It's the Fling: April 2006

The Road to Mount Lemon, Tucson, AZ

A beautiful and "cool" drive with friends, Norma and Kent, to Mount Lemon, afforded some great views of Saguaro Cactus (Sorry, forgot to take a pic.), Sculpted characters in rock and vistas overlooking Tucson.

The reward at the top was Mount Lemon outdoor restaurant and it's wonderful homemade pie. Is that a berry on your chin, Lynette?

Cochise Stronghold

Buddies (fashion models) Lynette and Norma in Cochise Stronghold.

Cochise Stronghold, Near Pearce-Sunsites, AZ

Chiricahua Apache Chief, Cochise, and his people used the Dragoon Mountains as a hideout from

their enemies. It's easy to imagine the lookouts standing guard on the cliffs overlooking the valley as their pursuers approach, while the rest of the tribe hides among the many crevices formed by huge boulders, rough terrain and within the abundant foliage.

Today, the Stronghold is managed by the National Park Service and hosts a beautiful, primitive campground, picnic area and a number of trails which tell the story of the Chiricahua people and their famous leader. A nature trail also describes the numerous plants and how they were used by the Chiricahuas...from food and drink, to shelter and baskets...it appears little was wasted.

The approach to the park is about 10 miles of gravel "washboard road". We traveled by car, but smaller RVs could successfully make the journey.

There are pit toilets and one or two water spigots, currently dry due to lack of rain, so one would need to come prepared with extra water. Our 40 footer would be unlikely to make it all the way there without some scratches from low hanging branches, but it would be a great place to camp for a few days to experience all of the trails and the sounds of night time in the wilderness. It would be magical!

Cats Before and After Adopting the RV Lifestyle

Ethel and Mikko snuggle to keep warm in Minnesota in the top photo vs enjoying our month long stop in this Winter's Arizona sunshine (lower two photos).

A Tradition with Friends, Norma's Ribs

Norma works her secret recipe barbequed rib magic

for us at the Winter RV home she shares with hubby, Kent, in Saguaro SKP Coop in Benson, AZ.

One picture is worth...mmmmm.

L-R; Kent, Norma, their friend, Stephen; Lynette, and, of course, Steve behind the camera, as usual.

Historic Tombstone, AZ

Lynette and Steve in Boot Hill

Friends, George and Barb

with Lynette

Some of Tombstone's locals

contribute their talent's toward making the city feel like the 1880's Wild West. (Sorry about the automobile.)

St. David, AZ Western Horizons RV Resort

Views from our motorhome

Our home in St. David

Sunrise from Valley Vista Campground, Benson, AZ

Mikko the cat and Eeyore watching sunrise from our home.

Steve behind camera taking pictures, Lynette sound asleep.

San Xavier Mission

Courtyard

Cactus blooming in garden

Cactus garden and Lynette

San Xavier Mission "'Dove of the Desert" near Tucson

Front entrance and one of many cactus gardens. The left side was covered for restoration.

Interior front altar

L

eft altar with reclining statue of St. Francis

View from inside of front, mesquite door.

AZ Mission San Xavier

Nicknamed the "White Dove of the Desert," this Spanish-colonial mission was completed in 1797, this Baroque-style, whitewashed mission links the 18th-century Spanish explorers with a modern-day Catholic parish. Father Eusebio Francisco Kino founded San Xavier with the intention of converting the local Native Americans to Jesuit Catholicism. The site was taken over by Franciscan priests in the 1760s and they've been here ever since. Though the architect and artists are unknown, their accomplishments are evident in the intricately carved brick entryway, sculptures of angels, carvings of the apostles and vivid frescoes that dress the ornate walls and ceiling. Catholic mass is held daily and visitors are welcome to join the services. There's also an adjacent museum and gift shop.