wines to this day.

Out of the many wineries that are showcased in the “AZ Wine Journey” we selected three that were in close proximity of our jeep adventure into wine country.  Every winemaker has a different style and it was a lot of fun for us to taste and choose our favorites.  One winery in particular, Arizona Hops & Vines, has bowls full of Doritos, Cheetos and Lays products.  Not your everyday winery that’s for sure.

 

We were both "tasting" the fruits of the vine.

 

These two mixed together create a Sangria you wouldn't believe.

 

Not your everyday kind of vineyard that we're use to.

 

These vines will be ready to be turned into wine in November.

 

This is the Scottish lad that purchased the Village of Elgin for his winery.

 

Only our favorites!!!

While at first glance, this array of chips may look like little more than a statement against wine-snobbishness,  the owners said a great deal of thought goes into the choosing of the chips.  Pairing of the chips has been a hit-and-miss endeavor for them, but it’s fun and quite different for their customers.  We did have fun and especially enjoyed the lively array of color inside of their store, especially the painting that hung in the restroom.  For the “Day of the Dead” followers, this theme provides conversation that’s for sure.

 

Fire Hot Cheetos, anyone?

 

"The Lady of the Vineyard"

The weather on Easter was beautiful.  We checked out several churches in the area and picked St. Raphael in the Valley which was about a couple miles from the Saguaro SKP RV Park where we were staying.  The 7 a.m. service was small and welcoming.  The quilt of the cross that was made by one of the ladies in the church was especially beautiful.   

 

 

 

Jeff made homemade Bread Pudding.

 

Stuffed crepes with a chicken & mushroom sauce.

Our 7-day stay at the Escapee park was drawing to a close and with our friends from Wisconsin coming to visit us for a couple of days in Benson we moved to an RV park that had a hot tub and pool.  The weather turned a little on the cool side, but we did manage to have a great time with Karen & Ron and our good friend, Brice.   We wanted to take them on a road trip to the town of Bisbee, knowing that they were going to fall in love with this Old West mining town just as we did two years ago.  We had a blast!  And, as all things must come to an end, it was time to say “good-bye”.  We will be staying at Karen & Ron’s ranch when we return to Wisconsin. 

 

Jeff, Brice and Ron & Karen having a brew.

 

A trip to Bisbee for the real brew!

 

The "cookie lady" with the Three Amigos!

 

Walking up the hill to the Screaming Banshee Pizza joint.

 

The pie delivered to our table with a pine twig for ambiance

 

This was etched in the wall outside.  Cool, isn't it?

 

The floral etchings in this outdoor alcove by a local artist.

 

 

We thank our dear friends from Wisconsin for an awesome visit.

Since having horses of our own when we lived in Wisconsin, we were especially interested in visiting a private sanctuary for donkeys.  The owners, Tish & John, have run Forever Home Donkey Rescue & Sanctuary in Benson since 1998.  We called to set up a time to meet with them so we could hear the stories of the 19 donkeys that they have on site right now.  Hearing the rescue stories of why each of these animals is here was quite amazing.  It's quite amazing how cruel some people can be to these gentle animals.   They all had names and some more colorful personalities than others.  The big boy in our header photo is named Blackjack - #1 Big Boss - A Legend in his own mind!

 

Linda, a volunteer and was our guide.

We all had red solo cups with food for the donkeys.  One of the owners, John.

 

This little friend evidently wanted more food from Jeff.

These fellows definitely tug at your hearts!

We immediately fell in love with this face.

Penny, waiting for us to come with the food.

Mini donkeys waiting for their turn of food also.

These moments were definitely precious.

 

Click on the URL below to visit the blog if you’re interested to read more about this amazing place and the owners & volunteers that are truly concerned for these animals.  Not many places like this exist in the USA.  The largest one is located in Texas.   Forever Home Donkey Rescue & Sanctuary

For now, it’s time to leave the confines of Benson, Arizona.  Where are we going next?  Still traveling East!   

Hugs!