Tucson Shopping, Lunch at Denny’s, Happy Hour with Friends

Huachuca City, Arizona

On Wednesday, Dec. 4^th Bill and I were up just after 6:30. It had been a pleasant evening for sleeping and a warm wake up. It was 51F outside but still quite dark so I waited for 15 minutes for it to lighten up. Bill had his coffee and then offered to go with me, which I thought was very sweet. There was some very light rain drops but we figured we would be fine in our hoodies.

Our drive to Tucson was one of beautiful scenery

Before we got too far, the rain got heavier so we turned back and headed for home. Good thing as it came down pretty heavy after minutes of us walking in the door. We chatted about the day and since it was raining opted to leave Tombstone until tomorrow, a nicer day. Jo-Anne and Bob agreed and after a breakfast of bacon and eggs, Bill drove to Tucson for some shopping. Our friends had never been at Camping World so that was our first stop.

The flag at Camping World
is one of the biggest we've seen
Sorry for the reflection from the window

We drove by this huge amusement park

We all found a few things that would be great for the rv’s and then we drove further on to the Sam’s Club. Bill and I were checking out something on our Christmas list and although no decision was made yet, we found a few grocery items that we needed. Bob and Jo-Anne also managed to find a few things they couldn’t leave without. We didn’t really have any other place to go so other than filling Black Beauty with fuel, we ate at Denny’s for lunch.

Palm trees means we are closer to where we want to be

Tacos and dip
Delicious

Jo-Anne's big salad

It was late, 1:30, so we knew that if we wanted to partake in ribs back at Quail Ridge, we shouldn’t pig out too much. Easier said than done. I ordered ½ order of Taco chips and dip. It was certainly big enough but I managed to get through most of it before calling it quits. It was delicious, even with the little bit of a bite. The boys had burgers and Jo-Anne had a huge salad. We laughed at the size of it. She does love her greens!

Some sights along the drive home

 

We left there and when we were almost home, around 3 pm, I got a text from our friends Ken and Kim. They were asking where Happy Hour was which gave us all a laugh as that meant they were checking in at the park, waiting for us. When we arrived home, they walked over to say hello and to exchange hugs. I can’t tell you how nice it is to see them. Ken says it has been 4 months!!! I’m so glad this worked out that our paths crossed.

I missed the Sonoita sign
and almost missed this familiar western sighting

After putting stuff away, the 4 of us took our chairs over to their site and caught up. I know Jo-Anne was very anxious to meet fellow rv’ers and ones who live so close to them back home. 

When the rain started, Kim invited us all inside their motor home to carry on with the ‘happy-houring’. 😊 Not much stops us from having a good time. We parted ways after a lot of laughs and plans were made for the next couple of days. Bill and Bob walked over to the red trailer and ordered ribs with 15 minutes to spare before they closed. We got ½ rack.

And a wee bit of a rainbow over the trailer next door
to our Happy Hour location

When Bill brought them back, we decided we sure didn’t need anything else along with it. It was plenty to fill us after our lunch today. They were delicious!! Probably some of the best pork ribs I’ve ever tasted and that was without added sauce! We cleaned up dishes and I realized that I hadn’t started a post yet. Woops! Too much fun! First, I emailed my cousin the information she needed for the family tree and then set to work.

Bill, Jo-Anne, Kim, Bob, Ken

Ribs - terrific ribs

This has been an awesome day from beginning to end. It is great to spend time with our friends, Bob and Jo-Anne and also great that we’ve reunited with our Ontario friends from back home. Just the short time we’ve spent with you already this afternoon, Kim and Ken, confirms the joy we feel about having you two as our friends.

Good night from Quail Ridge RV Resort

Thank you for your visit today too!

Let's Take a Drive to Tucson, Arizona

Wednesday, Nov. 9 brought us another nice day, sunny, windy and around 74F. 

Sounding a bit like a broken record, I know, but we are still pinching ourselves and when something is new to us, I'm going to talk about it!

Aside from the weather being wonderful, Bill and I got up and watched a bit of the fall out from the election before grabbing a quick breakfast and heading into the big city of Tucson.

We knew that it was an hour drive for us so wanted to get a good start on our day. Well, we watched more on the tube than we’d intended so it was 10:15 before we got in the truck. No worries! We’re retired and we had no deadline, no schedule.

Loved this metal display, so lifelike

Arriving in Sonoita

 What a great drive this was, heading out of the park and turning left on Hwy 82 to Hwy 83 where we encountered a Border Control checkpoint. We knew they were in the area so came prepared with our passports. Good thing. Too bad the border guards between Canada and the US weren’t as friendly as these guys! We had a nice little chit chat about us and a bit about him and off we went.

The 2 lane highways until we got to I-10 are quite nice and the scenery is a joy. Bill did his best not to get dizzy on the winding, and even more winding county road as we de-elevated down about 2000 ft.

                                                         

Destination: Camping World and we found it easily. We love this store and enjoy the 10+% discount we get on our purchases. We always have a list but wanted to be wise with what we purchased since we know we’ll be near one again before heading home. Only buy what we really need/want and wait and see what the deals at Quartzsite bring in January.

Beautiful water tower

So, leaving there, we realized that we were both quite hungry since we’d eaten just a bowl of cereal/oatmeal at 8 am. I know that cereal does not stay with you very long, but we didn't want to take the time to make a fulfilling bacon and eggs meal today. 

Neither one of us felt like the same ole same ole fast food like McDonald’s or Wendy’s so set off looking for the advertised Waffle House. Nope, seemed like a wild goose chase and as much I would have liked to try one, our tummies weren’t too patient.

Well, we will just head back towards home and find something along the way. We had to make one stop first. Noticing that the Pima Air and Space Station was just a few short miles down the road, we popped in to see what the admission fees were and what was offered. The time was against us for this day, since it was already past 1 pm and there was a bus and tram tour we could take advantage of if we arrived early in the day. So! Decision made, price checked, we would come back at the beginning of the week to take part in the whole shebang. This looks like a great tour and museum and Bill being the ‘wings’ guy he is, how can we refuse?

We got back on I-10 S and watched for an exit with food. It wasn’t long and we found one for a Freddy’s. Never having been to one of these, we knew it would be something new and looked inviting. Fast food, yes, but different, yes again.

Freddy's

I loved the music, the staff was refreshing and the décor was quaint and you could read all about Freddy while you waited for your food. So I ordered the Original Double Melt Burger on toasted Sour Dough bread and Bill had a gooey wonderful looking cheeseburger, loaded, with our fries and a drink. We were both very pleased with the quick bite and mine was so filling that I brought half of the sandwich home. Yup, it hit the spot!

another first, Saguaro cactus

The Sonoita Inn is a lovely old building

Beautiful large homes out in the middle of the desert

We arrived home around 3 and went through our purchases. One thing we got that will help in organization in the shower is a caddy for our shampoo bottles, etc.

Funny it doesn't seem so jumbled here

But, this is much neater and contained

It isn’t a big deal but we knew if we found something we liked, that didn’t have to be moved each time we moved, we’d buy it. This one works perfect and it isn’t suctioned to the shower, which in our experiences only last so long.

We wanted a push bar and an aluminum grate for the screen door so found those as well. With a curious puppy who likes to jump up on the screen on occasion, this is going to be a blessing. My handyman is going to have to make a wee adjustment so it fits our wide door but with no other option for size, he’ll make it work. 

We also found a  small basic Weather Station with a remote for outside and an inside thermometer.

I like to know what the temperature is outside each day and this one will replace the window one that seemed to have lost its mind this summer. 

So, that was our day. We didn’t need supper, really, so Bill made a sandwich and I had some yogurt and cheese. We can’t get over how long the evenings are when we come inside so early but managed to find something on tv to watch until 10.

We like rising around 7 and if we go to bed much before then, we’d be wide awake at 6. Even though it is nice and bright out around 6:30, we like the snuggle time to last a little longer.

I hope your day was as enjoyable as ours was. Thank you for reading, I think tomorrow will be another lazy day for this gal!