Treasure Hunt

Feb 05/2019  Weather  cooler high of 64 and cloudy.  Big cold front coming so we are out today on the motorcycle.  (next two days will be in the 50's and freeze warning at night - Yikes).  

inside one of the tents at the Kino center

Every year the first two weeks in February the city of Tucson is an international city (people come from all over the world) for the Gem, Mineral and Fossil Show.  To us it doesn't mean much.   We did hear about the hotels where vendors setup.  The hotel rooms(bedrooms)  become open door.  The vendors invite you into each and every room to look at their wares!  Kind of bizarre sounding, maybe we will do that another day.  Today we are walking the Kino Sports Complex venue.  Huge and so interesting.  Beautiful raw gems, stones and all kinds of equipment to mine, cut, polish and display your treasures. 

it goes on and on

gorgeous blue !

Some are wholesale where you buy the crate or flat of gems.  It appears most things are sold by weight as well.  Jewellry makers will also find everything they need to make their necklaces or bracelets. 

love the hearts

this was striking - the colours

raw precious stones

stones already polished

Tucson becomes a playground for the world of international gem and mineral trading, and collecting.The showcase is more than just one show. It takes place at multiple locations  focused mainly in downtown -midtown Tucson. Treasure hunters from near and far come to hunt for jewelry, track down jewelry-making supplies, and browse collectibles and treasures, both rare and bargain priced. It is the city's largest public event and said to be the largest in the world.   Tucson's gem show actually includes more than 40 different shows at dozens of locations around town, from exhibit halls to hotels and sprawling camps of roadside exhibit tents. 

  Along the I10 corridor you will drive by white tent tops on both sides of the freeway.  Almost all shows are free and have shuttle buses running between them.  While this event brings serious collectors from around the world, it's the "cool" factor that makes it one of the biggest and best events of its kind. Thousands of people from all walks of life come to gawk at gold, oooh over opals, and dig dinosaur fossils.  Ok Billy lets be one of the "cool" people today; even though we have no clue what we are looking at. 

Tony Znaniecki's artwork on rocks

Sccccccccrrrrrrreeeeeaaaaammmm!

Feb 2/2019  Weather 74, sunny low 52.  They say rain is coming for Superbowl Sunday.   We are out cruising around our end of Tucson today and we keep driving by the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base which the sound can just about throw you off the Harley if you time it when one of the Warthog's is taking off!  Seriously.   Plus if you stay at the Voyager RV Resort on Kolb Road be prepared to hear these guys most of the day; they do seem to stop at night - yeah!!!   These fighter planes are nasty.   There are two interesting things about the DMAF base;  the first being that the huge scccccrrrreeeettttccchhhing fighter jets we hear coming and going every day is a training squadron and the second is that this base is also the largest boneyard in the world of military airplanes(another posting for that).  Today we can let you know about the A-10 "Warthog".    

The Warthog A-10

People would say the A-10 was a plane designed around a gun—its 30 mm GAU-8 Avenger rotary cannon, to be specific.  When the last of more than 700 A-10s was built in 1984, the aircrews and maintainers who worked on this lumbering plane thought it was so ugly they called it the "Warthog." Today, after decades of wear and tear and blood and toil, that nickname carries with it a nickname of affection and respect, five squadrons and over 300 personnel employing 83 A-10C aircraft. 

the Gatling gun

The A-10's cockpit and portions of its flight control system are protected by 1,200 pounds of titanium aircraft armor, called the "bathtub." The bathtub can withstand direct hits from armor-piercing projectiles up 23 mm.  But the design logic dictating its configuration goes well beyond that mean machine gun in its nose. The A-10's large, unswept high-aspect ratio wing and large ailerons give it excellent low-speed, low-altitude maneuverability. The wing also allows short takeoffs and landings. That's handy, because this plane frequently needs to operate from primitive forward airfields near the front lines the Warthog isn't fast—not by a longshot. Pilots say it has three practical throttle settings: full-throttle, 50 percent, and off.   It's  reputation-maker is the gun. The seven-barrel GAU-8 Avenger measures nine feet long and fires 30mm armor-piercing shells housed in six-foot-diameter drum. The Gatling gun hoses shells at a rate of 3900 rounds per minute.

GAU-8

It represents about 16 percent of the aircraft's weight.  When the gun is removed for maintenance, the Warthogs tail must be supported to keep the nose from tipping up!

A-10 Warthog - see the seven barral gun in the nose

Westerns ------as in Movies!

Jan 28/2019  Weather high of 73, sunny and calm with a low of 42.  

a little yummy treat found at the Mercantile in Sonoita

When we stopped at the fairgrounds the other day a biker came up to us to chat or more likely he was looking for someone to ride with :)  He comes down here every year and his wife does not ride and he sure was a chatty cathy.  Super nice guy.  When he left us he said he was taking a ride to Patagonia.  Hmmmm.   So today we got up thinking "what is there in Patagonia........?" 

riding through the canyons on Patagonia Sonoita Scenic route

Taking the back roads we jumped onto hwy 83 called the Patagonia Sonoita Scenic Route.  Right away we were climbing and following some winding terrain with nice mountainous views in the distance. 

Snow capped Santa Rita mountains

Our pit stop was in Sonoita a small crossroads with some essentials and wineries. (also a big compound for Border Patrol)  Between Sonoita and Patagonia you will need your passports if you keep going for the return Border Patrol checkpoint.

nice metal works welcome sign

We stopped for fuel and to check out the Mercantile.  A few bikes came rolling in; everyone is out for a ride today.  Heading south from here in about 12 miles is another small town called Patagonia.  While Billy was fueling a fellow biker told him to stop at the Wagon Wheel Saloon.   Just so you know my husband takes me to all the fine places... be prepared.

John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara in McLintock

In the early 1960's John Wayne was a local down in Patagonia while filming McLintock at the San Rafael Ranch House.

McLintock house in the film

You can still visit the area but it is down a long dusty dirt road.... so we will hang around town and peruse the artifacts.  There are few artsy places to look in, an old hotel and stage coach stop, adobe style churches and of course the Wagon Wheel Saloon.  Cool little town and real pretty ride.

Wagon Wheel Saloon - Good enough for John Wayne good enough for us

The ridiculous part is that Billy has watched that movie a dozen times.  When we are not on satelite, internet or cable TV just using over the air tuning that movie is always on.    The bar was an interesting piece of history and we had our refreshments while looking at the walls.  OH NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!    A big smirk on my Billy's face and some side conversations with other guys in the bar let out the fact that it was going to be a very quiet night back at the campground.  Oh you got to be kidding me!!!!

Condom machine in mens room Out of Order - sign says FIX PLEASE!

South Tucson

Jan 19 - Feb 16/2019   The weather is like spring weather to us.  High 60's or low 70's.  Sunny.  No rain and no humidity in the desert.  We think it is cooler than last year.

Total Lunar Eclipse - Blood Moon- Couple days after we pulled in

We are enjoying it actually and are happy to stay in Tucson for another month.  We found the Voyager RV Resort has super long pull thrus and all amenities we need, even if we don't leave the park for a few days.  Heated pools, golf, store, restaurant, library, hairdresser (oh good we need haircuts badly), massage, spa, activities, even a hotel for guests. 

nice heated lap pool at the Voyager

There are a few interesting events in the Tucson area we want to see.   The Gem show especially.  It is known worldwide as one of the best. Put that on the list.

Nascar Truck races going on - asphalt track

Close by we can hear speedway cars running at full throttle?  There must be a race track nearby.  Found it!!!

Pima County Fairgrounds and RV Park

We are out riding today over to Pima Fairgrounds and in this area is Tucson Speedway, Tucson Dragstrip, Tucson Shooting Range, Model Airplanes, Go Karts, and a Motorcycle Racetrack too.  Everything for the outdoor enthusiast is here is one spot.  We stopped to look at the campground and it is actually not too bad for a week or too.  Good to know for future.
Let's see what else we can find today? 

these are the small potholes, it was scary on the bike

Our backroads map is taking us out towards Colossal Cave Mountain Park.  The road up into it was a washboard, potholes everywhere.  YIKES!  Billy perserved up to the top.  The building was beautifully built into the side of the mountain.  You can take a self guided hike thru the caves; but Rosey and Billy are chickens of caves and this will not happen.  Haha.  We did see Kartchener Caves last year but that is different - it is huge and we had a guide with us.  We are such babies........

Colossal Cave Mountain Hdqtrs building - tour & cafe

It has been a home, shrine, hideout, inspiring workplace, exciting playground, and a tranquil retreat. This place is on the National Historic Register.   The 2,400-acre Park showcases the crystal-filled Colossal Cave and the historic La Posta Quemada Ranch.  Civilian Conversation Corps back in 1936 built the camp and unique stone building.  It is quite a view and worth the nasty road up to see it. 

Hiking - really?

Jan 18/2019  Weather 72/38  dry and sunny.

hiking the romero trail

All week long we have been thinking we need to get out on the hiking trail to the Romero Ruin inside the Catalina State Park.  Ok today is the day as we have to move on tomorrow. 

often you find horseback riders along the trails too

This park is a killer to get into, it is so popular.  Campers we talk to that come here every year book now for next year.  We feel lucky we got 8 nights on a cancellation at last minute!  Yeah! Yeah!  We can sit everyday and just look at the views; but lets get that hike in too.
There are many hikers here; perhaps some headed the six miles up the back side of Mount Lemmon which currently has snow on top at over 10,000 feet.

do you see the ruins yet?  are we are the trail???

The views on the hike were beautiful as we walked around the ancient Hohokam village.  This settlement was from A.D. 500 to 1450. As many as 125 to 200 people may have lived here at the peak of settlement (around A.D. 900).

the stones tell the story

this old guy looks like he was here A.D. 500 

Camp Inn

Jan 15/2019  Weather 70/38  sunny.  

side door covered by tent awning

The interesting thing about staying at State Parks is you see some other ways to do the same thing we are doing.  This lady(all by herself) pulled in with her SUV and teardrop base camp trailer the other day.  Only difference is she specifically was near to the shower/washroom facilities.  Walking by her setup we were impressed with the efficiency of her trailer.  At night she even has a small TV and of course internet access too, with her Dish Network Satellite dome.

the rig

  The outside back open up to a full kitchen.  The side had her umbrella over the door to give her more privacy. 

inside sitting area

Inside was a queen size mattress, small sitting couch and storage pods everywhere.  Very cool indeed.  Curiosity made me do a bit of research about the towing requirements.  The small teardrop trailer weighs 850 lbs and the tongue weight was only 130 lbs, 8 feet long.  So easily towed behind her SUV comfortably.   Cost is about $16000 new.

rear outdoor kitchen

Our new neighbour is so CUTE

 Jan 11/2018  Weather 67/44 sunny

Loop B camping at Catalina State Park

Trying to get into Catalina State Park in Oro Valley Arizona is tricky but persistence is worthwhile.  Every morning for a couple of weeks we went on line and check the campground reservations.  Finally we scored 4 nights in one site and 4 nights in another.  Wonderful we will take it.  This park is just beautiful.  You can sit, stand, walk, bike or hike and soak in the views.  

Saguaro Cacti all around us

Catalina State Park is adjacent to the Coronado National Forest on the western slopes of the Santa Catalina Mountains, northeast of Tucson.  Average elevation of 3,000 feet (910 m) but varies dramatically with high ridges and low creek beds.

our new neighbour - little prarie dogs abound  
i stand corrected they are round tailed ground squirrels

Solitary Confinement

Jan 10/2018  Weather 67/43  Lake Havasu City was a quiet spot for us this time, we just did not hit warm riding days but it is a lovely spot on the Colorado River.  Very scenic and heading south now on SR95 this would really be a better ride on the motorcycle than the motorcoach.  Billy is just taking his time around the corners and the elevation.  You will drive close to the river most of the way to Parker; and peaks and full expanses of the river will appear and the California side.  

California side

On the Arizona side nearer to Parker there are three State Parks that are excellent spots to stay, views to die for.  We have tried to get into them before and we will keep trying - Cattails Cove; Buckskin Mountain, and River Island.
We are headed to the Tucson area for a while and will take a stop overnight at KOA Gila Bend.   From the West we are taking I10 till Buckeye then SR85 south to avoid Phoenix.  You will pop out onto I8 at Gila Bend.   Tomorrow will be a quick jaunt to Tucson.  The Gila Bend KOA has enormous pull thrus (110 feet).  The fellow that owns/runs the place is really making efforts to improve and be a rising star in the KOA campgrounds.  New clubhouse, new pool, new restrooms & showers, new laundry.  Best of all he put in a "SOLITARY CONFINEMENT".  What a sense of humour too!!! 

A place to send your spouse when they need a timeout - haha "snort"

Route 66 Oatman, Arizona

Jan 8/2019 Weather sunny with a bit of clouds, 64/43.  It's warming back up.  
Route 66 is within 30 miles of Lake Havasu City and we are headed up to the Mother Road today.  It's a pretty ride through the Black Mountains, feels like the middle of nowhere!  Can you imagine travelling on these tiny winding roads in the 1930's.  It must have felt like you would never reach civilization.  

boondocker

There is plenty of BLM (Bureau of Land Management) out here with boondockers everywhere.  Lots of offroad bikes and ATV's flying up and down the landscape.  When we see them all alone with nothing in site for miles we wonder what kind of person is out here.....  Have you seen the meth cooking series Breaking Bad set in New Mexico?   Can't help thinking that.  

billy can't get out of the store.....NO food for you

The little ghost mining town of Oatman has seen better times.  Today there are a few falling down stores, bars, to bring in the tourists for tshirts.  The burros wander aimlessly around town waiting for tourists to feed them.  You can buy bags of green pellet cubes, just hang onto your gloves and such are they will take them too!!!!

see the sign about Shotgun Weddings?

The town was named in honour of Olive Oatman a young Illinois girl who was taken captive by Indians during her pioneer family's journey westward in 1851.  Of the seven in her family all were massacred except for her and her younger sister.  After being traded to another tribe she eventually was released within 6 years.

the mining burros descendants roaming around town

Tomorrow is going to be beautiful day - look at that sunset.  wow.

red sky sunset

 

The Marines were in town

Dec 31 - Jan 7/2019 Weather is odd. 50's and low 60's, nights down to 37.  Shivers...

Rain drops in the desert , Lake Havasu City

First time we had to turn our furnace on this fall/winter.   Very cool north wind, sunny but too chilly to ride.  Then RAIN....... yes we could not believe it either, in the desert for a day and a half.  Now sunny again and finally warming up.  We did get out for two short motorcycle rides and we have been here before so it's ok to chill for a few days. 

Today there was Brrrrrrrrrrring, brrrrrrring, brrrrrrring noise overhead.  Wow.  6 massive double blade helicopters in the air. 

Marine Helicopters

The Lake Havasu City airport is nearby so we rode over and found a craft brewery and grill and then the choppers came landing while we ate. Tip: in a relatively small city checkout the airport to see if there is a diner, we have found several all over the USA.  They are unique places to watch the air traffic and often have great food.
The waitress said it had been a "blurr" there today which implied the choppers, right?  We agreed the 6 were huge and noisy, and she said "you mean the 60".  WHAT????  Guess we missed the other 54.   The Marines were in town. 

Hangar 24 Brewery and Grill at Lake Havasu City Airport

West Coast of Arizona

Dec 30/18  55 and 37 at night.   Weather cooler now for about a week, big trough in the weather system in the USA.  Cold all the way to the Mexico border. 

View from hwy 95 along the Colorado River in AZ

We are moving on to Arizona.  Our first stop is just inside the AZ border from California.  Halfway up the state on the Colorado River is Lake Havasu City.  The drive up is more of a motorcycle road than a motorhome road!   We drove this before once and just took our time.   Its just a bit winding and up and down but extremely scenic.  Gorgeous on the bike.  We are staying in Havasu Falls RV Resort for almost two weeks.  That is all we could get.  Yes you have to be flexible when not booking ahead.  So we will enjoy the time while we are there and do some riding once it warms up in a couple days.  For now the New Year is coming and we will enjoy some rest time.

Lake Havasu and mountains in the background, Whipple & Mohave