We loved our time in Texas, but needed to be in California by mid-December for doctor’s appointments and Christmas with family. Unfortunately that only gave us a couple of weeks to make the twelve hundred and fifty mile trip. This is definitely not the way we like to travel (200 miles is a good trip). We took a big gulp the first day and rolled into Fort Stockton, Texas.
The park in Fort Stockton was great for one night. We were in a pull through and we didn’t need to unhook for the night. We caught a couple of winks and then started out at dawn.
The next day found us at the Escapees Park in Deming, New Mexico. We planned to stay at this park for a couple of days and rest for the next leg, but a storm threatened to roll in (snow was mentioned) and make travel more difficult. This was too bad because the Escapee’s park was delightful. Everyone was very friendly and our site was nice and level. We stopped in Deming to fill up our propane (only the second time since June) and were on our way.
We drove from Deming to the Escapees Co-op in Casa Grande, Arizona. Another very long day! We stayed at the co-op for one night and then moved 10 miles to another park in Casa Grande (where we had made reservations for a week). The Escapees co-op was very friendly! The common room was full of residents and visitors having a good time when we arrived. They invited us to stay and share in the festivities, but we were beat from the trip and headed to bed. We would stay here again if we are in the area and they have room … a really nice bunch of people.
There was a lot to do in Casa Grande. We ate out at Mimi’s, Chipotle’s, and In & Out, but we ate in most of the time because we discovered a great grocery store: Fry’s. The store has it all: A Starbucks, an olive bar, sushi bar, great bakery, deli, meat counter, etc., etc. We spent a few hours on each visit wandering the aisles and sipping Starbucks. Yum!
We also had a chance to go over to the casino in Maracopa, AZ. It was a great deal. When you sign up for their players card you get a free buffet and 15 free dollars in slot play. We had one of the best buffets since we left ... absolutely delicious! .... and walked away with $50 in our pocket. We played the new Star Wars machine (very cool!) and video craps.
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| Outside the Ak-Chin Harrahs Casino |
One of the startling things for us was the presence of cotton crops in southern Arizona. There were miles and miles of cotton everywhere ... very interesting!
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| Cotton crop in Arizona |
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| Cotton plant up close |
While in Casa Grande we visited the Saguaro National Park (pronounced Sah-WAH-row). The park is located near Tucson in the Sonora Desert and features several Saguaro forests that are breathtaking. Here are a few pictures of our trip to the park.
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| Some of these are 5 stories high and weigh 7 tons |
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| Blooming Barrel Cactus |
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| This cactus is around 4 stories high (40') |
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| The small part in front, that I am touching with my hand, is a diseased saguaro. The one in back is around 30 feet tall. |
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| This one wants to give Kim a hug. |
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| Four Wheeling through the National Park |
Until next time – Keep doing what you love.
