Caddy Shack replacement

Our site in Phoenix is next to the golf course in Estrella Regional Park, one of three RV sites near the links. We noticed early this morning a four legged patrol next our nearest fairway. The handsome coyote walked the gopher line, stopping to tip his head and listen, then with the agility of a cat, jump into the air landing face first into the dirt. Nothing but dirt as we watched. Bill Murry would be impressed.

Before we arrived in Phoenix, we explored the mountain on the other side of the campground in Picacho Peak, only to learn that that area is off limits. Too bad, it has many interesting caves. We drove by the largest herd of dairy cows I have ever seen, as far as the eye could see, nothing but black and white and not a barn in site.

A few more days in Phoenix enjoying the warm weather and green and flowering areas where there is water. Yesterday we walked the old town area of Scottsdale, a nice stroll with lots of art galleries and eateries. On our trip back to the park we drove by Camel Back Mountain with it's high end homes and beautiful vistas.

Christmas in Picacho Peak

This morning we woke to a sunny day in Picacho Peak State Park. Much of the day was spent hiking the Sunset Vista Trail raising 1,500' above the valley floor, this trail is 3.1 miles each way. One day in the park will turn into 3, as we spend a few more days in the beautiful park with just a few other RVs. Tigger likes a few days in each place better anyway. We are always amazed that the RV parks next to the freeway are usually packed with neighbors just feet from each other and yet the State Parks are almost empty.
Happy holidays to everyone!

Christmas, Arizona style

This holiday season is a little different for us, in October we headed south, Arizona or bust. There's a few things we've traded, but we're still filled with good cheer like:

White drifts of snow for desert sand dunes this year,
The Christmas tree's not here but strange Saguaro's stand near,
Twinkling lights look like red chili's and there's no reindeer down here,
Santa looks a bit thin as he sweats in his hat, his elves are all Mexican's who seem to always nap,
A choirs is a pack of coyotes that sing every night while the campground gets dark except a few twinkly lights,
The eight tiny reindeer are replaced with a Triton V10,
This sleigh is a Monaco that steps out right quick, and the holiday we'll enjoy as the miles we do click,
Though the surroundings are different in the desert southwest, the holiday's in our hearts and will enjoy it with zest,
We'll still have some turkey or ham would be nice, but our drinks are not hot, in fact they're on ice,
While the distance is great, our thoughts are the same, have a very Merry Christmas and on New Year's stay sane!

P.S. I just learned how to make the pictures larger, starting today, if you click on the photo, it will get larger.

Cederlund trail and the ultimate Saguaro

After a few hours of hiking the Cederlund Trails, we found what is probably a record saguaro with over 60 arms. The hike was 2.8 miles out and up and 2.8 back. Need I say we were a little stiff the next day, but it was worth the hike. Along the trail are old mines and a great view of the Tuscon Park. This morning we woke to clouds and a light drizzle.

Arizona Desert Museum

This is a worthwhile trip if you spend any time in Tuscon. We enjoyed the big cats and the best rapture show we have ever seen.