My apologies

 We are wrapping up our stay here in the Tucson area. Enjoyed visiting with my brother who I had not seen since our mothers funeral 5 years ago. His health concerns me but can do nothing about it. We visited Saguaro National Park and the Pima Air and Space Museum.

 My apology stems from the fact I took few pictures and most of those were blurred. I promise to get better or make Mary take them, with her tremors that should be interesting...

 Quick stop in Phoenix then on to Cottonwood near Sedona. No, we will not focus on trendy Sedona but rather historic Montezumas castle.

 Hopefully the next post will have a few photos of dubious quality. More importantly we will tie together a story line ongoing in this blog.



carpe diem

Why we do what we do

 Sometimes I think we should have a fun post, this is one and short to boot.

 Maggie's reward for taking us to national parks or monuments is a magnet. Here is her collection to date. Sorry for the glare, needed light and no good way to get it.

 And this states our goal on something usable, every morning filled with coffee as I watch the sun come up

 To my newer readers, click on any photo to see a larger version


 Busy day planned for tomorrow with Robert as tour guide.



gathering rosebuds...

Tucson

 We made it to Tucson. Staying at Catalina state park just north of town. Forecasted high temps 103-104. And we were wearing sweaters at Fort Davis.

 Took it easy and stopped about half way in Deming New Mexico. Dream Catcher is an Escapee's park so it cost us $18 for full hook up. Spent the savings on some good food. Two ice teas, two entrees more than we could eat and soapapilas for desert, $20 total. Si Senor if you are passing thru and hungry.

 Couple days visiting my brother then onto  Sedona area.


Summer 2018 map


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Davis Mountains

 Have been enjoying our stay in the cool dry air of the Davis Mountains. There was a wildfire just west of us and the town was full of out of town fire fighters. Saw many trucks from towns and cities in East Texas. Fire appears to be out now. There is no cell or internet in the camp so have to drive to mountain top to get signal.

 Enjoyed a great meal and fellowship with Mike, Cheryl, Robbie and Sarah in Alpine last night. Good food and fellowship.

 Back in Fort Worth our favorite restaurant was Reata. It was started by a man named Al Micallef, whose daughter went to school with Gary. The head chef in the beginning was Grady Spears who has long since moved on. However a lot of the dishes he developed are still used. The original Reata was, and still is, in Alpine. No better way to keep the boss happy than to take her there.

 Museum or two today then continue heading west tomorrow.


"...gather ye rosebuds while ye may..."

The road less traveled

 Conventional wisdom would say take the interstate, faster and smoother. We have never been ones to follow conventional wisdom. If one is on the road to see new areas, why not start in our home state? So it was we took the road(s) less traveled. A fair amount of traffic so not that much less traveled but all new to us

Summer 2018 map

 We stopped for lunch at the welcome center in Laredo. By far the nicest Texas welcome center we have seen. Got to make those folks from Mexico and Central America feel welcome!

 Taking the route that we did had us going thru 5 border patrol check points. Three of which were in our route of travel. For those not familiar, they check on route heading away from border, not toward. No big deal, just answer their questions and they will tell you to have a nice day. Try being a hard ass and they will pull you aside and waste a couple hours of your day. Good people doing a tough job. The once sleepy border towns are booming and growing, I suppose do to NAFTA


 We are now in Fort Davis. We did a day visit here with Mark and Sharon 25 or 30 years ago. Will be here 3 nights and as luck would have it Mike and Cheryl will be in Marfa starting on the third. You might remember we started last years trip with a planned meeting with them in Rockport. This year it was not planned. Photos to follow.

Can you find us?

 More great work by the CCC's

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back to gathering rosebuds

Traveling is not easy sometimes

They are building many new rv's, but no new parks. Getting a spot where you want can be a challenge, especially if you prefer state parks as we do. Add in the fact Oregon State parks are very popular and you have problems amplified. I started making reservations last fall for this upcoming trip. Even at that I was late and could not get into some desired parks.

 Remember last summer when it seemed the entire west was on fire? Well let us hope it is not that way this year. But the effects of the fires are still going on. I have us booked at Ainsworth state park along the Columbia river in June. Very scenic area. Oregon notified me last night that my reservation was still valid, minus a forest or two. The historic scenic road is and will be closed in June. To be sure, still some beautiful sights around, but not what is was. Once again we are late in seeing an area, but don't have the 100 years to wait for its regrowth.

 Don't you be late in seeing this world of ours...


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WTH??

Played pickle ball for an hour this morning followed by two hours of tennis. I am beyond tired. First time playing tennis in over ten years. Need the exercise but hurt now and will be worse in the morning I am sure.

 Tomorrow I move Maggie out of strorage in preparation of our trip. One week till we leave for a 5 month plus adventure. That gets me to the WTH part. While taking it easy logged on to blog to check stats. This tells me if anyone has gotten lost on the internet and stumbled on to my ramblings. Usually one or two a week when we are not on the road. Imagine my surprise to see 34 hits yesterday. If any of those visitors get bored, check back starting next Wednesday. Should be an epic adventure.


Adventure before dementia...


Carpe diem