We arrived in the Tucson, Arizona area a week ago. Janelle’s Spring Break was upon us, so she flew down from Rochester to join us. When she got off the plane, the first stop was at In-N-Out Burger. We discovered this West Coast favorite last year and wanted to indoctrinate Janelle.
First stop – In-N-Out Burger
I neglected to get a picture of our burgers, so I “borrowed” the picture below from the Internet. Google the restaurant and you’ll see all sorts of pictures of the rich and famous enjoying these burgers. Does that make us rich and famous? No, I didn’t think so. But we weren’t hungry when we were done.
Double Double Burgers. Yum.
We decided to spend the first half of the week at a county campground in Tucson Mountain Park. WOW! Just WOW! This campground deserved all the stellar reviews it received. The sites are nestled between huge Saguaro Cacti.
A view of the Blue Flame from a distance.
Our outdoor living room. The awning provides great shade. And the screen provides additional shade and keeps the awning from getting blown away.
We got settled in and Jim and Janelle decided to watch the sunset from the top of the motor home. That’s one way to get a great view!
Jim and Janelle on the roof of the RV watching the sunset.
The view from the top of the RV.
Sunset.
Hiking (all of us) and Bouldering (Janelle) were on the agenda. So we planned the first half of Janelle’s break around those activities. However, Janelle sprained her ankle a week before, so that changed ours plans somewhat, but not drastically. We could still hike, just not long distances.
Early morning hikers in Tucson Mountain Park! It’s not so hot when it’s early.
Janelle the cactus hugger.
We found the Desert Discovery Center in the park and got to hang out with some of the native creatures. Janelle took it a little too seriously.
Janelle holding a Gopher Snake. Ewwww.
Adjacent to Tuscon Mountain Park is Saguaro National Park. So we spent a day exploring there. Jim has finally reached the age where he can get his National Park Lifetime Pass. It cost $10 and is good for the rest of his life. No more National Park fees! Getting old does have advantages.
All I can say is “Thank goodness” some politicians had the foresight to set aside land for National Parks. Pictures don’t do justice to the forest of saguaros we found ourselves in.
Time for a hike through the Saguaros!
Young Petroglyphs, only 1000 years old.
The final morning, we decided to check out some of the Bouldering sites that Janelle couldn’t take advantage of. It was unfortunate for Janelle. These boulders were a easy hike from the road. But the ankle wasn’t cooperating.
Bouldering site…Janelle so much wanted to climb but her sprained ankle wasn’t cooperating.
We thoroughly enjoyed the mountains west of Tucson and will definitely be back to this campground.
Grilling bratwurst in the desert. Life is good.
Thanks. Enjoyed your pictures, etc. as always.