Saguaro Country

Hello from Saguaro Country.  The Saguaro Cactus, pronounced SAH-WAH-RO, is indigenous to the Sonoran desert of southern Arizona and northern Mexico, in the state of Chihuahua, yet is a symbol of the entire southwest.

Saguaros in Catalina State Park, outside Tucson

 
We decided to stay in Benson, Arizona instead of Tucson, because it was more centrally located to places we wanted to see.  We stayed in an out of the way park named Pato Blanco RV park, which translates to white duck.  It was a very nice park with artesian ponds on the premises.

The artisian lakes at Pato Blanco Lakes RV Park

We decided to stay here for five days, so we could have our mail delivered from California and get some things done in Tumbleweed.  People were very friendly and there were a lot of activities scheduled.  A lot of the residents have stayed here for several months.  They invited us to have donuts and coffee the next morning and Pete's eyes lit up.  He rarely turns down a donut.  They also had a 60s-70s dance with a live band on Saturday but we did not attend as we were in Bisbee.


Bisbee was an interesting town.  One of the other campers from California likened it to Sausalito.  I would say he hasn't been to Sausalito in a very long time.  The entire town is built on a hillside and the similarity ends there.  The main attraction is the Queen Mine, which is an old copper mine that you can tour.  It is 47 degrees year round and since we didn't bring jackets, we passed on the tour and just explored the town.  It kind of reminded me of Haight Ashbury in the 60s.  Very eclectic.  Not our style at all.

Overview of Bisbee

Pete found a camper he liked

We stopped in Tombstone on our way back, even though we'd been there before and were treated to a gunfight. 

While in Tombstone, we happened by the Tombstone Fire Department.  We met the nicest fireman named Robert, who, after hearing about son Eric, promptly went into the office and returned with a Tombstone F.D. T-shirt and patch.  He was deeply moved by Eric's situation and strength.  Thank you Robert.

Sunday we took a drive back in to Tucson to see the saguaros and do some shopping. We encountered a street fair on 4th Avenue, which was great! Lots of cool booths and stores, but very crowded.

4th Avenue Street Fair, Tucson

Pete and his new friend

Pete met a friend.  This picture is for Julie, who I'm told loved Hello Kitty when she was a little girl.

                    

We had dinner at a great Mexican restaurant and still had time to get to Saguaro National Park in time for the sunset. 

Pete enjoying an Arizona desert evening

                               

A beautiful sunset in the Sonoran desert

                                          

We head for New Mexico in the morning.  Arizona has been a wonderful stop.  We have enjoyed spending time with our family and friends in western Arizona and our time alone in the southeast.  We look forward to seeing what New Mexico has to offer.  First stop will be the City of Rocks State Park outside of Deming.  Cheers!