Trip South 2023 - Tucson, AZ Week 1

We left below freezing temperatures in Texas to arrive in the Arizona desert for 3 days of rain

Enough to put a little water in the wash

We get here in time for the annual Fiesta Dancers and Taco Salad night.  A troupe of student dancers perform several regional Mexican dances.

The rain added some snow up on Mt. Lemmon

The sun finally came out and we took Tucson for a walk at Chuck Ford Lake

We finally got to break out the Grill!

Got my camera back!  Our friends found it hidden in their car.

My first photo, a Vermilion Flycatcher

All settled in and time to enjoy

Winter Trip 2023 - Trip South TX to NM

We arrive at Tree Cabins RV Park

A bit drab in the winter but right on the South Llanos River

Once again temps in the 20s overnight and the car battery is dead.  Fortunately we get a jump from fellow campers and are on our way 

Next Stop Van Horn, Tx at the Wild West RV Park

Pretty much a dirt parking lot but a safe place to park after a long windy dusty 320 miles on the road

The next day we make it to Deming, NM to the Sunrise RV Park where we stayed last year

They have a nice restaurant on site, The Happy Camper Clubhouse.  Had great Pizza and Wings.

Next stop Tucson!

 

Winter Trip 2023 - AL to AZ Day 2

 We wake up at Acadiana Campground with a Temperature of 18°

Even the Creek is frozen 

Bridges are icy and when we get off I-10 we see it is backed up ahead.  We find out it is closed, so after filling up on $1.59 gas, (download Chevron App and get $1 off per gallon (up to 25) for first 3 fills).

We make it to Texas

Where there are a lot of refineries.

And we arrive at Stephen F Austin State Park.  Glad again to have electric as temps down to 18° again tonight.

We were lucky to find a pull through near a warm bathhouse with showers.

Another cold night!

Next stop  Junction Texas

Winter Trip 2023 - AL to AZ day 1

 We leave Gulf Shores AL and start heading to  Tucson AZ.  It is 1600 miles.  Our first day is 283 miles

We cross the bridge over Mobile Bay

The the Tunnel under it.  

We make it to Mississippi.

and then Louisiana 

The Atchafalya Basin bridge goes from Baton Rouge to Layayette.  

It is 18.2 miles long.

The weather looks iffy.

We drive through some rain but arrive in Lafayette dry though it is 38°.

Our first stop Acadiana city park in Lafayette.

They have a nice Nature Walk.  We walk part to get our legs working again.

Tomorrow San Felipe Texas

Winter Trip 2023 - Gulf Shores week 2

The Park has a free BBQ.

A nice function room and a good crowd.

There were BBQ ribs, pulled pork, Corn potatoes and more, plus several deserts.

One of the residents also provided entertainment.  She was very good.  She's been a ventriloquist for 65 years.  She has met Darcy Lynne a few times at conventions.

We go to Fairhope, AL to check it out and walk along the Bay

Some sculptures along the way

And then back to the Pier

A colorful stair master back down

Our friend Gary took off for a few days on a hunting trip and came back with a wild boar.  He made a bacon wrapped back strap tenderloin and invited us.

We headed down to Gulf Shores State Park for a bike ride

We did 7 miles.

Another day we headed out to Fort Morgan

The Fort doesn't look like much until you go through the Tunnel

I couldn't resist the stair master 

We were told the dog beach is by the anchor so we head there next

A nice beach.  There is a woman sitting with 2 poles by the water.  One obviously had a fish attached, but she didn't move.

This heron on the other hand couldn't keep its eyes off it.

Turns out her husband had gone to the bathroom and she didn't have a fishing license.  The fish had taken out tons of line and it took the man a long time to reel it in.  Turned out to be a black drum but out of season and had to put it back.

The Park had a $5.00 pancake breakfast and we went.  Got there and they decided not to charge!

We walk it off with a hike

There are such beautiful Live Oaks here.

Gary and I do one last hike at Von Secour National Wildlife Refuge

A great stay in spite of the colder weather.  The 2 weeks flew by!