tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57547806070682393642024-03-18T21:29:00.722-07:00POLITO'S TRAVELSAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11002634878242924994noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754780607068239364.post-90020853620956724722014-03-12T15:34:00.001-07:002014-03-17T10:42:12.659-07:00Cholla Bay, Mexico<p>Just down the street from the beach that we are camped at is this little community called Cholla Bay.  Its mainly residential, with a bar/restaurant called JJ's Cantina,  that's been there forever they say.  There's also a small outdoor taco stand that makes some amazing fish tacos (we've been told) along with a couple of other small businesses.</p>
<p>The homes are scattered all over the place, one built right next to the other and the all appear to be standing on a bed of volcanic rock.  The peninsula that this community occupies is a bit volcanic looking as well, being made up of two or three small mountains of black rock.  Most all the roads are made of sand and apparently this no public sewage or water services despite the size and beauty of many of the homes.  Makes us wonder a little if this is what Greece is like?</p>
<p>We are headed back over there today to try the fish tacos.  I'm excited!</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE8vVx1iOfNtxr33ki7oXUdma2pzUdrCQkpsnlwja354lmPBtXLzODRDdrJDYIgFZNHP-vrL5Qw6aCDGBeTAfzEEOXtDMuLlkpLiExbQoKOYE-heVLbIaNQelWe7t6HMank5s5BnNpf4c/s1600/IMAG0240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE8vVx1iOfNtxr33ki7oXUdma2pzUdrCQkpsnlwja354lmPBtXLzODRDdrJDYIgFZNHP-vrL5Qw6aCDGBeTAfzEEOXtDMuLlkpLiExbQoKOYE-heVLbIaNQelWe7t6HMank5s5BnNpf4c/s640/IMAG0240.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGk4LIxZcNo7ZzzjUa3T3xntpJNRMGkopcSHkK43jMBDgqGP8RENjsoHvG6XkySUCajXNZ9TDltqs88wmZ6IPgUM9FS3E2c5sqdNCqIg-1_7XzIiRMlht2kfVtsXdTOBLMLYtXsG4K2W8/s1600/IMAG0241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGk4LIxZcNo7ZzzjUa3T3xntpJNRMGkopcSHkK43jMBDgqGP8RENjsoHvG6XkySUCajXNZ9TDltqs88wmZ6IPgUM9FS3E2c5sqdNCqIg-1_7XzIiRMlht2kfVtsXdTOBLMLYtXsG4K2W8/s640/IMAG0241.jpg"> </a> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11002634878242924994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754780607068239364.post-74086097926471595932014-03-08T12:36:00.001-08:002014-03-08T12:36:41.314-08:00Puerto Penasco, Mexico <p>It's a beautiful day here in Mexico.  We got here last Wednesday, and after driving around town to check out our camping options for the week, we chose this site at The Reef.</p>
<p>Not too bad for $35 a night, and a nice change of pace for us after being in the desert these last couple of months.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilcQUDiKvj9dg7zI55wyVkL_nxvcf_6khnhMIdJFW47-AWKmLEN9eEH22J5Nrjq5W0LAWoxGO5PtO9tN2c0r2hoGzi93tTG00Pmaw5lzSh932LoOXRVuZy8gzjAe-PNKJ-DzqsE8Q7hxQ/s1600/IMAG0236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilcQUDiKvj9dg7zI55wyVkL_nxvcf_6khnhMIdJFW47-AWKmLEN9eEH22J5Nrjq5W0LAWoxGO5PtO9tN2c0r2hoGzi93tTG00Pmaw5lzSh932LoOXRVuZy8gzjAe-PNKJ-DzqsE8Q7hxQ/s640/IMAG0236.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_QhiiatsR8igWD9d89oHFoMVg2mW-62WnxIhbOesn-xkyslRdkX_JZCThHvNY7NG7E-OarGN9ID7vGNue-VmHs_ttoORFrTvEB8yKwrA4Vzq9wN8WqfkMuppP0LQbjCksBwmEOPFpCr8/s1600/IMAG0239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_QhiiatsR8igWD9d89oHFoMVg2mW-62WnxIhbOesn-xkyslRdkX_JZCThHvNY7NG7E-OarGN9ID7vGNue-VmHs_ttoORFrTvEB8yKwrA4Vzq9wN8WqfkMuppP0LQbjCksBwmEOPFpCr8/s640/IMAG0239.jpg"> </a> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11002634878242924994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754780607068239364.post-85123011647968631332014-03-07T07:32:00.001-08:002014-03-08T08:05:48.419-08:00Organ Pipe National MonumentMy mother in-law made a comment that we just can't seem to get out of Arizona. She is right. Taking a look at the pics below, you may understand why. First off the weather has been unbelievable, sunny, dry and 75 most days. Tucson seems to have what we like. Amazing hiking, biking, running trails, Bikram Yoga, Whole foods and Trader Joes and fun eclectic shopping.
Most of the pictures here are from our visit to Organ Pipe National Park. We boondocked for a week on some BLM land before we head into Mexico. The border is only 10 miles away. There are more than 500 border patrol cops around us. Our tax dollars hard at work here! Mexico here we come! <div><br></div><div><div id="CUSTOM_ID" class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWnkp2yG_RAwPG3QcLZjf3ttj4Vmj97WQD1j9GwsnKQVUSMA9NLSu2NNmNVoz2BONlsjyDNvd5UzruYJHiemqD8wWP_sJUw3wK69d9-S6xmyG-LXjXdzy2KbDieNtQDRRXQMyoY3-lljg/s1600/IMAG0235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWnkp2yG_RAwPG3QcLZjf3ttj4Vmj97WQD1j9GwsnKQVUSMA9NLSu2NNmNVoz2BONlsjyDNvd5UzruYJHiemqD8wWP_sJUw3wK69d9-S6xmyG-LXjXdzy2KbDieNtQDRRXQMyoY3-lljg/s640/IMAG0235.jpg"> </a> </div>
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We took our daughter and her husband on the Ventana Canyon hike last year, so made it that more special this year. Both hikes took about 3 hours and quite strenuous, of course I don't like hikes unless they are challenging. We did the Green Mountain hike with our new Airstream friend Jen and her dog Q. Can't deny God's work at hand here on these hikes. Did that man think of everything, or what. The crisp blue clear skies, the pines, the cactus, colors of the spring flowers, boulders, birds, the smells, streams and waterfalls- just amazing! We always pack a lunch and it's Sam's job to find a quaint little place to park it to eat. He has found some beauties, always overlooking the canyon, pines, city or the falls. I love hiking because you get 2 kill 2 birds 1 stone, exercise and enjoy the beauty of the landscape!<div><br></div><div><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIIX5O0maEwFqkM2Ic2OMERQwNmpSd1duaWRq4AflmiikUDP0Zmv2CiMIVnqd3Kowc-o-wROCpCDjMy2oklZM4K8hCgiIelyn8OpMdOBzw8BU0Qt04A8MUMMPyuJm1mFofLHwG-VtzArc/s640/blogger-image--61402740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIIX5O0maEwFqkM2Ic2OMERQwNmpSd1duaWRq4AflmiikUDP0Zmv2CiMIVnqd3Kowc-o-wROCpCDjMy2oklZM4K8hCgiIelyn8OpMdOBzw8BU0Qt04A8MUMMPyuJm1mFofLHwG-VtzArc/s640/blogger-image--61402740.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSIgMvLgC5OQdpRnUKBXu8n0qFHZ6f-o2zm497yn4AJLMjeCPvUuIA0P7QMMSVzYhax6lKbGR38sUkeiSQfSJU-Dc39eWRoeLLehf4OyeQjhF67AJcNZ9-nFOVNY-y2WoXE_vFDZyqmX8/s640/blogger-image-1772360722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSIgMvLgC5OQdpRnUKBXu8n0qFHZ6f-o2zm497yn4AJLMjeCPvUuIA0P7QMMSVzYhax6lKbGR38sUkeiSQfSJU-Dc39eWRoeLLehf4OyeQjhF67AJcNZ9-nFOVNY-y2WoXE_vFDZyqmX8/s640/blogger-image-1772360722.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6uctRO4t3ChzOmW-NDrEeMdhQKWTHgPcioj9ub-NCVR40dw0HzTMT1fZQCqd2Dti0FUa9tgFkxPIu5crYjP5BpNdvqN261NFun6myN4k3jgYOBZUn0kFDhx9TacmfCAYZWMjY6Z0e6Ow/s640/blogger-image--1224520655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6uctRO4t3ChzOmW-NDrEeMdhQKWTHgPcioj9ub-NCVR40dw0HzTMT1fZQCqd2Dti0FUa9tgFkxPIu5crYjP5BpNdvqN261NFun6myN4k3jgYOBZUn0kFDhx9TacmfCAYZWMjY6Z0e6Ow/s640/blogger-image--1224520655.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJCa4EP7WiqKI8YoX1njbEA7KjYHwP-ue7jVo-QZ3omKtoBMN4iJPUhyj8v1AvBHwR_91nCVJDqbi2JXaip7a-11RRe78C1a-iydQXa6ttV0I_YrPxvWgjnhHG3aX8xzEBQacAr-UUeFU/s1600/IMAG0150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJCa4EP7WiqKI8YoX1njbEA7KjYHwP-ue7jVo-QZ3omKtoBMN4iJPUhyj8v1AvBHwR_91nCVJDqbi2JXaip7a-11RRe78C1a-iydQXa6ttV0I_YrPxvWgjnhHG3aX8xzEBQacAr-UUeFU/s640/IMAG0150.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9LNnP3Kb9fMpgii2TWPoiurlB_Iqjw6xgv30bOKMABIy-Sa9slZxaltX0h4Q2CT7zuO4Di7xBG-Ky00X8S2jQ3t64qok3STjH0wOZv2fBejc6qbEPi3g1T7zZ7RQ7OOzTwFz8BHEpsTc/s1600/IMAG0148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9LNnP3Kb9fMpgii2TWPoiurlB_Iqjw6xgv30bOKMABIy-Sa9slZxaltX0h4Q2CT7zuO4Di7xBG-Ky00X8S2jQ3t64qok3STjH0wOZv2fBejc6qbEPi3g1T7zZ7RQ7OOzTwFz8BHEpsTc/s640/IMAG0148.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicSs9UjeXd80kmJ5ukxBx5nkbwaofjzcey2seKtEZV94iPwsO1KyuB_qvWgZgIHYHFjQiDKC4cNVhKKJMp9FVxbKKN3rn6zrhG_k1uRaaKDNKUAxCJ5UObBqBZVSTsCzOkp-ka3uqLTsw/s1600/IMAG0146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicSs9UjeXd80kmJ5ukxBx5nkbwaofjzcey2seKtEZV94iPwsO1KyuB_qvWgZgIHYHFjQiDKC4cNVhKKJMp9FVxbKKN3rn6zrhG_k1uRaaKDNKUAxCJ5UObBqBZVSTsCzOkp-ka3uqLTsw/s640/IMAG0146.jpg"> </a> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11002634878242924994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754780607068239364.post-34834368578212725632014-02-27T10:15:00.001-08:002014-02-27T10:53:58.222-08:00Fiesta Aluma Chef Contest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We spent a week at Lazydays Campground in Tucson a few weeks ago with 110 other Airstreamers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We thought we could meet some cool folks, talk Airstream and probably learn a lot too. After checking out the events for the week, one caught my eye. A baking contest in which they tell you 5 ingredients that have to be included in your recipe, which were cream cheese, butternut squash, great northern beans, raisins and maple syrup and you had to cook it in your Airstream. So, it hasn't been that long ago that I hung up my bakers cap, so I decided to make a butternut raisin cake with cream cheese frosting. I had 2 recipes in mind and thought I would bake both and see how they turned out. I knew one of them I wanted to look like an Airstream, especially since you were being judged on creativity. Well, I spent the entire day in my Airstream baking and decorating away. Judging was at </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3 pm to be judged by a professional chef and 2 others. Both, of my recipes turned out well, but clearly one was better than the other, so I decided I would enter both. When we got there Sam found out that you could only enter 1 recipe per person. So, Sam said that he would just put his name on one of them. I wanted to put my name on the one that tasted the best, but didn't think the judges would believe that he decorated the Airstream cake. Wouldn't you know it, the professional chef loved Sam's so much she even called him over to talk about it. She said it was better than hers. I was hoping she would ask him some specific ?'s about the cake that he would have had no idea how to respond, but she didn't. She was just raving over it and I was like whatever, I made the damn thing. So, there were 3 winners to go onto the next round, which were Sam, me and another older gentleman. They handed each of us a Trader Joe's bag with 5 more ingredients. This time they were smokehouse almonds, green olives, sriracha sauce(hot sauce), 2 green apples and a white chocolate bar. Now, the competition was on between husband and wife. Sam made a lentil veggie burger and I made a salad. They both tasted amazing, but we liked, and a few others thought, that the salad was a winner. The other winner made a turkey chili that I thought was amazingly yummy. But the cute little chef girl said that Sam was the overall winner. Seriously! Hey, behind every great man is a strong woman is all I've got to say. He won a nice cutting board and a $50 William Sonoma gift certificate. It was fun, but also glad it was and now we can relax and enjoy the rest of the weekend. I guess we will always have a part of the bakery in us! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0O8Xge1cYDVmP_JiWfpyapfxx9csizhJ_1OWMe763kldRkCtTYtX9zwQfohgk79aZBmOG9yK_uGju9yS-9ygjbMzr60lhnJbyK2AMx4deD2t7pZQ7ciyhCnUlg45v_47W-u6Q4hvGxwo/s1600/IMAG0164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0O8Xge1cYDVmP_JiWfpyapfxx9csizhJ_1OWMe763kldRkCtTYtX9zwQfohgk79aZBmOG9yK_uGju9yS-9ygjbMzr60lhnJbyK2AMx4deD2t7pZQ7ciyhCnUlg45v_47W-u6Q4hvGxwo/s640/IMAG0164.jpg"> </a> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11002634878242924994noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754780607068239364.post-72146628069933390822014-02-27T08:05:00.001-08:002014-02-27T09:14:53.132-08:00Bug Spring Hiking Trail in Coronado National Forest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was one of our favorite and challenging hikes on Mt. Lemmon. You start off at 5,000 feet surrounded by several kinds of cactus. Then you hike up to 6,000 feet and you need to put on your pants, coat and hat as the weather starts to change as well as the landscape. You start to see less cactus, more pine trees and bigger rock bolder formations. Go up another 500 feet and you would not think you are on the same hike or even in the same state. Looks like we hiked to the state of Maine. Unbelievable! Roscoe loved this hike and he never strayed too far away and always kept us on the trail when we were unsure. Miss that little guy! You go from 3,000 elevation to 9,000 at the top of Mt. Lemmon. Most days it would be 75 in Tucson and 45 degrees at the top of the mountain, hence the need for the winter clothes, but a great place to go to escape the heat. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAH3xlGBTdgRe6jiBCt4LGzW5WHWMMYgwlcao0W6mgCFamglSI66GoFLeCRid9Mrz3DufWW8MfRlmUq-VlT8phxVmkBU3oojVSAyye-efxuX44QWLSUc8wmcwjahr60_ie8gCZ-_XQKQ4/s1600/IMAG0139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAH3xlGBTdgRe6jiBCt4LGzW5WHWMMYgwlcao0W6mgCFamglSI66GoFLeCRid9Mrz3DufWW8MfRlmUq-VlT8phxVmkBU3oojVSAyye-efxuX44QWLSUc8wmcwjahr60_ie8gCZ-_XQKQ4/s640/IMAG0139.jpg"> </a> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11002634878242924994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754780607068239364.post-58772280715035839342013-12-09T08:03:00.001-08:002013-12-09T08:04:48.651-08:00Monday, Dec 9th - Tucson, AZ<p>Well, the sun is shining this morning and its supposed to warm up to somewhere in the 50s. </p>
<p>Steph is thinking about how she will go about shipping the many Xmas gifts she's picked up while here in Tucson before she heads out to the 9:30 yoga class which is held here at the clubhouse. Roscoe is working on his bone and I'm working on my coffee.</p>
<p>Yesterday was a good day. Vinyasa Yoga at Tucson yoga from 11 to 12:45, lunch and then a nap, followed by a long run w/Roscoe and more TV.</p>
<p>More of the same today. Tomorrow we will visit the Forever Young Farm which is about an hour south of here to talk about another wwoofing opportunity.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge5i73LAaokBFYJ20A5H2DY_hqc_c9m_lJoDbX2CMhObmqkiUKXQsBx8EVe6e5V2S_HcbbL1dguE8nyE78CeB94zHzXNyfF5m2aMuO1UOxmplmifIrHuPCZr8BBx3rJh3Y-8zq6HhOHFE/s1600/IMAG0009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge5i73LAaokBFYJ20A5H2DY_hqc_c9m_lJoDbX2CMhObmqkiUKXQsBx8EVe6e5V2S_HcbbL1dguE8nyE78CeB94zHzXNyfF5m2aMuO1UOxmplmifIrHuPCZr8BBx3rJh3Y-8zq6HhOHFE/s640/IMAG0009.jpg"> </a> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11002634878242924994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754780607068239364.post-69228129207311455372013-12-08T08:23:00.001-08:002013-12-08T09:14:28.765-08:00Sunday, Dec 8th - Tucson, AZ (Day 45)<div id="CUSTOM_ID" class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div>Still enjoying Tucson!<div><br></div><div>We've been exploring the Coronado National Forest quite a bit lately. The mountains call to us daily, as they sit on the northern edge of town which is the direction our living room windows face. We look out on them daily and we are only about 8 miles from the entrance that takes you into the forest. </div><div><br></div><div>This is the road that takes you to the top of Lemmon mountain which rises to a peak of around 9500'. Tucson's elevation is around 2,500. So in about 20 miles of beautiful twists and turns, you gain around 7'000 feet of altitude. The views along the way are amazing. It's sunny and 75 degrees down in Tucson and there could be snow on top of the mountains. </div><div><br></div><div>Anyway, we've been riding our bikes up this road and we've also been hiking some of the trails here. Yesterday's hike was terrific, as was the previous days hike. Roscoe is in heaven on these trails.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmzJCtuWdN1x20u82zLGgck9t2DzgOoTtw0qndrarnDie0mQW7ZGJZhxz3lSKjvGfjklak-Xfl7zhkQ8DLDu0ULjCBXxVZqgNX26B6kWwusBtOCv1EZQN7SqSKlyBnjeLBNsnbEhoewY4/s1600/IMAG0094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmzJCtuWdN1x20u82zLGgck9t2DzgOoTtw0qndrarnDie0mQW7ZGJZhxz3lSKjvGfjklak-Xfl7zhkQ8DLDu0ULjCBXxVZqgNX26B6kWwusBtOCv1EZQN7SqSKlyBnjeLBNsnbEhoewY4/s640/IMAG0094.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhim4VRo02JafS4UloVknhnHRgbDfg8saYhvRmHVJC8MCuhfRTnM-2jrqYdMwogasFH02F8L3hPK5VcqKRTOEzZrgbZtMcwpSwCXuF78DbyaUFHuXzqlRhcQfNuVYg-aN92QT0GbRaKOCA/s1600/IMAG0139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhim4VRo02JafS4UloVknhnHRgbDfg8saYhvRmHVJC8MCuhfRTnM-2jrqYdMwogasFH02F8L3hPK5VcqKRTOEzZrgbZtMcwpSwCXuF78DbyaUFHuXzqlRhcQfNuVYg-aN92QT0GbRaKOCA/s640/IMAG0139.jpg"> </a> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11002634878242924994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754780607068239364.post-80246866450801296242013-11-21T17:25:00.001-08:002013-12-08T08:24:12.376-08:00Days 24, 25, 26, 27 & 28 - Tucson, AZWe have been laying low at the Far Horizons RV Resort since arriving here on the 16th while slowly exploring the surrounding areas of Tucson. After looking around some more we've decided to stay here until we fly home for the Holidays.<div><br></div><div>It's a nice park that's full of nice people, all be it they are all a little bit older then us. Ha ha. It's quite, nicely landscaped and there's a clubhouse with lots of activities going on in addition to a pretty nice swimming pool and hot tub. Steph went to the crafts room this afternoon and started working on a Christmas gift for someone.</div><div><br></div><div>Otherwise, it's felt good to both of us to just know that we won't be moving on anytime too soon. Unbeknown to me, Steph had been counting the number of times that we'd broken and set up camp along the way and I think it was starting to wear some on both of us.</div><div><br></div><div>Our focus these last few days has mostly been on exercise, being outdoors and discovering what the area has to offer in that regard. We've been running the paths, cycling the roads, visiting the yoga studios and grocery shopping. So far, we've found all of our favorites! There's a great farmers market, a couple of Trader Joes, a couple of Whole Foods and a chain that calls themselves Sprouts.</div><div><br></div><div>Tomorrow, we plan do visit another Yoga studio in the morning and then we are going to hike a trail in the afternoon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDq4EActJ3LchUUWMaG5H3v7RizvWmIWH-2pLQSYobSmbJgpZyTJD5eWUgWTnbdTyvqJthwYWTC5jwjVG8sdDo7YXkGF09xIoF40H2Ow0K-jLIraMq2xuhV0R939lyxlJ5eiBtbfcyI4/s1600/IMAG0116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDq4EActJ3LchUUWMaG5H3v7RizvWmIWH-2pLQSYobSmbJgpZyTJD5eWUgWTnbdTyvqJthwYWTC5jwjVG8sdDo7YXkGF09xIoF40H2Ow0K-jLIraMq2xuhV0R939lyxlJ5eiBtbfcyI4/s640/IMAG0116.jpg"> </a> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11002634878242924994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754780607068239364.post-56147584689757205292013-11-21T17:01:00.001-08:002013-11-21T17:25:42.372-08:00Day 23 - Tucson, AZWe hit the road early this morning in anticipation of finally arriving in Tucson and we were there before we knew what hit us. I think all in all it only took us about three hours including a couple of stops.<div><br></div><div>Along the way, Steph surfed the Internet to identify some potential RV Parks that we might be able to call home for the next month. There are many in the area and the prices seem to vary widely as well. </div><div><br></div><div>After we had a sense of what was available, we decided to check out the Prince of Tucson park which is located close to the interstate. The park was very clean and the price seemed really good, but i<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">n the end, we decided it was a little too close to the interstate and decided to head towards the eastern side of the city.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">This east side is the area where we spent the majority of our time when we had been hear with Great Harvest, so we kind of had an idea of what was around. There's a park in this area called Far Horizons RV Resort, and even though it is advertised as being a 55+ community of RV folks we thought we'd give it a shot. Location, location, location.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><br></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">We pulled in at around 1:30 in the afternoon and quickly settled into on of their patio sites. For an urban setting, this was a pretty sweet place to hang our hats for a while. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">We decided to pay for a couple of nights, with the plan being to check out the other options over the course of that time to try to come up with a more permanent spot.</span></div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11002634878242924994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754780607068239364.post-60080319480100271102013-11-19T07:20:00.001-08:002013-11-21T16:22:00.752-08:00Day 21 - Big Bend National Park, TXWhat a terrific day we had today!<div><br></div><div>The Rio Grande Village Campground is in very close proximity to a border crossing (legal) into Mexico. The crossing takes you into Laquillas MX. We paid $5 round trip to be rowed across the Rio Grande in a small john boat by a very nice Mexican from Laquillas. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">As we soon discovered, tourism from this border crossing is a primary source of income for this very small Mexican community.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">During our trip, we were serenaded by another fellow from the edge of the Rio Grande who had a terrific voice. It was really cool and the setting there is simply majestic. Upon arrival, we were welcomed to this community by several gentlemen, one of which would be our guide for the day. We jumped onto the backs of a couple of donkeys and were then lead to town by our guide.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">This is a very simple community in the middle of nowhere that seems to survive by looking out for one another. It is very primitive yet functional. Our guide should us around town and we stopped a time or two to eat and purchase some items. All together, we spent several hours in Laquillas before returning to the US to pack up our belongings. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">This would be our last day in the park. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">We drove for a couple of hours and settled in for a good nights sleep back at the Wamart in Fort Stockton, TX which is where we had stayed before making our detour south.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">We both agreed that our day trip into Laquillas is a must do for anyone that finds themselves in that area of the park, and we were very thankful to have spent these last several days at Big Bend.</span></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11002634878242924994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754780607068239364.post-6276070792478078402013-11-19T07:19:00.003-08:002013-11-21T16:21:53.020-08:00Day 20 - Big Bend National Park, TXToday, we drove to the Chisos basin and hiked one of the more popular trails in the park. The lost mine trail is about a 3 hour hike round trip, that starts at around 5,000 ft above sea level and goes up from there. It was a beautiful hike with patches of sunshine and blue skies along the way. And the view at the end of the trail was simply amazing.<div><br></div><div>We've seen plenty of tarantulas throughout the park and the pictured in the photo below was sunning itself on the trail that we hiked.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_zf_z8x8R4m3RSORIPvU7HlscKuB62lu2swRucIq-4wnp9ZGcJgOlBv6rHQoaoZcQ90LnUeyDINFPwJHUFWXMUsZe6I1ivZZ4Wjc_yw3Usvnd-uMFSaE4ymxrbBmX-0bRhN5Eg0Ka3Mo/s1600/IMAG0125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_zf_z8x8R4m3RSORIPvU7HlscKuB62lu2swRucIq-4wnp9ZGcJgOlBv6rHQoaoZcQ90LnUeyDINFPwJHUFWXMUsZe6I1ivZZ4Wjc_yw3Usvnd-uMFSaE4ymxrbBmX-0bRhN5Eg0Ka3Mo/s640/IMAG0125.jpg"> </a> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11002634878242924994noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754780607068239364.post-53627094403763022742013-11-19T07:19:00.001-08:002013-11-21T16:22:10.467-08:00Day 22 - Fort Stockton, TX to Deming, NMToday was a travel day.<div><br></div><div>Can't believe we finally made it out of Texas. When they say everything is bigger in Texas they really mean it.</div><div><br></div><div>Thank you Walmart for the free overnight accomodations.</div><div><br></div><div>Tomorrow we will arrive in Tucson, AZ.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11002634878242924994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754780607068239364.post-3837214898179262572013-11-15T06:49:00.001-08:002013-11-21T16:21:38.338-08:00Day 19 - Big Bend National Park, TXToday, we decided to move from the west side of the park to the east side. We drove for about an hour and then pulled into the Rio Grande Village campground area. This camp offered an area for RVs with full hook ups and another area with no services at all. We chose to rough it and save $20 a night by opting for the basic campground w/o services.<div><br></div><div>The weather today was not so nice! Cloudy and VERY WINDY for most of the day. So, it was a good day to travel to the other side of the park. Although it would have been nice to enjoy the scenery along the way.</div><div><br></div><div>After we got ourselves anchored down at our camp site, we decided to check out the hot spring located nearby. It was extremely awesome! This spring sets adjacent to the Rio Grande river. So, you sit there enjoying the scenery of Mexico along the other side of the river, as well as the sounds of the river rushing by. The air temp was around 50, but the temp of the water had to have been near 100.</div><div><br></div><div>What a relaxing time.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11002634878242924994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754780607068239364.post-51065305394067848152013-11-12T16:09:00.007-08:002013-11-21T16:21:29.042-08:00Day 18 - Big Bend National Park, TXToday we woke in cottonwood campground to partly cloudy skies which became completely sunny by 11. The campground is about 8 miles from this huge canyon that was created by the Rio Grande, and campsite #2 is literally just a stone throw away from that very same river. Can you say arriba arriba?<div><br></div><div>Since it was so beautiful out we decided to pull the bikes out and ride down to the canyon. What a ride. This contrast of the canyon, mountains and desert plant life is so amazing, not to mention the sunshine and warm weather. And we were greeted by the most amazing canyon when we reached the end of the road. Once we we there, we locked up the bikes and then hiked the Santa Elena Canyon trail. A short trail round trip, this one takes you into the canyon to a point where the water rests along both walls. Very cool.</div><div><br></div><div>We rode back to the campsite and afterwards felt like we had had a good workout and a bit of a sunburn as well. Gotta love the desert. Before dinner, we drove the opposite direction down the road to a scenic lookout that sits well above the canyon and the Rio Grande to enjoy the sunset.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBwGuv91IM0fz7Oa8f4VUzu6S8eocK6CbkVFNocorf0vrgRTSvyOdkpxuMYc5Kgff2WBctKlj4FXvNtmu8aDDt48nkPb0BqbCNEhVVSZorC4AOe6TYva1DArhevQfoXCQzhxLOlsHjoeo/s1600/IMAG0129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBwGuv91IM0fz7Oa8f4VUzu6S8eocK6CbkVFNocorf0vrgRTSvyOdkpxuMYc5Kgff2WBctKlj4FXvNtmu8aDDt48nkPb0BqbCNEhVVSZorC4AOe6TYva1DArhevQfoXCQzhxLOlsHjoeo/s640/IMAG0129.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTqcWE5DhfkRZsCuE3VIKQO73T_WyaPHWyqUIFnyn4INCz1PorKSBg1iIX10nm0EfP4dVkaUpP0xZT9yu6ksNEfOR11MYxVZwfv5deo72FTQAc1EZd7bl8-hT_l5e188Jf8bSmMKkE58/s1600/IMAG0126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTqcWE5DhfkRZsCuE3VIKQO73T_WyaPHWyqUIFnyn4INCz1PorKSBg1iIX10nm0EfP4dVkaUpP0xZT9yu6ksNEfOR11MYxVZwfv5deo72FTQAc1EZd7bl8-hT_l5e188Jf8bSmMKkE58/s640/IMAG0126.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylO_AN3Psu_Uoou0IsT49eEaday_sg48I6dHlPfphuG_AYRh9hCbj5wG1eGYqKXu4RePtLp6AB6D2QgdlMMbawWbNVL4BrIxESeJTkw1c-T9KKM_dacpNoEBIHyTgpFeqFKQxWmL9_ZA/s1600/IMAG0127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylO_AN3Psu_Uoou0IsT49eEaday_sg48I6dHlPfphuG_AYRh9hCbj5wG1eGYqKXu4RePtLp6AB6D2QgdlMMbawWbNVL4BrIxESeJTkw1c-T9KKM_dacpNoEBIHyTgpFeqFKQxWmL9_ZA/s640/IMAG0127.jpg"> </a> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11002634878242924994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754780607068239364.post-62516929103778428932013-11-12T16:09:00.005-08:002013-11-21T16:21:20.111-08:00Day 17 - Presidio to Big Bend National Park, TXWe boon docked it last night right next door to a US/MEXICO entry point in Presidio, TX. We felt extremely safe there as everything was very well lite by flood lights that were located all around.<div><br></div><div>After breakfast we filled the tank and headed over to the other side of town which is where the visitors center to Big Bend Ranch State Park is located. There's a stretch of rode (route 170) leading to the National park which runs through this largest state park in Texas. It was about a 50 mile drive along the Rio Grande and it was even more beautiful then you can imagine.</div><div><br></div><div>The highlight of the trip was a movie set that was built at some point along the river which has hosted at least 6 major motion pictures. Such a spot. We stopped there and at several other places along the way to take it all in. </div><div><br></div><div>It was sunny and warm as we pulled into t<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">he western entry point to Big Bend National Park and we were greeted by the nicest park ranger from East St. Louis who was thrilled to be talking to someone from the state that she grew up in. We were expecting to pay an entry fee, but we're surprised to hear that entry to the park was free this weekend due to the fact that it was Veterans Day. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">We drove another 30 miles and then settled into our site at cottonwood campground for the rest of the night. But not before we came across several cars that had stopped along the rode to observe one angry rattle snake that had obviously come into close contact with the tire of either a car or motorcycle. Yikes, he was mad.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1zsVYrSwjqed3WzqnyhxPPF5pI53jMBQI4yQaFeNOUzVeLdIGjjS20OqEd4TxdSwIbQS-TXvzoDJ14i2RyuAFfegi5oTzogS6wR5-tY0q3Edg3757a0UipToancOz32Eh7-0tB0oKg2w/s1600/IMAG0107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1zsVYrSwjqed3WzqnyhxPPF5pI53jMBQI4yQaFeNOUzVeLdIGjjS20OqEd4TxdSwIbQS-TXvzoDJ14i2RyuAFfegi5oTzogS6wR5-tY0q3Edg3757a0UipToancOz32Eh7-0tB0oKg2w/s640/IMAG0107.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSXYG8FaWNdyQWJ-mu8HXdeanoroOwj_u5suEM87-xubSJnIJQDHYfjypd_2qOXd0x-leae4xFfjQnOQyw2VuxFksRUh2m69cVNhR3uVh-ZI_CXMaivSjeTTAytCqlT47U9i_2fQFAdVw/s1600/IMAG0113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSXYG8FaWNdyQWJ-mu8HXdeanoroOwj_u5suEM87-xubSJnIJQDHYfjypd_2qOXd0x-leae4xFfjQnOQyw2VuxFksRUh2m69cVNhR3uVh-ZI_CXMaivSjeTTAytCqlT47U9i_2fQFAdVw/s640/IMAG0113.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijx9Xw9e_jG-CCvV76Mbbshoj_AqRVBWVIIvlN6uLz4CRWleTGL4Y2s6mfuBCscqFdswp_ptAuXmg7ghYVBM52taDM52ELxD4eKz1XQMZ-cE6nWBIvvtwxlKaQ2gpIC4Mla1BTnZ5YywY/s1600/IMAG0110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijx9Xw9e_jG-CCvV76Mbbshoj_AqRVBWVIIvlN6uLz4CRWleTGL4Y2s6mfuBCscqFdswp_ptAuXmg7ghYVBM52taDM52ELxD4eKz1XQMZ-cE6nWBIvvtwxlKaQ2gpIC4Mla1BTnZ5YywY/s640/IMAG0110.jpg"> </a> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11002634878242924994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754780607068239364.post-31540744283532010202013-11-12T16:09:00.003-08:002013-11-12T16:09:29.036-08:00Day 16 - Fort Stockton to Presidio, TXWoke up in the WalMart parking lot in Fort Stockton, TX and were planning to hit the road (I-10W) to El Paso, TX and then on to Tucson, AZ. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">However, about ten miles into the day we were diverted by the exit sign to Marfa, TX. About a week earlier, we met a guy that mentioned he and his wife enjoyed vacationing there. He said that if we were ever in the area we should definetly check it out, so<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "> we decided to put our trip to Tucson on hold for a few more days.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Besides, I had been struggling with our decision to head straight to Tucson, without making a stop at Big Bend National Park first. After all, we are on a journey, not simply heading towards a particular destination. Right? The hard part is we are so used to pointing ourselves to a destination. So, relaxing and taking the journey in has been a little bit tough to adjust to.</span></div><div><br></div><div>We drove to Marfa and spent most of our day soaking up the sun while strolling around this very unique town. There's a very beautiful old hotel in town thats on the list of National Historic Sites. It's also an artist community with galleries located all throughout town which are occupied by some pretty well known artists. But what do we know? </div><div><br></div><div>After a good workout at the High School track, we hit the grocery store and then the rode on our way towards Presidio, TX were we would eventually stop for the night.</div><div><br></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Marfa kind of reminded us of Dillon, MT.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11002634878242924994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754780607068239364.post-43757777361055906732013-11-12T16:09:00.001-08:002013-11-12T16:09:01.975-08:00Day 15 - Garner State Park to Fort Stockton, TXToday was pretty much a travel day.<div><br></div><div>We woke up in Garner State Park which is located in the "Hill Country" of Texas to cloudy and cool temps and decided enough was enough of this weather. We were headed to Tucson where surely the sun would be shining. </div><div><br></div><div>So, after breakfast we took Roscoe on a hike, realizing he would pretty much be cooped up in the truck all day, and then packed it up and hit the road towards I-10W with our destination being Tucson, AZ and warmer weather.</div><div><br></div><div>We drove for about 5 hours in and out of rain and eventually called it quits in the Walmart parking lot located in Fort Stockton, TX. </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11002634878242924994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754780607068239364.post-7619839518518378292013-11-02T06:57:00.001-07:002013-11-03T06:52:16.110-08:00Days 8 & 9 - Pedernales State Park (West of Austin, TX)We've been taking it easy these last couple of days here at the park. The weather has been perfect, so we have mostly been outside exploring. <div><br></div><div>Friday, we went for a good run in the park and saw the falls. later that afternoon,we walked Roscoe to a swimming area inthe park located on the Pedernales river. It was a beautiful spot for sure.</div><div><br></div><div>Yesterday, we decided to pull the bikes out of the truck and we rode them into town. Johnson City, boyhood home to President LBJ, is nearby and we ended up doing about a 30 mile round trip ride. Roscoe hung out at the campsite while we were away, but he enjoyed a long walk when we returned.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWfnhv8QP6M6ZRkN2xDNJ9eEO2r-nuZjgI2XuIU1vb8Z1bwzB-96fCpVlIWEe1_HNI3ZJ8cp3m4ZFNM5W6FrDeb3c_2iUZAViKyhwkhsNE-Jy4-mx8twHDGqFgnlkMU0r5N54BOscOOnw/s1600/IMAG0099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWfnhv8QP6M6ZRkN2xDNJ9eEO2r-nuZjgI2XuIU1vb8Z1bwzB-96fCpVlIWEe1_HNI3ZJ8cp3m4ZFNM5W6FrDeb3c_2iUZAViKyhwkhsNE-Jy4-mx8twHDGqFgnlkMU0r5N54BOscOOnw/s640/IMAG0099.jpg"> </a> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11002634878242924994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754780607068239364.post-45404600642418125872013-10-31T19:56:00.003-07:002013-11-02T12:44:00.143-07:00Day 7 - Austin, TXWOW, What a night! <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">I have no idea how much it actually rained last night, but it came down in buckets. All Night! There was some</span> flooding this AM in the Austin area and we were actually asked to evacuate McKinney State Park by no later then 2pm. Welcome to Austin, TX!<div><br></div><div>We packed it up after breakfast and off we went. We headed downtown and did some more REI shopping before lunch. Whole Foods very first store was located right across the street from REI, so Steph went in to grab some food while Roscoe and I stayed outside. No dogs allowed. I didn't know it, but Whole Foods is headquartered in Austin and Steph remarked that it was the largest store shed been to.</div><div><br></div><div>We hit the road with our new purchases and found our next campsite at another state park located about 45 minutes west of Austin. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxA8S7fUAJnwWyHyRy1yNxiKHWjmLC8Z_0XPehyphenhyphen05156mlzRH2cP5oIo7k2SARcXLHe_yWuno9XEYNL_ns0t35-Ydxn7scukQ-__WCidFOwKHVxyka9AezrrSR37XHDoBb0YuIVEnWiRc/s1600/IMAG0096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxA8S7fUAJnwWyHyRy1yNxiKHWjmLC8Z_0XPehyphenhyphen05156mlzRH2cP5oIo7k2SARcXLHe_yWuno9XEYNL_ns0t35-Ydxn7scukQ-__WCidFOwKHVxyka9AezrrSR37XHDoBb0YuIVEnWiRc/s640/IMAG0096.jpg"> </a> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11002634878242924994noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754780607068239364.post-65270830079173942402013-10-31T19:56:00.001-07:002013-10-31T19:56:52.056-07:00Days 5 & 6 - Hot Springs National Park to AustinWe've basically been on the road the last couple of days. Definitely taking it slow and easy. <div><br></div><div>We left our campsite at Hot Springs National Park on Tuesday at around 11. Drove to Dallas and decided to camp out in the parking lot at REI. There are two stores in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, so we chose the closest one and arrived at around 6. After some shopping and a walk with the dog, we decided to ask some of the REI employees whether camping out in the parking lot would be a good idea. Idk, something about the broken glass in the parking lot and the lock your doors, REI is not responsible for any damages or loss of property signs that were posted all over had us a little uneasy. They suggested we camp out at their other store in Plano.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "> Went to Plano and quickly realized that it was a much safer looking area, besides, there was a Trader Joes next door to the REI! Of course, we had to buy some of their good food! But, unfortunately, we had to move on after buying some of those goodies because the shopping complex did not allow any overnight camping. A little too safe I guess.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">In the end, we pulled the trailer a few miles further on down the road to a Wal-Mart which always works. After a good nights rest, we hit the road mid-morning after having our coffee and some breakfast. After several more hours of traveling, we finally arrived at our final destintion in Austin, TX, McKinney Falls State Park.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">We set up camp and went for a run along a 3 mile loop that circles the campground. Was it ever humid. OMG, we were both drenched afterwards but, but as always, we were happy to have gotten some exercise in.</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11002634878242924994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754780607068239364.post-71436643449542685692013-10-28T19:10:00.001-07:002013-10-28T19:10:10.056-07:00Days 3 & 4 - Gulpha Gorge Campground (Hot Springs National Park)Went for a really awesome run in downtown Little Rock before hitting the road to Hot Springs National Park. There are miles of trails that have been developed along the riverfront and the grounds that they run thru are beautiful. I really need to get a new camera! <div><br></div><div>It only took us about an hour to get to the the park and it's really gorgeous right now with the many colors of fall. Gulpha gorge campground is very nice as well. Our site backs up to a very pretty creek and, of course, there's a mixture of trees all around us. Trails through the woods lead from the campground to downtown Hot Springs and we walked it with Roscoe once, and ran it together without him another time.</div><div><br></div><div>The history of the bathhouses is very interesting and we learned a ton from our national park tour guide who explained it all to us. I also took several pictures of others that were on the tour with us which was a lot of fun. I must have a sign around my neck that says I'd be glad to take a picture of you. I get asked all the time. Only problem is I never bring any of my own pictures home with me. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Like I said, I really need to get a camera. I know my phone has one, but it's a hand me down from Alexa and I've dropped it a couple of times which I think may have cracked the lens.</span></div><div><br></div><div>Headed to Austin tomorrow. Will see how far we get.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11002634878242924994noreply@blogger.com1Hot Springs National Park Hot Springs34.525567 -93.036771tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754780607068239364.post-43847526601783387952013-10-27T07:20:00.001-07:002013-10-28T19:11:15.498-07:00Day 2 - Little Rock, ARWoke up this morning in downtown Little Rock. We arrived yesterday afternoon at around 6pm after Steph convinced me to check it out. I was determined to make it to Hot Springs National Park, but as always Steph was right, and I'm glad she convinced me to take the detour. Downtown Little Rock rocks! <div><br></div><div>We found a sweet little curbside spot to sleep adjacent to the Clinton Presidential Library which sits right along the river. The river is beautifully developed and we enjoyed a quick stroll along a river walk before dinner last night. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">We wanted to check out Heifer Village, but arrived too late as they were closed. Need to check out the Heifer International foundation. Appears to be very interesting!?</span></div><div><br></div><div>After dinner I watched the Cardinal game, while Steph and Roscoe caught up on some sleep. What a game! We have a short drive to Hot Springs national park today where we will settle in for a couple days to relax and explore.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11002634878242924994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754780607068239364.post-58423070469286046812013-10-25T06:26:00.002-07:002013-10-25T06:26:46.001-07:00Today's the day!After a lot of preparation........today's the day! We are finally ready to hit the road.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11002634878242924994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5754780607068239364.post-3774844663367539392013-10-17T17:17:00.001-07:002013-10-18T08:00:09.991-07:00Almost readyWell, its been a busy week thus far........packing the house is always a lot more work then you'd imagined it was going to be! I'm tired and we haven't even left yet.<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11002634878242924994noreply@blogger.com0Peoria, Peoria40.69365 -89.58899