It was wonderful to wake up and know we did not have to hitch up and travel on! We got up, had a nice breakfast and went for a walk around the park through the back gate and into the desert.
The park itself is largely “park models”. Permanent residences like a large trailer without wheels. They have become very much like small homes now with bay windows, vaulted ceilings and skylights. They are no longer boring rectangular boxes. Each owner has created a little garden of their own and they are all lovely at this time of year.
There is an arroyo through the middle of the park. A dry wide gully that will hold a flash flood should one occur and keep it from damaging any of the units.
The clubhouse has the laundry facility with a fenced area for hanging clothes to dry so there are no clothes lines in view in the park. There are rooms for gatherings of all kinds. The notice board lists weekly crafts, poker, prayer meeting and other social events. There is a lovely landscaped pool area where you can swim, bake or socialize. Further down the hall there is a full library and a pool room with three pool tables. There is always something going on.
Once out in the desert we were captivated by the variety of cactus and all the different blossoms. Dan was captivated literally as he was testing to see if they always stuck into you or if it was only when approached from one direction. Then, why did they stick into you if they did not appear to be barbed? But stick it does - well enough to take a knob right off of the cactus while remaining attached to your hand!
We saw and heard a number of birds. The cardinals were too quick to photograph. Another bird with a big song was too small to show up in the pictures. The dove posed well. The pheasant ran off screeching.
Most interesting was a swarm of bees hanging in a tree. You could see the mass seething and hoped they were just normal bees!
It being Easter Sunday, we did not expect any of the tourist sights we wanted to see to be open. Instead we planned a day of errands. Since the map showed Walmart to be near the Mission San Xavier del Bec, I thought the mission would be a good first stop. The mission was founded in 1692 and the current church was completed in 1797 - the oldest intact European building in Arizona. It is also called the White Dove of the desert. It is an amazing white against the deep blue sky of Tucson.
We wandered there for a while trying not to interfere with the regular members of the parish celebrating their Easter. Then on to Walmart to get some necessary kitchen supplies. Next stop Camping World - a toy store for RVers. That was closed for the holiday. On to Albertson’s for food and the day was done.
We decided to stay on Monday as well. We went back to Camping World and this time it was open. We had a good time prowling the aisles looking at all the things useful and not so. I found a cookie sheet that would fit in my oven - it might hold two cookies at a time. Not so useful. We managed to come out with an armload of stuff we absolutely had to have!
Next stop we went looking for Famous Dave’s barbecue recommended by Jane and Larry. It was good! I don’t know if the pulled pork is the best I have had but the sides were better than most I will agree. No way we could eat it all. We need the seniors menu these days!
The highlight of the day was the Center for Creative Photography at Arizona State University, Tucson. It was started by Ansell Adams and is home to the majority of his work. There was a current exhibit in the main hall of other photographers and a small exhibit of Ansel Adams on the second floor that changes every three weeks. I always enjoy seeing his work and the New Topographics exhibit was interesting.
We ended the day with quiet time at home and laundry. Tomorrow we will be on the road again but we will be clean!
Next we go through New Mexico to Texas.
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