Lost in the Mountains

Finally something to write about. Had fun today.

We finally got up off our duffs yesterday evening and went to McDonalds for dinner. A rather upscale looking MickeyDs. Very southwest decoration and a fire place in the eating area. 

And I see the prices have gone up since last we ate in one in the States.

After we got home we talked about where we’ll be going when we leave here Friday. We’ve decided to go to the 1000 Trails campground near Cottonwood, AZ – between Phoenix and Flagstaff. We pay our membership every year so we might as well use a week while we’re close to one of the campgrounds. Besides it is so pretty in that area. Love Sedona and all the Indian ruins around there and the 4 x 4 trails. Checked the weather and supposedly it won’t be going below freezing at night any more. I hope.

Today we had to get out of Jennie for a while. So we went to Denny’s for breakfast then I asked Gertrude the GPS to find Saguaro National Park. Thought we’d go there and then to Old Tucson. I had a vague idea of how to go … but … we followed the GPS. Should have known better as it didn't look like the way I thought we were supposed to go. Up towards the mountains we went on a decent two lane road - then the ride got very interesting. The pavement got worse AND there were topes! – speed bumps.

Then the pavement stopped and we were on gravel. But we were getting into the Saguaro area. 

But the scenery was beautiful. I love the desert here in Arizona so many plants and the rugged mountains.

Oops now we were on a narrow dirt road that said "Dead End 1/2 mile." Bill looked at me with that "Now what?" look. 

The GPS says the road keeps going to the park but it does say "Off Road." So maybe we're okay. Then the road got narrower. Hummmm? But isn't the scenery beautiful! Keep going. 

Finally the road dead ended in someone's driveway - no way to go further. 

The GPS showed the road continuing to the park. I don’t think so. It did say “Off Road” though.  And the huge and beautiful homes we went by – wow! Thinking back I’m surprised we weren’t stopped by private security out there.

Some more of the beauty of the desert. Bright yellow flowers, rocks, cactus and dead wood. Nature is wonderful. 

After getting back on a main road we took Gates Pass Road over the mountains. Some pictures from there. 

Here the majestic Saguaros march all the way up the mountain. 

So many different kinds of plants in one area. 

And the views - love the desert - it is soothing to the soul. Mine anyway. 

We then headed towards Old Tucson which I’ll write about later. Fun and interesting - all I ever wanted to know about Chuck Wagons. 

Is Reality TV really real?

Another very cool night. Even I had the electric blanket on. But by about 10:00 it is warm enough in here for the AC to kick on. Still watching the weather at home. Still COLD. We are paid here in Amado until Friday then we have to decide what to do. Stay? Head straight home via I-10? Or head towards the north to Sedona area? Would like to go there where we have membership camping but the temps still fall below freezing at night. We’ll see.

I don’t know why I missed TV so much can’t find anything on I want to watch. Except NASCAR. The news is all bad or not news at all and the shows are reality. I wonder whose reality it is? Certainly not real life. Though I have to admit I enjoy “Ice Road Truckers.” Those people are crazy – but well paid.
Reading a cute series of books, nothing intellectual for sure, by Elaine Viets. The main character is a single mother who makes her living by being a mystery shopper. She is always getting in to trouble. Just fun quick reading.
For those of you who follow Ms Tioga and George what do you think of today’s blog? I see he has added to it since the first a.m. post.
Today I guess will be another do nothing day as Bill is still fighting, or sleeping off, his cold. My toe is quite a bit better. Can wear most shoes with out a problem but it continues to bother me if I walk on it too long. Was thinking about trying to go to the Titan Missile Museum and take the tour but after reading that it is 90 minutes long I thought better of it.
Did get a nice surprise yesterday though. I was checking through my Nook library and discovered that the books I’d bought while in Mexico –and couldn’t download because I was using Mexican Internet connection - have been downloaded to the Nook. I had completely forgotten about them.
Not even any pretty sunset here to take pictures of – that’s unusual for the area. If anything interesting happens I’ll add it here later.

Boring days

Both yesterday and today were kind of  “off” days. Neither Bill nor I felt real good. Maybe we shouldn’t be drinking the water here? Feels like we’re both coming down with colds or hopefully just getting used to desert air again. What ever it was we pretty much did nothing.

I am still learning the knitting thing. I did finally figure out how to do “long tail casting on.” Took a while but think I’ve got it now. Still having trouble with casting/binding off. I keep screwing up the very last stitch. Need to read more directions I guess. And yesterday I was knitting along while watching the NASCAR race and guess I wasn’t paying attention as I discovered a big hole in the middle of the work. More ripping out. Went back on line and found more directions for cast/binding off and can't believe I was so dense as to not understand the simple directions - needless to say I've figured it out.
Loved the race yesterday – well except for the Hamlin getting hurt. Kyle won – first time in 31 cup races. Long dry streak for him. So he swept the weekend – wining both Nationwide and Cup races. Yah!
Our friend sent us some pictures from home yesterday – lots of snow on the ground and lots more on the way. So we are staying here in Amado until at least the end of the week. Not in a hurry to get into any bad weather. When we were here a year ago now it was snowing here in Amado and 80 degrees in Indiana. What a difference a year makes.
We finally got off our duffs and decided to go out for an early supper and for some groceries. And Willie wouldn't start - battery dead. The front spot lights had been toggled on and we hadn't noticed. Probably when he got washed.
So at least we got out for a little bit today.

ANot Exciting Post

Another morning with the furnace on. And we had the little running all night to keep the chill off. But then it warms up into the mid 70s during the day. Not complaining, just commenting. At home they are expecting up to six inches of snow – ugh. Bill says maybe we won’t go home until October if it doesn’t get warmer. Not really we’re both wanting to get home.

Being here in the dry desert we both have stuffy noses – feels like we’re coming down with colds. Funny how quick it comes on.
Went to WalMart for a few specific things – and didn’t find them! I was looking for the 3 in 1 laundry sheets by Purex – they were great for traveling as they contained soap, bleach and softener in one sheet. It just went from washer to dryer. Didn’t have to carry soap, bleach and softner. Looked them up on line when we got home and they aren’t made any more. Too bad it was a handy product.
We were also looking for Bills travel cup – the kind you can plug into the lighter and keep the liquid hot. His quit working. Didn’t find a replacement. We did get egg beaters though – so no more real eggs for breakfast. Healthier eating. Well maybe not as I found carrot cake and had to get my piece. While in WalMart we saw the guy carrying the gun on his hip again. Posted about him in November when we were here. Wild, wild West.
Then we took Willie in for a good wash, wax and vacuuming – he was full of sand from the wind on the beach in Huatabampito.
Of course I had to watch NASCAR and Kyle won the race. He has won 3 of the 5 Nationwide races this year. Now if he could win a Cup car race.
Today is Palm Sunday -  six years ago we were in Bahia de Kino on Palm Sunday and were invited to the very first mass to be held in the little white church up on the hill.
It was a very moving experience.