Just a Few More Stops

Watching the weather always plays an important factor in determining when we will be starting the trek back to the Midwest.  That is why when we can continue to stay in the warmth; we are definitely going to make it happen.  This time was no exception.

First stop after leaving Senator Wash (outside of Yuma where we were for the winter) was a mere 152 miles into Southern California, to the town of Jacumba, California.  Surrounded on three sides by the fantastic hills of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, this high desert (at 2600 feet) area was a good play to soak up some sun, see flowers and investigate new places during our 7 day visit.



On our way to Jacumba, California & De Anza Springs

 



Kissing Rocks!



Yes, that is the Mexican border fence.
Pretty close to us, huh?



Lots of railroad tracks from the 70's that are currently inactive.
  We are still close to the Mexican border

 

We happened to come across some unique desert art



More railroad cars from days past.



The flowers were spectacular.



Made you smile with this picture!

Next stop was a one day visit to Benson, Arizona to hook up with friends that we met last year.  We met Shirley and Henry (from Minnesota!!!) at the Escapees SKP Saguaro Park where we pulled in to camp.  Some pretty major life changes for them have Henry living in a Memory Care facility in Tucson while Shirley continues to live in Benson, 46 miles away from each other.  It was good to chat with her and do some major hugging.

Shirley & Henry in happier times.

With some pretty nice weather following us along the interstate, we decided to stop in Safford, Arizona.  The best part is that the BLM area for free camping off Haekel Road lets us have a backyard view of Mount Graham.  We love this area.  And, indeed the weather was absolutely glorious for the 12 days that we stayed.

At 8,000 ft. this was our first snow

Safford way in the distant atop Mt. Graham

 

Pretty unique housing from a Harvestor grain bin

A pretty unique, restored '53 Chevy

 

Another great day to be thankful

The one way trip of 25 miles to Hot Well Dunes to soak in the hot tubs was heavenly.

It was sad to leave Safford, but time to set our sights toward Colorado.   A short stop in Hatch, New Mexico to pick up some of their famous chilies for son, Eric and his family was a must.  They love that HOT stuff!! 

Staying overnight at a casino is usually not our thing, but we made an exception and pulled into one on the outskirts of Albuquerque, not far from where they have the annual Balloon Festival in October.  It worked for the night but we had a horrible time trying to get level with our jacks.  What an experience after traveling 369 miles for Day 1.  It was good to rest.

Day 2 was a mere 342 miles when we arrived at our destination in Colorado.  We view the time that we spend in a campground with full hook-ups as our time to be "spoiled" with all the comforts of electricity, water and sewer.  What more could you want?  Nancy & Matt Fetty are always glad – and we them –when we pull into their bit of Heaven - Haggard’s RV Campground located in  West Pueblo.     

 The majestic Pike's Peak

 

Good friends/owners of Haggard's RV Campground,
Nancy & Matt

 

Jeff found a little spring along this patch of snow.

 

The water was crystal clear & COLD!

 

Did we think that the two weeks in Colorado would go fast?  You bet!  From Jeff helping Matt with putting in a new floor in their horse trailer, to ordering a new mattress for our bed and then moving the old one into the horse trailer for them to use.  Hey, we can’t forget Matt’s race car, meeting friends at the campground, antiquing in the town of Florence, a weekend trip to Denver to see longtime friends, Penny & Gary, and the miles that we traveled around the area in search of possibly a piece of land for us????? 



A new floor in the horse trailer



The cooks are ready to make breakfast.
Our friendship with Penny & Gary,
who live in Denver is 9 years strong!



Who owns that beautiful coach?
Harley & Delores from Colorado Springs!

We didn't intentionally get ours to show up Harley, but what the Hey!!!  It's always good to share stories.



Our new mattress has finally arrived.

 

Time to roll it out and give it a try

Looks good. . .feels heavenly!!!



Out with the old. . .get thee to the horse trailer!!!

 

First time RVtime full-timers, Caroline & Dan,
originally from Raleigh, NC



Getting ready to roll.

 

Jeff, just loving it in Matt's Punisher II.  For the guys that love this stuff, Jeff will be putting together a special blog showcasing this car as Matt's need for speed becomes a reality - ready for it's first race in August.   So, stay tuned for a posting on this in the coming month.  Jeff's earlier days of working on cars with his brothers, Brian, definitely brought back some good memories of a time that was very special to both of them. 

VVVRRrooommm . . . 

 

All of the above was a very good trip.  What would have made it even better for Jeff was to have been able to go panning for gold, but it didn’t happen due to some scheduling conflicts.  No problems as there will be plenty of other trips to this area of Colorado for sure!  Good friends, good scenery and good times during our two week stay.

Where do we go next?  I guess that could be the Midwest!  See you on the next update.

Hugs,

Kay and Jeff