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