Nature and the Xmas spirit in the desert

January 1, 2018 - Tucson, AZ

Now that we've landed in our new campsite at Gilbert Ray Campground, Tucson Mountain Park, Tucson, AZ had to share some nature shots from the last week, and a Xmas event at Tumacacori National Historical Park (about an hour south of here).

Parking the R-Pod at Site A-44

Connie in the desert

Senor Dancing Saguaro

Rare Crestate Saguaro off the Yetman trail, Tucson Mountain Park

And if you're really paying attention Baby Saguaro

Cholla on the trail

Black throated sparrows at our water bowl

Took a day to run up to Phoenix for a quick visit with the Cooks

Cool moth!

Weather has been so warm (15 deg above normal) snakes are coming back out.

Wanted to do something on Christmas Eve.  Ended up visiting Tumacacori National Historic Park for a neat Luminaria event, the park, and the historic Mission there were lit up with thousands of Luminaria.  Pretty impressive!  All that and hot chocolate and cookies afterwards!

Waiting in line with 500 of our closest friends!

Luminaria in the Mission

Making our Way to Arizona

January 1, 2018 - Tucson, Arizona

Well, we've been back at the Gilbert Ray Campground for 1-1/2 wks now after having a relatively pleasant crossing.  First, thanks to the Rugg-Tuttle family for putting us up on night one in Central NY.  Great to visit with Lyn, Steve, Caleigh, and Ryan (dogs and cats too!).

We had support along the way from our guardian Tumtugubas:

While we played with our bigger road friends:

Our first "destination" was to get to Minnesota and see Tom in his Senior Dance Performances at Gustavus Adolphus College.  Just wonderful, and thanks to my cousin Allison and all of the Johnsons (Brad, Maddy, and Tyler - shout out to Teddy and Aunt Sal too!) for hosting us on our stay in MN.

Breakfast at Perkins in Mankato, MN

Christmas Gift Giving (Gustavus Rocks!) w/Tom

Next leg had us headed for Denver, CO and a visit with my Bro and niece Kristin:

Dinner w/Kristin in Denver

Washing the truck and R-Pod in the snow in Lafayette, CO

Breakfast at Lucille's Creole Cafe, Longmont, CO

And finally made our way back into Arizona to start another season of campground hosting!