Tucson, AZ
December 4, 2016
Traveling from Moab to Tucson is always a pretty drive. This trip was especially so.
Monticello had just gotten a dusting of snow the night before.
And I don't care how many times we have driven through Monument Valley, it is always a jaw-dropper.
Then there are the striated rocks when we make the left turn onto Hwy 89 (about 10 miles past Tuba City).
After checking the weather, we left Moab a day early to avoid a winter storm in Flagstaff. Dee's recommendation to get past the high elevation surrounding Flagstaff was right on. The day we left, 4 to 6 inches of snow fell in Flagstaff with more forecasted during the night and a low of 11 degrees. It was a beautiful drive over the mountains, but we were happy to pull into Distant Drums in Camp Verde for an over night stay.
As we approached Flagstaff, the clouds were thick and low.
And finally clear skies ahead.
We arrived in Tucson with a plan. Our refrigerator died a week before we left Moab. Parts were ordered and we arrived in Tucson with a day to spare before heading to Borrego Springs for the month of December...reservations I have tried to get the past three years. It's no surprise that this life style gives you lemons sometimes. The cooling unit we had replaced upon arriving here didn't do the trick. And, while dodging traffic through Phoenix, a lug nut or very big rock hit the MH windshield right in front of Joe. So here we sit at Tucson/Lazydays KOA until ?!?! Things could be so much worse. The weather is beautiful, the pups are happy, and we are healthy. Now plans are to get our hiking legs back and enjoy life while getting repairs done.
I also hung a hummingbird feeder. While Joe was grilling late yesterday afternoon, he called me out to see this beauty hiding in the branches. He didn't drink any nectar, maybe he will be back today.
So, when life gives you lemons...grab tequila and salt !
Until next time, let the good times roll.
HAPPY TRAILS !
Monument Valley is a must! We've done a couple Navajo tours in the area, really brings it to life. Better than the John Wayne movie sets the public tour offers. The Burger King in Kayenta had an excellent display on the Code Talkers.
ReplyDeleteHigh wind gusts are predicted along the coastal mountains, stay safe! Perhaps we can meet up when you make it to The Springs.
We cancelled The Springs Jeff. Hope to get to San Diego in January. Let's plan a meet there!
DeleteSan Diego it is. I'll have to watch Pearl play in the sand another time :)
DeleteTequila and salt really help with the lemons. Good luck with your repairs.
ReplyDeleteThanks George and Susie!
DeleteYou stuck it out longer than I would have...
ReplyDeleteTucson will offer a nice change of attire.
Box Canyon Mark
Oh yes...always a good thing to unpack the shorts and t-shirts!
DeleteWhat a beautiful drive through the snowy canyon - glad it was without incident. Hope this doesn't mean you won't be back to Tucson in February, we'll be there on the 8th! If you're going to have delays for repairs I suppose there's a silver lining in getting two fixes done at one stop :-) Enjoy the AZ sunshine.
ReplyDeleteWe will definitely be here in February Jodee. Joe and I have yearly check-ups here. Hopefully Feb will be Joes last PET scan. The weather is awesome! We are waiting on the insurance company...such a bother!
DeleteThe drive was beautiful! The snow always adds a special touch. What fun to watch the birds. Can't help but wish for a little of that cool weather.
ReplyDeleteThat's one of my favorite drives Joan. The snow was an added bonus! I'm guessing the humidity in Florida is high. Sure don't miss that! Hope you are having fun with family and friends.
DeleteI totally agree, Gay, about never getting tired of the drive through Monument Valley and the surrounding areas:) Thanks for the beautiful rock photos:) So sweet to have the snow blanket everything but the road:) So sorry to hear you had to cancel The Springs:( But Lazydays in Tucson isn't too bad a place to hang while waiting for your repairs. We'll be there Feb 8!! Hope all goes well with your frig repair and your windshield.
ReplyDeleteThanks Pam. I hope we can hit the trails to make the time go by. The weather is awesome! We still plan to make it to San Diego for January and will return Feb 1 as Joe has an appointment on the 2nd.
DeleteSnow? Our hopes are to never run into snow unless it's pre-planned. I have to agree that Monument Valley is always breathtaking. At least the weather is nice in Tucson so it's better to have things fixed there than many other places.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right Jeri!
DeleteSometimes the best adventures happen unexpectedly. Have a great time in Tucson. Love your shots of the birds. I know what it is like to have to wait on a windshield; happened to us last December! Hugs to the Tan Gang!!
ReplyDeleteI raise a glass to you both - Cheers!!!!
Thanks Sheila and "cheers!" to you both. I have not used my camera in such a long time...sure hope we can get in some desert walks and give it a good workout soon.
DeleteOh what a beautiful drive! I'm like a little kid whenever we see snow, I can imagine your glee!
ReplyDeleteSorry for your RV woes, fingers crossed they are healed soon!
Yes...I was disappointed to cancel Borrego Springs. I am so looking forward to the ocean & tide pools Lisa.
DeleteYes, we do have some lemons, but then the sun shines again. (Weird metaphor!) I was in that Flagstaff/Camp Verde area recently. I think it's now my favorite place to boondock. LOVE your hummer photos - you got the light just right to show his beautiful rose neck. I love it when that happens. Good luck with the repairs. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Barbara. We have stayed in the Camp Verde area for the past 3 springs. It is beautiful and so much fun to explore!
DeleteWe are still waiting for the insurance adjuster...such a pain to be on their schedule and we thought we were in "good hands" !
Wow! What a drive! Beautiful scenery along the way. Those clouds sure look menacing. Glad you, Joe & the tan crew arrived safely.
ReplyDeleteThanks Gayle !
DeleteBeautiful pictures! We are headed your way! Should arrive tomorrow 12/14/16 at Lazy Days.
ReplyDeleteWe are on our way to Palm Creek in Casa Grande. We are traveling with two dogs now. Georgia & Ryder our grand dog 9 yr old boxer. Hope to see you. If not a have a Merry & blessed Christmas, and a very Happy New Year! - Val & Bob Thomson
Hey Val. As I write this, Joe is having his second MOHs surgery...one yesterday and one today...this week. After today, we should be around.
DeleteLovely shots of white stuff along the way and of course the red rocks. Glad you made it safely to Tucson. I hope by this time all RV woes are repaired and fixed and where you are camped is the best spot to be in a pickle.
ReplyDeleteThe hummer shots are well done, perfect timing to get the pink sheen.