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!

Visit Tucson

This was our year to explore the desert life that surrounds Tucson.  Traveling from Winterhaven, California we had planned to go in the back way via Highway 86 – also known as the Old Ajo Highway.  Unfortunately, one of the highway signs outside of Yuma stated that there was an accident on the highway and that alternate routes should be considered.

We inquired at the Border Patrol stop outside of Yuma that we had to go through and they were unaware of the accident, but did see wave a couple of ambulances through.  When we reached Hwy 85 heading to Ajo (Hwy 86) there still remained two semi-trucks/trailers that were still on their sides.  Quite a mess and not anywhere close to allowing travel on the road.

So, what’s out alternative?

A boondocking site in Eloy, Arizona at the TA Travel Center off I-10 was perfect for an overnight stay, and getting there early enough to park in one of the only four spots available really did pay off.  The next morning one of our post-desert wish list items was fulfilled as we were able to drive the coach and jeep into a truck wash at the TA Center.  Boy, do we look pretty now!

Our site for the night

Tanker emptying 4,000 gallons of diesel fuel.  Something you don't see everyday.

Where's the yellow rubber duckie??

Back on the road, our next destination was Gilbert Ray Campground which is located about 20 miles west of Tucson.  This county campground has 130 sites amongst unique desert settings nestled in a mountainous area called Tucson Mountain Park.     Activities organized by the park included a Star Party and nature hike. 

Happy Hour - Blue Moon with an OJ slice anyone!

Our first sunset in the Tucson Mountains

Nestled into our home site at the campground

Looking from the backside of where we were parked.

A Cactus Wren signing it's heart out!



The mountain range was absolutely breathtaking

A saguaro welcoming us to the Park.

So perfect, it looks like a postcard.

Meaning = Someone was here!

 

A Jeep trip to the nearby Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum gave us the opportunity to view things that are near and dear to our hearts.

 


Just call me "George"

 

Copper ozidation in this rock because of water & sun

Who is that tourist?

The mighty crested Saguaro (botanical name: cristate).   It’s a bit of a mystery why these rare Saguaros – about 1 in 10,000 – grow with a fan-shaped crest.   It is believed it is a genetic mutation, while others speculate it is physical damage from severe weather or microorganisms.  Nonetheless they are quite cherished as the crowned cactus – residing only in the Sonoran Desert.   

 

 
Another favorite at the museum was the Hummingbird Aviary where we were able to take a picture of a nest - with Mom and her egg.  Try to image the nest measuring about 2” in diameter.  These little rascals will always be our favorites.

 

The adult female is sitting on one of the two eggs that she has in the nest.

We picked a sunny day for another Jeep trip along the Catalina Highway heading to Mt. Lemmon.   Starting out early in the morning with a packed lunch and plenty of water we were anxious to begin what they say is one of the most scenic drives in Southeast Arizona - the 27 miles known as the Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway.  A gorgeous drive with ample pullouts for photo ops with an elevation gain of more than 6,000 feet.  It is also an excellent year-round destination for cyclists, runners and rock climbers.  Cyclists were definitely a plenty!

Starting our assent up the mountain.

 
 

Still climbing with the landscaping constantly changing.

 

Very impressive rock formations along the way.

 

Yep. . .only 3,000 feet to go to the summit.




Voo Doos of Mt. Lemmon

 

Our first sight of snow this winter at 8,000 feet.

Also, Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley sits at the 9,157 ft. summit where at this time of year there was very little snow but beautifully surrounded by pines, spruce, firs and aspen groves.   The air at this elevation definitely proved to be “fresh” and invigorating!

 

Mount Lemmon Ski Valley

 

Village of Summerhaven

Mt. Lemmon is considered a sky island - a mountain surrounded by lowlands of a dramatically different environment.  The base is typical Sonoran Desert with saguaros, cholla and prickly pear cacti.  As you pass through six vegetation zones, the same ones that would be encounted on a drive from Mexico to Canada.  From the base, the drive to the top takes about an hour, but we took time to enjoy our packed lunch marveling at the spectacular scenery in front of our eyes. 



Definitely takes your breath away at this elevation.

Can't forget some of the delicacies from the kitchen that were made:  Cranberry-Pecan Scones (for the road) and an Onion Tart that we paired with some delicious fish that we had for dinner one night.  Yum!

 

It is time once again to be on the open road . . . heading to Benson for some new adventures to share.

Hugs,

KnJ

Last Days in the Desert

All good things must come to an end.  Very shortly it will be time for us to secure all things – inside and out – and make sure everything is ready for us to travel.  We leave this spot here in the desert on Ogilby Road with another year of good memories as we begin our last days in the desert of SE California.

We’re sure that many of you have heard the term “Old Glory”.  It is the nickname for the flag of the United States.  We definitely fly it proudly whenever we can so it helps when we have two flags that we can use.  They do, however, get a little beat-up from the elements and therefore need some TLC .  When Kay can lay her hands on either a sewing machine or find someone who can do the sewing we definitely take advantage of it and continue to fly the flag with pride. 

Note:  The original "Old Glory" was a flag owned by the 19th-century American sea captain, William Driver (March 17, 1803–March 3, 1886), who flew the flag during his career at sea and later brought it to Nashville, Tennessee.  Driver was deeply attached to the flag, writing: "It has ever been my staunch companion and protection. Savages and heathens, lowly and oppressed, hailed and welcomed it at the far end of the wide world. Then, why should it not be called Old Glory?"

 

Having breakfast at Duners Diner (definitely not a Breakfast at Tiffany’s kind of sampling) was quite the experience.  Our California friends Bob and Rosemary, have done the whole Sand Dunes experience for many years, joined us to give us a little background on this place.  Good food, good friends and some very different ambiance – for sure!

 



Rosemary & Bob with us for breakfast.

What a line up of sand toys.

Quite the parking lot, don't you think?

 

The Mexican border fence in the picture below was taken from the Imperial Sand Dunes in California.  It is not one continuous structure but is actually a grouping of short physical walls that stop and start, secured in between with "virtual fence" which includes a system of sensors and cameras monitored by Border Patrol Agents.

 

 

Kay’s first beading experience was courtesy of Susie from Ohio, as we replicated a beaded Ocotillo that Kay picked from Boquillas, Mexico (near Big Bend) a few years ago.  Susie was the perfect person to give Kay her first lesson on beading, giving her practical tips and making her work!  She brought the materials over to our house (while the men folk went out looking for gold) and we enjoyed time just talking about anything we wanted.  A girl session!

Susie, Kay's bead teacher. . .and friend.

 

We talked about embellishing the Ocotillos for better stability.  Hot glue gun to the rescue along with rocks from the desert – wall-la!  Not too shabby for a novice.  And it was even more fun gifting it to Rosemary, where it currently sits on the dash of their RV.   As Susie says, we could easily sell them for $10 apiece.   Maybe a roadside stand in the desert next season . . . highly unlikely!

 

The definition of desert states that it is a region so arid because of little rainfall that it supports only sparse and widely spaced vegetation or no vegetation at all.



It was great to start to see some color.

 

Zero rainfall here.  The only complaint you’ll hear from us is when we get the winds that blow sand from the Imperial Sand Dunes nearby.  We had just too many of those during this stay which makes for some dusty conditions both inside and out of the coach.  You can be forever in a state of cleaning on the interior which you have some control over.  We look forward to finding an RV wash or maybe a good rain to at least take off some of the dust.  It’s on our wish list once we start traveling.

The sand storm engulfed the view of the mountains.

14 hours later (the next morning) - back to normal again!

 

This parting picture of the sunset reflected on the coach is quite unusual.  It was changing ever so quickly that we didn’t have time to disconnect the LP tank or take the wheel coverings off for fear of losing the color reflection.

 

Use your imagination to see this sunset.



This is what the sky looked like. . .WOW!!!

 This was definitely a "thumbs-up" winter for us!

Hugs to all!