Tucson AZ

This picture was taken at during a hike on the Grapevine Hills trail in Big Bend NP. We had a super time in that huge park and will return another year to explore areas we didn't do this trip. After Big Bend we drove northwest to Davis Mountain SP for a night. Very pretty area, but the snow that was forecast moved us on. From there we went to Hueco Tanks State Historic Site, pictograph location, by El Paso. We spent only one night there and moved on I10 to Tucson, AZ to meet up with Mom and Uncle Harp and Aunt Kate. We arrived Friday and will leave Tuesday. We are experiencing our first private campground here in the city. We are not impressed. Les said he felt like he moved into a mobile home park. This cg is very well kept and the facilities are super, but wow, not for us. It is located up against I10 and a VERY active railroad line with many intersections. That means lots of long whistle blows! Heading for the state parks Tuesday!! Of course, having this time with family makes up for the cg! Kate and Harp have been super hosts. Our plan is to follow I10 and be at California Speedway for March 1st. That is Les's appointment to drive a race car on the track. Thanks for checking up on us!

This is Robi on the desert trail to the hot springs. A 6 mile roundtrip hike from the Rio Grande Village of Big Bend NP. I'm learning some important lessons: 1) Watch out for wildlife (i.e. rattlesnakes, javelinas, coyotes) and 2) Desert plants BITE! Most of the plantlife here are covered with spines and needles that would put any suringe to shame! We also are careful to carry plenty of water. That sun can get really hot. Of course, sunblock too.

Robi in the Rio Grande with a hot springs built in it. The river was very cold but the hot springs were 105o. The springs had been used for a spa many moons ago. Hikers get the pleasure of using it now. NO, I didn't swim the river to Mexico.

During our off road camping experience, Les used the animal food storage box as an observation tower to scan for wildlife in the desert.

OK, we couldn't totally stay away from the white stuff. Ran into this snow while crossing a mountain pass before Tucson.